Today’s interview is with Laura Alexandra Hunter, author of “The Ministry of Procreation,” one of the stories in Envision: Future Fiction.

Synopsis: Arthur struggles to find meaning in a world where everyone lives forever, until he finds a way to circumvent the government’s One-In/One-Out policy.

Laura, what prompted you to write “The Ministry of Procreation”?

This story came from a few questions that had been floating around in my subconscious for years. What would happen if people didn’t die? What if you had an incurable disease and a miracle cure was discovered after it was too late to save you? These joined together to create Arthur who was lucky enough to be “cured”, but at a later date than anyone else in the world. He will always be an old man in a world of the forever young.

How did you come up with the title?

Well, that was another what if — what if people had to have a license to reproduce? They would need to go to the Ministry of Procreation. It fitted in with my world, which has a “One in/One out Policy”.

What was the hardest thing about writing the story?

Trying to keep the amount of exposition in the story to a minimum, but still telling the story.

And the easiest?

The easiest was the last line. When I write, I create the first line and the last line and then try to fill in the space in between.

Is any part of “The Ministry of Procreation” based on real-life experience, or is it all imagination?

None of it is real.

Does the story contain a message?

No, it is just examines our humanness in a different social environment.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing seriously for about ten years, but I feel as if I have always been preparing for this.

What first attracted you to writing?

Reading led to writing.

What’s the best thing about being an author?

The intense feeling of pleasure when the words come out in the right order.

And the worst?

Not having enough time to devote to it completely.

Can you offer any advice to other writers?

Read, read, and read some more.

What types of stories do you like to read?

I am a book slut. I read everything from westerns to romance to literature with a capital L to the classics.

Which writers inspire you?

Too many to list, but right now I really love Amy Bloom.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Let’s not talk about that which we shall not name, a bit like the Scottish play.

What are you working on right now?

I am “between projects”.

Do you write every day?

Yes, when I have a project on the go.

How much time do you spend doing research?

It depends on the story, but I find it best to check and recheck even the simplest things.

Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

My screen saver is “Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” Stephen King

Please tell us all about you.

I’m a toddler wrangler trying to eke out some work time in between finding dummies and toilet training. I read and write a lot, love trivia and cooking, and pretend that I go to yoga, but haven’t actually attended a class for two years :-).

Where do you see your writing career in ten years?

My goal is to be able to write more than the current two hours per day.

What do you think the publishing world will look like in ten years?

In ten years’ time, people’s attention spans will have shortened to the point where short stories will be extremely popular and longer works will have shorter chapters.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

Take more risks!

Where can we find you on the Internet?

I occasionally tweet under the handle @LauraLxH and have two other pieces of flash fiction out on Every Day Fiction:

• “Before Dawn”
• “Strange Fruit”

Thank you, Laura. I look forward to reading more of your writing.

No, thank you, Kathy. Working with you has been a pleasure.

---