Do you have a bird story or favorite feathered friend?

Owls. 

What is your most memorable reading experience?

Once, while living in a small Ukrainian village during the gas crisis (Russia tried to basically kill us by cutting off the gas), I was so cold I didn’t want to take my hands out from under the blanket but I still wanted to read, because I was bored, and I thought my fingers were going to freeze off while reading Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye. I wouldn’t have said it was my favorite reading experience at the time, but somehow that physical memory registers as my “favorite” right now. 

What makes you most excited about Boy Erased?

One thing I think people miss, because of the subject matter, is the beauty of the small town where I grew up. I went to great lengths to describe some of that beauty alongside some of the more harrowing internal thoughts I was experiencing at the time. 

To tweet or not to tweet?

Owls hoot.

What books do you have in your bag right now?

I’m reading Impossible Owls (!!!) by Brian Phillips. 

Can you tell us your favorite rejection story?

I get embarrassed by rejection stories. Mags are typically so overworked and people miss great stuff all the time, and it makes me sad, both for the writer and the editor. But my personal fave rejection came from Roxane Gay, when she worked at PANK. She told me my story was strong but that I needed to work on details, that details are what make a story. She’s right.

What literary journals do you love?

Alaska Quarterly was a fave in my grad school days. Also really enjoy VQR. When I was in a grad program I loved to find random journals and open up to random stories and just read, then research the author. Still think that’s my favorite method for inspiration. 

What shakes your tail feathers?

People who are self-aware but not jaded. 

What advice do you have for fledgling writers?

Don’t quit! 

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

I’m writing a novel due Spring 2019.