Interview with A.M. Wyckid
Published 2013-12-27.
What is your writing process?
My head is bursting with ideas that start stories off. I have dozens of starts that range from single line ideas to half written novels. Bringing a story to a satisfying conclusion is the hard part for me. Lately, I've been trying to start with the ending, and that does work sometimes. I've also tried skipping the middle at first, finding an ending, and then bridging to the end.
What do you read for pleasure?
I read science fiction (low and high tech), fantasy (urban or otherwise), and of course erotica. Sometimes the genres overlap in interesting ways. I've been searching for a really great piece of dark BDSM erotica, for years. I've found stories that succeed partially. Maybe they have a great setting, or some really hot scenes, or perhaps characters I can really feel something for, but no story -- especially the classic stories, Story of O, Justine, Man With a Maid -- does it all for me. It's one thing that keeps me writing. Maybe I can create the story I'm looking for.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Nexus-7, but I also like the Kindle Paperwhite. Phones are too small, full size tablets are too heavy. I hardly ever read physical books any more.
Describe your desk
I have two, both messy. My main workspace has my big LG monitor and is where my MacBook Pro is usually hooked up. My other desk has my DayLight (full spectrum light to ameliorate Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD). I move my laptop in front of the DayLight in the morning until the battery runs low then put it back on life-support at the main desk.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
High desert southwest. I've set my fictional city of Akkadia there and I like the hot/cold dry climate. The foothills of the mountains are a ten minute drive away, and I go and run there when I need inspiration. I find the extra blood flow to the brain can smash though writer's block like nothing else.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing seriously in 2007. I was going through a difficult period in my work life, and I discovered that letting the dark stuff out of my head helped in dealing with that. I think it distracted me from things over which I had little control and let me focus on things I could control.
Who are your favorite authors?
For SciFi, Neil Stephenson, Charles Stross, and Roger Zelazny. For fantasy, Glen Cook and Jim Butcher. For erotica Frances Gaines Bennett maybe (I like her "Milk Bitch Trilogy), though some of the best stuff I've read is published for free on the web.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
There two. When good start dovetails into a satisfying end, that's really nice. When some reads something I wrote and says they really liked it.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Oh, please. Morning. Are there really people who have trouble getting out of bed on some regular basis? I guess there must be for the meme to be so well known. I feel for them, but I guess I'm blessed with an abundance of energy for someone pushing sixty.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I teach Shibari/Kinbaku classes. Run in the mountains. Lift weights and do cardo/core classes. Play board games. Write computer code. Watch movies and some TV. And of course, read.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
