October's Web Exclusive story "Ray Charles Never Lost Anything Important" brings an ancient archetype, the soothsayer, to a group of teenagers in East Los Angeles in a funny and sweet, totally believable scene that could take place at almost any time. We chatted with Anessa Ibrahim recently about mysticism and belief and writing. Erin McReynolds: First of all, congratulations on your first publication! Personally, it's my favorite thing when we find a story we really like and then find out … [Read more...] about Web Exclusive Interview: Anessa Ibrahim
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Web Exclusive Interview: Kyle McCarthy
"I think being a woman is insane," says the narrator in September's hilarious and timely Web Exclusive story, "The Seagull." With keen wit, Kyle McCarthy illustrates the unwinnable, frustrating, and ultimately pretty ridiculous conundrum that being a good, modern feminist can be. Given where we are right now, as a country, and the coincidental connection we both had to Chekhov's Seagull, we had a lot to discuss. Erin McReynolds: This story grabbed me right away because it started out the way … [Read more...] about Web Exclusive Interview: Kyle McCarthy
Web Exclusive Interview: Michael Czyzniejewski
In August, we published a Web Exclusive story, "Monster," that seemed fitting (given that it was playground season and all) and creepy. But not creepy in the way you'd think—the unexpected twist of this story lodges itself in the place where our inadequacies lie, and it's comforting to be so recognized, isn't it? We talked to author Michael Czyzniejewski about this last month. Erin McReynolds: Your narrator in "Monster" is super relatable—in this era of social media, we're making constant … [Read more...] about Web Exclusive Interview: Michael Czyzniejewski
Web Exclusive Interview: Shoshana Akabas
In June's Web Exclusive story, "Between the Shores," two people seem to move in parallel throughout their lives, always a hair's breadth away from interacting directly, only feeling the ripples of each other's actions but never knowing each other. We spoke with author Shoshana Akabas about this idea, about interconnectedness and empathy, and how our treatment of refugees right now doesn't bode well for either. Erin McReynolds: In “Between the Shores” two people move through their lives … [Read more...] about Web Exclusive Interview: Shoshana Akabas
Web Exclusive Interview: Daisy Johnson
April's Web Exclusive, "A Bruise the Size and Shape of a Door Handle," is a haunting story whose slow, creeping tension evokes the likes of Edgar Allen Poe and Shirley Jackson. And yet it is so thoroughly modern, an enlightened study of unhinged, potent adolescent-female sexuality. Its author, Daisy Johnson, is surely destined for great things, so we're thrilled to have her story and interview here. Erin McReynolds: The collection from which this story comes is called, FEN, referring … [Read more...] about Web Exclusive Interview: Daisy Johnson
Web Exclusive Interview: Libby Flores
Our March Web Exclusive story, "Good," viewed a goodbye from the perspective of the one who did the dick move, "the bad guy," reminding us that good writing isn't at all interested in concept of "the bad guy." Author Libby Flores talked with us about writing the other side of the story, Amy Hempel's advice about tackling a big concept, and how Tom Waits lyrics are basically terrific flash fiction. Erin McReynolds: "Good" is nothing short of masterful in how much it gives in so few words: in … [Read more...] about Web Exclusive Interview: Libby Flores