Interview with Author Keyan Bowes

May 2018

1. Can you tell us a little what your story, "Chicken Monster Motel," is about?

   Recent college graduate Jerry Patel wants to manage a motel. He and his boyfriend Peter visit one that's listed for sale. But the Chicken Monster Motel is no ordinary hostelry.

2. How did you come up with the idea?

   It was a mix of the images and ideas: Baba Yaga's house, family relationships as children grow up, the generational changes in values among immigrants to the US. What happens with my stories is that layers of commentary get packed into a few words and an often lighthearted plot, and it can take me months or years to unpack what I've written. In this story, for instance, whether the mother is a supporter or enabler depends on the viewpoint.

3. What is your inspiration for writing as a whole?

   Very often, I'm telling myself stories. I don't know what will happen, how it will end, and what themes will be brought in - whether fanciful or serious. Writing is the best way for me to access my own thoughts.

4. Where can listeners find more of your work?

   My science fiction story, "Genetic Changelings," was published in the print-only Science Fiction Short Stories anthology from Flame Tree Press. My most reprinted story is "Spoiling Veena," first published in Expanded Horizons, and is available on line. My very short story "Chick Lit" was published in Daily Science Fiction (also available on line), and then translated into Polish by the magazine Szortal. My website is at KeyanBowes.com,

5. Any new work we should keep an eye out for?

   Fireside Magazine will be publishing my story, "Light and Death on the Indian Battle Station" some time in 2018.

6. What are you reading now?

   "The Tea Master and the Detective," by Aliette de Bodard. It's Asian space opera meets Sherlock Holmes.

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