Six Questions for Emma Kalson, Storytelling Enabler, Escaped Ink

Escaped Ink publishes tall tales and short stories of up to 500 words, and we love original fiction and non-fiction across a range of genres and boundaries. Find our open calls for submissions here.

SQF: Why did you start this magazine?

Emma Kalson: I love flash fiction—there’s something deeply satisfying about encapsulating a story in so few words. And people’s time is limited, so I think of flash fiction as escapism without the commitment of having to read a novel—giving people the ability to step outside of their lives for just a few moments is a very powerful thing. I’m also passionate about helping new authors out and Escaped Ink is the perfect vehicle for that.


SQF: What are the top three things you look for in a submission and why?

EK: I start with ensuring people have adhered to the word count and that themes and language used are appropriate. Once that’s confirmed, I look at pacing, plot, characterisation, grammar etc… The more polished a story, and the more it captures my attention, the better. And finally, it has to resonate with me in some way.


SQF: What most often turns you off to a submission?

EK: Misogyny, racism, homophobia, political extremism and ableism, for a start. Escaped Ink is an inclusive, safe space and any story that doesn’t fit that remit will automatically be rejected. The other big reason for rejection is too high a word count or if it’s a genre I don’t publish (poetry, children’s literature or YA fiction). I want a story to grab me—grammar and spelling can be edited—and if it’s boring, incomplete or feels like part of a bigger piece, I’m not interested. The author needs to care about their submission too.


SQF: Many editors list erotica, or sex for sex sake, as hard sells. What are hard sells for your publication?

EK: Anything that threatens the tolerant, safe space I strive for Escaped Ink to be. I want the stories to reflect the beautiful diversity of being human and there’s no room for hate in there.


SQF: What magazines/zines do you read on a “regular” basis?

EK: I don’t particularly! There’s so much great writing out there and so many brilliant places curating that writing, so I tend to fall down the rabbit hole of finding new presses and binge-reading them.


SQF: What one question on this topic do you wish I'd asked that I didn't? And how would you answer it?

EK: What’s your favourite part of running Escaped Ink?

I love reading the submissions—there’s a huge range of talent and I feel very privileged that writers trust me with their words.

Thank you, Emma. We all appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to participate in this project.