Friday Speak Out!: So You Got Rejected Now What?

By Laura Yeager

Rejection is something with which all writers are familiar. Writers can be rejected for many reasons from weak grammar to an illogical storyline. There are many causes of rejection, but what are some of the effects of rejection on the writer?

The some of the effects include the following –

Throwing the piece out and beginning afresh. This is a drastic response to rejection and is likely to be a result of hurt feelings and devastation. I don’t recommend this action, but if you’re completely tired of working and reworking a story or article, starting from scratch might be the way to go.

Getting advice from an editor or a reader and proceeding to rewrite from there. I do recommend this action. Sometimes a second set of eyes will move the story or article along and will take it to completion. My editor has saved me from looking like a fool many times, as well as spotting typos and misspellings.

Stopping writing entirely. NOT RECOMMENDED. Chalk the rejection up to an editor having a bad day.

Working harder on your own and perfecting the manuscript. Nuff said.

Shopping the piece (as is) around. This method stems from the idea that your piece will gain acceptance if it finds just the right editor. I recommend this action if you know that the manuscript is clean and interesting.

Putting the piece aside (in a drawer) and sleeping on it for a while. It’s amazing what time will do for one’s editing capabilities. You’ll be able to grasp the totality of the piece – the meaning, the syntax…everything about the story.

Of course, all these reactions have their pros and cons. What’s important is to keep at your art and to not give up. Rejection is part of the writing process, and writers should get used to being rejected. If writers can get over and learn from rejection, they can sell more of their work, which is an object of the business.

Back when writers sent their work out in paper form and received paper rejections, it was a fad to paper a wall of one’s home with rejection slips. Since most everything is electronic these days, this doesn’t occur, but, oh, those were the days! A wall papered with rejections was, in a way, a status symbol. It showed years (perhaps) of hard work and perseverance.

The most important thing to remember is to trust your instincts in your writing. This is easy to say and hard to do.

You will be rejected, and what I haven’t said is that maybe you should be rejected at that point in time. Maybe an editor is doing you a favor.

This brings me to a final point. Whether you sell a story or get rejected, don’t forget to thank the editor for her readership. This polite action will take you far.

They say that writing is rewriting. This is true. What’s also true is that writing for publication is rejection. That’s it in a nutshell.

* * *

Laura Yeager is a frequent contributor to Curetoday.com, a cancer website. She teaches writing at Kent State University at Stark and at Gotham Writers. Laura is happy and proud because her son, Thomas, has started writing and illustrating children’s books.
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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Leave a Comment dealing with rejection, Friday Speak Out!, Laura Yeager, writer tips

Finding Out the Old Stories Don't Speak to You

 

This has been a year of surprises. I've let go of a major writing gig and went both feet into my new podcast booking service (which is doing surprisingly well). And I managed this year, so far, to finish a strong draft of a story I'd been working on for years.

After that, knowing I needed to give myself a break, I reached for other stories in my "finished - but not revised" folder. I brought both up, started working on them, and got bored.

I. Got. Bored.

With my own work!

This is obviously a terrible sign, but I thought...well, I'm stressed. And I'm having a hard time focusing creatively. So, maybe just keep at it.

Until something hit me. One of my favorite short stories was in the category of speculative fiction (it's called Mannequin of Lot 18). My latest story is about virtual reality and the ramifications of trusting that technology with our lives.

And as I was thinking of the stories I was attempting to revise, an idea struck me: these aren't in my genre. What I love about speculative fiction is that you can really say things about society. I mean, you can in all genres, but I feel like this genre inspires me to write more thought-provoking themes in my work.

My next project is to speculatively fictionalize (my new word) these old stories of mine. 

If you aren't really feeling the vibe of your latest work, maybe it isn't you. Maybe the story isn't expressing a part of who you are anymore. Maybe it's not even the genre you want to be in.

And that's okay. Don't be afraid to move or let go. That means you're growing, not failing.

Nicole Pyles is a slightly overworked solopreneur who somehow can't admit she's running a business and not simply a side hustle. She loves the Lord and spending time with her family. She dreams vividly and loves writing metaphors in her fiction. When she's not checking her email obsessively, she enjoys watching old episodes of Twilight Zone and black-and-white monster movies. If you ever want to be on podcasts, let her know. And if you have a podcast, you could be her new best friend.

