The Centifictionist

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

1. What inspired the story “Trail”?

“Trail” was one of those in-real-time writing experiences. I had to pull over while I was riding my bike to jot down in my phone notes the thoughts I was having.

2. What inspires you and your writing?

I’m inspired by others’ stories, the ways in which humans are so drastically different and alike. My writing is inspired by what I read, by people I’ve loved, and by the children I work with.

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

I’ve lived with depression for years, and when things are really low, I try to remind myself that life is all balance: however low I am feeling now, I will inevitably feel the pendulum swing and feel a bliss on the other side. The hard part is patience. Reading always helps, even a small poem. I’m always looking for something to relate to.

4. What advice do you have for microfiction writers?

Anytime you feel that moment of magic, even if it’s just a short string of words, write it down. It will leave, you won’t remember. Put it down.

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

I’d love people to know my writing has saved me. It’s an ongoing conversation that takes with me and myself, but incorporates all of my relationships and experiences at the same time. Every time I reread past writing I’m so grateful to myself that I took the time to record how I was feeling, or what I was thinking at that moment. Even if it was bad writing – because I find bad writing gives way to better writing.

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Sarah Sturgis is a writer, painter, and educational therapist living in Los Angeles. She is a true extrovert. Her first love is reading. Instagram: @whataboutsarah, and @sarahcsturgis. sarahcsturgis.com.