DWR Award Flash Fiction and Poetry Finalist Patrick Gibson

This week’s Writer Wednesday is freelance writer, poet and DWR Award flash fiction and poetry finalist Patrick Gibson from Northville, Michigan!

Patrick has been published in Flexible Persona, Medusa's Laugh, Wraparound South, Dark Ink, Fiction Attic, ARTIFEX, UofM Bear River Review, Potato Soup Journal, EKL Review and HellBound Books. He has also been featured on the Ripples in Space podcast.  He is querying his first novel and beginning a second. When not writing he likes to read and spend time with family.

Patrick took 2nd place in both the flash fiction and poetry categories in the 2022 DWR Awards. Learn more about him below!

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

I have two favorites. First, I enjoy laying down the initial draft. While doing that, I try not to go back and look at previous sentences, I just write. Think fast, focused and creative. Once the draft is complete, I’ll set it aside for a day, before beginning my second favorite part, the first edit pass.

What does your writing workspace look like?

My writing workspace is a repurposed spare bedroom outfitted with a standing desk and ergonomic chair. I spend a lot of time in the space, so comfort is key. Items on my desk and scattered around the room, including an art deco radio and electric bass guitar, serve as daily writing inspiration. 

Do you prefer writing poetry or flash fiction?

It depends on the subject or story I’m trying to convey. I’ve found poetry excellent for creating images with words and flash fiction great for telling an entire story in brevity. When successful, both leave the reader with an emotion, so the techniques are similar. 

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?

I enjoy golf and dabble at playing the guitar.

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

I like to tell other writers, when beginning a large project such as a novel or memoir, to avoid detailed outlining at first. Instead, write brief scenes from the proposed beginning, middle and end, in any order. See where those pieces take them. I’m betting they’ll encounter surprise and delight.

What writing projects are you currently working on?

I’m querying the manuscript of a subtle thriller novel set in Detroit. I’m also working on a supernatural-themed short story and writing poetry or flash fiction weekly.

Follow Patrick on Twitter at @pwgibsonauthor and Instagram at @pwgibsonauthor.