Ace Boggess

Ace Boggess of Charleston, West Virginia.

Question 1: How have your past experiences influenced you as a writer?

My second book, The Prisoners, was written entirely in prison, with most of the poems published in journals during that time. I received the acceptance letter for the book on the day I made it out. I hope that it's not the best thing I ever write, but it's probably the most important. I proved something to myself in writing it and selling it in spite of my circumstances. You can find Ace's book The Prisoners on Amazon here.

Question 2: What have you written that you're the most proud of?

Aside from The Prisoners, probably my novel A Song Without a Melody, which I wrote in the 90s and finally found a publisher for in 2016. It many ways, it was as intimate to write as The Prisoners and captured my experiences at that point in time. You can find A song Without a Melody on Amazon here.

Question 3: What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?

It's someone else's god. I don't believe in it.

Question 4: When did you first call yourself a writer?

I was in law school in '96, the year I wrote A Song Without a Melody. I had been through some things and wasn't sure what the future held for me. A lot of my poetry was starting to get published in zines and on the "new" internet. I had already written three other novels that weren't very good. Then I found an agent for Song. I had been a writer all along, but I really embraced the role at that point. I believed things were going to be great from then on. Wow, what a mistake that was.

Question 5: What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?

I've done both. I prefer the latter, though. I write everything longhand in little journals, then do the revising during the typing phase. I submit everything. If it gets rejected, I edit it and send it back out. I repeat that process, tightening and tightening until the poem either is perfect or it breaks.

Question 6: If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?

Christopher Moore. He just seems like so much fun.

Question 7: What is your kryptonite as a writer?

Self-doubt, social anxiety, imposter syndrome. I'd make a pretty flimsy superhero.

Question 8: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A journalism professor in the early 90s told me, "Great writers offend all their friends and family because they can't help but tell the truth."

Question 9: What do the words “literary success” mean to you? How do you picture it?

Earning money would be nice. Barring that, I wouldn't mind being in Best American anything.