Q&A with Sarah Gailey

“I found a home for a story I truly loved”

Sarah Gailey was published in our second issue with a piece called The Chisel. From the point of view of a statue who fell in love with its maker, the story grapples with the complex emotions of discovering yourself through falling in love. The story is beautiful, painful, and a brilliant exploration of voice.

Though, our favorite piece from Sarah is probably the FROG TIME twitter thread, but we’re PROFESSIONALS, so we’ll just say it’s their fiction and call it a day.

Sarah has so generously donated TWO sets of their signed books, River of Teeth and Taste of Marrow, to our Indiegogo Campaign.

You’ve come a long way from submitting stories to literary magazines. What role did magazines like Wizards in Space play into your success? 
Literary magazines published my short fiction and nonfiction at the start of my career. They are the venues where I honed my craft, built my audience, and attracted the attention of my brilliant agent, DongWon Song. I wouldn't have a career without their work.

Do you still submit to lit mags?
I still love to publish short fiction with literary magazines. I don't usually go through the same submission process that I did when I was just starting out, and I'm more focused on my longer work these days, but I still get a thrill every time I see my name in one of the literary magazines I love.

What made you want to submit to our magazine?
I deeply respect the editorial perspective at WiS — the commitment to community, craft, and respect for writers is unique and refreshing. I found a home for a story I truly loved, and it couldn't have been in better hands.

What was your experience like working with us?
WiS was a delight to work with! The publication process was seamless and professional, and the editorial perspective made my story stronger without undermining the perspective and voice of the piece.

What are you working on? (if you can tell us!)
I'm currently writing my third adult novel, which I can't say anything about yet. I'm also working on my substack, where I regularly post short fiction, essays, and recipes, and host a weekly open thread!

Anything else you want folks to know?
Preorder Upright Women Wanted and When We Were Magic, my next two books, which are coming out in early 2020! And support Wizards in Space!!

Headshot credit: ©Allan Amato 2019.