"I Believe in the Writing." A Chat with David Galef, Editor of Vestal Review
Editor of "the longest-running flash fiction magazine on Earth" takes us behind the scenes
Another editor interview is in the books, my friends!
Today I had the great pleasure of speaking with David Galef, Editor of Vestal Review. This magazine, which launched over two decades ago, “is the longest-running flash fiction magazine on Earth—and perhaps the Milky Way.”
Before the interview, I read several of the pieces in the magazine’s latest issue. Many of them are poignant indeed. David and I spoke about the story “Seek” by Robert Warf. This story struck me as a piece that achieves so much of what great flash fiction is meant to—a strong sensory experience, a deep relationship captured in just a few words, a surprising turn, and harrowing imagery that is difficult to forget.
The latest issue is full of powerful pieces, but of course time prevented us from being able to discuss them all. What we did get to discuss is what makes a piece of flash fiction successful in general. For David, there are many answers. He emphasized the importance of interesting character (encapsulated in just a few potent descriptors), a strong voice, vivid imagery, and stories that dramatize rather than describe.
There are many terms for flash fiction nowadays—“micro fiction,” “sudden fiction,” “hint fiction” and more. David explained the distinctions between these categories. He also described important differences between prose poetry and flash fiction, as well as the difference between good flash fiction and mere anecdotes.
I have heard it said that focusing too much on flash fiction can be detrimental to writers interested in producing longer work. Can emphasizing compression make it difficult to transition to novel-writing? Are there skills that can be cultivated which apply to all forms of writing?
Also, what can writers do to get away from familiar subjects that editors see repeatedly? How can they approach their work from a fresh vantage point and in ways that are stylistically innovative? What, too, are common pitfalls that flash fiction writers fall into, and how can these be overcome?
To hear David’s wonderful answers these questions, my dears, you will have to watch the video!
Vestal Review has two reading periods. The fall reading period ends November 30th. All work must be under 500 words (which sounds short, but if you look at the work on their site you will see that a lot can be achieved within this constraint!).
They also have a contest running until the end of October for flash food writing. The first three winners will receive cash. Five runners-up receive chocolate-chip cookies.
To everyone who came out today, thank you for tuning in. Your faces deliver the effervescent bubble to my bath, the sweet cool breeze to my hot humid day!
And, of course, thank you to David for taking the time to share insights into yet another lovely little magazine.
Happy viewing!