Q&A on creativity with Eagle River author Chris Lundgren

Eagle River author Chris Lundgren published her third book, “Accidental Adventures: Alaska, True Tales of Ordinary People Facing Danger in the Wilderness” in June. The book is available across the state and online.

There are 20 chapters filled with uniquely Alaskan scenarios like fishing trips and hiking treks gone awry. The stories come from across the state, and there’s several Valley locations like Willow and Talkeetna featured in the book.

The first chapter of the book is a story from a Palmer woman, Ashlee Werner Bowman, who got lost while hiking the Chugach Mountains. The book found its way to Mat-Su Valley shelves in July and is currently for sale at Fireside Books.

Lundgren participated in a question and answer interview to discuss the creative process and how locals can find ways to express themselves creatively.

So you were recently on Big Cabbage Radio in Palmer, what was that like?

“Oh it was a blast… It was just a fun, little 10 minute interview. I just really enjoyed it. I’m scheduled to be on Alaska Public Media’s Outdoor Explorer.”

Do you consider writing an artform?

“Oh yeah definitely. I think it’s quite different than other art forms. I think you really have to get in a creative mode to be able to do it well. But yeah, I would definitely say so.”

What’s your creative process look like?

“Before corona times, I would like to get away somewhere quiet. My main place I used to write was at the UAA library. It’s quiet but I like having people around. I like having people in the periphery. But also, it takes me away from home and home office and that sort of thing where there’s always other things to do.”

Are there any other creative hobbies that you like to do?

“Only in the last maybe 10 years or so, I’ve started drawing… It’s not something I did as a kid or anything like that, but I find sometimes it’s a nice segway into writing.”

What brought that about?

“My kids actually, being in school and doing art, and sometimes I just sit down and draw with them. So that’s kind of how it started.”

What’s it like when you draw? Is it kind of like a stress reliever?

“I call it a brain break. It tickles a totally different part of your mind. I wouldn’t say I’m very talented. I wouldn’t show anybody what I did, but I find it fun.”

In general, what does it feel like to create something?

“Oh it’s bliss, going in that state of flow. It’s one of the best feelings in the world.”

How would you encourage others to express themselves creatively?

“I think it’s a lot like writing, where you write that terrible first draft, and you would die if anyone saw it. So I think with any other creative pursuit, just allow yourself to explore it without worrying about anyone else seeing it.”

How important is it for creative people to listen to that little voice inside them that wants to get out?

“I think it’s vital. I think when people don’t explore that voice or creativity, they can be really frustrated. I’m not sure how else to phrase it, but it makes life worth living to be able to express yourself and write things down.”

What are some ways people can keep their creative juices flowing in spite of social distancing measures?

“I think we’re lucky in Alaska because we can get outside… We can still get out and faithfully distant from other people. I think it’s really important to get out in nature. One thing I like to do, an exercise, is just to go for a walk or a run, and really pay attention to what I can see, what I can hear, what I can smell; and just focus maybe on one particular sense. For me, that’s really meditative.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com