Rafael S.Ward is a recent Creative Writing graduate and founding member of Dead Poets’ Fight Club. He has been published in The Big Issue Fiction Edition, The Sleepers Almanac, and Award Winning Australian Writing. He also regularly contributes to Going Down Swinging online and competes in poetry slams and giant-sized chess games.

How old are you?
25

What state or territory do you live in?
Victoria

What kind of writing do you do?
I write short stories, poetry and nonfiction, probably in that order.

What are you currently reading?
‘How We Are Hungry’, ‘A Visit from the Goon Squad’ (again), ‘Brief Loves That Live Forever’, ‘Pixel Juice’, and half a dozen lit journals.

How did you begin writing?
I wrote poetry for school assignments and was encouraged in about grade 5/6, but I started writing for myself probably when my first girlfriend broke up with me, or I decided no one would notice if I mimicked Raymond Carver.

How do you remain motivated?
Sheer force of will.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Reading a lot, loving a lot, loud music.  

Do you think where you live in Australia has influenced your writing?
Yep. I wrote a fair bit about the beach until I realised it was an Aus-cliché, so now I write about space instead. I don’t feel quite the same connection to bush pieces, but I do enjoy writing that engages with contemporary Australian experience.

What is the best and worst piece of advice you’ve been given as a writer?
Don’t. Stop.

What piece of published writing are you most proud of? Why?
I was probably most excited by my first ever Voiceworks story, though I’m also pretty proud of being in The Big Issue Fiction edition, but mainly for the nice things said about me (http://meanjin.com.au/blog/post/big-issue-fiction-edition/)

What is your goal for National Young Writers Month?
Hopefully finish my own novel, find some cool writers to teach things too, become a master of Google Hangouts.

Is there anything else you want to tell us? 
Having a clear way to source/file inspiration was one of the key things that developed my ability to write, observe and be inspired. In my case it’s voice recording notes into my phone, but find what works for you!

Where can we find out more about you?
rafaelsw.com