|
David Stoddard |
|
David’s 18Q |
|
The Eighteen Questions |
|
18Q |
|
In Search Of Ourselves The Time For Me Is Now Time For Us |
|
Bibliography |
|
URL |
|
1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you? As much as I try to fight it, writing seems to have chosen me. I often wonder just what in the world I am doing being able to write fairly okie dokie despite really not liking all of those English classes back in the day. Since then, and to no real understanding of my own, I have managed to make (or better yet, writing took me by the hand and sat me at the keyboard and made me make) writing a part of any job I had. So I have pretty much taken it’s advice and gone with the flow.
2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.) I’ve done a bit of everything. I’ve been a soccer referee, pin chaser in a bowling alley, grounds crew member, grass cutter, audio visual specialist, AV supervisor, educational computing assistant, IT professional, pharmacy delivery guy, coffee shop worker, layout assistant (sounds sexy, doesn’t it), and single-day magician for a child’s birthday party.
3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer? Who me? You talkin’ to me? I still don’t feel I am a writer in respect to doing it day in and day out like those who live the title of writer. I guess there is still this part of me which refuses to claim the title because of that. Then again, my deeper feelings about it are that anyone who has the courage to put their tail in a seat and write, is by all other terms, a writer. Of course, I am a Gemini, so that might explain the dual thoughts.
4. How would you describe your style of writing? I see it as more conversational. Not really storytelling and not really in the journalistic vein of the inverted pyramid. I just want to talk to folks in a way most can relate to. And, if I can put in a touch of humor, that’s all the better.
5. What is your writing process? Just like low calorie pizza, there is no such thing for me. I do it when it feels right to do it. I know I need to get into the habit of writing more if I feel like it or not. So that is my ongoing New Year’s resolution I keep working with month after month.
6. What was your path to publication? It started with that journalism class in high school. After that, I wrote for the college school paper, and later got a job at the North County Journal. Since those early days, I have sent off letters to the editor, column type essays and related items to different places. I found that starting my own online news letter several years back helped me reach a larger audience and made publication easier in the long run.
7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea? Writing articles for online publications has been something that has worked best for me. I am far from an expert and need to be doing it more often. The online world is growing and becoming more accepted as a place for real information and entertainment. It’s only a matter of time for it to truly be respected.
8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer? People actually like what I write. Maybe that has something to do with my being a self-conscious, indecisive, introverted Gemini. The bigger surprise has been articles or pieces I had written which I liked, others didn’t and vice versa. Things I didn’t care for all that well, people loved. Go figure.
9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity? I believe Weird Al Yankovic (of parody song fame) is my personal patron saint. While I don’t do parody or write strictly humor pieces, his songs have given me the inspiration to keep going. I also have a collection of 5 jazz CDs as well as a few other instrumental CDs which I play from time to time when my mind is racing with too many ideas at a given moment.
10. What is your proudest writer moment? Nothing beats seeing your article in a newspaper or magazine for the first time. Something about the word BY with your name beside it takes your breath away. But if I had to pick a single event, it’s when that first positive reader comment comes to your inbox. It proves that what you are doing matters and that at least someone is getting it.
11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing? There is a duty.
12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment? Not remembering where I read/heard that advice from.
13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer? Understanding that this writing thing is actually a business can be tough to the creative type. It’s more than just writing when you feel like it. You do have to force yourself at times to chain yourself to the chair and do it. Rejections hurt. Not hearing anything at all hurts worse. But that acceptance is the greatest of motivators.
14. What is your writer life philosophy? Write thinking you are Hemmingway, edit like you’re work was done by Porky Pig, submit as soon as both of you are happy.
15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun? I walk around the lake near the house at times. I also love miniature golf. It’s a lot shorter of a walk than the long distance version. Plus, to reduce frustration, there are always the batting cages.
16. Who do you like to read? Dave Barry is the first name which comes to mind every time this question is asked. Is that because I know of no others off the top of my head? Probably. I do need to read and remember more than I do.
17. What’s your advice for new writers? YES! You. Sitting there reading this in your bunny slippers, torn shirt, cowboy hat with that can of grape soda, you can write. You are the one we have been waiting for. You are the one who will be speaking to the world through your written words of wisdom and feeling. Just, when you do, please put some pants on before you go out into the world looking like that.
18. What are you currently working on? Being funnier when I write. Letting go and being free with my writing. I don’t like writing to be so stiff or constrained. Yet, it should be on a point or a random series of thoughts at a given moment. As for actual projects, I keep thinking about this semi-autobiographical story which would probably explain the entire meaning of life in less than 3,000 words. |
|
The Eighteen Questions and 18Q are trademarks of Fabulist Flash Publishing.
This website, The Eighteen Questions, and 18Q are part of
The Fabulist Flash Publishing Family |
|
Nominate us as a Writer’s Digest 101 Best Web Site.
Email: writersdig@fwpubs.com with as the subject. |
