Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri Dodd: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, August 24, 2026
Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri Dodd

It's always fun to have an author return so we can enjoy all the book in their series. Today it's Sherri Dodd with Book 2 in her Murder, Tera & Crystals trilogy. Join us as we celebrate the launch of Moonset on Desert Sands with a special giveaway and an author interview! This is the perfect book to embrace as we say good-bye to summer and welcome those autumn vibes.

But before we get to that, here's more about her book:

With a traumatic year of fending off a serial killer behind her, Arista has settled contentedly into her temporary home with Auntie in Sedona, Arizona. She enjoys her new job selling all things metaphysical and even has her eye on the hot security guard, Dakota, after her recent breakup with Shane.

But a series of new fainting spells has her worried, and when Auntie witnesses one, they decide the answer lies in her home of Boulder Creek. However, returning means not only dealing with her breakup and its heartache but also the possibility of drawing her bloodthirsty Uncle Fergus to her once safe haven in the redwoods. And this time he has recruited an even more dangerous alliance.

Arista's closest bonds will be strengthened, but the mounting tension of a death in the desert, a stalker on the streets, and the relentless pursuit of Fergus puts her in dangerous territory, and escaping sorrow proves impossible.

Publisher: Black Rose Writing (March 27, 2025)
AISN:  B0DF33L1YW
ISBN: 168513579X
ISBN-13: 978-1685135799
Print length:  331 pages

Purchase your copy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You'll also want to add it to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Sherri Dodd

Sherri grew up in southeastern Texas walking barefoot and catching crawdads as they swam the creek beds. Her childhood ran rampant with talk of ghosts, demons, and backcountry folklore, inspiring her first short story about a poisonous flower that shot toxins onto curious children. Her classmate bought it for all the change in his pocket. Not long after, her mother packed the two of them up and headed to the central coast of California. She has explored the vast area ever since, using it as a catalyst to her writing, from journaling to fitness articles to fiction. She holds a bachelor’s degree, and is pursuing her master’s, in holistic theology and believes this helps her to see the world through a more colorful and accepting lens. 

In writing, her publisher labeled her 2024 debut novel as a
paranormal thriller. She would have described it as a cozy murder mystery with generous dashes of magic realism, showing that she loves to merge genres. Her trilogy — Murder,
Tea & Crystals — released book one - Murder Under Redwood Moon in March 2024; book two - Moonset on Desert Sands in March 2025; and the final book in the series- Hummingbird Moonrise released October 2025! All three books became an Amazon #1 Best Seller in the Occult Supernatural genre.


--Interview by Jodi M. Webb

WOW: Which character in your Murder, Tea & Crystals trilogy do you most identify with and why?

Sherri: I LOVE and hope to turn out like Auntie Bethie. I can already be a little spacey, love her
eclectic style, and mostly aspire to gain her optimistic wisdom. Unlike how I raised my sons (ha!), she does not dote on Arista but leads her in authoritative kindness. She has her friendship circle but is superbly independent. I love her quirkiness and it has inspired me to wear chandelier Tabra earrings, even in my Sunday hike exercise clothes, and it has also prompted my small Bethie hummingbird tattoo on my inner arm. Though, I do not foresee a head full of kinky red curls.

WOW: What was the most difficult thing about writing magic realism? Did you research wiccan practices or just create what felt right for your book?

Sherri: Yes, I thoroughly studied ‘white’ witchcraft to put forth an authentic piece of literature that
true modern-day witches can relate to. As an anecdote, one publisher asked me if I was qualified to write about witchcraft. While shocked, I had already done my homework so confidently told her yes. It is such a crucial aspect to ‘know’ what you are writing about in this era. Luckily, I happened to befriend a solitary witch without affiliation (non-Wiccan), and she was thrilled to relay endless information.

WOW: It's so great that you developed such a valuable friendship. I'm always eager to meet "experts" in just about anything - because you never know when they might be able to help you with a burning question about something that is key to a piece you're writing. Can you tell us a little about International Thriller Writers? 

Sherri: I was introduced to International Thriller Writers by fellow author Elena Hartwell, author of the 2024 award-winning A Cold, Cold World and many other great books. The membership offers abundant information from successful writers in the genre, provides an occasional 8-week online Thriller School, and offers some advertising of your approved book, among many other perks. It has been helpful, but I’ve only scratched the surface of its benefits!

WOW: I've found that the writing community is so supportive, but we have reach out and find the communities and the opportunities. As for supporting fellow writers, if you could give one piece of writing advice, what would it be? 

Sherri: Cliché – but Keep At It! You may find yourself writing and suddenly ask yourself why you think you’ll beat the odds of being one of the 3% who publish a book - Keep At It! You may skim through your final review of the finished product and think – This is nowhere near the quality of [insert best-selling author here] – Keep At It! After your 20th , 50th , and 74th agent or publisher rejection of “I’m going to pass…” – Keep At It! My deal came as response #75. To endure 74 No’s felt very sobering as to my potential step into the literary world, but I kept at it. 

Finally, when you are published and selling books and you get a negative review – because you will … if you want to write another book, remember that 3-word encouraging phrase.

WOW: Now that summer is [sob] coming to an end, can you share with us a favorite summer memory?

Sherri: Definitely one I’ll never forget - an eight-plus-hour treacherous trek in and out of the Grand Canyon. My husband and I trained for this grueling adventure for weeks … on a gym treadmill … with air conditioner. 

Day of, it was a beautiful early-September morning. We started out energized and well-nourished and carried four liters of iced water, a bag of Garden of Eatin’ Black Bean Tortilla chips, and two fruit strips between us. Posted at the trailhead was a notice about an athletic 23-year-old marathon runner who had died only days earlier. Sad, but down we went. 

People passed us with walking poles and four-foot-high backpacks. We walked unsupported and donned Jansport. Hiking groups marched by us in a rigid single formation, serious about their  undertaking. We ambled down side-by-side, discussing dreams and loving the scenery. Finally, we reached a plateau at about 4,000 feet down and the summer heat had started to tire us out. Heeding the aforementioned warning, we knew we would not reach the Colorado River this time. My husband spotted a small, marked foot-wide trail, and after an hour of walking across the plateau floor with no people in sight, we wondered if we had made a mistake. Then, we see a freshly-dropped Mott’s Fruit Snack wrapper – phew! On we went and finally made it to the watering hole full of hikers. 

Then, came the journey up! We were filthy in dust and sweat, tired, and sore, but climbing back up the canyon became the aim. Almost four hours up, one of us turned a bluish, purple color and was covered in chill bumps. It was not me. I had eaten that whole bag of chips, my fruit snacks and chugged all my water throughout the day. My husband, the more athletic of us, had focused on the journey – ate no chips and had a full liter remaining. We settled in the shade on a convenient boulder and used his water to cool him down while I fanned him. When he returned to his regular color, we carefully finished the hike, only an hour longer. 

