Currents, an Interview Series with Brian Alan Ellis — Episode 1: Elizabeth Ellen

Elizabeth Ellen

Elizabeth Ellen is a college dropout from the Midwest, as well as the recipient of a Pushcart Prize for fiction. Her stories have been published in American Short FictionSouthwest Review, and Harper’s Magazine. Her first novel, Person/a, was chosen by Literary Hub as a “best work of experimental literature” in 2017.

My current favorite book is: anything by Patricia Highsmith. 

My current favorite film is: …I stopped watching films during the pandemic.

My current favorite television show is: …I stopped watching TV during the pandemic.

My current favorite song is: something/someone reminded me last night of this song my grandfather used to sing to me, “Jelly Bean.” [It’s] a term that used to mean womanizer or pimp when he was young, a nickname he claimed to have been given!

At hard work he makes no attempt

In the army they said he’s exempt

 

He’s a drugstore cutie

Sidewalkin’ beauty

They call him Jelly Bean

My current state of mind is: Kanye West. 

My current chemical romance involves: developing the odd habit of drinking half a beer on my front porch most nights.   

My current favorite word is: “dick” (as a term of affection).

My current mode of transportation is: …how many writers are going to answer something about astral projection here?

My current favorite fast food item is: …I stopped going to fast food establishments during the pandemic.

My current workout routine consists of: walking my dog at 11pm every night, followed by drinking half a beer and smoking two cigs.

My current regrettable decision involves: not voicing my opinion—in opposition—more.

My current hopes and dreams are: to find more nihilists to talk to.  

My current projects/hobbies include: trying to get five books to the printer before the end of the year! #SF/LD books!

 

Brian Alan Ellis runs House of Vlad Press, and is the author of several books, including Sad Laughter (Civil Coping Mechanisms, 2018). His writing has appeared at Juked, Hobart, Fanzine, Monkeybicycle, Electric Literature, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, Funhouse, Heavy Feather Review, and Yes Poetry, among other places. He lives in Florida.

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