Interviews
The Lightning Room With Alice Bolin
Alice Bolin’s “Pool” appeared in our December issue (and also made the longlist for 2012’s Wigleaf Top 50). Here, we talk about the desolation of childhood, BLACK HOLE, and abandonment. 1. This piece reads almost like a ritual to me: in … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Tawnysha Greene
PANK and Tawnysha Greene – author of the short story “Daddy’s Teeth” in our December issue – talk scars. 1. This is an immensely physical piece; the casual, bodily damage it describes is almost difficult to read. Can you tell us … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Maggie Millner
Here, Maggie Millner’s “Equus” – in our December issue – goes to Andalusia. 1. One on level, this poem is about longing, a longing that can only be dealt with in a visceral, sexual way. What is one emotion that … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Brennan Bestwick
Brennan Bestwick speaks about his poem “Surname NASA” in the December issue – infinite love, tethering space, and the anatomy of the universe. 1. I think there is a lot to say in this poem about ancestry, about what our … Continue reading
An Interview Between Max Wolf Valeria and j/j hastain
MWV: What is the relationship of the body to identity, and how does language intercede–or not? For me, body (corpuscle and feelings therein) and page (what for me is one of contemporary languages’ core impetuses) correlate in stippling-like processes, always … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Rebecca Nison
In our December issue, Rebecca Nison’s “Eastward.” We talked about public performance, New York sensory experiences, and constructed environments, among other things. 1. “Eastward” is very precisely located: Manhattan, Union Square, proceeding east street by street. Yet despite such a … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Changming Yuan
Changming Yuan like a leaf, like water, like a building seven hundred children tall. (see Changming’s Skyline in our Jan issue) Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Kevin Tang
Kevin Tang’s comic “An Ethnography of L.ipsum” melted (molted) faces in our December issue. HERE GOES: 1. In graphic design, Loren ipsum is the Latin placeholder text that gives the sense of how a presentation will appear visually in terms … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Molly McArdle
Molly McArdle’s “The Wearied Cords” appeared in our December issue. We talk about rewriting geography, the reversal of colonial power, and building out of loss. 1. Tell us a little bit about the process of building “The Wearied Cords”; where … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With M. R. Sheffield
Stay awhile and listen to M. R. Sheffield (story in the Nov. issue) describe herself on a beach surrounded by strange men, running from swords, and surrounds what follows her heart in quotes. Maybe forgiveness? Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Karen Eileen Sisk
Won’t you join Karen Eileen Sisk (five poems in nov. issue) as she tells us why preserving a room full of a bunch of dead people and Judy Blume while unleashing the concentrated blabbermouth of anger at the lush from a living room couch is the only way to live. Continue reading
The Lightning Room with Rae Gouirand
Won’t you join us and make a murderous face with Rae Gouirand as she discusses the interesting blurriness of whether it’s better to be understood or to be loved (see her poem In Lieu of Questions in our Jan Issue). Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Cameron Walker
This Saturday, a spark from the past. Cameron Walker’s “Ripening†graced our September issue with its magical presence; here, she talks about mothermagic, people changing into food, and the words that make things hurt. 1. There are certain words in … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Danez Smith
In the third PANK queer issue, Danez Smith gave us two poems, “Mail†and “10 RentBoy Commandments.†Below, we discuss the violence that tries to stay hidden, the nature of performance, and the very same hands we use to pray … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Anne Hays
In our latest queer issue, Anne Hays’ “You’re Like This And I’m Like” gave us clashing narratives on either side of the generational divide. Here, Anne gives us a look at this glorious mashup, this myth of memory: 1. To … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Laura Tansley
From the queer issue, Laura Tansley’s “The Wake She Leaves Like A Whirlpool,” bring us ever in circles: 1. Much of “The Wake She Leaves Like A Whirlpool†piece seems to be about proof – the evidence we have that … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Anna Joy Springer
In the most recent queer issue, Anna Joy Springer gave us a fairy tale in the form of a rebus with “The Forest of Despots’ Daughters.†Here, Anna shows us her creative process, the decoding of her particular art: 1. … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Mary Lou Buschi
In the history of our past, the dog days of July, we presented two poems by Mary Lou Buschi, “Eddie†and “When That Phone Call Comes.†We find them reinvigorated, in this interview with the author: 1. Who is Eddie? Eddie is … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Henry Hoke
In our latest queer issue, Henry Hoke took us deep down the river with “Bottomless Pit.†He talks with us, below, about reinvention, tangled creeks, and wishing for more wishes with coins that never hit the ground. 1. I love … Continue reading
Six Questions with Kristina Marie Darling of Noctuary Press
Noctuary Press publishes three titles a year, with a particular emphasis on female writers working with prose forms. We seek to create a record of, and bring visibility to, formally innovative work by women that is underrepresented in mainstream literary … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With E. Kristin Anderson
Eons ago, last September, [PANK] published two otherworldly poems by E. Kristin Anderson. Read on, for urban legends, chupacabras, and the Jersey Devil. 1. These two poems dwell on mysterious appearances and disappearances, of an unknowable natural world mixed with something … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Kima Jones
In the latest queer issue, Kima Jones wrote about holiness and bodies and Harlem and memory in “AD 2012.†We asked her questions about all of these things: 1. Talk a little bit about spaces that we can’t traverse, or … Continue reading
The Limits of Grotesque: A Conversation With Eric Raymond
Eric Raymond’s hilarious and trenchant first novel, Confessions from a Dark Wood, is now available from Ken Baumann’s Sator Press. Over the course of a month, I spoke with Eric via email about his new novel, the nature of satire … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Katy Gunn
In the latest Queer issue, “The Women Worked to Find Positive Traiits in Their Madness,” by Katy Gunn. Take us there, Katy: 1. This is not the only piece about Ruth Ann, Ira, and their madness. Can you tell us a little … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Gabby Gabby
Gabby Gabby (Tipping, Nov. Issue) shit-talks Phillip Roth for no reason while feeling nervous and bad at counting in a way her parents think is unchristian. Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Emily Mae Stokes
Emily Mae Stokes (3 poems, Nov. issue) from a tepee with relatively few demons, speaks in a clear fifth paragraph of stars about her wolves. Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Rachel Farrell
A revolution of bodies, in Rachel Farrell’s “Jean-Louise Is Not Really Interested,” from our September issue. 1. Are there things you refuse to know, that you will never investigate? Tell us some. I hate anything to do with wires. In … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Caleb Kaiser
From our September issue, swamps and storms from Caleb Kaiser. 1. These two poems both have water as a central element; tides, swamp waters, river-waves. What do you draw from the water? Water obviously has a universal quality to it. … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Aaron Burch
In the September issue, Aaron Burch describes the “Some Nights We Play Poker.” GET FAMOUS: 1. The house in which we collectively play poker—describe its neighborhood. What kinds of cars? People? Lawns? Architecture? One of those abandoned houses out in the … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Alia Hamada
From the September issue, Alia Hamada’s “Moustache Girl.†1. In what ways is the razor a rebellion? The razor is a tool for adolescent rebellion: becoming a woman too soon, at least sooner than a mother wants. All hairy women … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Cari Luna
Dramatic entrances and exits in Cari Luna’s “Gone to Water,†from our September issue. 1. Wilderness is as much a character in this story as Karen or Nicki or Alex, the dark force that takes us over. Are we really … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Dani Sandal
From our July issue, Dani Sandal’s elaborate, elusive “Maria in Drag.†1. This story possesses, on the one hand, a magical, fable-like temperament, while at the same time is cut with a harsh grittiness. How did you decide on the … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Alexandra Tanner
In our September issue, “Four Poems†from Alexandra Tanner. Read on, for mini-goats, lobster mac n’ cheese, and mergrace. 1. What will you miss most about this world? It’s a three-way tie between Chips Ahoy! cookies, YouTube videos of miniature … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Norman Savage
Norman Savage (Seven Poems): “Memory contains our desire; and we know our desires by their absence. It allows us to feel”; “Even when I had a dental plan, I was fucked. Genetics and diabetes”; “We are much dumber than what we suspect we are; we are around just long enough to become a nuisance” Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Alex Mattingly
Relax and enjoy while Alex Mattingly, author of The Big Nap, serves us up lessons on the profundity of wax bottle candy, the disappointment of raisins, and the mystery of The Sultan’s Virgin Brie. Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Aaron Crippen
Aaron Crippen (translator of Mu Cao’s Sexual Abuse) beds his roots in the soft dirt of original voices. Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Christopher Cokinos
Christopher Cokinos explains Why I Want To Fuck Rupert Murdoch to me (spoiler alert: it combines scruffy and scrotum). Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Keisha Lynne Ellis
Keisha Lynne Ellis talks the loudest about The Little Death in a land of no alarm clocks where everyone has a chance to die. Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Jenn Marie Nunes
Wherein Jenn discusses the never narratives of The Enchanted Historical Realm and the first street in America; all while the girl-y-est, most mythic, &objectified, bad-ass-est, hero thing-y thing around talks to God. Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Emma Smith-Stevens
Emma Smith-Stevens author of Anthem threatened in a field of shitty tattoos makes you a mix-tape of New York. Continue reading
The Lightning Room with Danielle Pafunda
From the June Issue, Danielle Pafunda’s startling “from The Book of Scab.” We love this interview. 1. When have you ever lost your taste for beauty? I never lose my taste for beauty, but often lose my taste for Beauty, … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Taryn Bowe
The pain of separation in Taryn Bowe’s “Surrogate Needs,” from our July issue. Scars follow: 1. Many parts of this story deal with transference—of memory, guilt, Gracie; from person to person, from person to memory, etc. Is this a typical … Continue reading
The Lightning Room With David Romanda
David Romanda talks from 13 hours in the future about the combo of pickles, gin, and speed in “My Wife & William.” Continue reading
The Lightning Room With Farren Stanley
Farren Stanley’s “Rawness of Remembering†collapses time within our July issue. Watch this one bloom, watch it boil down to essence: 1. The structure of this story seems to lend itself to self-consumption. Why did you choose to build it … Continue reading
The Lightning Room with Ali Shapiro
In our July issue, six scintillating poems by Ali Shapiro. Read on, for bursts. 1. When I read “If I Leave You Then Maybe I Won’t Have To Miss You So Much,†I think of it being read to an … Continue reading
The Lightning Room with Jaclyn Watterson
Once upon a time it was the month of May and we published “We Act” from Jaclyn Watterson. Now Jaclyn answers some questions. 1. In the 2008 election cycle, how would have your gang of girls helped Hilary Clinton secure … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Zoe Etkin
“Gods†was a poem in our July issue by Zoe Etkin. I talked to her, very carefully. 1. Your god-formula seems fairly sound, but I prefer marble, eggshell, clock. Where’s the spiritual content in the gods you produce? Maybe everyone’s … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Laura Ender
Laura Ender’s terrific story “Some Animals Have Funerals†appeared in our July issue. Learn where to put the ashes, below. 1. You make something that would usually seem so transgressive and wrong—stealing ashes from people’s remains—feel so intimate and touching. … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Rachelle Cruz
Two Poems from Rachelle Cruz, here, and J. Bradley’s final Interview, below. 1. How does it feel to be my final interview before my post as PANK’s Interviews Editor ends? Dang, I wish I brought fireworks and glittery churros and … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Lo Kwa Mei-en
Four Poems + five questions make for nine very special pieces of reading from Lo Kwa Mei-en. 1. What geography do you trust the most? Trust, for me, is more meaningful as an intentional act rather than a state of … Continue reading
Ask The Author: JR Fenn
JR Fenn discusses existential crises, growing up, and her story “Altogether,” published in the June Issue. 1. Why write to the screams of seagulls? Wouldn’t it be better if you were doing so to the screams of a Flock of … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Brett Elizabeth Jenkins
Brett Elizabeth Jenkins’s “Scheherazade,” previously published. Recently published, this interview about the piece. 1. What would you change your middle name to? I am too lazy to actually go through with changing my name (didn’t even do it when I … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kate Rutledge Jaffe
Kate Rutledge Jaffe’s wonderful Two Poems were in the June Issue. 1. Why are poets obsessed with collecting various things? Some of us are hoarders – of words, images, animated gifs… Collections can have a near-sublime impact. And the act … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Devan Goldstein
On writing and marriage, in response to “Three Short Essays for Aubrey Hirsch.” 1. How did your wife react to these essays when you showed them to her? Did you clear it with her before sending them off? What, if … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Masin Persina
Read Masin Persina’s Five Poems here, and then read his responses to six questions below. 1. Where did you get the idea to use pieces of New York Times articles in creating these poems? The New York Times poems came … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Randolph Pfaff
Randolph Pfaff, everybody, his Two Poems and his responses. 1. Whose name do you want on your laminated name tag? Someone else’s. I don’t want weird customers writing poems about me that use my real name. 2. What have you … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kirstin Scott
Below you will find responses to questions regarding Kirstin Scott’s June published piece “Advice for the Female Fetus.” 1. What advice have you provided to your fetus? I was mostly worried about oxygenation and all that, but I did try … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Annie Hartnett
Presenting responses to questions regarding “Dead Alice,” from Annie Hartnett, in the May Issue, ladies and gentlemen. 1. How would you react if a dead lover wrote you letters? I’d send them a care package. Things they might miss from life, … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Amanda Smeltz
From the May Issue, “Crown for a Natural Disaster,” by Amanda Smeltz. 1. In those moments you feel you are too stupid to write a poem, how do you stop yourself from doing it? I don’t. I’m too stupid to … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kate Folk
“The Ninety-Sixth Day” by Kate Folk was a part of the May Issue. 1. Who would you kidnap? Why would you kidnap them? I would not kidnap anyone. Look, I’ve seen “Fargo.” I know stuff would keep escalating, and next … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Eliza Smith
We questioned Eliza Smith about “Little Beast,” published the June Issue. Ghost stories, hauntings, fear in writing, racing pulses. 1. Why are you fascinated with ghost stories? Because everyone has one. My dad, who is one of the most level, … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Suzanne Richardson
Two Poems and this interview from Suzanne Richardson. Prepare yourself. 1. Who would you curse? How would you do it? I’m really not into cursing anyone. I’m not interested in focusing bad energy on anyone. I’m interested in exploring deep … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Laura Kochman
Laura Kochman wrote Five Poems, which we published in the May Issue. Now Laura will discuss the science of beaches and women in the woods. 1. Why did you choose to form these poems in the shape of prose? The … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Nandini Dhar
These Three Poems were published in the June Issue. 1. Why can’t a king ever marry a king? Absolutely can. But that’s not how it happened in the world I am writing about, and I try to stay honest in … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Jonathan Starke
Writing and bodybuilding, that’s a combination we can get sweaty over. Below Jonathan Starke responds to questions about his piece “Between Them,” published in the June Issue. 1. What was your finishing combination when you were a boxer? I liked … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Caleb Curtiss
We brought you Caleb Curtiss’s “A Taxonomy of the Space Between Us” in June. Below, Caleb discusses poetry’s fascination with death and time, amongst other topics. 1. Your essay begins very poem-like but then transitions into an essay. Why did … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Grant Faulkner
Read Grant Faulkner’s sparse yet evocative piece “Model Upside Down On The Stairs” in July’s issue. © Francesca Woodman 1. Which line of this piece did you write first? Where did it start? A friend of mine actually sent me … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Ross McMeekin
Ross McMeekin discusses fatherhood’s con-artistry while discussing his story What Happens (to be read as a voiceover). Continue reading
Ask the Author: Thomas Pluck
Thomas Pluck’s relentless “We’re All Guys Here” studded our July issue. Read on for Chekhov, Contrition, and guns that can’t stay unfired for long. 1. Chekhov says something about how if you have a gun on the table in the first … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Amy Benson
Amy Benson discusses the nature of threat and the bounty of dreams. Check her out in the August issue. Continue reading
Ask the Author: Lane Falcon
In our July issue, “Three Poems” by Lane Falcon. Look on for dishonest cars, black daisies, and nervous bibles. 1. There are such ghosts in “Amber.†If they were to make themselves known, where in these stanzas would they be … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jonathan May
Read Jonathan May’s poem “On Our Rwandan Refugees: A Memory” in our July issue for some free shivers. 1. How many were there? We knew just a few refugees, but mostly as they made their way further south to the … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Hazel Foster
Can you remember back to April? Refresh your memory with this piece, “Jana Lives in This House,” and this interview with author Hazel Foster. 1. Who do you want living in your house? Ideally me, but I don’t have a … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kejt Walsh
Just how tall is Charles Wright? What shouldn’t you put up your nose? Should we all move to Eugene, Oregon right now? Find out this all of this and more in our interview with Kejt Walsh from the August issue. Continue reading
Ask the Author: Benjamin Landry
From our July issue, “Uuo” by Benjamin Landry. The history of your life, following: 1. Ununoctium occupies the lower, far-right corner of the periodic table of the elements, a foundational block below the noble gases. So, my question to you: … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Elizabeth Cantwell
These three wonderful poems from Elizabeth Cantwell were in the August Issue. Now, Elizabeth discusses structure, sparrows, and continuity. 1. What made you choose to move the poems from prose shape to stanzas and then back again? Originally these poems … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Cameron Witbeck
From our July issue, Two Poems by Cameron Witbeck. Stay tuned for burnout smoke, cannibalism, and the weirdest footprints you’ve ever seen. 1. “The Mecosta Burnout†has a terrific sense of place. How did you dredge this up? I grew … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Christopher Shipman
Chris Shipman explains how he became his own murderer and airplanes. Check out his poetry/killer in the August issue. Continue reading
Ask The Author: Rhoads Stevens
Rhoads Stevens, author of Pork Pie from the August issue, challenges everyone with a writing assignment and discusses nutnfancy’s view on war knives. Continue reading
Ask The Author: Oliver Bendorf
Oliver Bendorf’s Four Poems appeared in the May Issue. Below Oliver responds to our questions about Excel, fucking, and locomotion. 1. What have you used Excel for lately? I use Excel to track my “life list,†which is a list … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Hillary Walker
The amazing “Eureka, California” was published in the June Issue. Below, author Hillary Walker discusses why “things of quality have no fear of time.” 1. What fictional character would you climb on your honeymoon? I think I’d like to get … Continue reading
Ask The Author: D Gilson
D Gilson’s “Call & Response” was a part of our June Issue. D Gilson responds to our calls below in regards to life blood, truck stops, and trust. 1. Why does no one ever ask when did someone know they … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Anderson Holderness
“Giddy Up Hannah Montana” from Anderson Holderness was a part of our May Issue. Alter egos, animal sounds, and titles are all discussed below. 1. What would you build and then bury in the backyard? Nothing comes to mind immediately. … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Keith Dunlap
From the May Issue, Keith Dunlap’s “The Clepsydra.” Below, Keith answers our questions, we especially like number 3. 1. What would you like your soul to be made of? Something communicable. Sometimes I am sitting in a room with a … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Dana Diehl
Dana Diehl’s lovely piece, “When The Water Leaves Us,” is a great read for your Wednesday, for any day. Below Dana provides all the answers. 1. How would you improve Kevin Costner’s Waterworld? More releasing of Krakens. Put Alan Rickman … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Ashley Inguanta
Ashley Inguanta’s “It’s End Of The World Karaoke” appeared in the May Issue. Below, Ashley speaks about how the world turns certain, fiction vs. non-fiction, and songs for the end of the world. 1. Being also in Orlando, I noticed … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Georgia Bellas
Georgia Bellas’ beautiful, “Recipe for a Winter’s Day in Three Courses,” was a part of the May Issue. Here Georgia speaks on summer meals, Goodwill glasses, and endless vacations. 1. How many courses would you prepare for a summer meal? … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Neal Kitterlin
