Interview with Kara Weeks: Runner Up in the Fall 2019 Flash Fiction Contest

Kara Weeks lives in New York City with her tortoiseshell cat named Beatrice. She works full-time in creative advertising and finds time to write on nights and weekends in between cups of coffee and glasses of wine. She is currently working on a series of short stories, which she hopes to complete this year. When Kara isn't writing, she can be found exploring a new corner of the world, walking with a camera in hand around New York City, burying her nose in a book, or lacing up her running shoes for her next race. You can follow her on Instagram: @karaweeks27.

Before you read her interview, be sure to read her story What Father Knows, then come on back!

-- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: First of all, congratulations on winning runner up in the fall flash fiction writing contest! Can you tell us about what inspired this story? 

Kara: Thank you! A friend of mine had a family member who had a similar experience with her father. It stuck with me so I began writing the fictional characters of Bri and her dad to explore the father-daughter relationship and how strong that bond is. Ultimately, they'll love each other no matter what and I wanted to unveil their years of love and history as an anchor for them.

WOW: You absolutely captured that relationship! I see that you work in creative advertising! How does your work in advertising influence your short stories? 

Kara: Advertising at its core is about storytelling. The work I do for brands is about finding what that story is and how to continue the narrative in a succinct, engaging way. Thinking with that lens for work has deepened my skills for storytelling as a writer in my personal life and vice versa.

WOW: I think that's a fantastic way of both worlds inspiring each other! You are currently working on a series of short stories. Can you tell us a little bit about them? 

Kara: It will be an anthology following the same character, a 28-year old woman who is crippled by the monotony of her suburban married life. I'm still workshopping but it has taken a darkly comic angle so far. I'm excited to see where she takes me.

WOW: That sounds so interesting! So, you are my Instagram inspiration! I can see you have an eye for photography. Do your photographs ever influence or inspire your writing? 

Kara: Thank you so much! As a photographer, I'm captivated by details - the chipped edge of a building, the slight reflection of light on glass. In my writing I take the same approach, I like details that tell the story more than a comprehensive, play-by-play narrative would. I actually have a separate Instagram for my photography if anyone would like to follow me there! @karaweeksphotography

WOW: Well, I'm definitely following you now! Lastly, what writing advice has stayed with you the most? 

Kara: All good writers are readers first.

WOW: I totally agree! Best of luck with your writing and congrats again!