How did you come across CafeLit in the first place?
I was recommended CafeLit by a couple of your other writers as a respected and trusted outlet for stories. As a relatively new fiction writer, it's hard to know where to send material, and I value the support and advice of fellow writers who know better than me!
Tell us something about your contribution to this year’s book?I love the idea of something being "off" and knowing in your gut that a situation is wrong before your brain processes the information logically. Sometimes the universe is screaming at us, but it'll be something as simple as an offhand comment that pushes the final piece of the jigsaw into place.
How did you choose the drink to go with your contribution ?
This was really easy, as fizzy pop drives the plot in
my story. Those big bottles of pop always topple over when you try and wrestle
them into a bag, and it's this that brings two of the characters closer together
- briefly!
What do you like about writing short stories / and /or flash fiction?
Being able to polish off a story in an afternoon is so satisfying. At first you convince yourself it's perfect, then you realise it's anything but... and the harder work of rewriting begins. You can read more of my stories here: https://clairejaggard.com/
What else do you write?
I'm
almost at the end of the first draft of a cosy murder mystery, and I'm very
excited that it's already been longlisted for an award - I can't say more just
yet. I'm drawing on experience from my first two careers as a journalist and
local events website editor to try and create an entertaining tale, in the hope
of launching a third career as an author.
Tell us a little about your life as a writer.
I've always wanted to write
novels, but became a journalist to pay the bills, and it's only since my boys
have grown up that I've had the time to indulge in writing fiction, rather than
fact. What's amazed me most is how sociable writing has turned out to be, and
how incredibly supportive other writers are - the ethos that "everyone's
welcome" is a joy!
Are you working on any interesting projects at the moment?
With a background in radio news, I value the spoken word, and I've been lucky enough to be able to collaborate with others on broadcasting stories on local radio: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06lsfdp and https://www.thornbury.radio/. Writing for the ear, rather than the eye, demands a different skill set, but helps in every type of writing.
Do you have any events planned?
I’m delighted to be sharing a stage with Bristol-based writers Hilary Smith and Ali Bacon in an evening of "Telling Tales" for the FOCCAL (Friends of Clifton Centre and Library) autumn series of talks. Details will be available soon here: https://foccal.com
Find your copy of the book here
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