Photo by Patsy Dunn

Jeremy Sumpter is best known for his role in the film Peter Pan (2003). He also appeared in a reoccurring role in Friday Night Lights, and in the films Frailty and Soul Surfer. He can currently be seen in the disaster flick Into the Storm.

What was it like growing up in Kentucky? What did you enjoy most about that?

Growing up in Kentucky was great. You couldn’t ask for a better place to be raised. I grew up fishing, hunting, camping and playing with my buddies in the woods and just being a little wild country boy.

When did you first become interested in acting? Did you ever want to do anything else?

When I wasn’t fishing or hunting or catching catfish in the creek with my bare hands, I was inside watching movies. One film I watched all the time was Twister. It just so happens that Bill Paxton gave me my big break, casting me in my first film, Frailty. I’ll be forever grateful as that is what landed me further roles.

What do you love most about acting?

I love acting because you get to be imaginative and become other people. I know a lot of us think at some point “I wish I was someone else.” Well that’s my job, to be someone else and bring them alive.

How old were you when you had to portray the young Adam Mieks in Frailty?

When I played Adam Meiks in Frailty I was eleven.

There was some controversy at the time due to the violent content of the film and the young age of the actors. What are your thoughts on that? What was that whole experience like? Did you enjoy working with Bill Paxton?

I don’t recall there being controversy. I know that there were two young boys being put into an intense situation with a crazy father. That can be a little hard to watch, seeing these two boys dropping chopped up bodies out bags into these graves and burying them for their dad. Like I said earlier, we are playing other characters and bringing them to life so if that is the way you felt, I guess it was a job well done for us.

Demons were a major part of the story in Frailty. What are you feelings on demons and such?

I like paranormal stuff but I don’t really believe in ghosts. I believe in demons. I’m a Christian and I know there are demons out there but I’m not too worried about them.

What was it like to portray Peter Pan? Has your experience there served you well in the roles you have had since?

Like I said earlier about Frailty, Peter Pan got me future roles and brought me a lot of stuff. Because I did Frailty, I got Peter Pan. One of the producers watched Frailty and said, “hey let’s bring that kid in from Peter Pan.” I went in and did my thing and I was the guy. Peter Pan was another big movie which I starred in and it took me to a different level. A lot of things happened for me after that and I am truly grateful.

Do people seem to recognize you most for that role? Does it ever get annoying?

I do get recognized all the time but it never gets annoying. I can have a full beard, a hat and sunglasses and people will look at me and they are kind of confused but I will smile and they will come up and say they couldn’t recognize me at first but then you had that big smile and that’s what made us realize it was you. I will always be that character, it is going to be one of those characters that is going to live on forever and ever and I am happy to be part of that. In this film in particular, it was just such a beautiful movie that it really hit home for a lot of people and so it is great to have that. I will always be grateful that I made the fans happy and I will always be Peter Pan in my heart. I am an actor so I’m on to other roles and that is what I am working on now.

Jeremy Sumpter as Jacob in New Line Cinema’s and Village
Roadshow Pictures’ thriller “INTO THE STORM,” a Warner Bros. Pictures
release. Photo by Ron Phillips

Is there any one role that has been your favorite?

I would say Peter Pan is one of my favorites.

Can you tell us a little more about Into the Storm? What can our readers expect from that particular film?

Into the Storm is a tornado movie about this group of storm chasers that come to this town where there happens to be an onslaught of tornados. The tornados devastate the town of Silverton and they are caught in the middle of it. In the meantime, you have the father who has lost his son and is searching for him. It is a found footage film. We shoot with cell phones and street cams so it brings you closer to the film. Into the Storm is billed as Twister on steroids. Frailty was my first film and Twister was my favorite film growing up so it was great to work with Bill Paxton and then a few years later I got to work with Helen Hunt on Soul Surfer and now here I am playing a storm chaser in Into the Storm, so I think that’s awesome how that worked out.

What direction do you hope to see your career take in the years ahead? Do you have a dream role you’d most like to play?

For me I want to widen my range of what I do in the entertainment industry. I want to be a producer which I just did. I co-produced a film called The Squeeze. It was great to be able to produce my first film and also star in it. I would like to direct. I would like to be the guy that makes everything that we see happen. It would be cool to do that and I think I would be good at it but I love acting and that is my job.I hope I do it for the rest of my life.

