Charlotte Lit is happy to welcome back Tara Campbell as one of our fall teachers. You might remember her as the judge for the Lit/South flash fiction category in 2022. Beginning October 30, Tara will offer a four-session, generative fiction class via Zoom called “Four Weeks, Four Flash.” And you can register in advance NOW!

Tara’s publications run the gamut from stories to novels to poetry. Her sixth book, a work of speculative climate fiction, is coming from Santa Fe Writers Project this fall. She answered a few questions from us so you could get acquainted with her.

What’s a favorite pastime that’s not reading- or writing-related?

In the past I would have said playing cello or painting, but now the closest things would be knitting, taking care of my babies (my plants), and going for walks around the lake in our neighborhood. I’m actually in between obsessions at the moment, still looking for activities that can take my mind completely off reading and writing. Now that I live in Seattle, I think I’m legally required to take up pickleball within the year.

If you could pick a superpower, what would it be?

This may sound pathetic, but: swimming. I’ve tried lessons at various points in my life, and I could probably dogpaddle my way to shore in a pinch, but I’ve never been at ease in the water. If I’m choosing a superpower, it would be the ability to swim down deep to see all the elusive underwater life we never get to experience outside of photos.

What’s a book you’ve read recently that you’d recommend? Any genre!

I’m in the middle of Sofia Samatar’s debut short story collection Tender (Small Beer Press, 2017). I love the lushness of the settings and language, and her ability to balance pathos with a bit of humor. I also admire her ability to manage ambiguity, which is something I’m working on in my own craft. How much do you reveal vs. leave unsaid? Those lingering questions that readers ponder afterward are what can make a great story even more memorable — if you haven’t frustrated your reader too much in the process!

Food and drink while you’re writing: yes or no?

When I’m really focused, I tend not to eat anything. I might sip at the same cup of coffee I poured myself two hours ago, or the fruit smoothie my husband brings me because I forget to eat. When I’m blocked or simply on a break, almonds are my favorite snack. And, of course, chocolate.

What’s a piece of writing advice you got and never forgot?

One of my MFA professors noticed that I tended to double up on adjectives (like a “bright, shining” object or a “deep, rich” voice). Here I thought adding more descriptors was more, well, descriptive, but it was actually bogging down my prose. It was hard to choose which of my words to let go, but I tried it, and over time I realized she was right. This advice has been especially helpful with flash fiction. This isn’t to say you can never double up, but it’s better to be aware of it, and do it for a specific reason rather than out of habit. It’s the classic case of less is more.

Describe your teaching style in three words.

Accessible, collaborative, supportive

What are you looking forward to in teaching “Four Weeks, Four Flash” for Charlotte Lit in the fall?

I love seeing the creative spark in my students. We’ve all been blocked or in a rut at some point, and I find it exciting to help someone else break through to the other side of the things that are holding them back.