Carol Scheina is a deaf writer living in a traffic-jammed world, dreaming of new places to explore. She has been published in “Daily Science Fiction,” “Enchanted Conversation Magazine,” and “On The Premises.”
How long have you been writing and what got you started?
For me, writing actually started with reading. As a child, I’d finish a book then imagine myself into the story to keep the tale going. At first, it was just play acting, but as I got older (and playing pretend wasn’t cool anymore), I started scribbling things down in notebooks. I have composition books going back to the 1990s filled with crazy ideas and many bad poems. A few years back, I joined a writer’s group for fun, which encouraged me to start writing for professional publications.
What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
I will always think of myself as a new writer in the sense that I feel like I can always improve. Writing is a skill that can grow the more you practice at it.
If you could go back and find yourself five years ago, what advice would you give yourself?
I would love to tell my younger self to have confidence and not to self-reject. For so long, I dismissed my stories as that weird little hobby I did, and it took me a while to realize I could actually share those stories with others.
What tips do you have for finding time to write?
I would love to have a chunk of time set aside for writing, but in reality, I’m juggling kids, a job, and piles of laundry that I need to fold because it’s been dumped on the couch for more than a week. When I go out, I make sure I have the tools I need so I can write anywhere when the inspiration strikes, even if it’s just a few words. I write in notebooks and type things into a phone at my kid’s swim class or while waiting in line at the grocery store or at any other place I find a moment.
Are you an outliner or discovery writer? Or somewhere in between?
Because I squeeze in writing in short bursts here and there, outlining is essential for me. I cannot start writing a story until I know how it is going to end.
How do you deal with rejections?
When I get a rejection, I like to look at a story and think, “Can it be improved?” I try to use rejections to push myself to make a story better, if I can. Then I shove some comfort chocolate in my mouth, take a deep breath, and jump back into the world of submissions.
In your opinion, how important is a writing degree or MFA when it comes to achieving success in writing fiction?
I think anyone can write fantastic stories, regardless of degree. What’s more important is putting the time and effort into writing stories and wanting to improve your work.
Do you participate in any online or in-person critique or writing groups?
I participate in one in-person writing group and one online writing group, and I don’t feel like a story is finished until it’s gone through feedback and revisions from another set of eyes. The reason is because once I finish a story, I’ve got that wonderful endorphin high and everything is perfect in my story. I need those other eyes to bring me back down to earth by pointing out all the weak spots.
What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
I want to write more stories! I want to organize my time better so I can write those stories. I want to keep on submitting stories and getting published.
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You can keep track of my writing adventures at carolscheina.wordpress.com.
