Cath Staincliffe, LISP Short Story FINALIST

LISP Short Story FINALIST, UNMUTE by Cath Staincliffe

- Can you please tell us about your daily life?

I write most days (in longhand) or I’m typing and editing work in progress. Every day I walk for an hour or so – and that’s often when I think about any problems I’m trying to solve in my writing.

- When and how did you get into writing?

I’ve been writing all my life and publishing novels since 1994. I’ve also written for TV and radio dramas. I’ve been short-listed for several Crime Writers’ Association awards and was lucky enough to win the Short Story Dagger in 2012. And in 2019 I was a winner of the Writers Guild of Great Britain’s Best Radio Drama Award.

- How often do you write? Do you have a writing routine? And what inspires you to write?

When I started out I only had time to write one morning a week (childcare and a part-time job took up all the rest of my days) but as soon as I could I started writing every day. I treat it like a job. It is my job. The pleasure of making up stories, of finding characters and sharing their adventures inspires me. I love my work!

- How does it feel to have your work recognised?

Wonderful.

- What's the best thing and the most challenging thing about writing a Story?

The intensity of a story, the plunge into another world in just a few pages is what I enjoy. The most challenging thing is to make it feel complete and satisfying.

- How did you come up with the idea for your LISP selected story? Is there a story behind your story? And, how long have you been working on it?

During the pandemic, a lot of major life events couldn’t be shared in person but were carried out online. I wanted to show that and also explore an issue about identity in an accessible and compassionate way. It took me a day to write and then I worked to improve it.

- Can you please give us a few tips about writing a Story?

Jump into the middle of the story and try to engage our senses and emotional responses. Experiment, take risks.

- What's the best thing and the most challenging thing about competitions?

They’re great as a deadline for completing work and as somewhere to submit work. My first book Looking For Trouble was published as a result of winning a competition so I’m a big fan.

-Lastly, do you recommend the writers give it a go on LISP?

Definitely.