LJ Sexton was runner-up in the comedy section of our bursary Writing Competition. We caught up with her to chat about her story “Wild Civilisation” which appears in this week’s issue.
Tell us about your story, “Wild Civilisation”.
The concept for “Wild Civilisation” came from witnessing everyday inequality in civilisation. Its about an entitled woman who is deeply unhappy with her life and looks down on immigrants and refugees. It highlights injustices and compares real trauma/heartache with futile upset. I heard about a lady who sold her home baking to her neighbours during lockdown, rather than sharing her food with the poor and the character developed from there.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve always written. English was my favourite subject, but I began taking my writing more seriously when I went to university at 46, (9 yrs ago) to study English literature and creative writing. So I guess you could say doing this gave me the impotes to write more and write well.
Where did you hear about our Bursary Writing Competition?
I saw the comp details on X/Twitter and decided to apply because of the magazine’s popularity and predominantly female readership.
Which authors do you admire?
I have a really eclectic taste when it comes to writers. “The Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini are big favourites. I always find myself drawn to Irish writers because of my Irish heritage, so I adore John Boyne, Colm Toibin, Louise Kennedy, Donal Ryan and of course, James Joyce. “Dubliners” is my all time favourite short story.
How long have you been writing?
I’m writing all the time. I have a monthly column in “The Irish Voice “newspaper here in Scotland and I really enjoy writing short stories.
What are your future writing plans?
I have finished a novel, “Sinead’s Way” about a woman who walks The Camino Way and finds inner peace and love in her mid forties, so I am currently trying to find a home for that.
Tracey Steel Having worked on a number of magazines over the years, I have found my perfect place on the “Friend” as I’m obsessed with reading and never go anywhere without a book! I read all of our stories with a mug of tea close by and usually a bit of strong cheese too!
