Interview with P.S.C. Willis
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
When and how did you start writing?
I have always written. It’s something I remember being very motivated by at school, and I’ve often had writing-related hobbies such as text-based RPGs or writing fanfic. I started writing my own original stuff, with a view to getting things published, about seven years ago.
Tell me about your book
It’s a YA reverse portal fantasy with a queer romance arc – a sweet, naïve mage from a ‘perfect’ world finds his way to ours and has to navigate it. Luckily, he has the help of an awkward, nerd who has always loved fantasy stories and believed in magic. It’s very cosy and wholesome, with lots of tea and libraries.
Do you write in one genre or different ones?
I stick mainly to SFF, but within that, I cover a range of lengths and age ranges – I write everything from flash to novel length, for both YA and adult markets, and I have a few ideas that might see me venture into middle grade. I also have one published (comedic) horror short story.
How much do you draw on real places for your scene-setting?
Pretty strongly. I have a couple of stories, especially sci fi, that aren’t linked to real places. But in fantasy, I prefer contemporary fantasy, so my stories are often grounded in places that have been important in my life. My novel, ‘Crying Out for Magic,’ is partially set in North-East England, as a love letter to the years I lived there.
What have been your greatest obstacles to overcome when writing?
Learning to ignore advice that did not fit me. I am not an outliner, and I kept trying to bully my brain into following plans and templates, thinking that if I just tried enough methods, I would find “the one.” It turns out “the one” for me is jumping in, blahing things out of sequence, and figuring it out later.
What’s the best thing someone has said about your writing?
I have a few best things… One of my friends who has read an early draft of my next book called it their favourite book. Like, just hands down, ever, which is a massive complement. I also have a short story coming out soon with Tales and Feathers magazine, and my editing team on that has been so lovely – they told me about falling in love with the story when it was submitted, and how they championed it, and they left lots of squeeing in the margins during the editing process.
What message do you want people to get from your books if any?
Kindness matters. You are capable of doing good in the world, even if it’s small. Someone will love you for all the weird things that make you who you are.
What are your current projects? What should we be looking out for?
As mentioned, I have a short story coming out later this year in Tales and Feathers magazine. I’m currently querying Tree Book (which needs an actual title), which is about a demi-sexual girl befriending a tree, falling out with her best friend, and answering big life questions by taking up crafts. I’m also working on the zeroth to first draft rewrite of ‘Welcome to the Mess’ (which has always had a title), and which I pitch as Legends and Lattes X the IT Crowd.
Do you have other creative passions besides writing?
Theatre! I was in an amateur theatre group in my last city as an actor. I didn’t find a group when I moved, so I took up drag and (separately) got very involved in helping with school plays, where I’ve done costuming and directing. I can crochet granny squares, but that’s it. I make lots of coasters as a way to relax and then give them away so my house isn’t overflowing.
What would you do if you didn’t write?
Probably start writing. I can’t imagine not doing it.
What advice would you give other writers?
Keep going. Find community. And that no one piece of ‘writing advice’ is absolute, so try things out, and find what works for you.
What is your ultimate dream as a writer?
I’d love to be a part time author, as distinct from a free time author. I love the community and routine of having a physical workplace, so I don’t know that I could write full time without feeling isolated and restless, but I’d love for it to have dedicated space in my week, and for that to be financially viable.
Bio
P.S.C. Willis is a queer British author living abroad, where they are an active member of the local writing scene and the LGBTQIA+ community. They have previously been published in DreamForge Magazine and multiple short story anthologies. Their debut novel Crying Out for Magic was published by Space Wizard Press and is available wherever you buy books. They like to create stories that allow others to believe in good people, in magic, or both.Find out more about them at pscwillis.com
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