Atlas Booth

My name is Atlas Booth and I reside in Cape Town, South Africa. My hobbies include reading, chess, gaming, and writing of course.

Question 1: What inspired you to start writing?

I wrote as a teenager after reading Ogden Nash's work. I had found a story of his in a magazine. Then later, my friends got me back into writing.

Question 2: How have your past experiences influenced you as a writer?

I write by incorporating things that I've witnessed as well as felt through my life, so past experiences do influence me quite a bit.

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

Staring at a document, knowing what you would like to write or knowing you should be writing, but the internet dial-up tone of old is etched into a wonky, looping vinyl in your brain.

Question 4: What is your writing process like?

Are you more of a plotter or a pantser? Each piece I write has its own writing process. Sometimes a piece was written in one 10-15 minute session while sitting on my bedroom floor, some were thought out with plot points in a cafe while sipping a chai latte. And then others more were written in pieces, coming together in oblique shapes that manage to just fit somehow.

Question 5: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

Stop thinking about what you were taught in school. The teachers weren’t there to help your creative writing, they were there for critical thinking. Also, You don't need to follow rules in writing. Some of the best writers didn't even use real words.

Question 6: What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills?

Write. Don't stop writing. Let others read or hear it. Listen, but don't use everything you hear. Everyone has their own tastes and you need to seperate taste from actual criticism. Then write some more.

Question 7: What are your favorite blogs or websites for writers? 

I like VSS365 and Mythic Picnic for writing prompts to keep my brain loose, chillsubs for submissions, and spaces on twitter. There is a whole community of writers on there, use that.

Question 8: Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?

Authors: Ogden Nash, John Grisham, Neil Gaiman, Dan Brown

Books: Bleeding Heart Square, The Testament, Deception Point

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

Literary success is anything you can be proud of. I don't see it as things that make you money, because success doesn't equal money. Success is happiness.

Question 10: Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing? 

My friends: Eva, Saddy, Tiana, Brennan, Jamie, Gwen and the other writers I've met on this wonderful journey.