Complex Relationships & The Art of the Short Story with Marina Rubin (E180)
In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Marina Rubin, author of Knockout Beauty and Other Afflictions. Born in Vinnitsa, Ukraine, Marina immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has since published work in more than eighty magazines and anthologies. She serves as an associate editor of Mudfish, and her acclaimed short story collection earned an Honorable Mention for the 2020 Miami Book Fair Emerging Writer Fellowship. One of its centerpiece stories, Man in a Fedora, was even adapted for the Nightshift Radio Storyteller Series - bringing Marina’s words to life through the voices of eleven actors. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Key Highlights:
The themes behind Knockout Beauty and Other Afflictions - lust, longing, family, and unexpected friendships.
How Marina balances inspiration with discipline in her creative process.
Growing up in the former Soviet Union and the cultural importance of being well-read.
Finding time to read and write amidst daily life, including sneaking in reading during her commute.
What she’s learned about writing, publishing, and persistence along the way.
Her book flight features short story collections.
Marina reminds us that if you want to write great literature, you must first read great literature, a lesson that resonates with readers and writers alike.
Connect with Marina Rubin:
Buy Marina’s books:
Books and authors mentioned:
Book Flight
This is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz
No One Belongs Here More than You by Miranda July
Selected Stories by Guy de Maupassant
Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!