I don’t think about dream roles. I take roles that I like so it’s not like I’m looking for a particular role. I’m open to all types of roles so I can’t really say that I have dream role, because if I had a dream role and played it, what would I do then.

What do you see yourself doing should you ever give up acting?

I will never give up acting. If I wasn’t acting, I would try and go on the PGA tour. When I’m not acting, I play golf every day. I’m a scratch golfer. So if I had the time to really dig into that and spend all my time like I spend on acting and do it toward golf, I think I might be able to get my tour card and maybe win a couple of tournaments. But I am an actor and that is what I do.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

Right now, I am taking some time off to play golf. I just finished a couple of movies. One is called Take Down with Max Deacon who also worked with me on Into the Storm.  So it was cool to work with him again on that. It is going to be a great movie and I think you are all going to love it. It was directed by Jim Gillespie and I star in it with Phoebe Tonkin. So look forward to that. I’ve got The Squeeze that comes out next year with Christopher McDonald, directed by Terry Jastrow.

Is there anything you’d like to say before you go?

I love my fans and there is nothing more important to be than making them happy and I will do my best to make sure I keep doing that. I am happy with the way my career is going now and am truly appreciative of fans.

For more information please see: http://www.teresa-elliott.com/

Clay Tidwell is the local schoolmaster and sometimes lawyer of Great Bend. When not shaping the young minds of the town he can likely be found at the local saloon. A connoisseur of alcohol since quite a young age he has a deep love of drink. One of the town’s most colorful citizens he can also be found from time to time filling in during shifts at the local saloon.

What is it like being a schoolmaster in a town like Great Bend?

Being the schoolmaster in Great Bend is thankless. People don’t care about education, so my efforts are mostly wasted. It’s lonely (most potential students are dead) and it’s a daily struggle to not give up on humanity. Other than that, I love it.

Was it refreshing to take a break from your teaching to work as a lawyer?

I wouldn’t say it was refreshing to take a break, because it wasn’t really a break. A break suggests that it was MY idea. I was forced into service. I was forced into prosecuting a very dangerous man who holds grudges. So no, it wasn’t refreshing. A lawyer is what people use when they wanna say mean things to a bad man, but are too scared to do it themselves. That’s why lawyers get paid so much. Oh wait, I had to do it for free as a “service” to the town. fun. refreshing.

Was it a particular scary moment when you had to hide all of those copies of Honey’s tell all book after Cole escaped those proceedings?

If by scary you mean that I pooped in my pants multiple times, then yes.

Did you ever forgive Hoyle for that whole ordeal?

I have not forgiven Hoyle for that debacle. I have a list of 49 transgressions that I have not forgiven Hoyle for. I call him the unforgiven. Hey, that’s a good title for a western movie.

What it is like to live in a town so closed minded to your particular lifestyle?

I know what you’re getting at with this “lifestyle” question. You’re not saying I’m gay, but you want me to out myself. Well…I just did. Yeah, I’m gay. And I don’t care what anyone’s attitude is about it. What I care about is that there aren’t enough men who share my “lifestyle.” Men that I could connect with. Although there are some, they just keep it quiet.

Is it true you starting drinking when you were seven years old with your best friend Sam? Are those moments you remember fondly?

Sam was a dear dear friend. If I could remember specifics about our drunken times together I’m sure I’d remember them fondly. All I really remember is us taking long walks, then opening a bottle. After that there was usually a weird smell and a pool of vomit that I was lying in. But the walks and the opening of the bottle…I do think of those fondly.

Did it feel somewhat therapeutic to be able to open up and talk about your early experiences in the town meeting on alcoholism?

No, it did not feel good to open up at the meeting. People were small minded and insensitive. It’d be nice if there could be a meeting for alcoholics that involved zero judgement and a safe environment. Every time Shank does that weird throaty inhale it’s just a tiny little stomp on my integrity.

Did you enjoy filling in for Pearl for those couple of days? Did doing so give you a newfound respect for how hard the ladies all work over at the saloon?

