Interview: Chris Tse on Super Model Minority
Author:
Chris Tse
Publisher:
Auckland University Press
ISBN:
9781869409616
Date Published:
March 2022
Pages:
104
Format:
Paperback
RRP:
$24.99
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Kete 12 books of Christmas – March: Poet Laureate Chris Tse talks about his poetry collection Super Model Minority (Auckland University Press, $24.99).
What led you to write your book?
Super Model Minority emerged from a period of being enraged about the state of the world, and humankind’s stubbornness and failings to look after our most vulnerable and those who are targeted by people in positions of power. I also wanted to explore how current events are going to shape our future, and why it is we never learn from the past. But it’s not doom and gloom – I also write about the colours of the rainbow flag and artists who have had an profound impact on me.
If you had to give the written equivalent of an ‘elevator pitch’ for your book – about two – three sentences - on why you think others should read it, what would you say?
It’s the end of the world but we’ll get through it with poems about George Michael and playing Cards Against Humanity with family members.
What did you discover in the course of writing the book that surprised you?
Writing this book was a cathartic process. I was surprised that I could turn my anger and frustrations into poetry that was still beautiful and could seek out hope and light. It can be quite freeing to embrace your anger in this way without letting it consume you.
How did you go about writing the book and what proved to be the most challenging element? What about the most joyful?
The bulk of the book was written towards the end of the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, which was a period of both stagnancy and intense productivity. Navigating those extremes was a challenge but once I realised what shape the book was going to take the rest of the poems came to me pretty quickly. I’ve described Super Model Minority as the final part of a trilogy that explores similar topics and themes through the past, present and future. Realising this was the key to finishing the book.
What feedback have you had from readers?
It’s been really positive and wonderful to hear how people have connected with the poems in the book. There’s a lot of darkness in the book, but some joy too. One poem in particular (‘What’s fun until it gets weird?’) has struck a chord, which is hilarious to me because it’s the silliest, most ridiculous poem I’ve ever written!
Thinking about the summer holiday season, what are your plans? Can you recommend a book from Aotearoa New Zealand that you’d encourage people to read during the summer holidays?
I’m taking most of the summer off from events and commissions to do some planning for my term as Poet Laureate. There are lots of exciting opportunities on the horizon but I haven’t had a proper chance to think about how I’ll make them a reality. My to-read pile is towering, as always, so I’m looking forward to having some time to tackle it too. The past year has been so exciting for New Zealand poetry. I recommend people seek out Museum by Frances Samuels, Always Italicise: How to write while colonised by Alice Te Punga Somerville and echidna by essa may ranapiri.
