Andy Henion is a former newspaper reporter, he has published dozens of stories in print and online publications including Spork, Hobart, Pindeldyboz and Monkeybicycle. He’s been nominated for a Pushcart and a Million Writer’s, and shortlisted for a Derringer.
What’s your favorite story written by someone else?
“Until Gwen” by Dennis Lehane; “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver; “The Cavemen in the Hedges” by Stacey Richter
What is the value and purpose of short fiction in mystery/crime fiction for you personally and overall for the form and genre?
Crime fiction takes us to that deepest, darkest of places—and sees whether we fall in or crawl back out. For me, the best stories and characters are all about the grayness (a la Westlake/Stark, Elmore Leonard). No cheesy heroes and formulaic dialogue, just real folks faced with some nasty stuff. Now what?
What issues or ideas about fiction have been foremost in your mind of late?
Style over substance. There are so many ezines out there these days, but too few of them are running stories. That’s what I like about the noir/crime sites that have sprung up (Twist of Noir, Pulp Pusher, Beat to a Pulp, the reborn Plots with Guns). From a narrative standpoint, at least, they deliver the goods.
Who is the best short story writer that people haven’t gotten hip to yet?
Kyle Minor. He’s actually pretty well established (has a book out, a story in Best American Mysteries), but he’s new to me. His stories are tough but literary: the best of both worlds.
Where are you, right now, as you’re writing these answers?
Sitting in the La-Z-Boy, 5:30 in the A.M., watching the weather guy tell me I’m going to freeze my cajones again. First day of spring, my ass.
What do you like most about short fiction?
It’s the best round of a 15-round fight; the downhill side of a roller coaster; the last two minutes of a basketball game. It’s short, it’s sweet, it’s (hopefully) exhilarating.
When did you start writing short fiction and what prompted you to do so?
I had dabbled in short fiction since about middle school, but I started writing seriously about a decade ago. I was going through a tough time, needed a diversion, something meaningful, and writing was the cure. I landed a couple stories in print pubs—ByLine and Lynx Eye—and from there I was hooked.
Of your stories, which is your favorite; the one that showcases best your abilities?
Five Examples of My Work in Poor Mojo’s Almanac(k), which stars a slacker and small-time criminal who wins the Nobel Peace Prize for his deeds. Or Pliers from Rumble, for its brutality and brevity. I love flash with teeth.
Do you have any short story publications forthcoming?
One in Thieves Jargon should be coming soon. Got a few other subs out.
How do you plan to rectify your booklessness?
When I can answer this question: Do I have something different and better to offer than is already out there? Why kill a tree if you’re only adding to the canon of mediocrity? (Translated: When I get a whole lot better, when I get serious, when I get more time, when I get lucky, etc., etc. …)
