Several times a month we connect with our contributors showing where they have been, where they are now, and what’s up for the future.
Name: Amy Goldmacher
Title of Pieces Published in Sweet: “Receipts”
Issues: 14.3
What are some major accomplishments you have had since your Sweet publication?
Winner, AWP Kurt Brown Prize for Creative Nonfiction, judged by Reyna Grande, 2022
Can you tell us about a current/ongoing project that you’re excited about?
I recently finished writing a memoir in the form of a glossary and I’m sending it out for short work consideration. A big, messy project distilled and concentrated down to its essence. I’m very happy with what it evolved into, and I’m excited to get it out into the world. It’s for those who experienced loss early in life, who survived and thrived in spite/because of it, who are coming to the realization that what made them strong may also hold them back, and they can let go of what no longer serves them. Now I’m working on surreal short fiction and enjoying where these weird stories are going.
Who is your favorite author?
Impossible to narrow it down to one! But the name that popped into my head is Stephen King.
What is your favorite poem/essay/book?
Again, I can’t choose one favorite, but I just read Joyce Carol Oates’ Where Are You? (https://www.newyorker.com/books/flash-fiction/where-are-you) and it’s so creepy/real in 500 words.
What inspires you to write?
Definitely connecting with people who are overthinkers and chronic worriers who feel like they are alone in their suffering. I didn’t realize that I wasn’t the only one who tried to prevent bad things from happening by anticipating them and by bearing the weight of anxiety until middle age. It is reassuring to know many people feel the same and are always trying to manage their anxiety. I hope anything I write makes people feel less alone and perhaps empowered to let go of or change old habits and beliefs into new and better ones.
What are you reading right now?
I am reading short story collections for inspiration. I have Alexander Weinstein’s Children of the New World and Sarah Hall’s Madame Zero on my nightstand right now.
What is your favorite sweet? We would love for you to share a recipe or link to place that serves it. Pictures are great, too!
Ice cream with some kind of candy/cookie swirled in.
We are firm believers that you can never go wrong with ice cream!
Thank you, Amy, for taking the time to reconnect with us. We look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!
Are you a contributor who wants to be a part of Sweet Connections? Come fill out our form!
