Maria Kinnersley tells us about her involvement with The Best of CafeLit 14

 

How did I come across CafeLit in the first place?

I think it was first mentioned by a writing group friend on Facebook. It was a while before I summoned up the courage to take a look. When I did, I was charmed and thought "I can do that".

My Contribution

I've always been interested in the "What if's?" As someone with an interest in all things biological, the idea of releasing a single celled organism into the wild unwittingly has the potential for all sorts of problems, I wondered what would happen if plastic eating bacteria were exposed to the environment before they were fully tested. My story, "The Consequences of Ambition" arose from that.  

My Choice of Drink

That choice was quite simple (and a bit boring). It's my main hot drink and could be supped in the time it takes to read my story. It's also dark and indicates that it's a story to be savoured.

What do I Like About Writing Short Stories/Flash Fiction

I like that you can write a complete story in a very short time. For me, it's a way of exploring a character  or situation. Some of these short stories have evolved into longer tales as further issues are explored. "The Consequences of Ambition" interested me enough to write more about the main character and the position she found herself in. You never know; one day it may have enough material for a novel.

What Else Do I Write?

In a cupboard and in files on my laptop, I have a number of draft novels/novellas, some in a more complete state than others. More are of the science fiction genre. I do find writing other genres not as easy but I keep trying. My problem is having the confidence to take them further and to publish. They are like eggs waiting to hatch. And one day, I will get back to writing my blog, "The Devon Way".

My Life as a Writer

I currently have no specific routine . I write when I am able. I do suffer from the usual habit that writers have - that of thinking of too many ideas and going off on tangents. That said, I do try to write every day and count myself lucky if I manage 500 words. Of course, sometimes (rarely) it's more. I'm fortunate in that I belong to a couple of online writing groups which force me to put pen to paper regularly.

 

For various reasons recently, I've had to forgo writing to attend to other aspects of my life. This cycle is now coming to an end and will give me more space to write and hopefully, to self-publish again.

Am I Working on any Interesting Projects?

Having written a draft novel in 2017, I decided further work on it is long overdue and it's time to work and edit on what I have so that I can publish it,

 

It's based on another bit of speculation; what would happen if a village on the coast was separated from the United Kingdom following a geological incident?

 

Most of the draft, I'm happy with, but I now need to work on the beginning which at the moment doesn't have that "hook" to grip the reader.

Do I Have any Events Planned?

Not currently.   

 

Find your copy of the book here   

Niall Crowley talks to me about his involvement with CafeLit

 

Niall Crowley

How did you come across CafeLit in the first place?

I met up with CafeLit during COVID, when I returned to writing fiction, short stories in particular. I joined an online writing group which led to significant improvement in my writing. One of the members was a fan of CafeLit, with published work to prove it. I followed his recommendation and ‘Christmas Dip’ was published in December 2021. Since then I have had three further stories published by CafeLit. Even better, this year I was delighted to  make the cut for CafeLit 14 with my story ‘On the Spur’.

Tell us something about your contribution to this year’s book.

‘On the Spur’ is about memory, in all its distortions, and the precious stories, both warming and disturbing, that we hold in memory. It is about train travel in all its disconcerting splendour, with the freedom it offers and the encounters it involves. It is about ageing and the challenges in a society that fears age and disempowers older people.

How did you choose the drink to go with your contribution?

‘Instant Coffee’ is of the past, with such a diversity of coffee drinks and coffee machinery now on offer. It can be thrown together ‘on the spur’. It relaxes and eases the pressures of the day to day. Perfect for this story!  

What do you like about writing short stories / and  /or flash fiction? 

Short stories capture an instant or an angle that has something to tell us… about people and how we relate, about places and how we interact, about issues and how we engage. The writing of the short story involves satisfying hours of exploration of language and how it might best give effect and impact to the story, and how it might best attract and draw in the reader.

What else do you write? 

I write on issues of equality and human rights, with three books published on the trials and travails of pursing social justice and way too many articles and reports on the topic. There is a novel in there too seeking an author, but for now short stories hold sway for me, with a touch of flash fiction when the mood takes hold.

Tell us a little about your life as a writer.

