Grant Mincy,

Author of Dream Land

 

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background.

I lived in Warren Michigan until I was 13, then I made the move to Maryville, Tn and I have been here ever since. I spent alot of time in Wheeling West Virginia and Lewis Deleware until I turned thirteen as well, but never lived there any significant amount of time. I just turned 21 in April and I am an Earth and Planetary Science major at the university of Tennessee in Knoxville.

What inspired you to start writing?

I always wanted to tell stories.  I pull alot from my childhood, and there is just so much to describe, sounds, smells, etc... I just always thought it was fun so I started writing around 16.

Who is one of your favorite authors?

I Think Jack Kerouac is amazing.

What are some of your favorite books?

On the Road, The Dharma Bums, Bridge to Terabithia, The Adventures of Huckelberry Finn, Gathering Blue, Flowers for Algernon, The Killer Angels among others.

Give us a one sentence description of your winning story.

It's a man's journey back into youth to understand memories and time.

Besides writing, what are some of your hobbies or interests?

I enjoy playing the guitar and mandolin, hiking, camping, climbing, being a geology and wildlife nerd, and most recently seeding... I urge everyone to eat, spit, and be happy.

Are you a gamer? Any favorite games?

Im not really a gamer, my favorite game of all time is Mario 3 on original Nintendo though.

What is your favorite type of music?

Rock... but good rock, the kind with melody.  Favorite band is Radiohead.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing for five years now.

What kind of stories do you most enjoy writing?

I like taking past events in my life or the life of someone I know, and then exaggerating them... so realistic fairy tales I guess.

When you sit down to write a story, do you know where you are going or do you see where the pen takes you?

I see where the pen takes me.

What has been your biggest learning tool or experience as far as writing is concerned?

Just reading and noting what you need to create a good story.

Is there anything else you would like to add? (something interesting about yourself or an interesting experience you've had)

In January of 2004 I moved to Hawaii to do a semester away.  I was in a town called Hilo.  The five and a half months I spent there really changed who I am.  My ideas, lifestyle, it all changed.  I thought it was just going to be a vacation for a semester, but on the big island, the lifestyle is totally different, and I think that has been the best, and hardest thing I have ever done.