The Centifictionist

Linda Saldaña’s 99 word microfiction, “Origami”, will appear in the third issue of The Centifictionist (Vol. 2, Issue 1, Spring/Summer 2021). Linda graciously answered a few brief questions for us. Read the interview below.

1. What inspired the story “Origami”?

It started with a quote, “It’s the most insignificant details that count,” which made me think: that which “counts” to some people is so trivial compared to what others must overcome.

2. What inspires you and your writing?

I’m inspired by an abundance of supportive fellow writers. Zooming all around me, whether in prompt-based freewrite groups, critique groups, or open mics, some serious creative juices have been flowing during this little bit of history. Why watch television when you can make up stories and share them? When you can Zoom in live on amazing poets speaking truth? When you can bring the collective voice into isolation? It’s better than therapy.

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

During this endlessly morphing but shared tribulation, I’ve kept in spaced communication with my closest people, certainly, but also now have regular calls with friends I previously saw much less often. More important, however, is being admitted as caretaker at my 96-year-old mother’s residence after 5 months’ separation. So many have not been so fortunate; I will forever be grateful for this time with her.

4. What advice do you have for microfiction writers?

Make every word earn its space.

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Linda Saldaña is an escaped tech writer now pursuing truth in fiction in and about the San Francisco Bay Area. Most recently, her work has appeared in Every Day Fiction, The Absurdist Magazine, The Ocotillo Review, and MacQueen’s Quinterly.