R M Gurnhill
Why did you submit to trash to treasure lit?
I have written several pieces of fiction that I felt were incredibly 'English' in tone and language, and was reluctant to submit them for publication outside of England-based journals or magazines. As my belief is that all writing has an audience, I put aside my reluctance and submitted them to a wider audience. The initial responses were rejections. Upon reading your mission statement, I felt that I had found a soulmate with the same belief in a love of writing and the heartfelt desire to see our hard work appreciated by an audience.
How would you describe your writing practice?
Procrastination kills creativity. I force myself to sit at my laptop and begin to write. Once started, I struggle to stop. This is my way.
What is the biggest thing that stops you from submitting work to lit mags/journals/publications?
People charging for submissions - understandable as publishing is no doubt an expensive venture, but when submitting multiple pieces, and simultaneously, this is not viable for writers beginning their careers. Submission guidelines are also very restrictive at times, particularly as different journals and magazines have differing ideas on word counts for the various forms of short fiction. The key is in researching widely across the immense pool of journals and magazines out there. My fervent belief is that there is a platform for every piece.
Do you think the writing industry has an impact on your confidence in your work (good or bad)? Why?
Of course, but that is true of any industry. There are barriers and opportunities in all aspects of a professional career. The trick, in my opinion, is researching and educating yourself in the industry, learning the ins and outs, the requirements, intricacies and relationships between the various elements of the process and the stakeholders. Communication is also key. As an amazing poet I have had the pleasure and honour of learning from taught me: 'Word Hard. Be Professional. Be Patient.'
When do you start to doubt a piece that you are working on?
Trigger Warning: Imposter Syndrome! From the first draft, once the excitement of getting that initial idea onto the page dissipates. I am a writer, after all!
Once you trash one of your pieces, what makes you come back to it (if ever)?
Sheer bloody-mindedness. No idea left behind. Ever. I once had the excitement of an initial idea, so if I haven't made it spark and sizzle on the page, I haven't found the way yet. But the initial idea excited me enough to spend my valuable writing time putting it into words. It's all a case of finding the way to make it work on the page. Even if it means setting a piece aside for years (which I have done many times). I have 4 novels yet to be published. I will begin revisiting these in 2024, ready for submitting them to publishers. Patience is a virtue.
How many pieces do think you have currently in your 'abandoned' folder?
Dozens and dozens: poems, songs, short fiction - you name it, I have it.
What is the ultimate reason that you trash your work?
A block - it may be not knowing how to make it work at the time of writing the first draft, it may be a sketchy idea I believe in that needs much more material and research. This is where Notebook and Voice Recorder on my phone are key tools for not losing those wisps of narrative and shards of information and ideas that can add detail and layers to an initial idea. The times I have recorded ideas whilst walking my dogs are innumerable.
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)
Acceptance of every piece! Seriously though, I firmly believe that there is an audience for each piece; it is my job as a creative with product to share, to find it. This is where writing communities are invaluable in sharing their research and experiences.
What writing advice have you been given that has changed your perspective on how you treat/view your work?
Writing is a profession, not a hobby. Treat it as such. Discipline and hard work, as well as respect and professionalism, are key. And always communicate clearly and effectively.
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 two more pieces of short fiction being published in miniMAG: The Girl In The Red Coat on 1st December, All Three on 15th December. I will then be concentrating on a 15,000 word piece called The Time Piece (to later be developed into a full novel), followed by revision of my 4 completed novels in 2024 for submission to traditional publishers. Details and updates can be found on my website: rmgurnhill.com
Russ is a fiction writer obsessed with the construction and form of the story, and Ezra Pound’s wish to ‘make it new’. Despite Russ' unique condition – he has half a heart (true) - he is currently engaged with untangling the Gordian knot that is life. Literary fiction is his passion, and, like his fellow writers, he aspires to be published: but more than that, to be read. His short fiction has been published in Fiery Scribe Review, Trash to Treasure Lit and Noctivagant Press, and two pieces are forthcoming in miniMAG. His non-fiction piece on mental health was published in The Linc.