Joseph K. Little joined the Writers’ League in January and is attending the 2015 Summer Writing Retreat in Alpine. He lives in San Antonio, TX.
Scribe: In what genre(s) do you write?
Joseph K. Little: Currently I’m writing horror though I’ve always imagined myself as a fantasy writer. I would also love to say that I write humor as well, but all my attempts to write humor either turned out horribly or the piece became a horror story. I’ve lived long enough to know that you shouldn’t fight gravity, so I fell into horror.
Scribe: What authors would you like to have coffee or a beer with and which beverage?
JL: I’d love to enjoy a beer with Pat Rothfuss, a soda with Brandon Sanderson, and perhaps a few beers with Larry Correia. I’d also love to simply be in the same room as Margaret Weis and/or Tracy Hickman just to be able to tell them that their Dragon Lance fantasy series changed my life. In the summer between my Freshman and Sophomore years in high school, I discovered their books and learned that there were indeed books that I could enjoy passionately. I read hundreds of books before graduating, and I went from a student making Ds in my English classes to scoring a 30 on the ACT English section. I doubt I could speak to either one though. My words would only emerge as tear filled bubbling sobs of gratefulness.
Scribe: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what book would you want to have with you to keep you sane?
JL: A Field Guide to Venomous Animals and Poisonous Plants: <whatever area I’m stranded>. Also acceptable would be my mother’s Bible. The reason for the first should seem obvious. I want to know what to stay away from and what not to eat. The second book would provide a tangible connection to my loved ones and remind me that those who are lost can indeed be found.
Scribe: What have you learned from your association with the Writers’ League?
JL: When I was a teenager, newly impassioned with the written word, I asked someone who was a poet to read my writing and tell me what he thought. He was brutal in his editing, told me I wouldn’t cut it as a writer, and said I should do something else. I didn’t understand then why he was so heavy-handed, and it killed my joy, my dreams for close to 20 years. The Writers’ League has taught me that writers come from a multitude of backgrounds, have varied skill levels, and are diverse in their individual points of view. Writers love writing. Real writers understand that simple fact, and they help each other out.
Scribe: Where do you see your writing taking you (or you taking it) in the future?
JL: My short-range vision sees me traveling to conventions and building my craft. I expect that I have a long road to travel before I have something publishable, so I’m content with learning how to travel the road and enjoy the scenery and the people I meet along the way.
Scribe: Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with the world? An opportunity for blatant self-promotion!
JL: I have thirty-six (36!!) twitter followers at @1LazyAssWriter. I could always use more. Plus I have a (horrible – almost as horrible as using parenthesis mid sentence) website . I try to post something every week or two. Currently I’m trying to focus on my journey as a writer. Last week I posted a bad piece of poetry. Future plans include posting short stories as well.
