Ask the Author: Lacey Martinez

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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 issue of Time Magazine: “[Z is] a cocktail of ground-up pharmaceuticals mixed with scopolamine. While there doesn’t appear to be a set formula for the hypnotic blend of drugs, it’s exploded in popularity with teenagers across the country, who are calling it Zero, or Zen, or Z. An odorless, tasteless powder, Z can easily be slipped into drinks or blown in the face of a passerby. Once drugged, victims remain conscious but lose all willpower, becoming puppets to their captors. Symptoms include euphoria, amnesia, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, delayed reactions, and extreme aggression.”

2. What was the intent in lapsing into Spanish intermittently in the story?

In addition to capturing Maria’s bilingual voice, my intent was to capture her isolation, confusion, and dread, her fear that she’s alone and no one’s listening to her. I want the reader to experience that confusion as well, so the story reflects the narrator’s state of mind. The story’s accessible to someone who doesn’t know any Spanish, but I think it’s even more fun for readers who do understand the español. I love fiction that offers up a puzzle. I also love the word ‘ombligo’.

3. What would be your biggest fears as a mom?

Death, disease, incompetence, failure, matricide.

4. Who would you like to transform into?

Everybody. I want to be a shapeshifter. I also wouldn’t mind transforming into a cat or a dog. American pets have great lives. And I’d love to transform into a wild bird, one that could fly. No offense, penguins, ostriches, and emus.

5. What would you like to have extra of?

A whole extra me would be nice. Someone to do the boring stuff while I do the fun stuff. Or someone to do one of two things when I can’t decide which I want to do.

6. How tall do you wish you were?

I like the height I am, but sometimes I wish I could grow bigger and taller when I’m angry, Incredible Hulk-style.