Interview with Former Harbinger Editor Emily Sorce

Emily (Marchant) Sorce lives in Salem, Oregon, our state capitol, where she met her husband working as a legislative staffer. Writing has remained a big part of her life. She has had short pieces published in online literary magazines and had the opportunity to pitch a pilot to two production companies last year. She hopes the next direction in her career will give her more time to write and read.

 

Kristine Somerville, Assistant Professor of English and Creative Writing: What year and issue of Harbinger did you edit?

I had the absolute pleasure of co-editing the 2011 Harbinger with my good friend Emily Collette. The theme was "Shadow Box," which was a collection of stories reminiscing the past.

 

What did you learn from your experience as a Harbinger editor?

As an editor, I learned the importance of compromise in teamwork and seeing things from other perspectives.

 

What is your current job? What do you love about it? What about it challenges you?

I just wrapped up my fifth year working in local politics, and I'm ready to move on to something new. I'm currently taking a real estate course to prepare for my state's real estate broker exam.

 

What advice would you give to English and Creative Writing majors?

The skills and lessons you learn working as a team you'll take with you to the workplace. Since graduating, I've found it so important to find a community to be part of, whether it's your local writing chapter, being a member of a theater program, or local religious or political organization. Find your people.

 

What is your favorite book, movie, and song?

My favorite book is One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and my favorite movie is Jaws.

 

Please share an inspirational quote from one of your most admired people. 

"My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent." -Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.