Age: 38
Location: Queens, NY
Education: Hollywood Upstairs Medical College
The Writer
How long have you been writing?
I’ve always been interested in writing, and spent most of my formative years indulging in aspirations of being a screenwriter, but didn’t seriously start writing and submitting short fiction until about a year ago.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Not that I’m aware of—I feel like I’m still developing one, but I’ve definitely been influenced by the economy of screenwriting, which is especially handy when it comes to short fiction.
Do you write full-time?
No, that’s crazy talk. I work full-time in film and television, the non-exciting, behind the scenes part. I’m also the Managing Editor for LitReactor.com. That’s the dream, though, isn’t it? Writing full-time?
The Work
Tell us about your work in Crack the Spine.
My story is called “Black Work,” and it is an exploration of Islamic folklore and the tradition of honor killing.
What inspired this work?
It’s based on a true story, a news article I read online. One of those infuriating, shake your fist in the air, “we need to do something about this” articles. I’m generally not the save the world type, but it stuck with me, especially the term “black work,” which is used in reference to women who marry against their family’s wishes.
Anything else you’d like to share about your work in Crack the Spine?
It was initially written for a horror anthology (rejected!) about monstrous humans, and grew out of an attempt to write “the other.” That is dangerous territory, let me tell you. As careful as you might be, there is always someone who will take exception with your representation. One person even accused me of perpetuating Islamophobic stereotypes. I think they kind of missed the point, but what do I know?.
Tell us about another project you have published or are currently working on.
I recently published a story called “HOMUNCULOID” at Motherboard, which is run by Vice Media. It is an exploration of current social issues in the form of a computer game review from the future. It’s kind of different, structurally, and was a lot of fun to write. Why not check it out?
What inspired this work?
This was another story I wrote for an anthology that got rejected. The conceit was reviews of videogames that don’t exist. That anthology has yet to come out. WHO’S LAUGHING NOW?!?!? (Just kidding.)
The Methods
How often do you write?
As often as life allows, even if it’s just a little at a time.
Where do you write?
I prefer to write at home, alone, with no distractions, but I do sneak some time in at work now and again, out of necessity. Don’t tell!
How many drafts do you generally go through before you consider a piece to be complete?
I am a compulsive rewriter, and tend to edit as I write, so I don’t necessarily do different drafts. I just go over and over and over a piece until I can read it through without wanting to change something.
How do you react to editorial rejections of your work?
I punch my cat.
How do you react when one of your submissions is accepted for publication?
I punch my cat.
What is your best piece of advice on how to stay sane as a writer?
Get a cat.
The Madness
What is your favorite book?
Do I have to choose just one?
Who is your favorite author?
Steve Erickson. He has cool hair.
What is the greatest occupational hazard for a writer?
Probably ego.
What is your favorite word?
Chucklefuck.
What’s in that cup on your desk?
Coffee, of course.
Additional Reading on Joshua
Personal website/blog: www.joshuachaplinsky.com
Twitter profile: @jaceycockrobin
Other: www.litreactor.com