Jacob Farnsworth
Why did you submit to trash to treasure lit?
Submitting is something I don’t do as often as I would like. I had found Trash To Treasure on Twitter. The act of shedding light on to the pieces we writers consider "lesser" can actually be a great way to re-evaluate what really should be on the cutting floor.
How would you describe your writing practice?
The practice of writing comes in spurts. I'm one of those creatives that tumble a plot, stanza, or beat around in my head. Finally, once I've explored enough avenues of that idea, I sit down, inspired by myself, and write.
What is the biggest thing that stops you from submitting work to lit mags/journals/publications?
Submitting is time consuming, especially when every mag/journal/publication has slightly different requirements and expectations, not just in material, but in layout and file specs.
Do you think the writing industry has an impact on your confidence in your work (good or bad)? Why?
Sure, the writing industry has an impact on my creative confidence, but I don't consider it detrimental. I would like for more exposure, but maybe my writing and I just aren't ready for that yet.
When do you start to doubt a piece that you are working on?
I begin doubting a poem or short story when it doesn't hold a place in my mind. When I'm not able to recite a line or two through out my day. If it's not memorable to me, than I consider it forgettable for a wider audience.
Once you trash one of your pieces, what makes you come back to it (if ever)?
I don't consider any of my pieces truly abandoned. There's a way to twist two weaker pieces together creating interesting dynamics. Another great exercise is to approach an old project with a different angle/perspective/goal.
How many pieces do think you have currently in your 'abandoned' folder?
My 'abandoned' folder consists of some very long thought out prose that I intend on getting back to one day, but as it stands I am having more fun working through the smaller pieces.
What is the ultimate reason that you trash your work?
There's that phase every writer begins with where it feels like you're making great head way, but everything being produced is either cliche, or just not very good. We all work through those phases, and some of those pieces do not deserve resurrection.
Is there anything that would stop you from trashing your work? (More education in writing, more publications/less rejections, a change in the industry, etc)
Trashing my work is not something I rejoice in. I'm sure many other writers feel that same way. I think what's most important to saving a piece from being trashed is giving it more meaning, feeling, and relatability.
What writing advice have you been given that has changed your perspective on how you treat/view your work?
I was talking to the author Laurel Hightower at one point and she asked me about my WIP, which I got shy about, but she assured me she wanted to know. She made it clear to me that whatever it is, there's a community of writers that want to support each other and it's only a matter of exposure.
If you have any upcoming work (books, publications, features, art, etc), feel free to mention them here, so that we can support you!
Jakestakehorrorjournal.com is where you can find my blog, I just finished reviewing a movie a day through October.
Jake loves playing the mandolin around the fire, crafting stories with his friends, and catching old horror flicks. He's a blogger, a father, and a barbarian.