Greetings to new subscribers and welcome to Sitting in Silence, a newsletter for writers, readers, and thinkers. The Interview is a popular ongoing feature of the newsletter. I love talking to writers about writing, craft, worry and joy. They never disappoint. So, from time to time, you’ll find intimate and enlightening conversations in this space.
This week is a first. The interview was recorded for your listening pleasure.
Today’s guest is my friend, Annell López, whose story I’m sure you’ll find inspiring. Her book comes out today! I’m hosting her book release event at Vino Fine Wine and Spirits in New Orleans. I’d invite you, but the celebration is sold out! Still, you’ll have plenty of chances to hear her share her work. Either way, be sure to buy a copy of her award-winning book.
Here’s her formal bio:
Annell López is a Dominican immigrant. She is the winner of the Louise Meriwether First Book Prize and the author of the short story collection I’LL GIVE YOU A REASON from the Feminist Press. A Peter Taylor Fellow at the Kenyon Review Writers Workshops, her work has also received support from Tin House and has appeared in Guernica, American Short Fiction, Michigan Quarterly Review, Brooklyn Rail, Refinery29 and elsewhere. López received her MFA from the University of New Orleans. She is working on a novel.
Frequent listeners know that the Sitting in Silence Podcast is an informal affair, so pardon the audio quality on my side of the conversation. I’ll do better next time. Maybe. Extra special thanks to Drew Hawkins for production assistance. Without Drew, you wouldn’t be able to hear this delightful interview.
The Interview with Annell López