About “The Alter”

1. What was your motivation for writing “The Alter”?

To write a story addressing AI and questions of humanism and art.

2. What challenges—if any—did you have writing your short story?

No real challenges. Just taking time to think through its implications.

3. What is your favourite line—if any—in “The Alter”?

“I went down to the crossroads, and the Devil got down on HIS knees.”

4. What do you want people to walk away with after reading “The Alter”?

The implications of AI and its impact on what we call a ‘soul.’

5. Is there anything else you would like to talk about regarding “The Alter” that hasn’t been asked?

I wanted to say as much as possible with as few words as possible. I’ve been drawn to flash fiction and how it can work as a poem does.

Reading

1. What are you currently reading?

The Feral Detective. I bought it used at the local library.

2. Do you have a favourite book? If so, what is it?

I don’t think I have one favorite. If I do, it’s Leaves of Grass. It was my first foray into literature at an early age.

3. What is your favourite poet or author, if any?

Again, no one in particular. 

4. Do you gravitate towards reading genres outside the ones you write?

Yes. I like crime fiction. Noir, preferably. 

Writing

1. Why do you write?

Hobby, entertainment, catharsis. 

2. What do you love about being a writer?

A voice I don’t possess when speaking.

3. What time of the day do you write, and do you have a writing routine?

No favorite time or routine. When a thought or ideas strikes me. I am more of a hobbyist at this point of my life. [When] writing is work, it isn’t fun.

4. Where do you get your ideas from?

From life. More often, thematic issues of literary publications list deadlines in Duotrope or Submittable. 

5. How long does it take you to write your projects?

I can complete a 1,000 [word] story in an afternoon.

6. What advice would you give to other authors/writers/poets?

Never say a writer is who I am, or if you do, get over yourself. 

7. What project(s) are you currently working on?

Trying to publish a personal essay on the recent tragic death of a friend.