As the spring season approaches the balmy threshold of summer, we’re saying so long to our fabulous, wonderful, super-awesome spring interns, Caelan and Alma. Read a little about who they are, what they did with us, and where they’re headed as, with a tender smooch, we send them off with newly groomed wings through the musty gales of the anthropocene!
Caelan Ernest
Where did you grow up and how did you find your way to NYC?
Before moving to Brooklyn in 2017, I lived in Rhode Island my whole life. I grew up in a small beachy town called Westerly. When I was in my last year of undergrad at the University of Rhode Island, I started looking into getting my Masters. Of course, the prospect of more school also functioned as a concrete reason for me to move to New York—I was excited for more access to the communities I consider myself a part of. I ended up applying & being accepted to Pratt Institute’s MFA program in Writing. So, here I am!
Most memorable moment during the internship?
I was able to attend this year’s AWP conference in Portland & I helped Nightboat table for a couple days at the bookfair. I met many of Nightboat’s authors while also creating connections with folks that stopped by to buy a couple books. I’d have to say this is my most memorable time during the internship because the energy was so palpable!
Biggest takeaway or most significant point of learning?
My respect for the art of book publishing increased drastically while interning. Previously, I’d had some experience with editing & publishing, but nothing really comparable to my time with Nightboat. From proofing to drafting press releases & helping with events, what’s stuck the most is that feeling when the galley of a book you’ve been working on finally arrives in the office. There’s this moment of intensity as you feel it for the first time in your hands. That moment is not fleeting. Does this answer the question? Haha!
What/how do you like to write? Can we find it published anywhere?
These days, I write mostly poetry! My thesis for Pratt was a manuscript of experimental poetry that utilizes blank space on the page. It’s about digital spaces & parties & cyborg theory & sex & not sex & gender identity & more. I’m still working on this book, but I’m sending it out to presses very soon, so hopefully you can find it in the physical world sometime in the nearish-future…
What are your astrological placements!?
This is so revealing, but I’m a double Libra with a Pisces moon… As you can imagine, I’m constantly floating away…
Looking forward, what’s on the horizon? How has this time with Nightboat guided/aided/influenced that?
Have you heard Mitski’s song “My Body’s Made of Crushed Little Stars”? Very that. Haha! But in all seriousness, in the last few weeks I’ve completed my Masters at Pratt, & after having been in academia essentially my whole life, I’m in this weird transitionary state that feels open & airy. Possibility & precarity, you know… First, I’m looking forward to getting my book to a good place & send it out into the world. I’m also thrilled to say that I’m going to be staying on with Nightboat as a Publicist Assistant, where I’ll be helping with some of the upcoming titles!
Alma Valdez-Garcia
Where did you grow up and how did you find your way to NYC?
I was born and raised in the lush mountains of Northern New Mexico. My family is from the “other” Las Vegas. I found my way to New York about four years ago for the opportunity to go to school. I recently graduated from the New School with my bachelors in Literature.
Most memorable moment during the internship?
Something that I found memorable while interning was the chance to work with Caelan, the other spring intern. Working together at events, in copy editing, through drafting letters and more, I think we bonded over our shared joy in this work and living, which made the job joyful. Meeting Eileen Myles and discussing archives also hits high on the list of memorable moments.
Biggest takeaway or most significant point of learning?
One of the biggest things that I was able to take away from working at Nightboat is the connections to the other writers and thinkers that I had the opportunity to hear, work with, and talk to. I was able to share and organize with people that think and dream in similar ways. I had the chance to be a part of the literary community here in NY and it has shown me where I can fit into it and where I can bring change to it.
What/how do you like to write? Can we find it published anywhere?
What are your signs!?
Looking forward, what’s on the horizon? How has this time with Nightboat guided/aided/influenced that?