Abigail Kemske — An interview with the author of The Tongues of Ghosts
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The metaphor here is not very subtle and feels very personal, I’m curious how you view and feel about the story now that it’s out in the world?
It definitely makes me feel a little vulnerable sharing something personal like this, however the fact that I could write this particular story is also a testament to how much I have healed. This was a story I had been wanting to write about for years, but it was always too difficult before.
Is there a specific reason you went with a ghost?
Having an eating disorder was a very haunting experience. The thoughts were all consuming, my energy waned, I’d get light headed and floaty. I felt and looked like a ghost of myself, which is what I was going for in this story. Earlier versions had the ghost tapping on the window of the protagonist’s bedroom anytime she was eating, but I couldn't get it to work that way. Once I figured out the ghost was eating for her, everything sort of fell into place.
I don’t know if it’s just the subject matter making me feel this way, but your prose feels both matter-of-fact and delicate at the same time—is that intentional, is that just how you typically write, or is that just where the story took you?
This is not my typical writing style. (I am a lover of lush prose!) This is a delicate subject matter so it makes sense the prose feels that way. And when getting into the headspace of a teen struggling like this, feeling haunted by themselves, it didn’t feel right to include as much lyricism I love to use.
It also feels very much of a time (JNCO jeans, Gushers, Cosmo). How do you think this story would differ if it were set in the modern day with social media?
That is an interesting question! I think the ghost would haunt the screen more, manipulating what the protagonist sees/hears, confusing her on what real life is really like without a filter. But in some ways we are returning to the 90s with JNCO-like jeans back in style and ultra-thin celebrities, so maybe it wouldn't be too much different. Maybe organic fruit snacks instead.
How many times has this story been rejected by other markets?
26 times! (Never give up!!)
What’s a great short story you’ve read recently?
“My Suicides” by Debbi Urbanski published in Apex Magazine. I can’t stop thinking about it.
What book are you reading right now?
The Works of Vermin by Hiron Ennes.
The prose here is so delicious. I’m obsessed.
Do you have anything else you’d like to share?
Links to all my stories and sign-up for my newsletter are on my website https://www.abigailkemske.com/