Show Me Your Shelves: Constance Ann Fitzgerald

by Gabino Iglesias

Constance Ann Fitzgerald is the author of Trashland a Go-Go and editor of this site you’re reading. However, the coolest thing she has going right now, besides her hair, some new glasses, and the fact that she just moved to Portland to take care of business, is that she’s head honcho of Ladybox Books, which is gonna kick all the asses in 2015. With so much going on, I asked Constance to talk books and show me what she’d be dragging north in some boxes. Dig it.

Who are you and what role do books play in your life?

I’m Constance Ann Fitzgerald and books have always been very important to me. Like a lot of avid readers, I grew up as “the weird kid.” We moved around a lot and I was left alone at home fairly often. Books were a great way for me to escape and explore. As I grew into being a “writer” books took on a whole new meaning. They became a thing that I could create and a way to share my thoughts and general head noise with others. Since entering the publishing world they have become the nucleus of my little world.

Folks already know about Ladybox Books, so tell us about the future. What’s coming in 2015? Who would you love to receive a sub from?

2015 is going to be great! We’re kicking things off with MARCH MADNESS, the release of books from Ladybox Books, King Shot Press, and Broken River Books. Ladybox Books will be releasing it’s first two titles: Jigsaw Youth by Tiffany Scandal and The Pulse Between Dimensions and the Desert by Rios de la Luz. A submission I would love to receive would be from any strong voiced person identifying as female with a story to tell. If I have to be specific I would definitely say it would be from Juliet Escoria. Black Cloud was absolutely incredible and every time I read something else from her I’m completely blown away. Her voice is exactly the sort of thing we’re looking for.

How did you acquire editing skills? Does this mean you’re done writing? A bird told me you’re migrating north, what’s up with that?

I’d have to say my editing skills are still being honed. Having an editor of my own definitely helped me see where things need correction.
That little bird would be correct! As of February first I will be joining the residents of Portland, Oregon, to become part of the Broken River book factory! I’m never done writing, because I can’t really stop myself. It isn’t always worth putting out there. But I plan to work some shit out and put out another book as soon as humanly possible.

Pick five titles from your shelves and tell me why I should read them. Then tell me what food would go well with them.

– Meaty by Samantha Irby, it’s brutally honest and hilarious. If you don’t believe me check out her blog bitchesgottaeat.com and see for yourself. Food: something salty, like Samantha herself.

– The No Hellos Diet by Sam Pink because Sam fucking Pink. Food: your own self loathing.

– Role Models by John Waters because it’s interesting to see how the mind of a mad genius was formed. Food: eggs.

– I Date A Hooker by Jeff Fischer. It’s a teeny little pocket book, but it packs a punch. All about a man who takes prostitutes on actual dates and appreciates and respects them as humans. Food: anything from a food truck.

– Pickled Apocalypse of Pancake Island by Cameron Pierce. While on the surface it may seem silly, it’s an absolutely beautiful read. Food: Pancakes. Or pickles. But probably pancakes. Because pancakes.

You’ve edited all my Show Me Your Shelves. How does it feel to be in here? Do you have a favorite one? Where did you get those awesome glasses?

It’s fun! My favorite so far was definitely Cody Goodfellow’s. That dude’s collection puts mine to shame. Where do I get my glasses? Internet. They are significantly smaller than my original pair, but I’ll make due.

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Gabino Iglesias is a writer, journalist, and book reviewer living in Austin, TX. He’s the author of Gutmouth and a few other things no one will ever read. You can find him on Twitter at @Gabino_Iglesias