Tell us about THE RED ZONE.

The Red Zone is a love story of the body, the menstrual cycle, the self, stepparenting, and the non-nuclear family. It was my attempt to write a book with the menstrual cycle at the center.

How are you nesting during this time?

I’m nested upstate in Hudson, NY, in my closet/office, and the tree outside my window finally blossomed with green. I watch the birds and squirrels (and the occasional cat) out the window.

 Do you have a bird story or favorite feathered friend?

When I lived in Portland, Oregon, a friend let me use her cabin in Cannon Beach. I drove there with a friend, and as soon as we arrived, a hummingbird flew inside and would not leave—it kept banging against the glass of the window. We named them Larry.

What is your most memorable reading experience?

There are so many, but probably reading with Eileen Myles at the Long Island City reading series in 2017. Whenever you get to read with a person who made you a writer—it’s unforgettable. It was such a fantastic night.

What makes you most excited about THE RED ZONE?

It’s definitely exciting that I was able to figure out a way to publish a memoir about my period—getting a book published in general is tough, so I feel like that was a win, thanks to independent presses like Soft Skull, and editors like Yuka Igarashi. I’m excited it could help partners of people with periods understand them better.

 To tweet or not to tweet?

Ah, to tweet—I miss those days. I absolutely loved tweeting, but in 2016 or so, I deactivated my account because I was working on book edits for I’ll Tell You in Person. When I went back to activate it, I’d lost everything. I took it as a sign and have stayed off since. I miss it every day. (Just kidding. Sort of.)

What book(s) do you have at your bedside right now?

Since I don’t commute anywhere, I don’t keep books in a bag. But near my bed is Other People’s Clothes by Calla Henkel, Speak by Laurie Anderson, and Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters. I haven’t begun the last two yet, but I’m crazy about Other People’s Clothes.

Can you tell us your favorite rejection story?

When I was twenty-five, I sent an essay to a column The New York Times used to run, called Townies. Unbelievably, they accepted my essay. But then, get this: THEY CHANGED THEIR MIND. That was tough.

There was also an agent a few years ago who asked to meet me for coffee, but after I sent her a draft of The Red Zone, she changed her mind. Ouch!

 What literary journals do you love?

Taco Bell Quarterly is brilliant! Obviously I love Pigeon Pages; The Rumpus and Hobart always have a place in my heart. I always feel like for literary journals, the smaller the better.

 What shakes your tail feathers?

Discover Weekly playlists, the Seek Treatment podcast, and Pamela Adlon.

What advice do you have for fledgling writers?

Play the long game. There isn’t instant gratification in writing. That’s what makes it special. It’s the antidote to social media.

What other eggs do you have in your basket right now?

This September I’ll be teaching nonfiction at a destination writing workshop in Paris, and I also have classes coming up at Litreactor and the Fine Arts Work Center.

Published August 14th, 2022