Niteblade

Aaron Polson has been published several times in Niteblade. He was kind enough to take time out of his summer schedule to answer a few questions. You can visit him online at www.aaronpolson.net for regular updates.

When did you first recognize yourself as a writer?

Only recently—within the past six months or so—was I able to look in the mirror and say, “Yes, I’m a writer.”  I’ve been writing for a number of years, but it just didn’t seem like I was there yet.  I’m not sure what tipped the scales.  Writing is just something I do every day now (or most every day). It’s become part of who I am, just as much as teacher, father, and husband.

What draws you to speculative fiction?

I’m sure it’s some Freudian need to explain the world and meaning of my existence and all that. Personally, I find speculative fiction fun.  A writer can break the rules of “reality” in a speculative story—break the rules of reality and create his or her own rules.  It’s a little like playing God with a lot fewer consequences.

Is there a piece of writing advice you’ve never followed?

“Write Every Day”

While I feel it is vital to keep writing, there are some days I have to just stay away from the keyboard.  I’ve become better at recognizing those days.  Sometimes I just need to take a break because I feel everything I write is terrible.  I’m currently involved in a fairly sizeable home renovation project (it’s what teachers do during summer “break”).  I’ve only written about a thousand words this week, but I’m still trying.

In the December 2008 issue of Niteblade, Rhonda chose to publish your story, “Bait Worms”.  Is there a story behind how it came about?

My hometown influenced “Bait Worms” like it has with a number of my stories. An old house down the street from my best friend’s place inspired the piece.  I tried to imagine what kind of person lived in the house before it was abandoned. My brain tends to think in horror stories, so it went to a dark place.  We spent a good deal of time fishing as kids, and digging worms from our neighbors’ gardens was a pretty typical pastime. It all sort of fell into place after that.

What have you been working on lately?

I’ve continued to write short stories, but I’m currently working on longer works. One is a MG novel, Raygun, involving an enchanted toy “space gun”.  My wife challenged me to write something Owen, our seven-year-old son, could read. In Raygun, the protagonist, a young boy, finds a stash of his grandfather’s old tin toys—a good, old-fashioned science-fantasy romp ensues.  The other piece is a supernatural thriller involving ghosts and a form of time travel.  I’m sworn to secrecy on the rest.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with Niteblade’s readers?

Stop by my website, www.aaronpolson.net, for free stories, podcasts, or just to chat.

Thanks for the interview!