Danny Halpin is a young musician living in London, England. Whilst fairly new to writing short stories, he has been a keen writer of songs and an enthusiast of the science fiction genre for a number of years.
How long have you been writ
I’ve written stories now and then since I was in high school, but it’s only in the last 6 months or so that I’ve taken it up more seriously. It’s always something that has given me pleasure and after reading a number of short story collections I thought that I’d like to get involved and try it myself!
What is the best piece of a
I’m still a new writer myself but I’d say the most important thing is to keep it up. It’s easy to quit at the beginning before you’ve found your feet but if you keep practising, keep reading, keep looking for your style and sending out your work then something will happen.
What is your favorite type of fiction and who are your favorite authors?
Science fiction is my favourite genre because anything is possible. It’s only limited by the scope of the author’s imagination. In regards to authors, I have to say Ray Bradbury, whose writing is so colourful it will never age.
How do you measure success
If I manage to get across the point I want to make in a way that makes people smile or feel angry or sad, then I judge it to have been a successful story.
What tips do you have for f
Use any time you can get! I take a small notepad with me so I can write on the train to work and on my dinner break. Also, if I have a spare few hours then I like to find a corner of a quiet pub and run loose until my hand’s aching or I’m too drunk.
How do you deal with rejec
I like to go hitch hiking a lot so I’m no stranger to facing rejection, it only makes it sweeter when you do finally get accepted! In writing, receiving rejections is par for the course. It’s something that is going to happen no matter who you are so you just have to take it on the chin and carry on.
Do you ever get criticism from family or friends who don’t understand your passion?
All of my family and friends are very supportive of my writing. They understand that in life you have to chase your passion or else you just end up bored and unhappy.
In your opinion, how important is a writing degree or MFA when it comes to achieving success in writing fiction?
I think degree courses are good for setting up projects, meeting other writers, and working under pressure of deadlines. They can’t teach you to be more creative but they can provide an environment which stimulates your imagination and motivates you to crack on and do the work.
What book are you readi
Right now I’m reading The Algebraist by Iain M. Banks.
Is there anything you’d li
Yes! I’m in a psychedelic blues rock band called Stags. If you’d like to sign us up for a world tour you can do it here! https://wearestags.bandcamp.com/
