Kris Hall/Barracuda Guarisco, writer of many books including (most recently) EMBARRASSED BY EVERYTHING EXCEPT FOR WHEN I PUT IT INTO POETRY and LIKE MY POETRY, PLEASE, has been invited to take part in TriumphOfTheNow.com‘s “Ten Words or Fewer” interview format! (The word count is not strict.)
Read on below!
Q: What is the title of your book?
A: I have two recent books out right now/soon. My full-length collection of new and selected works published by Be About It Press is titled “EMBARRASSED BY EVERYTHING EXCEPT FOR WHEN I PUT IT INTO POETRY”. My limited edition chapbook (25 copies) through Chat Rooms is titled “LIKE MY POETRY, PLEASE”.
Q: Why did you choose these titles?
A: I wanted to be honest with a touch of humor. I am embarrassed by my sheer existence and I do want you to like my poetry.
Q: Why did you write these books?
A: “EMBARRASSED BY EVERYTHING…” was compiled as a sort of ‘best of’ featuring work from several of my books published in the last ten years. I wanted something with a little bit of… Everything. So did Alexandra Naughton, my publisher. “LIKE MY POETRY, PLEASE” however is a glorified cash grab because I’m broke as shit. So I made some art to trade for monies. More honesty.
Q: Are you working on any new projects?
A: I have a novella about a vampire poet who is paranoid about getting cancelled. I’m shopping it around.
Q: What/who do you read?
A: My friends mostly. People I’ve heard about or communicate online with in the scene. My most recent purchases include books by Brian Alan Ellis, Jane-Rebecca Cannarella, John Compton, J Ian Bush, and Emily Skillings.
[smh: drop me a comment if you’re one of those writers and you’d like me to add a hyperlink on your name!]
Q: Why do you read?
A: To find connection. To be inspired. I have a relatively short attention span so after a few pages of anything I find myself brainstorming poems or hybrid shit to write on my own.
Q: Describe the ideal reader of your book.
A: Someone who enjoys surprises. Who embraces the weird. The sky is a dog.
Q: How do you relax?
A: I play a lot of pool and try to nap as often as possible.
Q: Are we alone in the universe?
A: Not if there’s a “we”.
Q: Do you listen to music?
A: Post-punk and white noise.
Q: Would you relive your life as a spectator if you could?
A: Heavens no. I’m embarrassed enough.
Q: What do you need to thrive?
A: Poetry, cheesesteaks, Newports, pool, Red Bull.
Q: What do you need to survive?
A: The love of my smallest bird.
Q: How do you nourish yourself on a psychological level?
A: I call in sick to work.
Q: What makes you laugh?
A: Jude. My boyfriend.
Q: What makes you cry?
A: Capitalism. The cruelty of man. Bahn Mis that cost more than $10.
Q: What’s the biggest thing you’ve personally destroyed?
A: Good friendships.
Q: What is the scariest thing?
A: Death. I’m terrified of it. I think about it constantly. It often interferes with my ability to enjoy life. Getting shot in the fucking head. Getting murdered in my sleep—how would that affect my dreams?
Q: How many close friends do you have?
A: I have a problem where I think being a friend makes you close. I have bonding issues. I have abandonment issues. Blame my parents. Blame alcohol and the party scene.
Q: What makes a “close friend” close?
A:Joshua Robert Long. Anyone named Josh. Enough said.
Q: Where is somewhere you could go every day?
A: Twin Foxes or White Buffalo. Two pool joints I frequent. Good pizza.
Q: Would you like to suggest a new question for future interviewees?
A: “What meal hurt you?”
BIO:
Kris Hall (Barracuda Guarisco, et al) is a polyonymous author of numerous poetry collections and hybrid works, most recently “Embarrassed By Everything Except For When I Put It Into Poetry” (Be About It Press) and “Like My Poetry, Please”. He is the founder and former Editor-in-Chief of Really Serious Literature and host of Chat Rooms. You can find what’s left of him in Everett, WA.
Link to buy “Embarrassed By Everything…”:https://www.beaboutitpress.com/product/embarrassed-by-everything/28
Message @barracudacore on Instagram for copies of “Like My Poetry, Please”.
“Ten Words or Fewer” gives writers (novelists, poets, essayists, playwrights, screenwriters, anyone writing anything else) the opportunity to introduce themselves and their work. If interested in taking part, email triumphofthenow@gmail.com for more details.
Thank you so much for reading TriumphoftheNow.com! If you like what you’ve read, please subscribe, share and order one of my books. If you love what you’ve read, why not order me something frivolous and noisy from this Amazon wishlist or make a quick donation via my ko-fi page?
I’m currently focusing on parenting and creative practice, so small donations are appreciated now more than ever!
scott manley hadley aka SOLID BALD live
Here’s a video of me recently performing at the prestigious (it has a Wikipedia page) comedy night, Quantum Leopard. Listen to how much fun the crowd is having. You could have that much fun, too!
Forthcoming gigs include the following – there may/will be others:
18th February 2026, 7.30pm: Laughable, Wanstead Library
26th February 2026: Mirth Control, Bexhill-on-Sea
12th March 2025: BALD PERSONALITY DISORDER 30 MIN WIP at Glasgow International Comedy Festival
26th March 2026, 7.30pm: Comedy @ Cosmic, Plymouth
May 2026: BALD PERSONALITY DISORDER FULL LENGTH WIP at the BRIGHTON FRINGE
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