Selected journalism-adjacent articles
I’ve covered books for Shondaland, innovative social programs for Food Bank News, more books for Electric Literature, three school districts for The Raleigh News & Observer, and more books for INDY Week.
Keen observers will notice that I love a good interview. Profiles, Q&As, features, I’m up for anything that lets me ask interesting people as many questions as they’ll allow.
Kaveh Akbar Delivers a Wholly Unique Debut Novel
In his first novel, Martyr!, poet and educator Kaveh Akbar takes on addiction, religion, and displacement with a tender touch. Originally published on Shondaland.
Kelly Link’s Mastery in ‘White Cat, Black Dog’ Takes on a New Form
Inspired by traditional lore and fairy tales, Link’s latest short story collection will surely transport readers to new realms. Shelbi Polk interviews Kelly Link for Shondaland.
The 14-Year Making of ‘Wednesday’s Child’
The acclaimed writer Yiyun Li discusses her new short story collection with Shelbi Polk for Shondaland.
‘Chain-Gang All-Stars’ Is a Searing Indictment of the Prison Industrial Complex
Author Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah discusses how he arrived at the interesting premise of his first novel. Interview by Shelbi Polk for Shondaland.
Jhumpa Lahiri Continues to Explore the Nature of Being an Outsider
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri discusses her new short story collection, “Roman Stories,” with Shelbi Polk for Shondaland.