Shane Jones, "Defamer"

It's December 20. Shane Jones, author of Light Boxes, enjoys every sandwich.

How would you describe your story?

SHANE JONES: I don’t know. 

When did you write it, and how did the writing process compare to your other work?

SJ: I wrote it in October of 2015. It took two weeks. When I say it took two weeks (sometimes people think that’s fast) but all I did for two weeks is work on the story. The writing process was similar to my other work.

What kind of research went into this story?

SJ: I did a Google image search for “Bud Light 30 pack.” Not sure I did any other research. I don’t keep notes or old drafts. 

What, to you, makes the short story a special form? What can it do that other kinds of writing (novels, poems) can't?

SJ: It’s a very sinister and mean form. I don’t understand stories that are like 30 pages or more that are subtle and calm and kind of develop slowly. To me, the DNA of the short story form is designed to obliterate the reader just before it obliterates itself. It would be unfair to compare it to other forms.

Where can people go to learn more about you and your writing?

SJ: Twitter (@hishanejones).

What's on your Christmas list this year?

SJ: Medium-size dog.

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