A Conversation with Chuck Wilkerson

Your writing conjures very clear images, and is very engaging for the reader.  How long have you been writing, and what can you tell us about the path that’s brought you to this point?
I got the writing bug in college, but let it slide until I thought I was a grown up.  I’ve been writing and working on improving my writing for the past five years.

Our team met you at a reading, and your ‘performance’ stood out from the crowd.  Give us your thoughts on public readings and self-promotion.  Do you have a background in theater or public speaking?  Do you enjoy reading your work in public?
Despite a serious case of jitters, I really enjoyed reading that night, and hope to do it again, soon and often.  The most public speaking I’ve done is project updates in staff meetings, which I don’t think counts much as background.

Does your ‘day job’ inspire your fiction?  If so, please tell us more.  If not, please tell us where you get your inspiration.
Inspiration usually comes out of the blue and in the form of a question that starts with ‘What if?’  It may strike at any time, so I always keep a notebook close by.

Do you remember an ‘Ah-HA’ moment when you fell in love with science fiction and/or fantasy?
Absolutely!  I was in the library in 6th grade and my best friend showed me a copy of ‘The White Mountains’ by John Christopher.  I was hooked.

What can you tell us about the writers, works, or ideas that inspire your fiction?
People watching, science news, and the road not taken all contribute to my fiction.  I think a fresh angle can always be found with the right twist or character.

Which is your favorite Trek series, and why?
Deep Space Nine.  I liked the grittier and more combative nature of the story lines.

Where are other places that we can read your work?  What are you working on now, and what can we expect from you in the future? 
I’m working on a number of short stories.  I still have a lot of learning to do and plenty of room for improvement and the short story submission and revision process has been a good way to work on that.  I’ve outlined a novel and plan to start on that project later this spring.

Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Thank you for your interest.