Ennis Bashe
Why did you submit to trash to treasure lit?
I trashed several short stories because I didn't feel like the ideas were good enough. My submission was a piece of found poetry that I created by drawing images and lines from one of these stories, and I felt that it was perfect for trash to treasure lit and its mission.
How would you describe your writing practice?
It's difficult for me to write regularly due to my many other commitments, as well as having a physical disability. However, I've tried to figure out what works for me, whether that's writing laying down in bed or dictating a chapter to my phone.
What is the biggest thing that stops you from submitting work to lit mags/journals/publications?
Many publications state their high standards on their submission guidelines pages. I believe that this often turns people away. For example, a scroll through Chill Subs (a submission tracker) reveals that publications want "outstanding" "bold and interesting" and "important" pieces that "set the mind and heart on fire." Many marginalized writers are never taught how to identify with such glowing praise.
Do you think the writing industry has an impact on your confidence in your work (good or bad)? Why?
I frequently see disabled writers talking about the ableism they've encountered in publishing and how writing from a disabled perspective is given less consideration. I think this kind of discrimination would impact anyone's confidence.
How many pieces do think you have currently in your 'abandoned' folder?
That's between me and my concience.
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)
Gatekeepers need to realize that there's a huge market for stories by and for disabled people. We are one of the world's biggest minorities, and the only group that EVERYONE (unless you die very suddenly as a healthy young person) will join at some point in their lifetime.
If you have any upcoming work (books, publications, features, art, etc), feel free to mention them here, so that we can support you!
My linked short story collection "Child of the Crystal Planet," which follows the coming-of-age of a disabled teen with telepathic powers who becomes an intergalactic psychic warrior, releases January 2023. https://www.amazon.com/Child-Crystal-Planet-science-fantasy-collection-ebook/dp/B0BFC7LTSJ I also have a poetry chapbook about disability, "Beautiful Malady," coming soon from Interstellar Press.
Ennis Bashe is a queer romance novelist and poet whose work has appeared in Strange Horizons, Cricket, and Liminality Magazine. Their debut chapbook, Glitter Blood, was an Elgin Award nominee. Find them at https://www.ennisrookbashe.com/ or follow their newsletter at https://tinyletter.com/rookthebird