Achieving publication is amazing, but the most important thing I've learnt, thus far, is that you have to write for yourself and feel proud in yourself whatever happens. Clarissa Pattern

Leodegraunce: Clarissa, please tell Leodegraunce readers a bit about your background.

Clarissa Pattern: I had a bit of a mad upbringing, but one of the most important moments for my sanity was when I first read Wuthering Heights and realised how beautiful and complex and eternally meaningful the written word could be.

Leodegraunce: How long have you written flash fiction and what drew you to the genre?

Clarissa Pattern: I discovered flash fiction online years ago and immediately loved how writers could capture the significance of little moments and mould them into stories. I find the best ones are like short sharp punches to the mind that can leave you reeling.
A lot of my flash fiction (like my poetry!) is better kept for my own eyes only, but occasionally I create something that I really want to share with other people who enjoy the form as much as I do.

Leodegraunce: What are some of your recent works?

Clarissa Pattern: I often publish under a pen name, but I have stories included in anthologies for Bridgehouse publishing which are under my own name.

Leodegraunce: What are some of your writing plans for 2012?

Clarissa Pattern: Finishing the first draft of my current novel is my main priority, but there are also lots of incomplete ideas floating about in my notebooks which I would love to find the time to work on.

Leodegraunce: What is your top writing tip for aspiring authors?

Clarissa Pattern: Achieving publication is amazing, but the most important thing I've learnt thus far, is that you have to write for yourself and feel proud in yourself whatever happens.