1. What inspired you to write the prose poem/microfiction which will appear in Flashing the Square? The visual often inspires me. I was sitting on a bench on Collins St and I noticed a wedding party entering St Michael’s church. I observed them for a while, fascinated by the frenzy—that euphoric mix of elation and … Read More
interviews
A.S Patric: Flashing the Square
1. What inspired you to write the prose poem/microfiction which will appear in Flashing the Square? ‘HB’ was inspired by the realisation that a simple act of friendship, a quiet moment of companionship, can also unwittingly be the most brutal experience of someone’s life. 2. Tell us about your process. (Do you start sparse and … Read More
Alana Hicks: Flashing the Square
1. What inspired you to write the prose poem/microfiction which will appear in Flashing the Square? It was a sunny, cold day and I was pregnant, which was unusual for me. The sounds and smells of the longest five minute walk from the station to my work place were heightened by the sensation of this … Read More
Michelle Wright: Flashing the Square
1. What inspired you to write the prose poem/microfiction which will appear in Flashing the Square? My story, Taken, is about a mother whose son is taken by a shark while out surfing. My son surfs and I always feel a vague sense of unease when he’s out on the ocean. However, I accept the … Read More
Caroline Reid: Flashing the Square
1. What inspired you to write the prose poem/microfiction which will appear in Flashing the Square? When I lived in Darwin I went on a road trip west to Broome through some of the most beautiful country I’ve ever seen, it flows through your heart that country. We arrived in Fitzroy Crossing, filling up at … Read More
Shady Cosgrove: Flashing the Square
1. What inspired you to write the prose poem/microfiction which will appear in Flashing the Square? ‘Lightning Ridge’ was written many years ago during a road trip to northern NSW. I was struck by the setting – the dry heat – and how gambling informed so many lives there. ‘Call an ambulance’ was written as I was … Read More
Kirsten Tranter: Flashing the Square
In the first of our interview series with contributors to Flashing the Square, an anthology of microfiction and prose poems, we interview Berkeley-based Australian author, Kirsten Tranter. 1. What inspired you to write the prose poem/microfiction which will appear in Flashing the Square? Turing Test Study Guide was inspired by thinking about the Turing Test, … Read More
Vivienne Plumb: on short fiction
Vivienne Plumb, an Australian currently living in New Zealand, is a playwright, poet, and fiction writer. She has held several residencies, including one in 2004 at the University of Iowa and the 2006 Massey University writers’ residency. She holds a Doctorate in Creative Arts at the University of Wollongong. This week, on the eve of … Read More
Spineless Wonders Asks Claire Aman
1. Who are the short fiction authors you admire (Australian or otherwise, alive or dead)? My favourite short fiction authors include Gillian Mears, Patrick White, Elizabeth Jolley, E Annie Proulx. 2. What is the most memorable short story you have read? And why does it stand out for you? The most memorable short story I’ve … Read More
Spineless Wonders asks Maree Dawes
In this interview, editor and poet, Rhiannon Hall talks with West Australian poet, Maree Dawes about her writing and its influences and about her verse novel, brb: be right back. When did you develop an interest in poetry? I used to write poetry as a child, continued through high school and early days of uni … Read More