Zoe Crowest, Flash Fiction Finalist

- Can you please tell us about you? Where do you live and how is your daily life?Originally from the UK, I now live in Australia and very much enjoy experiencing summers! I'm a Literature graduate from Exeter University, though only turned my hand to writing in 2019 after realising full time employment was sapping my creativity. Aside from writing, I enjoy competing in Agility, Lure Coursing, Rally-O and Tricks with my dogs Monty (beagle x harrier) and Otis (beagle).

- When did you start writing? How often do you write? We want to learn all about your writing life!

In all honesty, I had no idea about the world of flash fiction until I started researching writing tips in 2019. Although I'm quite certain my early attempts were atrocious, reading seasoned writers' work, and requesting judge critiques wherever possible, helped me sharpen my own creations.  I have since been published as a short story winner and shortlisted in several other competitions. It has certainly awakened a passion in me, and I now write daily, even if its just recording a note in my phone to revisit later.

- How did you feel when you learned that you are a Finalist on The London Independent Story Prize?

Having only recently joined the world of creative writing, I was thrilled to be a finalist in such a well-respected competition, particularly given the calibre of previous finalists and winners.

- What's the best thing and the hardest thing about writing a Flash-Fiction?

For me, flash fiction is a brilliant opportunity to conjure various emotions by scrutinizing word choice and relying on a reader's interpretation. The hardest thing is to have belief in what you write, which is where I have found friends willing to provide feedback absolutely invaluable.

-  How did you come up with the idea for your LISP selected story? Is there a story behind your story? And how long have you been working on it?

Although other pieces have taken me weeks or months to refine, 'Gladys, Gladys' was something I mentally wrote during an interaction, before finalising in print. I enjoy developing characters and narratives from my own experiences, or stories other people have shared with me. I strongly believe people willing to observe and listen are rewarded with a deeper understanding of, and respect for those around them.

-Lastly, do you recommend the writers to give it a go on flash fiction story and LISP?

Absolutely, I think its a fantastic way to push the limits of your own creativity because you have to justify every word on the page.

Click To Read Zoe's Story!