M. A. Dubbs
Oyster River Pages: Do you know more than one language? How does this influence your art and/or writing?
M. A. Dubbs: I have very basic Spanish. I identify as mixed, coming from Mexican heritage, and received very mixed messages growing up. I never felt "enough" to fit in anywhere and the first generation of my family was encouraged to mostly speak English to blend into the U.S. as quickly as possible. A lot of culture and language was lost to us in the second generation. I use Spanish in my writing to help explore this loss but also to regain connection with my heritage.
ORP: How do children influence your art and/or writing? If you’re a parent, do your children like your art and/or writing?
MAD: My writing has definitely shifted since having children, both literally and figuratively. I often have to squeak in writing sessions during naps and playtime. My kids also have shifted not only how I view my own writing, but my own experiences from when I was a child. It's healing in a way but vulnerable. My kids can't quite read yet but they have gone to a couple of my readings. They think it's funny that I'm on stage. They also don't yet comprehend that I'm reading my own work, though. At my last guest feature one of my daughters handed me Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and told me to read that instead. Or maybe they do comprehend, in which case they have a bright future ahead as a literary critic!
ORP: What does vulnerability mean to you as an artist and/or writer?
MAD: It means everything to me, honestly. My day job is behavioral therapy and revolves around creating a space of safety and vulnerability in others. So much of my life has been building up my own strength to be vulnerable about my neuro-divergence and the complicated dynamics and experiences that have occurred in my life. I want my writing and art to reflect these experiences but also to provide representation for others. I think silence perpetuates shame and if I can be vulnerable then maybe others can too.
ORP: Do habits help or hinder creativity? Why or why not?
MAD: I think habits always help creativity. Any art form is more discipline than waiting for the spark of creativity to hit. Because we all know that creativity is a fickle mistress that shows up at 3am on a Tuesday when you have work soon and won't show up until your next emotional breakdown (that might just be me, though). Getting a schedule and your butt in a chair to grind out the edits, research, submissions is what really gets the deed done. It's not glamorous or sexy but it keeps the art coming.