I gotta say, I really DID enjoy filling in for Pearl. I had more sex than…well than I had since I took that trip to Dodge City when I turned 18. Granted, I had to dress and act like a woman. Believe it or not, that’s not every gay man’s dream. I’m a man. However, I was happy to make this sacrifice…for Pearl. Do I appreciate the hard work they put in now? No. It wasn’t hard. I had sex with men…and got paid. That’s a prize, not work. Although some of those men…have you seen them? Yikes.

Were you surprised to hear the accusations that some of the customers didn’t know you were in fact male? Do you find that insulting?

I don’t find it insulting at all. That means I did a good job. I didn’t want to get caught! Some men may not react kindly when they find out the woman they’re schtooping is actually a man. I will say though, that a few of the men allowed me to penetrate them, so I feel like they knew something was up.

Did you catch any grief for walking out after getting shot during the shoot out during the raid on Cole Younger?

I DID catch grief for walking out early, and here’s why that’s stupid: I’m not a trained professional law enforcement official and I’m not a criminal. I shouldn’t have a gun in the first place. I did a great job though, while I was involved. Then I got shot. I could’ve stayed in the fight and gotten blood all over everybody and distracted everyone from the fight. I was the bigger man and walked away. You’re welcome everyone.

Was it nice to wear frilly dresses and get more in touch with you feminine side?

Like I said, I prefer dressing as a man and am very good at it. I have a panache that people appreciate. I will say though, that I looked the best of all the men. Did you see Shank? I actually felt sorry for how ugly he looked.

What was it about the Jehovah’s Witnesses that drew you into their flock at the time?

The Jehovah’s Witnesses caught me at a time of fear and vulnerability. It looked like the world was gonna end and I needed a ticket out. To be clear, i also signed up for Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and 2nd Presbyterianism. Wanted to cover all my bases. Gotta hedge your bets.

Have you always been a deeply religious man? What are your feelings on life after death and the like?

I’ve never been religious. My religion is survival. And it’s worked out so far. Part of me believes that when you die you arrive at a place where men wear skimpy outfits and fast music plays and we all parade through the streets of big giant cities. We all have so much pride and there are rainbows everywhere. I know that’s ridiculous though, so I’m pretty sure we become worm meat.

What are you about life in Great Bend are you most looking forward to next?

Life in Great Bend is comfortable enough. I’d like more respect to be honest. I’m obviously the smartest person in town, but I don’t get treated that way…because everyone else is so stupid and doesn’t realize how smart I am. Kind of a catch-22…whatever that means. I would like for a caravan of gay men, or at least flamboyant, cultured men to arrive in time. That’s my hope for the future.

Anything else you’d care to say?

What would I like to add? I’m open to a new sheriff, if anyone is thinking about taking over, I’d support you. Also, I worry about dying alone. That’s not supposed to be funny. I truly fear it and think about it every day. Now go enjoy your day everyone. Go enjoy your day.

A hump of washed clothes can

never look artistic. I know there

is life, see the leaves wiggle. And

then small particles floating but

they had wings. Seemingly unsure

of how she sets the stage. “Family is

love and help. Huh? I’m helping you,

see.” Absurdly the bird looks as if

invading. I could very well be

the enemy.

Jennifer Firestone is the author of Flashes (Shearsman Books), Holiday(Shearsman Books), Waves (Portable Press at Yo-Yo Labs), from Flashes and snapshot(Sona Books), and Fanimaly (Dusie Kollektiv). She is the co-editor of Letters To Poets: Conversations about Poetics, Politics and Community (Saturnalia Books), and an Assistant Professor of Literary Studies at Eugene Lang College (The New School). She lives with her family in Brooklyn.

Sean Gunn is likely best remembered for his role as Kraglin Obfonteri in Guardians of the Galaxy. Sean was also the onset actor for the characters Rocket Raccoon and Thanos. He also appeared on Gilmore Girls and in the film Super.

What was it like growing up in St. Louis? What are some of your most fond memories from that time?

I love St. Louis. I am a very typical suburban product of the 80’s. My fondest memories come from my family, and sharing new discoveries with my siblings, whether it was music, a movie, TV shows, whatever.

