The Centifictionist

Stephen Duxbury’s 100 word microfiction, “Fifteen Seconds in the Vacuum of Space”, will appear in the first issue of The Centifictionist (Vol. 1, Issue 1, Spring/Summer 2020). Stephen graciously answered a few brief questions for us. Read the interview below.

1. What inspired the story “Fifteen Seconds in the Vacuum of Space”?

I wanted a microfiction with a beat, a pacing of seconds that helped to punctuate a story’s rhythm. I’m not sure why, but the vacuum of space just popped (decompressed?) into my head. When I researched the subject online, it was the perfect fit for what I had in mind. The story is, I hope, scientifically accurate!

2. What inspires you and your writing?

It’s said often, but that’s because it’s true: reading is so important. Immersing yourself in a great book is a kind of meditation in creativity: enabling you to discover new voices, new characters, and new worlds.

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

I’m lucky to share the house with Laura (partner), Tofu (puppy), and Miaomi & Celly (cats). Together, they help me get through the worst of just about any circumstance. Unfortunately, though, I’m the chronically anxious sort. Sometimes it’s just about hanging in there until the feeling passes. I can’t offer any great advice for getting through it, but I can offer solidarity!

4. What advice do you have for microfiction writers?

Allow the title to do some of the work in setting up the context of your microfiction. Make every word and piece of punctuation count. And, most importantly, keep writing microfictions, even if you don’t think what you write is very good. Everyone needs to practice their craft before they can improve it.

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

Once, I slipped in the bath and steadied my fall by leaning on a soap dish. In my younger, stupider days, I aquaplaned and flipped my parent’s car. Can you guess which of these events resulted in actual injury? A hint: I was wet and covered in soap.

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Stephen Duxbury is a full-time writer living in Letchworth, UK with his partner, dog and two cats. He has a doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Cambridge, where he studied the concept of metaphysical fundamentality. Presently, Stephen has one writing credit: a short ghost story, “Shudder”. The story has been featured in an anthology of horror stories, “Chills”, published by Len Maynard Publishing. Stephen has written a Young Adult fantasy book, “Not Suffering Still”, which explores the grieving process of those bereaved by suicide. He is currently seeking representation for this debut novel. Twitter: @duxbury_sjd76.