Kwame MA McPherson, LISP 2023 Flash Fiction Finalists, I Wonder If They See Me

LISP 2023 Flash Fiction Finalists, I Wonder If They See Me by Kwame MA McPherson

This LISP 23 Finalist Flash Fiction will soon be published in LISP Anthology. Subscribe to our newsletter to hear when it's out!

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

My daily life mainly consists of writing or around writing. So, as a ghostwriter and book coach, I support others on their writing journey. As well as show corporations how to create messages that engage with their target market. In addition to helping others I also do my own writing and in the middle of completing a few manuscripts. I also organise online workshops and seminars around writing.

- When and how did you get into writing?

I grew up in the Caribbean and from a very young age we are encouraged to write poems, essays and stories. Plus coming from a people who love to narrate stories and storytelling, it has evolved into my life purpose. My pivotal awakening came in 2006 when I experienced depression and while going through that event, the message came to me to focus on what brought joy to others and made me feel I was contributing to the lives of others - the answer came through that writing will be my life purpose.

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

I write every single day (and at night). I am constantly writing in my head, while walking on the road or taking a drive into the countryside. I am inspired to write due to thousands of stories we see every day on television, in the newspaper, on social media or just "people watching" on the street.

- How does it feel to have your work recognised?

I am the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2023 Winner for the Caribbean (fifth Jamaican to do so) and Globally (the first Jamaican to achieve this). I was the first Jamaican to win a The Bridport Prize 2020 Flash Fiction bursary. There are other accolades like being a LISP Finalist, so my writing has been recognised and it is a great feeling.

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

The ability to tell a story that is fresh and original. Thus, being aware and keeping abreast of past and current affairs and stories, helps in consistently producing new work.

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

As I highlighted, being abreast of current affairs helps to generate a story. My story was about economic migrants who, in their thousands, are stuck on the Mexico/US border. It didn't take me long to write since the idea is based on a present reality.

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

Read. Read. Read. That means every and anything from what is happening on and offline, other writers, magazines, newspapers, journals; I cannot emphasise it enough.

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

You never know how well you have done, until you get the rejection or success notification!

- Lastly, do you recommend the writers submit to LISP?

Definitely, flexing one's writing muscle by entering competitions like LISP builds writing resilience and expertise.