Mary Laura Philpott on “Lobsterman”

Mary Laura Philpott on “Lobsterman”

Mary Laura Philpott takes normalcy to task in “Lobsterman” (Issue 6), a quick, witty essay about the misunderstandings and miscalculations of childhood. In this interview, she discusses her writing strategies, from finding inspiration in fiction to beating writer’s block.

S.R. Aichinger on “Flea Market”

S.R. Aichinger on “Flea Market”

In “Flea Market” (Issue 3), S.R. Aichinger recounts a Nebraska flea market, a set of Nancy Drew novels, and the end of a relationship.  In the following interview, Aichinger discusses and slam poetry, authors to whom he is drawn, and rattlesnakes.

Erin Celello on “Killing Time”

Erin Celello on “Killing Time”

Erin Celello addresses our uneasy relationship with nature in her essay “Killing Time” (Issue 4) by exploring the various forms of animal death our consciences have to confront. In this interview, she discusses her creative process, from the state of her workplace to the way she deals with writer’s block.

Jenni Simmons on “A Strange and Common Meal”

Jenni Simmons on “A Strange and Common Meal”

In her eloquent essay, “A Strange and Common Meal” (Issue 6), Jenni Simmons reflects on the many forms “communion” takes, from sacred ritual to Southern suppers. In her interview, Simmons discusses coloring, her workspace, and her influences.

Shasta Grant on “The Long Way Home”

Shasta Grant on “The Long Way Home”

Shasta Grant writes on adoption, belonging, and letting go in “The Long Way Home” (Issue 2). In her interview, Grant discusses motherhood, her workspaces, and her happiest moment.

Richard Gilbert on, “Don’t Call Me Dick”

Richard Gilbert on, “Don’t Call Me Dick”

A confrontation at a cafeteria table in first grade begins Richard Gilbert’s moving essay, “Don’t Call Me Dick” (Issue 6), about naming, adolescence, and coming in to one’s own. In his interview, Gilbert discusses his influences, his happiest moment, and the reason he decided to write his piece.

Holly Allin on “A Single Step”

Holly Allin on “A Single Step”

Holly Allin’s piece, “A Single Step” (Issue 2), depicts a biking adventure from Argentina to Alaska, a stray dog and a lesson on courage. In her interview, Allin discusses how photos helped with her piece, her inspiration for writing her piece, and monkeys.

Naomi Guttman on “Red Elephant”

Naomi Guttman on “Red Elephant”

Naomi Guttman’s essay “Red Elephant” (Issue 8), uses a gift from the past to explore point of view and a long buried relationship in Quebec. In the following interview, Guttman discusses her creative process, her influences, and the importance of sharing work with others.

Susan Fox Rogers on, “Canvasback”

Susan Fox Rogers on, “Canvasback”

In “Canvasback” (Issue 5), by Susan Fox Rogers, you’ll meet a woman whose passion for birding helps her escape a midlife crisis. In the following interview, Rogers discusses birding, nonfiction writers, and her motto.

Marcia Aldrich on “Walk on By”

Marcia Aldrich on “Walk on By”

Marcia Aldrich describes the darker side of garage sales — and what we learn when we learn to let go in “Walk on By” (Issue 3). In her interview, Aldrich discusses inspiration, how having a child influenced her writing, and her motto.