Q&A with Myna Chang: On Writing and Freedom
June 25, 2025
Myna Chang is the author of The Potential of Radio and Rain (CutBank Books). Her writing has been selected for Best Microfiction, Best Small Fictions, and WW Norton’s Flash Fiction America. Find her at MynaChang.com or on Bluesky at @MynaChang.
Myna’s Flas Fiction, “The Next Empty Cup” is featured in Issue #19.
Tell us about yourself.
I write flash fiction, short speculative fiction, and poetry, as well as creative nonfiction. I also interview authors and publishers for several magazines, and publish fiction reviews on my blog. I have a large German Shepherd who lays on my feet as I write, and a quick-witted husband who brings me sandwiches when I’m on a deadline. I feel incredibly lucky.
What unique or surprising detail can you tell us about the origin, revision process, and/or final version of your piece appearing in this issue?
This story is a reaction to the many ways society belittles and ignores older women. I’ve watched my grandmothers and my mother seemingly lose “value” as they aged, and I’m experiencing it myself directly now as I sail past middle-age. In this story, I wanted to repackage my frustration and anger into something more resonant, something a bit hopeful.
How do you find a balance between your writing and other responsibilities?
Finding balance seems somewhat unimportant to me. After too many years in a demanding career, and too much juggling of duties as a parent, I am joyful that I now can do what I want with my time. Someone else can wash the damn dishes—I have a story to write.
What do you think when you hear, “the good life”?
To me, “the good life” means having the freedom and opportunity to live life as I choose. I believe every person in the world deserves this unfettered autonomy, and I’d love to see more people working toward this goal.
Thank you, Myna, for being a part of our growing literary community and for spending extra time with us on this Q&A. We wish you the best!
