Interview with Liz deBeer, Runner Up in the WOW! Summer 2025 Flash Fiction Contest

Tuesday, February 03, 2026

 

Liz deBeer, retired from teaching high school language arts and various college classes, currently teaches and writes with Project Write Now, a writing cooperative based in New Jersey. Her flash has appeared in BULL, Fictive Dream, Bending Genres, Switch and others. She has written essays in various journals including Brevity Blog and is a volunteer reader for Flash Fiction Magazine. She holds degrees from University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers University. Follow Liz at www.ldebeerwriter.com and lizardstale.substack.com









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

WOW: Liz, congratulations, and welcome! As someone who worked in restaurants in my late teens and early 20s, I could relate to “Party Favors.” What sparked the idea for this story? 

Liz: “Party Favors” was inspired from my experience working as a waitress while I attended college. The wait-staff loved when chicken wings were served, because the guests didn’t want them – too messy – so we ate them once the event ended. Also, like many in the service industry, I experienced men grabbing me, especially after they had a few drinks. While Hank is a fictional character, the sense of teamwork was my favorite part of the job. 

WOW: It's a relatable theme! I always love hearing about writers and their paths to publiclication. What was the first piece of flash fiction you ever got published? Could you tell us more about it? 

Liz: My first published flash was “Waiting for a Message” at Spillwords, February 2024. It’s about a woman mourning her deceased partner; when she spots a tennis ball under a bush, she thinks it’s a message from him. The plot is loosely drawn from a real incident when I found a Clincher softball under a bush, a type of softball with a special stitch that my grandfather invented. I wondered if it were a message from beyond. 

WOW: I love how you masterfully weave your own life experiences into your writing. You spent time teaching at both the college level and in a public classroom where you taught others to find their own sources of inspiration. Which was your favorite age group to work with and why? 

Liz: I’ve taught many age groups in various setting; each has its appeal. Currently, I teach adults in a writing collaborative, Project Write Now. A favorite? I lean toward teaching educators, as they are committing themselves to public service; their work impacts so many. Teaching English Language Arts is laborious, but a creative, committed instructor can augment students’ career skills as well as encourage a lifelong love of reading and writing. 

WOW: In addition to fiction you also write creative nonfiction. What are some common themes that you find yourself exploring in your work? 

Liz: To me, it’s a blurry line between fiction and creative nonfiction. Experiences I draw from include aging, family memories, and random events I witness. For example, December 2025’s issue of Does It Have Pockets features a CNF about trying to forget my past. And January 2026’s issue of The Hootlet’s Nook features two of my CNF, one about fishing with my father and one about an iguana. 

WOW: That leads me to my final question. You have a very unique subject matter for your Substack, A Lizard’s Tale. How did you decide to focus on the intriguing traits of this biological species? 

Liz: My Substack “A Lizard’s Tale” focuses on the theme of resilience. The title is a play on words, as my name is Liz and arguably I’m telling tales. But the real inspiration came from witnessing a big- spiky-iguana race past me on the beach in Costa Rica to chase a smaller iguana up a tree. Then blood dripped from the tree on the seat next to me. I learned from a quick Google search that iguanas rarely eat each other, but they might bite off another’s tail if a threat is perceived. The victims’ tails usually grow back. Revolting but inspiring. A reminder that when we feel overwhelmed, beaten down, symbolically chased up a tree, we too can start anew, like iguanas regenerating their tails. I hope my Substack supports readers during life’s challenges, encouraging them to heal.

WOW: What a clever play on words, and what a great origin story for your Substack's name! Liz, thanks again for being here and giving us such thoughtful insight into your writing and teaching process. 
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Bright Midnights by L.S. Delorme: Review Wrap Up, Interview Giveaway

Monday, February 02, 2026

Bright Midnights by L.S. Delorme

I'm excited to interview author of Bright Midnights, Lexy Delorme. This book is perfect who want a touch of romance with a paranormal twist just in time for Valentine's Day. You also have the opportunity to read the reviews of some WOW readers and enter to win a copy of Bright Midnights.

Does Bright Midnights appeal to you? You're in luck! Bright Midnights is a part of the Limerent series and up next is Caio. You're invited to participate in the Reader Review Event. No blog needed - just the ability to leave a review on Goodreads and one other online bookseller site. Join our Reader Review Event and you receive a copy of Caio to review and a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.  To learn more, contact jodiwebb9@gmail.com.

About the Book:

In a world where viruses possess and dreams unlock new realms, 17 year old Amelie must navigate danger, love and her own dark powers to survive

Most high school students find life challenging, but 17-year old Amelie has a lot more to contend with than typical teenage angst. Ever since she turned 11, others have been irresistibly drawn to her-with tragic consequences. Her only escape is at night when she flies to different times and places through her "dreams". Her life begins to change when, on one of her flights, she meets Clovis, an alluring and mysterious young man who hides a secret.

As Amelie finds herself increasingly drawn to him, she learns his story, how it intertwines with her own and finally discovers how to live her life in the real world. Until her own secrets are revealed to the wrong people and that world turns upside down.

Publisher: Limerent Publishing
ISBN-13:  979-8987488096
ASIN:  B0DVQ6VX3R
Print length: 307 pages

Bright Midnights is available in print and as an ebook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Bookshop.org. You can also add it to your Goodreads list.

About the Author, L.S. Delorme:

Author Lexy Shaw Delorme (writing as LS Delorme) is the award-winning author of The Limerent Series, a genre-defying collection of emotionally resonant novels that blend supernatural mystery, psychological thriller, historical fiction, and romantic suspense. With a background as a lawyer, pop musician, and science writer, Lexy brings intellectual depth and lyrical prose to every story she tells. Now based in Paris, she lives with her French husband and two very cool sons. Her work explores themes of limerence, memory, identity, and the echoes of past lives—and she’s not afraid to push boundaries along the way.

