CE Hoffman is the author of Sluts and Whores, a collection of short stories that features her singular writing style that is so unique and refreshing that it could almost be its own genre.

C E Hoffman, a sex work advocate, recorded musician, and wannabe Jungian, was born, gave birth, and tried to die in Edmonton, Alberta (not necessarily in that order.) They wrote their first novel at 11 years old, and have continued writing ever since. Her novel is available on Amazon.com.

Your book Sluts and Whores is billed as a collection of short stories, but many of the pieces read like poetry.

It gets experimental! I love taking risks (on and off the page), though Sluts and Whores’ upcoming spiritual sequel will tend towards more accessible narratives.

Some of the pieces are tagged as novel excerpts. Are they really novel excerpts?

Yep! I have 5+ completed novels, most in need of editing or complete revision. Many more are inchoate.

Wow! How did you end up with so many complete yet unpublished novels? How soon can we expect the first one?

I wrote my first full-length novel (over 100K) when I was eleven years old. When you get that headstart, accumulation comes easy. Stephen King is quoted as saying the first million words are practice: I think I’m coming up on my million! I hope for my first novel to find representation after Losers and Freaks is released.

You’ve been fundraising to have one of your pieces made into a short film. How did that come about?

The fundraiser was an excellent success- thanks again to all our supporters!

I adore film: I’ve written multiple screenplays (some novel adaptations, some originals.) Fusing these two mediums (and passions) was intuitive, but it’s thanks to collaborators like Winston Rowntree (who will be animating/illustrating) and voice actors like Rachanee Lumayno and Danton Lamar that the project is coming alive.

How will the film be available? Where will it be published?

Look for GTFO on my Youtube channel in six months to a year.

In your book you have the quote “Prostitutes are people too.” You also mention “Johns are people too.” (Some even tip!) Can you comment on the ongoing stigma of sex work and where that is today?

It depends where you look. My news feed professes tolerance, so much that I’m surprised when affronted with whorephobia in real life. It unfortunately still exists -I’ve experienced it first-hand- and I hope Sluts and Whores helps illuminate that above all, sex workers are (gasp!) people, ie worthy of respect. So too for their clients.

A lot of readers believe much of a writer’s output is based on autobiographical experiences. How much of yourself is in your stories? Are any of them based on real people or real experiences?

This collection deservedly possesses #OwnVoices affiliation, but as to what specific experiences are my own – I like to keep people guessing.

I would call your work literary, and I’ve mentioned how poetic it can get, but sometimes your stories seem to skirt with fantasy or have a science fiction feel to them, like your piece Fun Farm.

I adore my fusion of literary/experimental style and Urban Fantasy/Sci-Fi genres, though it somewhat defies categorization. I hope to iron out those creases as my career continues. (Or perhaps enhance them to assert my individuality!)

Have you considered writing a work firmly invested in a definite genre other than literary? Is there a purely fantasy or science fiction book on the way?

The first novel I ever wrote is high fantasy! All the fun tropes- with a little twist. And I’m plot-mapping two sci fi pieces: a goofy alien “abduction” novel, and a dystopic novella.

I’ve also noted some vehicle themes in your work, such as the not-a-ghost jeep in your short story Too Many Dreams, and a car flipping itself over like a dog in The Power of Pepper Spray.

I love (vintage) cars! I know nothing about them, but I love them. It’s also a running joke that any god or goddess who makes an appearance in my stories drives a car or truck in lieu of a traditional mount (Durga would be pretty obvious galloping around the Big City on a tiger!)

Aside from the short film project, what are you working on now?

Polishing my aforementioned follow up, Losers and Freaks.

What have you been reading lately? Any writers we should take note of?

I’m on a Truman Capote kick: re-read Breakfast at Tiffany’s (as good as the movie, but without the racism- so better), then Other Voices Other Rooms (which boasts one of the most excellent sentences I’ve ever read), and I’ve almost finished In Cold Blood.

One final question: If someone was to read only one piece from Sluts and Whores, which one would you want them to read?

Ah, so rather than killing my darlings, I have to choose between them? Love it.
Fun Farm has received overwhelming positive feedback, so I’d suggest that one- or You Only Die Once (responsible for several readers’ nightmares!)