The Centifictionist

Belinda Nicoll’s 100 word microfiction, “Self-Discipline”, will appear in the first issue of The Centifictionist (Vol. 1, Issue 1, Spring/Summer 2020). Belinda graciously answered a few brief questions for us. Read the interview below.

1. What inspired the story “Self-Discipline”?

I set out to create mystery around unusual behavior—a way to retain reader empathy in a story with a negative character arc.

2. What inspires you and your writing?

People! I believe we’re the sum total of our cultural heritage, the experiences that shape our minds, the values that guide our actions, and the spiritual beliefs that keep us wondering about it all. In my writing, I work hard at finding the story behind the story, the universal themes that drive idiosyncratic behaviors.

3. What keeps you going when experiencing times of misery and despair?

I embrace my dark side, which helps me to understand those parts of my characters better.

4. What advice do you have for microfiction writers?

Keep distilling your gold until you’re left with the most intriguing little nugget.

5. Is there anything else that you would like people to know about you and/or your writing?

I’m essentially a plot-driven writer…until a character gets hold of me.

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Belinda Nicoll holds an MFA degree from Queens University of Charlotte. Excerpts from her self-published memoir—”Out of Sync”—have appeared in My Gutsy Story Anthology and Eclectic Flash (she was awarded a residency by Jentel Artist Residency Program to work on the book). Excerpts from her work-in-progress novel have appeared in IHRAF and Mystery Tribune. Her micro fiction has been published by Tupelo Press, Reader’s Digest, and Friday Flash Fiction; she has a short story slated for publication in Levitate in May 2020. Website: belindanicoll.com. Facebook: facebook.com/Author.NLPCoach/. Twitter: @BelindaNicoll. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/belindanicoll.