What is the best thing that I love about my work? I’m not afraid to take risks, which leads me to an experimental style a lot of the times. But I also enjoy writing in form or to tropes. As a result, my wide range has served me well.

What is my idea of happiness? Honestly? The people in my life, forming meaningful relationships, comes first. Giving and receiving love is the backbone of happiness for me.

What is my greatest fear? That’s a huge question. I fear death out of a loss of control. If I could be a vampire, I would.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I don’t hate any of my traits. Even my flaws have contributed to bringing me where I am today.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? This question has SO many answers: Kelly Link, Ted Chiang, Martha Wells, Sarah Pinsker, Sam Miller. I admire persistent people who are true to themselves in their work, and there are a lot of those people in the sci-fi/fantasy/horror writing community.

What is my greatest extravagance? I have a few. Expensive bath bombs in fun shapes. Nice clothes. Fancy coffee.

On what occasion would I lie? I don’t give bad reviews to work by living writers who aren’t mega-famous. Writing is hard enough, and for every book I don’t like, there are lots of people whose lives were altered by it. So that’s a form of lying; even when asked directly, in public, I won’t admit to disliking a book like that.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I don’t dislike my work. I dislike some of the publishing industry and how it can stifle creativity, or make it difficult for people who write strange stories, but I’m proud of my work, even when it’s flawed.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I’m always happiest when I finish a thing.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I don’t think this is a healthy question to ask ones-self. I would have loved to not have a traumatic childhood, for one, but to dwell too long on the way things might have been is entertaining the impossible. And my years of therapy have taught me not to do that.

What is my greatest achievement in work? Even though none of them have been published, writing my novels. As a short story writer, long forms don’t come naturally, so the process has been long and grueling—and I’ve learned so much from it.

Where would I most like to live? In the town I currently live.

What is my most treasured possession? Probably my mom’s art. I have many of her paintings, and they’re big and bold and beautiful.

What books influenced my life and how? Too many to name, but the Wayfarer Redemption by Sara Douglass was the first big fantasy I read—and the richness of the world inspired me greatly.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Probably some music that I have an emotional connection with, so maybe some Leon Bridges or Wild Beasts, My Brightest Diamond, etc.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? One of my fictional heroines is Lynette, the main character from Final Girl Support Group. She has a traumatic past, but when she has to, she gathers her courage and fights against that trauma, refusing to let it rule her whole life.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Similarly, I idolize people who stand up for themselves and their lives—most of my heroes and heroines are my friends and family.

Where can you see me or my work? On my website! Bonniejostufflebeam.com