Today our Reader Spotlight features a modern literary renaissance woman: Jennie Goloboy, who actually purchased her latest copy of Carve in person from our very own editor in chief.
It’s hard to know where to start when introducing Jennie. She agents at Red Sofa Literary, where she represents a variety of genres spanning from science fiction to history. She’s also an author; her non-fiction book, Success to Trade: Charleston’s Merchants and the American Middle Class in the Revolutionary Era is forthcoming in 2015 from Georgia Press. And let’s not forget her short stories, which appear under her pen name Nora Fleischer. Or her PhD in the History of American Civilization from Harvard. Or, most importantly, the kindness she showed when squeezing us into her ridiculously busy schedule to answer some seriously pressing questions.
Without further ado…
You’re an author, agent, and avid reader. On average, how many total words do you think you consume or create in a week?
I can’t even imagine! I’m pretty much reading all day, every day, and then writing as much as I can.
What characteristics are you a sucker for in a short story?
I find that in a short story, I’m more aware of the language than I am in a novel— for example, James Van Pelt’s “Last of the O-Forms,” where the last thing Caprice says is perfect and absolutely heartbreaking. Beyond that, I love short stories with unique characters and situations that have resonance far beyond their constricted scope.
Do you have a favorite story from Carve?
I especially enjoyed “Bree Hadley,” by Rebecca McKanna, in the fall 2013 Premium Edition which embodies Cliff’s lifetime of cowardice in one destructive moment. And despite all the things it tells us about the protagonist’s past and future, it still leaves its mysteries— what does happen to Bree? What does it say about Cliff that he doesn’t appear to know?
You have a PhD in the History of American Civilization. For a moment, cross-pollinate this with your love of books. If you could live in during any American literary movement, which would it be?
Sometimes I wish I lived in the Beat era so I could get away with never revising anything. “First thought, best thought!” Just think how productive I’d be!
You’re deserted on an island with only one book to read. (The current copy of Carve washed ashore with you, thankfully.) Which book is it?
It would have to be something enormous, with sections I could read no matter what mood I’m in. So let’s say War and Peace, the only novel I know containing equally credible aristocratic parties and battle scenes. Plenty of snow for when I’m feeling overheated, too.
We thank Jennie for taking the time to shine in our Reader Spotlight. Follow her on Twitter to stay connected to the Carve community.
Reader Spotlight is a chance for us to turn the spotlight on you. Whether a new fan or a longtime reader, we want to hear from you. Email us at spotlight@carvezine.com to be featured.