Today’s interview is with M. K. French, author of “Artless,” one of the stories in Envision: Future Fiction.

Synopsis: Imagine this: Imagination is not allowed here. Creativity? In this Artless world, it’s considered an illness. What will happen to Enzo, who yearns to create?

What prompted you to write “Artless,” M. K.?

I wondered, What would happen if artists became suppressed to the point of “extinction?” And then I thought, Wouldn’t that be a tragedy? What would that kind of world be like?

How did you come up with the title?

The original title for this story was “Grandiose,” one of my favorite words. This whole story sort of hinged around that word, and my contemplations of it. For me, it has very positive connotations. I love things that are extravagant, flamboyant, or over-the-top. However, I noticed that this word is often used in sarcasm, or criticism, i.e., someone’s “grandiose plans” or “grandiose visions.” I tend to believe, perhaps naively, that nothing superlative in this world would ever be achieved without the “far-fetchedness” of someone’s imagination, and the passion to realize those imaginings.

As for how I arrived at “Artless,” I felt that suited the story better because it had a double meaning. Literally, this fictional world is without art. It’s artless. But it also means to lack any sort of pretention or deception. It’s what’s simple and natural. I thought it was symbolic of the innate desire that artists, like Enzo, have to create.

What was the hardest thing about writing the story?

I had to do some research on some of the scientific terms to try to create this kind of world. But researching in itself wasn’t that difficult. The hardest thing to do was to attempt to give the language a detached, scientific feel, to take the “art” out of some of our lovely expressions. It felt counter-intuitive. Ultimately, I was happy with the result because it created a subtle irony and mocking tone which worked well for this story.

And the easiest?

The easiest thing, when it came to writing Enzo, was to imagine myself as a child. To write the adults, all I had to do was channel every anti-artistic sentiment I’ve heard over the years into a few well-meaning characters, who have themselves been conditioned by horrific (and frankly, dangerous) ideas about what is and is not valuable in our lives.

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

If I’m being totally honest, this story was born out of personal frustrations — some that hearken back to my own childhood, and some that I have now as an educator. For as long as I can remember, I have longed to create. I loved writing stories, and making visual art and music. In fact, I was often praised for my talents. But as I “grew up,” I was consistently steered away from creative endeavors as a professional choice. Many adults in my life relegated my creative pursuits to the realm of the “hobby,” and I was told repeatedly to give my energy to something more “practical.” I still see an unfortunate trend toward the devaluing of artistic pursuits in educational settings by well-intentioned adults.

Does the story contain a message?

Absolutely. Several. But probably the most important is that life without art, or the artists who make it, would be very bleak indeed. It truly takes all kinds to make the world go round.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing poems and short stories since I was about six years old.

What first attracted you to writing?

I remember feeling like an odd kid. Besides being odd, I was stubborn, often doing something other than what people wanted me to do or expected of me. And then my mother and I read The Story of Ferdinand, by Munro Leaf. And after we were finished, I felt ok about myself. And that was beautiful and magical to me. I wanted to create characters people could find themselves in. I wanted to do my part to offer any small amount of truth to the world that I could, even if told through my humble little filter. I believe everyone has truths inside of them that need to be shared. That’s what writing does.

Stories, to me, are the definition of power and magic. They have the power to take other humans to another realm, even if only briefly. As soon as I came to understand that I too, might learn this craft, I started writing.

What’s the best thing about being an author?

Writing never feels like work to me.

And the worst?

Writing can make a person feel very vulnerable. No matter what you write, there’s a piece of you (or a whole lot of you) in it. And to set your words down and offer them up to the world is like doing battle in the Colosseum, and then waiting for Caesar to give you the thumbs up or down. You expect criticism, even welcome it. But sometimes it can hurt when the lines between criticism and personal rejection get blurry. This is a constant struggle.

Can you offer any advice to other writers?

Be bold. Break the rules. Get it out. Write first, ask questions later. Also, be wary of advice.

What types of stories do you like to read?

My favorite genres are science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal. I am a big fan of anything with a twist ending that I didn’t see coming.

Which writers inspire you?

