Mentors & Allies 5: David Chariandy

When I think about writers whose words have influenced me, those powerful words are usually nothing more than a short line, phrase or fragment that embeds itself in my mind. Writers who have lodged their brilliance into the cracks of my brain include Dionne Brand, Jamaica Kincaid, Toni Morrison, and Wayde Compton, just to name a few. Why do short and to-the-point statements carry so much weight? For me, I would say it has to do with how much I value the need to consider the source, the delivery, and the intent. Recognizing who is saying the words, how they are saying the words, and the effect they hope their words will have on those listening, impacts me greatly.

My last few posts have featured short interviews with my mentors and allies, and I wanted to include one more before my time is up as Writer in Residence. In thinking about the impact lines, phrases, and considering the source can have on writers, I bring you a little bit of brilliance from David Chariandy.

David has always appeared to me in unexpected bursts. Whether it’s him sitting at the back of the room during a panel I’m taking part in, randomly stopping by during my book launch, or emailing to offer support for my writing, his actions impact and inspire because I consider the source, the delivery, and the intent.

I started my residency with tweets composed of 280 characters or less. And when I asked David Chariandy the same questions I asked my other mentors and allies, I asked him to respond with as little as he liked so that those small bursts, lines, and phrases could do the work of embedding, that I feel, they are meant to do.

Chelene Knight: What do you think makes a good mentor?

David Chariandy: I'm certainly no expert, but I think a good mentor knows how to listen in ways that both support and "push" a fellow artist.

CK: What do you do for self-care? 

DC: It's a great question to ask!  It might be too hard for me to answer it quickly; but the question itself does great work in affirming that writing -- serious writing -- oftentimes creates multiple forms of vulnerability.  Know this, and try to be gentle with yourself.

CK: Being a mentor is a massive responsibility, what is the one thing about mentorship that scares you the most?

DC: I think the scariest thing about being a mentor is being hastily imagined as some sort of "expert," when in fact, with each new project, you feel like a complete novice starting all over again.

CK: What advice do you have for new writers who have no clue what to expect once they enter the world of CanLit?

DC: Maybe question if "CanLit" is something you really wish to enter.

CK: One thing you want to say to Chelene that you’ve never said. This can be negative, I won’t cry. LOL

DC: Your writing is uniquely important, Chelene.  So do your best to protect your space to write.

So from pulled from the wisdom of David Chariandy, I leave you with my advice in 280 characters or less:

 Support, push

vulnerability—be gentle with yourself

starting all over again

is something you really wish

                    protect your space.