Do you consider yourself lucky to have came from a rather large family?

I guess so. Of course, I have nothing to compare it to. More than the size, I consider myself lucky that my siblings are all close, and that we aren’t competitive with one another.

When did you first discover your love of acting?

Very young. I honestly have no idea. Acting discovered me before I discovered it.

Did you ever want to be anything else?

Nope.

How does it feel to be able to step outside of your self and into character?

When I’m comfortable in the character’s skin it is the greatest feeling in the world.

Is there one character you have enjoyed bringing to life more than others?

Tough question. When the character comes easily it’s usually going to be more fun to do, but at the end of the day it’s kind of like being asked to name your favorite child. I love them equally, but in different ways.

How does your work in film differ most from your work on television? Do you enjoy one more than the other or do you love them equally?

The thing I love most about television is the opportunity to play a character with an open-ended history. Guardians of the Galaxy is the first franchise-type movie I’ve done (“Humanzee II” notwithstanding), so it’s the first time I’ve done a movie that I didn’t necessarily have to say goodbye to my character when it was over. But I do love the grind of the TV season, when a character grows a little and changes a little over time, and my performance helps shape the way the writers see him. I prefer that.

Are there any little known things about yourself that your fans might be surprised to learn?

I’m a Hip Hop music scholar. I’m a Clippers fanatic. I love to cook. I have several cats and am involved in cat rescue. I read a lot, but only non-fiction. Shall I go on?

Do you have a dream role you’d most like to bring into being?

The short list: Stanley in Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party, Iago in Othello, Harold Hill in The Music Man. Oh, and I think I’d make a really good Bond villain.

What was it like being the onset actor for Rocket Raccoon and Thanos? What is the most challenging issue you faced in doing that? Did you enjoy it?

Well, Thanos was easy because all I had to do was stand on a big forklift and speak in a deep voice. Playing Rocket on set was challenging in all the ways any role can be challenging—it’s emotional, it took physical stamina. The difference was that at the end of the day, I was only doing one piece of the role. The SFX team and Bradley Cooper would still come in and make the character complete. But I loved playing Rocket. I hope to be able to do it again.

Were you surprised that Guardians of the Galaxy has done so well? Why do you think the audience responded to it in such fervor?

If I can say I’m not that surprised without sounding like a jackass, then I’m not that surprised. I had a good feeling we were making something special, and something of quality, throughout shooting. I never could have predicted quite the level of success, of course, but I knew that if post went smoothly that people would like it. I think the audience has responded with such fervor, at the risk of sounding cheesy, because it was made with love and hard work, and because it’s about something important and universal. Starting with my brother, and right down to the last crew member, those who worked on the film really believed in it.

Is it nice to be able to work with family in your line of work? Does it make the work go a little smoother?

It’s great. My brother and I have a shorthand for communicating with one another which always helps. If he weren’t as good at what he does it would be tougher, I’m sure.

Do you have any interesting stories from the set that you might be at liberty to share with our readers?

There are so many. Going to work every day with my brother and Chris and Zoe and Dave was a gift. They are such good people. I do remember one day that Dave Bautista asked me what kind of workout regimen I went through to keep my physique. That’s not a typo: BAUTISTA asked ME that question. I think he was suddenly drawn to the idea of being abnormally skinny. It still makes me laugh.

What direction would you most like to see your career take in the future?

Really all I’ve ever wanted in my career is to have options—to have good options and to work as much as I choose. That will always be what’s most important to me.

What projects are you looking forward to working on next?

Guardians 2! And the great unknown…I’m hoping to stay very busy in the coming year.

Is there anything you’d like to say in closing?

Just a sincere thanks to all my fans and fans of the movie. And a reminder that giving a shit matters. Apathy is so last century.

My Strange Ways

My strange ways have led me

in and out of trouble,

ridiculousness and nonsense.

Drunkenness and violence,

insanity and confusion,

homelessness and stark

truth and realization.

I’ve mentally scaled the walls

of prison cells and psychiatric wards

both anorexic and demented.

Yet, I have also climbed mountains

both physical and emotional.

Surfed those rapids of true feelings

and smiled so wide

I almost caused an earthquake

right down in my soul.

