Interview with Writer Lee Andrew Forman
1. Have you always been a writer?
I’ve always been a writer in one way or another. I wrote stories in grade school, I was in a creative writing club in high school, and even when I wasn’t creating fiction, I’ve always kept a journal of my thoughts and ideas, and still do to this day. Even if I’m not writing professionally or creatively, I’m always writing something.
2. When did you realize that maybe writing was actually a "thing" you could do, get published and even sell?
I first caught on to the idea that I might be able to get my writing published in my mid-twenties. I’d written some comprehensive pieces, and at the time it was nothing more than a hobby. But as time went on, I wanted to make it more than a hobby; I wanted to contribute my own work to the world of literature. So I searched for places I could submit, found one that looked promising, and with a little luck, the first story I ever submitted was accepted for publication. That was the moment I came to the full realization that writing as a career was something I could achieve.
3. What was your first sale as a writer and how did it feel to sell your work?
My first sale as a writer was a piece titled ‘Safe Harbor’ I’d written for an anthology call from Sirens Call Publications. I’ll always write, whether I’m paid or not, because it’s something I love to do, but it did feel wonderful to get paid for something I created.
4. How has writing helped you in other areas of life besides being something you could earn money from?
There are so many benefits to writing beyond financial gain, I can’t begin to cover them all, so I’ll tell you about what I didn’t expect. My first ever publication set off a butterfly effect that led me to where I am today. My writing journey has been just as much about the communities I’ve been a part of, the people I’ve met, places I’ve gone, and the friends I’ve made, as it has about the words I’ve written.
5. What was your biggest accomplishment as a writer?
My biggest accomplishment as a writer began with my first ever publication. I submitted a story titled ‘The Sample Case’ to a zine that was just starting out, The Sirens Call. I first got published in their 4th issue. I eventually became friends with the owners and started working for them. It was significant to get to experience on both sides of the literary world, as an author, and as a publisher. A few short years after that, I ended up becoming a co-owner of the company. I can’t think of any greater accomplishment or benefit to my career as a writer, than to become an owner of the publisher I started with.
6. Who has inspired you the most in the writing field?
I’d have to say who inspired me most in the writing field would be the authors of the group, Pen of the Damned, particularly the work of Nina D’Arcangela. She’s an amazing writer and her excellent prose-style drove me to improve my craft. Being part of that group helped me in so many ways, from driving me to write more to developing myself as a writer in every way.
7. What are some of the challenges you have faced as a writer and how did you overcome them?
One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced as a writer has been time. Time to write, time to polish a piece to as close to perfection as it can get. When life throws you obstacles, it can take a lot away from writing. I overcame this challenge by writing whenever I could; even if I had only a few minutes of writing time in a day, I used it. Consistent progress on a project matters, even if it’s only a little at a time.
8. What is the best writing advice you have ever received and why do you feel it is important?
The best writing advice I’ve ever received was to write for the love of it, everything else is secondary. I feel this is important because as long as I follow that mindset, I’ll always find joy in it.
9. What sort of writing do you do now?
I write a lot of flash fiction, sometimes write for anthologies and podcasts, and I’m working on a new book as well.
10. Where can we find some of your work online?
My website has a full list of my publications with links to where each story can be read, at LeeAndrewForman.com. Much of my work can also be read at PenoftheDamned.com, where a member of our group posts a new story every week.
11. What advice do you have for other aspiring writers thinking of taking the leap of getting their work published?
My advice for aspiring writers would be to read as much as you can in the genre you want to write, and to write what you like. Write a story you’d enjoy reading yourself, focus on what brings you joy to create. Once you’ve got something in your hands that’s polished and ready, do your research on what markets might be interested in the genre or style of what you write, submit, and keep submitting until your work finds a home.
12. What are your final thoughts about being a writer?
My final thoughts about being a writer are to let whatever writing means to you, be just that. It can be a hobby, a therapeutic exercise, or a career. Everyone has their own reasons for writing, and it’s important not to lose sight of that in your journey, wherever it may lead.
ABOUT LEE:
Lee Andrew Forman is an author, editor, and photographer from the Hudson Valley region in New York. His fascination with the macabre began in childhood, watching old movies and reading everything he could get his hands on. His love of horror spans three generations, starting with his grandfather who was a fan of the classic Hollywood Monsters.
Lee has published three books to date, The Bury Box, Zero Perspective, and Fragments of a Damned Mind, along with numerous short stories in multiple anthologies. He was a co-owner of Sirens Call Publications, a regular contributor to The Lift, and writes non-fiction pieces for various periodicals. Lee is also an administrator and member of the horror writer’s group Pen of the Damned, where you can find a new piece of fiction each week.