Alistister Mackay, a local South African writer, has spent years refining the craft of short fiction, and his new collection, The Lucky Ones and Other Stories, proves just how emotionally powerful a few carefully chosen pages can be. Speaking on Book Bites, Mackay opened up about how he began writing at an early age, the role of discipline in creativity, and how both imagination and observation fuel his work.
Mackay, who began telling stories as a child, says his writing journey began in his mother’s home, where she saved his earliest illustrated pages. Over time, writing shifted from a creative outlet to a serious discipline, even if a literary career once felt out of reach. With limited exposure to South African authors growing up, he found the path unclear. But his mother’s faith in his writing never wavered, something that continues to give him strength.
Now based in South Africa, Mackay creates fiction rooted in real emotions. He finds short stories to be the most natural medium for expressing moments that matter. Rather than sprawling storylines, he favors vignettes that evoke specific characters, mental states, or inner shifts. Whether he’s writing about grief, gender identity, or climate anxiety, Mackay carefully balances what he imagines with what he observes in everyday life.
He emphasized how vital this mix is. While his speculative fiction builds entirely new worlds, his more realistic stories draw directly from ordinary interactions; the kind he often records mentally during daily life. What makes the work shine is this careful balance: enough emotional truth to feel real, enough creativity to stretch beyond the expected.
SMread: Muslims Return to Al Aqsa to Revive Faith
When it comes to writing itself, Mackay admits he sometimes struggles with perfectionism. He avoids editing too early in the process because it can block the flow of ideas. Instead, he focuses on writing freely at first, then returns to shape the work with help from others. Collaborative editing, through writing groups and professionals, is key to maintaining the empathy and authenticity he strives for.
He sees the act of writing not as a solo pursuit but a shared responsibility to do justice to the characters and experiences he portrays. “It’s been great. Very inspiring weekend. I’m exhausted but feeling very happy,” he said, reflecting on the experience of sharing his craft with others.
And while short stories may seem small in form, Mackay doesn’t take them lightly. “So I think it takes talent also as as much as it takes discipline,” he noted. In his world, the short story is no shortcut. It’s a form that demands precision, patience, and emotional clarity, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
For more on this, watch the video below:
Image: Franschhoek Literary Festival