I have experienced heartache,

loss and cruelty, betrayal and trickery.

but I have also felt the comfort

of a strangers hand full with mercy,

help, kindness and charity

repeatedly along the crooked way.

I will never take or accept

that safe, middle road,

my Soul’s too big to just plod along.

I’ve tasted the sweetness and bitterness

of both sides of life’s coin

and am a better person for it,

in my strange ways I do belong

and them inside of me…Amen.

© Paul Tristram 2014

Paul Tristram is a Welsh writer who has poems, short stories, sketches and photography published in many publications around the world, he yearns to tattoo porcelain bridesmaids instead of digging empty graves for innocence at midnight, this too may pass, yet.

Ferryman of Hades

Lyssa

Mor

Revival King Stage 1

Space Eagle

Mimir Stage 1

For more information on Scott’s work please see http://murphyillustration.blogspot.com/ .

This interview was conducted several years back and is one of my personal favorites. It was truly soothing to hear Graham speak of his Grandmother so fondly. Upon hearing of his passing today, I was left if with a lump in my throat and the desire to share with you all the words found within…

Photo by Charlie James

Graham Joyce has won several awards for his speculative fiction novels and short stories. His works have been rather hard to put into a genre. He has covered horror, fantasy, and science fiction in a manner that is hard to match, often with strong female characters. He also offers a glimpse at the supernatural and mystical elements in delightful fashion, creating worlds that offer a much needed source of escapism for readers everywhere. Joyce can also be found teaching creative writing at Notthingham Trent University.

What was it like growing up in a small town? Do you find your experiences there encouraged you to dream more than you might have otherwise? Do you have a memory from that time that you hold particularly dear?

The place I grew up is Keresley, a rather unlovely mining village on the western side of  Coventry. It’s a pretty gritty experience growing up in a place like that but a very warm one where you knew everyone and they knew you. Although the village had little to offer, it was on the edge of some wonderful countryside which I spent most of my childhood exploring.  This later became the setting for some of my novels and short stories most notably the Tooth Fairy, Black Dust and the Overself. Probably my favorite memories are of the many days I spent both on my own or with friends roaming the countryside and exploring the woods near my house.  I later discovered that these woods are one of the few remaining parts of the forest of Arden. There is a very special atmosphere in a wood and perhaps this time did influence my creativity as I spent a lot of time lost in my own thoughts and daydreams.

I read that your literary approach was influenced by your own family. And that your Grandmother often received messages in dreams and other such things. What was she like? Do you feel lucky to have grown up around such intuitive people? Did she encourage you to embrace things unseen?

My grandmother was an amazing character who was one of the strongest characters I have ever come across. She was brought up in Kidderminster and by the age of 12 she was working in the carpet factories. Amazingly she managed to survive anthrax which she contracted while working with raw wool, the factory owners paid her to keep quiet about the illness because the factory would have had to have been closed. She was married by the age of 20 and she went on to have 7 children (6 of them girls, all of whom survived and went on to have children of their own. When she died aged 92 we calculated that she was responsible for over 40 people, and that was in 1981!

I’ve no idea about how many there are now! She often had inspirational messages in the form of dreams and I remember when I was growing up that this was accepted in the family as a simple fact of life. I remember she would tell me how to deal with ghosts and have a clear memory of  playing under her kitchen table with a toy car. I looked up and she was staring at me oddly. She said “Graham, if you ever get troubled by a ghost, all you have to do is cuss them out. They don’t like it if you use bad language on them.” She was to become the model for Martha in The Facts of Life and just like the character in the book she regularly experienced premonitions which came to her while she was asleep. All her family took these messages seriously but in a very matter of fact kind of way. They were as much a part of life as corned beef sandwiches and cups of tea. I think that she has been a huge influence in my life and in my writing and I do feel very lucky to have known her.

Graham’s Grandparents

You often write strong female characters. Did she and the others in your family have a major role in your doing that? What do you think women need to know in order to truly be strong females?

