Niteblade

John Hayes is a multidisciplanary artist. He sculpts and writes poems.

When did you first recognize yourself as a writer?

As an undergraduate, I knew I was a writer. My first attempt to publish was a science fiction story to The New Yorker. Rejection was rapid. I decided the world was not ready for my genius and took a job writing manuals. The pay was good. Now I’m writing poems, short plays and fiction and have about thirty published each year. Several years ago I found the sci-fi story that The New Yorker rejected yellowing in a drawer. I rewrote and Gothic Light published.

What draws you to speculative fiction?

Speculative fiction is an exciting world with room for the new. The rules are loose and allow the imagination to soar.

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

If I only wrote what I knew, I’d never write anything.

In the September 2007 issue of Niteblade, Rhonda chose to publish your poem, “Unrequited Love”. Is there a story behind how it came about?

At times I feel like my life has been a series of unrequited loves. I’m still looking for someone with a few vampire genes.

What have you been working on lately?

A bout with bladder cancer slowed me down but I’ve started to rewrite some social justice poems. I’ve turned two of my recurring nightmares into horror poems and had three children poems published.

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

Keep reading.

When I give poetry readings I tell the audience my search for fame, fortune and great sex
brought me to poetry. I’m still waiting for all three but have learned the best
way to get published is to rewrite, accept rejection, keep sending and follow
the guidelines. The publisher sets the rules, not the writer.