Guild friends, we are overjoyed to introduce Charlotte Gutzmer, the CVWG’s new Spring 2021 intern! Charlotte is an English (creative writing) major at UW-Eau Claire and an avid reader and writer. (So clearly she’s in the right place!). We recently sat down with Charlotte to get to know her a bit better, and in particular, to learn more about what inspired her to become a part of the Guild! Read on! And look forward to all sorts of great articles from Charlotte in the coming weeks!
Interviewer: What inspired you to become a part of the CVWG?
Charlotte Gutzmer: In elementary school, I fell in love with words. Reading and writing were a big part of my life growing up, and they still are--in fact, I’m a creative writing major! I think that the way words bring people together is magical in a way. I sought out the Guild because I wanted to be a part of a community of people who love words as much as I do, and I really feel like I’ve found that. I’m really looking forward to creating connections with other writers and to getting to know the writing scene of Chippewa Valley.
I: What do you like to write?
CG: I consider myself an experimental writer. I like to dabble in all areas of writing, but my absolute favorites are fictional prose and poetry. Writing poetry is really cathartic to me. It’s nice to be able to transcribe abstract thoughts and aesthetics into something more tangible, and it helps me get to know myself more, too. In addition, I love to write short stories. It’s fascinating how you can encapsulate so much emotion and change into a short piece. The limited space of a short story also inspires me; there’s something about the pressure of working in a confined space that makes me explore themes I wouldn’t otherwise.
I: What’s your favorite genre?
“I’m enamored by the idea of magic and how it plays into our everyday lives, so magical realism has a special place in my heart.”
CG: Ooh, this is a tough one. I’m enamored by the idea of magic and how it plays into our everyday lives, so magical realism has a special place in my heart. I love the idea that magic is found in the mundane, not just the fantastical, and that we encounter it constantly. Looking at the world through this lens has really helped me with my own mental health. However, I wouldn’t be able to discuss my favorite genres without mentioning fantasy, science fiction, horror, and psychological thrillers. Exploring what makes us human is at the heart of what I love about literature, and these genres really do a good job of highlighting exactly that while also exploring beautiful, terrifying, and sometimes impossible-to-understand places.
I: What do you love about the Chippewa Valley?
“Forests have always been a place of incredible beauty and peace for me. I often spend hours just hiking through the forest while daydreaming, listening to music, or just appreciating the world around me. ”
CG: I grew up in the Madison area and came to Eau Claire for the first time when I started college. The first thing that drew me here was the landscape, particularly the forests. Forests have always been a place of incredible beauty and peace for me. I often spend hours just hiking through the forest while daydreaming, listening to music, or just appreciating the world around me. The rivers and fauna are amazing, too! After moving to Eau Claire, I knew I’d made the right choice. Not only have I made incredible friends here, but I love the atmosphere of the city, especially downtown Eau Claire. And now I have the incredible opportunity to work closely with other writers! It’s a win-win situation.
I: Finally, what are you most excited for in this internship?
CG: There are lots of occasions that I’m really looking forward to this semester, such as the (soon to be officially announced!) Sound & Stories: All Creatures Great and Small event. We have some really talented writers on the line-up this semester that I can’t wait to meet and speak to! I’m also excited for the opportunity to make connections with the professional world of writing and to grow as a writer myself.