M. A. Dubb’s short story “Like That” appeared in “Transitions” (Spring 2024) and here’s an insight into her writing process and recommendations for a Spanish must-read short story.
M. A. Dubbs is an award-winning Mexican-American and LGBT poet from Indiana. For over a decade, Dubbs has published writing in magazines and anthologies in seven countries across the globe. She is the author of three poetry collections: Aerodynamic Drag: Poetry and Short Fiction (2021), An American Mujer (Bottlecap Press, 2022) and Limestone Versified: Indiana Haiku and Other Poems (2024). She served as judge for Indiana’s “Poetry Out Loud Competition” in 2022 and performs readings and workshops in her local writing community. Her website is madubbspoetry.wordpress.com and Instagram is @madubbspoetry.
At what point did you consider yourself a writer?
I guess I’ve always considered myself a writer in some form or another since I was young. I always enjoyed reading and picked up creative writing when I was a teen. I would say during the past few years I have started to consider myself a professional writer. Once you start creating spreadsheets, expense reports, and timelines for contracts, you realize that the hobby has turned into a profession. That’s not to say I don’t still struggle with impostor syndrome; I definitely do. I think a lot of writers and artists struggle with always trying to improve their work and working on their next creative challenge. It can be hard to separate your work from your identity.
Give us a peek into your writing process. (How often do you write, are you a pantser vs. plotter, is there a time of day you normally write, etc.)
Each day I check calls for submissions and save any open calls that tickle my fancy so I can review them thoroughly later. I will save calls that I already have pieces ready for, but a particular call may also motivate me to get my butt in gear and finally wrap up edits on a piece. I also get a lot of inspiration from calls, too. I really enjoy creative themes or topics that make me think “How could I possibly make that into a poem or story?” Sometimes it doesn’t always come together but it makes for a great writing exercise, nonetheless.
What do you generally read? Why do you gravitate towards those stories?
I honestly read a huge variety of things. Just this year alone, I’ve read YA books, graphic novels, poetry collections, fiction and essay anthologies, memoirs, comic books, and high fantasy. It’s a mess! But I really just enjoy reading whatever strikes my interest at the moment. I’ll wander in the library or online, despite my ever-growing to-read list, and snag it all. Overall, I like characters with unique perspectives and I enjoy stories that make me think or expose me to new ideas or different ways of thinking. I also really enjoy reading and supporting local Hoosier (Indiana) authors. Currently, I’m wrapping up “The Labyrinth of Solitude” by Octavio Paz.
In your opinion, what separates a good short story from a great short story?
A great story is any story that you can’t put down. It’s that moment when you are racing to the next line or paragraph to find out what comes next. The greatest satisfaction for both the reader and writer, in my opinion, is when the piece lingers with you after you put it down. Maybe you have questions or lingering feelings after the end or perhaps it connects to your life and memories which you reflect on afterwards. If a story makes you think and feel, even if those feelings are hard or difficult, then I think that piece has accomplished its purpose.
What is a short story you believe everyone should read?
I recommend “San Manuel Bueno, Martir” or “Saint Manuel, the good, the martyr” by Miguel de Unamuno (1931). I read this in a Spanish literature class and was intrigued by the themes of existentialism, optimistic nihilism, spirituality vs dogma, and self-determination. I was raised Roman Catholic through the Mexican-American side of my family but I didn’t come out and identify as a queer atheist until I was safely in college. I found so much to connect to and explore and I really enjoyed how complicated and nuanced the characters were. There are no villains, just people making tough decisions and trying to get through life. I think it reads better in Spanish, but you can read it in English for free here: armandfbaker.github.io/translations/unamuno/san_manuel_bueno_martir.pdf
What other creative projects are you working on? How can readers find your other writing (and future writings)?
I’m always plucking away at something but I have some upcoming future publications of poetry and short stories in the next few months. I’m editing a few chapbook collections at this time and I’m currently (slowly) working on my first sci-fi horror short story. Readers can find more of my writing and updates on my website: madubbspoetry.wordpress.com or follow me on Instagram: @madubbspoetry