Do you have any “Tim’s” in your life who maybe get hyperfixated on something, ignoring the things that need to get done around them?
Myself. I’ve had to set aside a day each week for laundry, dishes, and other household chores and then hold myself accountable to following through. Fictional worlds are just so much more interesting!
If you ended up in a situation like this, who in your life would you most trust to get you home?
I would most trust my closest friend and roommate who has been there for me through a difficult home life when I was younger, then later a divorce, every time my car has broken down or my OCD has become too much to handle on my own. Plus, they’re probably the most knowledgeable person I know when it comes to both dinosaurs and survival. If there is anyone I would trust to get me home, or at least keep me safe in a situation like this, it’s them!
I’m not sure I was familiar with the hesperonychus… why that over something like a raptor or even a T-Rex?
While a raptor or a t-rex might have been a more recognizable and cinematic choice, I felt like hesperonychus was the correct choice for this specific story for a couple reasons. For one, I wanted to give Tim a chance to show off his knowledge without slowing down the story. While most might be able to recognize the big, well-known dinos, Tim might have recognized just about any dinosaur which might have shown its teeth. Additionally, I wanted a small, somewhat close to bird-sized dinosaur which would have realistically been found in what is now the United States, and hesperonychus fit the bill. Also, I just think these little dudes are cool and deserve a bit of a spotlight.
How long do you think Tim gets the silent treatment from Carla after that disaster of a trip?
Carla will not be speaking to Tim for a very long time. While, yes, his time machine did work – and that’s a win for him! – it came at the cost of his wife’s own wants and needs, and she won’t forget that quickly.
When do you think Tim gives it another spin? And does Carla ever set foot in the box again?
Oh, absolutely! Most likely as soon as he drops Carla back home, assuming they return home as easily as she hopes. As soon as she’s back in the present, though, Carla most certainly vows to never again set foot in a time machine. She is happy in the here-and-now, thank you very much. Tim, however, has just gotten a taste of something wonderful; he’s going back for more.
Does Tim ever fix the table?
He does, eventually. Probably once he finally realizes that Carla isn’t going to speak to him until he does. He might now be the most thoughtful or considerate, but he does love his wife.
How many times has this story been rejected by other markets?
This story was rejected twice by other magazines, which let me know this story didn’t quite fit what they were currently looking for. I tend to only send out my short stories to a few markets at a time, to keep things more focused and tailored for each individual story’s needs. I’m very grateful foofaraw offered When To? a home!
What’s a great short story you’ve read recently?
I’ve been taking a dive into the short stories of Ray Bradbury and just recently read The Veldt. It’s a very timely story for having been written seventy-six years ago, and it will certainly be sticking in my mind for a while.
What book are you reading right now?
I’ve been reading A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers. The low stakes and hopeful world Chambers has created here has been a lovely breath of fresh air!