Existence is tenuous and often not pretty. In his writing, Nicholas Alexander Hayes follows the tumultuous line between existence and language. The friction between the two resonates resulting in discomfort and release. His writing recognizes pleasures are more intense when preceded by agony. Hayes is the author of a collection of poetry, NIV: 39 & 27, and a book on media theory, Metastaesthetics. He has been a finalist and semi-finalist for the Collagist Chapbook Contest and William Wisdom/William Faulkner Novella Competition. His first novel, Between, is forthcoming from Atropos Press in 2012. His short fiction has been anthologized and published in various periodicals including Requited, Word Riot, and 5_trope. The Million Writers Award recognized Hayes as having a Notable Story in 2007. Hayes teaches at Columbia College Chicago and DePaul University. His academic research includes Gay Pulp Fiction, Queer Culture, Technology and Gender/Sexual Identity.