That is an extremely difficult question. My first instinct is to say, “all of them.” But in this genre particularly: Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Shirley Jackson, Stephen King, Ursula Le Guin, Rod Serling.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

My main strategies are

• Doing something else creative, like drawing, painting, cooking, crafting — the messier, the better. I think it’s good to let go of restrictions and let your mind go wild.
• I give myself an assignment and a deadline to force the issue. I take a break from what I’m working on and try another piece. I’ve found that random input prompts work best for me: being given a word that I must incorporate into the story, a specific genre, object, or character, or any combination of the above. I’ve found that getting myself into a contest is also a good way to push through. The immediate result might not be pretty, but it allows your mind to sort of subconsciously work the other problem while you’re “away.”

What are you working on right now?

I have a few projects going right now. One is a frame story that will become a vessel for some of my shorter pieces (like Bradbury’s The Illustrated Man). I am also drafting my first screenplay (in my head).

Do you write every day?

I know this isn’t a trick question, but my answer will sound a little dodgy: yes and no. I don’t physically type or write every day, but my mind often works on pieces while I’m doing other mundane things. I consider this writing, since I sometimes even get whole scenes and dialogue that come into my head. It’s just a matter of hanging on to them until I can get them down. I tend to physically write in spurts and starts, but when a really good idea takes hold, I have a hard time leaving it, and will even forgo (or forget) other things — even eating or sleeping — to keep writing.

Would you be willing to share a few lines of your current work in progress?

This is from my frame story. Its working title is “Human Resources.”

A sterile cart with a black body bag was wheeled down the hall by an orderly. He stopped at a door marked “Human Resources,” and gently pushed it open.

“This one’s ready.” The orderly said, releasing it into the care of the HR department. Zzzzzip. He spun on his heels and whistled Zippety-Do-Dah as he walked back through the swinging door.

What was left of the carcass in the bag was barely recognizable as a human being. The two figures hoisting it up and transferring it to the cold, stainless steel table seemed barely so either, for they wore the full body bio-hazard protection suits necessary in their profession. The only thing intact was a balding, grey-haired head attached to a spinal cord, which lobbed about as the workers removed it from the bag, wriggling the decimated pile of flesh and bone into position.

How much time do you spend doing research?

I don’t know if I could quantify it, but if I had to guess, I’d say it constitutes maybe ten percent of the process from beginning to end of a story. I try to get the big picture together first, and worry about the details later.

Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

“Life is too short to have anything but delusional notions about yourself.” – Gene Simmons

Please tell us all about you.

I am many things by day and night: a wife, a mother, and a teacher. In all the nooks and crannies in between those devotions, I am a writer, a poet, mediocre artist, a voracious reader and a connoisseur of all nerdy things. My formal education includes a Bachelor’s degree in English, and a Master’s Degree in Integrated Fine Arts & Education, both from the University of Montana — Missoula.

Rural Montana is my home, and I am so grateful for the blissfully simple life I live with salt-of-the-earth people. I have found a purpose in trying my utmost to promote a love of art and literature, especially among young people. Here, I also have the space and inspiration to daydream often.

Besides being an educator for fifteen years, I have worked as a journalist, a freelance writer, a waitress, a sawyer, an administrative assistant, a bartender, a cook, a housekeeper, a grocery checkout girl, a shoe saleswoman … all endeavors which have not only given me fodder for my work, but a healthy dose of faith in humanity.

Would you like to share an embarrassing or funny moment with us?

I tend to have these daily, so it’s difficult to narrow it down. But recently, I was “caught” doing Karaoke by my daughter and a couple of her friends. I didn’t notice them in the crowd, because I was “singing” and reading the screen. The “song” was “Ice, Ice Baby,” by Vanilla Ice.

Where do you see your writing career in ten years?

I see my writing career as being distinguished and fabulous, of course! By then, I will have penned and published numerous life-changing works that will have provided me with an agent, a cozy studio just for writing, and book signings in far-flung places (see also, my favorite quote, above). Whether this happens or not, I will still be clacking away at home with my dogs and my coffee maker.

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

I think it will be even more democratized, due to technology. I think more and more people will publish their work, which will be available to a truly world-wide audience (maybe even inter-planetary audience, you never know what will happen in ten years!).

What advice would you give your teenage self?

I would say, “Be a writer or artist or musician if you want to. Why not? The universe will provide for you. Also: carbohydrates are not your friends. Avoid them at all costs!”

Where can we find you on the Internet?

http://www.scribophile.com/authors/m-k-french/

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

Thanks very much for including my work in this anthology. I was honored to have my work appear alongside other talented writers.

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