Author Sarah Perry: Candy, Creativity, and the Power of Joy

"I think just being in the presence of people I love reminds me that we're all going to get through."

Welcome Sarah Perry:

We’re joined on the Starline by an author, memoirist and professor. She’s the 2019 McGee Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing and part of the creative writing faculty at Colorado State University. Her latest essay collections “Sweet Nothings: Confessions of a Candy Lover” we welcome author Sarah Perry.

Good morning Sarah, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You start with one of my favorite candies Root Beer Barrels and off you go with 100 essays, sorted by color. Why did you start with Root Beer Barrels?

How did this book allow you to give your readers another angle of who you are after your vulnerable memoir “After the Eclipse: A Mother’s Murder, a Daughter’s Search”?

Why has candy been not only a treat, reward but inspiration for you?

There is a serial killer vibe with how did you come up with the idea to spin gummy bears around your mouth then swallow them whole?  That’s strange!

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Favorite thing about snuggling with your cat Ziggy?

2. Book that you loved reading that wasn’t yours?

3. Ten words or less that describe Oregon?

4. Poet that you love to read?

5. How long did it take you to record the audio version?

6. Best score last time you played Ticket to Ride and did you win?

7. Favorite thing to grow on the farm?

8. What flavors would you want in an everlasting gobstopper?

Sneaking in a couple more:

You’re currently working on two manuscripts. How do you bounce between the two and know where you are in both of them?

“I want to believe joy doesn’t require blinders.” What does joy require?

How has your partner and your family help you find joy?

One Big Question:

How did your time at Columbia prepare you for the world, and what is the one thing you wished they taught?

The Wrap:

She’s a competitive Ticket to Ride player, grows potatoes on the farm and want you to read. “Sweet Nothings: Confessions of a Candy Lover”. Sarah, where can people find you online?

Sarah Perry, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

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