CONGRATULATIONS, CHRIS, ON YOUR FIRST PLACE STORY IN OUR TWISTED FAIRY TALES CONTEST!
Chris Hanson lives and writes in Reston, Virginia. He has been working on technical and other business-related writing projects for a number of years, and has recently begun exploring flash fiction. He enjoys seeking beauty and discovering the heroic, and looks to bring this out in his writing. His stories have appeared in Long Story Short and FlashShot. Look for more of his work to be published online and in print. Contact Chris.
Q. tell us, Chris, what, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
I learned some time ago the importance of being clear, concise, and interesting. I had spent several years pouring through the Federal Register every day interpreting complex hazardous waste regulations and creating summaries that manufacturing operators would quickly and easily understand. Good writing will also reflect the writer’s passion.
Q. How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?
I enjoy creating short fiction and seeing where it takes me. I usually start with at least an inkling of an idea and then go exploring, kicking it around for a while, having fun with it. I’ll look to all various sources for ideas and twists on themes. I’ve found that going through life paying attention pays off, for many reasons.
Q. What would you like our readers to know about you?
That I dared to pick up a pen and started writing stories. This is my second published story. I’ve been preparing for a while: observing the world, searching for clues, and reading and writing—a lot. I also have a wonderful, supportive wife, a great dog, and a cat (OK, he’s great too).
Q. What do you do to unwind and relax?
Enjoying being alive in this world and sharing life with my true love. Outside of that, reading and writing tops my list. I’ll read anything from pulp detective stories to history, poetry, philosophy, business management, you name it. I love hiking and other outdoor physical activities. Music is extremely relaxing and I can’t live without it, mostly any good jazz, blues, classical, and rock. I’m also addicted to the history channel—having grown up in a New Jersey blue-collar town, I just can’t get enough of seeing old factories in action.
Q. What does your family feel about your writing? Are they supportive?
This one’s a real pleasure to answer: My wife, Linda, is extremely supportive and I can’t thank her enough for encouraging and cheering me on. We’re a great team and we’ll do anything to see each other succeed.
Q. What inspires you? Who inspires you?
Seeing heroic beings in action—both real and fictional—greatly inspire me. Those who hold their happiness as their highest purpose and acting to achieve it, living to their fullest capacity. Have I mentioned my wife, Linda? Being exposed to very good writers, such as participating in Pam Casto’s Flash Fiction Workshop, has kicked me in gear and taught me a great deal about creating short stories.
Q. Are you working on any projects right now? If so, what are they?
I’m mostly working on flash fiction, which really suits me. I’m also exploring other areas. I’m learning about haiku right now and finding that it fits my concise writing style.
Q. Do you ever get Writer’s Block? If so, what do you do about it?
Oh yes! Boy, do I ever wish I had a good answer to this one. I’ve tried just about everything to varying degrees of success. I’ll first try to push through. Sometimes I’ll wander off writing on a tangent to the story at hand to try to ignite a spark. If all else fails, I’ll put it all aside to let it ferment while I work on another project.
Q. What is most frustrating about writing? Most rewarding?
Having to pay the bills and not being able to write full time yet! It’s certainly frustrating walking around with story fragments and not being able to stick to a set writing schedule. When I finally finish a story and can say to myself, “great job!”—that’s what’s most rewarding; a close second is hearing my wife say it.
Q. Do you have any kind of writing schedule? Can you tell us about it?
I wish! Although my other non-writing work currently does a nice job of paying the bills, it’s kept me a set writing schedule. I look to squeeze out any spare moment (business meetings are great opportunities) for writing, rewriting, or simply daydreaming.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given as a writer? What’s the worst?
The best advice I received actually came when I was working construction in my teen years, digging ditches: Have pride and passion for whatever you do. From writing groups, it was to find your own voice and follow your own path. I can’t say that I ever received truly horrible advice, just some I found not very useful.
Q. If I were sitting down to write my very first story, what would your advice be?
It’s not much different than many other endeavors. Get off the bench, get in the game, and most importantly have fun with it. Don’t hold anything back. Play. Be bold.
Q. What advice would you give to writers just starting out?
Since I’m still very close to that experience myself, it’s pretty fresh. I would say first, sit down and write. Right now. Put some ink on the page and keep going. What amuses, angers, fascinates, frightens, or inspires you? What fills you with passion? Write and then rewrite and rewrite some more. And by all means send it in.
Q. Any last comments or advice?
I greatly appreciate Long Story Short choosing this story as the winning entry for its contest and for publishing it. I hope you enjoy it.
