Ringtone, Twitter Short Story by Katie Sandberg

Watch RINGSTONE, 140 Character Short Story:

Get to know writer Katie Sandberg:

1) What is your very short story about?

I knew that to connect with readers, there would have to be a universal theme, or at least a cliche, that could flash brightly. I chose mystery for the genre – maybe because I was in the midst of a Longmire binge on Netflix. So I typed a moment that might grab any of us in the amygdala.

2) What motivated you to write this story and submit it to the festival?

I’ve made my living as a writer for a long time now, but it’s always been nonfiction: marketing, journalism and grant writing. I’m now doing grant writing 100%, so this was a delightful way to break up the finals week-style stress with some imaginative fun. What a great concept you’ve developed!

3) What movie have you seen the most in your life?

I was a scuba instructor in Hawaii during the filming of “Waterworld,” and my husband (Greg Sandberg) was a safety diver for the movie, so that would be “Waterworld.” Despite its umm… lack of brevity, I enjoy the sci-fi-meets-rock-opera feel of the film and its environmental message. It also brings back fun memories like certifying a special effects guy in scuba and later hearing his explosions erupt in the distance during a dive. The movie is a fine lesson in the need for writers (and directors) to self-edit – it would have been twice as good in half the length.

4) How many scripts and stories have you written?

No scripts. As for stories, hundreds if you count journalism and grant writing. Creative nonfiction is a concept I strive to incorporate into my work. Fiction hasn’t really happened yet. I feel similarly to Frank McCourt, whom I got to spend one wonderful work day with. He said he didn’t feel he had a story in him until his 60s, and even then, it was nonfiction – memoir, as we know and love. So I guess it’s still coming.

5) What artists would you love to work with?

I like finely crafted and understated performances. Writers like Annie Dillard, poets like Terry Tempest Williams, actors like Robert Duvall, songwriters like Gillian Welch.

6) What is your passion in life?

Earnest but true – making a positive difference either in my work for kids or the environment or for the people I love. That’s why I’ve worked for nonprofits for most of my adult life. Adding to the world instead of subtracting in the overall equation.

7) Any tips for other writers who want to write a 140 character short story?

As we all know, tweets are a moment. Make an emotional connection, even if it’s a subtle one.

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