Visiting with Stefanie Demas

by Claire Guyton, Art + Life Editor 

What inspired “Something from You“?

I believe that all good fiction comes from something real. Years ago, my mother was in the hospital for major surgery, and though I don’t know if that inspired this story initially, I definitely drew upon the experience, and the emotions and tensions involved, as I wrote this story. 

Tell us about your writing process—either generally or specifically with regard to the birth and development of this story.

I carry notebooks with me everywhere and throughout the day I write down various things I learn, hear, or think—anything about which I’d like to write. Later, I’ll read through these books looking for ideas. When I actually start writing, my process is pretty variable. Sometimes I’ll get an idea for a story and I’ll spend a long time thinking about it, and figure out all the characters and setting and (some of) the plot, before I even write a single word. Other times, I’ll start with just a sentence or a few words and write from there. I’ll see where those words take me and I figure everything else out as I go along.

Raymond Carver said a writer should follow the command “No tricks.” Do you keep any quotes or reminders at your desk? Or just in the back of your mind as you write?

Every word should have a purpose. I keep this in mind especially while editing. 

If you were to write a book on the craft of writing, what title would you use?

After The Elements of Style why bother? 

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*Contact Claire with any questions or suggestions for Hunger Mountain’s Art + Life section at hungermtnal@gmail.com. 

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