Blending Genres Seamlessly
Curtis Deeter is an author based in Maumee, Ohio, who bridges the gap between genre and literary fiction. With over 12 published works and two books spanning fantasy, science fiction, and horror, his writing style is characterized by a unique duality – combining emotionally weighted plots and characters with moments of levity. When describing his writing style, he notes, “I will often have a comedic moment hit at an emotional peak.”
Connecting Through Words
Since moving to Toledo in 2005, Deeter has become deeply embedded in the local artistic community. His connections with literary fiction writers have been particularly influential, pushing him beyond his comfort zone and encouraging deeper emotional exploration in his writing. Despite the perceived divide between genre and literary writing, Deeter’s willingness to cross this boundary has significantly enhanced his artistic development.
Healing Through Storytelling
Writing serves as both an escape and a therapeutic outlet for Deeter. His work often explores challenging personal experiences, particularly themes of parental loss and mental health. Having lost his father to suicide at age 4, writing has become a tool for processing grief. Despite the challenges of balancing writing with career and family commitments, Deeter maintains that making time for writing is about prioritization. While his career demands can be emotionally draining, he successfully dedicates energy to his three main priorities: family, community, and writing.
Building a Creative Network
In 2020, Deeter founded “Of Rust and Glass,” a quarterly literary magazine showcasing Midwest voices through visual and written art. As Editor-in-Chief, he works alongside members of his writing community on the magazine’s Masthead. He also hosts the WGTE Public Media podcast “Proud to Be of Rust and Glass,” where he interviews local artists about their creative journeys and current works.
Roots of a Writer
Deeter’s writing journey began in his childhood, heavily influenced by science fiction and fantasy games like Magic the Gathering, StarCraft, and Diablo. These games inspired him to begin world-building at age 11, leading to early creative experiments including what he describes as “a binder full of pre-teen StarCraft and Diablo fanfiction.” His serious writing career began in 2015, with his first publications following in 2018.
Echoes of the Midwest
The Midwest significantly influences Deeter’s writing, from its distinctive humor to its folklore. His short story “The World’s Largest” in the collection Catching Lightning celebrates the unique character of Casey, IL, while his “ParaAbnormal ParaRelics” series explores Southern Ohio ghost stories and cult activities through the lens of aging paranormal investigators.
