Ann VanderMeer is frickin' weird...

by Gabby Goff

If you are not familiar with the name Ann VanderMeer, then you should familiarize yourself immediately. She is only the second female editor that has ever graced the position for Weird Tales magazine in its entire eighty-five year life-span! She is the founder of BuzzCity Press—an award winning press that has put out notables such as Michael Cisco and her very own husband Jeff VanderMeer. And now she plans on taking over the world with piracy! Or, you could just read this splendorifious (yes, RIFious) interview and learn some cool things about her. Things like who she is voting for president, why she digs Jeff, what she thinks about self-proclaimed writers, and about how she lets those school kids talk her into buying anything.

Ann: It’s hard for me to pick my favorite story, because it seems like it is always the one he’s working on now. He recently finished a story called The Goat Variations which is a very strange political tale that examines several different George W. Bush’s in various personas reading The Hungry Goat while planes crash into the World Trade Center.  Forthcoming in Other Earths from DAW.  I also love all his Ambergrisian tales. And his novella The Situation is amazing (http://blog.wired.com/geekdad/2008/03/the-situation-j.html)

A: Yes, I have rejected his fiction for The Silver Web. It was some gawdawful story about a high school girl and her prom, and something about her closet. Jeff claims that it was a test, to see if I was a good editor or just someone who took stories form friends. So I tease him about that. (He’s still never sold that story and it hasn’t seen the light of day in years).

As far as what won my heart, the fiction is certainly what got my attention, but not the reason I fell for him. It’s not that easy living with a writer, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I was drawn to him for the depth of his generosity, his passion for the things he cares about, love for family and friends and the way he always seem to make me laugh. His professionalism, drive and ambition as well. Even after all these years I still get excited when I see him walk into a room!

A: Yes, I do. And I believe that is because we complement each other. He could never live with another writer (or artist).  They would drive each other crazy. As for who is the better half, that depends on what you are talking about, haha.  He would say me, but I don’t think that is always true.

A: I grew up in Miami, back when Miami was a safe place to live. I remember not locking our doors! 

I was named after my great-grandmother on my mother’s side. Ann. She was a very popular woman as many of us were named after her. There are two other Ann’s in the family as well as an Andrea and an Andy. I am a second-generation American, both parents born here, but all my grandparents were immigrants (mostly from Russia, although my grandmother’s family came to Canada first before settling in Atlanta). I am a practicing Jew. 

A: Hmmm, favorite word? Defenestration? No, that’s horrible. Why would I pick a word like that? It was the first one that came into my head. It means execution (or death) by being thrown off a roof (or out a window). I think it’s because I am leaving for Prague in a few days and there was a whole lot of that going on there back in the day! 

A: To me weird means not the usual. Not typical, or traditional. Strange, ye also wonderful! Punk? Back in the 70’s when Punk Rock music was making its way into popular culture, it was an attitude. Going against the established music industry. Making it ours, no rules. You didn’t even have to know how to play an instrument. In some ways punk was about giving power to the powerless. And it was also to get away from the boring same old, same old.

As for tagging it to the end of other words, it’s done for emphasis, to bring that attitude. Again, to get away from the established. Steampunk and technopunk? Bringing a new attitude, new look to science fiction. Splatterpunk? A new attitude for horror. And it sounds good, too, don’t you think?

What are your thoughts and feelings upon the level of comprehension of readers and writers? Do you notice a stunt in vocabulary and story-telling style?

A: With the advent of the internet, anyone can be a writer. Or so they think. Someone creates a webzine, invites people to write for it, or people create blogs and have their friends and like-minded audience comment. This does not make one a writer, but alas, many think it does. Like a lot of other things, I think the “idea” of being a writer is more appealing to most than the actual work of it. There were times I thought I might want to write, but it is excruciating for me to do so. 

Writing is like any other profession in that you must constantly hone your skills, practice and improve. Getting that novel published or seeing your story in print is not the ultimate goal, it’s only a beginning, a single goal. You’ve got to keep doing it. And unlike many other professions, you can write your entire life.   

With many of the technologies today, you see a new shortcut to language cropping up, text messaging and IM. Twitter, etc. Do I see this in my slushpile? Of course I do. The slushpile is a reflection of the current state of the world. 

A: I don’t think there is really a disconnect between a well-written (i.e. literary) story and one purely for entertainment. The main goal of any story is to communicate something to someone. If the story isn’t well-written, the message doesn’t come across properly. 

I think that the writers and publishers today are competing with other forms of entertainment that didn’t exist 20-30 years ago. In addition to movies, we’ve got video games, the internet…all kinds of distractions. But there is no substitute for a finely-crafted tale. And I believe that people will always be drawn to good stories. We’ve been telling each other stories since the beginning of time.

A: This can vary depending on the project. For an original anthology, you should have an open reading period advertised everywhere and also issue invitations to writers you want to submit. The reading period doesn’t have to be long, say maybe 2-3 months. From beginning to end (concept to manuscript delivery) may take 6-12 months. 

Reprint anthologies may be a bit different, but again it depends on the project. 

A: Working with Jeff? No, just kidding. That’s actually the benefit, to tell you the truth. Each project that we do, I learn more and more from him. And again, each project is different. 

Who would you say is a force to be reckoned with—a female author to keep a lookout for—who has the staying power, in your opinion? OR A female science fiction author, a female horror author, and a female fantasy author (or all three in one), what would be your reading suggestion(?

