Jonathan B. Ferrini
Oyster River Pages: Why do you write and/or create?
Jonathan B. Ferrini: I have no choice. It's in my DNA. I've been storytelling since my days in the sandbox at kindergarten. I'm gifted with story ideas generated from life experiences and the burning necessity to share the stories which seem to write themselves.
ORP: What is the most challenging aspect of your artistic process?
JBF: Getting stories published. You can't sell every editor. I laugh when I receive a rejection on a story submitted which had been accepted for publication by numerous editors.
ORP: What would you say is your most interesting writing and/or artistic quirk?
JBF: I avoid foul language, gratuitous violence, sex, or any writing gimmick designed to shock the reader. Shock equals schlock!
ORP: What do you think is the best way to improve writing and/or artistic skills?
JBF: Write, write, write. It's no different than working a muscle. The more you write, the better you get. Receive rejection as one step closer to "yes".
ORP: Who do you consider to be your creative ancestors and contemporaries for your art and/or writing? How does your creative work converse with theirs?
JBF: I hail from a family of writers. My uncle was a published poet who resided in Gloucester. I grew up reading the short stories of Kafka, Hesse, and Poe. It's been my guiding principle to write from my heart and avoid duplication of style from those I have read. I chose the short story medium as a method to sell my stories to motion picture, television, and streaming services without the rigid structural elements of the screenplay format.
ORP: Do you know more than one language? How does this influence your art and/or writing?
JBF: Yes. I read and speak Spanish. I live near the border of Mexico and travel to Baja regularly. I'm infatuated by the cultural gifts I find in Mexico and have written several stories reflecting my travels.
ORP: Do habits help or hinder creativity? Why or why not?
JBF: I don't believe in writing habits. I write when my spirit tells me to "clock in". As it turns out, I write everyday but only as long as the writing spirit burns hot.
