Amanda reveals her writing process, what keeps her going and the inspiration behind her award-winning short story
How did 'Love and Glitter' come about?
It was an entry for NYCMIdnight’s annual short story competition. You’re given three prompts; mine were: meter maid/virtual world/drama, you write the story in a week and hope the judges put it through to the next round. It’s a fun competition and a surprisingly wonderful way to write stories.
What is your usual writing process?
I like to write creatively at night because I find surprises emerge more easily. I purposely scatter my brain, half-doze, draw mind maps, scribble ideas and then knock out a speedy first draft, jotting extra ideas or research questions on the left hand page of my notebook. I like to write in pencil (because of the sound).
What short stories/writers are you inspired by?
I read a great deal and love to discover stories set in worlds very different to mine or that are experimental and provide an adventurous reading experience. I particularly love the work of Tatyana Tolstaya, her imagination seems to be boundless.
Have you ever utilised 'synaesthesia' in your writing? If so, what is your favourite way to do this?
I’ve used it to add zing to similes and metaphors. For me, sound is key. Sound and colour are the easiest to pair. I’m a woodwind teacher and talk about tone colour every day and I’m constantly thinking about and visualising sound. Sound and texture or movement are also easy to work with.
What sort of stories/themes do you tend to enjoy writing?
I’m keen on the surreal because it exercises my imagination but I also like sidling along the edge of realism and almost toppling. Usually the images I see at the start of the process decide whether it’s entirely grounded in the real world or not but whatever genre I discover myself in, I find I’m driven to take risks. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t.
Why did you decide to enter the Synaesthesia Magazine Short Story Competition 2014?
I love the magazine. It’s extraordinary and I find it really stimulating to read and to look at. Nothing else I’ve seen is quite as exciting. I’m a very proud winner.
Synaesthesia Magazine
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Amanda Oosthuizen