Ronald Schulte is an avid reader and writer of speculative fiction. His short story “Home Brew” has appeared online in Bewildering Stories. He lives in upstate NewYork with his wife, son, and twin daughters.
Follow Ronald on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ronaldschulteauthor/
How long have you been writing and what got you started?
I’ve been writing for about twelve years. I was offered a job as a writing tutor back in college, but at the time I was more focused on math and computer science and I turned the offer down. It was always in the back of my mind, though, and eventually I decided to give it a try and see if the writing bug took hold. I’m glad that I finally gave it a chance.
If you could go back and find yourself five years ago, what advice would you give yourself?
Don’t give up on a story so quickly. When I first started, I’d never submit the same story more than once or twice. Now I’m more persistent, and have found homes for pieces that have been rejected several times.
What is your favorite type of fiction and who are your favorite authors?
I love horror, science fiction, and fantasy (in no particular order). Some of my favorite authors are Stephen King, Anne Rice, J. K. Rowling, Patrick Rothfuss, Brandon Sanderson, George R. R. Martin, and Matthew Reilly.
How do you measure success when it comes to your writing?
For me, success is a work polished enough to be accepted for publication.
What tips do you have for finding time to write?
Sometimes less is more, especially if writing isn’t your primary job. I find that thirty minutes in the morning, when my mind is energized and refreshed, can be more productive than two hours in the evening, when I’m tired and my brain’s shot. If I press too much when I’m too tired, I get frustrated easily and produce inferior work.
Are you an outliner or discovery writer? Or somewhere in between?
I am more of a discovery writer. Sometimes I do work from a (very) rough outline, but that outline is often in my head vs. on paper. I love the feeling of a story “taking on a life of its own,” so I tend to follow the unexpected paths that pop up during the writing process to see where they lead. By doing that, I can compare the result to the original outline (if any) and see which direction feels better.
How do you deal with rejections?
Most stories (even the really, really good ones) get rejected a few times, so it is important not to get discouraged. I try to learn as much as I can from every rejection. At worst, a form rejection gives insight into just how competitive that market is, along with an example of a piece that wasn’t a good fit for that market. On the other end of the spectrum, personal rejections often include valuable hints and insights that can help you hone your craft and refine your story.
What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
My goal is to submit at least one short story a month. It will be great if a few of them get published, but for now I am more concerned with keeping a good rhythm on the writing front.
What are your writing goals for the next five years?
I am hoping to complete a novel at some point. So far I’ve focused mainly on short stories, but a longer work would be an exciting challenge.
What book are you reading right now?
“Oathbringer” by Brandon Sanderson.
