Meet Ali Francese

The repetition of daily life spins around Ali Francese’s characters, trapping them in its monotonous, centrifugal force. Every scene and moment in Spin Cycle is underlined with this self-perpetuating tension. But as the narrative progresses, this tension unravels to reveal a more insidious subtext. What if this daily grind isn’t just a byproduct of modern life, but an intentional design by forces who profit from our disorientation? Spin Cycle explores how our desire for personal identity can be commodified and exploited, mutating it into a pursuit of beauty products, personas, social status, and cosmetic enhancements.

Follow the link below to read Ali’s fiction that is featured in SUBMIT #3 as well as her Barbe award winning work My Dentist, My Surgeon, My Lost Love of Anesthetic Circumstances

Spin Cycle
My Dentist, My Surgeon, My Lost Love of Anesthetic Circumstances

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What is a writer to you?

To me, a writer is someone who dedicates time and effort to the craft of writing, immersing themselves in the creative process.

When did you realize you were a writer?

I’ve always created stories in my head. But I realized I was a writer the moment I started putting pen to paper. Then paper to my laptop.

What are your (big or small) goals as a writer?

My goals as a writer are to bring my stories to life and to create narratives that people can truly enjoy and connect with.

Describe your writing routine or lack thereof.

I write best in the morning and aim to hit 1,000 words a day.

What is your relationship to writing like? Do you love it? Hate it? Do you think your art comes from within you or do you believe in muses, or a divine spirit that uses you as an antenna?

I love writing and look forward to it every day. My art is rooted in my experiences, with everything I write reflecting some aspect of my life. I write quickly but then revisit and refine my work, mulling over each piece to improve it.

If you could cure yourself from the writer’s bug, would you take the cure? What do you think you’d do instead of being tormented all day long by the existential anxiety of creation?

I would never take the cure. But if I did, I’d likely turn to painting to fill the creative void.

We all have strengths and weaknesses in our writing, what are yours?

I use the word “suddenly” too often—seriously, all the time. My strengths lie in my dedication to the craft. My weakness is outlining.

What is the most detrimental to your writing progress? (E.g., Is it distractions? Plotting? Revisions? The blank page? The finishing? The size of your audience?)

I’ve struggled with being resistant to revisions in the past, but I’ve learned to trust my instincts and the advice of friends. Whenever I do make revisions, I never regret it.

Have you ever given up writing, and what made you start again?

I’ve explored other careers, but writing is the one I always return to. It’s both challenging and satisfying. Reading novels consistently draws me back into the world of writing, whether I like it or not.

Tell us about the inspiration behind your work on BarBar.

I’ve worked at a spa for about two years, and the characters that come in and out of there provide endless inspiration.

Tell us about the process of creating, finishing, and submitting the work published on BarBar.

I enjoy working on short stories when inspiration strikes. For this particular story, it was the spa. I also like to use short stories to test out characters and see if they might fit into a novel.

If your collection manifested into human form, what would your first date be like?

The first date would likely be scary and awkward. Given my interest in speculative fiction and horror, this human form would be an otherworldly, odd person who loves cats and enjoys cooking good food. They’d probably also spend a lot of time doing laundry.

What deal would you make with the devil? (Does not have pertain to writing.)

Preferably none. But if I had to choose, I’d wish for the ability to fly. Or, an unlimited gift card for food so I can experience every restaurant. Something like that. I’d be happy with either.

What are your three desert island books? You’re allowed a guilty pleasure too.

“The Secret History” by Donna Tartt, “Acts of Desperation” by Megan Nolan, and “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood. I’d take all the Harry Potter books and movies.

If you could provide an accompanying soundtrack to your work, what songs would you include on it?

Choosing just a few songs is tough because I can imagine a scene for every song I love. My favorite music genres are blues and classic rock.

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