Author Spotlight: Fiona M Jones

Bio: Fiona M Jones writes very short things–fiction, nonfiction, and sometimes poetry. One of her stories gained a star rating in Tangent Online’s “Recommended Reading” list for 2020. Fiona’s published work is linked through @FiiJ20 on both Facebook and Twitter. You can find her pieces in Epoch Issue 4, Transitions: Two micro CNFs, “Pinks and Purples” and “Autumn Frost”.

‘Transitions’ is such an evocative theme, what compelled you to submit for this issue?

I rarely write to a particular theme. I have a habit of writing nature-themed micro CNFs and it’s not always easy to place nature writing, or micros, with a publisher. So I keep a lookout for themed submission calls and submit my pieces–in groups if possible–when an opportunity comes up. This piece ( https://www.amsterdamquarterly.org/aq_issues/aq28-the-weather/fiona-jones-twinkling/ ) went to a “Weather” theme, and this one ( https://micropodcast.org/podcast/reneau-x-duckler-x-jones/ ) to an “Earth” theme, for example. I’m looking forward to seeing other writers’ takes on “Transition”.

Do you have a routine for writing? If so, what is it and how has it evolved?

I need to improve my routine for writing. It seems to depend on my being alone in the house, and that’s not happening with any regularity these days. That’s possibly one reason why I’m currently writing very short pieces. As for my actual process of writing… I’m one of those people who use pen and paper. I’ve described my writing ritual in detail here: https://www.twentytwotwentyeight.com/single-post/2020/09/04/Nonfiction-Writing-Rituals .

Do you find that CNF comes easy to you as a writer and/or what is challenging about it?

Flash and micro CNF seem to be my natural form of writing. I really enjoy working on the rhythm and cadence of sentences so that the piece reads well aloud. This is one from three years ago that really needs to be read aloud: https://folded.wordpress.com/2018/11/07/insect/ . Writing nonfiction sometimes sounds like less fun than poetry or fiction, but you can be as fanciful, humorous or playful as you like. I had fun with pieces such as https://www.elsewhere-journal.com/blog/2020/6/16/here-were-giants and https://hcemagazine.com/negotiation-fiona-jones/ . I would like to see humour given the same poetic validity as any other emotion or mood.

What is song is on repeat for you right now?

Recently I wrote up an article for Mythaxis Review, interviewing the singer/songwriter Bruce Sudano ( https://mythaxis.com/2021/10/28/tell-me-im-not-dreaming-bruce-sudano/ ). I had never heard his name before, but I ended up watching “In Shadowland” ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_b0oWuq13k ) over and over because of its ambiguous quality that invites every listener to form their own interpretation.

Epoch Press

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Author Spotlight: Fiona M Jones

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