Thomas King, "Stigmata"

It’s December 7. Thomas King, author of Indians on Vacation, opts for the mini-donuts.

How would you describe your story?

THOMAS KING: I don’t try to describe my work. I tell a story, set ideas in motion, sit back to see what might happen, how the ideas play with other imaginations.

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

TK: Can’t remember when I wrote I wrote it. In the last year, probably. The writing process for each piece, long or short, is always different. No two stories are written quite the same. That’s the fun of writing.

What kind of research went into this story?

TK: For this particular story, there was no research.

What, to you, makes the short story a special form? What can it do that other kinds of writing can’t?

TK: I don’t think of the short story as anything special. Stories are stories, no matter the form they take.

Where should people go to learn more about you and your work?

TK: I suppose one place people can go for a little peek at my work is my website. My books are all listed there and you can see my photography. The website is deaddogcafe.com.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever been given?

TK: Much too personal a question.

* * * * *

What did you think of today's story? Use the hashtag #ssac2023 on Twitter and Instagram to check in with your fellow advent calendarians.