Ask The Author: Hillary Walker

The amazing “Eureka, California” was published in the June Issue. Below, author Hillary Walker discusses why “things of quality have no fear of time.”

1. What fictional character would you climb on your honeymoon?

I think I’d like to get married at the drive-thru chapel in Las Vegas and then climb one of the giant light-up Arby’s hats after spilling an extra-large diet coke in the lobby. But I guess a neon sign isn’t really a fictional character.

2. What does ‘forever’ mean to you?

I’m still figuring this one out. Sometimes forever is forever, and sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes forever is right-this-very-minute. Things of quality have no fear of time.

3. Where did “Eureka, California” come from?

I don’t think this story has California residency, if that’s what you’re asking.

Really though, “Eureka, California” came from the summer after my college graduation.

4. Which state best represents you?

Pleasure is a state, but jouissance is an action.

5. Why did you choose to use so much white space with your story?

I don’t know. Maybe because I’m into juxtaposition and emergence and the birth of complexity through simple things. Maybe because I’m a very slow writer. Maybe because I’m a little too candid and gregarious in real life.

6. How can you annoy someone with science?

I’d rather charm you. I really would.