How did you
hear about the Good News...? anthology?
I can't
remember exactly, but it would either have been via the writing contest calendar
hosted by Chill Subs, or in the monthly Writers Magazine.
How did you
become interested in writing short stories?
I've been
writing in my spare time since I was a teenager, and had always focused more on
long form, but since taking a Creative Writing course I was encouraged by my
tutor to try short form and to submit frequently to contests as a "best
practice" for creating a body of work and gaining industry experience. I've
found that it also makes a great way to explore themes or ideas that may not be
suitable or realised enough for long form, but perfect for shorter
works.
How did you
interpret our theme?
As I read
the brief the idea began forming in my mind immediately. I have quite a cynical
and morbid disposition, so I tend to see the cloud to every silver lining
anyway, but I think the ellipses followed by the question mark cemented in my
mind that the good news might not be quite so good at all. The story I ended up
submitting was based on an idea I had based upon holidays my grandmother used to
take with my great-grandmother (her mother-in-law), despite their mutual disdain
for one another, which seemed like a perfect set-up.
Do you often
enter writing competitions?
Yes! I
try to enter at least five o ten a year, if my time permits and I find a competition
that piques my interest. I could do more but I fear I'd be phoning it in. It's
more important to me that the theme resonates and an idea comes organically;
that way I know I'll be putting my best foot forward with it.
Do you have
any advice for those who would like to write short stories?
The only
thing scarier than a blank page is unrealised potential (and maybe spiders). But
seriously, there is no real failure when it comes to writing, only trying. So
give yourself permission to try, be rejected, and to succeed, because to do any
then you must do all. And remember, nobody writes a perfect first draft -
editing is where the magic happens. As the saying goes, get it written, then get
it right.
Do you write
in other genres?
I do - I
write crime fiction under the pen name Billy Brightburn, and my debut novel is
due to be independently published in the spring of 2025.
Are you
working on a project at the moment?
I'm
working on the edits for my debut crime novel, as well as plotting the following
book in the series. I'm also considering expanding on the short story featured
in Good News...? - perhaps as a novella-in-flash, to maintain the snapshot style
of the original story. We will see, watch this space.
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