As a child I would write short stories or snippets of fiction in any spare moment, never showing them to anyone and, sadly, keeping none. As an adult I work too intensely, in the field of equality and human rights, which has limited my opportunities to write. Abruptly in 2009 I was unemployed for a period, did a writing course and found fellow strugglers. Over four years, I wrote a novel. I loved every minute spent on it, but never found a publisher. Work took over again with its fascinations, until the calm and isolation of COVID opened up a new space and a new focus. I discovered the short story, which has been my focus and passion since. 

Are you working on  any interesting projects at the moment? 

Short stories, and then more short stories are my current project. My dream is to create the conditions and the body of work to have a collection published. That would be more than interesting for me, and, the key challenge, hopefully for others too!

A presence in CafeLit 14 was a big boost in this… so hoping you buy the book and like the story!

Do you have any events planned?

Nothing in particular, but ever open to opportunity and ideas.

 

Find your copy of the book here  

Rob Molan talks to me about his inviolvement with The Best of CafeLit 14

 

How did you come across CafeLit in the first place? 

Chris Fielden's website.

Tell us something about your contribution to this year’s book? 

The main character is a tough cookie who expects a lot from others and has ended a relationship with a partner who was also in business with her, and laid off a member of staff, despite knowing that these decisions would leave her running her café on her own. But her kindness to a stranger – stopping some boys beating up a homeless man and later giving him some work – shows that she also has heart while also providing an opportunity to take some of the pressure off herself.

When she discovers that the man had mugged her some years earlier, she feels duped and the reader will expect that she will sack him. But a combination of self-interest – she badly needs a holiday – and the remains of her humanity for him cause her to give him one more chance.

I am reluctant to pigeon hole people in life as I think many of us have conflicting and contradictory characteristics. The story is one small illustration of this.

How did you choose the drink to go with your contribution?

She is stressed out running the café.  Chamomile tea is good for promoting sleep and relaxation and sipping a cup of this beverage would help her keep calm and to get a good night’s rest.

What do you like about writing short stories / and  /or flash fiction?  

Ideas come from so many sources: memories, incidents I have witnessed, people I’ve known, stories in the press and - in many cases – my fertile imagination. But these ideas only provide a starting point for stories and I love the challenge of developing characters and mapping out a series of events which take me on a writing journey which will take me to places which I didn’t expect to go to. The satisfaction of producing a story in the end which I can feel proud of is immense. And if some of my stories provide enjoyment for readers, even better!

 What else do you write?

Short stories are all that I write. I usually have a new one on the go and am also editing and revising previous tales which have been unsuccessful in competitions.

Tell us a little about your life as a writer.  

It all started during lockdown. I was looking for a creative outlet and started writing poetry at first. I produced a range of poems in a number of styles but struggled to develop a distinctive voice. So, I turned to short story writing. Professionally, I had prided myself on being able to analyse and explain complex issues on paper to aid decision making in the organisation. I had plenty of ideas for short stories but the challenge was to adapt my writing skills to produce tales which intrigued, entertained and confounded readers. I was used to writing short sentences and paragraphs using dry language, and using bullet points, but soon realised those were shackles when it came to creative writing. With practice, I found it liberating to write sentences which ran for as long as necessary to continue the tale and using parts of my vocabulary which had been under-used for years. When I had my first story published in 2022, I was delighted but remained determined to continue my reinvention as a teller of tales.

Three years later, I have had around thirty stories published – many on CafeLit – but I’m still keen to learn, searching out advice and tips from others and analysing the techniques used by the authors of fiction which I read.

Are you working on any interesting projects at the moment?

Each story is a mini project!

Do you have any events planned? 

None at present

 

Find your copy of The Best of CafeLit 14 here.  

Today I talk to Monica about her involvement in 'The Best of CafeLit 14'

 

How did you come across CafeLit in the first place? 

I don’t remember but it was probably a submission call on DuoTrope or Authors Publish in 2023.

Tell us something about your contribution to this year’s book. "

"Juniper” is a little different from my usual writing, but I couldn’t shake the idea. My flash fiction is based on a true story. I was out for a run and on the back of my crescent a couple were having a row of beautiful conifers removed from their front lawn. I had to tell the tree’s story. I wrote it in May of 2023 and began submitting it in June. I actually first submitted the story to CafeLit in October but it was declined. Then I submitted again in June of 2024 and that time it was accepted.

