Interview with a Carpenter

Hello! This is a little later than I was intending to get this post published, but, that’s just the way it worked out. Anyway, you may have noticed that I’ve been experimenting with a few different topics here on the blog. Books, tips for enjoying winter, essay-like posts. Now I’ll be moving further out and sharing a short interview I had with a carpenter.

The carpenter in question is Caleb (of the Youtube channel Measure Once, Cut Twice — You should check it out!) He’s also an all around handyman, and will try just about anything diy-ish, really. Perhaps most importantly, for this blog post at least, he also happens to be my younger brother. 😉

Due to time constraints, the interview questions were fired off by myself at a rapid pace, but I received answers to them that I will now relay on to you!

The Interview:

Leading off with something simple, I asked Caleb:

Q: What is your favorite thing to make?

A: “Anything that’s wood, without metal fasteners. Not really any particular project.”

Q: So you just like making stuff?

A: Yeah.

Q: Do you find the process enjoyable?

A: Yes. Especially if it involves dowels.

Q: What was the first thing you made?

A: The first thing I made? (Groans) Out of wood? A table. A side table. It didn’t work very well.

Q: What was the hardest?

A: The hardest thing? Woodworking or in general? (laughs)

Interviewer answers “in general”.

A: (A moment’s hesitation) A folding pocket knife.

Interviewer questions about most difficult project in wood.

A: Probably cabinet doors. Raised cabinet doors.

Q: What keeps you doing it?

A: I really like doing it. And I don’t want to do anything else.

Q: Why did you want to start woodworking, when you were younger?

A: Probably because I started with Legos. And then I wanted to make stuff I could actually use, that wasn’t made of Legos. That’d probably be the biggest thing.

And finally: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: I had no idea. Never thought about it. Not even a little bit. (laughs).

Wrapping Up:

Now, you may be wondering why I have decided to share an interview with a carpenter on a blog that mainly deals with writing and books and all that goes along with those things. In answer, I would point out that everyday experiences are very valuable to a writer. How can one write about something if all one does is sit in front of a computer or before a blank sheet of paper. Some of the best inspiration comes when you’re not looking for it, but that also means that you have to get out there and see what other people do with their time.

On that note, I’m hoping to do short interviews and write up blog posts with other people that I know, if they are willing. 😉

Did you enjoy this post? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. ~ Emily