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 first timer David Parkland. Read more about him here, and read his winning story here. And now, since he’s been kind enough to take a break from world domination to chat with us, please take one minute to get to know him better below.
1) What about George Orwell’s 1984 inspired your winning piece? I wrote the first line and thought – that’s obvious! So I decided to play on it and make it literal.
2) How long have you been writing flash? What time is it now? A couple of months. I like Drabbles (100 words) so 225 words is a holiday.
3) What do you like about flash? The fact that every word matters. Editing is an intricate, complex task. I imagine it’s like repairing a watch.
4) What flash advice would you give other writers? Be proud. You’re dropping coiled springs into active minds. Not many people can do that. Don’t let anyone dismiss it.
5) Who is a flash writer we should follow, and why? @jeffnoon can pack as much imagery in a single tweet as many people manage in a chapter.
6) Do you participate in other flash contests, and which? I’ve just entered @AdHocFiction’s contest, and @Litopia Colony’s Flash Club is worth a visit (my other big win!).
7) What other forms do you write (novels, poetry, articles, etc)? My Dayjob is a proposal writer, and I write novels for kicks. Writing for business helps to train brevity.
8) What is/are your favorite genre(s) to write, and why? I love dialogue, especially if it makes people laugh. I’m all about the Sci-fi / Adventure / Romance. Story first.
9) Tell us about a WIP. Demon Bound. 19th Century charlatans set out to swindle their fortune but discover every lie they tell comes true.
10) How do you feel about dragons? They’re okay as long as you eat them hot.
Flash! Friday 