GREETINGS, BOOKWORMS! I’m Aisha Kandisha, Head Librarian at Kandisha Press. Join me in the dusty stacks of the library I will never leave again as I chat with some of my favorite Women in Horror. Today we feature author C.E. Hoffman!
C.E. Hoffman is a screenwriter, author, poet, publisher, lyrical journalist, and cat lover (not necessarily in that order.) A grant winner, Elgin Award nominee, recipient of a Silver Honourable Mention in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Award, and winner of the 2022 Defunct May Day Chapbook contest, they wrote their first novel at eleven years old, and have continued writing ever since. They’ve been published widely online and in print since 2010, and edit Punk Monk Magazine/Press (2012-present.) Current releases include SLUTS AND WHORES (Thurston Howl Publications, 2021), BLOOD, BOOZE, AND OTHER THINGS IN NATURE (Alien Buddha Press, 2022), GHOSTS, TROLLS, AND OTHER THINGS ON THE INTERNET (Bottlecap Press, 2022), and NO ACTUAL SIN (May Day Press/Defunct Magazine, 2023.) LOSERS AND FREAKS is forthcoming from Querencia Press Summer 2024. Find more weirdness at cehoffman.net, follow them on Twitter @CEHoffman2, and listen to their podcast Scribbles & Spills!
PRE-ORDER C.E. HOFFMAN’S NEW BOOK, LOSERS AND FREAKS, HERE: https://www.querenciapress.com/losers-and-freaks-by-ce-hoffman
What made you want to become an author? Did you have an “Aha!” moment when you knew you were born to write? Or perhaps a beloved book inspired you?
I was seven. I wrote a poem about Halloween (obviously), which ended with the phrase it began with, and felt a tingle of pride knowing I’d written something well. Since I wrote my first full-length novel (approx. 140K words) at eleven, I knew I had to become a traditionally published author- or at least attempt it!
What do you believe are your strengths in writing? And when you feel you need to improve on a particular writing skill, how do you go about it?
Simplicity. Creativity. Sincerity. Apart from that, I have a lot to learn. Hopefully, my MFA program will imbue me with the skills/confidence necessary to continue this delightful, arduous journey.
What are your thoughts on the book industry today, or more importantly, about the book community? Do you feel it is getting harder or easier to make it as an independent author these days?
Whether an independent/self-published author, traditionally-published author, underground author, or combination of all three, it has perhaps never been harder to be seen, read, or recognized. Sure, it’s easy to publish yourself, but to what end, and what quality, and what readership? The market is flooded; competition rampant. That’s why we writers must lift each other up. We need each other! We need community! We need to emphasize craft and process over dissemination and clickbait. Real art doesn’t give a damn about Likes. Real art takes time. Real art lasts.
Tell us about your work. What story are you most proud of?
I write dark Speculative fiction, stream-of-consciousness experimental fiction, and general weirdness. Expect ample punk/emo pop culture references and smatterings of magic across an urban landscape.
My second novel and sixth novel tie for first place in my heart. The first I originally wrote in high school; the latter began during pregnancy. I have yet to pitch either toagents/publishers, but these two pieces do the best work with my characters, universe, and my foremost intent as a writer: to shed light on darkness, and look to the future with hope.
What are your upcoming works and plans for the future?
My second short story collection, Losers and Freaks, is out from Querencia Press June 2024! (I’m having a book launch party June 30 at the Grindstone in Edmonton, AB, if any Canadians are reading this!) I have some exciting news about a horror novella I can’t share quite yet, am pitching my fourth chapbook, and preparing my first full-length poetry collection! Keep an eye out on my website cehoffman.net for updates, and follow me on Twitter @CEHoffman2. (I follow back all writers! <3)
PRE-ORDER LOSERS AND FREAKS HERE: https://www.querenciapress.com/losers-and-freaks-by-ce-hoffman
KANDISHA PRESS 
Great interview!
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