Senior Veronica Tucker can be considered a double threat, experienced in both visual arts and creative writing. Just last year, while creating two dozen pieces for her AP visual arts portfolio, she simultaneously authored and self-published a short story, entitled “Immune to Time.” Tucker utilizes both platforms to explore a variety of complex subjects, ranging from invalidation to the human condition.

Q: How long have you been writing, and what sparked your interest in the subject?

A: I have been writing for as long as I can remember. I have journals dating back to 2006, filled with short stories and extended narratives. What really motivated me to write — and what still motivates me — is books. I have always been an avid reader, and throughout my life, I have always pushed myself to create something I felt was worth being read.

Q: Talk me through the process of writing your short story, “Immune to Time.” How long did it take to write, and was it difficult to balance with schoolwork?

A: Once I came up with my idea, I developed an outline — that was always subject to change — and started writing from there. I began writing my short story in December of 2017 and finalized it in April of the next year. I always find it incredibly difficult to balance school work and any creative endeavor because I struggle to prioritize either one. I spent a lot of late nights writing and a lot of early mornings doing school work, but in the end, I think I managed my time well.

Q: What was the self publishing process like?

A: I researched a lot. I had to find the company that was right for what I wanted to produce. After I did, I finalized my story and formatted each page to look the way I wanted it to when it was bound.

Q: What’s your short story about?

A: It is a story about a boy and his imaginary friend, but more so, it is a story about invalidation and how that invalidation allows us to grow and falter as humans.

Q: Did you draw from any art, films or books for inspiration for your story?

A: Most definitely. My initial inspiration for my story came from “The Shining,” “Coraline” and “The Twilight Zone.” I wanted to emulate the eeriness and complexity present in these works.

Q: In your visual art, is there a certain media or theme you like to explore? What are your inspirations?

A: I love drawing bugs, so they are present in almost every piece I create. I also like to have a meaning in my art, so I often explore current issues and questions concerning the human condition. I am heavily inspired by Francis Bacon, as well as some of my favorite films like “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and “The Shining.”

Q: Do you have plans or goals for visual art and/or writing in the future?

A: I plan to major in English and possibly minor in art. I hope to teach English at the college level and hopefully become a published author, and maybe even get on that New York Times Bestseller List.