Jane Broughton, London Independent Story Prize 2024 1st Competition Flash Fiction Finalist, 'Pinning the Butterflies'

London Independent Story Prize 2024 1st Competition Flash Fiction Finalist, 'Pinning the Butterflies' Jane Broughton

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

I’m having the best time after retiring from my final job as fundraising co-ordinator for a domestic abuse charity. I’ve always lived in Manchester and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I keep busy doing occasional grandchildren minding, volunteering at my local hospital and, of course, writing.

 All my jobs have involved writing to one extent or another. I’ve produced strategies, service reviews and funding applications. As a mature student I took a literature based degree followed by a Masters in Art Gallery & Museum Management. I worked on an Oral History Project before the need for better pay pulled me back into my pre-University career and I’ve spent most of my life managing local authority housing and homelessness services.

- When and how did you get into writing?

I discovered the joy of writing in junior school, once winning the almost legendary ‘Gold Star’ for an essay entitled Dead Tree Root. Unfortunately life soon intervened and writing for pleasure took a back seat to bringing up two daughters and trying to keep a roof over our heads. My writing didn’t really take off until I was in my late 50’s, when I completed the Writers’ Bureau comprehensive writing course. I've had articles published in a broad range of publications including Northern Life, Best of British and Garden News. My fiction has appeared in The People’s Friend, Yours Magazine and the Weekly News.

In 2019 I won Beaconlit Festival’s first prize with ‘An open and shut case’ and discovered flash fiction. It was a revelation and I haven’t stopped writing flash since. My stories have appeared in EllipsisZine and been published online by Free Flash Fiction, Reflex Press, Full House, Paragraph Planet and The Wondrous Real, with pieces shortlisted by Retreat West, Writing Magazine and Flash500. For the third consecutive year I’ve been shortlisted for the Edinburgh Award for Flash Fiction and been a LISP finalist in 2021.

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

I don’t have a writing routine. I enjoy the luxury of being time rich now that I’m retired and write when the urge takes me. I’ve read advice in writing magazines about the benefits of writing every day and sometimes worry about not being more professional. I can be my own worst critic but I’m realistic enough to know that I’m not going to change my approach drastically at this stage in my life.

I find that inspiration can strike at any time. I could hear something on the news, read something that catches my interest or respond to a competition prompt. The ‘light bulb moment’ can be a cliché but it does describe the sudden spark of an idea that sends me scurrying to my desk.

- How does it feel to have your work recognised?

My first reaction is invariably surprise, closely followed by a rush of excitement. That feeling of jittery joy is addictive! Recognition for me often follows a number of rejections that lead me to brood and doubt my ability. An acceptance immediately changes my mindset and I start writing again with renewed enthusiasm.

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

I love writing flash fiction, the shorter the better and enjoy the challenge of distilling an idea down to its essence. I like the process of editing a story, keeping a narrative while losing all those unnecessary adjectives. The hardest thing for me is making my characters come alive within the constraints of a limited word count.

-  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?

‘Pinning the Butterflies’ is one of a number of stories inspired by my late mother’s gradual memory loss due to old age and Alzheimer’s. The last year of her life was spent in a care home during lockdown so I have a lot of guilt, grief and anger to unpick. Having said that, she appeared more content in her final months and often marvelled at how lucky she was to stay in such a ‘luxury hotel’. This particular story started when I saw a carved wooden box in a shop window and I completed the first draft that same afternoon. 

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

I’m not sure I’m qualified to give tips as my submissions are always a bit ‘hit and miss’ but I would advise anyone to relax and enjoy their writing. I usually stick to one or two characters in my flash fiction and try to shine a light on one pivotal incident that changes their lives.

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

 I think one of the best things is having a deadline. It gives me the motivation to finish the story and not leave it simmering for months. I’m also enjoying gradually getting to know other flash fiction writers and recognising their names on long/ short lists. It helps to make me feel less isolated and part of a supportive writing community. The very best thing, of course, is when you receive the validation of a placement, or even a win, and you know people will get to read your story.

The most challenging thing is when I have a run of rejections. It can make me question my ability even though I tell myself all judgements are subjective. I know the best way of dealing with rejection is to learn from any feedback and then just keep on writing and submitting.

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

Absolutely, definitely, go for it! You’ve got nothing to lose and there might be that amazing rush you get when one of your stories succeeds. LISP is also very supportive of its writers, having created a lively community on Facebook and by offering these interview opportunities. There’s even an anthology! Good luck!