Praise-like Rant: Monson is often described as a young writer who has experienced dramatic early success (we think success compliments his ample beard). His first two books Other Electricities and Vacationland were published the same year and were followed by a third, Neck Deep and Other Predicaments, less than two years later. His work is most often set against the backdrop of a frozen Northern Michigan –where Monson grew up– and explores how the landscape interacts with the people who call it their home. His writing style is densely saturated with the exploration of ideas and the mechanics of how the universe –people and technology– intersect. His books include charts, diagrams, and schematics which all add depth to the reading experience and cause you to question if Monson is pulling your leg and laughing at your expense or if he has stumbled upon intelligent ideas which demand more than a quick glance to be properly digested.

Monson currently teaches creative writing at Grand Valley State University. Under the heading “Questions and Topics for Discussion” on his website he lists comments he has received on student evaluations. The comments range from “Fuckwheat” to “Very nice guy”. These evaluations cause us to question where reality begins and ends much in the way his words compel readers to question the same.

Super Quick Meet and Greet: For a quick introduction to Monson-esque thought, visit the journal Monson edits: Diagram. Diagram is an electronic journal of text and art interested in: representations, naming, indicating, schematics, the labeling and taxonomy of things, poems that masquerade as stories, and stories that disguise themselves as indices or obituaries. Read his work in our forthcoming issue on May 23rd.