1. How long have you been writing and what got you started?
I wrote my first science fiction novel when I was in fourth grade. It was more pictures than words, and only about twenty pages long, but I’m still convinced that if I can find the damn thing it’ll be an instant bestseller.
2. What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
Write. Every day, if possible. In my humble opinion, nobody’s born with a gift to write – it’s all about practice.
3. Are there any writing resources, such as books or websites, you’d like to recommend?
There are so many good ones out there. Some of the most valuable to me have been Orson Scott Card’s “How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy”, Sol Stein’s “Stein On Writing”, and Renni Browne and Dave King’s “Self-Editing for Fiction Writers”.
4. What is your favorite type of fiction and who are your favorite authors?
I’ve always loved science fiction the most, because it really gives us an opportunity to explore contemporary issues against an infinite number of backdrops. My list of favorite authors would span pages, but a few that come to mind are Iain M. Banks, Ken McLeod, Haruki Murakami, Octavia Butler, and Neal Stephenson.
5. What tips do you have for finding time to write?
I find that, like many things, it’s all about sacrifice. If writing is important enough to you, you’ll identify other things that you can sacrifice, whether that be TV, drinks at the bar, extra sleep, or whatever else. Once you’ve carved out some time from all of that, set a writing schedule and stick to it. My only caution would be, don’t sacrifice your health, your friends, or your family.
6. Do you prefer to outline a story in advance or write on the fly? Why?
I’m a 100% outline guy. I still give myself plenty of leeway to let the story take me beyond the outline while writing, but if I don’t have the bones in place before I get started, I end up with a tangled mess of plot holes and run-on scenes. Outlines keep me on track, and really let me focus on finishing the story that I’ve started.
7. How do you deal with rejections?
Send it out again! Also, rejections are a great opportunity to review the manuscript and consider improvements/adjustments that might make it more publishable.
8. What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
I’m in a sort of “take the world by storm” mode right now. My goal is to sell as many solid stories to as many interesting markets as possible.
9. For the next five years?
I imagine novels will come next, but I’m having way too much fun with short stories to think about that quite yet.
10. Is there anything you’d like to plug? Feel free to share a link.
Despite (or perhaps because of) being a fifteen-year veteran web developer, I still don’t have a website dedicated to my writings. So instead of clicking a link, go check out some more great stories on the site you’re already on!
