The Peak

Our surroundings and methods shape our work. In this series, we explore our contributors’ desks, and how what’s in them reveals things about both art and the artist. In this installment, we hear from Samuel Clark, author of “Bait Shop on the Bridge” from Volume 73, Number 1.

Angie Kang, author of the comic “Birthmark” from volume 73.1, speaks with editor DW McKinney about having agency over her body in healthcare settings and writing herself into her stories.

K Chiucarello, author of Water Works featured in Volume 72.1 of Shenandoah, speaks about the aftermath of trauma and the journey to writing about it in the following essay.

Erin Hoover, the poet behind Barnburner, featured in the Fall 2021 edition of Shenandoah, answers questions about her new collection entitled No Spare People.

Janna Miller, the author of the nonfiction piece Better Homes and Gardens featured in Volume 72.2 of Shenandoah, writes about the relationship between writing, wild words, and invasive vines in this piece. Read Better Homes and Gardens here. Some words are true and grow wildly and without restraint. The wisteria vine will climb over the door […]

Arianne Elena Payne, the poet behind “The Contours of Marriage” and Clarie Gor, the author of Mother Hen, chat about their inspirations and creative processes for their works, both featured in the Spring 2023 issue of Shenandoah. Arianne: What is the title and story of your piece that is featured in Volume 72.2 of […]

Jennifer Schomburg Kanke, author of A Pleasant Loitering Journey, speaks about her writing process and inspirations for her novel in a conversation with Shenandoah intern Sam Masser. Read Chapter 14 of A Pleasant Loitering Journey, featured in Volume 72.1 of Shenandoah here. Sam: Thanks for talking with me today, and congratulations on making it into the […]

Manini Nayar, writer of “Triptych, With Interruptions,” featured in the Fall 2019 edition of Shenandoah, shares her thoughts on the power of immigrant stories and her experience writing Being Here, in the essay below. Read “Triptych, With Interruptions” here. Notes on Revisiting the ‘Immigrant’ in Immigrant Writing In writing my collection of stories, […]

April Yee, the poet behind “Motherhood,” featured in the Spring 2022 issue of Shenandoah, offers her unique insight on womanhood and poetry. In a conversation with Shenandoah intern Susannah Birle, April talks about the importance of language, her work as a journalist, and her own experience as a mother. Check out her poem, “Motherhood,” […]