PHOTO CREDIT: CHRISTINA RAMIREZ

Alex DiFrancesco is a semi-mystic, multi-genre writer and transmasc person (they/them) who is doing their best to get through, relying on the written word, their tarot decks, some saint medals, their leather motorcycle jacket, and a little Italian folk magic to do so. They are the author of Transmutation, All City, and Psychopomps. Their work has appeared in New York Times, Washington Post, Tin House, Pacific Standard, Eater, Brevity, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, and more. They are the recipient of grants and fellowships from PEN America, Sundress Academy for the Arts, and other organizations. They teach community writing classes locally in Cleveland with Literary Cleveland and local libraries, and serve as an assistant editor for Sundress Publications in Tennessee. DiFrancesco is the human companion of a middle-aged, ill-mannered Westie named Roxy Music, Dog of Doom. Their day-jobs have included baking and pastry cooking, tutoring, and public relations. They find their heart to be their most useful weapon, and they hope to one day keep their kitchen immaculate.