Another peek into the methods and madness of a CTS contributor…
James Peters
Age 42
Denver, CO
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York College of PA
Do you have a specific writing style?
I like my writing to provide a powerful emotional experience for the reader.
What is your ultimate goal as a writer?
My goal is to make a sincere connection with some of the readers.
The Work
Tell us about your work in Crack the Spine.
“On this day” is a simple tale about a sick old man who seeks to get well even if it kills him.
Is there a main theme or message in this piece?
Rebirth, friendship, and love.
How long did it take you to complete this piece?
I fussed over it for two months. It was a blast.
The Methods
What time of day or night makes you most productive as a writer?
I prefer the mornings with a big cup of coffee. I will often edit in the afternoon and then read my story again before bed to let my mind work on it when I’m sleeping.
How many drafts do you generally go through before you consider a piece to be complete?
I wrote ten major drafts and many minor ones, too. I knew there was a nice story in there and I wanted to find the best version I could.
What is your usual starting point for a piece? (Is your work character driven, plot driven, inspired by locations, etc?)
Typically, it’s situational. Everything else come later.
How do you react when one of your submissions is accepted for publication?
It’s like I’m 7 years old and it is Christmas morning. I love it.
The Madness
What is your favorite book?
Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea.” It’s about an old man who is destroyed but not defeated. Sound familiar?
Who is your favorite author?
Cormac McCarthy and Philip Roth. The tie-breaker may go to McCarthy, but I’m glad I don’t have to choose. David Sedaris is my favorite humorous writer. The guy’s a riot.
If you could have dinner with one fictional character, who would it be and why?
My first thought was the Judge from McCarthy’s “Blood Meridian.” However, I soon realized he would kill me before the artichoke dip arrived. So, I’m going to go with good old Santiago from “The Old Man and the Sea.” It would be nice to catch some fish off the Cuban coast, cook them up, drink a cold beer and chat about our elusive marlins.
What is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?
My daughter gut laughing brings me pure joy. There’s nothing better in the whole world.
Rain or Sunshine?
Sunshine, since I appear to be solar powered.
Shakespeare or Tennessee Williams?
“Physical beauty is passing – a transitory possession – but beauty of the mind, richness of the spirit, tenderness of the heart – I have all these things – aren’t taken away but grow! Increase with the years!” – Tennessee Williams.