In the latest Queer issue, “The Women Worked to Find Positive Traiits in Their Madness,” by Katy Gunn. Take us there, Katy:

1. This is not the only piece about Ruth Ann, Ira, and their madness. Can you tell us a little something about their larger story?

They’re a novella. The women find that they’ve grown this thing after a while, this pest or responsibility, and they have to come to terms with what to do with it. They are pretty nice women. They try to kill it and teach it manners and take it on field trips, and they also try to keep liking each other.

2. The women seem very protective of their madness. What does this tell us about the things we initially treat as hostile or dangerous or unknown, but then eventually come to protect and cherish? 

We should probably move back two spaces. Continue reading →