A few words from Lynn Clement, 'Aftermath' contributor

 

Tell me about your story  in  Aftermath - but don't give any spoilers! 

 My story in Aftermath is called ‘The Best Things in Life Are Free (or are they?)’ It is a piece of flash fiction that I originally wrote in response to the title The Best Things in Life are Free, as part of a writing workshop. It set me thinking about what are the best things in life? Once I had decided, I wondered what would happen if they were taken away from us?
 

I adapted the story in the wake of the pandemic…but for me it fits well. It is dark and sinister. Adding - (or are they?) has been appropriate in the pandemic and definitely in the story.

 

What inspired you to write this?
A train of thought from a given title. I always enjoy a twist to stories. Aldous Huxley and HG Wells were favourites of mine growing up and inspired me.

 

Why did you think it important to contribute  to this collection?

The pandemic has had a massive impact on people. We are living history. Whilst my story is clearly my imagination running riot, there is a caution in there too and space for the reader to think…what if?

 

How have you coped with the pandemic?  

 I started writing a novelette during lockdown. It was as part of an Arvon challenge originally. I got the 30,000 words mark and hit a block! 

Then Gill asked me to work on my collection, which has kept me busy. 

I love outdoors, so as soon as we were…’allowed’ I was out and about.

Not being able to see family during lockdowns was very hard.

 
Can you tell us about your other publications?

I write regularly for Cafelit. Mostly flash fiction and some poetry Home (cafelit.co.uk)

 My Flash fiction book by Chapeltown - ‘The City of Stories’ was born from some of these pieces. It also includes poems that have won competition prizes.

I have contributed regularly to Hampshire Writers’ competitions and had my winning entries published on their website. Competitions – Hampshire Writers' Society (hampshirewriterssociety.co.uk)

The local newspaper has published several of my flash pieces. News | hantsdirect

I have a Facebook page (1) Lynn Clement | Facebook

 

 

A continuing response by writers to the Covid19 pandemic in 2020 and during the ongoing aftershocks in 2021, this collection is of work by writers we have published before and whom we trust, and their trusted colleagues. When disasters strike writers respond and react in words. They share with us their hopes and fears. They describe and rationalise.