These Two Poems written by Neal Kitterlin appeared in the May Issue. Below Neal discusses sneaking in writing, the skin of prose poems, and the best songs to listen to while cutting one’s ear off. 1. How do you sneak … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kristi DeMeester
From the May Issue, Kristi DeMeester’s “The Beautiful Nature of Venom.” 1. What’s with literary fiction’s fascination regarding collarbones? Is it the sound that word makes? I’ve always found a strange beauty in that which is fragile. The physical collarbone … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Ryan Bradford
Read Ryan Bradford’s “Post Apocalypse” here, and then follow it with this interview. Or do it the other way around. You’re an individual, make your own decisions. 1. How would you end the world? I’d shut down the internet. It … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Blaze Dzikowski
Blaze Dzikowski wrote “Corporate Birthday” and we published it in April. 1. What faces do you see on trains? It was a tram actually, a streetcar. Most faces are turned off, as their owners are somewhere else. Seeing eyes belong to … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kelley Bright Leidenthal
We published these Two Poems by Kelley Bright Leidenthal in April and then asked her these questions. 1. When have you pretended to be in hate? I very rarely pretend to hate. It’s not nearly as fun as pretending to … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Richard Bentley
Richard Bentley and his Three Poems, from the April Issue. 1. “Bears In The Street” has this epic collapse in the last stanza, compared to how the other stanzas are constructed. What was your intent behind that? A crash. Possibly … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Zachary Buscher
“Terminal Boredom,” from Zachary Buscher, was in the April Issue. 1. What ribbon do you always earn? The kind that makes my pigtails look hot. 2. What makes a man a man? All I know is that a man cannot … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kenton K. Yee
Back in May there was Kenton K. Yee’s “Try My Shank.” 1. How has working in the world of finance influenced your writing? Two finance guys sit down next to a mysterious stranger at a bar. “Stocks had a bad … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Wendy C. Ortiz
The amazing and well-worth-your-time to read, “Interiors,” was published in the April Issue. 1. What are you willing to destroy for love? My definitions of love have completely been wrung out, stretched, flung out into space and back in recent … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Glen Pourciau
Glen Pourciau’s “Inside,” from the April, Issue can be found here. 1. Are you sorry for Huey Lewis and The News? I admire their music. I feel sorry when I hear the news, but I do not feel sorry when … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Carina Finn
Carina Finn’s “#11″ from the April Issue is here. 1. Are you a Twitter thug? I’m not sure what a twitter thug is. I like twitter, sometimes; sometimes I forget that it exists. I like it because it feels like … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Leah Nielsen
In March there was “Say Spilt Milk” by Leah Nielsen. 1. Is there an open Krispy Kreme in Massachusetts? The only one I saw there was closed. I think there used to be one in Springfield, but it closed. Sigh. … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Ryan Mohr
This great little number from Ryan Mohr, “It’s All Pretend,” from the March Issue. 1. Where did “It’s All Pretend” come from? I knew I wanted to write a sad and dark, yet perhaps optimistic story about love. I think … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kate Fujimoto
From the March archives, Two Poems from Kate Fujimoto. 1. What is the weirdest thing you’ve married? All marriage, ever, is weird. 2. Where did these poems come from? A black moth whispered them into my ear on a moonless night … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Emily Testa
Emily Testa wrote “The Crown Prince of Irkutsk Oblast” and we published it in March. 1. What title would you like to hold in a past dynasty? Empress Supreme 2. Do you keep up with others when they have something … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Matt Sailor
These Two Stories from Matt Sailor were a great addition to our March Issue. 1. How would you have ended the E.T. video game? Really, for all I know, the game could have a remarkable ending. But I’ll never know, because … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Katya Apekina
From the March Issue, Katya Apekina’s “The Deaths of Max Morozov.” 1. What mutant power does Max have that allow him to keep coming back to life? I don’t know! The story started off with me wanting to write a … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Steven Casimer Kowalski
We loved this mini-series (of which, it is revealed below, there are more), “Three Must-Haves,” from Steven Casimer Kowalski in the March Issue. 1. Why would anyone spend so much money on objects? I don’t know if Bruce Robinson wrote … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Adrienne Gunn
In regards to Adrienne Gunn and this piece she wrote for us, published in March, “Girl in America.” 1. How does one summon the whore within? In the case of Girl in America, it’s as easy as the addition of … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kelli Anne Noftle
Kelli Anne Noftle’s engaging piece, “Moving,” appeared in the March Issue. 1. How has poetry shaped your flash fiction? Do you find the two genres blur together sometimes? I find that they are blurring and bleeding into one another the … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Chad Redden
In March came “The Listening Glass” by Chad Redden. 1. Your use of white space between stanzas is generous. Was this intentional when creating “The Listening Glass”? Yes, the space between stanzas and within some of the lines is intentional. … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Joshua Michael Stewart
“Night of the Living Blues” from Joshua Michael Stewart was published in the  March Issue. 1. Is it a requirement to obtain a poetic license to write a poem involving music in some shape or way? Poetic License? I guess … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Sarah Henning
Sarah Henning had Four Stories in the March Issue. 1. Does breastfeeding really work in the bonding of a child to its mother? From what I understand (not being a mother myself!), both bottle feeding and breastfeeding are good times … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Virginia Konchan
From the March Issue, Six Poems by Virginia Konchan, and now this interview. 1. What wouldn’t Napoleon do? “My†Napoleon (in the lineage of Susan Howe) wouldn’t convert on his deathbed, betray emotion, harbor regrets, or talk just for the … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Isaac Butler
We published Isaac Butler’s great piece, “In the Heart Library,” in the March Issue. 1. What would you like your heart to be made of? Given the history of heart attacks on both sides of family, probably adamantium, the indestructible … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Rebecca Hazelton
From the March Issue, Three Poems by Rebecca Hazelton. 1. Where would you like to wash up? Things that wash up seem melancholy for me, though I suppose it’s all in how you look at it—I could view these items … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Melissa Yancy
In March came Melissa Yancy’s “Boolean Napoleans.” 1. Do you put the boo in Boolean? I’d like to think so. I’d like to think I put the lean in Boolean, too. 2. Are you a leaker? Sadly, yes. At work … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kimberly Ann Southwick
From the March Issue, “Near Sonnet for S” by Kimberly Ann Southwick. 1. What would a far sonnet look like? You would have to squint to see it. When you reached out, it wouldn’t be there. Maybe they write them … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Lisa Ahn
From the April Issue, “Blown,” by Lisa Ahn. 1. How many bodies have you left in the Everglades? I’m sure I’ve buried at least three or four incarnations of myself – the self-destructive teen, the cloudy drunk, the fear-sodden twenty-something. … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Ian Brown
In April, “Fuck You Superman” from Ian Brown. 1. Would you ever tell Superman to go fuck himself to his face? Oh boy – what a question. No. Definitely no. I mean, assuming I was living within the realm where … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Carly Berg
You should read Carly Berg’s amazing story, “Oysteresque,” over and over. 1.How did you walk the fine line of delusion in “Oysteresque”? Well, it was based on a dream, so I just kind of went with that. 2. What undersea … Continue reading
Ask The Author: MarÃa Elvira Vara Tatá
From the March Issue, “La Muda y La Tonta,” by MarÃa Elvira Vara Táta. 1. If your hair was a pendulum, what would you have hanging at the end? A lie detector. That way, I wouldn’t be able to lie … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Jared Yates Sexton
We were so excited to have this great story from Jared Yates Sexton in the March Issue, “A Man Gets Tired.” We were also excited about Jared’s answers to these questions. 1. How do you look when you get drunk? … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Christopher Woods
These two photos from Christopher Woods were a part of the March Issue. Now Christopher answers our questions about them. 1. What made you get started with photography? I have always been interested in visual art. In fact, years ago … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Erin Stalcup
Erin Stalcup’s “Why Things Fall” was a lovely addition to our March Issue. 1. What would you shoot off a lover’s head? An owl made of mica. Wouldn’t that be beautiful? (Yet, while my father is a great archer who … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Alexander Allison
“A New Person” from Alexander Allison appeared in the March Issue. 1. What if I wanted to pity your narrator in “A New Person?” What would you do about it? Pity is powerless and self-abasing. Pity seems like a condescending … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Joshua Dalton
Joshua Dalton’s great piece, “The Showrunner,” is from the February Issue. 1. Who is going to play you in the made-for-cable movie? What network do you hope picks it up? I’d love to say Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but Philip Seymour Hoffman … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Eduardo Gabrieloff
These three wonderful poems by Eduardo Gabrieloff were published in the February Issue. 1. What have you walked into lately? I walked into the darkest catacombs this side of the Mississippi. Let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty. The stench … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Reed Gaines
From February, “Hikikomori Romance,” by Reed Gaines. 1. How did you react when you got the acceptance letter? At first, I was ecstatic. Then, I had to roll my eyes. This poem is the only thing I have in publication, … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Carol Deminski
Carol Deminski’s “The Price of Luxury” was published in the February Issue. 1. What would be your other other car? The International Space Station. I’d love to be a space tourist. 2. How would you feel about knowing a man … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Ryan Bradley
Ryan Bradley answers questions about his story, “West,” as seen in the February Issue. 1. The narrative of “West” is very puzzle piece like, slowly coming together to give us a full picture. How did you go about structuring “West” … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Eleanor Bennett
From February, “Ancient Steps,” these photographs from Eleanor Bennett. 1. What got you into photography? Who are your influences? I started taking photos four years ago for a project in which you had to capture the biodiversity in your neighbourhood. … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Christine Fadden
From the February Issue, this great little piece from Christine Fadden, “Little Rubber Houses.” 1. What food would you sit on naked? My boyfriend is cooking swordfish in mango sauce right now, so off the bat, I’d say mango. Maybe … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Mary Kovaleski Byrnes
Do you remember December? Remember December by reading these poems from Mary Kovaleski Byrnes and then reading this interview. 1. What does it take to rattle your world? That weird, alien sound pond ice makes when it’s warming up.Tomatoes that … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Sophie Klahr
“Say When” from Sophie Klahr was published in the February Issue. You should read it now. 1. What animals, real or otherwise, is a woman made out of? Sneaky ones. 2. Which crime would you prefer not to contain? I … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Amy Letter
From February, “Blue Alyssa And The Sad Gray Crab.” 1. What would you do if you ran into yourself? Jump out of the car and make sure myself was okay. (There was a time when I would’ve joked that I’d’ve … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Devan Goldstein
Devan Goldstein’s wonderful piece, “Five An Hour,” appeared in the February Issue. This hour Devan answers six questions. 1. What factory would you work the line? What would be the fringe benefits? The Dream Factory. I imagine that working the … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Brittany Shutts
We loved this story, “Babymaking,” in February and we love it now and also we love this interview with Brittany. 1. Why doesn’t anyone make an abortion pact? Nobody would give you any presents. 2. What movie has people having … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Christopher Citro
Remember November, when the temperature was turning and the snow was just starting? Now that those things are gone, remember these Five Poems from Christopher Citro, from the November Issue. 1. What happened the last time you ventured out beyond … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Eugenia Leigh
These Three Poems from Eugenia Leigh were published in the February Issue. Eugenia enjoyed answering all our questions. 1. What would be the first thing you did when you get out of prison? Lie down in a field. Or seek … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Stephen Mills
In the February Issue, there was this great piece, “Sex Education,” from Stephen Mills. 1. Why is it always funny when a guy gets raped in a tv show or a movie?  Watch a few episodes of HBO’s Oz and … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Mike Dockins
In January, “Letter To Iredell From The Yucatan” by Mike Dockins. 1. What made you choose the stanzaless structure of this poem? This was not the first of what is now a collection of 21 epistolary poems, making up my … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Jennifer Pieroni
From January, “Life on the Dead Tree” by Jennifer Pieroni. Jennifer answers questions about climbing, eating, editing, rapping, and witnessing. 1. When was the last time you climbed? How high was it and what did you see? I don’t climb … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Gabrielle Lucille Fuentes
In February, this wonderful piece of fiction from Gabrielle Lucille Fuentes, “The Lights.” 1. Why did you choose to write “The Lights” in second person? This started as an exercise from Noah Eli Gordon based on Eula Biss’s essay “Time … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Robert Rothman
In February, “Arrow” from Robert Rothman. 1. If you were Cupid, what projectile would you use? Love is savage but an arrow with its expanding tip rips and ravages. I would use a dart that pricks interest, that causes the beloved … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Eric Higgins
“The Inexact Nature” by Eric Higgins was published in the January Issue. Now, Eric discusses prostitution, restraining orders, and illegalities. 1. Who would you prostitute? What would be your pimp name? I wouldn’t prostitute anyone. To prostitute someone seems deeply … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Benjamin Rybeck
In January, “Back-Story” by Bejanmin Rybeck. “The real story isn’t starting yet.”…. 1. When is the real story starting? The idea of “the real†is but a construct used to mediate “the imaginary.†Which is to say, it’ll start on … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Matthew Gilbert
In January, these Two Poems from Matthew Gilbert. Now, this interview. Read both today. 1. How does one feign virginity? In the same way you fence: in the suburbs where I was raised (a cow-town parents brought us to as … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Jeffrey Kingman
Jeffrey Kingman’s Two Poems were published in the January Issue. Jeffrey answers violent questions about drumming, comfort, and body shots. 1. What’s with poetry’s fascination with crows and winter? Crows are big and handsome and outspoken. Yet not obnoxious like … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Mika Seifert
This wonderful piece, “Blackbox” by Mika Seifert, was published in the January issue. 1. Whose body would you hide in the ocean? The body of Julio Cortazar who was an axolotl. 2. What would be in your black box? Mostly … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Matthew Battles
You must read “For Provisional Description of Superficial Features” by Matthew Battles. And, also, you must read this interview. 1. How would you murder someone using Wikipedia? Well, I suppose I’ve specified one way of doing so, but it’s beyond … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Ashley Farmer
These Four Stories by Ashley Farmer were published in the January Issue. 1. What position of power do you want to hold in Farm Town? Well, in the “real†Farm Town world, Tom is in charge. He’s animated and benevolent … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Evelyn Somers
“Viral” by Evelyn Somers was published in the January issue. 1. How is a baby like a virus? To be literal, one person gives it to another; it can live inside you for quite a long time, too. My son … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Sheila Macavoy
It would do your week justice to start out by reading or re-reading “At The Off Ramp” by Sheila Macavoy, published in January. Then follow that up by reading this interview. 1. Why did you start it? Seemed like a … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Marcus Speh
“The Sodomized Dictator” by Marcus Speh appeared in the January Issue. 1. Where is the sodomy in this story or do you prefer to create titles to your work that misdirect your reader’s expectations? The sodomy is not in the … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Gary McDowell
These Two Poems by Gary McDowell were in the January Issue. Read the wonderful poems and read this wonderful interview. 1. Why are poets so fascinated with autumn? Fall. The Fall. Falling. In love. Out of love. Darkness. Leaves. Leaving. … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Gwen Mullins
Gwen Mullins’s great work of fiction, “Domestic Violence”, was published in the January Issue. 1. What do you need to sleep? Two full glasses of wine (but no more than that), a list of things I have to do so … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Sherri H. Hoffman
Sherri H. Hoffman’s work of fiction, “Blue”, was published in the January Issue. Sherri answers these intriguing questions. 1. What animal would you like to be crossed with? A Hawksbill sea turtle. Cool facial tattoos and full sleeves. Plus they’ve … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Danez Smith
“First Time/Four Times” by Danez Smith was published in our December Issue. All the sexual questions we could think of for Danez are answered here. 1. How did you come up with hula hooping in a woman’s valley? I was … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Fiona Chamness
“Jerking Off” by Fiona Chamness was included in the December Issue. Fiona responds to our queries. 1. What are the dangers in getting it on with yourself in a moving Greyhound bus? The bathrooms are tiny and feature many objects … Continue reading
Ask The Author: AT Grant
In December, “Four Pieces from Wake” by AT Grant. Grant will now take our questions. 1. How would you stop your dead sister from leaking? Words live and die in the holes and through the words her blood leaks. Sometimes … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Nathan Tavares
Nathan Tavares’s “Interior Spaces” was in the December Issue. Nathan answers questions about dressing slutty, cheating lovers and hidden rooms. 1. How would you dress slutty as a guy? For me, it would be wearing anything other than my usual … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Marianne Colahan
“Disappear Behind Us” by Marianne Colahan was a great addition to our December Issue. 1. What would you hunt? If I had to hunt? If it was my job to be a huntress? I’d be terrible at it. I’d prefer … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Robb Todd
This great story, “All You Need is Love (and a Job (Or Maybe Not a Job)),” by Robb Todd was published in the December Issue. 1. What would be the most inappropriate costume you would wear on Halloween? There’s such … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Lisa Marie Basile
In December, we published Four Poems by Lisa Marie Basile from “Andalucia”. You can read the four poems here and buy the book here. 1. How does no one mean to carry their burdens to good places? The first time … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Catherine Campbell
Catherine Campbell’s “Ways To Swim” was published in December. Now, Catherine takes the time to answer some questions. 1. What CD would you include in an insemination kit? Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” 2. Who would you carry a … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Gregory Wolos
In December there was “Dr. Moreau’s Pet Shop” by Gregory Wolos. 1. What songs would be on the first album of Dr. Moreau’s Pet Shop Boys? “My Sweet M’lingâ€; “Kiko in the Dumpsâ€; “Svidridgaylov’s Dreamâ€; “Fay Wray Fayâ€; “Lost Soul Growl.†… Continue reading
Ask The Author: Lisa Bellamy
These Two Poems by Lisa Bellamy were published in November. In regards to all kinds of things, Lisa answers our questions. 1. What puppet or Muppet would you assassinate? Why would they have it coming? Plenty of puppets have it … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Justin Anderson
The great story, “So, They Are Not Wholly Defenseless”, by Justin Anderson was in the December Issue. Justin answers interesting questions with interesting answers. 1. What suit do you wear when you have dinner? Clubs. No, really, I’m from the … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Matthew Mogavero
In November, this poem titled “Man Who Lost His Wife at the Knife-Throwing Show” by Matthew Mogavero. Matthew gives us some answeres here. 1. How could you lose your wife at a gun show? Girls don’t like guns. 2. What … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Jon Sealy
John Sealy’s “Then Come Home to Settle” was in the December Issue. Here, Jon answers questions about deal breaking movies amongst other topics. 1. Can you really tell college aged women based on the size of their beer guts? The … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Emma Torzs
“In Fairytales” by Emma Torzs was a part of the December Issue. Emma answers questions about secrets, poetry and fascination. 1. Do you ever shout at a protagonist in a fairy tale to not go in the castle/village/wolf’s mouth? Nah. … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Tim Suermondt
In December, there were these two poems by Tim Suermondt. Now, there is this interview where Tim answers questions about them. 1. Why wouldn’t Jesus pop and lock in lieu of doing the cha cha? I wouldn’t be surprised if … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Lisa Lim
In December, the wonderfulness that is “Mi Madre” by Lisa Lim. In February, the wonderfulness that is her interview with us.
