a talk with Katrina Denza
by Randall Brown
 ""Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette" by Vincent Van Gogh |
I’m so delighted with this issue—like a child-on-her-birthday delighted. I’m humbled by the level of talent in the stories I encountered and now that I’ve seen this side of the submission process, my eyes are officially opened. The editors and staff of this journal are dedicated, hardworking, passionate and brilliant.
What most surprised you about the submissions, writers, editors, rejections and/or acceptances?
How easy it was to work with the other SLQ editors. We do have similar tastes, and that always helps, but I was really struck with how respectful the guys were to each other and to me and how willing they were to show me the ropes.
If I were to write a story that would almost be guaranteed to get a big K. Denza YES, what would that story have to be like?
A story that is not afraid to cause discomfort in order to provoke some sort of shift in me. I admire unflinching honesty. I love attention to language, to the musicality of it, to how it can be stretched and reshaped. I long to find compassion and acceptance in what I read.
How do you approach those stories and styles that just aren't your taste? Or perhaps "your taste" is the very thing that a journal such as SLQ is signing you on for?
I’m extraordinarily picky. That said, I’m open to a variety of styles—I simply want the words, the stories, to be intellectually and viscerally provocative.
As you look over and re-read the stories for this issue, does any theme or commonality come to mind? What excites you most about this issue, these writers, and their stories?
This is what happened as I re-read the stories for this issue: I got teary. Okay, so I’m an emotional woman anyway, but I am so honored to be a part, however small, of putting so many brilliant pieces together. They all shine. They’re all breath-taking. In part, they’re special because each of the writers has commanded the language to work for him or her; in part because the writers have shown nothing but love, compassion, and acceptance for their characters—there’s no judgment; in part because the pieces demand the reader be right there with the joy, with the regret, with the transformation that particular story showcases. And then there’s the inexplicable: the magic. All of these stories are magic.
What's most joyful about guest editing a flash fiction journal? What's the least pleasurable aspect of it (besides that ogre Dave Clapper and all his demands)?
The most joyful part, hands down, is receiving a glorious story, an amazing piece of art and knowing someone has trusted you with the job of helping others to read it. The second most joyful? Being part of the incredible team that is Dave Clapper, Randall Brown, Steven Douglas Gullion, Thomas White, and Marty Ison.
Has the guest editing gig had an effect on your own writing? Did you have any "ah-ha" moments as an editor that translated into a different way of approaching flash fiction as a writer?
I learned possibilities are endless and every single word is important.
What insights have you gleaned about the enigma that is Steven Douglas Gullion?
He has more talent than you can shake a stick at! Seriously. Not only is he a talented writer, but he has a keen editor’s eye as well.
Four men—Randall, Steven, Thomas, Dave—and you. How messy did the boys keep their rooms? What was that whole experience like?
I must admit their rooms were disappointingly tidy—their mamas must have raised them right. All kidding aside, the experience has been fun, insightful, and I’d do it again! Oh wait! I am!
Not the best time in the world to have the name Katrina. How are you dealing with all the fallout?
I’m glad you asked this if only to keep the dialogue going about it. I’m shocked, saddened, and ashamed this administration failed the people of New Orleans and other hard-hit areas so egregiously. In this great country of prosperity and compassion! As a country we didn’t help fast enough or large enough. A force of nature has no prejudice, nor judgment. I pity those who fool themselves otherwise. Help is still desperately needed there—particularly with the start of the new hurricane season.