I was not much better, during the last half hour, I developed a horrible nausea, and when we suddenly emerged amongst jabbering families discussing their double-scooped ice cream, boisterous siblings laughing at God-knows-what, and the promise of our hotel room, it all felt incredibly surreal. We landed in our bed and the lights went out for hours. When we awoke famished, we went to the lodge and scarfed down our Navajo Nachos appetizer with barely a breath between bites. Blood sugar restored, we awaited our meal while marveling at what we had just endured and ever so thankful for the accomplishment.

WOW: What an amazing adventure. Now that makes an awesome "What I Did Over Summer Vacation" essay. Finally...spill the tea! How is your Work In Progress coming along? Will it be published in 2027?

Sherri: My next book is complete, and I am waiting with bated breath for a 2027 date, but my publisher has asked me to be patient while they sort through their first-come pile. Clawing Her Way to Dawn is women’s fiction and a New Adult Thriller with elements of 80’s True Crime. It is oh-so-edgy and coming soon!

WOW: Not soon enough for us!

Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri L. Dodd Blog Tour

--Blog Tour Calendar

August 24th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of the second book in Sherri Dodd's Murder, Tea & Crystals trilogy: Moonset on Desert Sands. Read an interview with the author and enter the giveaway.

August 25th @ Cozy Home Delights 
Ashley reviews Moonset on Desert Sands & author Sherri Dodd writes about wild animals. Cozy Home Delights is also hosting a book giveaway.
https://cozyhomedelight.com/reviews

August 27th @ Knotty Needle
Judy's posting her review of Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri Dodd.

August 28th @ Kaecey McCormick
Writing deadlines have you stressed out? Relax with Yoga for Writers by Sherri Dodd, author of the Murder, Tea & Crystals trilogy.
https://www.kaeceymccormick.com/

August 31st @ All Things Writing
Author Sherri Dodd stops by with a post on why Stephen King was Right(or How Writers Become Mentally Involved in their Stories).

September 1st @ Words by Webb
Ready for a new season? Check out a paranormal mystery perfect for fall: Moonset on Desert Sands.

September 2nd @ Archeolibrarian
Dive into magic realism with an excerpt of Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri Dodd.

September 3rd @ Knotty Needle
Learn about Fitness and the Aging Body from Sherri Dodd.

September 8th @ A Wonderful World Of Words
Don't miss your final chance at a Moonset on Desert Sands giveaway. Author Sherri Dodd will also be writing about Dealing with Toxic Family Members.

September 9th @ Chapter Break 
Author Sherri Dodd explains how Writing a Standalone Novel is Entirely Different from Writing a Trilogy (plus a sneak peek at her WIP).

September 11th @ Word Magic
Author Sherri Dodd shares a peek at her writing life and new novel in today's interview.
https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

September 15th @ Words by Webb
Jodi shares why we should all be trying new genres - like magick realism.

September 18th @ Boys' Mom Reads!
Today's spotlight is on Moonset on Desert Sands, the second book in the Murder, Tea & Crystals trilogy.

September 20th @ Jill Sheet's Blog
Let's finish the Moonset on Desert Sands blog tour with a final interview with author Sherri Dodd.



***** BOOK GIVEAWAY PACKAGE *****

Enter to win an amazing Murder, Tea & Crystals prize that includes Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri Dodd as well as lots of other witch themed gifts including candles, gemstones, soap, lip balm, Oracle cards and more. Fill out the form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends September 6th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck! 

Moonset on Desert Sands Package Giveaway
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Interview with Wendy Fontaine: Q3 2026 Essay Contest 2nd Place Winner

Sunday, August 23, 2026
Wendy’s Bio: Wendy Fontaine’s work has appeared in American Scholar, Jet Fuel Review, Sweet Lit, Short Reads, Under the Sun and elsewhere. She has received nonfiction prizes from Identity Theory, Hunger Mountain, Streetlight Magazine and Tiferet Journal, as well as nominations to the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net anthologies. She serves as the flash creative nonfiction editor at Hippocampus Magazine and works as a board-certified inpatient pharmacy technician. 

If you haven't done so already, check out Wendy's award-winning essay "Ask Your Doctor if Empathy is Right for You" and then return here for a chat with the author. 

WOW: Congratulations on placing second in the Q3 2026 Essay Contest! How did you begin writing your essay and how did it and your writing processes evolve as you wrote? 

Wendy: I started writing this piece as a student studying pharmacology. Last year, after my daughter went away to college, I wanted to try something new professionally, so I went back to school to become a pharmacy technician. It’s a bit odd going back to school at age 51, but I like to learn so it just made sense. 

Pharmacology is the study of how medicines interact with the body, and part of my studies involved reading drug monographs, which are documents outlining a medication’s indications, dosages, side effects, and warnings. I thought it would be fun to combine my writer life and my pharmacology life and use that form for a hermit crab essay. I played around with a few different so-called “drugs” – and by that, I mean various social problems or personal issues of my own. Eventually I settled on empathy, which to me seems like something the world needs a lot more of right now. 

WOW: What a great process! Thank you for sharing that with us. What did you learn about yourself or your writing by creating this essay? 

Wendy: As I thought about the things that empathy could help “cure,” I kept a running list of events from national news stories. Mostly, they were things that outraged me – insensitivities toward groups of people or cruel comments made by political leaders. The list got very long very quickly! I had to choose timely, well-known examples. I also wanted to include the smaller, everyday injustices that can feel so big when the rest of life is wearing us down. 

What I learned about writing was how to balance narrative distance. I wanted to combine the medical syntax of the form, which can read as dry and detached, with the more direct address of second person and the use of very specific, very personal examples. I found that second person helped draw the reader in, while the specificity of examples gave everyone something to which they could relate. 

What I learned about myself is that I too could be better about putting myself in other people’s shoes. We all can be. You never know what another person is going through. 

I also learned that you can have a little fun sometimes. For example, see the rectal instructions for Empathy. 

WOW: Ha, yes! That line grabbed my attention. What have you learned or noticed about writing from serving as the flash creative nonfiction editor at Hippocampus Magazine? 

Wendy: So, so much! One of the best ways to become a better writer is by volunteering with a literary magazine and reading the many stories that come through the submissions portal. Not only does this help keep your favorite literary magazines afloat, but over time you will learn what works in a story, what is amiss, what needs cultivation and you will learn how to apply those perspectives to improve your own writing. You will also see what other members of the reading panel think of the stories, and you can compare notes and have a discussion with the other volunteer readers. It becomes a virtual literary community. 

