BCC Shines A Light On: Brendan Gillen
BCC Shines a Light On:
Brendan Gillen
Name of the piece published by BCC:
When/where was it originally published:
(b)OINK, December 2017 (I think).
What is the background of the piece? What led you to write it? What’s your process?
The genesis of this piece was the morning I literally woke up in bed with a cockroach on my arm. I felt a tickle, opened my eyes and there he was. I live in an old brownstone, so seeing roaches (the big boys), is not entirely out of the ordinary. But having one find its way to my bed was a first. It was not a fun way to start the day. But I began to think about how I could reframe this experience for an interesting piece of fiction, which led me to: what if the roach and I became…friends? What if he had something to teach me about my own mortality? What if his name was Kevin?
My process has evolved a bit since I first started writing fiction, but I try, as much as possible, to get out of my own way. To just “go,” see what happens without judgement, and try to surprise myself. To trust that even if a particular piece goes nowhere, it’s ultimately for the greater good, which is to keep getting better, and hopefully write things that other folks can connect with. Much easier said than done of course, but that’s the goal.
How did you feel when it was first published and how have your thoughts or feelings on the piece changed from then to now?
I was thrilled when this piece was published because it was my very first publication. It felt like a very big deal. I also felt it made me a “real” writer, which I realize now is a silly thing to think. But I’m grateful to the folks at (b)OINK for giving it a shot, and very grateful too that BCC has given it a new life. Unlike many pieces I’ve written, I can reread this one without shuddering with shame and embarrassment. I still dig it.
Is there a specific message you'd like readers to take away from reading this piece?
Cockroaches are people too.
Where can readers find more of your work? (Website/social media, etc)
bgillen.com, twitter/IG: beegillen
Shameless plug alert…but if you like this, you might like the collection of flash fiction I have out via Bottlecap Press. You can download the PDF for the price of a fancy coffee: https://bottlecap.press/collections/bottlecap-features/products/thought
