What goes on inside the writerly mind?

Let’s sit down with our 1000 Word Sprint Contest winners and see what’s up.

(Click HERE to read the stories.)

TODAY: 3rd place winner Dabney Farmer.

Dabney lives in Charlottesville Virginia.

“I’m dyslexic, which can make writing a challenge, but I still enjoy it nonetheless. I enjoy writing new and unique kinds of stories in my spare time as well as illustrating for fun – although someday I hope it will be for profit. Most of the stories I works on are short, graphic novels, comic strips, fantasy fiction or children’s books.”

 

DAN: Did you write your story for the contest or was it part of a larger piece or something you had written before?

DABNEY:  I wrote this from my own chapter book I’m working on, called life with  “Life with Lee.” Which is about my life growing up with my autistic little brother as well as struggling with dyslexia.

Tell us about your writing process.

Unlike my other work, which is fiction or fantasy, this is about my real life, so I write about the events that I went through with Lee in the funniest way possible.

Where do you do your writing?

At home on my laptop.

Do you have a writing goal you want to achieve?

I want to publish a chapter book on my Life with Lee and how autism can be challenging but with good humor you can get through anything.

I’d say you are well on your way to accomplishing both of those goals.

What helps you the most when it comes to writing?

I find being in a nice quiet room helps, which isn’t always easy as I have a well meaning father who lives with me, who for whatever reason thinks its helpful to walk in a room singing (off key).

What does writing success look like?

I would say, just getting something written out your proud of.

What are you working on now?

Currently I’m still working on my “Life with Lee” book.

There are a lot of writing contests out there. What drew you to this one?

Well, the idea of writing a story under 1,000 words sounded like a fun goal, as well as a new challenge to try out.

How did you hear about our contest?

I saw a link online.

Have you ever entered a writing contest before?

Yes, I entered one of Dan’s a few months ago.

Will we see you again in the next Contest?

Oh, yes, I’ve already got another story idea in mind.

Did you know the piece you submitted was special?

No, I wrote it more for fun, but it was one of my favorite chapters to write about.

What’s next for you?

My memoir of growing up with Lee.

What was Dan’s critique process like?

Very helpful, and I really appreciated his feedback. Being dyslexic, I need all the help I can get.

Gang, join me in congratulating Dabney!

Here’s where you can find out more about this talented writer:

Life With Lee