Ask The Author: Neelanjana Banerjee
What a great story, that is, “The Golden Deer” by Neelanjana Banerjee. Full of power and lines, it is a must read from the December Issue.
Ask The Author: Eric Ellingsen
“The People Called Endless” by Eric Ellingsen was published in the November Issue. Eric answered questions for us about laziness, poets and benches.
Ask The Author: Riley Michael Parker
Riley Michael Parker’s “Silver Dagger” appeared in the November Issue. He answers a lot of questions about houses for us.
Ask The Author: Mary Jane Newton
November showed these four poems by Mary Jane Newton. Mary Jane talks about comic strip characters, Duran Duran and stanza building.
Ask The Author: Jesse Damiani
In November, three great poems from Jesse Damiani. Read the subtleties of our questions and in Jesse’s answers here. 1. Will you drink what we give you? Any drink that PANK wants to give me is a drink worth drinking (unless … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Rachel Bunting
Two amazing poems from Rachel Bunting were in the November Issue. Rachel discusses the poems and how life is an act of collection in our interview. 1. What have you pulled of your mouth lately? The obvious (and truest) answer … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Jennifer A. Howard
In November, “The Fiber Optic Heart” by Jennifer A. Howard. Jennifer answers questions about throwing, swimming and drinking. 1. What is the download speed of your heart? What would you like it to be? The units here would be love … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Susan Lago
“Songs From the River” by Susan Lago was in the November Issue. She discusses the story, and herself, in this interview. 1. If you could swim through anything, what would it be and why? If I could, I would swim … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Sam Martone
Sam Martone’s “A Map/A Method” was a wonderful part of the November Issue. Sam maps out some of his thinking by answering our questions. 1. What would motivate you the most to go into the woods? A girl wanting me to … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Andrea O’ Rourke
Two great poems by Andrea O’ Rourke were a part of the November Issue. Andrea responds to questions about a variety of things. 1. Would you rather be the first woman or the other woman? Why? Neither. Both of these … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Sarah Malone
Sarah Malone’s “Light At New Latitude” appeared in the November Issue. Here, Sarah answers questions about time, awkward jokes and walks of shame. 1. What is the most awkward joke you have ever told? My subconscious is probably using this … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Lauren Schmidt
Two Poems by Lauren Schmidt were part of the October Issue. Lauren answers questions about her face, her purse and her poems. 1. How do you wish you were disfigured? I don’t know if this makes me dull, but I … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Mike Miner
In December, Mike Miner’s “The Rematch”. Mike took the time to answer questions about robberies and convenience stores. 1. Who would you fight again? What would be the outcome? Â I would not fight my little brothers again. I have … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Barrett Bowlin
“Pictures From the Coast of France” by Barrett Bowlin is a wonderful piece of fiction that graced the November Issue. It is an absolutely engaging story, much like Barrett’s answers here. 1. How would you react if you found a … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Peter Kispert
In November, Peter Kispert’s “Lowndes County, GA”. Â Answered here are questions posed to him about his writing and this piece. 1. Why would someone start a fire in a paper mill? How would you do it? Â Well, I imagine … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Grace Hobbs
“Fortune’s Conjecture” by Grace Hobbs is in the November Issue. Grace answers questions about the structure of the story and marraige, among other things, for us here. 1. Why did you choose to structure your story using mathematical concepts? If … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Mike Rosenthal
In November, was Mike Rosenthal’s “Crumbles and Gumbles”. Â Mike answers questions about his ideas, boats and drinking with his parents. 1. What nickname would you be called if you were in a power couple? Guy Fieri. 2. What do you … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Stacy Lynn Austin
“Mount Bonnell” is a piece by Stacy Lynn Austin, a part of the October 2011 issue. Stacy answered all kinds of interesting questions for us, and for you. 1. What would you do on a second honeymoon? I’ve never been … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Tessa Fontaine
Tessa Fontaine’s “There Are Places To Reach That Are Equal And Violent” is a piece of the October Issue. Here, Tessa answers questions about triangle boobs, dictators and Communism. 1. Why did you choose to have the title also be … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Michael Shea
Two Poems by Michael Shea are a part of the October issue. Michael talks about his influences and what’s following him. 1. What mythical beast would make a terrible appliance? Probably most of them. I mean, you might think a … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Vic Sizemore
“As The Spirit Moves” by Vic Sizemore is a part of the October issue. Here, Vic discusses religion, West Virginia and where this story came from. 1. What would it take to make you walk a great distance? I have … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Ocean Vuong
In October, these Three Poems by Ocean Vuong were a wonderful addition. 1. Why are poets making everything pregnant? What would the episode of Maury figuring out who and who is not the father of these pregnant metaphors be like? I … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Meghan Lamb
Meghan Lamb’s work, “Mosquitoes”, appears in the October issue. Meghan discusses here how editing affects her writing and where the story came from. 1. How can nipples look like a rubber ducky? It’s an association thing. I do this a … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Justus Humphrey
In October, Justus Humphrey’s “Baltimore IKEA”.  Here, Justus responds to questions about weddings, funerals, Swedish meatballs and prose versus poetry. 1. Is IKEA the new forest we wander around in search of meaning? Maybe so. I think it’s a place … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Benjamin Walker
Benjamin Walker’s piece, “Pay No Attention to That Land Behind the Curtain”, appears in our October issue. Here, Benjamin answers questions about the military and his writing. 1. What made you choose to entwine The Wizard of Oz with “Pay … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Jason Lee Norman
Jason Lee Norman’s “Beautiful Girls” is a part of the October Issue. Here Jason answers our questions about his porch, where the story came from and being an editor. 1. Does summer always get better when the bodies start appearing? … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Clara Changxin Fang
In October, these three beautiful poems from Clara Changxin Fang. Here, she answers our questions about American eating, poets and the acrobats of desire. 1. Where in the poetic license guidelines does it state that all poets must write at … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Matthew Vollmer
In October, “Gary” by Matthew Vollmer left us panting anxious and fulfilled. Here, he answers our questions. 1. Why did you choose to make “Gary” in a breathless structure? My guess–because I have a terrible memory–is that it’s just the … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Saehee Cho
“Units of Measurement” by Saehee Cho is a part of the September Issue. Here, Saehee answers questions about collections, mourning and hair. 1. What have you collected and measured? Sugar, butter, cream, flour, cocoa 2. How is taking a shower … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Matt Snee
“Ninibe and Tyyrehenus” by Matt Snee is a part of the October Issue. Here, Matt answers all our questions about the story. 1. Where did you get the names Ninibe and Tyyrhenus? The names in the story are taken directly … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Corrina Bain
In September, Corrina Bain’s Two Poems. Read them if you pine. 1. What kind of terrorism would you invent? The obvious answer is sex terrorism. But it’s so been done. 2. How does one paint a Russian stripper onto an … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Anya Groner
In the October issue is the wonderful “One Man Ponzi” by Anya Groner. All these question responses are brilliant, we really like them, they feel like exactly what we need. 1. You have a budget of $5 to create a … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Regina Marshall
“Wave and Particle” by Regina Marshall is a part of the PANK September Issue. We love her final answer. 1. What kind of dots do you like connecting? I have trouble finding dots, so I don’t try to make connections. … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Stefanie Freele
In September, we published “Scantily Clad Submissive Women” by Stefanie Freele. It will bring you back to summer if you read it. It will bring you back to a lot of things if you read it. If you haven’t read … Continue reading
Ask The Author: John McKernan
Two Poems by John McKernan are in the September Issue. It would be good to start your week by reading them. 1. Other than Cinderella, what fairy tale character would you cremate? What would you do with its ashes? I would … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Court Merrigan
In the September Issue is “The Cloud Factory” by Court Merrigan. Court answers our questions here. 1. Union or non-union labor – who would you want working in the cloud factory? Non-union. Temp work only. No benefits, no contracts. 2. … Continue reading
Ask The Author: John Jodzio
John Jodzio’s wonderful, resonating piece, “This Is All The Orientation You Are Gonna Get”, appears in the September Issue. Here, John speaks with us regarding hands, eyes and The Bucket. 1. If you were a cookie doctor, what would be your field … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Danielle Shutt
Danielle Shutt’s “Narcotic Winter” is an addition to our September Issue. Danielle speaks with us here about cocaine, dead bodies, and angels. 1. If someone offered you cocaine on the blade of a knife, would you accept? Nah. I have … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Teresa Milbrodt
Teresa Milbrodt’s “The Muffin Stand” is a part of our September Issue. Here she answers our questions. 1. Which would you rather run: a lemonade stand or a muffin stand? Muffins, definitely muffins. They’re easier to convince people to buy … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Shira Richman
Shira Richman’s Five Poems appear in our September Issue. Here she speaks with us about interview questions and where these poems came from. 1. How long would you wait for coffee? It depends on how delicious the coffee is and with whom … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kit Frick
Kit Frick has Five Poems in the September Issue. Here she answers our questions about the moon, an apocalypse, and Reader’s Digest. 1. Why are all poets so fascinated by the moon? This is actually an idea I’ve been obsessing … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kirstin Chen
“After Me Comes the Flood” by Kirstin Chen is part of the September Issue. You should read this story on a rainy day, you should read this story any day. Here, she provides us with an equally engaging interview. 1. … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Tess Patalano
Tess Patalano has Two Poems published in the September Issue. It would do you good to read them both. Here, she answers our questions about poet co-habitation and her writing. 1. How would you cool off between murders? Oh geez … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Aimee Vitrak
“How To Be A Better Girl” by Aimee Vitrak is part of our September issue. Here, she talks about all kinds of interesting things related to her piece. 1. When you were in seventh grade, were you obsessed with brand name … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Suzanne Marie Hopcroft
Two Poems by Suzanne Marie Hopcroft are an addition to the PANK September Issue. She speaks with us here about larcenies, vices and smuggling. Consider this interview, and her poems, your Halloween treat. 1. What mythical animal would you cut … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Wendy Xu
Wendy Xu’s Three Poems appear in the September Issue. Here she answers our questions about where the series came from and theme songs. 1. If you were my father, what would you carry? Â A grocery list. And hopefully my … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kevin Vaughn
In August we published “Two Poems”, “The Savage Curtain” and “Aubade”, by Kevin Vaughn. You can get some extra details about them here, where he talks about style and distance among other things. 1. Why did you choose couplets as … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Claire Burgess
In the August Issue were “Two Stories” by Claire Burgess. She answers our questions about various parts of her stories. 1. What would you leave to someone in your will? No easy-peasy leaving. Competitive, fast-paced treasure hunt. There will be … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Lindsay Norville
Lindsay Norville’s “Our Song” is in the August Issue. She discusses the elementary schoolyard, fatherly relationships, her love life, and illicit behavior. 1. What were you dreaming of in the schoolyard? Rainbows and unicorns. I kept it PG. Very Lisa … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Sarah Layden
“The Woman Who Was A House” by Sarah Layden is a part of the PANK August Issue. Here, she talks with us about a lot about the wonderful story, how it came into being. 1. What if the woman was … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Karrie Waarala
Way back in June, when the days were just getting longer and the summer romances were just getting hotter, Two Poems by Karrie Waarala appeared in our June Issue.  Her poems are wonderful and here she discusses with us more like it was a … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Blake Kimzey
Blake Kimzey’s work “Up And Away” is part of the September Issue. It is a wonderful piece and a great way to start your week would be to read it, and again if you already did. Here, he speaks with … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Ruby Labrusciano-Carris
“A Third Floor 11:47 Story” by Ruby Labrusciano-Carris is a part of the August Issue. Here, we talk to her about her incluences, her secrets and her future. 1. What was your reaction when you found out PANK accepted this … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Art Taylor
Art Taylor’s fine instructional work of fiction, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking”, appears in the PANK Special Crime Issue. He speaks here about recipes, relationships, and writing. 1. What meal would you make to kill someone you love? What … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Aaron Michael Morales
“An Excerpt from Eat Your Children” by Aaron Michael Morales is a part of our PANK Special Crime Issue. Here, Mr. Morales answers our nitty questions about his work and about nunchucks. 1. How would you eat my children? Actually, … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Chris Offutt
“An Excerpt From “Hit Monkey” by Chris Offutt is part of our Crime Issue. Here, he speaks with us about training killer monkeys, body delivery and his favorite poem, among other things. 1. Does a poet need to have a … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Anthony Neil Smith
“Excerpt From The Baddest Ass” by Anthony Neil Smith appears in the Special PANK Crime Issue. He answers our questions about prison, protection, and pariahs. 1. How do you protect yourself from white people? Well…agree with them? Having watched enough jeering crowds … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Andrew Brininstool
In the September issue is “Wild Honey” by Andrew Brininstool. If you haven’t read it already, this is the perfect piece/interview combination to start your weekend. 1. What would your church look like if you built one? It would look … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Claudia Cortese
These Three Poems by Claudia Cortese are a part of the August Issue. When asked to answer these questions, we were stoked she said yes. 1. Would you ever tell your parents the quality of sex you had the other … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Christopher Lirette
Christopher Lirette has Two Poems published in our August issue. He elaborates on many wonderful subjects here. 1. Do you ever have dreams of becoming a real life Green Arrow? Would you use regular arrows or trick arrows? Â While … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Eric Shonkwiler
Eric Shonkwiler’s “For The Man After Me” is an addition to the PANK Special Crime Issue. 1. What would you do that would be worth being hunted over? Run away with a senator’s wife. Kill a man. That sort of … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kyle Minor
Kyle Minor’s “How To Fire A Bullet” is a powerful, thrusting piece that appears in the special Crime Issue. Here, he answers all our questions about bullets and shots. 1. Is this how you would actually fire a bullet? You … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Emma Sovich
Four poems of a collection by Emma Sovich appear in our August issue. They’re a great read for these rainy fall days. Here she answers our questions about the collection and about bodies both stone and real. 1. Why would anyone … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Michael Glaviano
Michael Glaviano’s Three Poems are presented in the August issue. He responds to our questions about his lines, his writing and where he came from. 1. How does a room affect what accent you take? If there’s food in the … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Caleb Johnson
You can tell just by the title, that Caleb Johnson’s piece in our August issue, All The Things You Think You Need But Really Don’t, is amazing and will have a resonance that stems far and wide. Caleb talks here … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Marcelle Heath
Marcelle Heath’s short fiction, “Christina Heppel”,  is a great addition to the August issue. Here she answers questions about riots, stick wielding, and where characters come from. 1. What have you wielded a stick like?  I’ve wielded a stick like a … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Corey Ginsberg
Corey Ginsberg’s Two Poems appear in the August issue. Here she answers our questions, and they make our day. 1. Have you ever been in the Shiva position? What was that like? Â Not while tethered in my corporeal human … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Gary Sheppard
Gary Sheppard’s, wonderful fantastic piece of fiction appears in the August issue. Titled “Do You Understand, Perfectly, The Weeknights? Positively Mean Them?, you can read it here. 1. How did you come up with the following line: “My hand in … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Laura Bender
In the July issue appears Laura Bender’s “The Tiger Below.” She answers our questions quick and dirty. 1. Would you rather chase tigers or waterfalls? I’m not sure exactly how you’d chase a waterfall, I should ask TLC, but it … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Carlie St. George
Carlie St. George’s wonderful, wonderful, wonderful piece, “V”,appears in the August issue. It’s already mid-September so if you haven’t already, you absolutely must read it here. 1. How do you dress your panic in the morning? I think panic’s the … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Jacob Dawson
Jacob Dawson’s “Chunk” appears in the August issue. Here he elaborates. 1. What would you whore yourself out for? I would whore myself out to get a book published for sure. Wouldn’t think twice about it. 2. Who would you … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Molly Laich
Molly Laich’s riveting story “The Sting” appears in the August issue. Her answers to our questions, here, are just as amazing. 1. How would your career begin at Smith & Wesson? I will never ever ever work in an office … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Christine Ha
“The Virtues of Being Mary” by Christine Ha is a part of our July issue. She will now take our questions. 1. What is the weirdest thing you’ve worn that was secondhand? I wouldn’t say this is the weirdest secondhand … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Jessica Dyer
Jessica Dyer’s “Uses for a Uterus” is an excellent addition to the July issue. Here, the uterus conversation continues. 1. How would you use your uterus? Well, I just came back from Body Worlds and saw some pretty traditional uses … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Casey Hannan
Casey Hannan’s piece, “Piano Hands”, appears in the July Issue. He tells us here about his crushes and plans for seduction. 1. What key do your hands play when you crack your knuckles? Â The key of I wasn’t a music … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Erin Keane
Erin Keane’s two poems are part of the July issue. She speaks with us here about her writing process and the reality of poetry. 1. What’s my budget to work with to make the room something? Empty your pockets onto the table. If … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Susan Rukeyser
Susan Rukeyser’s work, “Hiccup”, appears in the London Calling Special Issue. We especially love her answer in regards to the question, “How do you cure hiccups?” 1. What has the sea brought you? Â The Irish Sea once brought me … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Suzanne Scanlon
Suzane Scanlon’s piece, “From Promising Young Women: Heather (#19)”, appears in the July issue. We asked her where the piece came from and she told us. 1. What kind of -some are you? It depends on the day. Awesome, irksome, … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kristen Iskandrian
“Remarks My Immigrant Mother Has Made About Babies” by Kristen Iskandrian was a wonderful addition to our July issue. She answers all our questions in 30 words or less. 1. What remarks would your mother have made about me as a … Continue reading
Ask The Author: MG Martin
MG Martin’s, “6,000 Miles Apart, Which Is More In Kilometers” appears in the online July issue. It is amazing. Here, he answers these wonderful questions about various things. 1. What are you living on the side of? Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â First, I … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Amanda Montei
