Helen Kennedy, London Independent Story Prize 3rd Round 2024 Short Story Finalist, 'Malakai Can't See the Moon'

London Independent Story Prize 3rd Round 2024 Short Story Finalist, 'Malakai Can't See the Moon', Helen Kennedy

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

I write because it is life affirming, joyful, and I’m grateful that I have found it!  I am a northerner, but now live in a quiet backwater of Leicestershire. Since my children left home, writing feels like another career I’ve started, one I am able to use my whole life experience for. I love reading, books fill my life, reading them and talking about them in book groups and writers groups. I regularly visit the theatre, and literary festivals, I enjoy walking and cold water swimming as a member of the fabulous Lyme Regis Bluetits.          

- When and how did you get into writing?

I am late to the party ! I had a long career in the NHS and working for a charity and only started writing when I retired. I took an Undergraduate Diploma in Creative Writing at Oxford University and followed that with an MA in Creative Writing at Oxford Brookes, because I felt I needed some credentials!

I quickly had short stories published by Fly On the Wall Press, the Bristol Prize and Brick Lane Short Story Prizes, and gravitated to Flash fiction, with shortlisted and published pieces in Flash 500, The Oxford Flash Fiction Prize, National Flash Fiction Anthology, the Edinburgh Flash Prize and the Aurora Prize for East Midlands writers.

I have written a debut novel  set in the 1960’s about women in Salford and a century of their struggle for contraception and equal rights that I’m looking for representation for. I’m half way through a second novel set in Ireland and London about Irish folklore and one young woman’s struggle with fertility.        

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

I write every day, its all about ‘getting your bum on the seat,’ Philip Pullman told us at Oxford Brookes. A writer has to craft their words, and there are no short cuts. It’s hard work.  

I’ve been saving up stories for years, just waiting for the time to be able to write them down. They are often inspired by human interactions I have had, conversations and observations. I am inspired by strong women, injustice and the need for social change.   

- How does it feel to have your work recognised?

It feels humbling, amazing and joyful to have my words published and for them to find a home. Fly On the Wall Press supported my first short story publication- a big shout out to Isabelle Kenyon  @flyonthewallpress and other Indie publishers who support new writers ! Also @bricklanebookshop, @bristolprize and LISP who encourage new writing talent. It’s hard to get recognised at first but small steps count.

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

An idea coming to life on the page is always satisfying. Knowing if it should be flash, poetry or a longer story is a difficult decision, but the writing usually chooses what it wants to be. When to stop editing and re-drafting is difficult, but again there is usually a gut feeling that its as good as it can be !

-  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 often start stories in shorter form- this one was a flash fiction piece I wrote some years ago that I felt I wanted to expand. I am fascinated by the lives of people in difficult life situations, and where they get their support networks- often in the most unexpected places. ‘Malakai can’t see the Moon,’ is about a single mother’s struggle and the power of community. Set in Bethnal Green in East London, it’s where my daughter works and lives so the place is also a character in the story.   

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

Write from your heart. Be real. Good stories are about the otherness in everyday life. I am fascinated by human connection, I like gritty realism. Relationships are always at the heart of what I write.  

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

Deadlines are helpful and after I’ve submitted, I always forget about them, so it’s a great surprise and a joy to hear if I’ve ever been shortlisted ! We all fear rejection, so you have to be brave to put your words out there. I’ve had things published that were rejected by other prizes and competitions, so don’t give up!    

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

LISP is well respected by writers. It’s a community where new writers are encouraged and respected. We all need support somewhere.