We love learning more about our contributors, and an interview seemed like a fun way to hear more about the writers and artists we publish, so we gave them a choice of questions to answer. We hope you also enjoy hearing more about the artists and their works. Check out Issue 30 to read "Permanence" from James Ekenstedt.


What was the inspiration for the piece published in the issue?
Permanence was generated during a Brooklyn Poets Course titled Obsessions, led by a generous and talented poet, Anthony Lombardi. He had us journal daily for a few weeks. We then combed our journals in hindsight and selected words from our journaling for a poem. This bad boy was the result! The process felt very C.A. Conrad somatic coded and I highly recommend it.

What is your #1 advice for other writers?
As writers we all dodgeball duck cliches and then end up tripping over them anyways, so here is my cliche for you: Read, read, and read a bit more.

If you're part of a workshop group or other creative community, tell us about it! How did it form, what all do you do, and how does it help your creative process?
Yes! I have a recurring monthly online workshop with two ridiculously gifted poets I met during a workshop. It's great having folks as first readers who get to know your project, obsessions, and voice. Much love to Alex & QQ.

Why did you feel like After Happy Hour would be a good home for this piece?
My poem is already five deep at the afters. This poem wouldn't be at home anywhere else.