MIK GRANTHAM is the founder and co-editor of Disorder Press, which she runs with her brother [Joey Grantham]. She is the author of the poetry collection, HARDCORE (Short Flight/Long Drive Books, 2021), and her work has appeared in Hobart, The Nervous Breakdown, Maudlin House, Fanzine, among others. She lives in New Orleans.
My current favorite thing to read is: WebMD. Someone please help me get off this website. I can diagnose myself with so many different things. Ok, but in all seriousness, I don’t want to die right now and my favorite book I read this year so far is Free Day by Inès Cagnati. This book knocked the wind out of me. It’s a short novel narrated by a 14-year-old girl, Galla, that takes place throughout the course of one day. One shitty fucking day. Also, on my desk there is a collection of interviews with Larry Brown from University Press of Mississippi. I return to these interviews often. He is funny and smart and gives great advice on art/everything.
My current favorite thing to watch is: The Sopranos. I’ve never watched it until now. Last night was the “Boca” episode. Junior takes his girlfriend on a vacation and while they are in bed drinking champagne she says: “When you kiss me down there, you’re like a great artist.” Also, Tony gets hammered and doesn’t murder or castrate Meadow’s soccer coach who was sleeping with one of the girls.
My current favorite thing to listen to is: my friend Esther Rose’s incredible new album, How Many Times. I met Esther in New Orleans years ago. I was working at this small coffee shop in the 9th Ward. It was towards the end of the day when this cute girl in a cowboy hat comes bouncing in and orders an Americano. I gave it to her for free, honestly, because when it was near the end of my shift I just gave free coffee and pastries to everybody. She handed me a copy of her first cd, This Time Last Night, as a “thank you.” I’ve been a fan of her music ever since. My favorite line from her new album is “Do you ever feel that none of this is real? Maybe you’re just in the other room.” This collection of songs from Esther is just as much (if not more) about getting your power back as they are about losing it. My book and her record are kindred spirits in that way. Her album pairs well with Lucinda Williams 1980 album, Happy Woman Blues. They both have so much raw energy and that sweet, sweet fiddle, country sound that makes you want to two-step your heartache away in a little smoky dive bar somewhere deep in Louisiana all night long.
My current state of mind is: tired from staying up too late watching The Sopranos.
My current chemical romance involves: this California poppy tincture that helps me sleep and makes me feel reallyyy nice.
My current favorite quote is: …I read this somewhere: If a guy sends you an unsolicited dick pic, just respond by immediately sending them a pic of a better looking dick. They’ll usually shut the fuck up and leave you alone after that. I think that’s pretty sound 21st century advice.
My current mode of transportation is: a small black 1995 Toyota Pick-up. She needs some love these days. I got a busted headlight, busted brake light, and I need an oil change real bad. My house is raised about 10 feet and I park my truck underneath it. A family of birds have made their home on one of the beams down there and they shit all over my truck. So, yeah she also needs a bath.
My current favorite fast food item is: a falafel sandwich with French fries. Yum.
My current workout routine consists of: …I live right by the levee in a neighborhood called Holy Cross in the Lower 9th Ward. I walk there every day with my dogs. Dogs make you exercise. But, great sex is my favorite kind of exercise 🙂
My current regrettable decision involves: not starting The Sopranos earlier.
My current hopes and dreams are: that I do not contract a rare disease and that no one is mad at me.
My current hobbies include: learning new songs on guitar.
My current projects involve: Disorder Press publishing a collection of work from incarcerated writers with the help of Exchange for Change, a Miami-based non-profit. We hope to have it out by June. It’s a lot of work. I’m honored to publish writing from these individuals. I’ve had their voices in my head for months now and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Mik Grantham is online at disorderpress.com.
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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