Lisa Wiley, London Independent Story Prize 2024 2nd Competition Flash Fiction Finalist 'Claddagh'

London Independent Story Prize 2024 2nd Competition Flash Fiction Finalist 'Claddagh' by Lisa Wiley

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

I teach English and creative writing at SUNY Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY.  I have three grown children and a Bernese Mountain dog in a not-so-empty nest.  I’m always overhearing snippets of conversations that could spark an idea.  When I’m not writing or reading, I’m running or walking.

- When and how did you get into writing?

I always remember being a writer. I wrote my first story at age 9 on a typewriter; I loved the sound of the keys. I have published four chapbooks of poetry. Eat Cake for Breakfast, Big Apple Rain, My Daughter Wears Her Evil Eye to School, and Chamber Music. I have also published flash fiction internationally in journals such as Flash Frontier and Fictive Dream.

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

I write every day even if it’s a clever text—if I can make a friend laugh that counts as writing. My writing routine varies, but I need to carve time to hone my craft usually late at night. Moments from everyday life inspire me to write poetry and short stories.  Friends and students inspire me to write.  I aim to be a practicing artist. I think what I say carries more weight in the classroom when students see I practice what I preach.

- How does it feel to have your work recognised?

Getting published is the icing on the cake.  A true writer writes even if no one reads it, but I’m not gonna lie: it sure feels good when the hard work and dedication pays off by getting published or acknowledged in a competition.

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

The challenge of flash fiction and poetry is to tell so much with so little. I like to focus on a single moment in a character’s life and put it under a magnifying glass.  My hope is to reveal that moment is a portal to the character’s whole world.

-  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?

My LISP flash fiction “Claddagh” is inspired by my Irish heritage. I wrote it a year ago, and let it simmer.  I was questioning whether the Irish claddagh symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship is ever in equal balance. I created Maeve to show all the responsibilities weighing on women and whether loyalty for loyalty’s sake is right.  The monster who returns Maeve’s claddagh ring after it falls down the bathroom sink is really her subconscious. This nurse can never escape her responsibilities.  

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

Write from your heart.  Your heart is your instrument.  Focus on a poignant moment in a character’s life rather than attempting to cover too much territory in terms of time.  Strive for all the best words.  Make every word count.

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

Deadlines.  It’s important to have them to send your work out to the world.

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

Absolutely, I encourage writers to submit to LISP and strive to have their writing recognized.