I Interviewed a Marine with a Passion for Writing: Here’s What I Learned
Among the most enlightening things about writing on Medium is having the opportunity to meet people with rich back stories.
That’s why I was thrilled to learn that Vadim Dambreville had agreed to participate in an interview with me.
I met Vadim Dambreville in my earliest days back on the Medium platform just about one short month ago. He has always been a strong supporter of my work, and his content always captured my attention as well.
In particular, his Port-Au-Prince Revisited series left me waiting for each new piece to drop. You can check out the first of a series of these posts on his account here:
I could tell based on those writings alone that Mr. Dambreville likely had a fascinating life to share. So, when he agreed to participate in an interview with me, I sent over my questions straight away.
In this case, the series of questions are the same as the questions I posed to Mr. Money Maker in my recent interview with him. If you missed that interview, you can check it out here:
I consider Vadim Dambreville a hero not only of Medium, but also to our country given his military service.
The answers that he provided to the questions posed are through and complete. Although you might be tempted to skim them, I suggest that you don’t because:
The answers are worth their weight in gold!
It is very likely that I will change up the types of questions asked in future interviews, but for now, I wanted to provide you with what I learned while speaking with Mr. Dambreville.
Please note, the subject’s answers are in bold and italics. Enjoy!
Interview Time
Thanks again to Vadim Dambreville, here are his answers to my questions.
Question 1: Let’s start with the basics, can you provide your name, age, and relative geographic location on this Earth (you can keep your location generic if you want)?
I am Vadim Dambreville, born in the vibrant pulse of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on June 30th, 1974. Port-au-Prince, teeming with energy, really molded my enduring spirit over the years. Fast forward to today, at almost 50, and I’m feeling just as full of life as back in my youth. My years growing up among Haiti’s dynamic streets and rich culture have profoundly affected me. All those early experiences have been like a continuous source of energy, keeping my enthusiasm high, birthday after birthday.
My life’s taken some interesting turns, including an enlistment in the Marine Corps that really taught me the value of discipline and opened up my worldview. After transitioning out of the military, I found myself drawn to the lively energy of Miami. South Florida’s energy was amazing, but over time, I started craving a quieter life. I relocated to Florida’s Gulf Coast. I am now a resident of Brooksville, a city whose charm is so different from my previous experiences. It was a pleasant surprise. Here, the towering oaks and the historic homes aren’t just buildings; they feel like they’re telling stories of the past.
This peaceful backdrop became my unexpected haven, a striking contrast to Miami’s non-stop bustle. In this quiet town, I’ve found a new spark for creativity and a kind of happiness that feels really authentic. The serene river and the rolling hills here have played a big part in this unexpected renewal I’m experiencing. It just goes to show that even a simple change of scenery can bring about some pretty big changes in ourselves.
Question 2: One of the things that first drew me into your stories is that you often do multiple part series on the same story or topic over the course of several days. What led you to make the decision to do this? Have you found success with this strategy?
I like to spread some stories over several days, kind of like a painter layering paint here and there until the whole picture emerges. Stories, layer by layer, get richer with each part. This approach lets readers immerse themselves, ponder every twist, and anticipate what’s next.
I love seeing readers chat, speculate, and bond over the plot’s twists and turns. That interaction? It’s amazing. Additionally, weaving the story day by day allows me to give more depth to the characters and deliver thought-provoking content.
Besides hooking in the reader, it’s also about letting the tale breathe and grow in its own time. Each installment adds a piece to the puzzle, building up a complex story that sticks with you. An author’s reward is to know that readers connect the dots and reflect on the journey long after the last line is read.
Question 3: What was your motivation for signing up for Medium? Was it primarily about earning money, practicing your writing skills, or getting thoughts out of your mind? Perhaps it was a combination of all of the above?
My path to Medium wasn’t about the money. A financial perk is nice, but writing’s in my blood; it’s a family thing. My dad, Claude, and granddad, Pétion, were my creative cheerleaders from day one.
Starting on Facebook, it was tough. Posts went unnoticed, and the silence? It ate at my confidence. When I got a rare comment, it made me feel like a fraud, second-guessing my skills.
So, when I hopped onto Medium in March 2023, it wasn’t to write initially. I was there for my passions: AI art, mental health, veterans’ stuff, and my love for primitive camping. But after venting to my mom about how Facebook felt like shouting into the void, she thought: ‘Why not start a blog?’ That advice was a game-changer.
My early Medium days? Let’s say my articles weren’t exactly setting the world on fire. They felt flat, missing that spark I wanted. That led me to hit pause, diving into reading and learning instead.
Everything shifted when I met Angelique Slayyyn and Skylar Quinn on Medium. They were like my writing lifelines, helping me through self-doubt and impostor syndrome. Their support and advice lit a fire under me, helping me find my voice and the guts to share my thoughts with more people.
Joining Medium was more than just about writing. It’s been this journey of growing, facing challenges, and finding a place where my voice matters and resonates with others.
Question 4: Do you struggle with any common issues that many writers deal with such as imposture syndrome, writer’s block, or anything else? If so, what do you do to push through that?
Like any writer, I face the usual struggles — impostor syndrome and writer’s block. It’s part of the creative process. When that doubt creeps in, I think about my family’s legacy. Reflecting on the creative spirit of my father, Claude, and grandfather, Pétion, I remind myself of this rich artistic background. This grounding helps me reaffirm my belief in my abilities and my right to express myself through writing.
Writer’s block? When I hit that brick wall where words just dry up, I find stepping away and getting some fresh air does wonders. When I come back, things usually start clicking again.
Having author friends has been invaluable too. The way we motivate each other helps me climb out of those creative ruts.