I started as a member of the reading panel in 2019 and became flash editor in 2024. In that time, I’ve become much better at identifying the places where my own stories need work. I think I’ve become better at seeing the potential in other people’s stories as well. 

WOW: Becoming a reader and editor has benefited my writing so much, too! I urge all writers to engage with the literary community in this way. Which creative nonfiction essays or writers have inspired you most, and in what ways did they inspire you? 

Wendy: I often go back to Brenda Miller, whose writing conveys so much meaning in such small spaces. “Swerve” is one of my all-time favorite pieces. I am forever inspired by Bernard Cooper and the way his essays handle and illuminate memory. His essay, “Burl’s,” is on my top five list. Maybe my top three. I’ve read it at least a dozen times. And I keep Mary Oliver’s poem “Praying” taped to the wall in my writing space. It reminds me to pay attention to the divinity of small things. Mary makes literary elegance seem so simple. 

WOW: If you could tell your younger self anything about writing, what would it be? 

Wendy: I think I would tell my younger self that good writing doesn’t have to be perfect and it doesn’t have to be deep to be beautiful. Like Mary says, “It doesn’t have to be the blue iris; it could be weeds in a vacant lot.” Tell a good story and try to have fun. 

WOW: Thank you for your thoughtful responses. Happy writing! 


Interviewed by Anne Greenawalt, founder and editor-in-chief of Sport Stories Press, which publishes stories by, for, and about sportswomen and amateur athletes. Engage on social media @GreenMachine459.
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Writing Albums

Thursday, August 20, 2026


Recently, on my family's multi-generational annual vacation some of us were bemoaning the fact that, despite our co-workers knowing we were on vacation and our email responders politely telling people to go away until next Monday, most of us were still fielding work "emergencies".


I proudly announced that I was strictly away from the office (meaning my office job) until my mother pointed out that she knew I was on the computer late the night before.


"But that wasn't really work..." I tried to explain.


"She's a writer, mom," my brother said. "It's what writers do."


True to my brother's word, I was doing what writers do. Writing. Writing with no purpose, no assignment, no paycheck. I was capturing moments from our vacation with no thought of how they might eventually show up in my writing life.


I wrote about the odd combination of tasting the sweet tanginess of lemon chiffon ice cream while my nose was bombarded by the smell of Old Bay Seasoning from the restaurant next door. I wrote about the toasty feel of pouring noon hot sand over my feet in an oceanside DIY foot massage. I wrote about the surprise of being mistaken for a "local" who calls the beach home. I wrote about that moment - however fleeting - that we all have at some point in the trip when we wish we would have just stayed home. I wrote about the aroma of brine and hot asphalt that rises up after a sudden, middle of the night thunderstorm.


They weren't the beginnings of short stories, poems, essays or articles. They were just snapshots of a week that we all think we'll remember in detail. But in the hustle and bustle of traveling home, doing endless loads of laundry and preparing to return to our regular life some many events are forgotten or blurred to a vague memory. So I collect them and save them in case one day I need them.


I think of these snippets that I jot down to cement a new place or experience in my mind as writing albums. We have photo albums (IRL or virtual) filled with photos that will never be framed and hung on the wall, placed in a photobook  or even added to our Instagram feed. But we snap those photos and save those images just in case. As writers we should be doing the same with words instead of images.


I find I write more in the journaling/memory category when I am away from home. Perhaps because it's easier to give myself permission to write without purpose on vacation. These bits of writing are saved in files labelled: Philadelphia, Beach, Sports, Nature. and they are filled with half-formed thoughts, carefully recorded impressions, tiny moments. Eventually they may become the starting point for an article, the theme of an essay or a feeling that brings a character to life. For now they remain firmly in the just in case stage.


Do you record new experiences or places with writing even though you have no plan for how you'll eventually use it?



Jodi M. Webb writes from her home in the Pennsylvania mountains about everything from apple pie to consignment shops to travel. But she writes wherever she goes. How else would she remember purple bridges, shy foxes or the smell of caramel corn carameling? She's also a blog tour manager for WOW-Women on Writing. Follow her writing (and reading) life at Words by Webb. 


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Interview with Kathy Humenik: Winter 2026 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up

Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Kathy’s Bio: After twenty-five years as a program/project manager, Kathy has returned to what she enjoys most, writing. Her love of writing was fostered through evenings spent sharing poetry and short stories with her dad. She and her husband have recently relocated to Henderson, Nevada where she is active in local writing groups. She has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and her blog can be found at itsworthrepeating.com. Kathy also has two novels available on Amazon as well as a collection of vintage inspired journals, designed to help others tell their own stories. 

If you haven't done so already, check out Kathy's award-winning story "The Radioactive Shopkeeper" and then return here for a chat with the author. 

WOW: Congratulations on placing in the Winter 2026 Flash Fiction Contest! What excited you most about writing this story? 

Kathy: What I enjoyed most about writing this story was creating the unlikely pairing of the vintage crafter and the bureaucrat. It was a challenge to bring the two worlds together in a story that was both plausible and entertaining. 

WOW: What did you learn about yourself or your writing while crafting this piece? 

Kathy: Every time I write a story, I am reminded that it is harder than I expect to create characters and plots that a reader will find interesting. I learned that I am more than willing to procrastinate but eventually take pleasure in seeing the piece through to a satisfying ending. 

WOW: We’re so glad you followed through with this piece to share with WOW readers! Please tell us more about your vintage inspired journals. What inspired you to create them? 

Kathy: The journals are ‘vintage inspired’ with quotes, history and photos that reflect the past. My hope is that the framework, along with the writing prompts, will inspire people to capture some of their own stories. We all have unique experiences and perspectives and sharing those moments can help the people that we care about get to know us a little bit better. There are around 15 titles, with various focuses, all available on Amazon; just search on “it’s worth repeating.” 

WOW: What a great way to inspire people to share their stories. What are you reading right now, and why did you choose to read it? 

Kathy: Right now, I’m reading several books on the history of Las Vegas, the setting of my next mystery novel. 

WOW: That’s intriguing! Thanks for that glimpse into your next book. If you could give your younger self one piece of writing advice, what would it be and why? 

Kathy: Well, the obvious answer from my perspective is to just keep at it. Additionally, I find that critique groups and beta readers are very valuable for seeing what you as the author have missed. 

WOW: Excellent advice. Anything else you’d like to add? 

Kathy: Writing is a great creative outlet, so regardless of wins and losses with publishing and contest submissions, you need to enjoy it. It’s not something everyone has the interest or tenacity to pursue. 