Connect with the author:
Instagram: @ls_delorme

Learn more about Lexy on Upcoming Podcasts:




--Interview by Jodi M. Webb

WOW: Lexy, welcome to WOW-Women on Writing. We’re so excited to be hosting reader review events throughout 2026 for several of the books in your Limerent Series. How did you first come up with the idea for the Limerent Series?

Lexy: It started with characters. I’ve crafted characters in my head for as long as I can remember. The first character that I can remember naming was Kara. Later, I came up with the idea of Caio and Amelie [ed. note: protagonist in Bright Midnights]. Once I had the characters in my head, then I needed to make a world for them and it took me quite a while to develop that world. I am obsessive about details and research when it comes to creating stories, so I wanted to make sure that the world created would have spawned the characters in the story. It took me about 5 years to craft the world, but now that I have it, I could probably write in this world for the next 20 years.

WOW: Today we’re featuring Bright Midnights which was actually the second book you wrote for this series. For everyone out there clutching their pearls and declaring “I can’t read a series out of order!” could you explain the flexibility of reading your series. 

Lexy: Ah, then let me address this before the pearl clutching begins. The first three books of the series, Caio, Bright Midnights and Fanning Fireflies can be read as standalones. In fact, a person could read one of them and then not read any of the others. The first three also have slightly different sub genres. I designed it this way so that the reader could find their way into this series through a genre they are more comfortable with . For example, if someone likes historical fiction, then Fanning Fireflies is a paranormal, romantic historical mystery. If the person prefers thrillers then Caio is a paranormal, romantic legal thriller. This way, someone step into the series from a perspective that they feel more comfortable with. Once a reader has read one of the books, then they will know about some of the characters, my writing style, the topics I cover and the general way my books flow, and they can decide how they want to continue.

WOW: That's such a unique spin on a series. Did you plan to write several foundation books that were linked but could be read in any order or did it just happen organically?

Lexy: To be completely transparent, this all started with me writing a 1,000,000 word novel. This novel only took me through the first 20% of the story that I wanted to write. When I realized that this was just not going to work, conceptually or logistical, I decided to pull everything apart and spread it out across a series. This allowed me to do so much more. For one, it allowed me to give several major characters their own POV book. This allowed me to create the first three books to be able to be read as standalone while still staying connected to other characters in the series.

WOW: Now that is quite the rewrite! Although each book in the Limerent Series has a paranormal element they each have a nod to another genre - YA, romance, historical fiction, etc. How did that happen?

Lexy: For me, personally, I write cross genre fiction because I base my writing on life and I don’t think life is a genre. At any moment, you could be living a romance, or a horror. Or maybe both. I write stories, not specific genres. Also, I feel that adding additional genre elements is like adding spice to food. If you cook a salty dish, it’s much better if you add a bit of sugar because it enhances and mellows the salt. If you add a bit of horror to a romance, you up the stakes for the characters. 

Now, being cross genre has made it difficult for me with the traditional publishing industry. But because of all of this, we found ourselves indie publishing and I LOVE this. It has all the fun and excitement of doing a start-up. It gives the author complete control over the output, the ability to work with whoever you want for covers, editing, marketing and PR. You also don’t have to wait for someone else’s schedule. Indie publishing is quick and nimble and the other people that we have met in this industry have been amazing. I’ve felt no competition with other indie authors, who have been much more supportive than I would have guessed. For all of these reasons that we created our own imprint called Limerence Publishing. My husband and my kids all have different roles in this as it is our family business now. Currently, we are just publishing my books but we are looking to expand this.

WOW: You found the great silver lining in self-publishing. So, what made you decide to lead off the year at WOW with Bright Midnights? Is it your favorite?

Lexy: To be honest, its partially because we are doing this in the beginning of the year. Bright Midnights is my book that is closest to a pure romance, and romance does fit with the Valentine's Day vibe. That being said, Bright Midnights isn’t a YA novel. Its New Adult at best. It has trigger warnings and the reader should take these seriously. I have had multiple reviewers say that I “don’t pull punches”, which is very accurate. I don’t write about difficult topics because they are sensational. I write about them, because I have lived a lot of them, and have had loves ones live the others. I don’t believe in burying ones head in the sand. But that isn’t all that I write. I consider my writing to be “broad spectrum”. For every difficult and painful subject I cover, I counter that with characters and actions that show the extent to which people can be noble and wise. Bright Midnights is a love story between people who shouldn’t be able to love each other and yet they do. One of the main characters says that he like Disney love stories because they are often improbable and he believes that only love that can transcend differences and obstacles can really last.

WOW: And our giveaway of Bright Midnights lasts until Valentine's Day! Tell us a little about how you began as a writer. 

Lexy: I’ve always written in some form or another. I wrote my first short story when I was seven. It was called “Candy Land” and it was about a fierce little outcast sugar cube on an adventure to find others like her. During the journey she traveled on red and black licorice roads, and fought vicious red hots to get to the rock candy mountains. I think I had just read The Hobbit and I was trying to write a kid version of that. I continued writing short stories all through high school, mostly of the overly dramatic self-absorbed type. 

Later, I started writing music and was in a band. We were even on MTV in the middle of the night one night. I think about 5 people saw the video.

Eventually, I went back to school and got a master’s in science, so I pivoted to science writing. Then, because I bore easily, I went to law school and learned legal writing. From there, I did international business and new country entry which required a whole new kind of writing and learning to summarize complex legal and risk concepts down to 5 Power Point bullets for senior executives. 

Then I met and married a charming French man and stepped into an expat journey for his career. During this time, I did travel writing for magazines. I focused on travel with kids.

When we moved to London is when I started crafting the world that became the Limerent series. That took 5 years and I didn’t write anything during that time. I just mulled things over in my head. I didn’t start writing until 2015, when I started writing one monster book which got changed into the first three books of the series. I began writing them as the current series in 2017. I published Caio and Bright Midnights in 2023.

