Calvin Demmer is a crime, mystery, and speculative fiction author. When not writing, he is intrigued by that which goes bump in the night and the sciences of our universe. His work has appeared in a variety of publications including Sanitarium Magazine, Morpheus Tales, and Devolution Z.
1. How long have you been writing and what got you started?
I have been writing for as long as I can remember, but became more focused about it mid-2014. My first short story was published in January 2015. Reading great stories got me into writing, as I was inspired to try and create my own heroes, villains, and worlds.
2. What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
Don’t give up. The more you write, the better you get. If I look back at some of the first stories I wrote and compare them to what I write now, the improvement is clear. I look forward to keep on working at the craft, and I am excited to see what I will come up with next.
3. Are there any writing resources, such as books or websites, you’d like to recommend?
Actually, reading interviews by other authors, similar to what your site offers is a great way to find little nuggets that can help. Also, I keep a copy of Strunk and White’s Elements of Style and the Chicago Manual of Style nearby.
4. What is your favorite type of fiction and who are your favorite authors?
I can really enjoy almost any genre if the story is good. Horror, Fantasy, Crime, and Science Fiction are all genres I read. As for authors, I’d say Dan Simmons, Richard Matheson, Robert A. Heinlein, Phillip K. Dick, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Joe Hill and Elmore Leonard are all authors I have read in the last while.
5. What tips do you have for finding time to write?
There is never really a ‘perfect’ time to write for me. I find that if I just sit and write whenever I can I will get into it. If that means on a device, in a notebook, or whatever, then so be it.
6. Do you prefer to outline a story in advance or write on the fly? Why?
If the work is short then I will write on the fly. The longer it gets the more of an outline I will use. But it depends, as I don’t follow a strict rule and approach every story differently.
7. How do you deal with rejections?
I find that having more than one project/story on the go is the best way of dealing with rejections. That way when you get one, you just go back to the story you were busy with, until you feel like looking at the one rejected so you can send it out again.
8. What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
I am having fun writing flash fiction and short stories at the moment, so that will probably continue for awhile. I have ideas for novellas/novels that I add to every now and again; just to see f they will shape into anything interesting.
9. For the next five years?
I hope to have a written a novella or two and a novel. Maybe put some of my short stories into a collection.
10. Is there anything you’d like to plug? Feel free to share a link
People can find out more about me and my work at www.calvindemmer.wordpress.com or they can follow me on twitter @CalvinDemmer.
