The Centifictionist

Neha Srivastava’s 98 word microfiction, “Fairy Dress”, will appear in the second issue of The Centifictionist (Vol. 1, Issue 2, Fall/Winter 2020). Neha graciously answered a few brief questions for us. Read the interview below.

1. What inspired the story “Fairy Dress”?

The inspiration was a little girl I taught, (one of my underprivileged students), I will not name her as she was my student. She yearned to have hamburgers, wear beautiful dresses and eat ice cream; she often pondered on the immoral ways to get rich. I am not sure whether I have been able to teach the right way to do things…I hope I have.

2. What inspires you and your writing?

My dad encouraged me to write since that was the only thing I was somewhat good at. Maths and science gave me shivers. So I wrote short stories since I was eight, then got into advertising.

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

Like Scarlett O’Hara – “Tomorrow is another day”. Also when I don’t question – why me? For the good I get in life, then why question the bad? It’s so cliché but so true.

4. What advice do you have for microfiction writers?

Don’t know if I am qualified enough to advise, but – Write. Otherwise only you will know that you are a brilliant writer, the world won’t.

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

Just another human with a short temper which is usually directed at my patient husband, Parikshet, and a non-ambitious mom to a cheeky yet extremely smart teen, Akshat.

I used to write on this blog, should start again.

Diploma.

Article in India’s leading newspaper.

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Neha Srivastava has a blend of 18 years of experience in creative writing. At present, she is working as a creative writer, full-time Mom and teaching underprivileged children. She recently won the finalist diploma certificate from the prestigious Spanish Museo de Palabra award for her flash fiction story – “The Game”. Her story, “Two Toys” has been published in the anthology – 100 Voices – Volume 2. Also published is her poignant story “Sabina”, in the Smartest Kid on the Bronx Anthology. She has written for over 20 brands. Of all the designations she has been addressed by, her favourite remains –”Mom”. Twitter: @nehasrivi.