BackStory: Five Questions with Nicola Davison
Author of Der Bibliophile
What inspired you to write ‘Der Bibliophile’?
I was searching online for something completely unrelated when I came across a photograph of book burning in Germany, 1933. It stole my attention. I was transfixed on the faces of those stoking the fire and the number of words being destroyed. I started thinking about the authors whom those burning words belonged to and considered their presence in this photograph.
If you could live for one year in any historical period when and where would it be, and why?
I’m tempted to say Ancient Egypt as I find it so mysterious and fascinating. However, as a huge fan of Shakespeare, I would have to go back to 1600 to see his plays performed at the original Globe theatre and to meet the man himself.
What do you like most about writing flash fiction?
I love the challenge of creating a snapshot of life that tells a complete story. It’s like a puzzle, finding the fewest words to create the greatest impact.
What is your favourite part of the writing process? Your least favourite?
Getting to know new characters is my favourite part. Exploring who they are and what stirs their emotions is so much fun and often surprising when they take you to places you didn’t expect to go.
My least favourite part is knowing when to stop writing/editing – I could literally work on one piece for an eternity!
What if anything, do you have in common with your main character?
I’d say an eclectic reading taste and a deep love of books. Books are like treasure to me – I will read (and hoard) anything and everything.
Nicola Davison is a writer from northeast England. She writes short fiction and relishes the challenge of telling a story in as few words as possible. Nicola’s daily writing companions include a badly behaved curly dog and a small herd of rescued guinea pigs.
Photograph of book burning, Berlin, Opernplatz, 10 May 1933, via Wikimedia Commons.
