Age: Old enough to be the mother to two, beautiful tiny humans, but young enough to still have one in diapers.
Location: Prescott, AZ
Education: MFA in International Creative Writing from UNLV
The Writer
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment as a writer?
It took ten years for my first full-length collection, Gravel Ghosts, to be accepted for publication. It was the finalist in a few great contests and was worked on at the Colrain Manuscript Conference—but it took ten years of rejections letters to find that one yes ! It will be published by Glass Lyre Press next summer.
What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
Right now, I am a householder, raising two boys and trying to carve out the space and time to write and submit, while still being fully present for their lives. I’m not teaching, or engaging in workshops, or craft talks, which makes the act of creating in “isolation” challenging. My community is comprised of Optimus Prime, the Power Rangers and Henry Hugglemonster.
The Work
Tell us about your work in Crack the Spine.
Consuming the Wick. At its core—it’s about the severe decline of migrating Monarchs—the danger that they too are fading, as quickly as memory.
What inspired this work?
For the past year, I have had the incredible opportunity to work on a few collaborative projects with poet and Editor, John Bellinger, where each poem is individually authored, but in conversation with one another, playing off echoes and pulling threads. This particular poem came from a recent project centering around the idea of “holding space” for ecological and cultural elements that have been, or are being, silenced.
How long did it take you to complete this piece?
Five minuets. It came in a rush right after writing another poem (a warm-up poem, I guess). Please keep in mind—it took ten years for my manuscript to reach publication. One might say that I’m getting more efficient.
Anything else you’d like to share about your work in Crack the Spine?
I am grateful to have this poem published alongside such inspiring voices—read the whole issue, if you haven’t !
Tell us about another project you have published or are currently working on.
I have had a tremendous year—My chapbook, Translucent, sealed., was published through Dancing Girl Press in May. I have another chapbook, In the Rooms of a Tiny House, coming into the world in October 2016 through ELJ Publications, along with my full-length collection, Gravel Ghosts, arriving next summer through Glass Lyre Press. I also have a children’s book forthcoming through Philomel Books. I am always working on something.
The Methods
Where do you write?
I have a sweet, little desk tucked into the corner of the kitchen—it’s right in the mix and a very accessible sanctuary.
How do you react to editorial rejections of your work?
Back in the day, when they were mailed, I wanted to wallpaper our guest bathroom with all of my rejection letters. I thought that would make for fun restroom reading. But seriously, I hear my husband’s voice reminding me, “It only takes one “yes”. That’s gotten me through years of “no’s”.
What is your best piece of advice on how to stay sane as a writer?
If the writing isn’t coming easily, do more living. The images, sounds, and characters are hiding in the vibrations of everyday adventures.
The Madness
If you could have dinner with one fictional character, who would it be and why?
Optimus Prime. I know way too much about him, and it would give me some serious street cred with my kids. Plus, I could use a little energon.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
I had to ask my husband. He said Zooey Deschanel, or Maggie Gyllenhaal…although a lot of people have told me that I channel Molly Shannon, maybe because of my awkwardly-awesome dance moves. All great compliments.
What is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen? My seven year old very recently did a drawing of a dragon chasing a man, with his tail menacingly whipping around to smack the guy…except the dragon’s tale was huge and very phallic. I laughed about it for days. I’m laughing now, just thinking about it. I think it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
Rain or Sunshine?
Rain.
Beer or Wine?
Merlot.
Shakespeare or Tennessee Williams?
Jack Gilbert
Additional Reading on Megan
Twitter profile: @meganamerchant