Author, teacher, gardener, dog mom… are there any titles that Anna Burke does not hold? I was delighted when Anna agreed to be interviewed for Sapphic Fiction February because I knew just by looking at her website that she’d have lots to say – and I was right! Read our penultimate Sapphic Fiction February interview now, and make sure to check out Anna’s books!
Welcome, Anna - tell us a little more about yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
I am a writer, teacher, and most importantly, provider of walks, pets, and meals to my dogs. When I am not doing the dogs' bidding, I write sapphic fiction across a range of genres from contemporary romance to dark academia, and I teach in Emerson College's MFA in Popular Fiction program.
How did you become an author?
I've always written stories, but I feel like I become an author again each time I finish a new book, because there is at LEAST one point in every book (and by 1 I mean 100) where I am entirely convinced I have forgotten how to write, the plot is shit, and everything is hopeless.
Who’s your favourite character that you’ve ever written?
Natek from In the Roses of Pieria very recently knocked Miranda out of this spot. I love her with my whole heart.
Do you ever experience writer’s block? If so, how do you overcome it?
Whenever I get stuck on a project, I take a break from it to work on another project for a little while. Usually, the issue with the first project resolves itself in my mind as I work on the second, and then I end up with both a solution and the satisfaction of getting some work done on something else. Occasionally, however, I get stuck on every project currently on the drafting table, in which case I take some time away form my work to "refill the well," either by doing something outside, reading a really good book, or taking a nap. Naps and food do wonders.
What do you consider to be the hardest part of writing?
The rest of life, because that is what gets in the way of writing. I would write all day, every day, and I would still probably feel like it wasn't enough time. Also, reducing my excessive use of em dashes.
And how about the most rewarding?
Getting to spend large portions of my day hanging out with the people and worlds I've come up with and getting to call it "work."
What is one piece of advice you wish you had listened to, either in life or with regards to being an author?
Write the stories YOU want to read and write, not the ones you THINK you should be writing. Outside pressures are hard to sort and turn off, but it is well worth the effort.
You’re putting together a party. Which characters from the Sapphic Fiction genre would you invite?
Are we talking a dinner party? Dance party? Adventuring party? My answers would probably be the same... Ianthe Tridentarius from Tamsyn Muir's The Locked Tomb series, because she is a terrible dumpsterfire of a human being and every party needs one.
Etolié and Khastra from SD Simpers Fallen Gods series, because every party also needs an adorable couple and someone who can summon alcohol through magic. Also, Khastra could deal with Ianthe.
Willoughby the cat from Milena McKay's The Headmistress, because.
Joan Matthews from Virginia Black's Consecrated Ground because who doesn't love a sexy butch war witch?
Brogan McKay from Rachel Spangler's Full English because somebody has to sit next to me.
Kyr from Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh because I have two sides.
Is there anyone you’d like to highlight, while you’re here?
I am eternally grateful to my editor, Kit Haggard, who helps me find the stories at the heart of the very messy drafts I send her. If you need an editor, please check her out!
How can people connect with you?
You can find me on most social media sites @annaburkeauthor, but I am most active on Instagram. Also Patreon and my Author Website: www.annahburke.com
Finally a light-hearted one. What ice cream flavours and toppings would you put together in your ultimate sundae?
Chocolate, chocolate, and then some more chocolate.
If you enjoyed this interview, then make sure you’re following my social media accounts (@kblakemanwriter on Twitter and @katherineblakemanwriter on Instagram) to get all the latest updates! And if you want to support my own Sapphic Fiction journey while you’re here, The Summer We’ve Had is available now, and Love You However is coming on March 22nd!
