Preston Dennett has worked as a carpet cleaner, fast-food worker, data entry clerk, bookkeeper, landscaper, singer, actor, writer, radio host, TV consultant, teacher, UFO researcher, ghost hunter and more, but his favorite job is writing speculative fiction stories and books about UFOs and the paranormal.
1. How long have you been writing and what got you started?
I started writing speculative stories in grade school. My mom gave me the book, “Mastadonia,” by Clifford Simak, and I was hooked. It took only a few years before one wall of my room was covered with sci-fi and fantasy books. My parents were a bit worried. Started submitting around 1986. I wrote 47 stories before I finally sold one. Took like three years of submitting.
2. What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
Don’t give up! Never. Not ever.
3. Are there any writing resources, such as books or websites, you’d like to recommend?
The best book on how to write is your favorite book. Study it. Why did you like it? How did the author do it?
4. If you could go back and find yourself five years ago, what advice would you give yourself?
Worry less and have more fun.
5. What is your favorite type of fiction and who are your favorite authors?
I like pretty much all speculative fiction, but my favorite is classic sci-fi adventure. My favorite SF author is Clifford Simak. But there are so many runners-up! Love Heinlein of course.
6. How do you measure success when it comes to your writing?
It’s not enough to start a story, or finish it, or send it out. Success to me is paid publication. Of course good reviews, awards and accolades are always fun too.
7. What tips do you have for finding time to write?
I tell myself, do I really want to be a writer? The answer of course, is yes. Then get your butt in that chair!
8. Do you favor the traditional route or self-publishing?
Trick question! I like both. Traditional for beginners. Self-publishing for pros.
9. What do you think the publishing industry will look like twenty-five years from now?
I think there will still be physical books, but not a lot. Mostly digital, and probably more audible. As long as I don’t have to have an implant put in my brain to connect with the internet, I’m fine.
10. Are you an outliner or discovery writer? Or somewhere in between?
I’m a bit of both. I like to have a core idea, a character, an idea of setting, a few key scenes, and some sort of ending in mind. Then I become a pantser, and I just let loose. I think the best stuff comes from right out of the blue, when the characters come alive, and the story starts to write itself.
11. Have you attended any conferences or writing retreats? What was the experience like and do you have any to recommend?
Only a few. Probably should do more of them.
12. How do you deal with rejections?
I’m very reasonable about it. First I get outraged. Then I get depressed and cry. Then I look at my story and I realize what a piece of steaming crap it is. Then I re-read it and realize it’s actually one of the best things ever written. Finally, I send it out to the next market. The good news, after you get rejected about a hundred times, it starts to hurt a little less. Perhaps I’ve become numb? Seriously, now I just get revenge by sending the rejecter another story, and another, until they finally recognize my greatness.
13. Do you ever get criticism from family or friends who don’t understand your passion?
Yeah, this was a shocker. When I finally sold my first story, I nearly hit the roof. The family was pleased and said things like, “Oh, that’s nice.”
Nice? Really? That’s all you got? No, they don’t understand. Only another writer will ever understand.
14. Were you taught anything about creative writing in high school or college that just didn’t work for you?
Yes, you must break the rules! Know your tools, but bend those rules!
15. In your opinion, how important is a writing degree or MFA when it comes to achieving success in writing fiction?
I think it’s helpful because you get the opportunity to learn and practice. Ultimately, however, it’s the story itself which does the talking. You could have a string of letters and titles in front or behind your name, but they won’t help if the story is boring.
16. Do you participate in any online or in-person critique or writing groups?
Yes, I’ve attended a few groups, mostly online. My favorite was the Writer’s of the Future Contest online forum. Great bunch of amateur writers there learning the craft. I learned more from there and got more inspiration than pretty much anywhere else, including college.
17. What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
Keep stories in circulation and sell as many as possible. Complete and sell first novel.
18. What are your writing goals for the next five years?
Make a living as a writer and quit my day job. I’m getting close.
19. What book(s) are you reading right now?
Just finished Writers of the Future Volume 36. It was pretty good. Now I’m hunting for something new.
20. Is there anything you’d like to plug? Feel free to share a link.
I do have a website: https://prestondennett.weebly.com/
