This story was such a fun and exciting read—I was immediately drawn into it. Putting an ex into a coma? Sounds like dessert to me. What inspired you to write this (besides of course trying to hex an ex)?

I was thinking about the big emotions that come up after a breakup, and how it’s common to believe that just another moment with our former partner could possibly heal some of those wounds. Talis was certainly hoping their hex would lead to some kind of interaction with Adelite, possibly even reconciliation! But we can never get the closure we need from another person. Unfortunately, sometimes we have to learn this lesson the hard way. This story started off with me imagining the worst possible thing you could do to your ex immediately after a breakup, and the resulting mess you’d be in!

The true magic in this story I felt were Talis’s friends—Robin, Rosa, Ursul. What do you think is the relationship between magic, friends and love?

So, that closure thing I mentioned—what I’ve always needed to heal, in my experience, is the community of my friends. In some ways this story is a love/thank-you note to some friends who’ve gotten me through some rough times. Having a community that knows you so well they’ve seen you at your worst and still love you is kind of magical! There is healing alchemy in the little moments, from someone bringing you a cup of tea to texting you before bed. And of course, corgi cuddles are basically a healing spell.

Are there any new projects you are working on? And if not, are there any interesting themes or ideas that have attracted your eye?

I’m still slogging through a big novel project that requires a lot of research, but in the meantime I have more little relationship stories I’m writing. One of these involves a Vampire Queen, another involves a liminal space that is somewhat unique to Japan. I’m often writing about transness and queerness in our world and others, and I find it interesting to explore the systems that oppress or support trans and queer individuals. (It’s subtle in “The Ex Hex,” but there are both overt and systematic examples of transphobia that people face every day.)

I don’t think magic belongs solely to queer and trans people, but choosing to love who you love, or changing your body with the help of scientific potions and rituals? That’s some sorcery. And I do think that’s a theme that comes up in a number of my stories.