Strother Kevin Hall
Age 38
Georgetown, Ky
Bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kentucky
The Writer
How long have you been writing?
I wrote neighborhood “news” articles and creative fiction when I was in elementary school, and the joy I got from telling stories stayed with me. When I failed chemistry as a college freshman, my plans of being a doctor died, and I decided to pursue something with less science and more words.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I tend to write like I talk, so I don’t know which voice most influenced the other. This is a huge help when I’m writing non-fiction, personal essays, but it poses challenges when trying fiction.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment as a writer? I got to say goodbye to a dear friend dying of cancer, and our conversation was his last, long talk he had before his death. I initially felt guilty, thinking his words were wasted on me, but when I wrote about him (and our farewell), it ended up being something his family and I can have forever. Plus, they read it to him on his last Father’s Day. I’m not sure I’ll top those tears.
The Work
Tell us about your work in Crack the Spine.
“Meet Me at the Monkey Bars” “(Issue 46) and “An Unnecessary Cut” (Issue 99). “Monkey Bars” is a humorous (and fictional) look at someone lacking some social skills trying to reconnect with an old schoolgirl crush. “Cut” is a true story of my idiotic idea to shave my own leg prior to knee surgery.
What inspired this work?
With “Monkey Bars,” I’m friends with the girl who kissed me in kindergarten, so I wondered what it would be like for someone to try to track down that first object of confusing desire. As for “Cut,” I can completely laugh at myself, so if I can save someone from the embarrassment, then all the better.
Tell us about another project you have published or are currently working on.
“Lost Change and Loose Cousins” is a collection of short stories, essays and more that I wrote with Aaron Saylor, a long-time friend and author of Sewerville.
What inspired “Lost Change and Loose Cousins?”
Aaron and I have long partnered in various forms of creative outlets, so finally combining these projects that didn’t quite fit elsewhere made sense.
Where can we find this work? It’s currently available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as some bookstores in the Central Kentucky region.
The Methods
What is your usual starting point for a piece?
I generally have a first sentence in mind when I start every story. In journalism, that hook is crucial, and that’s carried over into other forms of writing. So if you read something of mine and don’t like the opening sentences, you’re probably not going to be won over later in the piece. Note: I need to work on my self-selling skills.
How do you react to editorial rejections of your work?
It’s disheartening when something is rejected, but I tend to think “Well, I’ll just make this better and have it printed somewhere else, then have a good laugh at your expense.” It’s basically the same philosophy I follow when asking a woman out.
How do you react when one of your submissions is accepted for publication?
Awkward dancing, followed by a few texts to friends, ending with updates on social media (and basking in my friends’ compliments).
What is your best piece of advice on how to stay sane as a writer?
Why would any writer want to stay sane? Play some music, sit down and write out all that craziness in your mind.
The Madness
What is your favorite book?
“All Over but the Shoutin” by Rick Bragg
Who is your favorite author?
John Irving, Rick Bragg and Stephen King
What is your favorite word?
Biblioteca. It just sounds like a place you’d want to be, even if you didn’t love books.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
If there’s no picture running with this, then clearly I’m going to say Matthew McConaughey because of the uncanny physical resemblance. Oh, there is a picture? Then let’s go with Paul Rudd.
What makes you cry?
The sax solo in Bruce Springsteen’s “Jungleland,” almost every time.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate
Cats or Dogs?
Dogs, always.
The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?
Beatles, but the real answer is Springsteen
Additional Reading on Strother
Twitter profile: @skhall
Other page: The Nerdy Bomb