Interview with Gwendolyn Knapp, author of After a While You Just Get Used to It

Tell us a little bit about your new release, After A While You Just Get Used To It.

It’s a story about life’s clutter—both physical and emotional clutter. It’s also the story of strong southern women—my mom, my sister, my aunt, myself— trying to make their way in a world full of absurdity, setbacks, and extreme baggage, from crapping your pants in public to discovering your boyfriend is a lying cheating no good scoundrel.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

Don’t get a tattoo in a stripmall.

What’s something you’re truly terrible at doing?

Tweeting.

Editor’s note: we disagree with that statement. See below as evidence.

"I think it's funny, but I would've enjoyed it more if it was about somebody else." -Mom, after reading my book.

— Gwendolyn Knapp (@knappydoo) June 16, 2015

Do you listen to anything while you write? If so, what’s your audio of choice?

The sound of my neighbor’s dog barking its brains out at anything that moves.

BAM. You’re a superhero. What’s your superpower?

I’d like to be one of those surfing Santas, with the ability to be on permanent vacation.

Who is your favorite fictional character from literature?

The Misfit from A Good Man is Hard To Find

If you had to pick one place to vacation for the rest of your life, where would you choose?

The Maldives, based upon my internet stalking of island resort webpages alone.

What’s on your writing desk?

Galleys, a squirrel vase, squirrel underpants, a Pez bunny, a squirrel pencil holder and bowl, ginger flavored gum, and a bunch of receipts and post it notes.

What’s your favorite quote from After A While You Just Get Used To It?

“You goddamn well better stay,” Grandma said. “We have farting monkeys. Jack, get the farting monkeys.”

Do you have a favorite local bookstore we can give a shoutout to?

I love Octavia Books and Maple Street Books.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

“Dear god, why is this happening?” seems to come up a lot, but you know, it keeps things interesting.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Rudge

Gwendolyn Knapp is the author of the new book After a While You Just Get Used to It.

Connect with Gwendolyn
Author Website
 Twitter