Elliott D. -- Oyster Reporter

Elliott was bred a 5th generation Texan, hailing from the reduced-twang suburbs of Dallas proper. The South still in his heart, he enjoys speaking in a fake accent to strangers. Other interests include: eating salmon; chess, poker, and the art of tactical manipulation; intuitive cooking; excessive vulgarity; wordless music; disagreements; and all vehicles of fiction. He's been smuggled across a Peruvian border, saved at least four lives, eaten an endangered animal, been shot and stabbed, and taught 6th to 8th grade. Perhaps his favorite thing about hotels: the towels.

• Hometown: Dallas
• Places Lived: Dallas, Los Angeles, New York
• Education: B.A. in English and Sculpture, University of Southern California; M.F.A. in Fiction/Poetry, The New School
• Prior Experience: PEN/American Center's Prisoner Writing Program; Granary Books; senior editor, FLAUNT Magazine.
• My Favorite Hotel: The Bowery Hotel -- I've spent many dusk-till-dawns writing fiction and freelance on my laptop in the lobby; they give me free tea and snacks. Also, the parties on the terrace are always stellar, as are the parties in the rooms.