How did you choose the drink to go with your contribution? 

Pine needle tea seemed a logical pairing with a story about a conifer tree. I haven’t tasted it myself.

What do you like about writing short stories / and /or flash fiction? 

My first love are novels but it’s nice to write something that can be finished quickly. It’s a sense of accomplishment. Flash and short stories give authors a chance to share a story with readers much sooner.      

What else do you write? 

Most of my short stories are fantasy, science fiction , and romance. Several have been published in other literary journals and anthologies. My novels are romantic science fiction and historical romance.

Tell us a little about your life as a writer. 

I’ve wanted to be an author as far back as I remember. Even as a child, I read books thinking about how they were written. Then life happened: career, family. In 2014, I returned to writing and loved it as much as ever. I even enjoy revision, shaping and reshaping and seeing how much better the story becomes. I feel like the first draft is a skeleton uncovered in an archaeological dig. Then each revision adds a bit more: muscles and sinew, flesh, eventually skin, and you finally have a complete, beautiful story.

Are you working on any interesting projects at the moment? 

Currently, I have six completed manuscripts and hope to publish three of them over the next year. The first novel titled “Star-Crossed Alliance” is scheduled to be released in November. If you sign up for my newsletter, you’ll get a free novella right now and I’ll keep you updated on the book’s progress.

Do you have any events planned? 

Stay tuned for a launch party at the end of this year!

Find your copy of the book here  

Jim Bates talks to me about his involvement with The Best of CafeLit 14

 

How did you come across CafeLit in the first place?

I came to CafeLit via Gail Aldwin. This was back in 2018. I’d met Gail through a writer friend of mine Kathy Sharp. Gail suggested I send a story to CafeLit. It was the first time I’d ever submitted any of my work ANYWHERE, and I was extremely nervous. Incredibly, my story was accepted. Thank you, Gill! I was over the moon with joy!! Since then, I’ve submitted many stories to CafeLit and have been fortunate to have had many accepted. I’ve also sent in stories for the themed anthologies and have been lucky to have been accepted a few times. So, I must say, “Thank you so much for supporting my writing! You all mean the world to me!”

Tell us something about your contribution to this year’s book?

My story is entitled “Simon Hope.” It was written as a challenge to me to write a story based on a character in literature. I chose Sherlock Holmes, one of my all-time favorites. In my story, Simon Hope is a detective who specializes in finding lost animals. It was fun to write. I hope people enjoy reading it!

How did you choose the drink to go with your contribution?

My drink was chosen because that’s what I was drinking at the time. During the day, I drink coffee, ice water, or iced tea. Or a combination of the three. So, whenever I submit to CafeLit, the drink will be one of the other of those three. For this selection, “Simon Hope,” I chose an Arnie Palmer because it was so hot here in Long Lake when I sent in the submission that for me, lemonade added to my iced tea was just the ticket!

 

What do you like about writing short stories / and /or flash fiction?

I love the creative process for both genres. Most of my stories tend to be character-driven, and I enjoy the challenge of coming up with a character, putting that person in a challenging situation, and then seeing how they respond. It’s quite fun/interesting to see what the outcome is.

 

What else do you write? 

I write poetry, novellas, and novels. My poetry collections are: “Haiku Season,” “The Metaphysics of Now,” “The Science of Forever,” “The Alchemy of Then,” and “The Evolution of Tomorrow.” My novellas are aimed at the YA readership, although adults will like them, too. I promise! They are: “The Battle of Marvel Wood,” “The Time Traveling Healer,” and the first two books of my “Creekside Chronicles” series – “The Defectives,” and “The Gallantiers.” Soon to be published are Book 3, “The Two Tribes,” and Book 4, “The Invaders.” My novels are: “The Alien of Orchard Lake,” “Something Better,” “Conversations With the Dead,” and “Eye of the Beholder.”

They are all available through traditional outlets.

Tell us a little about your life as a writer.