WOW: That’s so true! Thank you for sharing that piece of wisdom, your story, and your responses with us. Happy writing! 


Interviewed by Anne Greenawalt, founder and editor-in-chief of Sport Stories Press, which publishes sports books by, for, and about sportswomen and amateur athletes. Connect @greenmachine459.
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The Economy Always Gets Better by Dr. Nikki Finlay: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, August 17, 2026
 
The Economy Always Gets Better by Dr. Nikki Finlay

I'm excited to announce a blog tour for a book that will resonate with you if you are anxiously watching the news, wondering whether the economy will improve and what it all even means. Join us as we celebrate the launch of Dr. Nikki Finlay's book, The Economy Always Gets Better. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy for yourself.

But first, here is more about the book:

For those of us who forgot what we learned years ago or never had the opportunity to take an economics class, terms like recession, depression, tariffs, inflation, and gross domestic product can make our heads spin.

If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.

In The Economy Always Gets Better, award-winning economist Dr. Nikki Finlay explains the economy in its simplest terms, making it easier to understand and giving readers the tools to approach even the most distressing economic information with confidence.

Dr. Finlay combines her knowledge and years of academic experience in this practical and accessible guide for anyone wishing to better their understanding of the economy. Using personal stories, useful metaphors, visual representations, and statistical data, she makes economics accessible to everyone.

Whether you’re worried about the current economic troubles or trying to figure it all out for the first time, The Economy Always Gets Better will leave you better informed and better prepared to thrive.

Publisher: Amplify Publishing 
AISN: B0GVVTV6K7
ISBN-13: 979-8891388826
Print Length: 240 pages

Purchase a copy of The Economy Always Gets Better on Bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.com. Be sure to add it to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Dr. Nikki Finlay


Dr. Nikki Finlay is an economics educator and author of The Economy Always Gets Better: Navigating Turbulent Times with Confidence. She helps adults who feel intimidated by economics understand how it actually works in their everyday lives—without the jargon.

With over two decades of teaching experience at institutions including Clayton State, Georgia State, and Gwinnett Technical College, Dr. Finlay has worked with students of all backgrounds and experience levels. Her approach is simple, practical, and rooted in real-life examples that make complex economic concepts easier to understand.

Through her writing, Dr. Finlay translates topics like inflation, employment, and economic cycles into clear, relatable insights that help readers build confidence—not just knowledge—about the world around them.

She lives just outside Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband of over 40 years and enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her children and grandson.

Find her online at:


--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: Congrats on your book, The Economy Always Gets Better. Who is this book for and why?

Nikki: The Economy Always Gets Better is for those who want to understand the economy but are intimidated by economics.

I wrote this book for the students I used to have. The class textbook didn’t work for them, especially the non-traditional students. This is the book I wish I could have offered them.

WOW: I love that you wrote this for your students. What was your planning process like? What was your revision process like?

Nikki: I recently watched You’re Killing Me, where the main character, a novelist played by Brooke Shields, admitted she was a pantser. Other than using an outline from a college textbook, which I then deviated from by adding, deleting, and rearranging chapters, I really didn’t plan. Everything came from my experiences teaching and learning about the economy.

I also dove into the story of how the Great Recession affected everyone around me. But I started writing the book just before the inflationary post-pandemic period, so that also had a huge impact.

When it came to editing, I tried that, but it didn’t work. So, I had to put together a process. Here’s where AJ Harper’s book, Write a Must-Read, came in handy. I also attended one of her virtual editing classes. She really breaks down the editing process.

WOW: I'm a pantser too, so I understand the need for that technique. How much research did you do in preparation for the book?

Nikki: I was constantly looking for sources to help me illustrate the topic. I spent tons of time on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the St. Louis Federal Reserve’s FRED site collecting data.

WOW: I can only imagine. I loved your anecdotes throughout the book. It actually made for some interesting reading. How did you decide which experiences to include?

Nikki: Glad you enjoyed them! Initially, I didn’t include many anecdotes and stories, but when one editor chided me for not having people in the story, I added fictional characters. That didn’t work either, so I added stories I told in the classroom and bits and pieces from my own life. The book is part-memoir as a result.

WOW: Great combination! It truly gave it a memoir vibe. What about the economy has interested you?

Nikki: The nuts and bolts—how the pieces fit together.

For example, if you know the different components (or pieces that make up GDP, you can get a stronger feel for the whole economy.

Another example: how do we move from a demand problem to the appropriate policies?

WOW: Good point! What are you working on now that you can tell us about?

Nikki: I’m always on Substack teaching about the economic environment. Find me at Https://nikkifinlay.substack.com and please subscribe!

 I’m also in the planning stages for a book on the history of recessions in the US.

WOW: Thank you for sharing. What lasting thoughts do you want to share with our readers?

After you read The Economy Always Gets Better, please let me know what you think. I’d love a positive review on Goodreads or Amazon!

The Economy Always Gets Better by Nikki Finlay Blog Tour

--- Blog Tour Calendar

August 17 @ The Muffin
Join us at WOW! Women on Writing's blog, The Muffin, as we celebrate the launch of Dr. Nikki Finlay's book, The Economy Always Gets Better. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of her book.

August 18 @ Writer Advice
Stop by Lynn's blog for a guest post by Dr. Nikki Finlay with tips on marketing for mobility-impaired audiences.

August 19 @ One Writer's Journey
Stop by Sue's blog for her review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

August 20 @ Guatemala Paula Loves to Read
Stop by Karen's blog for a review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

August 21 @ Musings of a Literary Wanderer
Stop by Angela's blog for a review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

August 23 @ Word Magic
Stop by Fiona's blog for a guest post by Dr. Nikki Finlay on writing for mobility-impaired audiences.

August 25 @ Ellen Blogs
Stop by Ellen's blog for her review of The Economy Always Gets Better. 

August 28 @ Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
Visit Joan's blog for her review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

August 31 @ Tracey Lampley's blog
Stop by Tracey's blog for a guest post by Dr. Nikki Finlay on understanding inflation.

September 1 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Stop by Joy's blog for an excerpt from The Economy Always Gets Better.

September 3 @ One Writer's Journey
Visit Sue's blog again for her interview with author, Dr. Nikki Finlay.

September 5 @ Chapter Break
Stop by Julie's blog for a review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

September 9 @ Create Write Now
Stop by Mari's blog for a guest post by Dr. Nikki Finlay on surprising lessons she learned about finances.

September 10 @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi's blog for her review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

September 13 @ A Storybook World
Stop by Deirdre's blog for her spotlight of  The Economy Always Gets Better.

