MM Schreier — An interview with the author of What Do Moms Know About Fashion?
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Who do you find yourself relating to more in this story, the mother or daughter?
As a very independent and strong-willed person, my younger self would have answered that question as definitely the daughter. I was always the one in my family that insisted on finding my own way and continually did things that made my parents shake their heads. Now that I’m older, I’m just grateful they taught me to think for myself and allowed me the space to make my own decisions even when they thought they were mistakes.
Do you have any children of your own?
While I have never had my own children, I have spent a number of years as a foster parent. Bringing small strangers into my home, usually during the most vulnerable moments of their lives, has been both one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve ever done.
I also tutor maths and science to at-risk youth. They teach me things, too.
Is there anything they do that feels completely alien to you?
I think it’s always the changing vernacular. How am I supposed to keep up? I will probably never understand the point of six-seven, even though it has been explained to me multiple times that it’s just nonsense. Why? Someone, please put me out of my misery!
How important is fashion to you?
I think “fashion” is less important to me than self-expression. I’m a pierced and tattooed person whose hair might be blonde one week and purple the next. Some days I feel like leggings and a hoodie, other days I go full 1950s pinup, victory rolls and all. I don’t care about labels or what’s “in” only what makes me feel confident in who I am.
Is there an era or style you wish would make a comeback?
Once in a while, I’ll admit I get a little nostalgic for the ‘80s era punk scene—spiky pink hair, cut off denim jackets, pleather skirts, and chunky Doc Martens. I can smell the Aqua Net from here! (But maybe I just really miss a time when the music rocked, and no one had camera phones.)
How many times has this story been rejected by other markets?
This story got two personal rejections before a friend mentioned, “You know, some of your weird stuff would be a great fit at foofaraw.” Now I have to tell them they were right!
What’s a great short story you’ve read recently?
There’s a fantastic piece of flash called “Body Count” by Maura Yzmore published at Literary Garage. I love her short work. It’s always sharp and dark and angry.
What book are you reading right now?
I just finished The Unmagical Life of Briar Jones by Lex Croucher. It’s a great dark academia fantasy, and I love seeing stories that unapologetically center queer characters without making the story about being queer. Five stars for intriguing world building; five stars for authentic representation.