Evan Bonavita is 826LA’s new Program Coordinator at the Venice High School Writers’ Room, our newest on-campus writing lab. She is a Los Angeles native who moved to Riverside to earn her BA in English with a minor in creative writing – poetry, at UC Riverside. During this time she interned with San Bernardino County public libraries, and founded a book club and creative writing workshop at UCR. In her free time, Evan enjoys exploring LA’s literary scene, performing at poetry open mics, browsing local bookstores and libraries, and finding interesting places to spend an afternoon writing. She is excited to foster a love of writing with 826LA’s students. We asked her a few questions about her passion for literature and learning.
What is your favorite thing to write?
I really enjoy writing experimental poetry and creating zines! Most of my writing is born in my journal which is really just a notebook full of everything from traditional journaling to lists, doodles, and prompt responses.
What was your favorite book as a kid?
Although I am a voracious reader now, it took me a while to appreciate reading beyond part of a task within an assignment. I credit Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck club for this love of reading. It was an assigned book during my freshman year of high school and I remember for the first time feeling immersed in the description and fully invested in each character’s storyline the same way I had been toward my favorite tv shows at the time.
Where do you feel the most creative?
When I’m in an energetic common space, at a literary event/open mic or through reading. I love bringing my current read and notebook to a coffee shop or library and taking in the hussle of life as it fills my surroundings. There’s something motivating for me about a busy atmosphere. I also find creative inspiration through my current read, (lately it’s been a lot of contemporary poetry and short stories) or the poetry readings at open mics. Surrounding myself among many creative perspectives has been one of my most valuable tools for my own writing.
What do you hope to learn and/or accomplish at 826LA?
I hope to inspire and be inspired. I’m here to be a resource to our community but I know the students’ (and everyone within 826) energy and own writing will be a great inspiration in my work and creativity.