Amanda Montei’s eleven poems appear in our July issue. She answers our questions here. 1. What else makes my butt look better? Spanks and pilates, of course. 2. Why CVS and now Walgreen’s? Actually, I prefer Rite Aid because of … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Joanna Pearson
Joanna Pearson’s “Origins of Winter” appears in the July issue. Here, we ask her some forward questions. 1. Why are poets so fascinated by the seasons?  Possible obsession with any of the following: Pathetic fallacy? Greco-Roman mythology? Cycles in … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Rachel Levy
Rachel Levy’s amazing piece “Becoming Deer” appears in the July Issue. She speaks with us here about cigarettes, inspiration and Darwinism. 1. What animal do you want to become? I want to become a deer. I value strength and size. … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Jack Nicholls
Jack Nicholl’s piece “Adrian Dumpleton” appears in the special London Calling Issue. He answers questions about keepie-ups, competition and various American and non things. 1. What could you grate on your abs? Nothing. However, I can zest a lemon using … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Ezra Fox
Ezra Fox’s “Get Well Rose” appears in the July issue. He talks with us about female authors, ice cream and taste buds. 1. How do you talk to yourself? Through my characters. I think people who don’t write fiction don’t … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Gary Percesepe
Gary Percesepe’s “Something” is included in the July issue. He speaks to you about stopping, cities, stalking and other somethings. 1. How did you know “Something” was complete when writing it? The music stopped. 2. What city has your favorite … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Brian Laidlaw
Brian Laidlaw has two poems in the July issue. He answers questions regarding steampunk, style, and spills. 1. Where are your elegies for steampunk? Steampunk isn’t dead, but it used to be. I should have elegized it when I had … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Hobie Anthony
Hobie Anthony offers three short fictions to the July issue and takes a moment to discuss roadtrip mixes, the influence of Portland and the fictional car he’d love to drive. 1. Why did you break “Three On The Road” up … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Patricia Lockwood
Patricia Lockwood’s incredible poetry is featured in the July issue. She talks with us about canaries, mines, false alphabets and more. 1. What happens when a canary dies in the fact mine? A Tweety shirt shrinks in the wash. A … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Nikki Magennis
Nikki Magennis’s fiction appears in the London Calling issue. She talks with us the eye, the sparrow, words children need to be taught, and more. 1. Why should I keep my eye on the sparrow? You can try to forget … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Sarah Dalton
Sarah Dalton’s fiction takes up the critically important topic of Pierce Brosnan in the London Calling issue. Today, we get into Daniel Craig’s tears, faith in British celebrities, taking the piss out of someone and so on and so forth. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Helen Sedgwick
Helen Sedgwick’s fiction is included in the London Calling issue. We talk about her hunting name, what’s in the bag, the relationship between editing and writing and more. 1. How would you blacken Ireland’s eye? In my mind it’s fairly … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Harry Giles
Two Poems from Harry Giles appear in the London Calling issue. He talks with us about where he would fly, theatrics and writing, the slam scene abroad and more. 1. If you could fly, where would you go? I’d use … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Gareth Durasow
Gareth Durasow’s instructional incendiary poem appears in London Calling. He talks with us about the mother of all bombs, what he’s waiting for, and grenade wedding crashing. 1. How would you make a bomb out of your mother? It’s a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Holly Dawson
Holly Dawson is featured in our most recent special issue. She talks with us about fixing bodies, doll repair, feral gnomes and other matters. 1. What things do you often lose in tunnels? I should be careful how I answer … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Dawn West
Dawn West’s epistolary fiction appears in London Calling. She talks with us about the language of lost, the charms of Chloe Sevigny and much more. 1. How often do you journal? I haven’t kept a journal since high school. Actually, … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Ronnie Stephens
The poetry of Ronnie K. Stephens appears in the London Calling special issue. We talk about period dress, slam mastering in the Ozarks, taking the floor and more. 1. Why did you choose to deviate from the patterns of couplets … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jarred McGinnis
You can read his work in the London Calling issue and today Jarred McGinnis discusses The Mighty Ducks, canal chases, and more. 1. Who would win in a hockey match: Trash Ducks or Mighty Ducks? Trash Ducks will be clogging … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Hazel Foster
Hazel Foster’s Summer Sunday at the Fair is a real treat in the June issue.  She talks with us about circuses, how she watches television and the believability of that vampire guy as a male lead. 1. Why rebut Water for … Continue reading
Ask the Author: James Tadd Adcox
James Tadd Adcox makes another appearance in the June issue. He talks with us about breaking boners, bed talk, and the failures of monogamy. 1. Did you also know a girl that kept breaking boners? Apparently whales actually have a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Mandy Haggith
Mandy Haggith’s poetry is featured in the London Calling issue. She talks with us about how she butters her biscuits, the color yellow, and rapefield cultivation. 1. Has Coldplay ruined the colour of yellow? Not at all. 2. How do … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Alice Slater
Alice Slater’s witty fiction appears in our London Calling Special issue. She talks with us about her roller derby name (awesome), reliable narrators, and lots more. 1. How much do you trust the internet with food reviews? I rely on … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Virginia Lee Borges
Virginia Lee Borges makes her literary debut in the June issue with a story that remains one of my personal favorites. She talks with us about what she leaves around the house, what she wants to pile, and her creation … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Cara McGuigan
Cara McGuigan is featured in our London Calling issue. She talks with us about the box beneath her floorboard, the dissolution of her heart, and altering EPCOT. 1. What would I find in your watch box beneath the floorboard? Running … Continue reading
Ask the Author: David Holub
David Holub brings his unique humor to the May issue and he talks with us about unfriending, punctuation, and his fake laugh. 1. What is the Truth? The Truth is that thing that you cannot look at directly or you … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Andrew Pullan
Andrew Pullan’s poetry is featured in our London Calling issue. He talks with us about fighting metal, adolescent itches and winks as a seductive technique. 1. What job opportunities are there up north? Very limited – the only oppportunity seems … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Joshua Helms
We have three stories by Joshua Helms in the June issue. He talks with us about fire starting, fragility, and paternity. 1. What have you set on fire? When I was 13, I lit a tissue on fire with a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Caroline Crew
Caroline Crew has four poems in the June issue. She talks to us about where the weather touches her, seasoned hips, and assailing to the trees among other things. 1. Why is “Saussure, Sorry” screaming at me? I am hungover … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Lidia Yuknavitch
Lidia Yuknavitch shares a searing essay with PANK in the May issue. She talks with us about the origins of her essay, parody, and more. 1. What compelled you to write “On Being A Woman Writer?”. Being a woman writer. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Christopher Newgent
Christopher “ARMS” Newgent’s elegant fiction is part of the June issue. He talks with us about whiskey, burning, breaking up, and even his fiction. 1. What was the last thing you lit on fire? Some pages from the Association of … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Alexis Pope
Alexis Pope’s excellent poetry appears in the June issue. She talks with us about bathing inr ose water, the heart as a decoration, and birth control. 1. Why do we bathe in rose water on Sunday? I guess because it’s … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jo Gatford
Jo Gatford is featured in our special London Calling issue. She talks with us about ducks, night reading, bookshelf life and more. 1. What would you stick on a duck to enhance it? Definitely a handlebar moustache. Or a snorkel … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Myfanwy Collins
Poinsettias, by Myfanway Collins, appears in the June issue. She shares some sad facts about poinsettias and much more. 1. What would you like to exhale? I would like to exhale all of my fear. I want it to spill … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Karen Skolfield
Karen Skolfield’s poetry appears in the June issue. She talks with us about the irony of a blackout in an engineering building, the power spikes of lesbians, and becoming smaller and faster. 1. How ironic is a blackout at the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Becca Ansorge
Becca Ansorge writes letters in the May issue. She talks to us about writing letters on skin, matters of burning, how this piece was born and more. Whose skin would you write a letter on? The wrinkled palm of an … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Thomas Kearnes
Thomas Kearnes has two stories in the June issue. He talks with us about being saved by a big dick, the trickiness of a meth high and getting down on a web cam. 1. If my big dick can’t save … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Bendi Barrett
Two poems by Bendi Barrett appear in the May issue. The poet talks with us about the process of creating these poems, wanting him open, and where the fallow ends. 1. How did you create “Diagram Of The Carnal Male” … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jan Stinchcomb
Jan Stinchcomb’s Baboon is a story that really has stayed with me. I read it over and over again because it is layered and strange and endlessly compelling. She talks with us about the why of the baboon and so … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Keith Taylor
Keith Taylor’s poetry appears in the June issue. He talks with us about titles and their impact on poems, backpacking in Denmark. line lengths and more. 1. What impact does the title as the first line have on a poem? … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Mike Meginnis
Mike Meginnis’s technobiblical fiction appears in the May issue. He talks with us about all manner of things related to his story and beyond. 1. What is Robot Christ powered on? I hadn’t thought about it, but I’m tempted to … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Barry Basden
Barry Basden’s brief fiction appears in the May issue and he talks with us about Rebecca Black (who?), how he writes, and what he clutches when he sits alone. 1. How challenging is it for you to write and be … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Ken Poyner
Ken Poyner’s three poems are a fine addition to the June issue. He talks to us about dark sex, deadly teaching sins and so much more. 1. What makes someone a good piece of ass? The transition from selfish to … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Alex Pruteanu
Alex Pruteanu’s May Day is, fittingly, part of the May issue. He talks with us about interrogation, journalism, making fun of his last name and more. 1. How would you interrogate someone? Waterboarding is so Bush/Cheney era. The secret to … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Anthony Jones
The fiction of Anthony Jones appears in the May issue. He talks to us about writing as a woman, religious geometry, the duality of the soul and more. 1. How challenging is it as a man to write from a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Carolyn Zaikowski
Carolyn Zaikowski’s work is featured in the May issue. She talks with us about how she falls, chasing water falls, what she used to have and more. 1. How do you go chasing waterfalls? There are a few ways I … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Melissa Chadburn
Melissa Chadburn’s unique fiction is included in the May issue. She talks with us about the composition of Christ’s body, mangled hearts, knowledge of priests, and more. 1.What do you wish Christ’s body was made of? Well hmmm… if it was … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jonterri Gadson
Jonterri Gadson’s poetry graces the May issue. She talks to us about quiet heros, great disappointments, and swimming in pools of sweat. 1. Would you trust a quiet hero? I would trust and prefer a quiet hero. I would love … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Adam Peterson
Adam Peterson’s three stories are a fine part of the May issue. He talks with us about his best drink friend, generation skipping, and the influence of pop culture. 1. What beverage is your best friend? Coffee. Although that may … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Tyler Gobble
A poem from Tyler Gobble is featured in the May issue. He talks to us about grave dancing, the shame of relief, and the origins of his wonderful poem. 1. Whose grave would you dance on? What would you dance … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Michelle Reale
Michelle Reale’s fiction appears in the May issue. She talks with us about her three stories, Duran Duran, and whose heart she wants in her throat. 1. How much of yourself is in “Three Stories”? How much of others? There … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Mikko Harvey
Two poems by Mikko Harvey appear in the May issue. The author talks with us about commuters who don’t think, the city of his man boobs, and what has happened at the top of a staircase. 1. What are your … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Nancy Carol Moody
Nancy Carol Moody makes another appearance in our magazine and talks to us about writers and math, free television, and last suppers. 1. It makes nine mindless circuits around the tank. Am I right? Esattamente! Some have argued for a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Katrina Denza
Katrina Denza’s In The Fall is a lovely story about Paris. She talks with us about the structure of her story, the why of Paris, and the imaginary language she wants to speak fluently. 1. What made you decide to … Continue reading
Ask the Author: André Babyn
André Babyn’s play, of sorts, is featured in the May issue. He talks to us about the fifth act, would there be one, inappropriate comments at a funeral, and where this work came from. 1. What would be the fifth … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jules Archer
The searing fiction of Jules Archer is featured in the May issue. She talks with us about guerilla tactics at the drive in, edible body parts and much more. 1. What cockblocking guerrilla tactics would you use to stop a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Elizabeth J. Colen
Elizabeth J. Colen’s six brief fictions appears in the May issue. She explains a shot silk effect, imagines her soul trapped in an adolescent, and strategizes handling newsprint stains. 1. Imagine your soul trapped in the body of a 15-year-old … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Keith Nathan Brown
Keith Nathan Brown’s innovative Clock Time is featured in the April issue. He talks with us about time villains, where the present overlaps, and what he wants swallowing him. 1. Which is your favorite time themed villain, The Clock King, … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Laura Adamczyk
In the April issue, Laura invites us to Please Come In. She talks with us about sharing toothbrushes, finger weapons, and how she reacts to betrayal. 1. What would it take for you to use someone else’s toothbrush? Pretty much … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jenny Halper
Jenny Halper’s wonderful, wonderful fiction is one of our favorite parts of the April issue. She talks to us about her vanity, a letter she might write to her thirteen year old child, love and so much more. 1. What … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Kirsty Logan
Kirsty Logan’s gorgeous fiction graces the April issue. She talks about the etiquette of curtseying, the lines between the literate and the erotic and some matters of gender. 1. When else is it silly to curtsey? Basically never. The girl in … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Ross White
Two poems from Ross White appear in the April issue. He gives advice of the expert kind about his poetry career, describes the kind of nut he is, and his preferred bodyguard. 1. What would be expert advice for your … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Tracy Gonzalez
Tracy Gonzalez offers some insight into the trouble with giving a man a boner in the April issue. She talks with us about how to give a man a boner with ordinary household objects, and other boner-related matters. 1. How … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Daniel Pinkerton
You will enjoy Daniel Pinkerton’s poetry in the April issue. He talks with us about the imagery in his work, the correlation between nudity and beauty, the startling nature of Hammer Pants and more. 1. I laughed out loud at … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Chelsea Laine Wells
Chelsea Laine Wells’s difficult and haunting The Breathing Dead appears in the April issue. She talks to us about writing unsettling stories, her uncontrollable urges, and canned pasta. 1. What uncontrollable urges do you have? How dangerous are they? Most … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Carly Taylor
Three lovely poems by Carly Taylor grace the April issue. She talks with us about compatibility, compartments and catharsis. 1. What stains can a wedding dress not survive? The first thing that comes to mind is wine or anything in … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Nicole Monaghan
Nicole Monoghan’s fiction in the April issue is a heartbreaking cautionary tale. She talks with us about the best libations for fornication, the Kinsey scale, the myth of monogamy and more. 1. What geometric shape should a relationship never resemble? … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Pedro Ponce
Pedro Ponce’s The Church of Best Guesses appears in the April issue. He discusses Baptism, the haunting of pi, the position he would hold in the Church of Best Guesses and more. 1. How is one baptized in the Church … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Sterling McKennedy
Sterling McKennedy’s imaginative What We Had to Do is, I confess, a favorite. He talks with us about celestial bodies, what he might build on the moon, and more. 1. What celestial body would you pick apart? Oh, I’ll pick … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jaime Fountaine
Jaime Fountaine’s amazing Len and Ernie appears in the April issue. She gets down with us, talking about singing for supper, long lost pals, and the best things that aren’t so easy. 1. Are halves still important to you? Halves … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Adam Day
Adam Day’s two poems are part of the April issue. He talks with us about how he shifts, infidelities and food, and how he comes up with his amazing lines. 1. What do you shift like? Like Etheridge Knight or … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Lydia Ship
Lydia Ship’s lyrical fiction appears in the March issue and she talks with us about the neighborhood prom, where she normally sings from, Wagner in Klingon and other matters. 1. Where do you normally sing from? I am a better … Continue reading
Ask the Author: David Cotrone
David Cotrone’s Porch appears in the April issue and he talks with us about building nightmares, the fire on the roof, movies featuring ruined houses and much more. 1. How would you build a nightmare? From the ground up. From … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Faith Gardner
Faith Gardner’s fiction is featured in the April issue and she talks with us about what she wears in her head, the development of this story and how music influences her writing. 1. What do you wear, ride, and snort in … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Laura LeHew
Laura LeHew shares her imaginative poetry with us once again in the April issue. She talks with us about new math, the airline industry and airplane peril movies. 1. How did you find “New Math”? 45 minutes on hold with … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Marie-Elizabeth Mali
Marie-Elizabeth Mali offers us a glimpse into five years of marriage in the March issue and she talks to us about being married to a poet, perfect moments, and what to avoid in marriage vows. 1. What are the benefits … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Rose Hunter
A gorgeous, poem in two parts, by Rose Hunter, appears in the April issue. She talks with us about living in Mexico, bottle labels, hunting, and more. 1. How often do you read the labels of liquor bottles and cigarette … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Michelle Cheever
1. How is a man’s wreckage attractive? A man’s wreckage is attractive because “broken” is a beautiful word. The girl in the story knew she couldn’t save him by sleeping with him, if fact it probably made him feel all … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Christina Kapp
Christina Kapp’s Inheritance is included in the March issue. She talks with us about her buttons, drinking herself to death, rescue, and more. 1. What do your buttons look like? Well, my most often used buttons are white and they … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Amber Noelle Sparks
Amber Sparks was a finalist in our 2010 contest and she talks with us about deathbed towns, the metal she would like to be made of, and how the heart can be bigger than the body it is beating in. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jamison Crabtree