WOW: So what's up next for the Limerent Series and your writing career?

Lexy: There will be eight books in the series. The first three, Caio, Bright Midnights, and Fanning Fireflies can be read in any order. These first three books present most of the POV characters you will encounter in the series. However, to read the fourth book, Ghosting Academy, you will have had to have read Bright Midnights, at a minimum, and better to have read Caio as well. The fifth book, Limerence, is best read after having read Fanning Fireflies. The remained three books in the series won’t be standalone though.

The first five books have been published and you can purchase them on all the major online retailers. I do have some very pretty, foiled, books that are available only on my website. The next three books will be published over the next 3 years and (spoiler alert) they are called, Mirrored Lands, Outliers and Verite. These 3 are already written and in various forms of editing. Mirrored Lands will come out in October of this year and the other two 2027 and 2028 respectively. I am also in the process of writing a book of short stories called Sabbatical, pt 1 that I hope to have out this spring.

Right now, I have 97 different story ideas on my notes page on my phone. They are all at different levels of being fleshed out. One of the reasons that I decided to do a book of short stories was to allow me to pick some stories from that list that I felt would be better as short stories and would be appropriate for a book that sits between Limerence and Mirrored Lands. While these stories are all different, many of them are in this same world, so there will be consistency for the reader. This is also why I have known characters do cameos in each other’s books. As a reader, I get very attached to characters and I miss them when I am done with the book. Adding appearances of known characters into new stories is something I do, because I would want that as a reader.

WOW: Thanks for sharing with us, Lexy. Many people can say they have written a book but I think it's fair to say that you have also created an entire world you will literally be writing about for years.

Bright Midnights Reader Review Event

Here is what WOW readers had to say about Bright Midnights by L.S. Delorme:

Lily says:

Delorme does an amazing job drawing you in right away, weaving in the supernatural right alongside vivid descriptions of our world. No spoilers, but I will admit, I wasn’t expecting the prologue to be so dark, but it really sets the scene for everything that follows. My heart went out to Amelie immediately, everything she has to deal with, from her family to unwanted attention from adults, was absolutely heartbreaking. The story itself has excellent pacing, and it feels like there’s an invisible thread pulling you along from page to page. It was honestly frustrating each time I had to set the book down to deal with real life, because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. This was honestly the perfect blend of dark real life, and hope that was found in Amelie’s dreams. Definitely recommend!


Nicole says:

This ended up being such a fantastic read. At times it can be a dark read, but the author handles it with such care. It's not done for gratuitous purposes or just for the sake of shock. She had such strong character development. I was swept away by how realistic she made such a fantastical setting. Great pace for the plotline too!


Anthony says:

This was such a powerful and compelling read. As a newcomer to the series, the author did an amazing job of creating a story and world that felt self-contained and yet connected to the series through the powerful metaphysical nature of the plot points. The grounded nature of the protagonists life is greatly balanced with the supernatural elements of her life walking through other worlds in her mind and the powerful imagery the author uses in their writing style makes this come alive on the page.

Thought-provoking, emotionally-driven, and memorable, author LS Delorme’s “Bright Midnights” is a must-read metaphysical fantasy romance novel. The dark tones of the world Amelie finds herself in in her waking life and the dynamic worlds she immerses herself into and the rich mythos behind it all will keep readers invested until the book’s final chapters. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!


Ashley says:

Bright Midnights is a dark, emotionally heavy paranormal story that explores trauma, healing, and the complicated nature of trust. Amelie is a deeply scarred protagonist who has endured abuse, neglect, and repeated loss, and the story does not shy away from the lasting impact of that pain.

As she begins navigating dreamlike states and alternate realities, Amelie is forced to confront the parts of her past she’s buried in order to survive. The paranormal elements feel intentionally disorienting, blurring the line between what is real and what exists beyond the physical world. I appreciated that much of this was left open to interpretation rather than fully explained, allowing the reader’s imagination to play a role in how the story unfolds.

The relationships in this book are morally complex and emotionally tense. Even by the end, it’s difficult to know whether certain connections are healing or harmful, and that ambiguity felt honest. Life doesn’t always offer clear answers, especially when it comes to trust, influence, and emotional survival.

This is not a light or comforting read, but it is a compelling one. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy dark paranormal romance, psychologically complex characters, and stories that challenge you to sit with discomfort while searching for meaning and growth.


Julie says:

Bright Midnights pulled me into the story immediately. The writing was so immersive and fast-paced. But check your triggers because this is *dark* and also YA, making the content more disturbing. The experiences and dream travels are so vivid and beautifully descriptive, while the dark love story and other content are at odds with the lovely stories. The main characters are complex, and the situations are scary at times. The decisions Amelie makes really fit her upper high school personality, making it both relatable and infuriating. The timeless pull between Amelie and Clovis in their love story is both exhilarating and heartbreaking.


Jodi says:

If I had to describe L.S. Delorme's writing with one word it would be vivid. While reading Bright Midnights I didn't just see the scenes - I could smell, taste, feel and hear them. I felt totally immersed, particularly in the other worlds.

Because this partially takes place in a high school and revolves around a 17 year old girl I began Bright Midnights thinking it was YA but the depth of the characters and the dark themes touched on make this a compelling read for adults. I enjoyed the off-balance feeling of reading about Amelie's ordinary life and the breathless adventures she found in other worlds, especially when the other worlds began leaking into her everyday life. Everyone had secrets and I found myself reading with my mouth hanging open in disbelief as some were revealed.

The ending was addictive. It wrapped things up but also opened the door to an entirely new phase for Amelie. I'm also excited by the fact that the author promises that characters that made cameo appearances will be back in future books in the Limerent Series.


