SmokeLong Quarterly

What inspired this piece?

This was an assignment in a workshop; we were given the first line “Mary was fed up with Bob” and instructed to write a story with a twist (not twisted) ending.

What are some of your favorite books and authors?

Probably too mainstream to list here — David McCullough, Battle Cry of Freedom by James McPherson, The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis, The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster.

Why do you write?

Because I cannot carry on a conversation worth a damn, but my mind runs around like an author. I finish everyone’s sentences in my head with “she said,” or “he leaned on a chair as he studied me.”

Tell the truth: Is the character in the story you wrote really you in disguise?

Absolutely not; my husband knows I’d never stew him, he’d be much better barbecued.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers?

Yes, “Hi Mom” even though she is in heaven. Also, thanks to my incredibly tolerant husband for supporting all my bizarre and desperate endeavors.