Thirty West Revisited: Alison Lubar
On continual education, momentary connections, and finding one's people.
“Thirty West Revisited” is a series of interviews with past and future authors from Thirty West’s vast catalog. Within, you shall experience inspiration for their writing, the process behind crafting their books, and what projects they are working on next. Conducted by Ollie Shane.
Alison Lubar is the author of the chapbook Philosophers Know Nothing About Love (Thirty West Publishing, 2022). They have also released three more chapbooks: queer feast (Bottlecap Press, 2022), sweet euphemism (Mouthfeel Press, 2023), and It Skips a Generation (Stanchion Books, 2023).
Ollie Shane: What got you into writing? Who are some inspirations for you (bonus points if they’re Thirty West authors)?
Alison Lubar: I’ve always been into writing, but was initially very resistant. I had spent some time as primarily a visual artist, and through an interesting turn of events in undergrad, ended up teaching high school English. I’m still teaching high school, and love watching my students discover and uncover poetry as a vehicle for multiple truths. My initial inspirations have been Emily Dickinson and Toni Morrison. Both expanded what I thought the written word could be or do. Now, I love CA Conrad, Chen Chen, and Eugenia Leigh. Danez Smith. Porscha Olayiwola. Su Cho. There are so many incredible poets writing right now. Like, right right now. And of course, TW’s own Adam Gianforcaro & Mandy Tu!
OS: What was it like getting into and engaging with the writing community? What are its benefits and challenges?
AL: There is such a broad writing community in Philadelphia and New Jersey! I’m lucky to be involved on both sides of the bridge. And while any scene has its gatekeepers, most of my encounters have been really wonderful and both communities have been welcoming and encouraging in complementary ways. I’ve also been a frequent attendee of a virtual writing group, which has been tremendously supportive. It took time to find my place and my people, but I’m getting there, and it’s a continual process.
OS: Where did you come up with the idea for your chapbook/poetry collection/novel?
AL: One of my undergrad majors was philosophy, and I found myself with several dozen poems that were all loosely tied to Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave.” Some of those poems were in a folder titled “poems to never let share with anyone ever” but, in typical leap-before-you-look style, and to quote ee cummings, “since feeling is first,” I brought them into the light. While Philosophers Know Nothing About Love follows the arc and fallout of a momentary connection between two people, I can’t really say whether it’s completely fiction or not. Poetry, to me, defies that simple characterization, and instead, always reveals some kind of human truth, whether the fireworks were real or not.
It took time to find my place and my people, but I’m getting there, and it’s a continual process.
OS: How was it working with Thirty West in your work?
AL: So wonderful! This was my debut collection and I feel like my writing was respected and celebrated. The editing process was thorough but I felt ultimately autonomous. I really enjoyed having my debut be part of a Spring series – it brought me close to some of my press mates. TW really does do a lot of work to build community!
OS: What has been the reception of your work from the wider writing community?
AL: The reception has been really wonderful – I’ve done some interviews about the collection, and there have been some really kind and thorough reviews. This collection was also on the syllabus for a course at Rowan. Getting to speak to students about my work has been an incredible experience, from the teacher and poet standpoint.
OS: What upcoming/current projects have you put out?
AL: Since Philosophers, I’ve had three more chaps come out: queer feast (Bottlecap Press, 2022), sweet euphemism (CLASH! 2023), and It Skips a Generation (Stanchion, 2023). I’ve sent out a full manuscript that envelops the entire relationship I’ve had with the Japanese side of my family and considers the complexities of intersectional identity.
I’m also currently working on a hybrid (prose & poetry) manuscript that I thought was post-apocalyptic, but a friend recently called it “a queer utopia.” I love the sound of that. As I enter the second draft, I’m excited to see where it goes and how my characters evolve.
Poetry, to me, defies that simple characterization, and instead, always reveals some kind of human truth, whether the fireworks were real or not.
OS: Any advice for the readers of Afterimages?
AL: Even if you’re not physically writing, you’re still in the process of writing. Your value as a writer (and really, as a human being) is not based on your productivity! After all, you have to experience (and tune into) life to be able to write about it, even if it’s the microcosm of Dickinson’s favorite flower or the magnitude of Morrison’s response to history and intergenerational healing.
Philosophers Know Nothing About Love, the debut chapbook by Alison Lubar, is out now, exclusively hand-made through Thirty West.