Author Q&A with Evelína Kolářová

Author Q&A with Evelína Kolářová

Evelína Kolářová (she/her) is a young writer from the Czech Republic whose poems have been previously published in literary magazines such as Really System or Sink Hollow. Her work has made the finalist list of the Poetry Matters Project’s Literary Prize 2019. She is currently studying an undergraduate programme at the University of South Bohemia and is the Editor in Chief and Social Media Manager of a student magazine published at the Faculty of Arts.

 

1. Tells us about your writing/ published book(s)

I would categorise my writing endeavors as of several major genres with which I work. These are poetry and short fiction. I write poems in Czech, which is my native language, and in English, the same applying to my short stories. I also sometimes venture on the hybrid literary writing path writing pieces on the verge of plays and personal essays. My latest project differs from my previous work because I am writing a diary now. It has a mental health aspect and consists of everyday encounters, personal essay contemplations, embedded short stories and even screenshots. I also write a bit about my writing and the process of it there.

 

2. Where’s your favourite place to write?

My favourite place to write is my very ordinary room, either on my desk or in my bed. I like it because it is quiet and I am alone there. I also write on the bus or in public sometimes, that is, when inspiration hits, but I cannot say those are my favorite places.

 

3. How do you fit writing into your everyday life?

I am an undergraduate student, so I have a flexible schedule to work with. I usually find time to write in the evenings or anytime when I feel like I want to write. Those moments are usually very productive and creative. If I set a specific time during the week to write, I fear I would lose interest in writing. I also sometimes need to make schedule adjustments due to unforeseeable or extraordinary circumstances, such as attending one-time events or having mental health struggle days.

 

4. How do you handle criticism?

I think that handling criticism is not one of my strongest abilities. In fact, quite the contrary.

 

5. Tell me about your current work 

I am currently working on the work-in-progress which I have described above. And apart from that, I am mostly concerned about getting organised with my writing.

 

6. How many books do you own? 

A lot or too much in the words of my mother. Not enough in my own humble opinion.

 

Where can you find Evelína Kolářová?

Twitter: @EvelinaKolarova

Instagram: @evelynnevenstar