It’s true that I have been surrounded by strong women. As I grew up I spent a lot of my time with my grandmother and also with my five aunts all of whom were very strong-willed and opinionated! Characteristics of all of them appear in the sisters in The Facts of Life. I think that they were strong women because they had to be. They grew up in difficult times, surviving the blitz in Coventry, coping with poverty, childbirth and ill health. There was a very strong ethos in that family that in tough times you just keep going and eventually things will get better and I think on the whole it worked.

What was the best advice your grandmother ever gave you?

I think it has to be the advice about getting rid of ghosts although I’ve never had to use it yet!

Do you think you would be as well equipped to write on the subjects that you do without her influence?

No, she definitely influenced my thoughts about the paranormal and it was her “matter-of-fact”, practical attitude towards it that has formed my views. It has made me want to write novels where the supernatural is present but it doesn’t represent a dangerous enemy. There was another thing that my grandmother used to say to me. “It’s not the dead ones you have to worry about it’s the live ones.” I do subscribe to the notion of another reality but I think living people are the danger, not the dead ones.

What first led you to try your hand at writing?

Even as a schoolboy I wanted to write and my first efforts were detailed reports of Coventry City FC football games. Later I found inspiration from the wonderful rock lyrics on the sleeves of album covers. I think I always would have written even if I hadn’t become a published writer.

What was it like to work as a youth officer for the National Association of Youth Clubs?

A lot of fun. Although I had a teaching qualification I’d had no training in youth work and I was largely governed by what Hemingway said: “The best thing you can give a teenager is a bullshit detector.” I was always saying that you can talk about sex and drugs and rock and roll to young people because they’re immediately interested in those things. In those three issues there are as many moral questions to be addressed as you can find anywhere in the world. So that was my agenda: to find a way through the moral maze. I don’t know if I helped the kids, but I’m clearly still stuck in the maze myself, trying to write myself out.

Do prefer to write novels or short stories?

I love writing short stories but novels are the way I make my living and so are my priority. On the whole I think I am best suited to writing novels because they give me the space to develop themes and ideas and to run with ideas which isn’t always possible in the confines of a short story structure.

Do you enjoy offering readers some much needed escapism in times such as these?

Yes I think we all need a little escapism.

Do you think the publishing world has changed much since you first started working in it?

The mid-list has contracted massively while the publication of celeb books has expanded. These celeb books are really only magazine journalism, but in book covers. Problem is these command huge advances which previously went into supporting new writers and mid-list writers who were not best sellers but who probably had a loyal audience. Sadly some authors who I’ve loved reading for years aren’t getting publishing contracts any longer. The plus side of this is that it has given a break to small and independent presses and there is a lively non-corporate alt fiction vibe to these presses and the decisions they make, which is hugely encouraging. As well as all this there is the growth of e-books and all the implications that will have for the publishing industry.

What is it like to teach at Nottingham Trent University? Do you enjoy nourishing other creative minds?

Yes, I’ve met some wonderful people on the course who have produced some great writing. Sometimes I think that the students are nourishing me. Teaching on the course keeps me fresh and makes me constantly review the craft of writing. The fact that several of the students have gone on to have their work published has been a real source of pleasure for me.

Are there any little known facts about yourself you could share with our readers?

I’m goalkeeper for the England Writers football team and I practice martial arts and kickboxing.  These things I do very badly.

Is there any one subject you’ve yet to cover you’d most like to?

Not one but five hundred, I have more ideas than I have time to write. Life’s too short and it’s picking the right ones that’s the problem.

Who do you consider to be some of the best authors of our time?

Emily Bronte, Charles Dickens, Kazantzakis, George Orwell, William Faulkner, Angela Carter, Graham Greene, Shirley Jackson. I like narrative and insight.

What are you working on at this time?

I’m working on a novel with a working title of Some Kind Of Fairy Tale. It begins with an elderly couple sitting down to Christmas dinner when the doorbell rings. When they answer the door it is their daughter who has been missing for 20 years; she hasn’t aged a day.

If you could choose your last words what would they be? How do you hope to be remembered when your time comes?

My last words would be: Life it was too short. I’d like to be remembered as a good dad.

Photo by Rob Scott

Ephraim Younger is likely best known for his antics around the town of Great Bend, Kansas. His much loved and later deeply despised Ephraim’s Extract won the praise of citizens all around town, until they were faced with the affects of the tonic the morning after. The magic, all healing elixir was banned when the contents were deemed unfit for human consumption and the product was pulled from the shelves. No stranger to crime Ephraim is also the brother of the much feared outlaw Cole Younger.

