First of all, thank you for sharing “Body? Glass” with all of us here at Nightmare. This is such a raw and aggressive ride, and we were there for every second of it! I wanted to ask what the inspiration of this story was for you?
I think it came from multiple things. I always wanted to write a piece that felt like you were zooming in on someone’s psyche. When I wrote this many years ago as a teenager, I had a very angry day and I felt like I could only channel it through a distanced experience. I had very different emotions than the main character, but I find that most emotions are transferable. Rage is rage. Disappointment is disappointment. Joy is joy. The impact of the situation is important, but the feelings are the same.
Both the title and the opening line set us up perfectly for what you’re about to put us (and yourself) through, and you don’t let up at all from there. Did the title come first or the story, and how did you decide on such a perfect opening line?
I love the title. I never had a strong idea as to what to call this, but this is the only thing that stuck.
As for opening line, that came with a lot of reworking. I rewrote the story multiple times but I think I only got it right when I figured out the beginning.
I want to compliment you on your writing style, as I found myself quite literally unable to stop reading until I made it through. It almost feels like an avalanche you’re caught in as the reader! The pacing is breakneck and expertly written; what do you think the key is for writing intensity and punchiness like this?
Rage! But on the other side of that, deep compassion.
In my reading of “Body? Glass” I noticed not only body dysmorphia but that paired with self-commodification, like the narrator’s body is nothing but a series of parts that could be worn better by somebody else. This is resonant for a lot of people, this self-loathing coupled with the feeling that everything you are would be better served with another, “better” individual. What was your intention behind these themes?
I would say to show exactly that. We know that these feelings are unreasonable. We ideally know that comparison is the thief of joy. But it also doesn’t change the fact that people feel these things. I think that’s why I feel some comfort in having this story out there, because it’s necessary to discuss these themes.
The ending was a very appreciated and necessary deep breath, and helpful for anyone who might feel this way about themselves. Where did that resolution come from?
It’s always been in the story. In prior drafts, it was buried under a lot of information and neater resolutions. I cut all of that out and figured this was the sharpest (pun intended) way to go.
Is there anything else about “Body? Glass” that you’d like to make sure our readers know?
I’ve said enough. I think now it’s time to give the pen to the readers.
What do you have coming out soon for us to look forward to?
I have a story in Lightspeed this month too. So if you’re done with this, you know where to move to next.
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