Jamison Crabtree’s poetry is part of the March issue and he talks with us about what his house has abandoned, how cheerwine is made, and Andre, among other matters. 1. What has your house abandoned? If we’re talking Bachelard’s “Poetics … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Tim Kahl
Today, by Tim Kahl, appears in the March issue. He talks with us about an all squirrel version of a popular movie, how a star loses its innocence and how his shadow slinks. 1. How would you make an all … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Frankie Romano
Frankie Romano’s Oscar the Normal is a great part of the February issue. She talks to us about what she would live without, breaking news about her imaginary missing arm, growing up, and how poetry slams have helped her voice. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Kristina Born
Kritina Born’s The Village Called Hurty was a finalist in our most recent writing contest. She talks with us about her hurty place, the magic she wants and her favorite werewolf. 1. Where is your hurty place? I bruise like … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Hilary King
Hilary King evokes William Carlos Williams in the February issue. She talks with us about how that poet might react, theories about the original and its imitations, and interoffice romance. 1. How would William Carlos Williams react after reading your … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Eliza Tudor
Eliza Tudor’s wonderful Shells is featured in the March issue. She talks with us about what can break her easily, the problem of love, medical conditions and slow dances. 1. How is love a problem worse than cars? Trust me … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Eric Nguyen
Enjoy Eric Nguyen’s “We Are Here” in the February 2011 issue of PANK. He talks with us about why we are here, Anne Rice’s fighting style and spacecrafts as time capsules. 1. What is Anne Rice’s fighting style? Capoeira. 2. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Megan Williams
Two poems by Megan Williams appear in the March issue. She talks with us about the kind of cathedral woman she is, which comes first, the poem or the title, and the lines that impact her most. 1. What kind … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Richard Thomas
Richard Thomas allows us to choose our own adventure, sort of, with Splintered in the March issue. He talks with us about the structure of that story, awkward breakups and breakup mixes. 1. How did you figure out that “Choose … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Sandra Simonds
Sandra Simonds’s Sketch of Early Life does a fine job of capturing early motherhood. She talks with us about the gifts left by the fetus hairy, nautical transportation, and how she might answer the questions, “Is there a doctor in … Continue reading
Ask the Author: James O’Brien
James O’Brien’s Travelers is included in the March issue.  He talks with us about his preferred (or not) mode of travel, atrocious acts, nameless characters and more. 1. How do you prefer to travel long distances? I don’t. If I … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Joseph Michael Owens
Contemptibly, A Hair, in our March issue, is guaranteed to make you laugh. The author, Joseph Michael Owens, talks with us about free coffee at work, how he takes his coffee and much more. 1. What is your theory on the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Joseph A.W. Quintela
Joseph A.W. Quintela’s poem I Am appears in the February issue and he does a lot of answering our questions with questions in today’s interview. 1. What implement of destruction are you really? Why is an axe thought to be … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Susan Slaviero
Susan Slaviero’s poetry appears in the February issue. She talks with us about hiding the body, poetry brothels and the cast of the sequel to her life. 1. Where did you hide the body? The body is hidden in a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Libby Cudmore
Libby Cudmore finds a Personal Jesus in the March issue. She talks with us about continental breakfasts, the structure of her body and what Jesus listens to while he watches. 1. What would be served at the Continental breakfast at … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Erik Hanson
Erik Hanson’s Vision Quest is a favorite from the February issue. He talks with us about sad stories that begin in bars, Scotch for sipping, and staring into the stars among other matters. 1. What have you found in the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Lania Knight
Lania Knight’s moving and poetic essay appears in the February issue. She talks with us about dancing playlists, the potential of passionate affairs, and the pelts of dream animals. 1. What is on your dance party playlist? I’ve got eclectic … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Adam Moorad
Adam Moorad makes another appearance in PANK with his story Wine of Youth. He talks with us about skin oracles, the actual taste of the wine of youth and more. 1. What does the wine of youth taste like? What … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Joseph Cassara
Joseph Cassara’s imaginative fiction appeared in the February issue and was also featured on the American Short Fiction blog. He talks with us about the neuroses of his childhood, singing as the ship goes down and more. 1. How would … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Len Kuntz
The prolific Len Kuntz made his PANK debut in the February issue. He took a stream of consciousness approach to our conversation and then magic happened. 1. How can one tell the level of toothache through a kiss? If the kiss flutters … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Amy Butcher
Amy Butcher’s Taking Form appears in the February issue. She talks with us about the coolest name, working the pole and Mennonite breakfasts. 1. You have one of the coolest names of all time. However, to protect your cool name, … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Lydia Unsworth
Lydia Unsworth’s imaginative fiction appeared in the December issue. She talks with us about watery music, the specialness of the sea, and what she was born to kill. 1. Is the sea nothing special to you? It’s getting there. Â I’m … Continue reading
An Interview with Ocean Vuong By Amanda Mathews
As a follow-up to Krystelle Bamford’s review of Ocean Vuong’s Burnings, Amanda Mathews presents an interview: Q: In the first section of your book Burnings, the majority of the poems center around Vietnam along with maternal relationships with both your mother … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Brendan Constantine
Brendan Constantine’s Noct appears in the February issue and he talks with us about white space, counting, WTF, and more. 1. How did you form the white space in “Noct”? I’d been writing about speechlessness. Hardly an original notion, I … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Shanti Perez
Shanti Perez’s Krst, The Little Spy, appears in the December 2010 issue. She talks with us about barn sneaking, researching for her writing, and the guilty pleasures of watching. 1. What would you sneak into a barn? This is the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Sarah Kokernot
Sarah Kokernot’s The Russians Have Come appears in the February issue. She talks to us about laughing at orphans, collecting things, and how much of her life is in stories. 1. What is the worst thing you have ever laughed … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Nate Pritts
Prolific poet and editor Nate Pritts has a fine series of poems in the February issue. He speaks with us about the construction of poetry, where words crash, and what he wants to hold hands with. 1. What’s with poetry’s … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Leslie McGrath
Leslie McGrath’s nuanced poem, Parallax, appears in the February issue. The poet talks with us about pocket Museums, poems as love stories, commonality or rarity, and more. 1. What is in your pocket Louvre? I went to a reading at … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Chloe Caldwell
Chloe Caldwell’s visceral Hunger appears in the February issue. She talks with us about the best scotch pairings with coke, pinatas, and orgies in her mouth. 1. What scotch do you recommend in McDonald’s Coca-Cola? Johnnie Walker Red Label holds … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Rachel Brown
Rachel Brown’s four poems are featured in the February issue. She talks with us about her first time (publishing, pervs), math, zipping things and more. 1. Based on your bio, I understand this is your first publication. What was your … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Deanna Larsen
Deanna Larsen’s elegant Buenos Aires in Three Short Lessons is part of the February issue. She talks with us about what she wishes her calves would cut, matters of bones and being afraid of her own body. 1. What or … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Claudine Moreau
Claudine Moreau’s No Witnesses is a fine addition to the February issue. She talks with us about achieving hidden motives, literature as her religion (sort of), the research she puts into her writing, and more. 1. How would you pimp … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Andrew Kozma
Two poems by Andrew Kozma appear in the February issue and he discusses the matter of epigraphs, what he is willing to mine and what he has cut to save something. 1. What epigraph best describes or introduces you? I’ll … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Peter Schwartz
Peter Schwartz’s masterful poetry is part of the January issue and he talks to us about a number of things including the 12th thing his pain has, the influence of art on poetry and more. 1. If your pain has … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Katy Resch
Katy Resch’s The Fawn Skull is one of my favorites I’ve had the opportunity to publish. In this excellent story, in the January issue, she captures the life and mind and heart of an adolescent girl so beautifully in this … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Laurence Pritchard
Laurence Pritchard’s engaging “Fucking Mermaids” is one of our favorites in the January issue. He talks with us about the logistics of sex with mermaids, minotaurs, and other mythical beasts. 1. Would fucking a mermaid be like that pool sex … Continue reading
Ask the Author: James Valvis
Poetry from James Valvis appears in the January issue. He writes us a poem, talks about breaking and entering into poetry and more. 1. Describe how you break into other people’s poems and steal from them to create new poems. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Bess Winter
Bess Winter’s Men With Own Tuxedos is included in the January issue and she talks with us about the ritual of the tuxedo, Craigslist and the origins of her story. 1. Why must men in tuxedos be sad? We cannot … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Janice Harrington
We are lucky to have four poems by Janice Harrington in the January issue and she talks with us about grafting things to her body, the medical procedure that makes her most uncomfortable, writing science and medicine for children and … Continue reading
An Interview With Lavinia Ludlow by Barry Graham
BG : For me, ALT.PUNK is a tale of brutally honest, fatalistic, twenty-first century American Naturalism. I can’t help but feel that Hazel’s entire existence is preordained, that her germophobic, socially inept personality and her narrow, semi-elitist world view were … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Micah Dean Hicks
Micah Dean Hicks’s remarkable “A Famine of Music” appears in the January issue and he talks with us about matters of great importance including inventing body parts, the danger of music in a dark alley and more. 1. What body … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Lincoln Michel
Two of Lincoln Michel’s fictions appear in the January issue. He talks with us about the Wu-Tang sword, face slapping as a motivational tool, what he would hunt and more. 1. What rank would you like to have in the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Sam Cohen
Sam Cohen “goes there” with her fantastic story, Sustenance, in the January issue. She talks with us about the difficult choices inherent to cannibalism, how to sever a limb, and her tattoo wishlist among other things. 1. Whose voice would … Continue reading
Ask the Author: I. Fontana
I. Fontana’s Lamentations of Babylon appears in the January issue and the author talks with us about harems, unemployment, elaborate storytelling and more. 1. In one paragraph, categorize the first decade of the 21st century. Whether you’re in Estonia, Latvia, … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jen Besemer
Jen Bessemer’s imaginative work appears in the January issue and she talks with us about literary movements, hidden dangers and performance enhancement. 1. What hidden dangers are you fed up with? I’m fed up with the hidden dangers of contemporary … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Lacey Martinez
Lacey Martinez’s Birth Defect is an imaginative, sort of disturbing but engaging story in the December issue. She talks with us about the letter Z, bilingualism, our biggest fears and more. 1. What exactly is ‘Z’? According to the latest … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Suzanne Rindell
Suzanne Rindell’s elegant writing is part of the December issue and she talks to us about being pretty in fiction, hated day jobs and how much of herself she puts in her writing. 1. Why must most everyone be pretty … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Aubrey Hirsch
At AWP 2011, I met Aubrey Hirsch, author of the story “Hydrogen Event In A Bubble Chamber” published in the May 2010 issue. Aubrey informed me over drinks that I did not interview her for that issue and after some … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Alec Bryan
Alec Bryan’s contribution to the January issue is quite epic, and he talks about selling himself, catching tears, and rattling questions among other matters. 1. When selling yourself, what is your slogan? I am more than a piece of man … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Ande Davis
Ande Davis does beautiful things with language in his story Mechanics. He talks with us about ninja turtles, Mary’s father, dating the limbless and more. 1. What action figure would you wish to hug people like? A ninja turtle, probably … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Shannon Peil
Shannon Peil’s Sam appears in the December issue and he talks with us about balance, voice, names that should be banned and other matters. 1. What is your middle name? What would you like your middle name to be? My … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Karen Munro
Karen Munro’s hilarious Agenda which any one in academia can relate to, is included in our December issue. She talks with us about her work, cybernetic implants, and the strangeness of the Northwest. 1. How did you go about creating … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Sherry O’Keefe
Sherry O’Keefe’s poetry in the December issue is about what is not what it is about. She talks with us about Karl, dauntless tasks, and much more. Who is Karl? Every canoe I’ve ever paddled, I’ve tipped out of. Karl … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Annam Manthiram
Annam Manthiram’s Superheroes is part of the December issue and she talks with us about a soundtrack for escaping an exploding building, lame superpowers, and Indian superheroes. 1. What is the lamest superpower ever? Serrano chili pepper claws. If you’re … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Daniela Olszewska
Daniela Olszewska’s three poems will grab your attention in the December issue. She talks with us about the imagery in her poetry, obsessions with themes and fights with toxic rodents. 1. What kind of influence would you like on gerbils? … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Raina Lauren Fields
Raina Fields’s killer poetry is a key part of the December issue and she talks with us about cheap beer, hotel sex, and who we belong to. 1. What is your favorite cheap beer? The Champagne of Beers. Or PBR. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Joe Kapitan
Joe Kapitan offers us a theology, of sorts, in the December issue and talks with us about invitations to war, requests for money, and research and writing. 1. What would you do better with if it was removed? This mole … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Hannah Miet
Hannah Miet’s rather perfect poem is part of the December issue. She talks with us about mourning sex, new sexual positions and the Whole Foods salad bar. 1. When you decide to get married, what kind of intervention would it … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jeffrey Carl Jefferis
Cool Steve, by Jeffrey Carl Jefferis, appears in the December issue, and he talks with us about the intersections between Steve and coolness, gang names and more. 1. I’ve never met a cool person named Steve. Is this because I … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Nate Innomi
Nate Innomi’s infectious story appears in the December issue and he talks with us about inventing disease, eye fucking and value meals. 1. What disease would you like to invent? How would one get infected with it? Critical thought. I … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Noah Falck
Noah Falck’s Cincinatti, appears in the December issue. He talks with us about the shape of a poem, whether teaching encourages drinking, and TV as a soundtrack for sex. 1. Does being an elementary school teacher encourage the drinking of … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Kristina Marie Darling
Kristina Marie Darling brings more of her stunning prose poetry to the December issue. She talks with us about stolen lockets, her translator of choice and what she would name her black metal band. 1. What locket would you like … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Ben Segal
Ben Segal’s work is featured in the November issue and he talks with us today about decorating in the past tense, time and writing, and science fiction pornography. 1. What would the decor of a room in past tense look … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Rae Bryant
Rae Bryant’s fiction opens our December issue and she talks with us about her writing, that which she would rule and more. 1. What would you like to be the empress of? I am already empress of the coffee pot … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Vallie Lynn Watson
Vallie Lynn Watson, One Tree Hill afficianado, has a small fiction in the November issue and she talks with us about trails left behind, obsessions, and how she puts herself in her writing. 1. What have you left a trail … Continue reading
Ask the Author: J.A. Tyler
JA Tyelr’s The Rhinoceros was a runner up in our 2009 1,001 Awesome Words contest and today he talks to us about the deal he made with the devil, nicknames for his body and  who he’d like to gore. 1. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Salvatore Pane
Salvatore Pane’s lovely story appears in the November issue. He talks with us about the influence of science on his writing, bad Internet handles, living in a BioDome, and more. 1. How much fanfare would you like to be greeted … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Feng Sun Chen
Feng Sun Chen’s unique writing appears in the November issue and she talks with us about cleaning prose windows, surviving the holidays, and much more. 1. How do you avoid self-destruction? I’m too lazy to be very self destructive. And … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Marcus Wicker
Marcus Wicker’s poetry appears both in the November issue of PANK and PANK 5. He talks with us about guilt, the last piece advice he received from a duck, his favorite season and more. 1. What was the last piece … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Letitia Moffit
Letitia Moffitt’s mournful but wonderful Incognito appears in the November issue and she talks with us about dyeing her hair plaid, the second person, and hopes for garage sales. 1. What do you wish you could color your hair? Plaid. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jess Upshaw Glass
Jess’s imaginative The Baby in the Bedroom appears in the November issue. She talks with us about babies in peril, nursing wounds, being the butt of a bar joke and more. 1. Why must the baby always be in peril … Continue reading
Ask the Authors: Molly Gaudry and Lily Hoang
Molly Gaudry and Lily Hoang’s collaborative hybrid piece, The Fan Dancers, appears in the November issue. They talk with us about their collaboration, dancing with objects, and who’d they’d like to change into. 1. Describe your collaborative process for “The … Continue reading
Ask the Author: B.G. Will
There is Room for Two in B.G. Will’s story in the October issue. He talks with us about his take on sexting, fueling a dadbot, and figuring out his dreams among other things. 1. What is your take on sexting? … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Rickey Laurentiis
Rickey Laurentiis’s poem Mood Indigo appears in the October issue and today, the poet talks with us about life in the Big Easy, the best New Orleans cocktail, danger in love and home and more. 1. What is the  significance … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Christy Crutchfield
Christy Crutchfield’s three fictions are included in the November issue. She talks to us about how she likes her explosions, ideal tattoo real estate, sideshow attractions and more. 1. What was the significance of calling out the fireworks as “legal” … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Sarah Rose Etter
Sarah Rose Etter’s The Tongue Party is at once discomfiting and entrancing. She talks with us about hosting a tongue party of her own, naming a boat, the torture of children and other pleasant topics. 1. Would you ever hold … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Robert Warwick
Robert Warwick’s fiction is included in the October issue and he has a few things to tell us in today’s interview about things he has drowned in, the parts of himself in his writing and more. 1. Why can’t the … Continue reading
Ask The Publisher: Matt DeBenedictis
Matt DeBenedictis is the mad genius behind Safety Third Enterprises, publisher of such fine chapbooks at The Serial Rapist Sitting Behind You is a Robot and He Is Talking To The Fat Lady. He’s also a tremendously talented writer and … Continue reading
Ask the Translator: Lawrence Schimel
Lawrence Schimel translated the lovely work of Sofia Rhei in the October issue. He talks with us about why he translated Cinderella, fictional languages he’d like to speak, and who’d play him in the movie. 1. What compelled you to … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Elaine Castillo
