Hillary: What is the most magical/terrifying place you’ve visited?

Mercedes: Goblin Valley in Utah is an absolutely beautiful, twisted landscape. They used it for an alien planet in the movie Galaxy Quest. It’s gorgeous red rock and it truly looks otherworldly. When we were children, my father would take us to Goblin Valley during a full moon. He’d park at the top of the park and turn the headlights on so we always had a point of reference. My brother and I would take flashlights and scramble down to play among the rocks. We’d stay out all night. It’s one of my favorite memories. 

Hillary: How does place generally fit into your writing? 

Mercedes: My work is firmly rooted in the concept of place. It’s one of my major themes, and I really like to play with the idea of place being cognizant. In my…