Staff Spotlight: Anisse Gross
Posted by Guest Writer in 
Over the past few weeks we’ve been introducing you all to the wonderful consultants and coaches who help keep WriteByNight running like the smooth, well-oiled writers’ services machine it is.
Today, we’re pleased to introduce you to the newest addition to the WBN team, Anisse Gross. Get to know her in the Q&A below. Interested in working with her? That can certainly be arranged.
Where are you from?
I am from Kahalu’u, O’ahu.
How did you get your start as a writer?
The first story I wrote was when I was six. It was called “The Rosy Scarecrow,” about a scarecrow who desperately wanted to become a scientist. Since then I have definitely honed my skills.
What is your favorite thing about educating writers at WBN?
My favorite thing about educating writers is that I’m a writer, and I know what challenges exist for all of us. I think of it as two writers sitting down and sharing their experiences, so that we can make better art.
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
The hardest part of writing is revision. It’s easy to start new projects, but the difficult work is in the fine-tuning.
What is your strangest writing experience?
My strangest writing experiences are always when I wake up from a dream with a brilliant idea for a story. It’s when I really question where the artistic impulse comes from.
What’s the last book you read and what did you think of it?
I just finished Wendy MacNaughton’s illustrated book, Meanwhile in San Francisco. I rarely read illustrated books, but Wendy is such an amazing observer of the world around her. It’s a fantastic book and made me fall in love with San Francisco and its peoples all over again. I think paying attention to the world around you is a key component to being a great writer.
Where do you see the world of writing and publishing heading?
I think it’s a really exciting world for publishing. We are able to hear from so many more voices than we did just decades ago. I just hope writers will be able to make a living doing what they love.
Any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?
The only words of wisdom I have are to be open and aware as often as you can, and to work as often as possible. Open your heart and mind and work hard. It’s also a good idea to make friends with everyone.
Anisse Gross is an award-winning writer and editor. She received both her MA and MFA in fiction from San Francisco State University, where she was honored with the Graduate Award for Distinguished Achievement. She is working on a novel, Body Cavity, which received the Clark Gross Novel Award, and a book of nonfiction. Her work has been featured in The New Yorker, The Believer,Lucky Peach, The Rumpus, BuzzFeed, KQED and elsewhere.