DAVID GUTOWSKI is a writer who lives in New York City and runs Largehearted Boy. His work has appeared at Longreads, The Millions, The Morning News, PBS, and elsewhere.
My current favorite author is: Tao Lin. I just finished his forthcoming novel (The Leaving), a book that left me intoxicated with thoughts of living outside of culture and my own relationships with family.
My current favorite film director is: Akira Kurosawa, especially his post-WWII films set during the American occupation of Japan. Enlightening and moving and definitely a different perspective than films from the West.
My current favorite television show is: Snowfall, which shows the insidious power of the U.S. government over its citizens and the world.
My current favorite song is: anything by Adult Mom’s Stevie Knipe. The new album, Driver, may be a bit more polished than her previous records, but their vulnerability and humor are on show more than ever in these clever and moving pop gems.
My current state of mind is: curious, hopeful, distracted.
My current chemical romance (drug/bad habit/toxic infatuation) involves: beer. Some days I think I singlehandedly kept my local/beer shop (City Swiggers) in business during the pandemic.
My current favorite quote is: “Do what you love.” Whenever life gets to me, I remember I get to read, write, sell books, and listen to music for my living (and recreation). I am surrounded by gracious and talented people who share that same love.
My current mode of transportation is: my feet. New York is the ideal city for a flâneur, so much to see that readjusts my sense of place in the world.
My current favorite fast food item is: the Taco Bell Grilled Cheese Burrito, so deserving of its capital letters. So many calories, so much deliciousness. Somehow smelling like a freshly baked donut, this gut bomb is a rare treat.
My current workout routine consists of: the occasional walk, turning book pages, flipping albums on the turntable, making sandwiches, opening beers.
My current regrettable decision involves: waiting most of my life to deal with mental health issues.
My current hopes and dreams are: to work toward happiness, to help others, to send some books into the world.
My current projects/hobbies include: a literary podcast, virtual birdwatching; a database of Largehearted Boy’s author playlists; a memoir; a novel; learning to play the ukulele; becoming a better chess player.
David Gutowski is online at davidgutowski.com.
Brian Alan Ellis runs House of Vlad Press, and is the author of several books, including Sad Laughter (Civil Coping Mechanisms, 2018). His writing has appeared at Juked, Hobart, Fanzine, Monkeybicycle, Electric Literature, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, Funhouse, Heavy Feather Review, and Yes Poetry, among other places. He lives in Florida.
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