We love learning more about our contributors, and an interview seemed like a fun way to hear more about the writers and artists we publish, so we gave them a choice of questions to answer. We hope you also enjoy hearing more about the artists and their works. Read on and check out the Second Chances reprints special for "Dolly" from Rachel Henderson.



What was the inspiration for the piece published in the issue?
Years ago, when I was living in Colorado, a friend invited me out to his aunt’s place in the middle of nowhere. Her house was bananas – they claimed it was actually two giant farmhouses grafted together – with themed room after themed room. It was like a kitsch version of the Winchester Mystery House. After a (very, very long) grand tour, we were treated to a milk can supper. It was all so delightfully strange.

What do you do in the rest of your life and how does that connect and/or conflict with your creative life? 
My job revolves around data and financials for insurance claims. It's not at all connected to my creative life, but being steeped in numbers all day does make me eager to get home and get writing – in that way, it's weirdly inspiring.

If you're part of a workshop group or other creative community, tell us about it! How did it form, what all do you do, and how does it help your creative process?
I'm in a writing group/class run by a local author. A few people have their work critiqued each week, and I find the whole in-person feedback process (both giving and receiving) incredibly beneficial. Sometimes, just having to talk out loud to other people about my own writing – rather than muttering to the wall – helps switch on the light bulb over my head. It also doesn't hurt that we meet in a bar.