Bright Midnights by LS Delorme Giveaway

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

Enter to win a print copy of Bright Midnights by L.S. Delorme and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Fill out the form below for a chance to win! The giveaway ends on Valentine's Day - Saturday, February 14 at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!


Enjoy your introduction to the Limerent Series with Bright Midnights? Sign up for the Reader Review Event for Caio, the next book in the Limerent Series. No blog needed - just the ability to leave a review on Goodreads and one other online bookseller site. Join our Reader Review Event and you receive a copy of Caio to review and a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.  To learn more, contact jodiwebb9@gmail.com.
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Going Analog in 2026?

Thursday, January 29, 2026

 


About a week ago, I listened to the radio as I drove home from yoga. “This is the analog year!” said the DJ. “I’m amazed how much better I feel since I’ve decided to go analog. I use an alarm clock instead of grabbing my phone first thing every morning. You can read an actual physical book like my husband. Check out what’s available at the library.” 

I have a shelf in my office where the library books go. It keeps them from getting shuffled around and lost amid my own books. Still, I wondered what had led to this analog push, so I did some research. Ironically enough, I did the research online. 

I found that multiple factors led to this push. Part of it is the concern over AI. Multiple sources mentioned concern over AI in fashion. The only thing I know about AI and fashion is that companies now sell AI generated patterns that are difficult if not impossible to piece together using their equally problematic instructions. 

What about AI in writing and publishing? Nothing I read touched on this, but there has been plenty in the news. Platforms like Publishing AI are marketed to help people write and publish “books in record time.” They claim they can help writers write, edit, and publish painlessly. Care to guess what the quality of that work will be? We’re already seeing it in articles that recommend nonexistent books to readers. But that isn’t all. Journals have had to quit accepting manuscripts due to the AI generated content that flooded their inboxes. 

Going analog is also appealing because of the demands people face to be connected all the time. You see it when you put aside an entire afternoon to write, but your phone pings with emails, texts, and messages. Even apps ping you to tell you about new content, offers, and . . . and . . . and . . . 

It isn’t hard to see the appeal of going analog. Does this mean that I’m encouraging you to quit reading blogs like this one and taking our online courses? Not necessarily though I am telling you to find what works for you. Personally, I must be connected to an extent. I’m in Missouri. My editors are scattered around the country. Connectivity keeps me employed. I also take a wide variety of online classes. Sure, I could find in person classes, but these are more flexible which works with my schedule. 

I’m not constantly checking my phone because the only notifications I get are phone calls, texts, and messages. I’ve removed app and email notifications although I check my email multiple times throughout the day. 

Some people write without a browser open on their computer. As a nonfiction author who is always having to look up one more thing, that doesn’t work for me. But I do turn off my speakers. I do a lot of my research online, but I am also surrounded by print books. I use things in whatever format I can get my hands on. When time comes to relax, my husband and I may watch something on Hulu or Netflix. Casual gamers, we are currently watching Fallout. 

But I also bake using a wide variety of cookbooks. I knit, crochet and weave. I’m dabbling in watercolor. Hobbies like these are apparently having a resurgence in the early part of this year with people joyfully calling them granny hobbies. 

My hope? That you will do what works for you. That may mean breaking out the vinyl and writing on a typewriter. Or it may mean silently keying things on your membrane keyboard and switching screens to look things up online. My path doesn’t need to be your path but don’t be afraid to go analog in ways that will help you reenergize and write.

--SueBE

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.

Sue Bradford Edwards' is the author of over 80 books for young readers.  

She is also the instructor for 3 WOW classes which begin on the first Monday of every month. She teaches:
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Interview with Annalisa McMorrow, Runner-Up in the Summer 2025 Flash Fiction Contest

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Annalisa McMorrow is a writer and editor living in the wilds of Northern California, even though she prefers streetlights and 24-hour diners.

The daughter of a screenplay and a poem, words have been in her blood since birth. She grew up in the basement art department of a California magazine, and she’s had a favorite typeface since she was six. (It’s not Helvetica.)


A fangirl of flash fiction, she has been published in venues including The New York TimesWomen’s Health, and Romantic Times, and once she got paid $1,000 for a paragraph. (It was a good paragraph.) She has written film, book, and restaurant reviews since high school. Her music reviews date back to the halcyon days of vinyl.


She likes to drink coffee black, like her heart.


If you haven't read her story, "Coming Home," take a minute to experience it and then come back to learn about how Annalisa works. 


-----interview with Sue Bradford Edwards-----


WOW: What was the inspiration for “Coming Home”? 


ANNALISAI used to work at a second-hand store, and the women who would come in were a lot like the “influencers” in my story. They all wanted to look alike. A specific type of jeans cut in a specific way. A boxy, caramel-colored sweater. An ecru boot. There was a drawing I saw once online that replicated this look precisely, and I started to realize that they were almost clones. Generally, long straight blonde hair. An IG page that featured fallen leaves. Twisted candles. Frost. 


One of my friends works at farmer’s markets, and I was struck by the difference between the vendors and the consumers. Which is when Margo showed up. 


For reference, I do not look like these influencers. And one of the funniest interactions I had was when I was dressed head-to-toe in polka dots—my husband used to say I made him dizzy—and a customer asked me to match a beige with another beige. 


WOW: Details are a vital part of flash fiction. Why did you decide to name Margo but not her lover? 


ANNALISAMy writing style tends to be sparse with a few key details tossed in. I once wrote a 1,000 word short piece and reviewers mentioned the lemon-yellow bra held together with a safety pin. I give just enough to paint a scene, but not so much that a reader can’t fill in the blanks. I love to write in small spaces. 50 words. 100 words. Give me a box, and I’ll climb inside. 


Why was Margo a Margo? I hate to sound as if I believe I’m a conduit, but I’m a conduit. The characters tell me their names when they want to. She did. He didn’t. 


