This week’s Writer Wednesday features Cash Whitney of Warren!

Cash is a trans artist, writer and educator living in Metro Detroit with his dog, Marlon. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from Alma College and has been awarded a 2026 writers residency from the organization Write On, Door County in Wisconsin.

His weekdays include creating designs and content for a small music shop, teaching as adjunct faculty at Lawrence Tech University, working with fellow editors on an online literary magazine (The Long and The Short of It), and finding time to generate and revise his own writing.

Cash is leading “An Introduction to Memoir: Pride Edition” at Drifter Coffee on June 14 at 2 p.m. Early bird tickets are available until May 14.

Learn more about him below!

What writing projects are you currently working on?

Currently, I am working toward completing my full-length memoir between writing and submitting essays focused on the trans experience to literary journals.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

While there is great satisfaction in typing my words—transferring the story from my mind to the page, I must say my favorite aspect of the process is the imagining. Watching a narrative unfold in my head, daydreaming the scenes. I spend a lot of time in this stage—I’m definitely a person who needs to “watch the movie” in my head before I’m ready to physically write. After I see a clear plot, I begin note-taking and outlining, researching. And then, then I write.

What does your writing workspace look like?

Great question. Fun fact: I love to rearrange spaces. SO, my writing space changes from season to season. Right now, I am writing at a rich walnut desk—large enough to spread out my notebooks and references. Required: A footstool to sit more comfortably and Marlon resting on my lap.

When did you first discover your love for writing? Were there any key moments or influences that sparked your passion?

I loved writing as a young kid. I spent time creating short stories, facilitating interviews with imaginary people and typing the exchanges out on an old typewriter. In middle school I attempted my first novel taking place in space WITH aliens. And, I’ve always journaled, which has been so helpful as a creative non-fiction writer. But, I didn’t begin writing with serious desire to share my stories until my twenties.

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?

Is eating a hobby? Otherwise, reading (of course), being in nature with Marlon, playing Pokopia, spending time with friends and my baby niece and attempting new home layouts.

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

Just write. Simple and as difficult as that. Because the dreaming is my favorite part of the process, I often struggle with sitting down to write. You just have to do it. For me, it’s kind of like exercising: Ot can be hard to begin, but once you do, it feels good (even when it doesn’t).

FLASH QUESTIONS

Favorite book: “Dear Mr. Henshaw” by Beverly Cleary

Favorite author: …This might be impossible.

Favorite writing snack: Coffee and cookies.

I can’t write without: A beverage to sip.

If I could have coffee with any writer (dead or alive), it would be: Thomas Page McBee

Follow Cash on Instagram at @cash.m.whitney.

—Interview by Giselle Quintana