Brooklyn Writers Bloc: The ‘trash heap chaos’ of Alissa Bennett

By Tara Kenny

The last day of summer is technically not until September 22, but Labor Day and the return to school does seem to put an end to the season.

And what a season it’s been. All summer we’ve been speaking with a selection of local writers — across poetry, art, food, fiction, non-fiction, zine making, and party reporting — who have graciously invited us into their own private Brooklyns. They’ve shared what (and where) they are reading, pondering, people watching and daydreaming about.

For the seventh and final installment of our Brooklyn Writers Bloc series, we meet a zine maker who describes her process as “trash heap chaos.”

Bennett

Alissa Bennett

Alissa Bennett is a zine maker and co-host of “The C-Word” podcast.

Describe your writing practice in 10 words or less.
Trash heap chaos!

Favorite spot to journal outside the home?
I’m too disorganized to maintain a journaling practice, but I do like to think while wandering the aisles at Met Food on Driggs. The household supplies section is a good place to text message yourself ideas.

Best place to people watch?
I moved to Greenpoint in 1996, and Graham Avenue used to be full of absolutely incredible characters; it was like a Carson McCullers book. I cannot think of a place now that even begins to compare.

Summer drink of choice?
Two Negronis, back-to-back.

What have you been reading this summer?
Every summer, I re-read “Because They Wanted To” by Mary Gaitskill and Joy Williams’ “Taking Care.” There is something really incredible about the ritual, and these two books never fail to traumatize.

Favorite reading nook in the wild?
A bench in McGolrick park, late morning on a weekday.

What’s one book you’re ashamed to say you’ve never read?
Who has time for shame?

What is it about Brooklyn?
I live on a street that’s mostly two-family houses that are occupied by owners who have been there for years, and tenants who sometimes don’t know the rules. I love the little dramas that play out over parking spots and trash days and arbitrary neighborhood expectations. There is something really special about the balance between intimacy and anonymity.

Tip for getting unstuck (in writing and life)?
Stop thinking that inactivity is laziness and don’t punish yourself for being stuck; I always think we should give ourselves permission to let things develop in the subconscious, which is where most of us do our best work.

Which writer, living or dead, would you like to tour guide around Brooklyn?
Jean Rhys, at night and drunk on Pernod.

Favorite representation of Brooklyn in literature, film, art, or other media?
Paula Fox’s “Desperate Characters.”