Everything's an Experiment: An Interview with Michael Martone

Abstract: In this interview, author Michael Martone explores the idea of Midwestern identity and mythology, connecting this to a broader Midwestern narrative of pride and perceived importance, often overlooked by outsiders. He emphasizes the unique cultural identity of the Midwest, discussing its geographical ambiguity and the underappreciation of its stories. He also touches on historical migrations, economic changes, and how nostalgia for rural values contrasts with the realities of modern mobility, revealing the dynamic nature of place in America. The interview also touches on literary culture in the university, how technology and the evolution of computers and the internet changed writers, their views on writing, and the sense of a writing community.