Lauren Turner

I write in bed. Partially for comfort reasons, partially because I associate my desk with my day job.

What do you feel is your best piece of work?

Probably the poem “To the Men Who Would’ve Killed Me” from my book, The Only Card in a Deck of Knives (Wolsak & Wynn, 2020). Without exaggeration, I’d mulled over the subject matter for years (involving an ex and a pair of scissors) and then finally wrote the poem in one sitting with minimal edits afterwards. That’s not like me – I’m a frustratingly tentative writer. But if I hadn’t been able to write it that way, I never would’ve written it.

It’s also the poem I hate reading aloud the most. It feels like skinning myself alive for an audience. Once, I read it between two funny poets and now I’ll never read it again, most likely.

What music have you been listening to lately?

I’ve almost exclusively been listening to Harry’s House.

What’s in your fridge right now?

Oat milk, tonic water, some fruit, and a strawberry Soylent. I’m in summer bachelor mode.

Who is the last character you related to and why?

Fleabag, without any question. Phoebe Waller-Bridge and I have almost identical astrological charts, which explains some things.

Have you ever failed at something you care about?

My marriage. It’s not the fun answer but it’s the answer that comes to mind. Otherwise, my first full-length poetry manuscript was another failure. I gutted it and turned it into my chapbook, We’re Not Going to Do Better Next Time (knife | fork | book, 2018). I guess it wasn’t a total loss.

Last gift you received?

A bouquet of flowers from my 89-year-old grandmother as a housewarming gift. There’s much mystery surrounding how she managed to order them, considering she lives in Ottawa and isn’t internet savvy.

Favourite photo you’ve taken?

I took a photo of the courtyard fountain at Palacio National in Mexico City. We were on our honeymoon and the sunlight hitting the water spray looks charming in that expected way.

Best season?

Summer. It’s a one-sided love since my chronic illness does flare a lot from the humidity.

Least favourite household chore?

Deep cleaning. After three pulmonary surgeries, resulting in both lungs being glued to my chest wall with talc, there’s no way I can scrub a bathtub and not end up in pain afterwards.

Best outfit you’ve ever worn?

I used to wear this black velvet onesie in 2016 that made me feel like a circus acrobat. I was 25 and it just made sense.

Do you like to write in the morning or at night?

I like to write in the morning. Actually, it would be more correct to say I’ve convinced myself that I can only write first thing after waking up. Ritualistic behaviours are continual pitfalls for me.

When did you first receive praise for your writing?

When I was 12 and taking my first creative writing class. I had a speech impediment as a kid, so I felt uneasy speaking and mostly lived in my head. Writing revitalized my relationship with communicating for myself.

What do you consider to be your first rejection?

I wasn’t accepted into Concordia University’s undergrad program for Creative Writing when I applied in high school. I was crushed at the time. I don’t think I’ve cried that much over a writing rejection before or since then. You develop a thicker skin over time when it comes to maintaining a literary career. Or so I tell myself – maybe I’m just more despondent now.

Latest book you’ve read?

I just re-read Ariana Reines’s Coeur de Lion (2008) in the bath because I’m working on a manuscript about crushes. It’s still tremendous. I get embarrassed about my own emotional intensity, so I like reminders that emotional intensity can translate into compelling art.

Anything you’d like to promote?

Yes, my book just turned two years old. So, happy birthday to my book. You can order it here.

Nicole Raziya Fong

Victoria Hetherington