September 15 @ Bring on Lemons
Stop by Crystal's blog for her review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

September 17 @ World of My Imagination
Stop by Nicole's blog for her review of The Economy Always Gets Better.

September 19 @ Leslie's Voice
Stop by Leslie's blog for her review of The Economy Always Gets Better.


***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win The Economy Always Gets Better by Dr. Nikki Finlay. Fill out the form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends August 30th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!

The Economy Always Gets Better Giveaway
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Interview with C. L. Brenton: Q3 2026 CNF Essay Contest 1st Place Winner

Sunday, August 16, 2026
C. L. Brenton is a fiction author from Carmel, California, and an MFA graduate of Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her short stories about mothers on the brink have appeared or are forthcoming in J Journal, Colorado Review, Witness Magazine, and A3 Review among others. Discover more at clbrenton.com.

---interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: What inspired you to write your entry, “Rainbows?”

C. L.: I was in a generative workshop when I was earning my MFA at Vermont College of Fine Arts, and our professor prompted us to write about light. I wanted to write about the crystal that made rainbows in my childhood kitchen, and makes rainbows now in my kids’ playroom. It ended up morphing into an essay about my three year old son and his gender fluidity that I found so magical and vexing, and a moment we shared a few days earlier as we tried to capture the light. The first few lines of “Rainbows” came out pretty much fully formed. Sometimes it takes different prompts to unlock what lives inside you, what’s waiting to come out. Sometimes someone merely has to ask a different question of you for you to understand exactly what you’ve been wanting to say.

WOW: What is the most difficult part of your writing process?

C. L.: I find each part joyful and challenging in its own way. I love the wild chaotic creation part, and the methodical editing part though each have their hang ups. I think maybe the challenge is knowing, or deciding when a piece is done, deciding it’s good enough to send out, and strong enough to take criticism from or even the success of the real world.

WOW: As a busy mom, how do you find the time to write? What works best for you?

C. L.: Writing requires (for me at least) a certain amount of emptiness in my life, meaningful time and space for the muse to do her work. As a busy mom, I know that’s usually the hardest thing to come by.

As we say in my house, though, it’s not about lack of time, it’s about priorities. Some days I have to prioritize my children and my home life, and those are wonderful things to put at the top of my list, but when I can carve out daily time for my writing, to go sit on the beach and watch the waves for thirty minutes, my muse comes back and wants to work. If you can make time to exercise, to watch your favorite show, to read, to read this even, you can find time to write. If you can’t, consider reading while your children play, or commit ten minutes to doing nothing, to day dream, to be present wherever you are. Don’t listen to anything, don’t look at your phone. Let your mind wander. The words will come.

When my kids were toddlers, I took my writing time on the weekend when my husband was the primary caretaker. I wrote on a post it note that I still have attached to my computer monitor the five things that constitute a writing life. Writing, Editing, Reading, Submissions and Community. If I don’t feel like writing, or I feel stuck editing, I can read. If that doesn’t spark my interest, I can engage with my writing community, watch a lecture or submit my work. All of those are important to build the writer you will become.

WOW: What are you reading right now and why did you choose to read it?

C. L.: For years, likely since we met, my friend Emily (who is a fabulous writer and a dear friend) has been recommending “The Anthropocene Review,” by John Green. It’s a book of essays disguised as reviews of various human-centered things, things specifically tuned to the author’s life so it’s almost a hybrid memoir. At the beginning of summer, Emily asked me if I had read it yet, and ashamed I hadn’t, I quickly found a thrifted copy and dove in. It’s a wildly fascinating, informative read that has made me quite a bit more interesting at parties. At least I like to think so.

WOW: Thanks so much for chatting with us today, C.L. Before you go, can you share a favorite writing tip or piece of advice?

C. L.: Thank you so much for having me! I’m truly honored “Rainbows” found a home at Women on Writing!

As far as general advice, it might help to remember that writing is iterative. Most of what we create is imperfect, followed by imperfect iterations until the story resembles itself, so don’t get hung up on the flaws. We have to first create the rough block of marble from nothing, then we can start to carve it into art.

It also helps me to remember that creation is separate from publishing. We can’t control how or when a piece is published, so you have to make the work the reward. The pleaser of crafting the thing has got to provide the benefit for doing it. Writing is supposed to be fun. Keep your work fun and weird and wild and painfully true. Try not to over edit it or form it to someone else’s aesthetics. Submit it widely when it’s ready; and I mean widely. Send it to a hundred journals or agents before you give up on a piece. Enjoy the process, trust your own taste, and you’ll write forever.


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A Museum Honoring American Writers

Thursday, August 13, 2026

 

This past weekend my family traveled to Chicago for a few days and attempted to squeeze in as many things as we could during the visit. Of course, once my phone figured out where we were, a place called the American Writers Museum began popping up in my social media algorithm. 

My daughter and I left the guys to their own devices on Sunday and took the walk down Michigan Avenue to the museum, tucked away on the second floor of a building a few blocks away from Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. 

At first, I thought we would be one of only a handful of patrons, but by the time we left two hours later a sizeable crowd had trickled in. We started in a thoughtfully-constructed and airy gallery devoted to children’s book authors. From there we explored an interactive timeline of works that spanned 400 years, designed to engage all five of the senses. 

Another permanent exhibit featured 100 authors and playwrights, ranging from the 1600s to the 1980s, including many underrepresented voices. Memories of history I learned as a child came back to me as I walked through the different sections: Colonial Visions & Revolution, The New Nation, Many Voices, Modernism, and New Voices. I liked that my 23-year-old daughter was also exposed to the many creatives and reporters that comprised The Cold War and 1960s Counterculture, as well as leaders in social activism. 

We explored a special gallery dedicated to the visionary voices of Chicago, such as Lorraine Hansberry, Gwendolyn Brooks, Carl Sandburg, and Roger Ebert. Another exhibit honored immigrant and refugee experiences, and visitors are invited to share their family’s stories and leave them behind for others to read. 

A temporary exhibit this year titled “American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture” explores the ways literature reflects and influences our understanding of religion. The “Tools of the Trade” exhibit was especially interesting, showing various tools writers throughout history have used in their creative process, including an Underwood typewriter favored by Ernest Hemingway and a braille writer utilized by Helen Keller. We even got to test out a few antique typewriters ourselves!
Part of the museum is devoted to helping writers jumpstart their own mental blocks around writing. Interactive exhibits offered up writing prompts, and we were allowed to type up a letter sharing our thoughts on the museum, permitting our words to become a permanent part of the exhibit.
I walked away from the museum inspired and less fearful of sharing my own words (I’ve been working on a new novel that has a lot of autobiographical elements in it, which has given me pause more than a few times). 

