Theme of Absence

An Online Magazine of Fantasy, Horror, and Science Fiction

Author Interview: Janelle Chambers

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Janelle Chambers spent the majority of her life reading, writing and performing. Her ambition is to be a writer/voice performer/podcaster. It’s only recently she decided to show the world what she can do. She lives in FL but hopes to one day write from a window overlooking a European vineyard.

How long have you been writing and what got you started?

I’ve been writing since elementary school, thought I obviously wasn’t that great. In high school I began writing my first novel and finished after college. Unicorns were always my inspiration. And ghosts.

What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?

Vomit your words on paper. Don’t throw anything away. You never know what might stick, even years later.
What is your favorite type of fiction and who are your favorite authors?
I love true crime, epic and urban fantasy and dark twisted tales with no happy endings. I love Poe and HP Lovecraft. But I also love Jim Butcher and Sarah J Maas.

What tips do you have for finding time to write?

Take a pen and notebook with you everywhere everyday. Keep them under your pillow when you sleep. Imagination is like a toddler, it doesn’t care if you’re eating or working or in the bathroom. Use the moments in between to write what inspired you right then and there.

Are you an outliner or discovery writer? Or somewhere in between?

I’m a bit of both. I love world building but I also like to drag my characters through the mud without much planning as to where they’ll end up.
How do you deal with rejections?
I think of them as a challenge. From the moment you submit something, your starting your own short story. It all depends on how determined you are to get your happy ending. So your rejected? Go back and figure out what needs fixing. Try again. And again, until they win and your story’s on a USB drive gathering dust on a bookshelf, or you win and you’ve found your place in a magazine or publishing house. Your choice.

Do you ever get criticism from family or friends who don’t understand your passion?

About half my family would be appalled at the content I write about. Overall though, as someone making headway in the field of their choice, I think they’re proud of me.

In your opinion, how important is a writing degree or MFA when it comes to achieving success in writing fiction?

At first, I thought simple online research would suffice in reaching my goals as a writer. And this may be true for some. There’s plenty of content out there. But ultimately, going to school provided a path and validation that I personally needed to get here. Getting a degree in writing will help you with a portfolio and job offers in your field that would be otherwise unavailable.

What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?

Over the next year, I hope to get a few more short stories published, to establish my portfolio for a better career opportunity, and to obtain an agent.

What are your writing goals for the next five years?

My five year goal is to finish my novel, my memoir and have my podcast up and running steadily. I also hope to have begun my career as a voice actress, perhaps reading for Audible.

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