So… What do they do when they’re not teaching class?
Many of you have asked about the people who are teaching you to be better writers. In an effort to satisfy your curiosity, our illustrious Director, Tenaya Darlington, came up with four questions for the faculty currently teaching Writing Studies courses. The first to volunteer is Carmen Machado, who is teaching Speculative Fiction this semester. Thanks, Carmen, for your input!
Professor Carmen Machado
What is your current writing project? (Or do you have a link to a recent publication you’d like to share with our grad students?)
Right now, I’m working a book of experimental essays, a handful of short stories, and a novel. (I always have more than one project in progress!) My most recent publication is the reprinting of my story “Help Me Follow My Sister into the Land of the Dead” in Best American Science Fiction & Fantasy 2015, edited by Joe Hill & John Joseph Adams.
What are you reading, for work or pleasure?
I’m always reading! Some recent favorites have included Garth Greenwell’s What Belongs to You, Annie Liontas’ Let Me Explain You, Lincoln Michel’s Upright Beasts, Heather O’Neill’s Daydreams of Angels, and the Saga series.
What are you listening to (music/podcast/radio program)?
I listen to a lot of NPR. I’ve also been loving the new albums from Lana del Rey, Florence & the Machine, & Chvrches.
When you’re not on campus, where’s your happy place?
My front porch, with a mug of coffee and a book.