Sadee Bee
I'm Sadee Bee, and artist and writer from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I enjoy reading, drawing, and writing, napping, and learning new skills in my free time.
Question 1: What inspired you to start writing?
A poetry class that I took in elementary school is what got me started writing but I feel as though I always wanted to. I spent a lot of time reading and wishing I could create words and evoke emotions the way those authors did. After learning about poetry, I was addicted. Of course, none of my poetry from my teen years was any good but I loved writing it. I also wrote terrible short stories and fanfiction that I never shared with anyone.
Question 2: How have your past experiences influenced you as a writer?
My writing centers a lot around the healing journey from CPTSD, childhood trauma, mental illnesses, and things of that nature. I'm influenced a lot by my past and my need to share with others that they are not alone in their struggles or those dark feelings people often have. I'm also inspired by the surreal, by things that make you just a little bit uncomfortable, but you can't look away, and just a little bit of magic here and there.
Question 3: What have you written that you're the most proud of?
That is hard to choose, I've written so much over the last year. My favorite poem right now is “Sweet Milky Way” written for Soft Star Magazine, my favorite CNF piece is A Dragon Reborn written for Messy Misfits. My most recent collection “Pupa: Growth & Metamorphosis” published by Alien Buddha Press is one I'm proud of as well.
Question 4: What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?
That I need to take a break, find something else to stimulate my mind or even just do nothing at all for a little while. I feel my writing flows better when I don't feel like I'm forcing myself to put words on a page; I want to feel in the moment. A block is a temporary thing and often just your mind's way of telling you to take a step back and breathe for a moment.
Question 5: When did you first call yourself a writer?
2021 lol. I have been writing for a long time and even self-published two fiction novels and a poetry collection but still didn't quite feel like a writer to myself. I was full of so much doubt about my own work that I took my self-published fiction novels out of print and just went into hiding for a while. Once I started writing poetry again after taking a poetry class at community college, I felt like I could put myself back out there. it still took a little bit after that since I was going through one of the worst depressive episodes of my life for about a year and a half. Last year is when I really settle into my place as a writer and felt that the title finally suited me.
Question 6: What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?
Pantser all the way. I've tried plotting but my brain prefers full, chaotic free flowing energy. There's always editing later but I've just got to get the idea out first before I mold it into something amazing.
Question 7: If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
I would say Tananarive Due. I love her writing and strong black characters. I'm also a huge sucker for fantasy and sci-fi.
Question 8: What is your kryptonite as a writer?
Using the words "void & abyss" far too often.
Question 9: Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?
Yes, I have an eclectic taste in music so I have various playlist depending on my mood but I enjoy Florence + The Machine, Paramore, Lights, and Billie Eilish.
Question 10: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
Don't try to fit yourself into a box just to be popular or fit someone else's narrative. You individuality in writing is important and your unique voice deserves to be heard. Don't give that up for the sake of being a big name or popular. Just be you.