Elaine Castillo is one of our favorite writers and in the October issue she tells a story in a series of Figures. Today, she talks with us about dangerous drinking water, things she’d like to be dipped in, Greek mythology … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Matthew Burnside
Matthew Burnside’s partially elided text appears in the November issue and he talks with us about fox face girls, the format of his work in the November issue, the bleeding of brave birds, and more. 1. Would you make out … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Andrew Tibbetts
The fiction of Andrew Tibbetts is included in our Queer Issue and he talks with us about perfect gifts, sassy black women on TV, his catch sitcom phrase and more. 1. How would a homosexual make the perfect Christmas gift … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Mel Bosworth
Mel Bosworth writes of many things and in the November issue, he tells the tale Jonah is Clean. He’s also a big big Lakers fan. He’s the guy in the stands painted in glorious shades of purple and yellow pounding … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Christopher Phelps
Christopher Phelps brings his unique style to the October issue and talks to us about the formations of an ouroboros, his background and its influence on his writing, recent purchases from snakes and more. 1. What  inanimate objects  would you … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Mike Buffalo
Mike Buffalo, man of mystery, appears in the October issue and talks to us about down low neo-Nazis, Dennis Cooper, and what he eats when he feels sad. 1. What kind of mask would you wear to abduct someone? Like … Continue reading
Ask the Author: M. Kitchell
M. Kitchell’s innovative Loop appears in the October issue. He talks with us about narrative structures, things he has wanted but couldn’t love, pornography from the past and more. 1. How does the choppy sentence construction contribute or enhance the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Paul Lomax
Paul Lomax’s work is included in the October issue. He talks about the importance (or not) of white space, his screensaver, and the sin he loves best. 1. How importance is white space to you when creating a stanza? About … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Holly Jensen
Enjoy a fine story by Holly Jensen in the October issue then listen in as we talk about her favorite word, the lies breeders tell, beers to get bleary on and more. 1. What is your favorite word? My fancypants … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Ben Engel
Ben Engel’s “In the Forest” is included in the October issue. He talks with us about mythical places, small things hidden, the deception of queer fiction and much more. You want to read this interview. 1. What mythical wooded planet … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Simon Sylvester
Simon Sylvester writes about boys in the October issue. He talks with us about David Bowie, what pocket money can buy and more. 1. What David Bowie song have you always wanted to slow motion walk to? Modern Love. Hasn’t … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Dennis Mahagin
Dennis Mahagin’s charming and irreverent work appears in the October issue and he talks to us about the why of dwarves, his favorite TV theme song, Kissimmee, FL, and more. 1. Why the seven dwarves? As “soldiers of metaphor” I … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Crystal Boson
Crystal Boson’s brings her unique voice to the October issue and talks to us about her prayers, sacrifice, Texans and their marinades, and more. 1. What do you pray about? Does it help? I mostly pray for the normal things: … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Maureen Seaton
Maureen Seaton has both a poem and an essay in the October issue. She talks with us about being tri, what she’d like to fly and blast radii. 1. What do you think it would be like to be “tri”? … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Michelle Valois
Michelle Valois’s fine work is part of our September issue and she talks with us about teaching humanity, revolutions and much more. 1. What bodies have you buried in your growth as a person? Only the celestial bodies of old … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Valerie Suffron
Valerie Suffron’s imaginative work appears in the September issue. She talks with us about the desire for perfection, being thrown off a bridge and the intersection between desire and illness. 1. What do you desire the most? Perfection. I’ve reflected … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Isabell Serafin
Isabell Serafin’s lush writing graces the September issue. She talks with us about what she’s been up to, where she is in the world, and things stuffed with savory meat. What have you been doing since you found out your … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Tara Laskowski
Tara Laskowski’s remarkable story with a very long title appears in the September issue. She talks with us about naming children after rock stars, the junk she studies and much more. 1. What musician would you name a child after? … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Kristina Knappett
Kristina Knappett rants in the September issue and talks with us about unitards, the influence of high school on her writing, and the allure of Degrassi. 1. Could a unitard also be a mentally handicapped unicorn, one who breaks dreams … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Robin Lee Mozer
Robin Lee Mozer’s intense and moving work appears in the September issue. She talks with us about talking to the past, her stylistic choices, and the absences that scare her. What would your 23-year-old self tell your 16-year-old self? What … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Sunshine LeMontree
Sunshine LeMontree’s fiction appears in the September issue and she talks with us about the veracity of her name, dancing, the use of fact in fiction and much more. 1. Are you operating under a nom de plume? If not, … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Patrick Carberry
Patrick Carberry is a natty dresser. That’s not the point here, but it’s worth mentioning. You can read his work in the September issue, then listen in as we talk to him about clear aviation, the leaving of inappropriate fluids … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Burnt Filament
Burnt Filament’s amazing poem appears in the September issue and he chats with us about the smell of whiskey, faking orgasms, and phone numbers on dirty bathroom walls. 1. What whiskey would you like to smell like? Maker’s Mark. One … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Tania Hershman
Tania Hershman was a finalist in our first 1,001 Words contest. Today she talks with us about brave questions, running away, and other such concerns. 1. What is the bravest question you’ve asked? “Will you marry me?” (Not revealing to … Continue reading
Ask the Author: James Merenda
James Merenda’s poetry is featured in the September issue and he talks with us about proper sex research, corrective footwear, and the poetry of playwriting. 1. What are the benefits of marrying a hater instead of a lover? It makes … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Travis Hessman
Travis Hessman makes another appearance in PANK with another uniquely formed story. He talks with us about meta commentary, pick up lines he won’t use, and thin walls. 1. What would be your meta commentary on the impending nature of … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Megan Falley
Spoken word poet Megan Falley’s amazing poetry appears in the September issue and is forthcoming in PANK 5. She talks with us about Jello, wearing injuries, and much more. 1. What is your favorite Jello mold? I actually loathe Jell-o. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jenny Bitner
Jenny Bitner’s imaginative Is This Part of the Love Ritual? appears in the September issue. She takes on our questions today with similar flair. 1. How do you think an alien would abduct you? That’s the strange part, aliens can … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Phil Estes
Phil Estes’s poetry appears in the September issue. He talks with us about the benefits of a PhD in creative writing, loneliness and aloneness and more. 1. What does one do with a doctorate in Creative Writing? Emergency surgery in … Continue reading
Ask the Author: P. Scott Cunningham
Read P. Scott’s poetry in the September issue and then listen in as we talk about sleeping with tiny lesbians, searching for the good in Miami and the Florida lit scene. 1. What would a poem about not concentrating for … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Bonnie ZoBell
Bonnie ZoBell has a name you just want to say over and over. Her fine writing appears in the August issue and she talks with us about her favorite borough, the things she has run from and abandonment issues. Would … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Lisa Aldin
A fantastic story from Lisa Aldin opens the September issue and today she talks with us about love, birth control, and other disasters. 1. What kind of natural disaster does a monogamous girl cause? A celibate girl? I imagine a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: DeWitt Brinson
DeWitt Brinson’s prose  appears in the September issue and the author talks with us about the men who kiss his sister, moose battles, and more. 1. Now that you are older, what would you do to the man who kissed … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Katie Jean Shinkle
Katie Jean Shinkle appears in the August issue and talks with us about the shape of the heart, monogamy, and leaving someone. 1. What geometrical shape is your heart in? A deep freezer or a decapitated doll’s head or a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Beth Thomas
We first heard Beth Thomas’s “Head,” which appears in the August issue, at the PANK reading at AWP. We both fell in love with the story and were thrilled when Beth sent it our way. Today she talks with us … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Robert Alan Wendeborn
Robert Alan Wendeborn appears in PANK for the second time in the August issue. He talks with us about the worst poem he has ever written, his future and the stresses of poetry. 1. Where do you like your future … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Matthew Salesses
Matthew Salesses is the author of our second book, Our Island of Epidemics, and two excerpts from that book (YOU WANT IT) are included in the September issues. He starts with us about the genesis of the project, where we … Continue reading
Ask the Author: B.R. Smith
Enjoy B.R. Smith’s story in the August issue and then listen in as we talk about deceptions of the eye, illusions, and more. According to the font of knowledge that is Wikipedia: Trompe-l’ail, which can also be spelled without the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Melissa Goodrich
Melissa Goodrich has one of the most popular stories in the August issue and she talks with us about inadequate nipple stimulation, isolation, looking up the sky’s skirt and more. 1. “When he starts sucking on my nipples, all I … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Lindsay Merbaum
Today we talk with Lindsay Merbaum whose beautiful Opaline graces the August issue. She talks with us about life in Ecuadar, the lack of beauty among nuns, being the new girl, and more. 1. Why can’t there be any hot … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Matt Lapata
Matt Lapata’s dense and dark Absalomammon haunts the August issue and he talks with us about weaponcrafting, creating his own religion and more. 1. What edged weapon would you want to grow out of your arm? A chainsaw with teeth … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Brett Elizabeth Jenkins
Brett Elizabeth Jenkins is one of the fine poets featured in the August issue and she talks with us about wedding songs, divorce soundtracks, and finding the dead. 1. Who would you like to find dead? Where would you like … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Luke Goebel
There are two Luke’s in the August issue. This is one of their stories. [Insert Law & Order sound] He talks with us about charms, choosing to cleanse and so much more. 1. Why would anyone want to drink a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Luke Geddes
Invasion, by Luke Geddes appears in the August issue and he talks with us about doing the watusi, plural archetypes and other such matters. 1. What music would you prevent your children from listening to? I put headphones blasting the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: John Fischer
John Fischer’s wondrous writing appears in the August issue and today he talks with us about the wonders of Velcro, Orlando beyond the tourism, and the voice of dust. 1. What kind of Velcro shoes would you rock? New Balance … Continue reading
Ask the Photographer: Gena Mohwish
Gena Mohwish is the first photographer we’ve published in PANK online and she talks with us today about photography, pixels versus film, and more. 1. Where do you enjoy playing hide-and-seek the most? in the past. 2. How did you … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Nicelle Davis
Nicelle is one of our favorite contributors to both the magazine and the blog. She talks with us today about writing during the end of a marriage, superheroes and her influences. 1. How as a writer are you coping with … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Sean Doyle
Sean Doyle’s searing Ladies First blows up the August issue and he talks with us about dating advice, making your very own date rape hallway and other oddities. 1. If you have actually fucked a cutter, have you ever thought … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Bill Yarrow
You can enjoy some really interesting work from Bill Yarrow in the July issue and he gives us some wisdom about the dearth of Satan in or lives, spiritual shell games, and love rituals. 1. Why is no one ever … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Brandi Wells
We were excited to have Brandi Wells make another appearance in PANK and today she talks with us about special words, awkward photos and much more. 1. How awkward would it be to have a blown up photo of your … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Robb Todd
Robb Todd will make you want to travel with his story in the July issue and he talks with us about weapons, the things we leave behind, and drunken dreams. 1. What weapon do you wish you got when you … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Robert Swartwood
Robert Swartwood makes another appearance in the July issue of PANK. He talks with us about blending in, animal genetics and much more. 1. How would you completely blend into an  environment? Well, that depends on the environment. If it … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Robert Anthony Siegel
Robert Anthony Siegel’s fiction appears in the July issue and he talks with us about house bands and intro music, corset making, and the mistakes we marry. 1. Who would be your house band on your late night talk show? … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Keith Rosson
Keith Rosson’s finely detailed At This Table appears in the July issue and he talks with us about aliases, spines as a building block and quiet acts of bravery. 1. What alias would you take up when eating at a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Johnsie Noel
Johnsie Noel’s poem in the July issue captured my imagination the moment I started reading it. Â Today she talks with us about noms de plume, telephone, and secret tastes. 1. What dimension does your nom de plume live in and … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Alana Dakin
Flesh and Blood by Alana Dakin appears in the July issue and she talks with us about ghost dating, the stuff ribs are made of, and more. 1. Would you date a person made of bone, skeleton bone not boner … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jen Gann
Jen Gann’s Tiger Town is part of the July issue and today there’s more tiger talk than you thought was possible. 1. If a dead tiger washed up on the beach, would you wear its pelt? Maybe if someone dried … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Kyle Minor
Kyle Minor is one of PANK’s favorite writers. He makes an appearance in the July issue and takes our questions head on in ways that make us want to shout, “Kyle Minor, you are a king among men!” 1. What … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Chris Erickson
An excerpt from Chris Erickson’s Henrytown appears in the July issue and today he asserts some of our questions are loaded (indeed they are), talks about the taste of laser beams, and more. 1. What do you think a laser … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Tim Dicks
Tim Dicks has two witty poems in the July issue and talks with us about bad oral sex, his very own sex position, and escaping Florida. 1. How bad must the oral sex you’re getting be if you can write … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Kate Wyer
Only in Motion by Kate Wyer appears in the June issue and talks with us about willing herself into a collision, good shades of lipstick and other important matters. 1. How do you will yourself into a collision? I was … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Sara Crowley
Sara Crowley’s visceral In July conveniently appears in the July issue. She talks with us about wombs as weapons, growing up and period sex. 1. If your womb was a firearm, what would it be and why would we want … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Stace Budzko
Stace Budzko’s Beautiful Retards is a fine inclusion in the July issue. Stace talks with us about safety equipment, swimming style, and language choices. 1. Do you use the word “retard” when describing mentally handicapped people in real life? Man, … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Johnny Peters
‘In the June issue, Johnny Peters makes his fiction debut with an elegant story, “Science.” He talks with us about some theories, choreography, Bill Nye the Science Guy and more. 1. When you got the acceptance letter, what was your … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Rachel Adams
Rachel Adams writes of Sex and the American Rabbit in the July issue and talks with us about mythical voyeuristic beasts, Hemingway’s safeword and other curiosities. 1. What mythical beasts would you watch have sex? Unicorns. The loudest prudes always … Continue reading
Ask the Author: xTx
xTx’s poetry is a real standout in the June issue and she talks with us about vowels, noms de plume, and becoming fluent in her. What would be my nom de plume that I should hide behind? What would the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong’s intense poems grace the June issue and he talks to us about sound and rhythm, the influence of sexuality, and great pickup lines. 1. I listened to your reading of your poems. How important is the sound and … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Tim Tomlinson
Tim Tomlinson’s poetry appears in the June issue and he has a nice chat with us about his favorite newspaper section, safewords and more. 1. What is your safe word? If you don’t have one, what would it be? Music … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Joseph Riippi
Joseph Riippi writes about various somethings in the June issue and talks with us about this sequence of work, writing soundtracks, forthcoming projects and a DVD bonus extra. 1. What would the first sentences of “Something About Thundercats” look like? … Continue reading
Ask the Author: David Frederick Thomas
David Frederick Thomas’s story with an exceptionally long title is one of our favorites from the June issue. Today, he talks with us about the new hugging, special utensils, and living in two different places. 1. What else is the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Anne Leigh Parrish
Anne Leigh Parrish’s moving Snow Angels is included in the June issue and she talks with us about drinking on planes, childhood habits and familial expectations. 1. What do you like to drink while on an airplane? Do you pregame? … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Traci O’Connor
Traci O’Connor has two short fictions in the June issue and talks with us about cicadas, trespasses, and her contributions to the June issue. How would you classify your contributions to this issue? Are they fiction? Poetry? Does the classification … Continue reading
Ask the Author: RD Parker
RD Parker’s innovative poetry graces the June issue and he talks with us about abstractions, madames and public transportation. 1. What if a motorcycle shop was next to the graveyard? How would you react then? I probably wouldn’t. Graveyards are … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Alexandra Isacson
Alexandra Isacson’s gorgeous She Loved Things With Wings appears in the June issue and on the last day of the long weekend, she talks with us about wings, loving thyself, and her wort text message faux pas. 1. Where’s the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Teresa Milbrodt
Teresa Milbrodt’s Mr. Chicken appears in the June issue. She talks with us about guilty pleasures, dating a woman with a beard and more. 1. Would you date a woman with a beard? Funny you should ask. We met about … Continue reading
Ask the Author: James Tadd Adcox
Tadd Adcox makes his second appearance in PANK with Diseases, Disorders and Breaks. He talks with us about macking, who he would like to bury and so much more. There are footnotes, even. 1. Is your way of macking it … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Gabe Durham
Enjoy five proses from Gabe Durham in the June issue and then he talks with us about adult diapers, the shame of the body, and the change in you, me, and all of us. 1. What would you like to … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Victoria Lynne McCoy
You can read a poem from Victoria Lynne McCoy in the June issue and read on here for more on context in poetry, marriage proposals, and what it would be like on the day it were legal to rape your … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Kaitlin Dyer
Listen to or read three of Kaitlin Dyer’s poems in the June issue, then rush back here to read about the consequences of rust, organ donation, and making the moves on the denizens of Oz. 1. How would you donate … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Melissa Broder
Two poems from Melissa Broder appear in the June issue and today she talks with us about plushness, the great state of Texas and authenticity. 1. Would the plushness of the toilet paper you handed someone under the stall affect … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Elizabeth Hildreth
