Chalk + Ink: Episode 82; Expression Is Everything with A.S. King

When I committed to publishing a transcript for each one-on-one interview, I had no idea how much I would learn in the process. For me, seeing information in print, in addition to hearing it, is extremely helpful.

Amy Sarig King and I talk a lot about ACEs, adverse childhood experiences. One of the traumas we discuss is counter-parenting, which is when one parent deliberately undermines the other parent's rules, discipline methods, or parenting choices. Amy's fabulous new novel, Pick the Lock, is a surreal exploration of counter-parenting and other types of abuse, which happen frequently in a patriarchy. 

If you have experienced counter-parenting, I hope this episode and Amy's newest novel are as validating and healing for you as they were for me. It's incredible how freeing it is when someone names your trauma.

In addition to talking about ACEs, we talk about the importance of honesty and expression. 

Amy recommends the following books:

Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri. This book won the Printz Award in 2021, and it has been named twice in a row on the show now. I admit that I started this book and never finished it. But after two interviewees calling it out back-to-back, I'll have to add it to my commuting queue. Amy also recommends Nayeri's, The Many Assassinations of Samir, Seller of Dreams. She says Nayeri can do no wrong. Now, that's a recommendation.

Man o' War by Cory McCarthy because it talks beautifully about the journey of trans kids.

All three of Michael Leali's realistic fiction middle grade novels: The Civil War of Amos Abernathy, Matteo, and The Truth About Triangles.

Skylar Shremp's Three Strike Summer. It's a historical fiction novel set in the 1930's, and Amy says it's "Told in a voice so real that it reeks of filched peaches, this book is a home run."

Lastly, Amy and I talked about M.T. Anderson's Elf Dog and Owl Head, which was an absolute magical read for me and possibly my favorite book of 2023.

Without further ado, let's Pick the Lock on this interview.