Meet Aléna Muir | Writer/Essayist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aléna Muir and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aléna, how do you think about risk?
I consider risk-taking to be intrinsic to the writer’s life and creativity. However, I don’t take the risks I’ve been able to take for granted. A lot of risks are cushioned by circumstances and the privilege and support to be able to take them. I’m lucky to have a mom who has unflinchingly supported my education and aspirations, at times financially but also emotionally (and I do have a flair for an emotional meltdown). My dad passed away when I was young and she has been making moves to launch me onto my path ever since. This certainly makes packing up your life and moving from South Africa to New York City to shoot your shot much more doable. But audacity is crucial too, you have to think you’re good enough. In terms of the actual writing/creativity: everything has been done and feels pastiche in some way at this point, so we might as well go for broke. The payoff is unmatched; it fuels me. It’s why I’ll always choose to ride this rollercoaster over a job that could offer me “stability”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I write about my obsessions, whether that’s a pop star, a reality TV show, a person, a feeling, or a conundrum—these need not be things I particularly like. It’s important to work with whatever you’ve got going on, all your quirks and idiosyncrasies. I’m a very irritable person, for example, so I use that in my writing. I write into and—if I’m lucky—through the irritation. It can be hard not to look around and play the comparison game but I bully myself into honesty and out of any kind of pandering (which is tempting as we try to monetize our art). Writing is difficult, putting the words down can be quite painful for me. The connection art fosters is the fun part. Nothing makes me happier than having fat chats over a glass of prosecco at the bar and going home inspired with new ideas and perspectives, or reading something that speaks to my sensibilities. I’ve learned to write what I want to read. Growing up in post-apartheid South Africa has had a profound effect on me and my home is ever-present in my writing and general existence. I’m excited to eventually publish an essay collection and I plan on writing a feature film script that will avenge the coming-of-age chick flick of the aughts (lord knows we need it!)

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
L’Appartement 4F in Brooklyn Heights for an everything seasoning croissant, Paulie Gee’s in Greenpoint for a slice, and the black sesame ice cream from Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. I love Chez Josephine when I’m willing to brave the Times Square area for French food and live piano, Bunna Café in Bushwick for Ethiopian, Ayat in the East Village for Palestinian food, and Rule of Thirds in Greenpoint. Prospect Park is my favorite for picnics and strolls. The gals and I love country-oke nights at Skinny Dennis and Narrows in Bushwick is a great bar. I’m also unironically and unashamedly a huge Coney Island fan. Haters must hate joy—it’s the best place in the world.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m forever inspired by fellow South African artists and writers. The gals and the gays—inspiration and stars of my little essays. Mamma, once again, for laying the groundwork for my audacity by never questioning my art or ideas. Also, Britney Jean Spears: she doesn’t know me but I just know in my heart that she would encourage and support me if she did.

Website: alenamuir.com

Instagram: instagram.com/alenamuir

Twitter: twitter.com/alena_muir

Image Credits
Alex Bollington (all but the header photo and the one with a cap)