Pronouns: She/Her
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Website: https://www.emilyschultz.com/

Emily Schultz is the author of Sleeping With Friends, and the forthcoming Brooklyn Kills Me, both from Thomas & Mercer. She is the former publisher of Joyland Magazine. Her last novel, Little Threats, was published by GP Putnam's Sons and was named an Apple Books Best of 2020 pick.

Her novel, The Blondes, was released in the U.S. with St. Martin’s Press and Picador, in France with Editions Asphalte, and in Canada with Doubleday. It was named a Best Book of 2015 by NPR and Kirkus. The Blondes was produced as a scripted podcast starring Madeline Zima (Twin Peaks) and created by Schultz and Brian J Davis. Translated into French, German, and Spanish, it has over one million listeners worldwide.

Keep reading to discover more about Em’s writing journey!

Queer Narrative Influence: How has your queer identity influenced your storytelling and character development in novels like "Little Threats" and "The Blondes"?

Being outsiders has always given us a great skill set for being artists! But specifically, I think queerness quite naturally carries ideas about sexuality, gender, and feminism into my fiction. This gave me a worldview that, in The Blondes, let me ask how the world would change if there were a virus that upended beauty standards.

LGBTQ+ Representation: In your work, how do you approach the representation of LGBTQ+ characters and themes, and what message do you aim to convey to both queer and non-queer readers?

For me, it's interesting. Queerness has always existed in the worlds I've written, but I started in the small press writing more experimental literature. As I began writing more mainstream novels, I certainly started to notice that who my characters were could be an issue for some potential editors. You know, you sense them doing the math of how many queer characters does it take for a novel to be--in their minds--too LGBTQ? And my solution was to not give a shit.

I've been lucky to only be with supportive editors. This has meant that I've had the freedom to write something utterly campy like The Blondes, a serious family thriller like Little Threats, or to have a queer private detective lead in Brooklyn Kills Me.

Queer Literary Inspirations: Could you discuss any queer authors or works that have significantly influenced your writing style, especially evident in your upcoming book "Brooklyn Kills Me"?

In terms of writing, messy bisexuals are my girls, so shout out to Anais Nin and Virginia Woolf! Sleeping with Friends and Brooklyn Kills Me are both mysteries, so any inspiration is a little more in the background. However, as my main character, Agnes, says drunkenly at a party:

"Agatha Christie's Poirot is gay. One hundred percent swish. He’s allowed in their world only because he doesn’t talk about Captain Hastings, so obviously his boyfriend.”

Inspirational Challenges: Can you share a time when facing obstacles as a queer author led to a breakthrough in your creative process?

Again, it was when I started writing for large presses that I realized I had to be the one to advocate for my characters and the stories I wanted to tell. As I went to bigger audiences, I realized there would be pushback. Embracing that duty did make my writing better.

Support Systems: What role have support networks within the LGBTQ+ community played in helping you overcome professional hurdles?

Earlier on in my career, other queer writers were my first boosters, inspiration, and, to be honest, healthy competition! If you're an emerging queer writer, reach out and find other writers. Just don't sleep with them all.

Fuck, Marry, Fear = Kate Moennig, Kirsten Stewart, Sarah Paulson

I would fear Kate Moennig, which is probably unfair because that's really about the character she played! I would marry Kristen Stewart because being hot for each other is key to a long-term relationship. And the fuck would be Sarah Paulson. She's so obviously a power top.

Work-life balance tip of the week ✏️

Break the monotony by scheduling short, spontaneous adventures during your week. Whether it’s a quick visit to a new art exhibit or a short nature walk, these breaks can rejuvenate your creative spirit.

Article of the week

Cross-Disciplinary Inspiration: Unleashing Creativity Through Diverse Artistic Engagement

In today’s fast-evolving creative landscape, artists and designers often find themselves in silos focused on refining their skills within a single discipline. However, the magic often happens at the intersection of various art forms. This article explores the profound impact of engaging with different artistic disciplines to enhance creativity and innovation.

Artists like David Bowie and Frida Kahlo are known for their ability to draw inspiration from a range of art forms, from music and painting to fashion and writing. Engaging with art forms outside one's primary area can expose creators to new techniques, perspectives, and ideas that challenge their conventional way of thinking.

For example, a graphic designer might take up pottery to explore three-dimensional forms and textures, or a writer might delve into classical music to better understand rhythm and pacing in storytelling. This cross-pollination of ideas can lead to breakthroughs that would not have been possible within the confines of a single discipline.

This approach revitalizes your work and makes the creative process more exciting and fulfilling. Consider setting aside time each week to engage with an art form outside your primary field, and watch as your creative boundaries expand.

Empowering quote of the week 💪🏾

Resource of the week

Resource Type: Literary Resource

Description: Lambda Literary nurtures and advocates for LGBTQ+ writers, championing new works and providing resources to reflect the diversity of the community through initiatives like writer retreats, awards, and scholarships.

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