BS: Why are art teachers quirky?
SP: Some spirits do different dances to get out.
BS: Where did you work while living in Florida?
SP: I was a dishwasher, a home remodeller, a medical warehouse employee, a machine operator, and an ice cream man. I interviewed to be a mortuary driver, but felt like the protocol of only sending me and not two people to pick up dead bodies was unreasonable.
BS: What is the worst/weirdest job you’ve ever had?
SP: (lights cigarette and looks off to side) Being me, dude.
BS: Are you working since you’ve moved back to Chicago?
SP: Not really, I’m looking for a job.
BS: How would you describe your books?
SP: I wouldn’t describe them. That’s what the words inside are for. Plus I honestly think other people understand what the books are about better than me, based off what they’ve told me throughout the years.
BS: Would you consider your books socially political as many of the characters/narrators are not out in front of society?
SP: Yes, in that you can interpret almost anything politically/socially. But no, in terms of any explicit ideas.
BS: Do you have a writing process? Do you make notes or have any habits? Does it take you a long time to write a book?
SP: Kind of. Usually I have a bunch of notes I’ve written down, or scenes I want to write, and then begin developing them. Usually takes a year to write a book.
BS: What inspired you to first start writing and painting?
SP: My spirit.
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