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 something about their larger story?

They’re a novella. The women find that they’ve grown this thing after a while, this pest or responsibility, and they have to come to terms with what to do with it. They are pretty nice women. They try to kill it and teach it manners and take it on field trips, and they also try to keep liking each other.

2. The women seem very protective of their madness. What does this tell us about the things we initially treat as hostile or dangerous or unknown, but then eventually come to protect and cherish? 

We should probably move back two spaces.

3. Besides the cotton swabs with the pink plastic middles, what is another situation too perfect to stand?

The madness grows lichen, an antler, and a monocle. It is really excited to learn about monocles because it only has one eye. I imagine it looking very dignified after the monocle.

4. However, this is also a tale of obsession. What are your collecting habits? What do you have too many of?

I have a lot of stickers and hula hoops. All of them are functional and necessary. Once I taught hula hooping to a fifth grade fitness club, and eventually it will happen again that thirty people will want or be assigned to hula hoop with me at the same time, and I will be there for them.

5. What is the most erotic part of the body?

I like it when people cook dinner and read stories to me.

6. Would you care to share with our readers one valuable tip for fostering their own madness? 

Hold your lover very close, and watch television with her even though you hate television, and never leave the apartment and do not let her leave the apartment.