Dylan James
Why did you submit to trash to treasure lit?
The mission of trash to treasure lit immediately caught my attention. The publishing world sinks its teeth into us all, but here at trash to treasure lit, writers are forced to be vulnerable in a way that humanizes us again. It's no longer about competing with one another. It's about fostering a community and lifting each other up. That's so rad.
How would you describe your writing practice?
I need to be alone when I write, but only because it's a deeply spiritual process for me. It's that part of my day that is entirely my own. I also paint quite frequently. With writing, I will have visions of thought that burst through my head. And these visions are the basis of my work. So I just have to write out the details of what I see in the ol' noggin.
What is the biggest thing that stops you from submitting work to lit mags/journals/publications?
I've realized with age that the volume of what you send out is everything. I encourage all writers just to submit their stuff like no tomorrow. Being rejected isn't a manifestation of your talent at all. Mostly, luck just wasn't in your favor—one reader or editor didn't like your word choice, so forth. Rejection stopped me in youth from submitting a lot. But you learn!
Do you think the writing industry has an impact on your confidence in your work (good or bad)? Why?
I would like to think not. With age, writing and art have become instrumental for my health and overall well-being. I do it for myself first and foremost. When I don't exercise my creativity for a while, I start to feel sick. At the end of the day, sharing your work is cool too. Yet I'm cool with falling off of the grid and never being heard from again.
When do you start to doubt a piece that you are working on?
Usually at the tail-end of the process. I begin to analyze and overthink what I've done. Sometimes this leads to better writing—other times, this leads to a trashed piece!
Once you trash one of your pieces, what makes you come back to it (if ever)?
I'll usually remember the piece I've trashed out of the blue, and I'll recall a certain promise that it had that would warrant returning to it. Sometimes I do return.
How many pieces do think you have currently in your 'abandoned' folder?
Hundreds. It's a mess, hahaha.
What is the ultimate reason that you trash your work?
I trash my work ultimately because of the high standard that I hold myself to. I want to put out the best work that I can and I work hard at doing so. Writing is a quiet pursuit, often unforgiving, but it is my path. I love doing it.
Is there anything that would stop you from trashing your work? (More education in writing, more publications/less rejections, a change in the industry, etc)
I can wholeheartedly say that nothing external would stop me from trashing my work. My process is very much so rooted in myself on all fronts. I try to find a good balance between passion and critique, and sometimes I fail at this. Failure is perfectly okay, too.
What writing advice have you been given that has changed your perspective on how you treat/view your work?
I had an English Professor in college tell me, "You're a great writer Dylan, but sometimes you try to do too much." I think about that often. Boy was he right. Less is truly, truly more.
If you have any upcoming work (books, publications, features, art, etc), feel free to mention them here, so that we can support you!
I have upcoming fiction publications in the Rivanna Review and Unstamatic Magazine.
Dylan James is an emerging writer and Ohio University alumnus based out of Columbus, Ohio. He enjoys reading, hiking, and throwing tennis balls to his dog, Bo.