Elizabeth Hildreth offers one of her English to English translations in the May issues and gives us some answers to our burning questions. 1. What is the sound of your voice in geological terms? Blowout 2. What kind of prosthetic … Continue reading
Ask the Author: D.E. Steward
D.E. Steward’s place-based writing appears in the May issue and he talks with us about the sink as a toilet, smuggling and the language of the future. 1. What are the hygienic benefits of pissing in the sink? No stink … Continue reading
Julie Enszer’s Handmade Love: A Review and Interview By Dan Holloway
A Review: Julie Enszer‘s poetry, riddled with the juxtapositions and contradictions facing feminists and LGBTQ activists today, reads like  the author is throwing questions against the side of her skull to break them open. Her collection Handmade Love isn’t a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jennifer Spiegel
Jennifer Spiegel’s Glasnost is featured in the May issue and she talks about her work, Russia, and the presumptions of perception. 1. What was your intent in “Glasnost” in showing everyone’s present and future? This is the serious question. Are … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Catherine Zobal Dent
Catherine Zobal Dent’s innovative Flesh appears in the May issue and today, she talks with us about the shared characteristics between Jesus and mass murderers, her work in PANK, and how she would cut her own hair, among other things. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Shanna Germain
The multitalented Shanna Germain’s Big Red is one of my favorite stories in the May issue and she talks to us about the fairy tale character she resembles, what the wolf takes and fat bottomed girls. 1. Which fairy tale … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Nancy Carol Moody
The May issue marks Nancy Carol Moody’s second appearance in PANK. She talks with us about her mythical beast swagger, Captain Obvious’s appearance and more. 1. What would Captain Obvious look like? What would be his superpowers? Captain Obvious is … Continue reading
Ask the Author: David LeGault
David LeGault’s Make Me a Knife is included in the May issue. He talks with us extensively about knives and we learn some things. 1. How much research did you do in writing “Make Me A Knife”? Can you make … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Seth Fischer
Seth Fischer’s Dead Cows is one of our favorite stories form the May issue. He talks with us about his sanity, the shape of his genitals and oh so much more. 1. Are you yourself batshit insane, sir? The source … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Kyle Minor
Kyle Minor brings more of his smart writing to the May issue and discusses realism, bleeding and more with us. 1. What would you define as low-stakes domestic realism? Raymond Carver stories? This kind of question is the price you … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Mabel Yu
Mabel Yu’s writing will be featured both in PANK 5 as well as in the May issue of PANK. She talks about the executioner’s song, the embarrassing things that can happen in groups and more. 1. What song would you … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Adam Tessier
Three poems by Adam Tessier appear in the May issue. He talks about barista history, recent beverages he has prepared, and strange things he’s run in to. What would being a barista historian entail? Oddly enough this question seems utterly … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Kathleen Heil
You can read or listen to three of Kathleen Heil’s poems in the May issue and she talks to us about the sound of a hug, megalomania and much more. 1. What does a hug sound like? A hug sounds … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Eileen Escabar
Eileen Escabar’s Fortune Cookies is part of the May issue and she talks with us about the subject of her prose, grand theft, and a recipe. 1. Is it just me or are fortunes in fortune cookies not really fortunes? … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Robert Swartwood
Robert Swartwood, editor of the forthcoming Hint Fiction anthology (BUY IT), is featured in the April issue with a story that placed as a finalist in our first 1,001 Words contest. Today he talks with us about Bruce Willis classics, … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Ryan W. Bradley
Ryan Bradley’s ode to body hair appears in the May issue. He talks with us about the naming of a child conceived to a poem, follicular preferences and the weird, adorable ways of his wife. 1. When a child is … Continue reading
Ask the Author: J.P. Dancing Bear
J.P. Dancing Bear has two poems with us in the May issue and he also takes a moment to chat with us about this and that. 1. What are you crafting at this moment? Paper hats, broaches and pterodactyls (Airplane: … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Rachel Swirsky
Rachel Swirsky’s lush Tipping the Velvet is a masterful addition to the April issue. She talks with us about the dangers of research, the magic she believes in and secrets we don’t want to keep. 1. How important is research … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Gregory Sherl
Gregory Sherl is becoming a regular in these here parts. Two excerpts from his Oregon Trail series appear in the April issue and he talks with us about the things in his pants, disease and the strength of the iPhone. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Chris Tarry
In the April issue, read or listen to Chris Tarry’s Hole. We talk to him about fixing life problems, interpreting the system 1. What problem in your life would you like a multi-national team to fix? Whoever the team is, … Continue reading
Matthew Simmon’s A Jello Horse: A Review and Interview By Salvatore Pane
A Review I came home from AWP with a lot of books, but the one I like best is definitely A Jello Horse by Matthew Simmons. Distributed by Publishing Genius, A Jello Horse is a novella about a young man … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Michelle Menting
Michelle Menting is one of our April poets and she talks with us about mythical beasts, forced conversations and turns the table on us. 1. If Smarch was a mythical beast, what mythical beast would it be? Would you wear … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Andrea Kneeland
Two fictions from Andrea Kneeland are part of the April issue, one of which has the longest title we’ve ever published. She talks with us about the length of attention spans to titles, hate collections and more. Is your attention … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jonathan Papas
Three of Jonathan Papas’s poems appear in the April issue and today we talk video games, the decline (or not) of ska, and mixtapes. 1. Who did you use the most in Street Fighter II? Blanka, without a doubt. I … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Desmond Kon Zhicheng-Mingdao
Desmond Kon Zhicheng-Mingdao has work in the April issue and forthcoming in PANK 5. He talks with us about construction materials for a poem, hotstepping and brands to avoid. 1. What would you make a poem out of? Memory, fantasy, … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Brian Kubarycz
Brian Kubarycz’s Bone Lagoon is included in the April issue and today he talks with us about piloting a better instrument and so much more. 1. What instrument do you moan like? My moan is like Czerny’s “School of Velocity,” … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jamie Iredell
Jamie Iredell is no stranger to PANK and in the April issue we get three amazing excerpts from his forthcoming Book of Freaks. 1. What fluid would you want to sweat? Probably a fairly saline water, with much the same … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Mindy Hung
Mindy Hung’s The View From Below appears in the April issue and she talks with us about archetypes, dream jobs, and the burdens of a bad haircut. 1. What would you kill to start fresh in your life? Killing my … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jennifer Pashley
Enjoy Jennifer Pashley’s Magic in the March issue of PANK and then listen in as we talk about bad pick up lines, magical powers and so much more. How would the tone of “Magic” change if the story was written … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Leah Bailly
Leah Bailly’s Stampede Queen is featured in the April issue and today she talks with us about capers, Calgary exports and much more. 1. What caper would you pull off in an attempt to get a lot of money? I’d … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Nik De Dominic
Nik De Dominic’s “On” poems join other fine work in the April issue and today, he talks with us about meta commentary, scandal and the New Orleans influence. 1. How long did you wait in your relationship to write love … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Julie Babcock
Julie Babcock’s poetry graces the April issue of PANK and she talks with us about grandmothers, Carmen Sandiego during her golden years and the mother of all songs. 1. What would the dodo advise a grandmother? Would it be about … Continue reading
Ask the Author: ZZ Boone
1. What would you like to see on a cake presented to you when it’s not your birthday? Anything other than “Get Well Soon.” 2. How much of a difference would it make if you switched “Mom” for “Dad” as … Continue reading
Ask the Editor + Publisher + Rockstar: Jen Woods
At AWP ’10, Matt and I sat on a panel about little magazines with Jen Woods, co-founder and president of Typecast Publishing and editor of The Lumberyard and we thought she was pretty awesome and she took some time from … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Dan Piepenbring
Dan Piepenbring appears in our March issue and today talks to us about dreams of defenestration, the papacy and the dangers of dodging. 1. Could you ever love a woman whose vagina fell out of her now and again? Oh, … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Karissa Morton
Two of Karissa Morton’s fascinating poems appear in the March issue and she talks with us about fraternity, uses for useless organs and the hide and seek habits of inanimate objects. 1. What are the perks of being the president … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Diane Lockward
Diane Lockward’s poetry is featured in the March issue and she talks with us about deeds of darkness, unitards and the sound of poetry. 1. What defines a “deed of darkness” for you? Is it something as small as killing … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Nick Kocz
Nick Kocz’s Dining by Candlelight is part of our March literary feast. He talks with us about crippling addictions, weird things we put in our mouths and seduction soundtracks. What have you been addicted to that could have crippled you … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Brad Green
In the March issue, Brad Green writes about the microcosm of office life and today talks with us about the hipster goth, free time (or the lack thereof, and even a bit about his writing. When are you using the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Nath Jones
Nath Jones explains How Mommy Ate Her Soul in the March issue and talks with us about the perfect soul recipe, working the graveyard shift, and the courage to send her work into the world. 1. How would you go … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Amorak Huey
Amorak Huey four poems in the March issue cover a lot of ground as does our conversation about obituaries, Little Red Riding Hood and kissing in a small town. 1. How would one write a poem about black metal? For … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Christopher Heavener
Christopher Heavener’s Omens portends great things in the March issue. He talks with us today about modern letters in Central Florida, the rituals he’s a slave to and the strange things we ask of our lovers. 1. Do you believe … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Daniel Gutstein
Daniel Gutstein brings his quirky humor to the March issue and talks with us about kicking a mockingbird’s ass, time saving devices and the heroics of a Beef Pineapple Robot. 1. Instructor Gutstein, what techniques would you use to kick … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jessica Hagemann
Jessica Hagemann’s MySpace: Begin was a finalist in our 1,001 Awesome Words Contest and today talks about shapes, social networking and cartoon characters. 1. What is the power structure like in your life? Is it a hexagonal or a dodecahedron? … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Mary Hamilton
Mary Hamilton’s We Know What We Are is forthcoming from Rose Metal Press this summer. In the meantime, her work appears in the March issue. Today she talks with us about optometry, GaGa glasses, and first lines. 1. What is … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Joseph Goosey
Joseph Goosey makes another appearance in the March issue of PANK and talks with us about literary threesome, the writing life if Jacksonville, and dental work. 1. What authors would you get into a threesome with? What would happen? Oh … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Ori Fienberg
Check out Ori’s Fienberg’s four poems in the February issue of PANK and catch up with him as we talk about where poems go to die, beating up nature, and living in a world without typos. 1. What happens when … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Brian Allen Carr
1. Brian, are you ok? Are you ok? Are you ok, Brian? You have no idea how long I’ve waited for someone to ask me that question. I’ve checked my fingers. They are all here. It could be worse. Though … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Alan Stewart Carl
Alan Stewart Carl’s Cast Out is featured in the February issue. He talks with us about the apocalypse, a mixtape for the end of the world and what he does when he steps away from his writing. 1. This section … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Maya Jewell Zeller
Three poems from Maya Jewell Zeller grace the February issue and she talks with us about robotic poetry, natural writing talent and what her world might look like if all the water left it. 1. Have you ever considered writing … Continue reading
Ask The Author: Kimberly Lojewski
Kimberly Lojewski brings us in the February issue of PANK “An Arctic Mirage Sounds A Lot Like Rusty Crickets“.  She talks with us today about narwhals, sacrifice, and  pageantry  in warm places. 1. Would a lot of rusty crickets sound … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Christopher Ryan
In the February issue, Christopher reveals a Work History, then talks with me about the strange things we do for money, the tattoo that means the most and the exact location of the devil. 1. What is the strangest thing … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Amber Sparks
Read or listen to Amber Sparks’s Storage Space in the February issue and then enjoy our conversation where she and I talk about women’s bodies, hypochondria and solving the politician problem. 1. This fragment is probably one of the most … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Corey Mesler
Not only is Corey Mesler in the February issue with two poems, he also talks with J. Bradley about juggling, the movie of the book, and also critiques Garrison Keillor, a wee bit. 1. I noticed a tremendous lack of … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Erik Smetana
Catch up with Headlines by Erik Smetana in the February issue then enjoy our conversation about robots guarding St. Louis, fictional reporters and how everything is better when set to music. 1. “Headlines” reminds me of the Dadaist cut-up method … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Eric Burke
Eric Burke’s shares two poems in the February issue and tells J. Bradley about his beard, the Ramones and the work of his day job. 1. If you sheared your beard, would you lose all of your mad writing skills … Continue reading
Ask the Author(s): Elisa Gabbert and Kathleen Rooney
Dynamic duo Elisa Gabbert and Kathleen Rooney’s poetry appears both in the February issue and PANK 4. They talk with J. Bradley about powers, tag team wrestling and forming a super group. 1. When you activate your Wonder Twin powers, … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Joseph Celizic
Callow Monster by Joseph Celizic is one of the fine stories featured in the February issue. Today he talks with J. Bradley about the monster inside him, the influence of faith and doing violence unto Muppets. What monster lives in … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Sutherland Douglass
In the January issue, Sutherland details the View from Mr. Rockefeller and today, he talks with J. Bradley about novelistic choices, crushes and Japanese game shows. 1. Why did you choose Clark Rockefeller in writing your novel? It started with … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Amy McDaniel
Amy McDaniel’s New Year A Romance graces the January issue and she brings her sharp wit to J. Bradley’s questions, today. 1. When do you know your story is about to jump-the-shark? Â How do you stop it from happening? … Continue reading
All About Us
In the March, 2010, issue of  The Writer Magazine, Mary Miller offers up “7 hip literary magazines you need to check out.” And whom might that selective cabal include? Why, none other than Keyhole, Kitty Snacks,  NOÖ,  The Normal School, … Continue reading
A Conversation Between Kirk Nesset and Nicelle Davis
ND: The stories in Mr. Agreeable are considerably shorter than the stories in your first collection, Paradise Road. The two books demonstrate your control of narrative. You can hold a reader’s attention for thirty pages and/or rip their hearts out … Continue reading
The Extraordinary Ordinary: Kirk Nesset’s Mr. Agreeable, by Nicelle Davis
One moment, if it’s the right moment, can define a person entirely. Kirk Nesset”â„¢s stories are set within those pivotal moments and result in vivid characters navigating unique circumstances. Mr. Agreeable, out now from Mammoth Books, is a collection of … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Carrie Murphy
1. How would you react if a potential lover said to you they could suck the skin off of a peach? I would turn around, walk back to the bar, and order another drink. 2. Is it more important to … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Thomas Patrick Levy
Thomas Patrick Levy gives us two poems from a larger body of work in the January issue. Â Today, he talks with J. Bradley about the whereabouts of common sense, the mind body connection and life in So Cal. 1. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Doug Paul Case
1. What bobblehead would you seduce? Explain how you would go about doing so. I would paint my body green for Chris Pine, then shave my head for Natalie Portman. I’d look pretty strange, but what sci-fi character could resist? … Continue reading
Ask the Editors: James Tadd Adcox and Rebekah Silverman of Artifice
1. How did you come up with the concept for Artifice? How long has it taken to bring your idea to fruition? JTA: We’d been talking about starting a magazine ever since we moved to Chicago, maybe three years back. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Carolyn Kegel
Carolyn Kegel graces the January issue with Anna in the Free Floating World and today talks with J. Bradley about a Transformers/Catcher in the Rye crossover, getting lost, and the proper soundtrack for her lovely story. 1. Would “Anna In … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Mark Cunningham
Mark Cunningham offers us several unique specimens to study in the January issue and offers an incisive critique of Jersey Shore among other things in today’s interview. 1. One of my favorite lines in this series is “Hegel was right: … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Geordie deBoer
Geordie deBoer’s writing is hard to categorize and he brings his indefinable talent to the February issue and talks with us about the awkwardness of the first time and much much more. 1. What screenplay writers do you consider an … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Maureen Alsop
Maureen Alsop contributes a series of poems on divination in the January issue. Today, she talks about the genesis of that work, worries about rhubarb and rain and her preferred method of divination. 1. I notice most poets have a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Andrew Borgstrom
The January issue features Andrew Borgstrom’s And Then We Were Six. In today’s interview with J. Bradley, Andrew talks about important life lessons learned at the age of six, justifiable homicide and the line between fact and fiction. 1. When … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: The Editors of WTF PWM
1. Editorial anonymity has been the source of recent discussion in various places. As the editor(s) of wtf pwm, are you choosing to be anonymous, and why? Does the editorial staff really matter? When WTF PWM was first conceived we … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Michael Jurkovic
In the December issue, Michael Jurkovic waxes poetic on the Pacific Trash Vortex. In today’s interview with Guy, Michael keeps it short, but oh so sweet. 1. Have you ever been the victim of a crime? What was the crime, … Continue reading
Ask the Author: James Tadd Adcox
James Tadd Adcox, editor of one of the more interesting new literary magazines, Artifice, keeps finding things including answers to Guy Brookshire’s always unique questions. Have you ever been followed by a/n: Animal; Small Child; Private Investigator? 1. Yes. Â Animals … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Keith Kurzman
Keith Kurzman offers useful advice in the event of a plane crash and talks about late night driving, things left behind and lessons poetry should learn. Have you ever driven all night long? From where to where? At any point … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Steve Himmer
In the December issue, Steve Himmer offers a novel excerpt that leaves the reader wanting more. Â In today’s interview, Steve and Guy discuss the proper reading material for quitting a job, punishment, and the funniest short stories they ever … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Kristina Marie Darling
Kristina Marie Darling, with work both in PANK 4 and the December issue, talks about history, Santa’s lap and recommended reading for a dreaded holiday. Do you feel/have any special connection to the children in Peter Pan? Whenever people ask … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Eric Beeny
