'In the Spotlight' interview with Sarah Simon for Lucent Dreaming

Sarah Simon in the Spotlight

Sarah, whose poem ‘You Are So Elegant’ is published in the sixth issue of Lucent Dreaming, is a New Yorker at soul, teaching English and studying film in Uruguay. She published her first book, core collection: poems about eating disorders with Adelaide. 

So, what inspired your piece ‘You are so elegant’? Can you tell us a little more about what it’s about?

We all have words that other people tend to call us, and they can be both helpful and dangerous. Helpful in that they help us know more about what we project out into the world, and dangerous in trying to simplify the complicated.

One of the words that many people have told me I am is “elegant.” This poem is trying to sit in that word-pool in the ugliest way possible. It is questioning its own elegance. And it is wanting to know if a particular someone is just using words to make me seem farther away.

What are some of your favourite books and art (including shows, videos, music) – of all time or more recently. Why are they favourites?

I’m in Uruguay, so I’m taking the time to learn more about the art and culture here. There’s also a growing film scene, and I would recommend movies like “Whisky,” “Alelí,” and “Zanahoria.” They are not only excellent in themselves, but tell you about a place that most people in the US have trouble locating on a map!

And in the US, I lived out a love affair with “Uncut Gems.” I just love the use of sound in that film, how it contributes to the mental chaos. Being from New York, that movie is one of the realest portrayals of Manhattan to me.

I also recently watched an Israeli film on MUBI, called (in English) “The Day After I’m Gone.” The portrayal there of the father-daughter relationship resonated. It’s also just a gorgeous film. I’m interested in its silence.

In terms of music, one of my favorites of all time is Bob Dylan. Recently, I’ve been listening to Lizzo and the British band Her’s. The two band members actually died in a car crash last year. I cried when I found out.

As for books, I’ll always love “In Cold Blood” and “The Body Keeps the Score.” I need to read more books, although my millennial attention span tends more towards poetry and articles.

Lastly, shows — quarantine has helped me make the time to watch “Atlanta.” No words. Go watch it.

What, if anything, are you looking forward to right now and what writing/creative projects are you currently working on?

Yes, we’ll I’m freelance writing and studying film. I also want to play more music with my partner. We’ll see what comes out.

Can you tell us about how you got into writing and art? Is there anyone whose support or encouragement really inspired or motivated you?

Words were just always the most accessible form of expression to me. I have since expanded to other forms, most notably music. But really it’s all the same, artistic expression. What differs is the hole you crawl out from.

Where can people see more of you and your work?

Working on that. For right now, I’d love to follow you on Instagram and Twitter.

IG: @ssimon8

Twitter: @smileformebabyg

Lucent Dreaming is an independent creative writing magazine publishing beautiful, imaginative and surreal short stories, poetry and artwork from emerging authors and artists worldwide. Our aim is to encourage creativity and to help writers reach publication! Subscribe to Lucent Dreaming now, support us on Patreon and follow us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram

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