Sweet Connections: Andrew Bertaina

Each week we will be connecting with our contributors showing where they have been, where they are now, and what’s up for the future. 

Name: Andrew Bertaina
Title of Piece published in Sweet:  Winter in Washington, DC
Issue:  10.3

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Andrew currently lives and works in Washington, DC. He is an adjunct instructor at American University, teaching College Writing, and also work in the library at American. You can find out more about him on his website www.andrewbertaina.com.

What are some major accomplishments you have had since your Sweet publication?
I have work appearing soon in the newest edition of Redivider, online at Green Mountains Review, and the anthology, Best American Poetry 2018, releases in a few weeks. I’ll be reading my poem that was included in anthology at the New School with other people includes in this year’s Best American.

Can you tell us about a current/ongoing project that you’re excited about?
I’m excited about a lot of random essays and stories that I’ve started. It’s hard for me to pin down a particular project that has me excited. Honestly, I’d like to find a home for a collection of essays or short stories. I’m currently working on finding a place for my collected work.

Who is your favorite author?
Right now, I’m really into Karl Ove Knausgaard, but I also love Deborah Levy, Rachel Cusk, Borges and Nathalia Ginzburg.

What is your favorite poem/essay/book?
I’m in love with Little Virtues by Nathalia Ginzburg. Her essay, Winter in the Abruzzi is stunning. I’m also partial to Art of the Personal Essay by Philip Lopate.

What inspires you to write?
Great question. I don’t think I know. At best, writing allows me to use my brain to its fullest extent. I find I’m able to draw on literature, dreams, philosophy, psychology all in the same work. It makes me feel the most intellectually stimulated.

What is your favorite sweet?
I’m partial to coffee cake.

We here at Sweet found a recipe you should try! Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Thank you, Andrew, for taking the time to reconnect with us.  We look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!