The Guardian’s Carter Sherman fondly recalls being terrified by Ocarina of Time

Carter Sherman has been covering sex, sexuality, and the complex personal and national politics that accompany it for years. She was a great correspondent for Deputy And he wrote to deer, Ms. Magazine, and Los Angeles Magazine as well. Along the way, she received a Scripps Howard Award, a National Press Club Journalism Award, and four Emmy Award nominations.

Sherman was kind enough to tell us about her reliance on coffee and the collection of quotes she keeps for when she needs inspiration.

What is your indispensable tool?

My French press. I’m from Seattle, so I like to think I take my coffee honestly.

How many tabs do you have open now?

The limit does not exist.

What game do you have the best memories of?

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. As a child, I was terrified by the music that accompanied the Deku Tree’s dungeon(s).

What is one thing you wish you had created?

The song “Happy Birthday”. Think about royalties.

What creation are you most proud of?

I’m very proud of my book, The Second Coming: Sex and the next generation’s struggle over its future. To report on this, I interviewed more than 100 people under 30 about their experiences and thoughts about sex in the wake of #MeToo, the pandemic, and the coup. Roe v. Wade. I was honored that so many people felt comfortable with me and were willing to open up about such an intimate topic. I spent a decade covering reproductive health, sex and sexuality as a newspaper and video reporter The second coming It really felt like the culmination of that reporting.

What is your current obsession?

Rick and Morty. I devoured the first eight seasons of this show in about two weeks.

What do you do when you feel stuck?

When I come across a particularly evocative piece of writing, I add it to the list I keep in my notes app. Then, when I feel stuck, I scroll through that list. Sometimes, phrases will spark a thought; This always reminds me that good writing—the process of trying to figure out exactly what you’re trying to say—is worth the work. (Some recent additions to my list: “Little Rounds of Laughter,” courtesy of Shirley Jackson; “With a Look Like a Lasso,” courtesy of Carson McCullers; “Her Voice Was Warm with Nostalgia,” courtesy of Katie Kitamura.)

What do you think is worth spending on?

What will your resume slogan be?

What’s the last GIF or meme you used?