Tell us about ‘Chew’: what drew you to write it?
‘Chew’ explores the experiences I had growing up with parents who were mentally ill, which resulted in neglect and abuse, and created a skewed perception of what is ‘normal’ when it comes to mental health. I was drawn to write about this topic, as mental illness is a personal issue for me and I feel as though it requires more awareness.
If I asked a friend of yours what you were good at, what would they say?
I make a lot of puns, so I guess they’d probably say something like that.
What do you think of writing that blurs the lines between fiction and nonfiction? Does the line matter?
I think that it all depends on the type of nonfiction that is involved: sometimes a fiction example is necessary to assist in highlighting a point and advancing an argument; however, the genre is considered nonfiction for a reason. Especially in memoir, where there is a silent contract between the reader and the writer where both parties understand that the book is truthful in every facet.
What is a constant in your life, even as other things change?
Probably both writing and mental illness, to be completely honest.
Which nonfiction writer would you most like to have a drink with, and why?
Naomi Wolf. I am intrigued by her ideas and consider her a very influential writer.
Who is guilty of greater crimes against literature: James Franco or James Frey?
James Frey. I think he betrayed his readers by labelling A Million Little Pieces as a memoir, when it was largely fictionalised, especially readers who felt emotionally connected to his story.
Do you agree with any of Jonathan Franzen’s opinions?
I'm pretty good at seeing things from all perspectives, but I don't particularly agree with Jonathan Franzen’s opinions. I think they are quite misinformed.
If you had to award a prize for nonfiction writing to one of the following books, which would you choose, and why? Anna Funder’s Stasiland, Roxane Gay’s Bad Feminist, Joan Didion’s The White Album, or Katherine Boo’s Behind the Beautiful Forevers.
Probably Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay. I feel as though her analysis of popular culture is important and informative and very appropriate for modern society.