A: I’d rather not categorize writers as “science fiction,” “horror.” That is too limiting to the writer. Some female writers to be in the lookout for? Here are a few names, for various reasons and in no particular order. Cat Rambo, Rachel Swirsky, Micaela Morrisette, Kelly Barnhill, Karen Heuler, Sarah Monette, Carrie Vaughn... I am sure I’m leaving some out.

As for more established writes, I am a huge Kathe Koja and thrilled to have one of her stories in an upcoming issue of Weird Tales. I also adore Kage Baker, Elizabeth Bear, Clare Dudman, Elizabeth Hand, Caitlin Kiernan and Tamar Yellin.   Again, leaving some out, I am sure!

A: In one sense the reading audience is more open to different points of view. But in another, I feel the writer can get stifled under the guise of being “politically correct.” I am much more interested in, if the story moved me or spoke to me on some level, than if there were enough women, minorities, etc. represented in it. Of course, any kind of stereotype will turn me off immediately. And you would be surprised how many female writers cannot write a fully-formed three-dimensional woman (which actually shouldn’t be a surprise when there are men that can’t write a three-dimensional man).

A truly talented writer can write from different points of view. It’s not necessary to have lived it in order to write it.

A: I am not seeing anything more graphic or shocking now than I did when I began. The change may be on how it has moved more into the mainstream and become accepted. I have, however, seen a large number of so-called experimental writings that leave me cold. Literary tricks can be awe-inspiring, but again, if it doesn’t move me, so what?

I do believe, however, that writers should be given the room to experiment, grow and change. There are so very many ways to tell a story, and none of them are the only “right” way. I disagree strongly when the audience expects, no even demands, that the writer keep writing the same thing over and over. There may come comfort in what is familiar, but after a while it can be boring to both the writer and the reader.

A: The most frustrating thing is not enough hours in the day. Most of the work I do— in both worlds— I love doing. I am very blessed.

It’s interesting that you can see the parallels between these two worlds.   Last week I was in Mississippi installing some of our software for a new customer. As I was helping them implement it, they were very excited, telling more than once how great the software was and how much easier their jobs would be (not to mention how much more fun). It was very gratifying.

With the fiction, it’s very similar. Nothing satisfies me more than bringing attention to some really fine fiction. When a reader connects with a story, it makes it all worthwhile. It’s one of the reasons why I do this. Also, when I see young writers grow into themselves, being given a chance to explore their talents, it’s very rewarding.

A: Wow, I hadn’t even thought about some of the fiction I’ve bought being made into movies. That would be very cool. Unfortunately nowadays there aren’t many movies being made that are based on books or stories. Usually you’ll see something based on an idea, a TV show, a cartoon character, which is a shame since there is so much good stuff out there.

A: I’d love to see some of Jeff’s work brought to the big screen. Each approach brings its own pros and cons. I enjoy all kinds of filmmaking, so I can’t really say what would work best for which story.

A: Sometimes that’s not the case! Fiction and film are two completely different arts and really shouldn’t be competing.   The book gives you the room to fully develop the characters, the story etc. It also allows you to paint the pictures in your head. A film may not (and shouldn’t) duplicate the book. So, often we are disappointed in the difference. Instead, we should be judging each one for what it is.

A: Feminism means that my work should speak for itself. I should have the same chance as any man if I can do the job and get paid the same. It means that the fathers parent their children, they don’t babysit them.  When I first started in the computer industry I would attend annual conferences and be one of three women in a room of 300 computer professionals. Now when I attend, it’s about half and half. That’s progress!

What are some charities and causes that you support?

A: I have been a supporting member of World Wildlife Fund for over 20 years.   I also donate to various Jewish charities and Disabled Vets (it’s a damn shame this country cannot take care of its own). I have supported various arts organizations. I also buy waaay too much wrapping paper and candy from students that come to my door!

A: Coming in November, Fast Ships, Black Sails – all original anthology of pirate stories. Also coming in November, Best American Fantasy Vol 2 – the best fantasy fiction of 2007. Next month, the International issue of Weird Tales – original fiction from all over the world. 

Next year, several exciting projects and more issues of Weird Tales! Two charity projects, The Leonardo Variations for Clarion in March, and Last Drink Bird Head, for World Literacy later in the year.   Mapping the Beast, the Best of Leviathan in March, The Best of Michael Moorcock (edited with John Davey) in May and Evil Monkey’s Guide to Kosher Imaginary Animals in November 2009. 

A: The best “I Love you” letters came from Jeff! And it’s unfortunate that letter writing has become a lost art. As for “I hate you” mail, I don’t dwell on the negative. It’s rare when it happens and I know they don’t mean it anyway.

A: Barack Obama.  This country—no, the world—cannot afford any more of the current administration’s policies and philosophy on governing.

A: Neither seems particularly appealing, but I do share my home with many spiders!

A: That would be impolite.

A: I stay away from any tequila drinks. But I love martinis. As for my squids (such as they are), you can have them – hahaha.

www.weirdtales.net Jeff’s blog – www.jeffvandermeer.com

Our publishers:

http://www.tachyonpublications.com/

http://www.primebooks.net/

http://www.nightshadebooks.com/

All titles can also be purchased at Amazon and/or your local book store.

Jeff and I also have an art column at io9 - http://io9.com/