42² Interview | Curtis A. Deeter | Special Guest Judge | Monster Chapter

Curtis A. Deeter is an author of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. He is the founder and editor of Midwest United States-based Of Rust and Glass, and the host and co-producer of the Proud to Be of Rust and Glass podcast, which celebrates all things artistic in NW Ohio and beyond. When he is not writing, he enjoys spending time with his family, discovering new music, and taste-testing craft beer at local breweries.

 

BAM: Who do you write to when you picture your reader?

Curtis: Anymore, I write for myself. When I have a story I want to tell, and I know that I’d like to tell it to a wider audience, I write what I’d like to read first and then think about the market in later drafts, keeping an “ideal” reader in mind when it comes to voice, character, content, etc.

BAM: So, you see the reader you want to be, and go with it. Makes sense. Curtis, what got you into writing?

Curtis: I started writing at an early age, and I always tell people it was because I used to be read to/read a lot, in particular, classic science fiction and fantasy stories on long drives back and forth between Wisconsin and Missouri. From there, I started with what’s essentially fan-fiction of those stories until I found my own style and direction.

BAM: Sounds like you have a lot of practice before deciding to write. It must have led to many drafts of stories. What are the most drafts you've done for a story?

Curtis: My current novel, Ronald, the Ronin, took 7 complete re-writes before I was comfortable sharing/querying. An epic fantasy I started in Middle School is probably in its 20^th or 30^th iteration, though it’s never been fully written from start to finish.

BAM: Will have to check the book out. While writing, do you play music or what shows/movies?

Curtis: I LOVE to turn up some instrumental music, whether it’s classical piano, prog/post rock without vocals (Russian Circles, Explosions in the Sky, Isis, etc.) or even good ole’ Lofi Girl. Headphones are preferable, as it shuts out the rest of the world, and lyrics throw me off because I love to sing along.

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BAM: The French YouTube channel, Lofi Girl? I've seen a few of the videos. Okay, let's get more into your writer process. How do you handle story rejection, and celebrate acceptance?

Curtis: This depends on the day, really. If I’m having a rough Mental Health day, a rejection can feel like a dagger to my ribs. Most of the time, all it takes is a brief acknowledgement and a shoulder shrug. Rejection happens. If you want to be a writer with anything published beyond self-publishing, rejection comes with the territory. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, but it does mean you have to learn to accept it. If you don’t, writing as a business will eat you alive. As for celebrating, I should do this more. Usually, it’s a pat on the back. Sometimes, I’ll share the news with my wife for a brief, “Hooray!” but publication isn’t something I dwell on much. Royalty payments, on the other hand, those deserve a beer or two (quality dependent on the size of the check, of course).

BAM: Payments are a great reason to celebrate. Tell me about your writing goals. 

Curtis: For my writing, I will be a career writer in one form or another. I’m not there yet, but manifestation, amirite? I write primarily fantasy and science fiction, often a bit odder than a lot of the current commercial fiction, but I’m learning how to stay within my niche while also catering to a larger audience. As I’ve gotten more comfortable with writing, I’m also considering different avenues than traditional publishing (short form video and audio, possible work with an illustrator for digital/print work, serialized stories, etc.). I’d also like to get at least one screenplay adapted at some point in my life. That would be SO dope.

Short term, I’ve gotten away from my own writing over the last few years. It’s gone from being easy to being a slog at times, and that’s simply because I stopped writing every day. It’s true what they say about writing: if you stop using it, you can lose it. The more you write, the easier it flows, and it’s always easier to stick with it day in and day out than try to pop in and out of the work whenever you’re feeling frosty. So, that. To just get back to a solid routine.

Stay connected with Curtis's work on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and up to date with his writing on Amazon. And be sure to check out his 42 words of advice in the 42 Stories Anthology's craft of writing chapter.

42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42 is available on Amazon, both physical form and e-book. We also have an anthology challenge page on Facebook. Keep up with the anthology through the website, Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and Threads. 

My social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Goodreads, Pinterest, Bluesky, and Medium.

Until next time, remember to remember