Joy Florentine has the singular distinction of providing more content to the rerun feature than stories. Still, to date, her first LS story is a wonder of brevity and displays what a flash piece can be, other than short.
Ladybird is a wonderful little thing about memories expanding like concentric circles in water, unconnected yet caused by the same source.
Q. The weaving of the past and present is beautifully done. Were there several drafts of this piece or was it a fairly straightforward bit of work?
Q. Although I find it perfect as is, Is there anything you’d change, now that time has passed?
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Leila
Joy’s responses
Q. The weaving of the past and present is beautifully done. Were there several drafts of this piece or was it a fairly straightforward bit of work?
Thank you! There was actually one other major draft in which the main character reflected back on a love interest he had as a child. Her name was Mary, and there was a scene in which they shared their first kiss under the tree. However, when my writing buddy read it after I’d told her something about the story seemed off, she looked me in the eyes and said: ‘Kill Mary.’ Of course that wasn’t a literal kill as much as a sign that Mary didn’t belong in this particular story. I would like to believe Mary went off to live a happy life, though.
Q. Although I find it perfect as is, Is there anything you’d change, now that time has passed?
I don’t think I would in all honesty! This started as an exercise for one of my writing classes, with a technique I had never used before. I had never imagined it turning out quite so well, and I’m very proud to call this my first publication, hopefully of many more to come in the future.
literally stories 
Joy–
It’s great to see this up again today. Thank you for your answers. You indeed have a promising future as a writer.
Leila
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Thank you for picking my story as a Rerun, Leila. I really appreciate it. Hope you’re well!
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I’m glad this was chosen as a Rerun because I missed it the first time around. Subtle and all-the-more powerful because of it. And to think English isn’t the author’s mother tongue. Sorry to hear about Mary, but the story is more-focused without her.
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Thank you, David. I do think Mary perhaps belongs in another story. Who knows where she might pop up in the future!
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Hi Leila,
This is one that you recognise as soon as you start reading it.
Brilliant choice and your questions gave us something very interesting.
Joy – I re-read this and still find it hypnotic and beautifully controlled.
Your comment about removing a character brings up a superb lesson on focus. If the story balance is wrong then you need to see what you have to release.
We find this can happen when writers are trying to finish their story, they either add too much on or they complicate the round-up. Sometimes it’s best overall to only use what is really needed and relevant to the particular situation that you want to focus on.
All the very best folks!
Hugh
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Hi Hugh, thank you for your lovely words! Hope you’re doing well.
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