“Real writing is closer to being in love with someone. You’re trying to communicate and to be understood… there’s much more of a given.” – Tavi Gevinson
Tavi Gevinson, founder and editor of “Rookie Mag,” spoke at the Cambridge Public Library on Monday (February 12). She came to promote her latest anthology, “Rookie on Love,” which explores the overarching abstract concept from different perspectives, from Florence Welch to John Green. Hearing Tavi speak fulfilled a dream I never realized I had. Not only is she the definition of girl boss, but she was also my mentor of sorts throughout teenhood. The event gave a sense of comfort that growing up is just a made up thing and that your youth in all aspects will exist for as long as you allow it to. Here are my favorite parts of the session.
Why love as the first themed anthology?
“It felt like it was a good way to bring in different topics. I also feel like when you ask 45 writers… what’s going on in their love life,… everyone has an answer even if it’s not romantic.”
Even if you don’t want to admit it, love is the human condition that connects us all; our actions are either motivated by love or lack therefore of. We interact with people based on an unconscious scale of how much affection we feel towards them. It’s a universal theme that I felt was perfect to introduce as the first of (hopefully) many themed collaborations.
While reading “Rookie on Love,” there is a sense of togetherness between the authors and the readers that has been present in Gevinson’s works since she first started her online publication in 2011. Despite the plethora of good works (including hers) already existing, she decides to read a piece she is still fidgeting with. This decision, along with the content she presents, is honest; it’s the kind of honesty people only wish to share with their respective idols. As a long time fan and admirer, I am honored.
She opens up about a complex romantic relationship; at times, she feels somewhat exhausted from the romantic involvement to the point of considering an end. But then, Tavi explains the concept of “sharing a life”: when you have someone to remember the moments you’ve forgotten or someone who helps you mold your thoughts into a relatable, publishable work. This idea makes me ponder on who I share my life with; it makes me question my vulnerability (too much or too little) in relationships. I’m comforted by the fact that Tavi struggles with this push and pull to share your life but to also preserve it as your own.
She also tackles the struggle of creativity blocks: how do you make something when your mind is too exhausted from work and school? One of the concepts I appreciated about her solution is to see everything you do, coffee breaks, movie marathons, etc., as fuel for your work. Although it sounds a little counterintuitive, I get where she’s going; we can’t stress ourselves out on seeking one specific type of inspiration. Opening your mind to a world of insightful opportunities sounds much more proactive than being bummed about not feeling inspired.
Whether you’re a fan of the Rookie community or not super familiar, “Rookie on Love” is an amazing book to read, especially during the supposed season of love. It makes you think about your passions, the people close to your heart, and how you wear your heart on your sleeve. And in a world that seems to grow crueler and crueler by the minute, this is an essential condition to preserve.
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