9 Questions with E. J. Shumak
E. J. Shumak lives in metro Chicago, Illinois, and has spent most of his life in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. He has been many things, police officer, large cat sanctuary operator, C.P.A. and on again, off again writer. He holds membership in S.F.W.A. He has published four books, along with several dozen short science fiction pieces and non-fiction articles. He has extensively used his experiences as a sanctuary operator in the 80’s and 90’s to fuel his writing.
1. How long have you been writing and what got you started?
I started writing in the 90’s with some animal based non-fiction and search and seizure law articles. I caught the SF bug — I always loved speculative fiction and I did well for a while, earning SFWA membership. Then life interfered even more. I lay dormant for nearly 20 years and have now reawakened.
2. What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
The most important thing is write and write what you love. If you can find a good workshop group — it will make your life much easier.
3. Are there any writing resources, such as books or websites, you’d like to recommend?
A good writers group — But be careful — it is your story NEVER write by committee.
4. What is your favorite type of fiction and who are your favorite?
I love most speculative fiction, specially galaxy spanning Hard SF. My favorite authors are Hemingway, Asimov, CJ Cherryh and I am always excited to read a new writer who grabs me.
5. What tips do you have for finding time to write?
One has to want to and need to write. If it is difficult to find time, you will if you truly need to write. If not, perhaps a break is in order — I took a 20 year break. So I am no one who can complain.
6. How do you deal with rejections?
I use it as an excuse to rewrite and look over my piece. Or if I am sure the piece is right for me, I simply send it out to the next editor until I find one who agrees with me.
7. What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
I hope to empty out my cache of twenty year old stories. And KEEP WRITING
8. For the next five years?
Finish my novel and get it sold, then get started on the next one.
9. Is there anything you’d like to plug? Feel free to share a link.
Yes, thank you, just two links. First, my Google Plus page: google.com/+EJSHUMAK And my Amazon Author’s page http://www.amazon.com/E.J.-Shumak/e/B00V6H1T4W/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1428676931&sr=1-2-ent