But as I read the words of such strong and intelligent writers like Octavia Spencer, Ralph Ellison, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Flannery O’Connor, I realized I need not be so fearful. Our lives would be boring if every writer said the same thing and didn’t weave in their own experiences and opinions in for perspective. This was one time where I didn’t mind the social media influence that guided me to this enriching museum experience. 

 The American Writers Museum is located at 180 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. 

Renee Roberson is an award-winning writer who also produces the weekly true crime podcast, Missing in the Carolinas.
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Interview with Elizabeth Hoban, Runner Up in the Winter 2026 Flash Fiction Contest

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

 


Elizabeth is a traditionally published author of The Secrets That Save Us and The Cheech Room, and a historical nonfiction novel, The Final Mission, a Boy, a Pilot and a World at War. She has written numerous newspaper and magazine articles over the years. She has won several writing awards, including Bethlehem Writers Circle Best in Prose 2018, Writers Digest runner-up in Memoir 2019, Millennium runner-up for Best in Prose 2023, and Reedsy first-place award for two short stories and two short-listed. Her first winning story appears in 2025 Reedsy Anthology. She received the Miriam Chaiken Award for Best in Prose 2025, and is the 2026 guest judge for same. In 2025, she won Women on Writing (WOW) Q3 Essay Contest Award 2025, as well as 3rd place in WOW 2026 Q1 Flash Fiction. 

 Aside from writing, Elizabeth is a Nurse Practitioner who loves spending time with her kids and her four-legged antidepressants. She doubts any of her 6 adult kids have ever read her work – maybe her cat Seuss based on his pedigree.


 ----------Interview by Renee Roberson 

WOW: Welcome back, Elizabeth! This time around we're discussing "A New Normal," which is such a powerful story because any of the scenarios you listed could have been pulled from real news headlines (and in some cases, probably were!). What was the process like for you, from the first draft to the final edits where you felt confident it was ready for submission? 

Elizabeth: "A New Normal" borders on nonfiction - and I started it several years ago. My cousins both worked as teachers in Sandy Hook in 2012 when that horrific shooting took place, which hit close to home and heart, so I started there. Then, so sadly, the news headlines practically wrote the rest in the ensuing years. I am confident a work is ready for submission when I realize that tinkering with it too much would lose something. So, after writing so many stories now, I can tell when I am overthinking and over-editing. I also have a few friends who I've met on writing sites who are my beta readers, and they tell me often to - "...leave it alone and submit already or you'll ruin it!" It's a fine line writers walk. Editing is the tricky part, especially when there is a word count to adhere to - too little, too much, or just right? One thing I've learned with short stories is that every word has to count, and if I need to cut a chunk (killing my darlings). I believe it is fabulous work; I can put that paragraph in an e-file knowing I can always use it in another story, and the reader of the original story will never be the wiser. 

WOW: I love that advice from your friends--sometimes it is possible to tinker with a piece too much! As an award-winning writer with an impressive list of publishing credits to your name, what advice would you give to any writer considering entering a contest for the first time, especially any of WOW's? What should they focus on with their piece of writing, whether creative nonfiction or flash fiction? 

Elizabeth: They say, "write what you know" - and that is always a good place to start. It takes guts to put your name on something you created and put it out there for scrutiny. I have been fortunate over the past couple of years with short story contests and awards, but I can paper my walls with past rejections. It takes time and dedication to the piece you are writing, and if it bores you or you avoid getting to it, then it will do the same for the reader. I guess Nike has the best advice for this - Just Do It. The great thing about entering WOW is that for an extra $10, you get the best critique you've ever received from a professional - hands down. That has helped me improve so many of my stories. 

WOW: I agree, the investment of a critique is so worth it! Having traditionally published three different books, do you have any tips for writers seeking that traditional pathway to publication? 

Elizabeth: Traditional publishing has changed dramatically in the past decade. It has become easier to bypass the traditional route and self-publish or go with a smaller house. But again, if you choose the traditional route, get an agent. Join Query Shark and get help with your query letters. There are books on just about any genre. Currently, I am working with a friend on a children's book series, and I purchased Writer's Market for Children's Writers and Illustrators (Writers Digest series) because I do not have an agent that covers that genre. They are fairly massive volumes, and I always buy the hard copy rather than search online because I am old-fashioned in that respect, and I like to make notes in the margins and keep track with post-it notes of where I have submitted. These books are highly rated, have been around for decades, and a new one is printed yearly - it presents you with everything you need to find a good fit for your book. 

WOW: All great pieces of advice! Are there any common themes you find yourself exploring in your writing? 

Elizabeth: Honestly, I used to be a humor columnist and always leaned towards that style, but it seems that, judging by the awards I have won, judges like sad stories. Ones that really pull at the heartstrings. I may have become somewhat of a doom-and-gloom writer in the past couple of years, but that's okay because there is a market for nearly every well-told story - even humor. 

WOW: You mention living with your “four-legged antidepressants.” I love that description! Have any of your pets “found" themselves in your recent work? 

Elizabeth: I have a dog named Tag who was found at 4 weeks old on a military base, and I ended up adopting her - her name is derived from dog-tags, but they called her Tag for short. She is my pride and joy at only 9 months old now. I wrote a story for Reedsy - which is a great site for weekly story prompts, by the way. I titled it "Tag," about a Vietnam War soldier and his stray dog, and it actually won that particular week. She brought me a bit of luck! I have always had a dog or two - currently just Tag- and I have two cats who think they are dogs; they bark and fetch: Seuss and Monkey. And I did have a two-legged, foul-mouthed African grey that I had for 20 years and then donated to a veterans sanctuary so she could fly as she was intended to, but Woodstock appeared in several of my stories. He was comic relief for all of us. I find that all animals inspire me, and I do not believe I'd feel complete without at least one critter running around. In fact, as I type this interview, I have Tag at my feet, sound asleep. She also reminds me every 90 minutes that it is time to take a break and go for a walk so I get exercise squeezed in throughout the day.

WOW: I concur. If I don't have my pets around to chat with throughout the day, I get very lonely! They make excellent writing companions and I love that yours have made their way into so many of your stories. Thank you again for this conversation and giving us such a rich insight into the writing life, Elizabeth! 
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Revision: From Structure to Word Choice

Thursday, August 06, 2026

 

The final step in revision

After being off work for several months, I’ve signed a contract for a book due at the end of August. Step One is obviously to write like a maniac. Step Two is to revise. 

But to make the process as smooth as possible, you must know where to start. Too many writers think that revising is all about fixing spelling and punctuation errors. I’m not saying that we should ignore those errors but first, we need to look at the big picture or the structure. 