WOW: Your bio says that while you live in a rural area, you are more at home among the streetlights. Yet much of your story takes place at a farmer’s market and a rural cabin. How did your setting shape the story? 


ANNALISAI spent many years in LA, and cities illuminate me. Accidentally, I’ve ended up living for the past nearly 25 years at the end of a road. Somehow the bay leaves and pine needles have crept into my consciousness. But, if I had my druthers, I’d take neon over a mountain sunrise and a fire escape overlooking a gritty city instead of a clear lake or snow-capped mountains. 


WOW: Your story has such a gothic twist at the end. Can you explain to our readers who you set this up? 


ANNALISAMany of my stories deal with the veils between the here and the now and some other area (back in time or in another realm). One of my best friends died when I was 26 and he was 37, and I think I am always subconsciously trying to reach him. 


I don’t know if my words will help any writers because I am literally obsessed with writing. I start my day writing/end my day writing, pull the car over to jot notes, scribble on my arm with eyeliner, repeat words to memorize the cadence if I don’t have utensils with me. 


Writing is right up there for me with Maslow’s needs for survival. I have no fear of a blank page, and I don’t worry if I can’t finish a story. I move between many projects simultaneously. This is also how I crochet. I am making a blanket right now, but blankets take too long. So I will whip up a scarf or two just to have completion. Currently, looking down my screen at my documents, I see that I have nine stories open in various states and four articles in pieces. 


WOW: This is the second time that you’ve placed in a WOW! Flash Fiction competition (first was Naysayers and Skeptics). What advice do you have for our readers about entering contests and getting their work out into the world? 


ANNALISA: If I had to give advice, I’d say: Write. Edit. Revise. Leave the piece alone. Return. Revise. Read it aloud. Read it to a friend. Then find a place to submit, send it off, and start again. Do not wait for a response before working on something new. If you get rejected, dust off your words and try to home them somewhere else. But always be moving forward.


WOW: This is such powerful final advice - always be moving forwards.  It is so easy to trap ourselves by looking back.  Thank you so much for sharing your writing and your passion for writing!   

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Ready, Set, Write: What I Accomplished During a Five-Day Writing Sprint

Thursday, January 15, 2026

 

Ivan S/Pexels
Ivan S/Pexels

I’ve mentioned here before that I’m most productive during writing sprints. While I write non-fiction almost daily (thanks to my blog and true crime podcast), I struggle to set time aside for my fiction projects. I blame at lot of that on fatigue—as I’m getting older, I’m not as motivated to write late into the night. I have more physical and creative energy during the daylight hours. But because I’m on a weekly schedule for my podcast, I prioritize the research and writing in the non-fiction space. 


Last week I looked at my calendar and noticed I had a five-day block where I didn’t have to work much at my part-time job and I’m currently taking a short break from the podcast. I told myself I would finally try to make progress on my next novel, a contemporary time-loop story targeted at women in their late 40s, which I outlined with the help of a critique partner last year. I didn’t have a set goal of words I wanted to write other than I simply wanted to break past my writer’s block and make progress, any progress! 

With a clean house (so I couldn’t distract myself with chores) I assessed what I had in the document already before I got started, which was around 2,500 words. I’d written a prologue and opening chapter a few months ago. Before I could get started, I opened my outline to scan the general opening of the book and reread what I had already written. I spent most of the first day focused on refreshing my memory. I vowed not to wait so long in between opening the document moving forward because reviewing my previous chapters was slowing me down. I also hemmed and hawed because the opening of the book needs to “set up” the action of the time travel and I felt like it was boring. I told myself every book needs a set up before the inciting incident and not to worry too much about it at this point. 

The second day I had a breakthrough and a brand-new flashback scene came to me. To be transparent, I hopped over to Spotify to find myself the perfect corresponding playlist and landed on “Debbie Gibson Radio.” I didn’t know where it was going when I began typing, but by the end of the next two days chapter two, set in the year 1988, was completed at 2,500 words. 

On the third day I fretted that I couldn’t find any post-it notes because I wanted to start storyboarding the new chapters on my wall while I wrote. I considered making a run to the local office supply store but then talked myself out of it and got back to writing. 

On days four and five I spent a lot of time out walking, getting fresh air, finishing up an audiobook, making homemade soup, taking long, hot baths, and mulling over my plot. Even though the entire book is planned out, I’m second guessing every little detail that I put on the page. Who’d have thought—a writer plagued by perfectionism? 

By last night, I had the prologue and two and a half chapters completed. I’m very close to the point where the time travel comes in, so that’s exciting! One thing I’ve learned is that I need to open this document and work on it a little every day. I’m guilty of planning to do that and then getting distracted by various things. But with both kids back at college and more flexible hours in my day, I need to take advantage of this extra time. 

I’m happy I did this short writing sprint and am pleased with what I’ve produced. I’m also excited to continue with the story. For now I'm not worried too much and want to focus on simply getting as much of the book down on the page. I'll save serious editing for after the first draft is complete. 

Do you find writing sprints, like NaNoWriMo, helpful in your creative process? I'd love to hear your stories!

Renee Roberson is an award-winning writer and true crime podcaster who is currently seeking representation on a suspense/thriller novel while she plans her next one. Learn more at FinishedPages.com.
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Go to the Head of the Class

Wednesday, January 14, 2026


How much spare time do you have? Raise your hand if it feels like zilch, nada, not one extra second. Me too! Between family, work, volunteering, juggling starting a new creative piece while shopping around a finished novel and every women's magazine insisting that I somehow must squeeze in eight hours of sleep and 30 minutes of exercise each day, I'm beginning to feel that somehow shrinkflation has attacked the hours in a day. Are there still 24?


So what can a writer do?


Start a new project, of course.


