Eugenie Montague, author of Swallow the Ghost

In this episode of Words on a Wire, host Daniel Chacón talks with debut author Eugenie Montague about her novel Swallow the Ghost, a genre-bending narrative that plays with the conventions of crime fiction, digital life, and storytelling itself. Montague shares how the novel began as a writing experiment that grew into something larger—originating with the character Jane and evolving into a story told in three interconnected parts. Set in New York City, Swallow the Ghost follows characters navigating identity, routine, and the search for meaning in a chaotic, media-saturated world. The conversation dives into themes of control, narrative structure, and the addictive nature of both mystery plots and social media. Montague explores the creation of a fictional Twitter character named Rita, whose digital presence begins to shape and disrupt the story in unexpected ways, blurring the line between fiction and reality. Montague also reflects on her path as a writer, her MFA experience at UC Irvine, and how living in El Paso has influenced her current work—a collection of linked stories set in the border city. Thoughtful, funny, and rich with insight, this episode offers a compelling look at one of today’s most exciting literary voices.