Welcome #author & #militarymember @DesmondAstaire, whose work in #scifi & #fantasy has gained tremendous recognition. Congrats!🎉
— Intrepidus Ink (@intrepidusink) July 19, 2023
Thank you for being here, Desmond!
Why should #authors compete in #writing contests?https://t.co/6F2Zgd1uIa
1 of 8#twitterview
Thanks for having me, @intrepidusink!
— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023
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
.@intrepidusink Prep by:
— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023
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
.@intrepidusink I try not to include “discouragement” in my equation for achievement.
— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023
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
.@intrepidusink BE YOU. Don’t imitate what’s trendy; write what’s exploding from YOUR core.
— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023
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
.@intrepidusink Oh my! If you need something, u MUST find a way. I can’t NOT be a storyteller.
— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023
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
.@intrepidusink I only have success because I continue to hone skills!
— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023
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
.@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
— Intrepidus Ink (@intrepidusink) July 19, 2023
What’s your next project & how did you choose it?
7 of 8#twitterview #read
.@intrepidusink So many current projects! 🥳 But one in particular explores neurodiversity in a human biotech-utopia.
— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023
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
Thank you so much for the opportunity to chat, @intrepidusink! ❤️
— Desmond Astaire (@DesmondAstaire) July 19, 2023
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