Member Spotlight: Stephen G. Eoannou

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Writing defines me. Telling stories is essential to who I am. The world needs stories more than ever to develop empathy, to escape, to entertain. Stories helps us makes sense of the world and to hope for a better one.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? It’s all about relaxation. Do whatever relaxes you– meditate, walk, soak in a tub. The stories will find you. If you only write one sentence, that’s okay. Tomorrow write two sentences. Boom! you’ve doubled your output.

What is your favorite time to write? The only time I have to write is from 5-7am. Is it my favorite time? Hell, no. But you take what you can get. Writing from eight to noon sounds ideal, but I’ve never had that luxury.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? Don’t quit. It’s that simple. We all can’t make the Under 30 list…or 40, but don’t quit. You’ll get where you’re supposed to be. Until then, don’t quit. Set the alarm and get up and write. Accept the rejections but don’t quit. Swallow the disappointments but don’t quit. Body blows only hurt for a little while. Don’t quit.

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? What excites me is that I have more to say at 60 than I did at 30. I’m even more excited that after all these decades of trying, my work is being published. I didn’t quit.

Stephen G. Eoannou’s Rook is out June 28 with Unsolicited Press.