a talk with Bob Arter
by Randall Brown
 "Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear and Pipe" by Vincent Van Gogh |
The joy derives from reading a lot of really good manuscripts. The life-sucking force lies in rejecting a few—not because they're crummy—with a few exceptions, they're all very good—but because my goal is to print only the best material available. A few wind up in the quicksand.
What are some of the first words that come to mind to describe this issue?
Earthy. Succinct. Soil. Paints. Blankets. Pot. Way many more.
What is at the top of the Bob Arter list of do's and dont's of flash fiction?
Achieve brevity, of course, because I never can. Bring off the Big Surprise, even if you have to let them see it coming. Achieve a rhythm and mastery of words. (Don't say "mud" when you could thin it out and say "slurry.") Write as well as you can.
How is Bob Arter the Editor different than Bob Arter the Writer?
I'm a much better editor than writer. Until I've reached the muddy edges of the writing process, I'm much easier on my own work...
Example: I wish I was in the land of cotton..
Wrong. It's: I wish I were in the land of cotton...
See, the conditional preposition "if" compels me to use the subjunctive "were"—and if that means that every God-damned song-book in the the land has "I wish I was" printed in it, then every one is wrong! And I hope they're all reprinted!
How is Bob Arter the Patient doing health-wise? A lot of prayers have come your way, yes?
Up and down. Trip to the ER a little ways back. Generally, I'm doing a bit more poorly than otherwise. But I'm generally OK. And all those prayers have kept me going for long while now—sometimes after the docs have given up—and I thank Smokelong for the chance to let me say how much I appreciate it.
Why write? It's the only thing I know how to do.
As you look ahead to your own writing career, what are your goals—and how important are goals to you?
1. Finish my novel, trash it, and write a good one.
2. Write 20 really good short stories and flashes.
3. Publish the good novel, a collection of flashes, and chapbook of poetry (assuming I can learn to write a poem).
What about flash fiction has attracted—and continues to attract—your attention?
The everlasting effort to write anything besides my name <= 1000 words.
I'll end by asking you what I asked the fine writers whose work graces this issue. The titles of the stories in this issue wowed me and got me thinking about the value of the great title. What are some great titles—for novels, stories, movies, albums, CDs, and the like? And what is the worst title you've ever encountered?
Best: Kesey, Ken: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Worst: Kill Bill
