Charlie Swailes, LISP Flash Fiction Finalist, 'Hangover'

- Could you please tell us about yourself and your daily routine?

I teach English Language and Literature at secondary school in Yorkshire and have two young sons at home, so life is often very busy. I’m more of an early riser, so get up early to work before school starts, and will often go to bed early with a good book.

- When and how did you start writing?

I’ve always written little stories since childhood, but five years ago I actually put them out into the world by submitting to a 100-word story competition. Since then, I have had stories published in anthologies including the National Flash Fiction Day Anthology and Reflex Fiction, and have placed in competitions such as those by Flash500, West Word and NYC Midnight. Making my writing public was intimidating, but it has indescribably helped my confidence and my skill.

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

As someone with ADHD, my writing often happens in sudden bursts. I will have an idea or a publication will have an approaching deadline, and it will be all I think about for a couple of days. I’m trying to get into a writing routine, but I find that sitting in front of a blank page without inspiration simply because it’s ‘Writing Time’ doesn’t work for me.

- How does it feel to have your work acknowledged, whether through being a finalist in a competition or having it published? 

Putting a piece of writing out into the world for others to read is a daunting experience, and it took me a long time to feel comfortable about it. The validation that comes from being placed in a competition, being published or even just getting a good word from a reader is ineffable.

- What's the most rewarding and challenging aspect of writing Flash Fiction? 

The challenge of writing for me is the translation of an idea from an abstract thought into a coherent piece but, when this works, the rewards are worth it. It’s particularly rewarding when my husband (my forever beta-reader) spots an effect I’ve tried to create or points to a phrase he really likes; that’s when I know I’ve succeeded in what I set out to do.

- 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? 

I was reading a book where a character was hungover, and I thought the description didn’t ring true for me, so I had a go at writing it myself. I then carried it on, imagining what would be bizarre to find after a night out: a clump of foreign hair. Initially I focused on the feelings of panic and revulsion, but found this read too melodramatically, so instead explored how a person might be curious and almost enamoured with the hair, and this was so much more interesting. Because I wasn’t writing explicitly for a submission, I came back to this story when the mood struck me, editing and changing parts with fresh eyes.

- Please share a few tips on writing Flash Fiction. 

Focus on character. For flash fiction, getting a complex and engaging plot is hard in so few words, but we can craft character in just a few sentences through their behaviour and reactions.

When you get someone else to read a short story or flash fiction, give them no information beforehand. This way you’ll know how clearly your plot, character and message is hitting home from their perspective.

- What is the best aspect and the most challenging aspect of competitions? 

Competitions give me the impetus to finish a story, and themed competitions or submissions often spark a new idea. However, the wait between sending off the story and receiving a response feels interminable!

- Finally, would you recommend that the writers consider submitting to LISP?

Of course. Get your writing out there however you can!