For this week’s interview, we are honored to showcase author Gage Garza! Gage’s debut flash fiction piece “Forest Fire” was published in our first issue a couple of weeks ago (which you can read HERE). You can also connect with Gage on Twitter!

1. Gage, what advice do you have for new/aspiring writers?

There are plenty of techniques and such to learn how to write “good” but the truth of the matter is that at the end of the day, it is your story and your story alone; one that only you can tell. So my advice to new aspiring writers is to write what you feel, write what comes out naturally. Completely disregard the idea of what is “good” or “bad” writing and write what comes out naturally. Before you know it, the story will be writing itself as if it’s been lusting to be written for years. Don’t worry about misspelling, grammatical errors, etc. That’s what the editing is for.

2. Where do you draw your inspiration? Is it more internal inspiration or external?

I’m more of an emotional writer so I usually write what comes to mind based on my surroundings. It can be both external and internal. Sometimes, I randomly brainstorm a new idea in the shower and sometimes, I’m inspired by what I see and hear. For example: I would read some articles and whatnot on facebook and twitter and let’s say it’s about the rich undermining the homeless. I would write how I feel about it from the perspective of the main character of a novel I’m working on if that makes sense.

3. What is the most fulfilling part of being an author?

The most fulling part is knowing that my writing has impacted or inspired at least one person. I write for myself and for whoever takes the time to read my work. I think a lot of authors, at least the well known ones, take the sweet sensation of having their work read for granted. I don’t think any amount of money will ever replicate the feeling of hearing someone say, “I really like this. I hope you’ll get this published.”

Thanks for the interview, Gage! What you said about the fulfillment of being an author is spot on, and we’re excited to see where your career as an author takes you!