1. Tell us about your most recent project (written or published). What inspired it?
My most recent completed project is a short story called “The Darkness of Dead Stars.” It was inspired by what I’d read about the ultimate fate of the universe and eschatology, though beyond the basic premise, it didn’t start to come together until I’d seen Von Trier’s film “Melancholia.” As with “Melancholia,” mood and atmosphere take priority over realism. This was necessary for my story because there yet remain unanswered questions in physics that make it impossible to determine certain details about the future of the universe; we just don’t have the data right now. However, I hope it will all sound feasible at the time of reading.
2. What’s your writing process like? Are you a “pantser,” an outliner, or something in between?
I usually let an idea bounce around in my head for months, even years before putting down any of it. That shouldn’t be taken for planning, though, as the plot is never more than roughed out when it comes time to write. Once it gets to that point, I alternate between daydreaming and trying to articulate those daydreams. I try to edit as I go as much as possible.
Once a rough draft is completed, it goes through a couple of rounds of editing, then I try to leave it alone for a few months. After that, I decide if the story should be scrapped, edited further, or completely rewritten.
For poetry, I employ automatism at first and clean it up as I go.
In both cases, the germ is usually something retained from hypnagogia.
3. What’s your favorite kind of story to write?
I have the most fun writing things that are completely absurd. Think “Looney Tunes” logic, but sordid, morose and infused with my personal symbology. It’s rare that I venture into this territory, though.
4. Which character from your work do you most identify with, and why?
5. Which authors or books have most influenced your work?
Watership Down is the book that made me want to write seriously. I read it when I was eighteen or so, I had been writing poetry for years then and liked to think I knew what I was doing. Nope! I was humbled and resolved that someday I would be able to write something that good. I’ll let you know if it happens.
Orwell’s 1984 was also a big influence, I’ve read it many times. Terry Pratchett is someone I haven’t been reading very long, but he’s already made an impression. Neil Gaiman, William S. Burroughs, HP Lovecraft and Khalil Gibran also deserve mention, as do others I’m forgetting.
6. What’s the last book you read that you really loved?
7. Besides writing, how do you like to spend your free time?
8. Advice for other writers?
Always strive to improve. Always do! Your art is not so small that you’ll ever want for room to grow.
9. Where can readers find your work?
10. What’s your favorite thing about the furry fandom?
Furries are some of the most open and accepting people. No one’s worried about the skeletons in your closet, no one’s trying to look cool…or at least, no one’s succeeding! We have our share of unpleasant types, every fandom does, but there are some truly wonderful people who make it all worthwhile.
Check out Dwale’s member bio here!
Furry Writers’ Guild 