Recently, I began developing a beginner's writing class for a small community organization. It's been several years since I taught a writing class and I'd forgotten how much teaching can affect my own writing.


Given free rein for the topic, I had to take the time to look over my recent writing and search for a niche. I decided to capitalize on my recent success with personal essays. After all, everyone has a funny/sad/memorable story that would make a great essay. Once that was decided I started musing over what makes a successful essay. The more I thought over this, the more eager I became to put the tips I was planning to share with the class to work with my own essay ideas.


In search of some motivation for the students, I spent a few minutes dipping into my writing bookshelf  and not only finding some great quotes for the class but also personal inspiration from some old  favorites:


Writing from Within: The Next Generation by Bernard Selling


On Writing by Stephen King


Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott


Remembering how it felt to have my first essay in print (thanks, Central Penn Parent) I drew up a list of markets for personal essays that weren't too intimidating so my class wouldn't have any excuses not to send their words out into the world. As I narrowed down my list I found myself thinking, "Hey, I should send Essay A to this market, Essay B to that market."


My class won't start for a few weeks but I can remember from past classes how the enthusiasm of new writers can improve your own energy and goal setting. After all what teacher encourages their students to take that leap and submit their work and doesn't feel the push to find homes for their own work?


You can probably think of many reasons NOT to teach a writing class. 


1. No time. True, time is a problem. But you can develop a workshop as long or as short as you like. Many students find it easier to find room in their life for a one night workshop rather than a multi-week commitment.


2. Not enough experience. Don't sell yourself short. We all have at least one specialty, whether it be a particular genre, the nuts and bolts of submissions, inspiration, technology for writers, contests or another writing related topic that you love to talk about.


3. No place to teach. Not true. There are so many places to teach -- they just don't realize it yet. Reach out to libraries, indie bookstores, community organizations, churches, seniors groups with an idea for a writing workshop. If you're much more tech-savvy than me you can even organize a virtual workshop.


4. Fear of public speaking. OK, I can't really help you with that one except to say that these are your people. Fellow writers. Also, if you ever plan on writing a book it might be a good idea to brush up  your public speaking skills.


It isn't too late to add teaching a writing workshop to your 2026 goals list. You'll be doing more than sharing your knowledge with fellow writers. You'll be re-energizing your own writing.



Jodi M. Webb writes from her home in the Pennsylvania mountains about anything and everything that strikes her fancy. Stay tuned for more details about the new piece she's working on in 2026.  She's also a blog tour manager for WOW-Women on Writing. and blogs at Words by Webb



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Interview With Sara Au: Summer '25 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up

Tuesday, January 13, 2026
 

I'm honored to interview with Sara Au, summer '25 flash fiction contest runner-up. We'll be chatting about her flash fiction story, "Dinosaur Week," her experiences entering writing contests, her latest works-in-progress, and more. 

Make sure you read her flash fiction story, "Dinosaur Week," first, and then come on by to read our discussion.

First, here's more about Sara Au:

A former broadcast journalist, Sara Au started writing after leaving news and having her first child. From magazine articles to online profiles (and another baby!), she lucked into a non-fiction opportunity and is the co-author of two parenting books, Stress-Free Potty Training and Stress-Free Discipline (AMACOM, 2008 and 2015), and the ghost writer for Kids, Sex & Screens (Fair Winds Press, 2018). Three years ago, Au unexpectedly found herself moving back to New York as she entered her 50s. Now living near a lifelong friend, the two have embarked on a fiction journey together, birthing their debut novel idea along the Penna Pike during a girls’ road trip. They brainstorm joint pen names as they add pages to their manuscript each day. Au works in educational public relations, craves traveling, despairs over politics and gives too many treats to her elderly pups. She writes an occasional non-fiction blog at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/finding-positivity.

--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: Congrats on winning runner up! Let's talk first sentences. I LOVED yours. Did that come to you right away or did that first sentence emerge through the editing process? 

Sara: I hate it when others say this, but it really did come to me right away. The prompt from the Gotham Writers Workshop class assignment was in the lesson about developing character: A kind, quiet librarian is mixed up in a high-profile murder. Ali sprang to life in my mind as the murderer wearing a dinosaur dress. From there, the plot was simple: there's only one reason I know of why a librarian would commit murder, and that is to keep her students and her books safe. And there's only one thing threatening both kids and books these days. All of that was nearly instantaneously created in my brain when I saw the prompt.

WOW: Ha, I KNEW IT! I had a theory that the best first sentences happen almost immediately. What inspired you to write this story? 

Sara: Dinosaur Week is a love letter to all of the amazing school librarians and teachers in red states caught between good literature and bad policies right now. I know and love many of you, and am so worried about your livelihoods, your mental state and your ability to keep going. (And it should go without saying, but I guess these days it's prudent to put it out there that this is pure fiction and neither I nor any of my educator friends condone any type of violence against anyone, even people who are trying to ban or censor books.)   

WOW: What a beautiful message to those librarians and teachers out there though! You have such an interesting writing journey! How did your broadcast/journalist background prepare you to write fiction? 

Sara: It did not, at all! I struggle mightily without having facts to anchor me, with having the freedom to just... make it all up. It's incredibly intimidating to me. I've always admired fiction writers from afar, knowing I was safely ensconced inside the quotation marks of my interviews. This is actually why I took the Gotham Writers Workshop class from which this story is adapted, to give myself some sort of a pathway to move forward into fiction. I've always had a mantra of "just say yes" when it comes to professional opportunities. That's how I came to publishing in the first place: I was in the extremely lucky position of having a writer colleague from a magazine suggest my name to her agent who was looking for someone to write a specific kind of parenting book. I never thought I'd write a book, but even if I had, the topic - potty training - was not one I would have ever considered. My first proposal was not accepted, but a couple of years later that agent had a similar opportunity come her way and she contacted me again, suggesting some specific changes. That revised proposal ended up becoming my first book. Now I always tell myself that if I can write 60,000 words about potty training, I can write anything!  