In nonfiction, that means that I make certain my sections are in the right order. I need a solid introduction and then carefully ordered chapters. When I write history, that’s easy because things are chronological. This time I’m writing about pop culture, so I start with the most popular aspect and then cycle through the rest. 

When you are looking at the big picture in fiction, you start with the overall shape of the book. This can include: 

  • The Opening. Did you start your story in the right place? I tend to start too early. Another important point about the opening scene is that it is a contract with your reader. A humorous opening promises humorous moments throughout the story. Action promises action. Fantasy can be tricky, but you should at least hint at the world of magic. 
  • The Closing. Just as your story starts in the correct place, it must end in the correct place. In some ways, it should probably come full circle with the beginning. 
  • Plot. Does your plot hold together? Does your story have a strong beginning, middle, and end? This means different things for flash and either short stories or novels so do some reading to see how other writers do it. 
  • Pacing. Your plot needs a balance of fast-paced moments and quieter moments. If your story is too fast paced, you risk wearing your readers out. Too slow and they’re going to do something more interesting like clean out the crisper. 
  • Characters. Are your characters compelling? Even if they aren’t likeable, they need to be interesting. They also must be believable and three-dimensional. 
  • Setting. Your setting must feel real. The reader needs to have a sense of where and when the story takes place. And the details that you include need to shore up your plot and your characters.

Once you’ve worked through any structural issues, you are ready to revise at the sentence and paragraph level. This is where you make sure that each sentence and paragraph brings something new to the story. You also look for inconsistencies just so that someone’s eye color or worse yet name doesn’t change. This is also the time to make sure you have used just the right word. Did your character stay in a cabin or was it a log home? A duplex or a town home? 

When I work on this level of revision, I have Word read the story aloud. If I read it on paper, I don’t hear clunky phrases. I miss some of the repetition. So I get out my knitting and I listen, pausing to correct the rough spots. 

Finally, it is time to proofread. This is when you look for spelling and punctuation errors. And typos! Don’t forget the typos! 

To catch these final picky errors, I print my manuscript out. Then I go into the dining room with a lovely candle and a cup of coffee. Reading print, I always spot things on paper that I didn’t see on the screen. 

Whether you are working on a piece of flash, a short story, or a novel, revision helps you hone your draft into the piece you intended to create all along. 

–SueBE

Sue Bradford Edwards' is the author of over 80 books for young readers. To find out more about her writing, visit her site and blog.

She is also the instructor for 3 WOW classes which begin on the first Monday of every month. She teaches:

To get a free copy of Sue’s book, What to Do When Your Book Is Banned, subscribe to her newsletter, One Writer’s Journey, here.

  


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Interview With Breeann Adam, Winter 2026 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up

Tuesday, August 04, 2026
Breeann Adam is a writer, stay-at-home-mom, and former special education teacher. Hope, love, and the beauty in everyday life inspire her creative endeavors. Her first book, a children’s book rooted in exploration, joy, and wonder, will debut in July 2026. A lifelong Montanan, she currently lives in Bonner, Montana, with her family. You can connect with her on Substack at Just Write Mama, or on her website, justwritemama.com.

--interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Congratulations on placing as a runner up in our Winter 2026 Flash Fiction competition. What prompted you to enter the contest?

Breeann: Thank you! I love writing short fiction stories, but I never write them as often as I’d like. Over the past seven years, I’ve been working hard on a personal memoir-style book about my experience as a foster parent, publishing personal essays on my Substack page, and, more recently, writing a children’s book. These have been wonderful projects, but they have been very all-consuming creatively, and I haven’t written much fiction while working on those other projects. I found this contest online, and I thought it would be a good motivator to write a fiction story and have some fun.

WOW: Can you tell us what encouraged the idea behind your story, “Aromas, California, 2007?”

Breeann: Sure. I was actually reading the guest judge’s biographical information, and in her bio, she mentioned she enjoyed CrossFit. I also loved CrossFit for a number of years, so it sparked my interest as a setting for a story. What I really wanted to focus on from my own CrossFit experience was how empowering it felt as a woman to lift heavy weights and become stronger; an important part of CrossFit gyms is that there are rarely mirrors in the gyms. The focus is on getting stronger and improving your own skills, not on losing weight or having a certain aesthetic. I had done a lot of types of exercise leading up to CrossFit, but CrossFit was certainly the most empowering activity that I had participated in up to that point. While the story and characters are entirely fictional, the feeling behind the main character’s journey is inspired by my own journey. Oh, while the current-day CrossFit Games are a big, polished production with money, sponsorships, and professional athletes, the inaugural Games in 2007 were, as described in the story, casual, low-budget, and open to anyone who wanted to try. Ultimately, this story is about a woman who knew she had to try–for herself.

WOW: We’d love to know more about your writing routines. Could you tell us when and where you usually write? Do you have favorite tools or habits that get you going?

Breeann: I’m a mom of three children, so typically I write during my toddler’s naptime. I like to use my lap desk and write from bed. Although sometimes writing during naptime just can’t happen due to other responsibilities, so I will often also write in my Google Docs app on my phone while in appointment waiting rooms, in my backyard while my kids play, or while I have a few extra minutes here and there. My favorite tool is not very exciting: it’s a piece of notebook paper with a bunch of checkboxes drawn on it. I check off one box every day that I write for any amount of time, and I try to get as many consecutive days as I can. For me, I’m a task-oriented person, so it’s motivating to see all the boxes get checked and a project start to come together, box by box.

WOW: Great tips to try! Your first book is set to debut in July 2026, which is exciting. Can you share a bit about the book? What was your writing and publishing journey like?

Breeann: Yes, it’s so exciting! The book is an ABC rhyming picture book for children called “B is for Bonner: The ABCs of Bonner, Montana.” Bonner, Montana, is where I live, and it’s a tiny gem of a town that I wanted to write a book about, so I could share it with my own children first and foremost, and then share the beauty of our town with others. Ultimately, the book features nature, animals, music, history, and other local highlights, but encourages each reader to find joy, wonder, and beauty wherever they are in the world. The idea for the book mysteriously came to me as I was walking through a local bookstore, having a little pity party for myself about a completely unrelated creative failure! Funny how that works, isn’t it? I went home and immediately began to write my first draft. I went through many, many drafts, rewrites, and edits. I had others read it and give feedback on each version, and then I was lucky to find a local illustrator who does gorgeous work. She brought the book to life in a really magical way. I chose a printing company, and in just a couple of months, the books should arrive! As with most creative endeavors, the process took longer than anticipated, and the book will debut a couple of months later than planned. The process from first draft to publication has taken about one year total, and it has been so much fun! My next step will be sharing the book with local bookstores, schools, and anyone else who is interested in an adventurous and fun book about a trip through a Montana town.

