Awkward Two, a collection of 33 micro-short stories by 25 incredible writers, will be released to the public on September 27, 2010. (You can pre-order it right here.) Who are these incredible writers? Let’s meet ‘em! We sent the same 9 questions to all the writers. Here are their answers.

Rachel Lieberman

Rachel Lieberman is a victim of her own brilliance. As I mention like every day to anyone who will listen, Awkward Two is more than just a book … it’s also an experiment in instant adaptation. A few months ago, we gave copies of the stories to a selection of independent filmmakers and invited them to try and adapt them for the silver screen. Rachel’s piece, “Instructions for Operating a Heartbreaking Machine,” was an instant favorite among the filmmakers. One of these filmmakers decided to try and adapt the piece for a Showtime contest that was going on at the time. Unfortunately, life got in the way, and the film has yet to progress past the planning stages. We do have some kick-ass frames, though, which I’ll probably include in the “conceptual extras” portion of the book or somewhere on the website. Book, web, iPad … it’s all the same thing nowadays, wot?

I’m very sad that we never got a chance to see the finished version of what would have undoubtably been a masterpiece of the short film format, but at least we still have Rachel’s ceaselessly entertaining story to fall back on. And not only that, but because “Heartbreaking” was on the shorter side of the micro-short spectrum, Rachel was kind enough to provide us with one more thoroughly entertaining piece to round out the book. Her enthusiasm, talent, and absolute coolness have been much appreciated throughout the process, and I look forward to the day when you’ll gobble up her work and roll it around in your mouth like a lovely Sweet Tart, as it deserves.

1) Who are you and why are you here?
My name is Rachel. I’m here because Jeffrey and the rest of the Awkward crew liked my work. I think that’s pretty neat. I also think Awkward in general is pretty neat.

2) Why do you write?
I write for the absolute cheesiest reason possible: because I don’t feel right without it. It’s why I majored in writing in college. Sure, I could have majored in something more “useful,” but what’s the fun in that?

3) What’s the best thing you’ve ever written?
I tend to just think the most recent thing I’ve finished (not written, finished), is the best thing yet. But I guess that just proves that writing is a constantly evolving process for me, as it is for most writers. That said, I’m particularly proud of the pieces that were accepted for Awkward Two.

4) What do you do when you aren’t writing?
The reason this is so late is because I just spent the last week moving from upstate New York to Tampa to start a new job. I will be supervising a student writing center at a college down here. So most of my time will go to that. Also, Minesweeper. I’m wicked good at Minesweeper.

5) Name two books that have blown your mind.
House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski is so good. It should be required reading for anyone interested in experimental fiction. I’m also a big fan of Douglas Coupland’s book jPod, which was one of the first postmodern style books I ever read, and still my favorite of the style.

6) What do you like to write about?
There’s honestly no one thing I prefer to write about. On any given day you’ll find me working on a YA fantasy novel, or a short story about relationships, or alcohol, or relationships and alcohol, or really anything in between. I just go wherever the voices in my head tell me to go.

7) Complete this sentence: If the world could know one thing about me, it’s that I …
will never have enough Indian food.

8) Are we doomed?
No, we’re not doomed. We’re not even more afraid of being doomed. We just have more efficient ways of expressing that fear, and spreading it.

9) Anything else?
Buy Awkward Two. Or I will find you. If I remember to.