The Magnolia Review: Describe your creative space. Do you work at home, in public spaces, etc.?

Guinotte Wise: Sort of a nook in the kitchen, looks like a Denny’s. If I want a Grand Slam, I cook it myself. My wife has an honest job fifty miles away and not much time.

TMR: What kind of materials do you use? Do you write by hand or type? What is your favorite writing utensil?

GW: MacBook Pro. Does that make me a pro? Stylist pens for jotting. I was given an elegant Mont Blanc but I forget to fill it so it gathers dust. It would add class to a pocket of my ragged chore coat, though. I’d get respect at the feed store.

TMR: What is your routine for writing?

GW: I’m like a bush pilot. Whenever the thing starts I fly it. Lately I’ve been trying to prepare for a sculpture show in Los Angeles, so that eats into my writing time.

TMR: How long have you been writing? When did you start writing?

GW: Since I learned to read and write. I had a little press when I was a kid, rubber type, I made a sort of newspaper, wrote libelous stuff about neighbors, put it out on the street. I worked in advertising for years, writing.

TMR: Who is your intended, or ideal, audience? Who do you write for?

GW: Anyone who likes a little noir, libelous stuff about neighbors, a poem, a story.

TMR: What inspires you to write? If you are blocked, what do you do?

GW: Everything inspires me. When I’m stuck, I weld—that unsticks me.

TMR: What other things do you do besides writing? Do you dance or play golf, etc.?

GW: I dance, play golf. Actually I caddied, which made me hate golf. I only dance for my dogs, who seem to enjoy it. I’m a sculptor. There is no balance in my life.

TMR: What is your favorite part of the creative process?

GW: The part where you can go do something else.

TMR: What is your advice to aspiring writers?

GW: Ron Carlson said, I’m paraphrasing, the best writing he ever did was twenty minutes after he wanted to leave the room. And I think it’s a good idea not to share what you write until after it’s quite done. My official advice is take no advice. Why would anyone take my advice anyway? I drive a 15-year-old truck, I limp, my last royalty check was $12.74.

Blog: http://www.wisesculpture.com/blog/

Resume Speed (Shorts) https://goo.gl/9GUaGv

Ruined Days (Thriller) http://goo.gl/LMXKSu

More books http://goo.gl/O9mBki

Check out Guinotte’s work in the issue, Volume 3, Issue 1.