WOW: What an incredible experience -- and important lesson for yourself. What are you working on now that you can tell us about? 

Sara: Brooke Smarsh and I are co-writing a novel about a perimenopausal therapist who develops the ability to travel through time to escape the crushing challenges in her personal life while fixing her clients' past traumas. We're constantly brainstorming how to combine our letters into a pen name (and that's not at all a way we procrastinate).

WOW: That is amazing and I personally can't wait to read it. I love that you are co-authoring a novel with your best friend. How is that experience changing you and your own personal writing journey? 

Sara: It's been so much fun! Part of that is overcoming my own self-doubt. But it's also so much more of an artistic endeavor than either Brooke or I are used to, and we're fully leaning into it. Brooke and I were college roommates who've stayed close friends even though we spent most of the last thirty years living far away from each other. When I moved back up north, we picked up our in-person friendship like no time had passed. I think it was on a girls' road trip to PA and she thinks it was at brunch in Hoboken, but at some point we started talking about how we both had the crazy idea to write a novel. It just made sense to do it together because we complement each other so well and we spur each other on. My non-fiction books were also written with partners, so that part feels very natural to me. We're having a blast!

WOW: I think that's amazing you are doing this together. Why did you decide to enter WOW's flash fiction contest? 

Sara: I was listening to an episode of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing podcast (shout out Bianca, Carly and Cece!) where they dissect query letters. One of the accomplishments the author in this episode listed was an honorable mention in this contest from a year back or so. I was curious, so I Google'd it and saw that there was another deadline approaching. I'm now super excited to be able to recreate that same line for myself when we go out to query. 

WOW: What a small world! I'm so glad you entered the contest so we can read your wonderful story. Thank you so much for chatting with me today. 
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Rumination Remedies by Sheri McGregor: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, January 12, 2026

Rumination Remedies by Sheri McGregor

When was the last time you stared at the ceiling, sleep chased away by worries, to-do lists and overthinking? If you've ever found yourself struggling with a overactive, won't-shut-off mind, Sheri McGregor's Rumination Remedies is the book for you. Join for the launch of the book tour, an interview with the author and a giveaway of the book.

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

In Rumination Remedies, Sheri McGregor offers 41 powerful, practical tools to help you recognize, interrupt, and release repetitive thought loops. Thoughtfully written, immediately useful, and deeply compassionate—this is a must-have for anyone ready to stop spinning and start living with more ease and clarity.”

— Lori Clemmons, author of Rewire Your Wellness: A Guide For Reclaiming Your Life from Chronic Illness, Anxiety,

The human brain is amazingly resilient but in today's stress-filled and overstimulating world, your mind can get stuck. Worry, regret, and racing thoughts steal your joy, peace, and confidence-not to mention sleep. The good news? You can change the pattern.

Rumination Remedies is a gentle, smart guide to freeing your mind. Whether you're caught up in dread, weighed down by regret, or distracted by what-ifs or wishes, this practical workbook offers holistic, body-friendly and brain-building ways to find your peace of mind.

Publisher: Sowing Creek Press (October 5, 2025)
AISN: B0FTWVBW26
ISBN-10: 0997352272
ISBN-13: 978-0997352276
Print length:  228 pages

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

About the Author, Sheri McGregor M.A.

Sheri McGregor holds a Master’s Degree in Human Behavior and has been writing and life coaching for
more than two decades. She loves her work to help people reclaim their self-worth and step courageously toward peace—and their dreams. Some of her advanced training and certifications include
brain-based coaching, aging-related wellness, and the neuroscience of change. 

Sheri is most well-known for her work to help parents of estranged and/or dysfunctional adult children, which includes peer support and her award-winning books in her Done With The Crying series.
 
                 https://www.balanceandjoy.com/
                 https://www.rejectedparents.net/

--Interview by Jodi M. Webb

WOW: You’ve written on many mental health topics in the past, including books on estrangement from adult children and the healing spirit of nature. What made you decide to tackle the issue of overthinking for Rumination Remedies?

Sheri: I grew up with a dad who worried about everything and realized early on just how miserable overthinking can be. I saw my dad’s turmoil and vowed not to be like that. Genetics, learned behavior, and some devastating life blows tested that vow—and made it stronger. In my life and education, including earning degrees in psychology and human behavior, I’ve learned a lot about rumination. In my work as a life coach, the problem of an overactive mind has come up repeatedly, so I knew there was a need—and a book can reach more people.

WOW: Rumination Remedies is a book + more. It's power is in how interactive it is, more of a workbook with plenty of activities to help improve your life by finding peace of mind. Can you share an activity from the book that you especially find helpful?

Sheri: For writers, I’m especially fond of the book’s somatic exercises. The body isn’t separate from the mind. Those exercises get you up out of the chair and active, which brings new perspective simply by stepping away from the work. You return with fresh eyes.

If I had to choose a favorite, it would be Solvitur Ambulando — Latin for “it is solved by walking.” It uses simple movement and momentum-based metaphors that work with the brain’s natural processes, helping people advance forward mentally and leave behind overthinking. Great thinkers across time, including gifted writers, knew their feet held the key to healthy cognitive processing.

"The goal isn’t to quiet the mind completely—writers need a lively inner world—but to develop a healthier relationship with thought."

WOW: So many writers I know swear by walking to reveal what their writing needs. So, do you feel the lessons in Rumination Remedies can be applied to the life of a writer?

Sheri: Absolutely. Writers tend to have active, imaginative minds, which is both a gift and a vulnerability. The same mental agility that helps a writer notice nuance, explore ideas, and shape language can also turn inward and spiral, revisiting sentences, decisions, or imagined outcomes. At some point, it’s fruitless, and you’re just pushing words around on the page.