I always wanted to be a writer, I think mainly because I’ve always liked to read. But I put it off for years and years, letting LIFE rule my life (LOL!) Finally, while taking care of a very sick family member, I realized how important it was to make the most of one’s life. With that realization, I decided to focus on that dream. That was in 2011. I started writing every day, mostly poems. In 2015, I took an online writing class and met Kathy Sharp who, along with Gail Aldwin, encouraged me to begin submitting stories. The first story I ever submitted, “Remembrance Day,” was submitted to you and CafeLit, Gill. It was accepted! That acceptance gave me the confidence to continue writing and submitting. You and Bridge House published my first collection of short stories, “Resilience,” in 2021. Thank you so much. Since then, you’ve published “Short Stuff,” a collection of flash fiction, and a collection of short stories, “Old Man Jasperson and Other Stories.” You’ve also recently published “Where the Heart Is,” another collection of short stories. Again, thank you so much!

Are you working on any interesting projects at the moment?

Yes. As I mentioned earlier, I’m working on Book 3 and Book 4 of my YA fantasy/adventure series “Creekside Chronicles.” It’s a fun series. I plan to publish “The Two Tribes” in early September and “The Invaders” in December. Book One, “The Defectives,” and Book Two, “The Gallantiers” are available at most traditional outlets.

Do you have any events planned?

Resilience

ShortStuff 

Old ManJasperson and other Stories

Where The Heart Is and Other Stories

The Best of CafeLit 14  

 

Website: www.theviewfromlonglake.wordpress.com

Finally, Gill, I just want to say that knowing you and your team has been a highlight of my writing career. You guys are professional yet easy to work with. I love that you continue to give us emerging writers a place to submit work. CafeLit continues to be one of the premium sites out there. Thanks so much for being there! Keep up the great work!

Lynn Clement tlaks ot me about her involvment with The Best of CafeLit 14

1.  

        

    How did you first find out abut cafeLit? 

I cI came across Cafélit through Allyson Symes, who gave an inspiring talk at a Hampshire Writers’ Event. We got chatting and she informed me of Cafelit.

 

Can you tell us something about your contribution to this book? 

2.    My contribution to The Best of Cafelit 14, WEATHER THE WEATHER, is a dystopian piece of flash fiction.

We’d had a lot of rain. The newspapers were headlining that rain was the forecast for the future of England, so I sat down to write how it might be, with water, water everywhere, and how isolating that could become. The ending was a bit of fun.

 

 How did you decide on a drink? 

3.    A Hot Toddy as a drink for the piece seemed appropriate as the weather outside was miserable, and my thoughts went to warming myself up.

       

W What do you like about writing short stories / and  /or flash fiction? 

4.    I enjoy writing short stories and flash fiction as there is the challenge to complete a story within a word limit. Selection of the correct words is all-important. I like to ensure my stories have movement in them, so choosing strong verbs is key.

 

 What else do you write?

5.    My preference in writing is short stories or flash fiction. I have dabbled with drabble and poetry, but my attempts at novel writing come unstuck, as I have too many ideas for other stories that distract me.

 

Tell us a little about your life as a writer.  

6.    I write for fun. I belong to four writing groups and enjoy the test of a prompt. I like to look at subjects with a slant on them. I relish ‘having a go’ at varying genres but often find myself writing Sci-Fi/dystopia, although I don’t necessarily set out to do so!

 I travel a lot and take inspiration from the scenes, but more importantly, from meeting people and overhearing conversations/phrases that I bank.

 I give presentations to groups on various aspects of writing and chair a critiquing group.

Chapeltown Books published my first collection of flash fiction and poetry. The City of Stories is available on Amazon. I have received some super 5* reviews.

I have pieces included in The Best of Cafelit– 11,12,13, and 14.

Are you working on  any interesting projects at the moment? 

7.    I’m not working on anything specific at the moment, although I keep promising myself, I will submit more stories for a compilation to Bridgehouse Publishing.

I've entered a few local competitions recently and won them with short stories.

 Do you have any events planned?

8.    I have no events planned apart from ‘hopefully’ attending Bridgehouse Publishing’s ‘Christmas do.’ I love meeting the other authors, hearing their stories, and performing my own. Again, I keep promising myself that I will attend a writers’ retreat to get some writing done, but … (off to Portugal soon.)

 

        Find your copy of the book here