Jamie D. Munro is an aspiring speculative fiction author, currently writing short stories. He resides on the south coast of Western Australia. He has been published in The Colored Lens.
What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
Start with short stories. Most writers are jumping straight into the deep end with novels. It’s understandable – it’s the preferred form of prose. However, I believe we can learn the craft faster, experience the industry quicker, writing short fiction. Short stories were the traditional route for aspiring authors. Before digital self-publication, authors generally started out writing short stories, building up a resume of professional short story publications that they could present to a publisher when submitting a novel.
How do you measure success when it comes to your writing?
Continuing to put myself into a position in life where I can read and write more, write better, and increase my readership.
Do you favor the traditional route or self-publishing?
This is a big topic. Some people will have the ability to succeed as an independent, being able to market themselves and finance their own editing and advertising, and some will need the support that is afforded with traditional publishing, where they can focus on their writing, and let the agent and publisher support them with everything else.
However, I am a firm believer that there has never been a better time for authors and readers due to digital publishing. The large publishing corporations no longer control the reading world with what gets published and what we will read. If you want to succeed as a self-published author, you can, there is nothing stopping you but yourself.
Are you an outliner or discovery writer? Or somewhere in between?
On the spectrum, I am closer to being an outliner. I really need to plan the main elements of a story before I start. Free-writing only gets me so far.
How do you deal with rejections?
It gets easier quickly, almost to the point where you expect rejections. I wake up to a new one every few days or so. However, if you’re doing something right, you will get personal feedback. I find this the best value for money writing advice available. Most editors go to a lot of effort to provide constructive feedback, and it’s normally spot on.
In your opinion, how important is a writing degree or MFA when it comes to achieving success in writing fiction?
A degree certainly is not necessary. However, I feel there is no doubt that it would help you as a writer, and it certainly provides a recognised qualification. I’m starting a Bachelor of Creative Writing next year, and I can’t wait! But, I’m doing this for me, and not expecting a return on the money and time spent. I love reading and writing, so I know I will enjoy it.
Do you participate in any online or in-person critique or writing groups?
I have tried most of the better-known online critique groups, and I recommend Critique Circle. Peer critique groups have their place. They are great for meeting like-minded writers and getting help with your writing, but you really have to filter the good from the bad, and you really have to give more than you will get back. I’ve moved on to mostly professional edits, or close writing friends, for my stories.
What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
Sell more short stories, trying to raise the bar with the markets I am accepted in.
What book(s) are you reading right now?
I’m currently reading the first book in the ‘Odd Thomas’ series by Koontz, ‘Plot & Structure’ by James Scott Bell, and with short fiction, I’m working my way through the latest Clarkesworld Magazine.
Is there anything you’d like to plug? Feel free to share a link.
If I can, I’d like to plug a magazine. I am on the editorial team for DreamForge – A Magazine of Science & Fantasy Fiction. A new, pro-rate magazine with positive thematic values. https://dreamforgemagazine.com/
