From the queer issue, Laura Tansley’s “The Wake She Leaves Like A Whirlpool,” bring us ever in circles:

1. Much of “The Wake She Leaves Like A Whirlpool” piece seems to be about proof- the evidence we have that we are who we are, that we’ve done what we’ve done- the ways we demonstrate our hurt to others. What is your favorite scar?

When I was young I remember deliberately kicking a metal climbing frame because someone in my primary school had said that hitting your shin-bone was particularly painful and I wanted to find out for myself. I’m not sure if I should be proud or embarrassed by that kind of bravery mixed with stupidity.

2. A sense of place feels very important in this piece, from the viaduct to CrownGate to Severn Bridge and the park. Can you share something with us about the physical context for this story?

The story is set in a place called Worcester in the UK. It’s near to where I grew up although I’ve been living elsewhere for a number of years now. It was a frustrating place to be a teenager, and I think that frustration has become a useful thing to channel when writing. I’ve become fond of Worcester because of its ability to inspire in this way; it’s appeared in a number of guises in a number of stories.  Continue reading →