"Snowflake, AZ.": Marcus Sedgwick

The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast

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I’m speaking with author Marcus Sedgwick, who wrote the book “Snowflake, AZ,” published in 2019.
The novel focuses on Ash, who travels by Greyhound bus to find their stepbrother Bly, who was last seen in Snowflake, Arizona. It’s a community where many people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) have settled, at an altitude of 6,000 feet in the desert, to get away from chemicals that are all too common in urban environments.
In our conversation, Marcus explores:

● How the character Ash first views so-called canaries, people with MCS who live in Snowflake, and how the character's views shift when they develop the illness.

● His experience visiting the community of Snowflake, AZ, and getting to know people with MCS who reside there.

● How long COVID may be changing the way some authorities in some countries are responding to chronic illnesses.
More about “Snowflake, AZ” and Marcus.

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Chapter

1. "Snowflake, AZ.": Marcus Sedgwick (00:00:00)

2. Aaron introduces the podcast and episode. (00:00:06)

3. Marcus describes his novel Snowflake, AZ, and how he came to write it. (00:03:02)

4. Marcus summarizes the travel involved in his trip to Snowflake. (00:04:54)

5. Marcus defines his own illness. (00:06:04)

6. Marcus discusses the central character and their journey. (00:08:21)

7. Marcus reads an early excerpt from "Snowflake, AZ." (00:10:02)

8. Marcus explains Ash's initial confusion upon arriving in Snowflake. (00:13:10)

9. Marcus describes some of the methods residents of Snowflake use to keep themselves safe. (00:14:46)

10. Marcus discusses dismissal by family and doctors. (00:16:45)

11. Marcus explains the dilemma that the residents of Snowflake face regarding those who wish to visit. (00:19:34)

12. Marcus describes his approach to writing about Snowflake. (00:23:13)

13. Marcus outlines some of the protocols he and other visitors follow in order to keep the residents of Snowflake safe. (00:25:24)

14. Marcus reads another excerpt from "Snowflake, AZ." (00:28:17)

15. Marcus explains the emotional journey that Ash takes in recognizing their own illness. (00:30:05)

16. Marcus discusses whether Snowflake could be a viable solution for some people with chronic illness. (00:33:05)

17. Marcus talks about the depletion of safe spaces, the effects of climate change, and the importance of having conversations. (00:37:29)

18. Marcus considers the impact of long COVID with regard to chronic illness. (00:40:10)

19. Aaron concludes the episode. (00:42:52)