Writing about Place, An Interview

I was interviewed a few weeks ago by the Sonoran Arts Network editor, Shane. The Sonoran Arts Network is an art community in Tucson bringing together writers and artists.

Here is an excerpt from the interview;

SAN: What does the environmentalists’ phrase “sense of place” mean to you regarding the places you’ve lived?

KLodge: I believe there is a place on this earth that is perfect for everyone. When they find it, they will also find their voice. Whether it is becoming a writer or a community activist, in the right place you will find yourself. I think I found a part of my voice in each place I lived. I felt so alive walking the trails in Maine, Vermont and Colorado. I would hike these trails and think about my life and tell stories in my head.

View the entire interview here. 

Sonoran Art Network Interview

Here is an excerpt from my book, Continental Quotient that helps explain my answer above. 

From the chapter: Women Writing the West – An author talk in Denver.

This day in Denver is perfect. The Colorado blue sky that we discuss during the symposium starts to fade to evening as I drive back to the mountains over Berthoud Pass and the Continental Divide. Just after I cross the divide and the highest point on the pass, I see a full moon rise to the east.

As I continue to drive north to Granby I think about what it means to be a western writer and writing about place. I love every part of rural mountain living, even the cold, the wind, and less people. I hike and bike out my front door, I could never do that in the city. As I drive the last few miles up the mountain access road, I think of all stories around me; stories about these mountains, rivers, and the people who choose to live here. I know there are good stories; funny stories, well lived stories. I want to write them all.

I feel connected to Pam Houston’s writing at this moment. When she writes about her ranch in Creed, she tells her readers how she finally has “earned the right to be here.” I feel like I might have, too.

Fraser, Colorado 8,550 feet