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: Anne Gudger
Title of Pieces Published in Sweet: “Leaves in the Hall“
Issue: 13.2
You can find Anne in Portland, Oregon, walking and dreaming along the river, cooking up her next book. Be sure to see what else Anne is up to on her website.
What are some major accomplishments you have had since your Sweet publication?
My first book was published! THE FIFTH CHAMBER came out September 9, 2023. It’s a tender and honest memoir about the dance of loss and life, and how grief can make the heart beat stronger. Lidia Yuknavitch called it: “A shivering triumph. A brilliant heart song.” I’ve had several essay published too at some favorites: Bending Genres, Citron Review, The Normal School, Los Angeles Review, and more.
Can you tell us about a current/ongoing project that you’re excited about?
I’m working on book two! Plus I co-launched a podcast with my brilliant daughter called “Coffee, Grief, and Gratitude.” We’ve interviewed some amazing writers/humans and heard beautiful stories around grief and how grief can be transformative.
Who is your favorite author?
Ooooh. So many. Current number one: Carole Maso.
What is your favorite poem/essay/book?
Poem: “If You Knew” by Ellen Bass (She gave me permission to include it in my book! So grateful.) Essay: “The Fourth State of Matter” by Jo Ann Beard. Book: The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch
What inspires you to write?
Life, love, connection, the burning desire to deeply explore this human experience, to make meaning, to better understand myself and this beautiful life.
What are you reading right now?
Embrace Fearlessly the Burning World by Barry Lopez
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!
Black lava salted caramels! Handmade at Creo in Portland, Oregon
Looks so delicious! We just may need to indulge in those.
Thank you, Anne, for taking the time to reconnect with us. We look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!
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