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Mel Fawcett lives in London. He’s been writing ever since leaving art school in the ’60s. His first story to be published was in 1974 and he was paid £250 for it. That’s equivalent to more than £3000 in today’s money. He often wonders what happened.
Clearly, one thing that did happen was that weekly short fiction in big-paying magazines came to an end (except for the chosen few). Also, as often happens to a budding writer, life got in the way—earning a living, paying a mortgage, being a father, having no time--no end of excuses! Then, almost before he knew it (or so it seems now), his working life as a carpenter was over and he was retired—that’s when he finally started getting stories published on a regular basis. But by then the gravy train had long since left the station.
‘I am well aware that regrets are a waste of time. But if I had one it would be for having an aversion to being taught how to do anything. Whether as a carpenter, a motorbike rider (another great joy), or writer, I’ve always preferred to teach myself. Maybe it would have been better if I’d learned to take instruction. But one thing’s for sure, it’s too late to worry about it now.’
Clearly, one thing that did happen was that weekly short fiction in big-paying magazines came to an end (except for the chosen few). Also, as often happens to a budding writer, life got in the way—earning a living, paying a mortgage, being a father, having no time--no end of excuses! Then, almost before he knew it (or so it seems now), his working life as a carpenter was over and he was retired—that’s when he finally started getting stories published on a regular basis. But by then the gravy train had long since left the station.
‘I am well aware that regrets are a waste of time. But if I had one it would be for having an aversion to being taught how to do anything. Whether as a carpenter, a motorbike rider (another great joy), or writer, I’ve always preferred to teach myself. Maybe it would have been better if I’d learned to take instruction. But one thing’s for sure, it’s too late to worry about it now.’
Interview with Mel Fawcett
about his story "Deterioration"
Honorable Mention for The Scribes Prize
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What inspired this piece?
I was trying to think of what to give to a friend. But then, more importantly, the wife-character took over and made it what it is, leaving me only to tidy up.
What draws you to the micro-fiction format?
Not a very original thought, but it’s like trying to catch a butterfly in your hands without harming it.
Who are some authors that inspire you?
In the past, undoubtedly Malamud and T C Boyle. And then I found George Saunders! I only wish I’d found him earlier.
If you could continue writing your story after these 100 words, what would happen next?
Best not to ask, because my stories rarely end happily.
What's next on the horizon for you?
At 82 years of age, I try not to think about it. Like I said, my stories rarely end happily.
Any advice to your younger self?
Never think you’re good enough without instruction.
I was trying to think of what to give to a friend. But then, more importantly, the wife-character took over and made it what it is, leaving me only to tidy up.
What draws you to the micro-fiction format?
Not a very original thought, but it’s like trying to catch a butterfly in your hands without harming it.
Who are some authors that inspire you?
In the past, undoubtedly Malamud and T C Boyle. And then I found George Saunders! I only wish I’d found him earlier.
If you could continue writing your story after these 100 words, what would happen next?
Best not to ask, because my stories rarely end happily.
What's next on the horizon for you?
At 82 years of age, I try not to think about it. Like I said, my stories rarely end happily.
Any advice to your younger self?
Never think you’re good enough without instruction.