BCC Shines A Light On: Katy Goforth
Name of the piece published by BCC:
When/where was it originally published:
June 2022 in Coalesce Community
Tell us more about your piece! What is the background of the piece? What led you to write it? What’s your process?
A friend died in an accident about a decade ago. I was called to the scene. Grief is tricky and for some reason it was trickier with a person that wasn’t related to me. I buried it for a long time and couldn’t write about it. I would try. Nothing would come out. Then one day it all poured out. I was ready.
I’m a sprinter when it comes to writing, and I don’t have dedicated writing time. I write when I have something I want to say. I’m never going to be the writer that sits down and dedicates a morning to writing. It’s taken time, but I’ve also had to realize that reading and writing down random stuff that flies through my brain is also part of my process. When I feel stuck, I will go back and read the tid bits I write down. There’s usually something hiding in there that sparks an idea.
How did you feel when it was first published and how have your thoughts or feelings on the piece changed from then to now?
This is one of the first pieces I ever sent out for publication. I was so nervous because it was very personal. I had cut myself wide open and was offering everyone a look. But I needed to do this for me. It had been floating around in me for a decade, and I wanted to get it out in the open. Rather than go to therapy, I write. So here we are!
It's still unnerving to put yourself out there, but I have had people reach out to tell me how the essay affected their own grief. It’s nice to know I’m not alone. Probably not a good idea to sit in it alone for too long.
My friend died at 36 years old. The reality of just how young that is hits me now.
Is there a specific message you would like readers to take away from reading this piece?
It’s ok to sit in your grief by yourself for a bit. But do try to find an outlet at some point. It’s not healthy to let it fester. It doesn’t mean you have to go and talk to someone about it. But figure out a way to process it that suits you best. It was paralyzing for me, and I’m glad I finally wrote about it. There are still parts I didn’t share. Those are mine.
Also, always go share a piece of shitty tasting vegan cake with your friend. It will be a good time.
What else would you like to tell readers about your writing? (Doesn’t have to refer only to your BCC piece)
Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, my place and my people are all woven into my writing. I can’t escape it if I tried. So, I lean in.
Where can readers find more of your work? (Website/social media, etc)
I post all of my published work on my website at katygoforth.com. My prose collection, Anchored, is coming out in February 2025 (Belle Point Press). I’m also on X (@MarchingFourth) and Instagram (@katygoforthwrites). I’m a fiction editor for Identity Theory. Send me something to read!