Remembering my roots keeps me grounded, while stepping back when necessary recharges my creativity. Drawing on the support of fellow writers provides that much-needed push. Together, these strategies energize my creativity and help me bring my unique voice to the diverse and dynamic world of storytelling.
Question 5: What does a typical day of writing look like in your life? Any daily habits or rituals?
My writing style doesn’t follow a set schedule or rigid framework. It’s more about catching the wave of inspiration whenever it decides to roll in. This means I might scribble ideas at any odd hour, like crafting a story at 3 am.
The same goes for where I write. My phone becomes a valuable ally, helping me jot down thoughts and ideas on the fly, no matter my location. This adaptability is key to my creative process, embracing the natural ups and downs of inspiration.
This unpredictable aspect is something i like about my writing. It adds an exciting and genuine touch to my stories, with the knowledge that inspiration could spark anytime, in any place. They can have their tidy desks and predictable days. I’ll take the thrill of the unexpected and the joy of words dancing to my own beat.
Question 6: Do your loved ones know that you write on Medium? What are their thoughts about it?
My family and friends know all about my Medium journey, and their reactions are a mix of encouragement and practicality. My mom’s my biggest fan. She always shows genuine interest in my writing, offering constant encouragement and feedback. Her support really fuels my motivation.
My daughter, who’s 18, reads my writing as well. I share my stories with her, mindful of her busy teen world, packed with social media and time with friends. I ask myself if she is reading them more out of obligation than interest. I value her effort, regardless of her reasons.
And then there’s Yanet, my fiancée. She’s a Spanish speaker which adds an interesting twist. Sharing my work with her means considering language barriers and cultural differences. Not everything I write translates well into Spanish, or might be relatable for her. So, I choose the pieces I share carefully, picking those that might strike a chord despite our different backgrounds.
My mom’s unwavering enthusiasm, my daughter’s polite attention, and Yanet’s interest, shaped by language and cultural nuances, all influence the feedback I get. Their different perspectives and reactions add depth and diversity to my writing process, enriching the stories I tell.
Question 7: Tell me about any of your pet peeves in writing or in life?
My biggest pet peeve is the overuse of clichés. There’s just something about running into those overdone phrases and seen-it-before plot twists that really gets to me. It feels like a lost chance to be original and creative. Every story should be its own new adventure, not just filling in the blanks with clichés. I don’t write stories for passive readers. I want to get hearts racing and minds questioning everything they thought they knew. Let’s avoid the recycled goods.
Another thing that bugs me in writing is when characters or themes lack depth. I like stories that bleed onto the page with every word carving out the raw, visceral truth of their existence. I believe in creating layers in every character and plot, drawing the reader into a deeper, more reflective experience.
Inauthenticity bothers me deeply. Whether in personal interactions or broader social behavior, I value genuine expression and action. Authenticity allows us to build real connections and foster mutual understanding, which matter greatly to me, both in my personal relationships and in my writing. The key is staying true to oneself and to others.
These pet peeves, in both my writing and my life, shape the way I approach my creative work and how I connect with people. They drive me to constantly seek originality, depth, and authenticity in all I do, whether it’s in the stories I tell or the life I lead. It’s about breaking the mold, staying genuine, and crafting something that truly resonates, in writing and in life.
Question 8: Have you ever received any negative attention on any of your pieces? How did you deal with that?
I’ve been lucky to avoid any major criticism of my writing. I’m ready for negative feedback when it comes; stirring the pot can be a sign of impactful writing. Good writing challenges, provokes, and can lead to change.
I half-joke that maybe I should start ruffling feathers!
So, no negative feedback yet is just part of my journey. When critical feedback does come, I’ll use it to grow and maybe tackle even more challenging topics.
Question 9: What are your goals for 2024 and for the coming years? Do you have a strategy to reach them?
My to-do list this year? Tame the inner critic, nourish my creative spark, and learn to tango with my anxieties instead of tripping over them. That means really knuckling down on self-improvement, tackling any issues head-on.
Then there’s my engagement and the wedding on the horizon. 4th time’s the charm, right? Picking a date and a venue is the easy part. We will dive headfirst into a brand-new journey. It’s a huge part of my life right now. Keeping a balance between this new personal chapter, my writing, and other commitments is key.
I’m looking to dive deeper into African religion and spirituality. It’s something that really connects with my Haitian roots and personal beliefs. I respect and learn from other spiritual paths, but I feel a stronger pull towards the traditions of my heritage. It’s about embracing a spiritual journey that mirrors my identity and gives me something meaningful to pass down, allowing future generations to choose their paths free from historical constraints.
My goals are all about growing personally, committing to my relationship, and exploring my spiritual roots more deeply. Each part is shaping who I am and who I want to become, weaving through both my personal life and my writing.
Question 10: Is there anything else we should know about or that you want to tell the world?
I’m always trying to take in everything life throws my way. Every new experience feels like turning a fresh page in my story. Embracing change is important for me. I appreciate the lessons each day brings. Change shows up in reconnecting with my roots and starting this new chapter with my fiancée. It’s all about growth and welcoming new opportunities.
I have to say a big thank you. Really diving into my writing with your thoughtful questions has been so valuable. You’ve made me think, reflect, and sometimes really dig deep. That’s what keeps us sharp and driven as writers. Thank you for pushing me to contemplate more thoughtfully.
Again, I can’t thank Vadim Dambreville enough for taking the time to provide thoughtful and complete answers to every question I asked.
His journey is unique, as are all of our journeys, but the lessons that he teaches can be applied to improve anyone’s time on Medium.
I still have a few interviews ongoing and am always looking for more. The questions posed will likely be different going forward, but I want to get to know you.
If you have a story to tell, pull up a chair, and sound off! I would be happy to speak with you and get to know you better.
In fact, I would love to do a live video interview with someone at some point to include in a post!
Wishing everyone a good start to their writing weekend!
