Mark Abdon
ORP: Do you write or create with an audience in mind? If so, how do you consider the relationship between that audience and your work throughout your creative process?
Mark Abdon: Yes, I actually have a particular person in mind when I write. This person has no idea, and I've never told them. But they're smarter than I am, artistically inclined, religiously agnostic, and also someone that might not have a lot of hope for humanity. I find myself constantly writing to that person. And if I've written something that I think will both entertain and challenge my audience, then I feel as though I've won.
ORP: What would you say is your most interesting writing and/or artistic quirk? Do you have any habits that you believe help or hinder your creativity?
MA: I keep a very, very large container of Jelly Bellies next to my writing station. Admittedly, the bottom of my trash can is lined with discarded black licorice and top banana jellybeans.
ORP: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing or creating? What advice would you give to another writer or artist?
MA: I'm a big fan of Kurt Vonnegut (also from Indianapolis, IN), who suggests: "Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what's inside you, to make your soul grow."
Or said another way - write because you enjoy writing, regardless of your ability or viability as a writer.
ORP: What do you hope readers (or your audience) will take away from your creative work?
MA: In general, I hope that my work reminds us of the best parts of humanity. That it renews hope. This particular work ("Trouble at the Flat Earth Conference") would be one that flashes my deeply-held belief that all people are deserving of dignity - even when we disagree with their beliefs. Similarly, in opposition to cancel culture and the increasingly common practice of ghosting friends and even family members with whom we have conflict, this is also a story of second chances.
ORP: How does writing/art influence your worldview, and how does your worldview shape your writing/art?
MA: Being a part of the larger writing community is wonderfully humbling, as it reminds me that my particular worldview is one among many. As for my worldview itself - I would suggest that (nearly) all writers - consciously or subconsciously - incorporate their worldview into their writing. My hope is that it comes through in subtle ways, and that I don't hit anyone over the head with it.