Sixty Seconds II with: Pratibha

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 Pratibha.  This is her second win (though it’s her first in over a year). She’s served as a FF judge TWICE, and now runs The Literary Nest magazine. Read her winning story on her winner’s page here, then take one tiny minute to get to know her better.

1) What about the Iliad prompt inspired your winning piece? The setting prompt, a besieged city, immediately brought the worldwide unrest and several besieged cities. It was straightforward from there.

2) Do you outline, or are you a discovery writer? I am more of a discovery writer, but these days, I try to pay attention to the story arc.

3) How would you describe your writing style? I tend to do better with interior monologues of the characters.

4) When did you begin writing fiction? I wrote a lot in my head. My first story on the paper didn’t happen till 1998.

5) Introduce us to a favorite character in one of your stories. That’s difficult. But here are two that come to mind. The grandma from “Shade for Jolon” and the brave woman from “Hope Chest.”

6) What books have influenced your life the most? I have been saying this for a long time now, The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot. Although I think I have outgrown it by now.

7) What are you currently reading? I just finished The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins and have put a hold on Wild by Cheryl  Strayed.

8) How do you combat writer’s block? By watching old musicals, children’s movies, and by hiking.

9) What is the best writing advice you’ve been given? Re-read and edit. Repeat.

10) What do you admire most about dragons? They are invisible friends who masquerade as frightening creatures to ward off bad influences.

Sixty Seconds with: Reg Wulff

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 Reg Wulff.  Read his winning story on his winner’s page here, then take one awesome little minute (because he’s that goooood!) to get to know him better.

1) What about the Lord of the Rings prompt inspired your winning piece? The photo: I pictured the mountain as a volcano, wiping out the town like a real life Mt. Doom.

2) How long have you been writing flash? I started writing flash fiction when I began submitting pieces to Flash! Fridays.

3) What do you like about flash? The challenge of fitting a whole story into a limited space, and being able to finish a piece quickly.

4) What flash advice would you give other writers? Just go for it — start writing and see where it goes.  You might surprise yourself.

5) Who is a writer we should follow, and why? There’s so many incredible writers posting on Flash! Friday, it’s hard to single out anyone in particular.

6) Do you participate in other flash contests, and which? No other flash contests other than Flash Fridays; my life outside writing is pretty busy at the moment.

7) What other forms do you write (novels, poetry, articles, etc)? I like writing short stories, although I haven’t done much lately.  I also do some blog posts for work.

8) What is/are your favorite genre(s) to write, and why? I like to try different genres. I think it helps round me out a writer and offers different challenges.  

9) Tell us about a WIP. Actually, my WIP is going through all my half written WIPs, organizing them, and deciding on a WIP to finish. 

10) How do you feel about dragons? If they were real, they would be my choice of house pet/watch dog type animal.  They are awesome.

Sixty Seconds with: Holly Geely

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 Holly Geely.  That’s right: she’s a current dragon captain judge (Team Five!) and a first-time winner, and we couldn’t be happier for her! Read her winning story on her winner’s page here, then take one minute to get to know her better.

1) What about the Canterbury Tales elements inspired your winning piece? How could I resist a talking rooster? The courtly love bit is what inspired the poetry.

2) How long have you been writing flash? It’s been years now. I started writing it before I knew what it was.

3) What do you like about writing flash? Punch lines work better with shorter fiction!

4) What flash advice would you give other writers? Dialogue is your friend.

5) Who is a writer we should follow, and why? My beloved Team #5 partner, Foy S. Iver – she’s amazing!

6) Do you participate in other flash contests, and which? I like to poke my nose in at Finish That Thought, Micro Bookends, and Angry Hourglass (Saturdays are harder though).

7) What other stuff do you write? It’s funny, I generally don’t write poetry…yet I won with a poem! I’ve written one novel so far. {Editor’s Note: She means The Dragon’s Toenail, of course, which just launched this week; join us in two weeks for a #Spotlight interview introducing you to this brand new book!}

8) What is/are your favorite genre(s) to write, and why? Fantasy! World building is my second-favourite part. (Character building is my favourite.)

9) Tell us about a WIP. I’m writing the sequel to The Dragon’s  Toenail. More characters, more shenanigans, and a dragon’s egg.

10) How do you feel about dragons? They’re delicious with BBQ sauce!