Kristin Tenor
Kristin Tenor finds inspiration in life's quiet details and believes in their power to illuminate the extraordinary. She is the author of the flash fiction chapbook, This Is How They Mourn, which won Thirty West Publishing House's 8th Wavelengths Chapbook Contest. Her fiction has appeared in Best Microfiction 2024, Wigleaf, Bending Genres, X-R-A-Y, 100 Word Story, and various other literary journals and anthologies. Kristin's work has been nominated for Best of the Net, Best Small Fictions, and the Pushcart Prize as well as longlisted for the Wigleaf Top 50. She currently serves as a contributing editor at Story.
Facebook: @KristinTenor
Instagram: @kristintenor_writer
What's the difference (at least for you!) between being a writer and an author? How do you shift gears between the two?
Anyone who actively writes is a writer. Someone who has completed the act of writing and/or publishes their work is an author. At least that's how I've always differentiated between the two personas. And yes, shifting between them can sometimes be a challenge. As an author, it's a pleasure to share my work and connect with readers. Yet, my writer-self is much more introverted and constantly craves alone time with the characters populating my stories. It's a balancing act like anything else, I suppose, but an enjoyable one, nonetheless. I'm grateful for the opportunity to do what I do and try not to forget that.
Have you ever experienced Imposter Syndrome?
Absolutely! I'd even go as far as to say it's a daily visitor much like the 'Fraud Police' Charles Baxter says knocks on his door in the middle of the night. At the same time, I've come to accept it and understand it's just the way my subsconscious tries to protect me from failure and/or the high expectations I set for myself. It feels good to occasionally prove it wrong, though.
Is there a work of art you love? Why? Have you ever visited it in person?
Ever since visiting Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, Maine a few years ago, I've become obsessed with Andrew Wyeth's artwork, especially the series of drawings and paintings he secretly created of his neighbor, Helga Testorf. There's speculation the two had an extramarital affair; however, both claimed their relationship was nothing more than one between an artist and his muse. I once watched an interview where Helga spoke about the emotional complexity that existed between Andrew and herself. She said, "There are many ways of making love, you know." That statement as well as how her eyes drifted off into the distance as she said it have stayed with me and continue to inspire how I approach dynamics and characterization.
Favorite non-writing activity?
I'd have to say spending time in my flower and vegetable gardens. Yanking out weeds or sticking my hands in the damp earth never fails to calm and restore me. I'll often go out to the garden when I'm stuck with a piece of writing or need a welcome break from sitting at my desk too long. Also, if you've never bitten into a sun-ripened strawberry or a tomato straight off the vine--well, my friend, you're missing out on something pretty spectacular.
What brings you great joy?
Hanging out with my grandkids. I love listening to the stories they share not only about the world they're currently discovering, but also the ones they imagine or create for themselves where all creatures big and small have an equal shot of making it up the mountain. Their innocence and limitless creativity and enthusiasm are constant reminders of the importance of staying as open, curious, and above all, empathetic as possible.