Many of the lessons in Rumination Remedies help writers learn to recognize when reflection has crossed into mental looping, and how to interrupt that process without shutting down creativity. The goal isn’t to quiet the mind completely—writers need a lively inner world—but to develop a healthier relationship with thought.

WOW: Your books are published by your own Sowing Creek Press. What made creating your own publishing company the right path for you?

Sheri: I’d written for major magazines for decades and had also placed fiction and nonfiction books with traditional publishing houses—some even translated into many languages. I knew how the industry worked, and when I wrote my first book to help parents of estranged adult children, Done With The Crying, I pitched it to agents and editors who expressed interest. But it became clear to me in those conversations that they didn’t truly understand the topic. Maintaining integrity and control over the work was important to me—and I knew the best way to do that was to create my own company. Since that time, I’ve been contacted by major publishing houses but have chosen to remain independent.

Sometimes, cooperative arrangements make sense though, like the deals I accepted with Tantor Media for audio versions of two of my self-help books. Another example is foreign translations. Done With The Crying has a gorgeous, embossed hardback edition in Russian with major publisher, Bombora. And I recently accepted an offer from Taiwan company, Yuan-Liou Publishing Co., Ltd., to produce Rumination Remedies in traditional Chinese language characters. I can’t wait to see it, especially the cover art.

WOW: It's fascinating that you are able to maintain your own company and still work with other publishing companies to expand your reach. What was the most rewarding thing about setting up your own publishing company?

Sheri: The most rewarding thing is to make a difference in people’s lives. Every day, I hear from readers whose emails touch my heart. The best advice I could give to someone considering starting their own publishing company is to consider how much time they’re willing to invest. Getting a book to print is just the beginning. Making sure it’s seen becomes a lifestyle.

"Getting a book to print is just the beginning. Making sure it’s seen becomes a lifestyle."

WOW: Thanks for letting WOW blog tour help you with that. In addition to self-help, you’ve written short fiction, articles (some about chicken farming!), personal essays. Does writing in different styles strengthen your writing?

Sheri: When you work for magazines, you learn to make your writing voice complement the publication’s. My years freelancing for a wide variety of publications sharpened that ability. It’s similar to how you’d modulate your pitch to speak soothingly to a young child with a skinned knee, infusing a sales pitch with polished enthusiasm, or using humor in appropriate spaces. I used to love writing for Chickens Magazine because they liked my eggstra silly puns. The more you learn to use your writing voice in different ways, the more adept you become at language—a writer’s tool.

WOW: Have you always been a writer?

Sheri: I vividly remember my mother teaching me to write my name when I was four. The letters stood for something and, at that age, the idea of that felt magical. As a kid, I received my first rejection letter from the Carol Burnett Show for a skit I’d sent in. I started working seriously toward publication when my children were young and I wanted to build a career working from home.

WOW: That sounds familiar (well, not the Carol Burnett experience). What’s up next for you?

Sheri: I’m excited about a beautifully unique guided journal that will be out soon. Eventually, I’d like to publish more work by other authors at Sowing Creek Press. I enjoyed working with the authors featured in the 2018 anthology, Nature’s Healing Spirit: Real Life Stories to Nurture the Soul. In addition, I plan to teach a couple of publishing and writing courses in the near future.

WOW: Sounds like you have a full plate. Thanks for taking time to share your publication experience with us.

Rumination Remedies by Sheri McGregor Blog Tour

--Blog Tour Calendar

January 12th @ The Muffin
Make 2026 a year of peace and calm. Start with the launch of the WOW blog tour for Rumination Remedies by Sheri McGregor M.A.. Read an interview with the author and enter to win.

January 13th @ Boys' Mom Reads!
Turning over a new leaf for 2026? Don't miss the spotlight on Sheri McGregor's Rumination Remedies.

January 14th @ Blooming Mindfulness
Beverly, blogger for those living  with chronic illness or disability, reviews the workbook Rumination Remedies.

January 15th @ Knotty Needle
How can writing rituals help? Find out with a guest post Sheri McGregor, author of Rumination Remedies

January 16th @ A Lit Life
Stop by The Lit Life for a review of Rumination Remedies by Sheri McGregor.

January 20th @ The Faerie Review
Are you looking for a way to achieve peace of mind? Check out the review of Sheri McGregor's Rumination Remedies.

January 21st @ Create Write Now!
Learn how to get into the writing flow - but control the stress - with Sheri McGregor, author of the self-help workbook Rumination Remedies.

January 22nd @ Words by Webb
Jodi writes about the connection between cannas and calmness. She'll also be reviewing the book that helped her make the connection: Rumination Remedies by Sheri McGregor.

January 27th @ Chapter Break 
It's time to Tame Your Inner Editor. Then get more tips on avoiding overthinking with a review of Rumination Remedies.

January 29th @ Hook of a Book
Do you spend time worrying about...everything? Free yourself! Don't miss the review of Sheri McGregor's new book Rumination Remedies.

January 30th @ Hook of a Book
Sheri McGregor, author of Rumination Remedies, is a guest at The Writing Adventure writing about the power of the Productive Pause - stepping away to move your work forward.

February 1st @ Shoe's Seeds & Stories
Sheri McGregor tells us how we can change our story and change our life while Linda reviews her workbook for improving life: Rumination Remedies.  

February 4th @ Writer Advice
Are too many thoughts bouncing around your brain? Sheri McGregor, author of Rumination Remedies, shares how the Clear the Mental Clutter and Write. 

February 6th @ Jill Sheet's Blog
Today's interview will tell you more about Sheri McGregor, author of a book that could change your life: Rumination Remedies.  

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win Rumination Remedies: A Workbook to Heal Your Mind from Worry, Regret, and Racing Thoughts by Sheri McGregor. Fill out the form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends January 25th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!

Rumination Remedies Giveaway
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