The Centifictionist

Rachael Charlotte’s microfictions, “The Transporter”, and “Martha” will appear in the second issue of The Centifictionist (Vol. 1, Issue 2, Fall/Winter 2020). Rachael graciously answered a few brief questions for us. Read the interview below.

1. What inspired the stories “The Transporter” and “Martha”?

When it comes to micro and flash fiction, I love working with prompts. I’m a member of a few writers’ groups and both of these pieces were inspired by prompts which came from those groups. I find these to be really useful when working with such a small word count.

2. What inspires you and your writing?

Wow — I mean it can be anything. I think a lot of the time it’s just subconscious; things I have read about or seen, things I have been thinking about or that are deeply affecting me on an emotional level. I am continually fascinated by what the imagination will throw at you if you just allow it to do its job.

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

Yeah, it’s certainly been a tough time for a lot of people this year, so this question feels really pertinent. Honestly, and I know this is going to sound clichéd, but it is my writing. Writing for me can be euphoric, I often use it as this vehicle of expression for what I have not yet become consciously aware. I have always been quite an emotionally intense person, if that’s the right word, like a lot of creatives, and I also find meditation to be a really useful tool in calming and channeling those emotions.

4. What advice do you have for microfiction writers?

I think the first thing would be, if you haven’t, to read some micro fiction. Read as many examples of good quality micro fiction as you can, and also read poetry, because poetry often works with that same brevity and can deliver something very powerful within a small space, and that is ultimately what you’re trying to do with micro fiction. And when you come to write, don’t try and say too much. And proofread, at least three times.

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

I’d like to say thank you for featuring my work, I am really honoured to be here. If anyone would like to read more, please follow me on Twitter or Instagram where I link to previous and forthcoming publications. And really just that I hope to continue creating work that both says something (if not profound then at least honest) and that people will enjoy reading.

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Rachael Charlotte is a writer and poet based in Lincolnshire, UK. She recently studied for an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Lincoln, and has work published or forthcoming with Truffle, can we have our ball back?, Burning House Press, Streetcake Magazine, Hedgehog Poetry, 3 Moon Magazine, Horla, and Fly on the Wall Press. Follow her on Twitter @rachaelg2601 or Instagram @rachaelcharlotte14.