Eric Beeny, persistent and charming, is featured in the December issue with his story Living Expenses. Today, he talks with Guy Brookshire about the dream of books, being taught more than one can learn and the deceit of fiction. Have … Continue reading
Spotlight: Molly Gaudry, Writer, Editor, Charmer
As part of this week’s focus on new books, Nicelle Davis interviewed Molly Gaudry, author of the lush novella We Take Me Apart, out now from mud luscious press. 1.The flow of We Take Me Apart appears effortless. How were … Continue reading
Ask the Author: John Haggerty
John Haggerty spins a delightful yarn about The Incredible Teeth of Bobby Mcgraw in the December issue. He offers us a brief tutorial on California geography, an update on the state of his teeth and more in today’s interview with … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Janet Freeman
In the December issue, Janet covers Gabriel Garcia Marquez and in today’s interview she reveals that marriage is the worst injury she has ever committed unto herself, among other lovely tidbits. Have you ever been to Taos, New Mexico? What … Continue reading
Ask the Author: I. Fontana
I. Fontana’s Amnesia appears in the December issue. Today, he talks with Guy Brookshire about ruins, strange things, and his preferred mode of communication. 1. Are there pre-columbian ruins in Guadalajara? Â Have you ever been to the ruins of … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Sheldon Lee Compton
Sheldon Lee Compton writes about drugs, sex and rock and roll in the December issue, then answers questions in today’s interview about drugs, sex and rock and roll. What do you find sexy? Other than the basics, I’d say a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Eric Shorey
Eric Shorey’s Sirius appears in the November issue. Today, he talks with J. Bradley about a soundtrack for his story, the sound of screams in space, and the best sci-fi. 1. How did you prepare yourself to capture the isolation … Continue reading
Ask the Author, Joe Stracci
Joe Stracci’s evocative story, The Fourth, perfectly captures a holiday weekend spent with family. In his interview, he talks about writing that is neither this nor that, authentic dialogue, and beverages of choice. 1. I can’t quite put my finger … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Johnathon Williams, Editor, Linebreak
1. I really love Linebreak and the choice to feature a single poem per week. How did the magazine come about and how did you make the decision to approach publishing in this singular manner? Thanks for the props on … Continue reading
Ask the Author, Jeanann Verlee
Jeanann Verlee shares three poems in the November issue and talks with us about imagery, letters to former selves, and the tattoo she wants most. 1. When it comes to poetry, I’m very into imagery and you have a fantastic … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Marie Elizabeth Mali
Read or listen to three poems from Marie Elizabeth Mali in the November issue and then enjoy this interview where she talks about current projects, snakes in the bedroom, and pacing because timing is everything. 1. How many “Town of” … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Helen Vitoria
We are not supposed to have favorites, but Helen Vitoria’s remarkable We Were Horses holds a special place in our minds and hearts. Read further to see Helen discuss the power of concise writing, her favorite short poems and her … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Ravi Mangla
A woman and a firefighter meet at the top of a ladder in Ravi Mangla’s Summit. He also talks with us about literary arm wrestling opponents, better climbing through technology and living in a bookstore. 1. If you had the … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Jason Cook, Editor, Ampersand
Jason Cook, Editor of The Ampersand talks to us about the difference between silly and stupid, projects that keep growing and growing and growing, and how he likes to take his coffee (read: bribes). 1. With so many independent magazines … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Sean Lovelace
Sean Lovelace gives us Why I Never Say No to Coffee in the November issue and talks about the best coffee, the poetics of flash fiction, and of course, nachos. 1. Which coffee is better: Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks? They … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Robyn Detterline
In Zamala, Robyn Detterline shows what might happen if you hide a lion in your dorm room closet. With J. Bradley, she talks about timing, the power of words and real magic. 1. Do you believe in real magic (note … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Matt Mendez
In the November issue, Matt Mendez writes the story of A Girl More Still and in today’s interview with J. Bradley, he is a man of few but mighty words. 1. Do you find the cursive handwriting system still useful … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Tracy Bowling
Tracy Bowling, chronicler of the Yeti, talks with J. Bradley about mythical beasts, current projects and how her writing journey began. 1. What made you choose the Yeti as the semi-antagonist for “Pink”? A fellow MFA student, Natalie Day, wrote … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Russell Evatt
Ex-pat and writer Russell Evatt talks with J. Bradley about American jokes, Polish pop culture, and last lines. Read his Poem ending with a fragment from A Theory of Truth in the November issue. 1. You currently live in Poland. … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Elissa Bassist, Editor, Funny Women, The Rumpus
1. How did you land the Funny Women gig at The Rumpus? I’ll begin by saying this is the first time anyone has interviewed me, so I want to be smart, clever, and charming. (ed. Consider yourself successful.) If I … Continue reading
Extras: A Mini-Interview with Terese Svoboda
Nicelle Davis who reviewed Terese Svoboda’s Weapons Grade and Trailer Girl last week, also had a few questions to supplement Neil de la Flor’s amazing conversation with Terese. 1. I am amazed at how well Weapon Grade is able to … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Roland Goity
First, read Roland Goity’s Sand Trapped. Then, enjoy his lively interview where he talks about research, consequences, and the best war movies of all time. 1. “Sand Trapped” does an amazing job of putting you in the protagonist’s boots. Â … Continue reading
Ask the Author: David Erlewine
Lawyer, TV Star, Novelist in progress, Editor, Writer, and Rock Star David Erlewine talks with J. Bradley about the law, Shatner and music to litigate by. Read his short short story Quiet, in the November issue. 1. I noticed on … Continue reading
Ask the Author: CL Bledsoe
Writer and editor CL Bledsoe, whose poetry appears in the November issue, gets into matters of craft with J. Bradley. 1. How important are titles in setting the appropriate context in your work? Titles are extremely important. Titles set the … Continue reading
Terese Svoboda is Weapons Grade
An Interview by Neil de la Flor Neil de la Flor: How’s it going? In other words, what’s changed since our last interview ? Terese Svoboda: I’m on a roll. I gave up trying to get big presses and voila! … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Nate Pritts, Editor, H_NGM_N
Today, I talk with Nate Pritts, the editor of the always interesting H_NGM_N about poetry, moving online, interesting eye wear and analytic evangelism. 1. How does an interactive poetry journal differ from a poetry journal? The short answer here is … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz
Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz, a longtime PANK friend has four wonderful, quirky poems in the November issue. In today’s interview, she talks with J. Bradley about presidents, Elvis Costello and slam poetry. 1. You have a time traveling closet. Â Using this … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Steve Gibbon
In his story, Black Stag, Steve Gibbon tells us of the large gentleman Daniel Barker and in today’s interview, he brings news of Maine, strange interactions with other people and bad writing advice. 1)  Is literature  about work peculiarly American? … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jimmy Chen
Today, Jimmy Chen, who gives us Of Mimesis in the October issue, talks about strange eateries, robots and cliches about women, crime and war. 1) What is the strangest place  you’ve ever eaten in San Francisco? I’ll spare you a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: David Peak
Today, Guy Brookshire talks with David Peak, author of Helping Hands, about the meditative properties of trains, New York, violence and writing. 1) Why do you get your best thinking done on the train? I’m kind of spacey in general, … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Dave Housley, Barrelhouse
We really enjoy Barrelhouse so we were especially pleased when one of the editors, Dave Housley, agreed to be interviewed. Today we talk about proto-celebrities, 90s television, and occasionally, we delve into matters of independent publishing. 1. Ryan Seacrest’s hair. … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: J.S. Graustein
J.S. Graustein is the tireless editor of the budding Folded Word micro-literary empire. We talk about being a preacher’s kid, mobile electronics, and the burdens of fame. 1. What is Folded Word, literally, figuratively? Folded Word literally is a small … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Beth Thomas
Beth Thomas talks about writing and, like the name of her story in the September issue, hard to reach places. 1. Your story, Hard to Reach Places is very imaginative. How did this story come about? Thank you. I wrote … Continue reading
Ask the Author: William Walsh
William Walsh, author of Master, in the September issue, talks to us about bartenders, developing creative flexibility and current projects. 1. Do bartenders ever dispense useful advice? Never once to me. But I’m sure they do. The wisdom of the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Cami Park
Cami Park shares two fictions in the September issue. Today we talk about windowless rooms, great books and slut whores. 1. Is there anything worse than a windowless room? How did your piece Windowers come about? Maybe a windowless room … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Esta Fischer
In the September issue, Esta Fischer shows us that a tiny poem can leave a mighty impression. We talk about travel, bubble tea and how she (doesn’t) take her coffee. 1. You’ve traveled extensively in Asia. Why? And how has … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Katie Manning
September contributor Kate Manning clears up some confusion about her chest, tells us about the last great poem she read, and how she hates Jon and Kate Plus 8. 1. Are you still confused about your chest? Ha! No, I … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Wess Mongo Jolley
Wess Mongo Jolley not only writes haiku, he is a tireless supporter of the spoken word community. We talk about IndieFeed, the glories of Vermont and the poet in all of us. 1. You curate IndieFeed, a great spoken word … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Steve Subrizi
Steve Subrizi, with three poems in the September issue, talks with us today about slam poetry, the allure of the guitar playing man and being the prettiest girl in school. 1. You’re active in the slam scene. What do you … Continue reading
Ask the Author: William Peacock
William Peacock is the author of I Don’t Want to Bore You But—. He talks with us about priorities, writing pseudonymously, and the uneasiness of feeling like a second class citizen. 1. You note that you don’t watch television, read … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Marcelle Heath, Assistant Editor, Luna Park
Today, we interview Marcelle Heath, assistant editor of Luna Park, literary magazines and Bravo! reality programming. 1. What do you do as assistant editor for Luna Park? How did you get involved? As an assistant editor, I cover the online … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jonathan Lyons
Jonathan Lyon’s story, Writing the Review, graces our September issue. In today’s interview, he talks to us about working with form, adjuncting, and living in India. 1. Your story Writing the Review does a lot of interesting things with form … Continue reading
Ask the Author: K.M.A Sullivan
K.M.A. Sullivan offers us three poems in the September issue.We talk about the MFA experience, collaboration, and the joys of writing in coffee shops. 1. You’re in an MFA program. What has the MFA experience been like? How do you … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Andrew Leland, Managing Editor, The Believer
Today, we trade tough talk on interviews, obscure Spanish vocabulary, fish, awesomeness, and buckets of guts with Andrew Leland at  The Believer. PANK: You’ve done a few of these editor interviews, and I’m sure, like me, you’ve read your share, … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jennifer Andrews
Bridges, by Jennifer Andrews is a haunting, emotionally complex story. We talk about her struggle to understand addiction, the raw ache of writing from personal experience and her favorite bridge. 1. There are many addiction stories out there but in … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Melanie Browne
Melanie Browne has two poems in the September issue. Today, we discuss secession, Raymond Carver and fun times at Sea World. 1. How do you feel about Texas and secession? I think at this point, Â the term ‘secession’ is being … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Donal Mahoney
Donal Mahoney is a prolific writer who shares more of his words with us in the September issue. We talk with him about creative output, editorial peeves, great reads. 1. You have worked as an editor in many different places. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Omar Holmon
Omar Holmon’s, whose poem Jem, about proper manners at a tea party, graces our September issue. We talk about the thrill of the slam and his favorite comics. 1. When I read Jem, I expected the writer to be a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Brandi Wells
Brandi Wells’s story Instructional is not an easy story to read in all the best ways. Today, she talks with us about overcoming prudery, the tedium of applying to MFA programs and the fortunes to be won playing Texas Hold … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Scott Woods
Scott Woods, who has two poems in the September issue, is a slam poet, community organizer, tireless promoter, and all around gentleman. Today we talk about the state of slam poetry, the writerly fascination with zombies and what it means … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Paula Bomer
This month, Paula Bomer gives us Second Son, a raw story about motherhood, marriage, and birth order. Today we talk about tennis, living in New York, and men in the delivery room. 1. How are you coping now that the … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Jarrett Haley, Editor, BULL
Jarrett Haley, editor of BULL: Fiction for Thinking Men, is trying to grab the literary world by the horns. In today’s interview, we talk about all things man and word. 1. It is the obvious question but I have to … Continue reading
Ask the Editors: The Mysteries of >kill author
>kill author is a new online venture from anonymous editor(s) who privilege words above the editor as personality. In this really engaging interview we talk about their manifesto, homicidal tendencies, haters, and the editors true identities (or at least, the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Matthew J. Babcock, Rain Dancer
In the August issue, Matthew J. Babcock offers The Transient Rains of April Thirteenth. Today he talks with us about the taste of transient rain, form, and winning awards. 1. Do transient April showers bring May flowers? How do the … Continue reading
Ask the Editors: The Men of Knee Jerk
This week brings us a triumvirate of editors, the men of Knee Jerk Magazine, C. James Bye, Jonathan Fullmer, and Stephen Tartaglione, who talk to us about Chicago, the jerking of the knee, and the remarkable access heroin addicts have … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Kuzhali Manickavel
Kuzhali Manickavel offers us You Can’t and You Don’t in the August issue. We talk about whorish words, what interviewers usually ask, and cursed mango trees. 1. How does your cultural identity influence your writing? I really don’t know. I … Continue reading
Ask the Author, Kevin Griffith, Time Traveler
In Yearlight Savings Time, Kevin Griffith shows us what it might be like if we had to do it all over again. Today we talk to him about the end of the world, his story, and what’s in a name. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Steven J. McDermott, Beachcomber
Steven McDermott, editor of Storyglossia, is also a writer and curator of detail. In the August issue, Steven brought us another of my favorite stories (there is a pattern here), Silver. Today we talk to him about the story, the … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Garrett Socol, Laundry Expert
Garrett Socol knows things about washers and in today’s interview, we find out what. Read his story in the August issue. 1. Does Washer #8 have a secret? No. The only secrets are in Washers #6 and #7. Those are … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Valerie O’Riordan, Birmingham Mermaid
Valerie O’Riordan brought PANK one of our favorite stories in the August issue–a rather disturbing yet beautiful tale of obsession. Today she talks with us about unhappy endings, Cher, and the senses. 1. This story took us by surprise. Was … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Erin Fitzgerald, Celebreality Addict
Erin Fitzgerald edits The Northville Review and has three short short stories in the August issue. Today we talk about what happens next, gaming and VH-1 reality programming. (Note: This interview took place before we learned one of the contestants … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Kevin Dickinson, Editor, Writers’ Bloc
1. Who is responsible for all the cleverness on the Writers’ Bloc website? We love it. I designed the site last September back when we were a tiny Rutgers enterprise, but with all intentions of making this thing big. I … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Peter Levine, Future Cult Leader
When he’s not planning his future cult, Peter Levine is writing short stories and a novel and today he talks to us about his short short story There Are Two Girls Next to Me Knitting. 1. Do you knit? No. … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Errid Farland, Secret Writer
Errid Farland has three very different yet equally compelling short short stories in this month’s issue. She talks about some of her other projects, why she writes pseudonymously and talks of the saddest poem she ever did read. 1. You … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Nicelle Davis, Tomboy Mother
Nicelle offers us four poems in the August issue. Today she talks with us about these pieces, where they fit in a larger body of work, and how she did homework in the delivery room. 1. Â We love that … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Mel Bosworth, Beard Keeper
Mel Bosworth has a beard and a story about his beard appears in the August issue of PANK. He is also generous and charming. Today we talk with him about the state of his beard’s union, his pirate name and … Continue reading
Ask the Author: J. Bradley on Epic Poetry
J. Bradley brings us the first epic poem we’ve published and talks with us about how the poem came about, the best Usher song to make love to and why some questions should remain unanswered. 1. You don’t see many … Continue reading
Anatomy of a Rejection
There is often a lot of mystery to the editorial process and rarely can writers get a clear sense of why their writing is rejected. Reality dictates the necessity of form rejections, particularly when reading more than 200-300 submissions a … Continue reading
Ask the Author: Jason Jordan, Seal Whisperer
After his story Sammy went up in the August issue of PANK, Jason Jordan posted some interesting thoughts on the genesis of his story. That inspired us to start an interview series where we talk with PANK contributors about their … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Jensen Whelan, Hobart (Web) Editor
In this week’s Ask the Editor, we talk to Jensen Whelan, Web Editor for Hobart. He talks to us about international intrigue, parenthood, his amazing ability to effect social change, the brilliance of the spork, and the Internet as the … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Gary Percesepe, Associate Editor, Mississippi Review
Today we talk to Gary Percesepe, Associate Editor of the wonderful Mississippi Review about the spirituality of writing, Obama’s mom jeans, and the stories that give us gut reactions. 1. What is it like serving as an editor for such … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Jessa Marsh, Web Editor of Monkeybicycle
Jessa Marsh’s name is being mentioned in lots of places these days. She’s the new web editor for Monkeybicycle and an assistant editor at Storyglossia. She’s also recently published stories at decomP, Monkeybicycle and Storyglossia. Today she talks with us … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Jared Ward, Prose Editor of decomP
Jared Ward is the prose editor of decomP and a real renaissance man. We ask him some questions about facial hair, tennis, and alternate realities. 1. Do you have a beard? Why do so many male writers and editors sport … Continue reading
PANK Asks Burning Questions: C.S. Giscombe
If you don’t know Giscombe’s work, we recommend you rectify the situation. He ain’t hard to find, but you have to look. And he’s one of our absolute favorites. If you’re new, start with his most recent, Prairie Style. It’s … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Erin Fitzgerald of The Northville Review
Erin Fitzgerald is a writer and the editor of The Northville Review. Today, she talks with us about alter egos, pop culture and the reality TV horrors she knows all too well. 1. Did you know that amongst the many … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: B.J. Hollars, Editor, You Must Be This Tall To Ride
B.J. Hollars is the editor of the anthology and online magazine You Must Be This Tall To Ride. Today, he takes some questions about projects past, present, future and discusses some other fun things too. 1. How tall exactly must … Continue reading
Ask the Editor: Lauren Becker, Fiction Editor, DOGZPLOT
Once a week, more or less, we’re going to interview an editor or other person of interest that you may not know a lot about. Our first interview is Lauren Becker, a PANK contributor past and future. She is also … Continue reading