with Marisa Silva-Dunbar

Q1: When did you start writing and first influences?

Marisa: I seriously started writing when I was 18. I took an intro to creative writing poetry, and that workshop helped me become a poet. My influences at the time were Sarah E. Azizi, Francesca Lia Block and Sandra Cisneros.

Q2: Who are your biggest influences today?

Marisa: I really enjoy Amber Tamblyn’s writing. Dark Sparkler is a collection that is always on my mind.

Q3: Where did you grow up and how did that influence your writing/art? Have any travels away from home influenced work/describe?

Marisa: I lived in Miami for seven years, and the rest of my youth was spent in New Mexico. I definitely feel the Southwest has had more of an influence on me. The desert is with me no matter where I go. In some ways it’s paradise.

I also spent two years…