Each day leading up to the 30th annual Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony, we’ll be featuring an exclusive interview with one of our 36 finalists. Learn more about these incredible local writers and gear up to see the winners announced live in person April 21.
Interview with Andrea Swensson, author of Got to Be Something Here: The Rise of the Minneapolis Sound
How does it feel to be a finalist for the MN Book Awards?
It’s an incredible honor, especially considering that this is my first book.
What does writing mean to you?
Writing allows me to connect to deeper emotional, social, and intellectual truths than I’ve ever been able to communicate verbally – and it offers an enduring documentation of the fleeting moments that make up our shared history.
Why are stories important for our communities?
Stories help to build understanding between people of different backgrounds, connect us to what has happened in the past and contextualize what we’re experiencing in the present, and deepen our connection to the places we live.
Tell us something people might not know about you.
In my former life I was a classically trained piano player, and I still enjoy playing jazz and improvised music in my free time.
What do you love about libraries?
Everything! The open access to information, the endless reels of newspaper clippings waiting to be explored, the special collections, the way that time seems to stop moving forward; libraries are like an oasis of calm in a hyper-digital age.
More about Andrea Swensson:
Andrea Swensson is an author, radio host, and music journalist. She hosts a weekly program about the Minnesota music scene, The Local Show, at Minnesota Public Radio’s 89.3 The Current and contributes to the Local Current Blog. Prior to joining MPR, she was the music editor at City Pages, where she founded the AAN AltWeekly Award-winning Gimme Noise music blog.
See the winners announced live at the 30th annual Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony!
