1. What is your connection to Somerville?
I've been a resident of Somerville since 2013—but even before then I had many writer and artist friends here and have long associated Somerville with creativity. One of my fondest memories is of a reading/performance a writer friend put on in a little building here that was so packed, some of us ended up standing on the sidewalk and watching through the open window. That to me summarizes the energy, enthusiasm, and support of the creative community here.
2. How did or does living in Somerville influence your writing? Or, what does it mean to write from this place?
Somerville is my home base, where I rest and refuel when I'm not teaching—so I associate it with rejuvenation and refilling my creative cup. I take long walks with friends whenever I can, and I take my inspiration from the streets and houses, have written about my neighborhood and the vast, extreme changes that this area has undergone. Pre-pandemic, I wrote in some of the local coffee shops, but now I mainly write at home. My connection to my community is through my neighborhood association, the community garden, and local politics, and this to me is what life and writing is about.
3. What do other/aspiring Somerville writers need to know?
To me, the best thing about Somerville is the opportunity for exchange with all sorts of people, from college and grad students half my age to longtime homeowners who have been here for generations. A lot of these exchanges will happen spontaneously if you keep yourself open, unplugged from your device, and paying attention. I've found myself in conversations with folks on the street, young people in Diesel, other people eating outdoors at some of the restaurants in Union Square. Inspiration is important, but so is feeling part of community, part of humanity.
—Daphne Kalotay
www.daphnekalotay.com