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Carole Glasser Langille 


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Originally from New York City, where she studied with the poets John Ashbery and Carolyn Forche among others, Carole Glasser Langille now lives in Black Point, Nova Scotia. She has published three poetry collections and two children’s books. Several selections from her most recent book of poetry, Late In A Slow Time, have been adapted to music by Canadian composer Chan Ka Nin.

Short Story Collections

 When I Always Wanted Something
The Mercury Press, 2008

Longlisted, 2009 ReLit Awards

Reviewed by Frances Gapper

 Interview with Carole Glasser Langille 

The Short Review: How long did it take you to write all the stories in your collection?

Carole Glasser Langille : Five years

TSR: Did you have a collection in mind when you were writing them?

CGL: No. I wrote the stories I felt compelled to write. I have been writing poetry most of my life, (I have three collections of poetry published) so when I found myself writing prose I was surprised. There's a story behind that,but it's quite a long one, so I won't include it here.

TSR: How did you choose which stories to include and in what order?

CGL: Friends helped me with the order.

TSR: What does the word "story" mean to you?

CGL:  I love the art of the short story, how we learn so much about a character in just a few pages. We couldn't know any more if we read a novel about the character's continued adventures. As in a poem, a story is most powerful when there are no wasted words or actions and each image is there for a reason.

TSR: Do you have a "reader" in mind when you write stories?

CGL:  I must say, I don't have a reader in mind. I write the stories I like to read (though the writers I love make me humble: Alice Munro, Tobias Wolff, Antonya Nelson, Edward P Jones. ) How thrilling their work is. I like Tessa Hadley too, and Adam Haslett.

TSR: Is there anything you'd like to ask someone who has read your collection, anything at all?

CGL: Which story or stories did you like best?

TSR: How does it feel knowing that people are buying your book?

CGL: Are they buying my book! I am not sure. But I am thrilled whenever anyone says they have read the book.

TSR: What are you working on now?

CGL: I am working on more stories, and another collection of poetry. My manuscript of poems, Church of the Exquisite Panic: The Ophelia Poems are currently being considered by a publisher.

TSR: What are the three most recent short story collections you've read?
CGL: Our Story Begins by Tobias Wolff(a wonderful collection); Werewolves in Their Youth by Michael Chabon (also terrific) and A Thousand Years of Good Prayers by Yiyun Li (a deeply moving collection. She's a powerful writer.)