Yes, even our arena judges must succumb to the inevitability of our eight questions. This time around, Rich Alix steps down from his lofty judging…place…and gives us some real answers.

1. Do you remember the first story you ever wrote? What was it about?

I never thought much about writing until I went to college. First story I remember was about a random thrill-kill murder in the first person from the killer’s perspective. Hey, the professor told us to get outside of ourselves and write.

2. What word do you hate?

Personally, I hate the word vacuum. I can never spell it right the first time and it always looks funny even when it’s right. My son is learning to read right now though so I have a healthy hatred of the entire English language. It really makes no sense whatsoever.

3. If an octoshark fought a zombie dinosaur in a bear pit, who would win?

Zombie dinosaur? I am assuming the bear pit is not underwater so the octoshark is just going to flop around and get eaten.

4. What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever tried?

First off, I won’t eat insects or organs in any way. Also, weird is subjective. So I ask you, what’s weirder, frog’s legs, escargot, shrimp heads?

5. Where do you find inspiration?

It’s going to sound trite but I find inspiration everywhere. A lot of times, though, I am inspired by mistakes. Sometimes I’ll just mishear something my son says or misread something and like my version better. I just file those away for later.

6. Who is your nemesis?

The Great Vowel Shift

7. What is your favorite bad movie?

I am tempted to say Episode I, but I don’t think that’s what you mean. I actually enjoyed Mega Shark Vs Mecha Shark enough to watch it twice and consider doing a fan edit of it.

8. What sound or noise do you love?

The sound after you place the needle on a spinning record but before the music starts. So much promise, so much anticipation.