Watch the May 2016 Winning Short Story Reading.
Watch LORNA’S ISLAND:
Get to know writer Louise Johnson:
Matthew Toffolo: What is your 1pg Short Story about?
Louise Johnson: A father travels to a tiny Greek island to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding his daughter’s death. But he’s obstructed by shifty cops and insular locals.
MT: What genres would you say this short story is in?
LJ: Psychological thriller, maybe, or murder mystery.
MT: How would you describe this story in two words?
LJ: Greek tragedy.
MT: What movie have you seen the most in your life?
LJ: I’ve seen The Man Who Fell to Earth three or four times and right now I would very much like to see it again.
MT: How long have you been working on this story?
LJ: It’s part of a longer story I wrote a year or so back. The ending still needs some work.
MT: Do you have an all-time favorite novel?
LJ: Possibly The Secret History by Donna Tartt. I love the rich world she creates and her seductive yet flawed characters. I wish there were more of her novels!
MT: What motivated you to write this story?
LJ: This little island used to almost be my second home. It’s an idyllic spot but there was a dark side – some years ago a fisherman came across a yacht drifting out at sea. There was a dead body on board…
MT: What artist would you love to have dinner with?
LJ: Van Gogh. He’s my favourite artist and he also wrote beautiful letters to his brother, Theo.
MT: Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
LJ: Movies! I would probably live in a cinema if I could.
MT: What influenced you to enter the 1pg. Short Story contest?
LJ: I’m trying to write screenplays so the idea of having my work performed by an actor was really attractive.
MT: Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
LJ: I reckon it’s good to have a bit of ego – but not too much! Have a support group of writers and listen to their feedback, especially if they are all picking up on the same flaw in your work.
Novel Writing Festival 