Ali Trotta is a poet, editor, and hater of bad coffee who believes in the power of knowing yourself. Learn more about Trotta in this Q&A, and read her latest poem, “When the Mirror Shows Frankenstein’s Monster,” in our [September/October issue, on sale now!]
Asimov’s Editor: What is the story behind this piece?
Ali Trotta: We are all a patchwork of those we loved before, in myriad ways. Sometimes, we are the monster in one way or another. But there is also something about love that’s transformative, renewing.
AE: How did this story germinate? Was there a spark of inspiration, or did it come to you slowly?
AT: This was a poem I wrote very fast. It doesn’t always happen that way. But this one had a mind of its own, as the best ones often do.
AE: How did the title for this piece come to you?
AT: It’s about recognition—seeing who we are and seeing what someone has made us into, real or imagined. (None of us are without scars, after all.) That imperfect or messy, we’re still worth loving in the end.
AE: Who or what are your greatest influences and inspirations?
AT: Ted Hughes poetry changed my life—especially his later works. Jean Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea is a masterclass. Maria Dahvana Headley is one of the most incredible creatives out there. Neil Gaiman’s writing always leaves me in awe, but I’ll always have a soft spot for his poem, “Instructions.” And although not literary, my mother (for her love of reading and her infectious laughter, which I miss) and my dad (for his unfailing support and for being the smartest person I know).
We are all a patchwork of those we loved before, in myriad ways. Sometimes, we are the monster in one way or another. But there is also something about love that’s transformative, renewing.
AE: How much or little do current events impact your writing?
AT: Often! It’s impossible to live in the world and not be affected by it. One of my poems previously published in Uncanny is called “The Persecution of Witches,” and it’s absolutely about how society treats/punished women, which is not unlike what happened during the Salem Witch Trials.
AE: Are there any themes that you find yourself returning to throughout your writing? If yes, what and why?
AT: The power in believing in yourself, in knowing yourself. The way love can be an unstoppable force, for better or worse. The idea that we sometimes haunt each other in some way. And as for why, well, I think these are truths and things others can relate to.
AE: What is your process?
AT: It depends! Sometimes, I’ll draft a poem in one sitting. Sometimes, I’ll rewrite and poke at the same piece for days. I often start in the wrong place and delete opening lines. Once, right before sending a piece out of submission—literally while drafting the email—I had an idea on how to change the ending. I did it, sent it in a few minutes later, and it was accepted for publication.
AE: What are you reading right now?
AT: Kat Howard’s A Sleight of Shadows, which is stellar.
AE: Do you have any advice for up-and-coming writers?
AT: Write and read widely. Give yourself time to refill the well, too. It is hard to create when you’re burnt out, and the world is a mess. So, it’s even more important these days to replenish. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. But learn. Follow other writers on social media, and you’ll learn a lot. Trust me.
AE: What is something we should know about you that we haven’t thought to ask?
AT: My favorite visual artist, right now, is Shannon Stamey. He’s a traditional illustrator, and I am absolutely gobsmacked by his work at every turn. Oh and never give me weak coffee. It’s just burnt water with sadness, and I will assume you don’t like me.
AE: How can our readers follow you and your writing? (IE: Social media handles, website URL)
AT: Bluesky is where I am primarily these days (alwayscoffee.bsky.social), but I’m also on Twitter (the website formerly known as Twitter?) as alwayscoffee and Instagram as alwayscoffee7. (Are you sensing a theme?) I have a TinyLetter that goes out weekly (tinyletter.com/alwayscoffee) and a blog that I really should update (wordpress.com/alwayscoffee). And if you’re looking for more of my writing, here is a handy link: linktr.ee/alwayscoffee.
From Earth to the Stars 