The Bayou Review

How did you find the inspiration for "Veteran"?  

 

Veteran was largely inspired by the song "Soldier" by British singer-songwriter, Richard Dawson. The piece began as a writing exercise, taking inspiration from songs I had in my rotation at the time and turning them into short stories. "Veteran" is likewise inspired by old romantic woes, of love lost, and love forbidden that linger in my past. 

 

 

Why did you decide to use the subject of a forgotten army letter? 

 

I'd been consuming a lot of war-related media at the time of writing "Veteran." Film, books, and classes on warfare throughout history. Soldiers were simply fresh on my mind at the time.  

 

How do you decide what should be cut and what should be included in the final draft?  

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From the start, I knew I wanted "Veteran" to be under 1000 words. I wanted to illustrate that the letter's writer was low on both time and energy and in his brief but heartfelt letter, he gives the last of what he has to his lost lover.

 

What is your writing process like?  

 

Erratic, messy untimely...If I'm to be honest! I allow inspiration to find me, for better or worse. My thoughts flow onto the page as they come to me. A process that can take months or minutes. In the future though, I definitely aim to be more consistent! 

 

 

Do you have any advice for writers?  

 

Open your heart and mind to all forms of inspiration. A good story can come from a glance or a simple afternoon outside. I find there are few processes more satisfying than turning memories sweet, painful or otherwise into heartfelt, emotionally dense writing.