1. How long have you been writing and what got you started?
I have been a writer for many years – but as a non fiction freelancer, sporting articles mostly, but I have been without writing for almost 15 years. Now that I am retired, I have more time to concentrate on something I always wanted to do – – Write Fiction. Since August I have written a Novella (Mind Talkers – that is almost ready to send out) and a dozen other short stories (Flash Fiction is especially interesting to me). Some have already been selected for publishing by mostly paying markets. Yours (Theme of Absence) is the second acceptance I had this week.
2. What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
Write, read, write more. Learn from your mistakes. A rejection does not mean you have necessarily written something bad. Take Robert Heinlein’s advice: Write, write, write. Finish what you start. Only rewrite when an editor makes the request. Must put your work on the market. Keep it on the market until it has been sold or published.
3. Are there any writing resources, such as books or websites, you’d like to recommend?
SCRIVENER! Best tool for writers ever invented.
4. What is your favorite type of fiction and who are your favorite authors?
Asimov, Frank Herbert, Robert Heinlein, Ursula K. Le Guin, Silverman, oh heck, all of the great Sci-Fi writers as well as Eudora Welty, Carson McCullers (everyone should read her Ballad of the Sad Cafe), Tennessee Williams. It matters not what you read.
5. What tips do you have for finding time to write?
Write everyday, write at least 500 words, if working on a novel write 2000 words. Edit, Edit, Edit.
6. Do you prefer to outline a story in advance or write on the fly? Why?
I do outline to a degree. I start on larger work with a rough outline and then sometimes write an outline for a chapter. Outlines help you to keep the story together and reveal plot of character problems.
7. How do you deal with rejections?
Rejections are par for the course – get over it and write.
8. What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
I have begun first drafts of two more novels.
9. For the next five years?
Five years? I hope to be writing still – If I breathe I write.
