TSR:
What
does the word "story"
mean to you?
LW: Story is what holds the reader. There's an unwritten contract between a
reader and a writer where the reader agrees to suspend their disbelief and
the writer agrees to entertain them. Story is a window into other places,
other people's lives. It's how cavemen entertained each other during long
winters. It's communication. Telling stories is what humans do, what we've
been doing from the very beginning, what we'll do to the end.
TSR:
Do you have a reader in mind when you write stories?
LW: Not specifically. I think while I'm writing it's often better to forget some
readers, e.g. parents, grandparents, siblings. If you focus too much on
who'll be reading your work it's hard not to censor yourself. I write
stories that I'd enjoy reading, with characters that are flawed and
therefore, hopefully, interesting.
TSR: Is
there
anything you'd like to ask someone who has read your collection, anything at all?
LW:
Which is your favourite story and why? I believe that reading is an interactive experience. Readers bring with them
their own belief systems, life experiences and such. The feedback I've
already received has sometimes surprised me. When a reader's favourite story
is my least favourite I realise that every reader will get something
different from each story. I guess I hope that each reader will enjoy the
stories and that in some small way will be moved by them.
TSR: How does
it feel knowing that people are buying your book?
LW: It's a truly wonderful feeling, though I don't think about it too much. I'm
busy writing new stories. Reflections was my main focus for more than two
years. I'm happy it's out there doing its thing, it's like a child that was
born, raised and then sent out into the world. It will always be mine but in
a sense it's not anymore - it's independent of me. It's so great to know
people are reading it.
TSR:
What are you working on now?
LW: I’m working on the
second draft of a novel. It’s a slow process but I know it’s important
not to rush it. I’ve also been writing a lot of poetry lately – mostly
on the train – trains seem to work for me in that way. I’ve only written
two or three short stories in the last six months but I know I will
keep writing them. It’s just a matter of time. For me, the ‘form’ that
the writing takes isn’t as important as the writing itself. I just have
to keep writing. I’ve also been blogging a series of author interviews
at http://lisa-wardle.blogspot.com
