Natasha Gruss

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

Other then the obvious love of poetry, I love reading so much that I have a BA in English Literature. My favorite genres are fantasy and science fiction but I'll read anything. I love nature and love living in the Pacific Northwest where nature is abundant and bodies of salt water are close.

When and why did you start writing books?

I started writing poetry when I was nine years old and I also started collecting my poems at that age. In 2016, at the age of 36, I published my first poetry book from poems in that collection.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I don't make any sort of money writing, but that's not the point. I want to share something beautiful with the world and poetry is beautiful.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

There are so many books and characters that I love. My favorite characters from Sanderson's Stormlight series are Kalidin and Pattern. Kalidin because he overcomes both external and internal struggles. Pattern because his childlike curiosity is very enduring.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

The only book I have published is "Un-Clenched Emotion" so it would be easy to say that was the book that was hardest to write and that stretched me the most. However, that feels like a big cop out! So I will say that the collection of urban fantasy short stories I'm thinking of making is the hardest to write and stretches me the most. It is harder for me to write stories then it is for me to write poetry.

Who is your favourite author and book?

My favorite author is Brandon Sanderson and I really like his Stormlight series which starts with "The Way of Kings". I hope he continues with the series soon.

What book are you reading right now?

I am reading "The Captivating Flames of Madness". It is a collection of short stories in the horror genre.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I get inspiration for my poems from all over. I am inspired by nature, music, colors and other people's poetry, among other things. As the name "Un-Clenched Emotion" suggests, I am very inspired by emotions.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

If I'm not reading in my spare time, I will probably be playing my tablet games or streaming television. I'd like to watch movies more often. I also like going to art and outdoor festivals. There are so many things I like to do, it would be too long to list. Don't be surprised if you tell me you like to do something and I say I like to do it too!

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes, I have done a lot of work on a poetry book that follows the seasons of the year. I am also collecting speculative poems to make into another poetry book. I am thinking of making a book of urban fantasy short stories that I have written and plan to write.