Diane Payne

Oyster River Pages: How has your writing or art changed over time?

Diane Payne: When I first started writing, my work was much longer. Now I’m a bit of a minimalist.

ORP: How does writing or making art change you?

DP: It both frees me and makes me rethink and reconsider much in life.

ORP: Who do you hope reads your work and why?

DP: I hope someone reads this who needs a bit of levity in their life at that moment.

ORP: What’s next for you artistically?

DP: I’m hoping to sit down and start writing once the rain returns. Too restless with these sunny days. All these stories keep whirling in my head that I babble about while walking the dog.

ORP: How does this work connect to your personal experiences/identity?

DP: I’m a bit of a smart ass and dread when religious zealots knock on my door.

Diane’s most recent publications include: Barn House, Notre Dame Review, Obra/Artiface, Reservoir, Southern Fugitives, Spry Literary Review, Watershed Review, Superstition Review, Windmill Review, Tishman Review, Whiskey Island, Quarterly, Fourth River, Lunch Ticket, Split Lip Review,The Offing, Elke: A little Journal, Punctuate, Outpost 19, McNeese Review, The Meadow, Burnt Pine, Story South,and Five to One.  She is currently offering online creative writing classes and writing consultations.  https://www.facebook.com/events/381333442585530/ and https://www.facebook.com/events/469610656954454/

You can find her essay, “When Two Jehovah’s Witnesses Come To Your Door Wearing Dresses On A Cold Morning To Ask How You Deal With The Loss Of A Loved One,” in our third issue.