Dennis Maulsby
Dennis is a published poet and Sci-Fi/fantasy writer. A military vet, he has been writing for over thirty years and believes that creativity is the key to helping all veterans thrive. He lives here in Ames, Iowa. Learn more about Dennis at his website.
What inspired you to become a writer?
As a military veteran, I write because I need the therapy. Struggling against memories of war is the fate of all soldiers returned from killing places. The creative act, whatever that might be, is the most potent therapy I have discovered. The fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan will create another generation of afflicted men and women. I hope they will also make this discovery.
What author do you admire and how have they inspired your writing?
I most admire the early Sci-Fi writers: Azimov, Heinlein, and Drake for their genre. I really love [James] Michener for the impeccable historical research he does for his novels.
What’s one thing readers should know about you?
My evolution in writing has taken over thirty years so far. I began with poetry, wishing to bring this art’s passion, imagery, and sensuality into prose. So far, I have had two books of poetry, two books of short stories, a collection, and one novel published. The number of my poems, stories, and books accepted by various editors and publishers seem to validate the approach.
What one piece of advice would you give to a budding writer?
Read, write, and submit. Join a writers’ group and learn from their experience and critiquing.
Dennis Maulsby’s poems and short stories have appeared in The North American Review, Star*Line, The Hawai’i Pacific Review, The Briarcliff Review (Pushcart nomination), and on National Public Radio’s Themes & Variations. His traditionally published books include: Near Death/Near Life (Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) gold medal winner), Free Fire Zone (MWSA silver medal winner), Winterset (Eric Hoffer Award winner and Global eBook gold medal winner), Heart Songs, and House de Gracie (Reader Views and Global eBook silver medals). Dennis holds memberships in the SFWA, the SFPA, the MWSA, and is a past president of the Iowa Poetry Association. Website: www.dennismaulsby.com.