Ephraim is a biblical name. Were your parents religious? What were their feelings on you and your brother pursing a life of crime?

My parents were very religious. They’d always be saying things like “Goddamn it Ephraim, put that down! Every day since you’ve been born has been my own personal hell. What did I ever do to God to deserve such a stupid child.” You know, religious things like that. My parents supported our criminal choices. Momma always used to say “Rob a bank Ephraim, and then you can go to jail be someone else’s problem.

What was it like growing up in the Younger household?

We were a typical family. Lots of screaming and throwing things. And punches. Punches all the time.

Did you ever get tired of growing up in the shadow of your brother Cole?

I love being in Cole’s shadow. It’s a lot cooler there. I tend to burn in the sun.

Was it an easy decision to turn to a life of crime or was it one of those things that just happen?

It wasn’t a decision. Can a bird choose not to fly? Well, actually I guess it can. It can walk places. One time I saw this bird walk two or three miles with me. Never flew, just walked. So I guess a bird can choose not to fly. What were we talking about again?

If you had your say in the matter what would you rather be doing other than criminal activities?

Sometimes I’ll just enjoy a good think. A couple months back I started thinking about something. For the life of me I can’t remember what. Anyhow a few hours later I came to. Everyone was gone, fire was out. But wow. What a way to spend an afternoon.

Do you think society tends to underestimate the pressures faced when living a life of crime?

Oh absolutely. So many things to remember. Lots of moving parts. Is today a hostage taking day or are we just robbing? Here’s a tip: Mask on first. Learned that the hard way after a few botched robberies…

Exactly how long have you known Eli? Why did you call him Ile when first apprehended by Hoyle? Do you sometimes like to deny all association with Eli or is that something you called him as a kid?

We’ve known each other since we was kids. Some names are harder to pronounce than others. But he knows when I’m talking to him so it all works out.

Where did you come up with the idea for Ephraim’s Extract? Is there any chance you can tell our readers how it is made?

I was chatting with a Shaman while in prison. He gave some great ideas about medicines and the like. So I took what he had taught me and added some of Ephraim to it. I can’t go into details about the exact recipe. But I can tell you there’s a lot love in my product. And I do love making it.

Did you enjoy working as an apothecary?

Oh sure. I love mixing things. Putting things in bottles. Selling the bottles. uUsing the money to buy more bottles. Something about bottles has always interested me. Lot less to worry about than when robbing a bank. Bottles won’t shoot at you. Although though there’s more counting. When you rob a bank you just say “give me all of your money”. Working as an apothecary you have to make change.

What all did you learn while incarcerated at Leavenworth?

I can make a shiv from just about anything you can imagine. Don’t hand me something nice, because minutes later I will have shiv-ified it.

Was it somewhat upsetting to learn your extract had been replaced by Brown’s? Do you miss the apothecary work? How did it feel to have your work outlawed?

I was very upset. Then enraged. Then back to upset. Then normal for a while. Then someone reminded me of it, and I went right back up to enraged, skipping upset entirely. I do miss apothecary work, but I don’t like being in such close proximity with Honey Shaw. She’s more handsy than you’d imagine…

Being an outlaw ain’t nothing new for me. I’m an outlaw, so my extract should be an outlaw. It’s like when an acorn falls from the tree, but nobody hears it. Right?

Did you ever forgive Eli for the events that occurred during the raid on Cole’s hideout? How has that event affected the relationship you have had with him since childhood?

Elie is not forgiven. Mark my words. Because I can’t, on account of my illiteracy.

Was the mint leaf a nice touch? Did turpentine on your lips help you forget that whole ordeal?

Once you find out you’ve man kissed a man you didn’t intend to man kiss, no amount of leaves, or turpentine, or asking yourself why you enjoyed it so much will ever make you feel better.

What aspirations are you currently leaning towards?

Can you ask that a little less fancy? This whole thing is giving me a headache.

If you could say one thing to citizens of Great Bend what would it be?

My brother’s gonna kill you.