In this new interview series, we’ll be getting to know some of the very essential folks who work behind the scenes here at Barrelhouse, our Assistant Editors. These are the people on the front lines, generously donating their time to read submissions and help put great new writing out into the world. First up, Nonfiction Assistant Editor Craig Knox.
1. Okay, first: tell us about all the things you do that aren’t Barrelhouse-adjacent.
My favorite things are library book sales, live music and long walks with the dog.
I spend a lot of time watching cooking videos and reading about missing persons.
I have a full-time eBay business primarily selling sports cards. Not the shoeboxes of cards from 1987-1994 in your closet, sorry. Blame everyone else's mom who also thought they'd be worth something someday.
2. What made you want to work with us?
Tom McAllister was my mentor in grad school, and after he gave me Bring the Noise, it was obvious that I'd found my tribe. I have always been an introvert who gets obsessed with very niche interests, so I'm thrilled to be part of a place in the literary world where that's encouraged.
3. What are you looking for in nonfiction submissions? What makes an essay stand out from the slush pile for you?
I'm a big believer in hooking the reader from the first paragraph with a unique story or point of view and memorable language. I enjoy when writers are creative with form, especially when those experiments amplify the content or tone of their piece. One of my favorite things about reading nonfiction in particular is the opportunity to learn about a lot of weird topics I know nothing about. Don't be afraid to dive deep in the wreck if it serves the essay! If I get to laugh and learn, the ride is even more fun.
Most of all, I love submissions which demonstrate why this author (and only this author) is the perfect writer of this particular essay. Bonus points if you have a unique, authentic writing style.
4. Who are some of your favorite contemporary nonfiction writers?
Hanif Abdurraqib, Bud Smith, Maggie Nelson, Jon Bois, Brian Oliu and too many teachers, friends & Barrelhouse contributors to name them all. RIP Joan Didion.
5. If you could change one thing about the current lit world, what would it be?
I wish that I had teachers who were more enthusiastic about books outside the normal literature assigned from middle school to high school. I didn't find a lot of my favorite writers until college and after. Too many people are tricked into thinking they don't like reading or they're bad writers before they have a real idea what good writing can look like, let alone how they might tell their own stories.
6. We’re legally obligated to ask you this: what’s your favorite Patrick Swayze movie?
The Outsiders was one of my favorite books growing up, and the movie (mostly) does it justice. What a great cast.