JT Gill is a 22 year living in Virginia. His work has appeared in Every Day Fiction, Daily Science Fiction, and The Molotov Cocktail, where he won the 2015 Flash Fool Contest.
1. How long have you been writing and what got you started?
I started writing seriously in the summer of 2014. A friend of mine was really into it, which sparked my interest, but the real moment came when I discovered short fiction markets and started submitting. The idea that people might actually buy something I’d written was mind blowing. There was no turning back from that.
2. What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
For the most part, writing isn’t sexy. It’s a grind. It’s work. But even on the days you hate it, don’t stop.
3. Are there any writing resources, such as books or websites, you’d like to recommend?
For books: On Writing by Stephen King and Stein on Writing by Sol Stein. For websites, Ralan.com and Pw.org.
4. What is your favorite type of fiction and who are your favorite authors?
Favorite type of fiction has to be speculative. I think people read to experience the extraordinary – things they would never actually see or do in real life – and speculative fiction satisfies that need like no other. I’m kind of all over the place when it comes to favorite authors. A few of my favorites are George R.R. Martin, Stephen King, C.S. Lewis, John Steinbeck, and John Green. I also love what Rich Larson is doing in spec fic right now.
5. What tips do you have for finding time to write?
Get up early. Stay up late if you have to. Also, don’t write when you’re with others.
6. Do you prefer to outline a story in advance or write on the fly? Why?
I do both. Lately, I’ve been plotting more, just because it’s comforting. Honestly, it depends on the story/how fast I want to draft it.
7. How do you deal with rejections?
I hate rejections. They can be pretty damaging, actually, especially if it was a story that made it to the second round somewhere. Usually I fall into a tailspin of self-doubt and frustration and can’t write anything. Then I get up the next day and keep writing. Trying to handle rejections with a little more grace.
8. What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
I know I have no control over this, but it would be really cool to get four professional sales over the next year. (I already have one!)
9. For the next five years?
Have a novel published.
10. Is there anything you’d like to plug? Feel free to share a link.
Yeah! I recently updated my blog. Feel free to check it out: jtgill.com. You can also follow me on Twitter @jt3_gill. Thanks for having me!
