In conversation with Sara Dobbie

Our readers would like to know your inspiration (or story, if any) behind Dysfunctional Medium.

This story, Dysfunctional Medium, is loosely based on a few incidents from my own experience. I used separate memories of personal and communal losses, then tied them together in an attempt to create some kind of meaning out of death.

Tell us more about your creative process in general.

I don’t have a process that I can really explain. I write a story if it comes to me, and if one doesn’t appear, I just don’t write. When one hits me, I usually get it all down in one sitting, or if it’s a longer piece I won’t be able to focus on anything until I get it done. So I end up either writing frantically, or not at all. 

Do you have any creative influences? What do you like the most about their work? Does it have a discernible effect on your writing?

I try to read as much as I can because I believe that is the best way to approach writing. Absorb as many different styles as possible and then when an idea presents itself, let it unfold however it unfolds. I’m certain I’m influenced by everything I come into contact with whether it’s a book or a lake, a movie or a city I visit. I suppose it’s up to readers to notice how my  influences reveal themselves!

Are there any creative genres, forms, themes, techniques etc. you wish you could employ in your writing which you haven’t yet?

I would love to write a play one day, and see it performed. That would be a dream come true. 

What are you looking forward to in your creative career?

I have no idea what to expect or look forward to as far as my own writing goes. Every time I finish a piece I count it as a win, because I don’t know if I’ll be able to write another. I’m just hoping that I can continue to do what I’ve been doing, and to improve. As far as other creative endeavors, I recently took on the role of  EIC at Tiny Molecules, and I’m excited to work on the upcoming issues with fantastic indie writers. I find working on a lit mag to be very rewarding, a truly amazing experience.