Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Finley
Hi Justin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started writing for school contests and making my own comic books made from flashcards when I was really young, like six or seven years old. What really got me into writing was the storytelling behind some of my favorite games like Final Fantasy and Mortal Kombat.
During my junior year of military school, I decided to apply to some colleges as my doubt about joining the military grew and grew.
When I got into Columbia College Chicago and saw that there was a Creative Writing program there it was a done deal.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Writing is anything but smooth starting out. There’s alot of overthinking, drafts, and revisions that get done before a piece is ready to sent out for possible publication in a literary magazine. There were 11 versions of my debut book, I Saw, before it was released.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialized in writing fiction in college, but I’ve branched out alot since graduating. My debut book was non-fiction and I’ve published poetry with Raging Opossum Press (who I recently joined as the team Social Media Coordinator), Mixed Magazine, and Pest Control Magazine.
I’m most proud of releasing my book, I Saw, with A Jabber Publication this year. It’s really been a dream come true. I was very fortunate to have went to a reading event where my publisher took an interest in my work and helped me see it through.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Patience is key for completing anything you’re working on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://justinfinley.net
Image Credits
Raging Opossum Press logo by Sarah Hobson