Interview with Author Nisha Hartelius

We're always impressed when a short, seemingly bite-sized piece has immense depth and impact. Nisha Hartelius's "Recycling" will catch in your throat and make you chew on it, sticking with you long after you've finished. Learn more about what keeps her writing, what she'd be doing if she wasn't, and her relationship with her stapler.

What makes you keep writing, even when it's hard?

When I’m stuck, I read over my work and spot one line that I’m proud of. That reminds me why I do this. That, and there is no Plan B.

What color is the number four?

I like the number four: it’s stable and self-assured. Like the color purple.

Have you seen a ghost before?

Yes, in my bedroom when I was ten years old. I awoke in the middle of the night and saw a little boy with a blue outfit on. He didn’t frighten me, he just looked lost. I went to see a spiritual healer after to help him move on.

If you weren’t a writer, what other type of creative would you be?

I have a diploma in wine and always fancied myself as a winemaker—which is part art and part science. If that fails, I bought a harmonica a few years ago so I can busk.

When did you realize you were weird?

I’ve always known. It’s only recently I’ve realized that’s pretty cool.

What’s the one problem with the human condition you wish could be fixed? 

Thinking ignorance is acceptable. We live in an age when knowledge is literally at our fingertips.

Zombies: beat ‘em or join ‘em?

Heck yeah beat ‘em. I’m ready to go at them now. When I started dating my now husband, we created a zombie apocalypse plan of where to meet in case we got separated in the first wave. 

What object in your home do you think knows the most about you? 

My stapler that sits in my office. It’s always with me when I’m alone and talking out loud. I read a novel by Tom Holt where the souls of people were trapped in a stapler and I like to think my stapler would trap a soul for me if I asked it to.

Nisha is a lawyer from Oxfordshire, England, where she lives with her husband, daughter, and two overly loving golden retrievers. Her interests include forest walks, meticulously maintaining French cookware, visiting farmers' markets and wondering why an increasing number of red kites are circling her house."Recycling" is her first published piece.