Desmond Astaire

Welcome #author & #militarymember @DesmondAstaire, whose work in #scifi & #fantasy has gained tremendous recognition. Congrats!🎉

Thank you for being here, Desmond!

Why should #authors compete in #writing contests?https://t.co/6F2Zgd1uIa

1 of 8#twitterview

— Intrepidus Ink (@intrepidusink) July 19, 2023

Thanks for having me, @intrepidusink!

Good #writingcontests are important b/c they offer professional development opportunities.

Ones like @nycmidnight challenge us outside our comfort zone. Others like @WotFContest offer mentoring from big-name authors and launch careers. https://t.co/uT2DrsR9Ei pic.twitter.com/QVEV2H4Prk

— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023

.@intrepidusink Prep by:

Make S.M.A.R.T. goals in life.

Always learn how to be better, smarter.

Resiliency is key; understand the 99% rejection rate & celebrate the wins!

That, and originality sells. Don’t imitate what’s popular; write what’s bursting from inside YOU. https://t.co/EsIt9zEnLd pic.twitter.com/8w4O0xe8u4

— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023

.@intrepidusink I try not to include “discouragement” in my equation for achievement.

As neuroscientist Abhijit Naskar wrote, “Failure is the fulcrum of success.”

I lost maaany contests before I won the one that started my career! It was all an exercise in learning & growing. https://t.co/gzqbKxTMhU pic.twitter.com/wGUYVtiDc3

— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023

.@intrepidusink BE YOU. Don’t imitate what’s trendy; write what’s exploding from YOUR core.

Become a writing rules expert so that you know how to brake them at your will.

99% of publishers won’t buy your story; all you need is the 1 who recognizes your story. So be original! https://t.co/Nz4tGZXkVk pic.twitter.com/cXoWCev3L5

— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023

.@intrepidusink Oh my! If you need something, u MUST find a way. I can’t NOT be a storyteller.

So, sometimes it’s writing 30 mins at a time over lunch break. Or waking up before the fam does on weekends. And I have to be goal-oriented w/ those spare minutes to make them count. https://t.co/1f0Sa7x72s pic.twitter.com/vvrZ7sVDFJ

— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023

.@intrepidusink I only have success because I continue to hone skills!

Continuous learning makes the difference between average & skilled. I love workshops!!

I always recommend @WotFContest’s–free, online & taught by living legends: https://t.co/6Yq8neMJk7 https://t.co/HJYLcUuyDo pic.twitter.com/hPFzQ1ZVcz

— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023

.@DesmondAstaire your work appears @BSFA and anthologies such as Murderbirds: An Avian Anthology; you’ve got a #supernatural #thrillernovelette out titled Paranorm–bravo! 🙌✍️https://t.co/DreitKVarY

What’s your next project & how did you choose it?

7 of 8#twitterview #read

— Intrepidus Ink (@intrepidusink) July 19, 2023

.@intrepidusink So many current projects! 🥳 But one in particular explores neurodiversity in a human biotech-utopia.

I chose it bc I’m a special-needs dad learning how to support my beautiful son in a complicated world. Writing this story helps me process my big feelings. https://t.co/qkWmpP0Nzi pic.twitter.com/F5oaNyGqyE

— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023

Thank you so much for the opportunity to chat, @intrepidusink! ❤️

I hope it gave some inspiration or insight to some of our creative writing colleagues.

Feel free to tweet me with any other questions, friends! 👍🖖 https://t.co/RMTnPgtnx0 pic.twitter.com/ZHlneYsvGq

— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023