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| Jason Tinney, writer/performer |
One thing that we know how
to do here at Frostburg’s Center for Creative Writing is put on good events. But
our next event is more than an event; it’s a big TO DO. Western Maryland’s
Indie Lit festival is coming! We’re so excited that the festival is approaching
because there is so much in store. I had the pleasure of speaking with Indie
Lit fan and participant, Jason Tinney about some of his experiences as a
writer. Jason Tinney is an award-winning
writer and performer. His latest collection of short fiction, Ripple Meets
the Deep, will be released by CityLit Press/CityLit Project in October,
2014. This is what he had to say:
On the Writing Process: Everything starts
handwritten--whether it's a piece of fiction or an article for a magazine. It
may be an outline or rough story draft. Then, it's typed
up. That provides a clearer, or new, perspective of where the story
is headed. From there it's distilling and cutting away fat to find
the muscle and bone. The motivation is always there. You just have to commit
to strapping yourself in the seat and doing it.
On Writing vs. Acting: With acting, from the
get-go, you're dealing with a lot of other people--the cast, the director,
designers, etc. Most of the time you're saying someone else's words, someone
you've probably never met. It would be amazing to discuss a particular
scene with Shakespeare, but that isn't going to happen. Writing is
solitary work; you're not dependent on anyone else. But a writer and an
actor are essentially doing the same job--telling a story.
On Music and Writing: I play harmonica but I'm not
a studied musician. If I'm in the right key with the guitar player I can
usually make something work that doesn't disturb the band or the audience.
Playing music has been a huge gift to the writing because it reinforces some
basic elements of stringing words together. Economy and rhythm are two of those
elements that often come to mind when writing.
On Inspiration: I believe in observation and
listening. Go to a grocery store and walk down the aisles with other
shoppers. If you're paying attention, chances are, you'll go home with, at
least, the starting point for a great story and a good deal on
chicken thighs. The little moments you catch in everyday life, the moments you
can't make up, that's what inspires me.
On
Indie Lit: This is my third year attending as a participant and as a
fan. I love this event and look forward to it each fall. I've had the
privilege of sharing panels with a diverse group of writers discussing a wide
range of topics. One, in particular, I really enjoyed was a
conversation about the correlation between the visual and literary
arts. That was my first year.
On
Friday (Oct 10), I'll be reading some pieces from Ripple Meets the Deep. A few stories deal with a traveling musician.
They're fiction, but I've certainly drawn from personal experiences--full
disclosure. Saturday (Oct 11), I'm looking forward to being part
of a discussion focusing on dialogue. Feel lucky as hell--pulling the
acting, music, and writing together in the span of two days--trifecta. Can't
wait!
For more info on Jason Tinney, visit www.jasontinney.com.
For more info on the 8th Annual Western
Maryland Independent Lit Festival, visit http://mirror.frostburg.edu/cwcenter/
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