Today, we’re talking with Cheryl Leutjen about her book, MADNESS ON THE BRINK OF ECO-APOCALYPSE
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I have an unnatural love for compost. Nothing makes me happier than to see my discards become something fertile and teeming with life.
Why do you write?
Writing is my outlet for channeling the voices that screech in my ear when I'm trying to sleep. It's my sanity saver, giving me an outlet for all the insights, frustrations, and dark humor that I'd otherwise be shrieking into the void.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
This book is a series of essays and stories that reflect my need to process the upsetting truths about the poor condition of Earth's life support systems. Not just climate change, but our fresh water, air, soils, oceans, biodiversity, and more are in bad shape. Why aren't we doing more to save ourselves? Disinformation campaigns play a big part. I also believe that those of us who want to do more wonder if there's anything we can do that will make a difference. So, for every problem I highlight, I decided to showcase a group that's doing something about it, to help inspire us all to do all that we can to save our very life support systems.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
I'm not sure I have a genre.
How would you describe your writing process?
Both chaotic and systematic. I sit down to write every morning when my brain is still fresh, come what may. The routine helps me be productive. But the big ideas tend to come while I'm walking, meditating or sleeping—not, in other words, when I sit down at my desk. So, I make notes on my apps or shout them at Alexa in the night, and these become fodder for the next day's writing.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
I enjoy following authors who share their trials and tribulations candidly. Not the ones who make it all seem simple but the ones who make me feel like I'm part of a messy, creative tribe. I'm still searching for the best means of connecting with interested readers.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Keep at it. I could not be writing what I am today if not for countless hours spent producing drivel. I also recommend taking a class or joining a writing group to get some new insights and perspectives. I don't mean an MFA program, unless that's meaningful to you—I don't have one. I have, however, gleaned a lot from meeting up with a group of writers, as well as taking a few six-week online classes.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
The book title is the very last thing that comes to me. The title Madness on the Brink of Eco-Apocalypse arrived after the entire book had been edited and proofread. My writing is so chaotic, bouncing from one idea to another, that I need that bit of distance after the writing is done to sit back and ponder what the whole thing was all about. I'm fortunate that the cover designers came up with just the right design for both of my books because I think in words, not pictures. But I know what I like when I see it, and I'm thrilled with how the covers turned out.
What's your next step?
This book came fast and furious, given the urgency of the topics. I'm looking forward to writing some lazy blog posts and enjoying the holidays.
