In our new author series, we’ll be offering a clairvoyant peek behind the veil of who and what makes up TRANSCENDENT. Here’s a glimpse at Samantha Pilecki and her story “Lisa Sees a Buffalo.”
ABOUT THE STORY
What inspired your story?
Sylvia Plath’s short story “The Wishing Box.”
Can you tell me a little bit about your protagonist?
Lisa is a fifty-something divorcee trying to start her life over.
What would you like readers to take away from your story?
Whatever they wish. The ending is ambiguous. It can either be happy or horrifying, depending on the reader’s interpretation.
Which phrase are you most proud of in this story?
[Dreams] were nuanced, crystalline images and emotions to turn over, a lucky charm, a Rubix puzzle, a companion throughout the plain-porridge day.
A refuge.
-and-
After a while, you simply shut down and let the machine run. Spoke the rote lines, let your memory take over; the tongue was a muscle after all.
If your story was front-page news, what would the headline be?
The title is the headline: Lisa Sees the Buffalo
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
I spent high double digits on a ridiculously expensive wooden pen, topped with a ruby-eyed, bronze skull. I am in love with this pen. Unless I write too much with it, because then its extra weight makes my hand cramp.
When did you decide to take writing seriously?
Seriously? I don’t take writing seriously, it’s too much fun. If I didn’t write, I’d probably wind up like Lisa.
Samantha Pilecki’s short stories have been published in El Portal, Five 2 One, A Prick of the Spindle, Ricky’s Backyard, Typehouse, and other literary magazines. More of her work is forthcoming from New Lit Salon. She is the winner of Haunted Waters Press 2017 Short Shorts Flash Fiction Competition and works as a librarian.
Follow our Amazon page for TRANSCENDENT’s release this holiday season!
Featured image (c) Atreyu and the Purple Buffalo by Jared Salmond
Transmundane Press 