Jonathan King is a library assistant at North Greenville University and a writer of speculative fiction since he was seven years old. He watches too many superhero TV shows, mutters to himself frequently, and scarcely lets a day go by without eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
How long have you been writing and what got you started?
I have been writing since I was about seven years old. Around that time, I started reading the book series The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle. The main character was a writer of superhero fiction, and he inspired me to write as well.
What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
Write even when you don’t feel like writing. Sit yourself down at that keyboard or notebook and write whatever comes into your head if you have to, even if it’s nonsense. Pretty soon, you’ll write your way into a groove, and you’ll be taking off.
Are there any writing resources, such as books or websites, you’d like to recommend?
Save the Cat! is a book about screenwriting, but it’s been one of the most helpful books I’ve ever read, especially when it comes to plotting a story. I also get lots of good writing/publishing advice from Jenna Moreci’s YouTube channel and Kristen Kieffer’s website Well-Storied.com.
What is your favorite type of fiction and who are your favorite authors?
I love sci-fi and fantasy. Some of my favorite authors include Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, Madeleine L’Engle, Frank Peretti, and Ted Dekker. I also enjoy a good mystery, especially by Agatha Christie.
How do you measure success when it comes to your writing?
My measure of success in my writing is how people respond to it. I love it when people connect with what I write. This can backfire, though, when people respond to my work negatively.
Are you an outliner or discovery writer? Or somewhere in between?
I’m both an outliner and a discovery writer. I have to have at least a loose outline so I know where the story is going, but I also have to have the freedom to find surprises along the way.
How do you deal with rejections?
Typically, I’ve dealt with rejections badly. But I’m trying something different where, when I’m planning my goals, I’m aiming for a certain number of rejections rather than trying to get one story accepted. Since statistically I’ll get way more rejections that acceptances, this sets my expectations realistically and turns disappointment into achievement. If the rejection has personalized feedback, I have to take some time away before trying to apply it so I don’t take it personally and chuck the whole story.
In your opinion, how important is a writing degree or MFA when it comes to achieving success in writing fiction?
I have an English degree with a creative writing emphasis, but I don’t think you have to have any fancy college degree to make it in writing fiction. Pretty much anything you want to know about writing, you can learn from books, blogs, YouTube, or other online resources. And in my experience, there’s plenty a creative writing degree won’t prepare you for, especially when it comes to the publishing process.
What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
My writing goals for the next twelve months include getting my novel Morrigan beta read, editing it, and starting to shop it around for publication. I also want to submit a bunch of short stories and write a few more.
What book(s) are you reading right now?
Right now, I’m reading several books, including Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett, Sherlock Holmes vs. Cthulhu: The Adventure of the Deadly Dimensions by Lois H. Gresh, Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend, and When I Get Married by Jerusha Clark.
