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Cristina Fernandez Valls, Flash Fiction Semi-Finalist, LISP 3rd Quarter 2020
- Can you please tell us about your daily life?
I’m a writer and an Early Years and Childcare Practitioner in a local nursery.
I graduated with a first-class honour in Literature at the University of the Highlands and Islands in July 2020, and I’m starting a M(Litt) in Creative Writing at Glasgow University. I have got two clever girls and a fantastic husband.
- When did you start writing? How often do you write?
Writing has always been part of myself at the school, high school and during the years of my degree. I have been shortlisted in several flash fiction and short story competitions in Spanish and English. My work has been published by New Flash Fiction Review, Cuentamontes, Casa Africa and Tres Culturas del Mediterraneo.
- How does it feel to have your work recognised?
It’s a really nice feeling. It gives you confidence.
- What's the best thing and the hardest thing about writing a Flash-Fiction?
The best thing is that Flash-Fiction doesn’t require much planning, it just happens. The hardest thing is that it not always happens in the way you expect, and the story doesn’t work at all. Flash-Fiction is very intense, every word must count, otherwise you’re wasting them.
- How did you come up with the idea for your LISP selected story? Is there a story behind your story?
My sister was writing a story about Cinderella based on modern relationships. I thought about it and the first thing that came to my mind was Cinderella very angry throwing the glass slipper against the wall. From there, it was just to rebuild the story.
- Can you please give us a few tips about writing a 300-word flash-fiction story?
Feel it. If you don’t feel it, it doesn’t work.
- What's the best thing and the hardest thing about writing competitions?
The best thing is the limits that the competition defines. You have got a deadline, a wordcount and sometimes a theme. It makes things easier. The hardest thing, without doubt, is when you look through the shortlisted and winner names and yours is not on the list.
-Lastly, do you recommend the writers to give it a go on LISP?
Absolutely, give it a go. Write, edit, write again. Cry a little and then keep writing. When it is finished, send it away. If your name is on the list, great; if not, keep writing, it’s just another form of feedback.
