David C. Shelley Jones, LISP 2nd Half 2021 Short Story Finalist

LISP 2nd Half 2021 Short Story Finalist 'Personal Best' by David C. Shelley Jones

- Can you please tell us about you and your daily life?

Sydney doctor. Married. 3 children ( 19 to 24). Now in part-time medical practice. I write every afternoon. I like to spend time in a caravan in remote bushland with family, friends and a dog.

- When and how did you get into writing?

Little time for writing until 5 years ago.

Bath Short Story Winner 2018, Short-listed Bedford x3.

Winner of national short story competition for doctors only ( love this comp. – limits the field!)

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

I just have ideas and characters that want a life. If I don’t realise my characters, they don’t exist – so, it is a burden of responsibility!

- How does it feel to have your work recognised?

Better than most things.

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

Choosing words, choosing structure

- 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 a surf lifesaver. Someone drowned on our patrol. Also trips to the setting of story.

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

It takes a lot of drafts

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

Short-listing or winning is the best. Pleasing diverse literary tastes.

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

Yes