Sixty Seconds with: Taryn Noelle Kloeden

Ten answers to ten questions in 20 words or fewer. That’s less time than it takes to burn a match*.

(*Depending on the length of the match and your tolerance for burned fingers, obviously)

Our newest Flash! Friday winner is Taryn Noelle Kloeden.  Read her winning story here, then take one minute to get to know her better.

1) What about the prompt inspired you to write your winning piece? I saw the woman and knew I wanted her to cause the wreck somehow. Siren was my next thought!

2) How long have you been writing flash? I’ve been knowingly writing FF for a few months, but have been writing very short works for years.

3) What do you like about flash? It’s a great way to sharpen skills like characterization, pacing. Plus it keeps me writing even when I’m “too busy”.

4) What flash advice would you give other writers? Don’t overthink it. I have found my best stories come when I write sans judgement. Judging is for editing!

5) Who is a writer we should follow, and why? Evan Montegarde‘s a Flash! Friday regular who takes the prompts in unexpected but inspired directions. He’s also my dad!

6) Do you participate in other flash contests, and which? Can’t say that I do, but I love Flash! Friday so might search out some more! {Editor’s Note: find a list of more contests here!}

7) What other forms do you write (novels, poetry, articles, etc)? My main project’s a fantasy series called The Fenearen Chronicles, but I also write short fiction and creative non-fiction.

8) What is/are your favorite genre(s) to write, and why? Fantasy is my go-to “home genre”. It’s what I grew up reading and I love the freedom it affords!  

9) Tell us about a WIP. The Fenearen Chronicles is a YA epic fantasy series. I’ve written the first book and am halfway through the second!

10) How do you feel about dragons? Alas, I’ve never met one. {Editor’s Note: WHAT!?} Although I have a pet snake who is kind of a mini-dragon (minus the fire-breathing).