John McLaughlin’s flash pieces have appeared or are forthcoming in Flash Fiction Magazine, The Drabble, 600 Second Saga, and Literally Stories, among others.
How long have you been writing and what got you started?
I attended graduate school to study biology, so I’ve been writing non-fiction/technical science stuff for years. After a long while of reading and enjoying fiction, it finally occurred to me, earlier this year, to give it a try myself.
What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
What helped me the most is paying closer attention to what I read, and being discriminating about it. Try to seek out the best writers in your favorite genres.
What is your favorite type of fiction and who are your favorite authors?
I love a bunch of different sub-genres within science fiction. Within that broad category, my favorite authors include Dan Simmons, Frank Herbert, Vernor Vinge, William Gibson.
Outside of fiction, I read a lot of philosophy; Friedrich Nietzsche is probably my favorite non-fiction writer.
How do you measure success when it comes to your writing?
As long as I can look at a past piece — accepted or not — and detect some discernible improvement, I consider myself to be on the right track.
Do you favor the traditional route or self-publishing?
I prefer the traditional route. Although you will see the vast majority of your work rejected, I think it’s good to strive toward higher standards for your publications. As a result, the work you will see published is generally much better (there are exceptions, of course).
How do you deal with rejections?
Just keep track of them, try to learn as much as I can from the process, although it’s difficult to learn anything from a form rejection. At this point, I’ve mostly become numb to them–they don’t really have any effect on my motivation.
One thing I have changed recently is to submit more thoughtfully, to really zero in on markets that match my writing style. This seems to have helped a bit.
Do you participate in any online or in-person critique or writing groups?
Yes, I’m actually just finishing up a class at the Gotham Writer’s Workshop (in New York). It was a great opportunity to read the work of others and think more carefully about technique. I would highly recommend joining a writing group.
What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
Continue writing regularly, continue to make small improvements. And to begin writing longer pieces, moving away from flash and more into the short story realm.
What book(s) are you reading right now?
Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie, and Spin by Robert Charles Wilson. Both are great.
Is there anything you’d like to plug? Feel free to share a link.
I have a piece forthcoming in 600 Second Saga, a very cool weekly podcast of flash science fiction. It will be released December 19th. I’ve also just created an author website, so please check it out: www.pineapplemonarchy.com
