Who are you?

I am a fiction writer, visual artist, cross-dresser, palm reader, cook, and traveler of inner and outer worlds. When you travel to spots like Siberia and pack a sex toy in your luggage, you have to be prepared. The woman gate officer in Kyzyl waved my magic wand in the air and asked in broken English, “What is this?” She didn’t get it when I said, “It’s for my health, mam.” She understood and waved me through unsmiling and extra quick after I held the vibrator to my shoulder and made a ‘vrrrrrrrr’ sound.

What do you write?

I describe my first book Lesbians of Arabia (as in Arabian horses) as psychological horror meets screwball comedy meets magic realism. But all of my writing could be considered Expressionism. Other writing projects include the libretto for a short musical UnKnot Turandot; a fairy tale for children: Piper Peabody and the problems with the Chatham Deer; and a second novel in progress Two Augusts in a Row in a Row, including an insightful, humorous advice column: Best Witches.

Why do you write what you write?

I am interested in invention, especially with the question of how to communicate. I wrote my first novel to address the lack of representation of a woman’s perspective on sexuality and aggression. In my current novel in progress I seek to make something of beauty that is emotionally naked dealing with love, death, loss and forgiveness.

Why should we read what you write?

To receive your transmission of ecstasy.

Is the world a better place because of what you write?

We can only hope. I struggle philosophically when I have to write a scary scene.