Susan Cornford is a retired public servant, living in Perth, Western Australia, with pieces published or forthcoming in 50-Word Stories, Akashic Books Sci-Fi Fri, Antipodean Science Fiction, CarpeArte Journal, Ghost Parachute, Medusa’s Laugh, Speculative 66, Subtle Fiction, Switchblade, The Fable Online, The Gambler, The Vignette Review and The Were-Traveler. She considers herself an emerging flash writer.
How long have you been writing and what got you started?
In mid-2013, I finally did what I had always intended to do one day. There was no particular reason that I was aware of. What kept me going was finding the Readers’ Digest 100-word story contest and then looking for and finding a local (Australian) print journal with a monthly, word-prompt, 100-word contest. This is also how I became a flash writer who has never yet exceeded 2000 words.
What is the best piece of advice you have for new writers?
For someone writing short pieces, the best advice I could give is to sign up for Submittable, Review Review and Six Questions for the Editor. THEN ALWAYS READ THE PUBLICATION’S SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AND “ABOUT” SECTIONS ON THE WEBSITE AND ABIDE BY THIS INFORMATION!!!!!
If you could go back and find yourself five years ago, what advice would you give yourself?
To start submitting simultaneously (when allowed) ASAP.
How do you measure success when it comes to your writing?
Success is, of course, measured in acceptances; in 2017 I had 5%, which I’ve gathered is good. But being shortlisted, or even longlisted in some cases, also makes it worthwhile. Positive feedback is a warm-fuzzy and every drop should be savoured!
Are you an outliner or discovery writer? Or somewhere in between?
I’m glad you asked about discovery writers because I had never come across the term before and that’s exactly what I am. So, thank you very much for that. It’s along the same lines as when I found out, back in the 90’s, that, instead of setting goals and working toward them, one could, just as legitimately, be prepared to take opportunities when they arise. I suspect the two things co-exist.
How do you deal with rejections?
I’ve come across the statement that one should aim for 100 rejections a year. It’s not the rejections that bother me but the fact that some editors really rip shreds off you with their feedback. One recently condescended to me in spades and that publication has been crossed off my list. Literally. I keep a spread sheet that’s now 19 pages long and the above has a strikethrough in it to remind me never to submit there again. (Theme of Absence has moved to the privileged section, above the black line.)
What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
I’ve just met the last two goals I’ve had: 1. being asked to submit (X 3) and 2.BEING PAID! (Thank you, Jason.) I must admit I did submit something to the New Yorker and the three-month waiting period isn’t up till mid-August. (Sigh!)
