Melissa Broder, "Hamburger Baby"
It’s December 13. Melissa Broder, author of Death Valley, considers the DockATot.
How would you describe your story?
MELISSA BRODER: “Hamburger Baby” is the story of a woman who gives birth to a hamburger, and the aftermath of that event.
When did you write it, and how did the writing process compare to your other work?
MB: I never write short stories. Or at least not successfully. “Hamburger Baby” may be the only short story I’ve ever written that I actually like. Writing it was like a party.
What kind of research went into this story?
MB: “Hamburger Baby” was inspired by the birth of my sister’s human baby, as well as my relationship with my mother. I knew nothing about babies or baby accoutrement before my sister’s baby was born, and I was astounded by the range of consumer options for an infant. It was fun to do a send-up of that.
What, to you, makes the short story a special form? What can it do that other kinds of writing can’t?
MB: A short story is a story that is shorter than a novella (which is shorter than a novel) but usually longer than a poem (unless the poem is a “long poem,” an epic poem, or a novel in verse). Thus, it can do what a novella, novel, or poem cannot. What that is I can’t really say.
Where should people go to learn more about you and your work?
What’s the best gift you’ve ever been given?
MB: My friend Petra gives the best gifts. It’s a tossup between a neon 7-Eleven sign and a hot pink inflatable coffin.
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