University of Minnesota – Duluth students in David Beard’s Minnesota Writers class interviewed local writers and wrote spotlight articles that we will showcase in the coming months. 

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Upon entering Professor Emily Gaarder’s office, my eyes were immediately drawn to her shirt, which proudly displayed the word “feminist.” I couldn’t help but smile and comment on it, sparking an instant connection. As a double major in Writing Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, I’m committed to feminist causes and animal activism– two areas where Professor Gaarder has left a significant mark. This conversation was more than an interview; it was a chance to learn from someone who had merged advocacy with academic work and creative expression in ways that I hope to emulate.

Professor Gaarder, a feminist, animal rights activist, writer, and musician, has made waves in both academic, activist, and musical communities across Minnesota. As we settled in, I quickly realized that this conversation would be a powerful learning experience for any young writer passionate about social justice. Gaarder’s career demonstrates how one can seamlessly merge creative expression with advocacy, inspiring others along the way.

Gaarder shared how her early passion for both animal rights and feminist issues grew into a lifelong commitment, rooted in both academic study and hands-on activism. “Our everyday practices of activism are important and help us stay grounded. Activism, just like in this time and age…can feel overwhelming. Everywhere we turn. So, we have to work with people,” she explained. She described how her career has been a balancing act between teaching, parenting, writing, singing, and dedicating herself to causes she cares deeply about.

She also shared a pivotal moment in her life when her understanding of music’s power to convey ideas expanded. “Sarah Thompson, who is a local singer, songwriter, and musician I really love and have learned from, she would sometimes come to my classes and talk about how you could be teaching or sharing about an idea.” Sarah’s approach to art opened Gaarder’s eyes to the unique way music can impact people. She recalled how Sarah would use music and art to help students better understand the immigrant experience, explaining that “music and art come into the brain in a different way.” Gaarder found this perspective valuable because it suggested that, at times, music can communicate emotions and ideas in ways that are more accessible, engaging the heart rather than just the mind.

When I commented on how some people prefer writing over music, or vice-versa, as a form of self-expression, Gaarder agreed, noting that different people resonate with different forms of art. She continued, “I have writers and poets I read who, you know, I don’t need it to be musical, it just kinda sings on the page. I don’t really know how to do that. I can do it with the music but I don’t think I could do it the other way.” For Gaarder, the beauty of creative expression lies in how each person finds their own unique method of communication—whether through words, music, or both. Her ability to move between different forms of expression, while acknowledging their distinct qualities, highlights her deep understanding of how art can serve as a powerful tool for advocacy and connection.

When I asked Professor Gaarder which musician she would collaborate with, she eagerly jumped into the conversation, naming several artists who have influenced her over the years. ‘Waxahatchee’ was the first to come to mind, inspiring Gaarder because of her boldness and risk-taking in music. She then reflected on her college years, where artists like the Indigo Girls and Ani DiFranco had a profound impact on her. “They made me think, ‘Oh my God, I don’t play the guitar,’” Gaarder confessed, sharing how their socially conscious and feminist lyrics motivated her to pick up the guitar. At the time, certain topics or issues were viewed as taboo to discuss publicly, but these artists openly embraced progressive values and queer identities, showing Gaarder that it was possible to merge activism with music in a way that felt authentic.

When I asked Professor Gaarder about the challenges of balancing the personal and professional aspects of writing, particularly when working on topics close to her beliefs, she offered a thoughtful response. Rather than simply answering, she turned the question back on me, asking me to choose which aspect I found most interesting. I opted for her perspective as a writer, and she shared some insights that highlighted the tension between personal conviction and professional responsibility. Gaarder explained that when writing about her own research, she’s always aware of the need for reflexivity. “There’s no such thing as neutrality,” she said, acknowledging the importance of recognizing her perspective while engaging with the data. She emphasized that a writer must be open to standing by their research or theory, even if it challenges others. “If you’re a people pleaser,” she added, “you have to work on that.” Writing, especially about topics she deeply cares about, requires her to embrace criticism and stand firm in her views, knowing that some will disagree.

The same challenge extends to her music. Gaarder reflected on the process of writing and performing a song, where listeners might interpret her lyrics differently than she intended. “Some people are gonna connect to it because they actually think it’s something that I don’t think it’s about, but that’s okay,” she said. This acknowledgment of varied interpretations led her to consider the importance of staying true to her creative intent while being open to the feedback and reactions of others.

During our conversation, I asked Professor Gaarder how her creative process in music-making with the band The Rhizomes compares to the process of writing a book. Her response reflected both the similarities and differences between the two forms of creative expression. “You still have to put in the work,” she said. “Just because for me it’s more flowy, it’s more fun, but also it’s still hard.” For Gaarder, the creative process, whether for music or writing, requires consistent effort. One of the biggest challenges, she explained, is finding the time to commit to creativity when life demands so much attention.

When I asked if she finds parallels in how she approaches each creative process, Gaarder responded thoughtfully. She acknowledged that while she approaches music and writing differently, the underlying themes of accountability and social support are present in both. She is part of a writing group with other women faculty, where the members hold each other accountable to show up for their work. “There’s something about the social support of that that makes a difference,” Gaarder noted. The social aspect of creative work, whether in writing or music, helps combat the isolation often associated with the process. Gaarder expressed the importance of having a space where creators can give and receive feedback, which is just as crucial for musicians as it is for writers.

She also shared advice from a songwriter, Stephen Kellogg, who said, “Just say it straight, then say it great.” This advice, which applies to both academic writing and songwriting, encourages writers and musicians not to get bogged down by perfectionism in the initial stages. “We can overcorrect ourselves,” Gaarder reflected, “‘That’s not good enough,’ or ‘That’s too cliche.’ You’ll remember the emotion, the idea, or the concept. You can say it great, later.” This approach to writing resonated with me, as I often struggle with the expectation that my first draft must be flawless. Gaarder offered a reassuring perspective, sharing how her friend, an academic writer, drafts and revises her work multiple times before it reaches its final form. “Perfectionism is the enemy of creativity,” Gaarder said. Her words made me realize that the creative process isn’t about getting everything perfect right away– It’s about giving yourself the freedom to revise and grow along the way.

Phoebe Diez is a double major in Writing Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She has a passion for exploring feminist topics, including women’s rights, violence against women, and reproductive health, in her written work. She also writes personal stories that touch on themes of childhood nostalgia, mental health, and personal growth. A creative writer at heart, Phoebe has earned recognition in writing contests, winning 1st and 3rd place in creative writing competitions. Outside of writing, she enjoys playing video games, like Dead by Daylight and The Sims, and spending time with her twin sister and friends watching horror movies and scary video game playthroughs. Phoebe currently works at Canal Bark, a doggy daycare and overnight boarding facility, where she cares for dogs, puppies, kittens, and cats. She dreams of becoming a published author or editor.