Wendy S. Palmer, London Independent Story Prize 2024 1st Competition Flash Fiction Finalist 'The Gardener'

London Independent Story Prize 2024 1st Competition Flash Fiction Finalist 'The Gardener' Wendy S. Palmer

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

I live on a beautiful island, involved in a couple local groups, but mostly writing and gardening, a nice life.

- When and how did you get into writing?

I wrote little stories about castles and princesses when I was young. A long interruption as a social worker then I started writing and submitting at fifty. Eight short stories published, one Honorable Mention from Nimrod, querying a novel.

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

I write most days, as long as I know I have 3 uninterrupted hours. Mornings I write, afternoons I type in what I’ve done. A walk most days, nature always inspires. “Routine” is a gentler word than obsession, which is more accurate for me. My different projects have different soundtracks. I must have a nice candle, water in a certain glass and something cut from outside in a vase. And nobody can bother me.

- How does it feel to have your work recognised?

It feels wonderful, all those hours, working on something over and over then getting a bright gold star for it.

-  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?

I was trying out flash fiction. Seeing if I could do anything with under 1000 words. The Gardener started with a visual. I read a lot of Hardy and the Brontes, the gardener might have appeared in the background of a scene. Once I saw him, the story followed.

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

So often, for me, words or sentences or even paragraphs are just in the wrong order, on the wrong page. An easy fix when you see it.

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

Yes, absolutely!