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. Check out Issue #27 for work from Sarah Oechsle and more.


What was the inspiration for the piece published in the issue?
They really do sell these custom dolls. That's what first inspired me. One day, I was building my own on their website--for fun, like Build-A-Bear--and I had the intense urge to purchase her, so she could keep me company and live in my house. Then I figured it would feel wonderful to kill her. Gabby is like me in many ways, and who doesn't want to destroy themselves at least a little bit?


What is your #1 advice for other writers or artists?
Get feedback and try to listen to it, even when you think it's wrong. You'll never get better without people who tell you what you could be doing better, and sadly, it's almost impossible to figure it out on your own. Finding other writers and building collaborative relationships with them has made all the difference in the world.


What are your 3-5 favorite and 3-5 least favorite words and why?
No "why," really, but my favorites are Albatross, Kitty, Cascade, Goddamn, and Honeymoon. My least favorites are Belch, Panties, Synergy, Suckle, and Creamy. Ick.


We think of "after happy hour" as the time you can really let loose and be yourself. What is your after happy hour?
I have to shout out my writing group for this one: AVL Writers in Asheville, North Carolina. Every Wednesday, we go to the same dive bar after our "official" critique group, and it is very literally after happy hour. Meeting these friends and realizing that "yes, you really can write whatever you want" is what helped me to write this story in the first place. Getting drunk and being weirdos together is just a huge bonus.


What is your favorite vice? What are you drinking at happy hour, in a literal or a metaphorical sense?
I have too many vices to pick a favorite. Sleep is my healthiest vice, but I love doing it to excess. When I wake up, I miss my dreams and look forward to getting back to them. I change up my happy hour drink regularly, but lately I've liked a double-tall vodka soda (a pint glass of water with a shot of vodka in it). I'll never say no to a negroni in the darkest corner of a bar, either.