The Centifictionist

Tatyana Woodall’s 99 word microfiction, “Myths”, will appear in the fourth issue of The Centifictionist (Vol. 2, Issue 2, Fall/Winter 2021). Tatyana graciously answered a few brief questions for us. Read the interview below.

1. What inspired the story “Myths”?

It was originally part of a 1000-word story about looking in the mirror and realizing that you’ve become almost unrecognizable to yourself, and to others as well. That feeling reminded me of the wonder (and horror) of the classic Greek myths most people are familiar with, so I wanted to imbue the story with the same kind of astonishment.

2. What inspires you and your writing?

Things I hear in passing, poem titles, dreams. I read everything from crime thrillers to sci-fi, and I think that influences my own versatility.

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

My own writing, my love for my dogs, and the belief that someday I’ll look back and find something funny about it.

4. What advice do you have for microfiction writers?

Don’t second-guess yourself, but also read a bunch of different outlets, authors and perspectives as much as you possibly can.

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

I’m a very visual person, so I use lots of vivid descriptions to really pull the reader into that world. It’s so fun, and it works just as well when I’m writing about hard-to-grasp subjects like space and biotechnology.

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Tatyana Woodall is a writer and journalist living in Ohio, where she often gazes at the stars. You can find her work at tatyanawoodall.com, and her Twitter at @TatyanaZaria.