I just finished reading your collection of short stories, Through Starlight, Dying. What's your take on the importance of short stories, especially in the speculative fiction genre?

Short stories give a more focused view than novels, so the reader can immerse themselves in one specific moment of drama, one pivotal act or action in a character's life that has deep emotional impact. In speculative fiction short stories, entire worlds quickly unfold. Some really big picture questions can be asked and answered in a short space. Personally, I enjoy the instant gratification of being able to read an entire work in one sitting.

In this collection, you deal with several high-intensity issues, including religion, vaccination, and AI rights. As a writer, how do you avoid being constrained by societal expectations?

I think it's a writer's job to look at what's expected or 'normal' in society and envision a universe where those expectations are altered, reversed, or even non-existent. I like to ask myself, "what if things were different." Usually, that means tackling some big issues.

Tell us about one of the stories in the book and how you came up with the concept.

My story, "Moment of Inertia" (Originally published in Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine in April of 2013 and available in audio through The Centropic Oracle Podcast in November of 2017), is one of my favorite 'space' stories. It's about the aftermath of an accident in orbit and the ingenious way the characters avoid catastrophe. The title works on two levels. Moment of Inertia is a term for the calculation that identifies the force it would take to slow, speed up, or stop an object's rotation. This epitomizes the physical action that takes place to save the damaged ship. The title also calls to the main character's apathy. He's been immobile, unable to move forward in his life. This accident is his epiphany, the 'moment' he realizes his inertia and decided to live his life again.

I hear your story, "The Dragon's Back Door," has been released in audio on Tall Tale TV. (https://talltaletv.com/tag/d-a-damico/) And there are also stories recorded on Manawaker Studio's Flash Fiction Podcast. (http://www.manawaker.com/podcast/ffp-0239-the-shadow-boxer/) I find it really interesting that there are outlets for audio short stories!

I love that there are markets for stories in audio. In such a fast-paced world, where people often don't have time to sit down and read, these markets provide access to content that otherwise might get overlooked. I've sold 15 stories to audio markets so far; Tall Tale TV, Manawaker Studio's Flash Fiction Podcast, and the Centropic Oracle, and with each story, I experience the same surreal wonder at hearing someone else read the words that came out of my head.

Where do you fall on the whole electronic versus paper spectrum?

I'm old-fashioned (and just plain old), so I love the feel of a paper book. I understand the convenience and eco-benefit of electronic readers, but hard copy books with their unique, vanilla-like smells and their coarse, dry texture add a dimension I just don't feel from a digital screen. I have, on occasion, sold stories to markets for a lower rate just because they produce a print version. But to each their own.

What's your schedule with the actual writing; in other words: how do you get the words on the page and the job done?

I write every day. I may not work on the same project each day, but I make time to work on something. Stories flow organically for me, so I have to feel the characters. If I'm not into one story, I'll pick up another, but the trick (and the most difficult part) is getting in front of the computer. I love writing when I'm in the zone, but initiating a writing session takes a little push. I do best in public, oddly enough. I love going to the local cafe to write.

What's your favorite part of the process? What's your least favorite?

Oddly, my favorite part of the writing process is the first draft, although my stories don't really have just one first draft. I read each story from the beginning every time I work on it, so a story that takes me a week to write will have half a dozen first drafts. My least favorite part is trying to sell my stories. Rejection can be daunting sometimes. The trick is to never take it personally. The editors at one magazine might not care for the story, but it's a very subjective field. As long as I have faith that my story is entertaining and well written, I know somebody will want to buy it. I've had stories rejected by token markets only to be bought by a magazine that pays pro rates.

As a writer, who or what are your inspirations?

I'm a big fan of Larry Niven, James White, and Isaac Asimov. The Foundation Trilogy was one of the first SF novels (trilogy) I ever read. I love the ingenuity of Larry Niven's universe, and James White's Sector General aliens can't be beat.

Do you have a writing support system? If so, who or what? Why is this important?

Do I have a writing group? No. It's been difficult to find a group in my area. I do write with my twin brother Dean on occasion, and his input is invaluable. It was Dean who prodded me to enter the Writers of the Future Contest, a contest where I won second place on my second try. I have been looking for a writing group, though. I think having peers to share ideas and review work makes you want to write more.

It looks like you've got a blog--what type of things do you post on it?

I post mainly updates to stories I've sold, a little about their plots, and where to find them online or at different venues. My website is www.dadamico.com if anyone is interested in seeing my bibliography or leaving me a message.

What's your next project?

I'm trying to transition into novels. I've written the first in a five-book space opera series, titled Relics of Innocence, and I'm working on a fantasy novel in a world called Cistern where all types of magics are possible.

Where can people get the book?

Through Starlight, Dying is available on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/D.-A.-DAmico/e/B0086L98WQ), and if anyone would like an autographed copy, they can go to my website (www.dadamico.com)

Your story, "The 'aiei of Snow", is one of Electric Spec's most-beloved stories. I think it was the only story ever to get a first choice ranking from all three editors. We also published "An Uneasy Paradise" and "One Slow Trigger Day".
I look forward to more of your stories!

Thanks a lot, D.A.!