Ask The Author: Kate Folk

“The Ninety-Sixth Day” by Kate Folk was a part of the May Issue.

1. Who would you kidnap? Why would you kidnap them?

I would not kidnap anyone. Look, I’ve seen “Fargo.” I know stuff would keep escalating, and next thing you know someone would be feeding me into a wood chipper.

2. Where did this story come from?

The story came out of every account I’ve read of people held captive in basements. I wanted to toy with the expectations of a kidnapping narrative. The characters share these expectations, so when they’re kidnapped, they anticipate being tortured, or at least held for ransom. But instead, nothing happens. They aren’t starved, beaten, or otherwise abused. Once they’ve been in the basement awhile the suspense fades and is replaced by boredom and acceptance of their new lives, which is the part I found most interesting.

3. How would you bind someone to a chair?

I like the idea of using those huge rubber bands they have at gyms. Ok, I googled them, they’re called “resistance bands,” which is perfect.

4. Is the best defense the Twinkie defense?

I don’t think the Twinkie defense is a good one, no. Although I do see how enjoying Twinkies could be a symptom of some underlying pathology. Does anyone unironically enjoy Twinkies? Even within the snack cake genus there are way better options.

5. What would you juggle?

Loyalties, lies, friends who don’t like each other, and probably scarves, because they’re easy.

6. How have you been quarantined?

I self-quaratine every time I write. It’s lonely, but safer for everyone.