From Minnesota to the south of France!? What inspired this story?
I’d say this story arose from memory and lingering desire.
This piece is so visual! How important are scene and setting to you in flash fiction?
I enter most of my stories through the setting. Once the characters are grounded, I learn a great deal about them and their connections.
What books are on your nightstand right now?
Story Quarterly 39, Conjunctions 13, Scribner Anthology of Contemporary Short Fiction and the Complete Stories of Flannery O’Connor.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I don’t think it’s a question of want. I tried everything else I could think of, and nothing else held the complex twist of pain and excitement that writing brings to my life. I think I’ve always wanted to “be” a writer, but only recently have I begun to write.
If you weren’t busy writing, what would you be busy doing?
Sorry, I don’t understand the question. No, seriously, everything seems to relate to writing now, but I do have other interests. Give me a minute, I’ll think of one. Well, you know, I’ve always wanted to yodel.
In September 2022 SmokeLong launched a workshop environment/community christened SmokeLong Fitness. This community workshop is happening right now on our dedicated workshop site. If you choose to join us, you will work in a small group of around 15-20 participants to give and receive feedback on flash narratives—one new writing task each week.