David Joseph, London Independent Story Prize 2024 2nd Competition Flash Fiction Finalist 'BIG AL'

London Independent Story Prize 2024 2nd Competition Flash Fiction Finalist 'BIG AL' by David Joseph

- When and how did you get into writing?

I began writing more than thirty years ago (yes I am that old!) when a broken wrist inspired me to enroll in a Creative Writing class in college to avoid writing long research paper. Fortunately, I had a wonderful teacher, Jim Crenner, who changed my life forever. Since that time, I have published 3 collections of short fiction and 1 collection of poetry to go along with a number of short stories, poems, and essays in Literary Magazines and journals. I have been fortunate to receive some nice accolades (in addition to this one) that include The Next Generation Indie Book Award, Independent Press Award, and The Paul Cave Prize for Literature.

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

I try to write something every day. There was a time when I thought I should simply wait until inspiration appeared, but I feel differently now. Perhaps this is the result of a nearly twenty-year hiatus, but I really believe writers have to write like painters have to paint or any other craft. Whether I feel particularly inspired or not, I push myself to write. This doesn’t always yield something publishable, but I will say I am often surprised how I am able to find inspiration in the midst of writing. It doesn’t always happen before I start. Williams Stafford once remarked that the cure for writers block was simply to “lower your standards” and I believe that to be true. I try not to lose sight of that and the idea that not every writing session yields a masterpiece. But the more I write, the more I become open to receiving inspiration. The writing muscles grow stronger with the reputation, and I just have to let go of any perfectionist tendencies in search of the next word, the next phrase, the next thought that’s always right around the corner. As for what inspires me to write…life! That might sound silly, but I am inspired by the real life I have had the opportunity to witness that exists all around us every day. It might be observing a quiet moment where a man is sitting under a tree eating a sandwich on his lunch break. Or a woman who walks out of a Tesco and offers a bottled water to a homeless man sitting outside the store. Perhaps a small child annoyed by his mother’s attempts to hold his hand as she walks him to school. Maybe a man on the tube who is frustrated by the young people who hop onto the train before he has the chance to get off when the doors open. These moments are my inspiration, and stories are everywhere.

- How does it feel to have your work recognised?

Writing has its own rewards for me that are completely independent of any form of recognition. And I feel this each time I write, not so different from exercising at the gym, in that there is always a feeling of accomplishment that is entirely personal. That being said, when someone else recognizes my work, it is a good feeling. This may simply be my ego talking, but I like to think it’s more than that. As someone who has often been moved or inspired by something I’ve read, it’s a great feeling to learn that something I wrote had a similar effect on someone else. And the opportunity to have my work published is always special since those words get sent out into the world where anyone can come across them.

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

I think the most challenging thing for me is to push myself to take more risks with my writing and push myself into areas, subjects, topics, etc. where I may be less comfortable. To be able to write boldly and bravely, completely detached from what anyone might think or how a story may or may not be perceived, that can be a challenge. However, I think I do my best work when I work to completely immerse myself in the text. It’s just my opinion, but I think when I make myself more vulnerable as a writer, when I really lay myself bare, I think you can feel it in the characters and stories that come through.

-  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?

That’s a great question. A couple of years ago, I began experimenting with flash fiction/micro fiction. I’d wake up and write a 300-600 word story each day, much like the late great poet Robert Bly did in Morning Poems. This proved to be a great exercise for me, and I found myself pulling things from memory, experience, dreams, fantasy, etc. that I never really thought I would be able to access as a writer.

This particular piece was a little different. It was inspired by someone I knew who took his own life. I know that sounds strange to say that someone taking their own life provided inspiration, and that isn’t really it. But his character was the jumping off point. From there, I just reached back into my memories and began, as Murakami says “opening drawers” that aren’t connected in any way and taking these disconnected treasures and weaving them together in a meaningful and authentic manner. That probably sounds very vague, but that’s how this piece was crafted. That and with my genuine love for Gregory Peck and The Gunfighter!

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

I’ve always felt that short stories are special because of their smaller length in comparison to novels. Here, the writer is asked to attempt to create something just as powerful as a much longer work. Only they have the challenge of doing it in far fewer words. That’s not easy, and anyone who has attempted to write short stories realizes this quickly. It’s also what makes writers like Chekhov and Carver so tremendous—that they can actually create such compelling portraits in such an economical efficient manner. So how do these writers do this?

In my opinion, the best short stories do this by creating a small world, but a world the reader cares about. Short stories don’t require complex plots and story lines, lots of characters, or long time frames. In fact, some of the very best short stories have only one or two characters, a small plot or even just a situation or incident. So, my advice would be to stay confined to a limited number of characters, create a compelling scenario, and make us care about them. That will help your short story resonate for the reader.

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

The best thing about competition is the opportunity to read the works of the other writers - the winners and finalists who end up being published. It’s always exciting to discover new voices and see all of the talented people that work so hard to create. And I think the most challenging thing is not taking it personally when you don’t win. It’s always difficult when you receive that form letter telling you that your work was not selected. And even if you know that there are lots of great writers out there and so many worthy submissions and that the decision really isn’t personal, it always feels that way when you’ve poured your heart into your work. It’s not a rational feeling but rather an emotional one, but it’s something all writers have to manage. But developing a thick skin when it comes to your own work is easier said than done.

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

Absolutely. The entire submission process and experience throughout has been incredibly positive. I am so pleased to have been able to submit my work and very honored to have been selected as a finalist.