An Interview With Lora Mathis

Lora Mathis is a writer, musician, and artist. She has two books currently published, The Women Widowed to Themselves and Instinct to Ruin, and is in a post-punk garage band called Giveaway. Mental health plays a big part in her work, which is what attracted me to it - I felt a very close connection to a lot of her words, and her art. I was perhaps a bit hesitant in contacting her for an interview (imposter syndrome hit me hard, like the pain in the ass it is) but she is a warm, kind, and relatable person and I felt comfortable talking to her right away. We discussed her future plans, inspiration for writing, and music … we discussed music quite a bit, actually.

MH: So, how did you become interested in writing? What was the inspiration behind that?

LM: My desire to write stemmed from a love of reading. I spent a lot of my childhood in libraries. Books were a way of escape, separation, and to understand the world. As a kid, I wrote short stories and song lyrics, along with keeping a journal.

That's awesome that you wrote in so many various ways. I noticed that on your Instagram account you mentioned not necessarily wanting to have your second book out in the world any more. Would you consider writing another book?

 Definitely! I'm working on poems for a new book. Currently, I'm in the writing stage, not yet the editing or compiling . As for the desire to pull my second book from publication - the sharing of that post was to be transparent about my thought process and the changes I've experienced as a writer. I wanted to be transparent about that process, but I also do not think I will pull it from publication. It may not be exactly the book I'd write now, but I'll write more.

I love the fact that you're working on another book! What direction are you going with the next book you're writing?

It's not set out. I'm writing and seeing what happens. I've been working on poems, personal essays, and fiction. I envision the poetry book will be ready first. A lot of my newer poetry has been more detailed focused story telling, with a focus on paying attention, engaging with nature, and slowing down.

That sounds amazing! What tends to inspire you in your day-to-day life to sit down and write?

Thanks so much! Writing is often my way of understanding and processing the world, and all aspects of my life are in relationship with it. I feel especially inspired by being outside and blown away by nature, rejuvenating relationships, emotional events, driving, biking, walking around, listening to music, and reading.

I definitely identify as well with writing being how you process the world …

What creative project would you say you are proudest of to date?

I've really been enjoying making music and writing recently. Creative projects I've worked on ever … that's so hard. I can't choose!

I love that you make music and write because I feel like those go hand in hand really well. What are your inspirations when it comes to music?

It's so fun to explore the relationship between the two. It depends! Right now I'm focusing on making music in a post-punk garage band, and feel especially inspired by Suburban Lawns, and Life Without Buildings … but when I make solo music I feel so inspired by artists with very poetic lyrics … Mitski, Angel Olsen, Big Thief, old school country like Townes Van Zandt and Patsy Cline. 

I love Patsy Cline! And the garage band sounds awesome! Do you see yourself pursuing music more into the future?

Me too! It's been fun to play shows and shout. I like making music. Writing tends to be my main creative outlet, but that can come out in different ways. Bouncing between other mediums is fun. I was focusing on making music pretty heavily for about five months but I'm feeling slower paced and more reflective now, so I've been re-focusing on writing more.

I feel like I'm really similar to you in some ways because I try out a lot of different mediums too, including writing and music. So I definitely relate. 

I particularly love your writing relating to mental health. Is that something you plan on discussing more with your future literary projects?

It's fun to bounce around! Yeah, mental illness is a part of my life, and writing is a way for me to cope and process it. I think it'll always influence my work - sometimes more straight forwardly than others.

That makes sense, writing is definitely a good way to process those internal struggles. Which writers inspire you when it comes to your own writing?

Ah, so so many. The list is huge. Mary Oliver reminds me how to be in awe and pay attention. Rebecca Solnit's twisting narratives remind me how to be in relationship with my thoughts. Warsan Shire has taught me the beauty of imagery, and how tender language can be. Bell hooks has given me so many tools for learning, and deeper thinking. Joan Didion reminds me of honesty and clear speech.

It's very cool how different writers inspire you in different areas, I definitely relate to that. Do you have any goals for the future, creativity wise?

Oh my goodness your zine sounds amazing! All of that sounds amazing, really.

Where and how can people support your work?

(You can also find Lora's work on her Instagram - @jaded_online)

- Thank you for your time and this lovely discussion, Lora! I thoroughly enjoyed it - Maddy