At points, I sobbed while writing or editing. Not always. But there were trying times. I was triggered, despite writing it. It was inevitable, from the moment I chose my topic.

Brandi Spering – 21 January 2021

The Back Flap

This I Can Tell You walks in through the front door and looks under the sofa. It measures the length of the wall, taps to find the beams. It removes the hammer and the nails from the toolbox, places them in a line to find the difference. This is a poetic narrative that examines structures within a home. It navigates Spering’s muffled timeline due to the fragility of memory as a result of trauma and the secrecy maintained within a family, like a well-groomed dog.

About the book

What is the book about?

 This I Can Tell You walks in through the front door and looks under the sofa. It measures the length of the wall, taps to find the beams. It removes the hammer and the nails from the toolbox, places them in a line to find the difference. This is a poetic narrative that examines structures within a home. It navigates Spering’s muffled timeline due to the fragility of memory as a result of trauma and the secrecy maintained within a family, like a well-groomed dog.

When did you start writing the book?

2015, my senior year of college.

How long did it take you to write it?

The core of the book was written within a year but it took another four to edit–with breaks along the way.

Where did you get the idea from?

I knew I had to write a book for my thesis project. I tend to write about my childhood a lot, so it came quite naturally. Some aspects of the book were happening in real-time my freshman year of college. It consumed my every thought; to write was to process.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

My mental timeline was in disarray—nothing came out in the right order. I had to look at each page individually and decide what order it should go in, as I had to do for my memories. For collections, this is common. For a narrative, not so much. I also struggled with properly portraying my family in a respectful but honest way. At points, I sobbed while writing or editing. Not always. But there were trying times. I was triggered, despite writing it. It was inevitable, from the moment I chose my topic. Still, I had to be careful in efforts to eliminate what could easily trigger others.

What came easily?

Despite not being sure of exact dates or time frames, I have vivid memories that I could recall through associations. For those, it was easy to put myself there again, to feel what I felt in a specific moment, fifteen years or so ago.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

The people I mention are real, but there have been a few name changes or omissions. I suppose all are characters in the sense that their portrayals are based on my perspective.

Do you have a target reader?

Those who know a raw mourn, who carry a deep ache. Fans of poetry and memoir, who enjoy a subtle flair of mystery.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

My writing process varies depending on the project. I jot down phrases as I think of them throughout the day. Sometimes I overhear parts of a sentence that without context, are intriguing starting points for free writes. This is only one of the reasons I like to write outside, but when I can’t, I sit in a room by myself so I can mutter every sentence I write, without feeling self-conscious.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

 Not often enough. When I do, it is made up of bullet points, rough ideas of unfinished sentences and working titles–if I’m lucky. My to-do lists are the only outlines I consistently do. I did attempt an outline one year before writing  This I Can Tell You, as part of a book proposal class.  The book I envisioned at that point was different from what it is now, but not incredibly. It made it so much easier to collect my thoughts before approaching.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I tend to edit as I go but it can be distracting; I interrupt my thought process. It can cause a three-hour detour around a sentence I’ll eventually deem irrelevant to the point I was trying to make.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I have been extremely fortunate to have multiple communities throughout the years, to swap material with for edits and critiques. Since the first few drafts of This I Can Tell You were written in a classroom setting, I had four other poets/editors as confidants, and I them. Since then, the editors at Perennial Press have worked endlessly for many months, further editing my manuscript to completion, even recruiting two more editors to make sure we have enough perspectives. I can’t picture how This would have turned out, if it weren’t for all of the lovely hands that have held and mended my pages.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I tend to listen to my partner practicing his instruments in the next room–the background noise of our apartment. I do better with less sound, but as long as there aren’t lyrics, I’m fine (they distract me).

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I have not. It seemed intimidating to consider. I frequently use Submittable.com, which makes it easier for writers to submit (and track) their own work directly to publishers, etc. 

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

For a while, I was submitting anywhere I could. I often felt like each attempt was a reach, as I compressed my book into one genre or another. The only submissions I felt could be a real fit were for Indie Presses; there seemed to be more of an acceptance for hybrid works, which made them more approachable. I knew I wanted some level of creative control and that it would require a lot of communication and therefore a good relationship with a press. This is my first book, and through this process, I am learning a lot.  I want to support indie presses as much as I can.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I provided a photo of my dad for the cover, but it was done professionally by Isalina Chow!

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?                                      

Perennial Press has thought of everything, it’s incredible. They have been so helpful in boosting my book but also myself as a writer. They have introduced me to countless opportunities and have submitted me + my work to a variety of hubs. Perennial Press created a marketing plan early on, which is constantly updated and growing.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

For any author in general, try not to get discouraged if things take longer than anticipated. I received at least 14 rejection letters this year. There are more and more indie publications popping up each day. Submit everywhere, but be mindful and diligent; do your research.

Most importantly, be prepared to be productive! It is a lot of work, but it is invigorating and worth it. Support indie presses to keep them going. Support authors that are in the same position as you. The most faithful readers tend to be other writers.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up and currently reside in South Philadelphia. We broke up for four years when I attended college in Brooklyn but have since gotten back together.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I like to believe I am an approachable person—if you ever want to reach out, don’t hesitate!

What are you working on now?

In theory, a few different things: some visual poetry, pairing text and paintings in what I think will be a chapbook; short nonfiction essays, each one centered around a person in my life, past or present; a few small paintings. These are all projects that I have started but placed on hold for now. I am looking forward to my first book coming out, as we work toward its release. Other than that and some occasional knitting,  I am trying to be present.

End of Interview.

For more from Brandi, visit her website.

Get your copy of This I Can Tell You from Perrenial Press.