WOW: Good luck with your book promotion, and thanks so much for chatting with us today, Breeann. Before you go, do you have a favorite writing tip or piece of advice you can share?

Breeann: My most proven tip is to never underestimate the power of taking even the smallest steps forward. Patience and perseverance win the race every time. Stuck? Add page numbers to your draft and walk away for the day. Come back tomorrow. Write one sentence. Change one word. Literally, take a single tiny step forward. Keep doing that as consistently as you can, and it’s amazing what you can create over time.

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I'm Not Sleeping, I'm Writing

Thursday, July 30, 2026


Like everyone out there, I have some days where I'm on the go from the minute the alarm goes off in the morning until I fall into bed at night (often with plenty of things remaining on my to-do list). On those days, actual writing seems like an impossible task. So I resort to thinking and planning scenes as I fall asleep. I began noticing that I would wake up with a fully evolved description or bit of dialogue rattling around in my brain just waiting for me to type it into my laptop. Sometimes these impatient pieces of writing would even wake me up before the alarm buzzes.


Weird, right?


Maybe not. When I looked into creativity after sleep I learned that scientists have been studying the link between sleep and creativity for years. Seems Thomas Edison was a big believer in the power of that state just before falling asleep for helping come up with creative solutions. And who can argue with Thomas Edison?


Researchers at MIT and Harvard Medical School recently took the link between sleep and creativity a step further. They encouraged people to guide their dreams to a certain topic or theme and then write something on that topic when they awake. When study participants practiced "targeted dream incubation" - basically thinking about a specific topic or problem while falling asleep - they were judged to be 43% more creative than those who didn't attempt to guide their dreams. And it doesn't have to be a whole night's sleep. It works just as effectively (some scientists say more effective) with naps of 45 minutes.


Are we all just one good nap away from banishing writer's block forever?


Do you find solutions to writing problems when you awake from a good night's sleep? What else gives you a creative burst? 


Jodi M. Webb writes (and occasionally naps) from her home in the Pennsylvania mountains about everything from apple pie to consignment shops to travel. She's dreaming about murder for her latest WIP. She's also a blog tour manager for WOW-Women on Writing. Follow her writing (and reading) life at Words by Webb. 

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Interview With Saiyara Khanom, Winter '26 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up

Tuesday, July 28, 2026


Saiyara's bio:

Raised in Queens, New York, in a Bangladeshi American household, Saiyara Khanom developed a love for storytelling at a young age, shaped by the rich blend of cultures, traditions, and stories surrounding her upbringing. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from St. John's University, where she further cultivated her passion for literature and creative writing.

Saiyara is especially drawn to romance, horror, and fantasy, genres that allow her to explore emotion, atmosphere, and the complexities of human connection through imaginative worlds and haunting narratives. Her work is often inspired by gothic aesthetics, folklore, and the emotional depth found in both everyday life and the supernatural. Through her writing, she hopes to create stories that linger with readers long after the final page.

You can find Saiyara online at Reedsy and Substack. 


----------interview by Sue Bradford Edwards----------

WOW: What was your motivation for “The Plant that Doesn’t Die?”

Saiyara: I've always been interested in the way grief and love can coexist with resentment. We often expect stories about parent-child relationships to end with forgiveness or reconciliation, but real life isn't always that simple. Sometimes someone can hurt you deeply and still leave behind evidence that they loved you in ways you couldn't see at the time. 

The image of a houseplant that simply refuses to die came to me first. It felt like the perfect metaphor for a relationship that continues to exist after someone is gone. No matter how much the narrator tries to distance herself from her mother, even through neglect, the fern keeps surviving. It becomes an unavoidable reminder that some relationships don't disappear just because we wish they would. I wanted to explore the quiet space between anger and forgiveness. The story doesn't ask the narrator to absolve her mother. Instead, it asks whether she can acknowledge that love may have existed alongside hurt. To me, that's a more honest ending. 

WOW:  And that honesty is vital in hooking our readers.  Flash fiction is all about choosing what deserves space in the story. We don’t know the POV character’s name, but we know the plant is a fern. How did you decide what to include and what to omit?

Saiyara: When you're writing flash fiction, every sentence has to do more than one job. I knew early on that the emotional center of the story wasn't the narrator's identity, but it was her relationship with the fern and what it represented. Giving her a name wouldn't deepen that relationship, so I chose to leave it out. I wanted readers to focus on the emotional distance between mother and daughter rather than on biographical details. 

The fern, on the other hand, deserved specificity. Calling it "a plant" felt too generic. Ferns have this reputation for being resilient and quietly persistent, which mirrors the role the plant plays in the story. Naming it made it feel like a real object instead of a symbol. Throughout revision, I kept asking myself whether each detail revealed character, moved the story forward, or strengthened the emotional impact. If it didn't, it probably didn't belong. 

WOW: That's a fascinating way to consider each detail. Who will your character leave the fern to when she passes? Why this person? 

Saiyara: I'd like to think she leaves it to someone who doesn't carry the same emotional history she does; perhaps a niece, a neighbor's child, or even a close friend. Someone who would simply see it as a beautiful fern instead of a complicated inheritance. I imagine she'd tell them only that it's important to keep it alive. By then, the fern would no longer represent unresolved grief. It would represent endurance. The idea that care can outlast the people who first offered it. In that sense, she'd be passing along not just a plant, but a story that has finally become lighter to carry. 

WOW: What a good answer! What piece of writing are you working on now? 

Saiyara: Lately, I've been drawn to stories and poetry that blend the emotional with the uncanny. I'm currently working on fiction that leans into psychological horror and gothic atmosphere, exploring how memory, identity, and fear can shape the way people experience ordinary places. I love writing stories where the supernatural isn't just there to frighten the reader, but to reveal something true about the characters. I've been mostly working on short stories and novellas, but I hope to complete some novels in the near future. But no matter the genre, I hope readers always have something to take away from my writing. 

WOW: What question do you wish I had asked? How would you answer it? 

Saiyara: Question: What do you hope readers take away from the story? 

Answer: I don't necessarily hope readers walk away with a particular message. Instead, I hope they recognize a feeling. Most people have a relationship that doesn't fit neatly into categories like "good" or "bad." We carry love, disappointment, gratitude, anger, and grief all at once. If the story encourages someone to sit with those contradictions instead of trying to resolve them, then I feel it has done its job. I think some of the most meaningful stories don't provide answers, but they simply make us feel understood. 

WOW:  That's a great insight!  Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to share all of this with our readers.  Reminder:  You can find Saiyara on Reedsy and Substack. 


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