by Randall Brown
Tara Laskowski earned an MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University and recently completed a manuscript of her first novel, set in her hometown in Pennsylvania. Her fiction and nonfiction have been published in several places, most recently The Rambler and Phoebe: A Journal of Literature and Art. Her short story "They" was published in Pindledyboz and was a storySouth Million Writers Award notable online story in 2004. Another story, "Hole to China," was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Tara lives and works in a suburb of Washington, D.C., and is learning how to play the piano.
What's it mean for you to be the 2009 Kathy Fish Fellow?
I was really excited to learn about the award, and completely honored to be chosen. Flash fiction is my favorite kind of story, and I really love writing at this length. I'm really excited to work with the staff at SmokeLong and hope I live up to their expectations!
What do you hope to accomplish in terms of both process and product during this year?
I'm using this as my year to experiment! I tend to write more realistic stories, but I love trying something new. I'm hoping to break into areas I don't normally venture—magical realism or more experimental stuff—while also honing the more traditional style.
Why short-shorts?
They are the best length! Every word counts. They capture a moment in time, give you a glimpse into a world. Good ones can tell you a character's whole life story—past, present, future—in 800 words. I love that.
What motivates you to keep writing?
I hate sitting down to write. I'll make any excuse in the world to not do it, but if I don't do it, I feel really crappy and mope around the house until I can't stand it anymore and I have to do something productive. And then I'll feel a million times better. Also, my fiance is a wonderful writer and we motivate and guilt each other into doing it, which helps a lot. People might think having two writers in a household could be a bad thing, but so far it's been really great.
What is your writing place like? What do you have around you for inspiration?
This is weird, but I like writing by the light of my orange lava lamp. Beyond that, my laptop is my best friend because I can't get really comfortable at a desk. Sometimes I like going to a coffee shop, but one loud teenager or a hyperactive air conditioner can totally ruin a good writing vibe. I like to be in control of my environment.
Tell us about your love of the one-sentence story. Can you share any with us? (Please!)
Well, I first heard about the famous Hemingway one-sentence story: "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." And then I read some of Stephanie Harrison's stories here and fell in love with them. I tried to write a few, but so far no luck. Actually, "The Hamster," was an attempt at a one-sentence story, but it kept growing. It was a little too big. But I'm hoping to write one by the end of the year!
What are doing when you aren't writing?
Lots of things! I'm learning how to play the piano right now, which is a great challenge. My fiance and I also have a New Year's resolution this year to try two new recipes a week, and so far we've kept that up. I also love horror movies, 70s music, HBO TV shows and karaoke.
