IMP Profile - B.J. Galler-Smith

When I asked the IMPs to answer a few questions for this Web site, Barb Galler-Smith was one of the first writers to reply. Her enthusiasm was always great for the group. We exchanged emails about this project in late July 2006.

Michael:  Where are you living now?

B.J.:  Edmonton Alberta Canada

Michael:  Still writing? If so, what's your current/next project?

B.J.:  Yes, after a long hiatus. I'm working on several things, including a YA western romance, a space opera, and a contemporary romance.

Michael:  Do you have a Web site?

B.J.: No, sorry,. I wish I did, but I'm far too lazy to maintain one. I was never one for journaling.

Michael:  Do you have a current bibliography?

B.J.: Two DAW Anthologies, both edited 2003 by Mike Resnick. NEW FACES IN SCIENCE FICTION has my story "Aphrodite on a Bar Stool" written while an IMP, and in WOMEN WRITING SF AS MEN as fun story also writtenas an IMP called "Better Than Ants".

Michael:  Are you still active with the IMPs?

B.J.: I can't seem to get into the forum via the web as a member even though I'm still paying! Haven't been in the IMPire in ages! Tried to get back last year when I started feeling better but the new computer just wasn't compatible with Compuserve 4.0! I'm "working on it". I would LOVE to get back with the IMPS.

Michael:  When did you join the IMPs?

B.J.: Oh golly! In the early 1990's.

Michael:  Do you have a Mike Resnick-and-the-IMPs anecdote to share?

B.J.: LOL! I have so many memories of Mike and the IMPs. Most notable was his wonderfully curmudgeonly reiteration: Writers write. They get paid to write. Money flows TO the writer, not from the writer into contests, self publishing, etc. My first "live" memory of Mike was at WorldCon 1994. He sat in the coffee and talked to so many people. He was often available to us wannabes. He invited fellow IMPs Louise Rowder, Ann Marston and me to a group dinner at a sushi bar in the con hotel. I was just amazed. I can barely remember all the folks with us, but it was pretty typical of Mike to have at least one night set aside for friends and fans. He hasn't changed--still wonderful to his fans and friends.

Michael:  When did you publish your first story? What was the title?

B.J.: Can you believe I actually forgot? I have to look it up. The first 'zine publication was a collab with Josh Langston in YEAR 2000 in 1997 called "Shadow City".

Michael:  Do you recall that IMPs is short for "Informal Association of Writers Impatiently Waiting To Be Published"? But there was an older name. Do you recall what it was? Take your best guess.

B.J.: Hmm, I do recall that was the short name. Bollinger might recall better than I can. It had something to do with the Writing Workshop, too. Adrienne Gormley remembers everything.

Michael:  Of all the IMPtales you critted, which one do you remember most vividly? Who wrote it?

B.J.: Ohmigawd! So easy. I remember Simon and Phred stories by David Bollinger. If he doesn't FINALLY get those things out to the big 'zines, I'm gonna kick his Texas butt all the way back to Ohio!

Michael:  Of all the IMPCritters who shredded your beloved words, who had the most impact on your subsequent writing?

B.J.: Josh Langston is number 1. He actually suggested my writing didn't have plot! Can you imagine? (grin) He was utterly correct, of course.