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Leave a Comment Nicole Pyles, Old Stories, writing goals

Interview with Geeta Lal Sahai: Fall 2024 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up

Geeta’s Bio: Geeta Lal Sahai is a writer, award-winning filmmaker, and mental health advocate based in Delhi-NCR, India. With a background in journalism, she transitioned into full-time writing, and mental health activism. 

Her fiction is deeply rooted in real-life experiences, shaped by meticulous research and a keen understanding of human emotions. Her work has been published by HarperCollins, Mithra Publishing, and Niyogi Books, and her short stories have received awards in multiple international competitions. 

She is the author of the non-fiction book Beyond Music – Maestros in Conversation (Niyogi Books, 2015), which explores Hindustani Classical Music through insightful discussions with renowned artists. Her short story collections include When Goodbye Begins: Life Takes Over and Once is Not Enough: Stories on Love, Passion, Desire, Family, and Loss. (Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/geetalalsahai) 

Her film I Remember... has received national and international recognition, winning multiple awards. She has also been honoured with the REX Karmaveer Bronze and Silver Karmaveer Chakra Awards (instituted by iCONGO in partnership with the UN) in 2014 and 2019 for her advocacy in disability and mental health. 

Reflecting on her creative process, she shares: “All my creative endeavours emerge from moments I witness—whether of beauty, pain, or anguish, but always rooted in reality. Through writing, I attempt to make sense of these moments with honesty, directness, and vulnerability.” 

Presently, she is working on her upcoming non-fiction book on Mental Health and Human Rights. She continues to write, research, and advocate for mental health and human rights while exploring stories that need to be told. 

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

WOW: Congratulations on placing in the Fall 2024 Flash Fiction Contest! What excited you most about writing this story? 

Geeta: While writing “The Garden She Maintained”, I rediscovered myself. The chance to speak about an experience that is often ignored or misinterpreted excited me. Emotional abuse steals confidence, identity, and self-worth. It leaves no visible scars. I have seen survivors of emotional abuse, and in some measure, I can also consider myself a survivor. My experience made me understand others’ silent pain. I saw how they felt trapped, unheard, and unsure of their reality. 

Writing this story allowed me to explore my journey from feeling controlled and insignificant to finding the strength to act. I wanted the protagonist to leave after a deep internal struggle. I wanted her to awaken to the reality gradually. I tried to capture the moment one realises and begins to expect more from life. Even if the world says otherwise, this process is powerful. 

Having said this, let me clarify that taking a final step is tricky. It is challenging, as only the survivor knows the truth. The world continues to be captivated by the abuser’s charm. Their adorable personality impresses everyone around them. The reality is that it is hard to talk about invisible pain, unlike the visible scars of physical abuse. Even at the police station, the officers do not believe the survivors’ story. Their response is, “But where are the scars?” It is so complex that often, the abused person doubts their own judgement. The line between reality and the “visible reality” appears like a dense fog where one cannot see beyond what is shown. The real picture remains invisible. And this makes survivors doubt their sanity. 

WOW: Very well said. And thank you for giving voice to a topic that is too often silenced. What did you learn about yourself or your writing while crafting this piece? 

Geeta: Writing about perseverance and survival speaks to me. It shows the quiet courage needed to rebuild life after trauma. This story reflects what I have always believed about myself. This story made me realise how important these tales are. I’ve always seen fiction as a way to share what often goes unsaid. Writing this allowed me to reflect on my experiences. Survivors of emotional abuse usually struggle with self-doubt. The abusive partners instruct them to think their pain isn’t “real enough and that they are going insane.” Even others begin to doubt the version of the survivors. But the validity of pain does not depend on its conspicuous presence. While writing this story, I recognised the truth. It applied not only to my main character but also to several others in similar situations. I also understood the need for moderation in narrative from a technical standpoint. Emotional abuse involves manipulation, gaslighting, and control. I aimed to present this gradually. The pauses, silences, and the protagonist – Deepali’s self-doubt are as powerful as confrontation. This story helped me understand the power of silence and how to use subtext, body language, and atmosphere. These elements convey emotions that words cannot capture completely. 

WOW: Thank you for sharing this. It’s so powerful to hear about the ways writing can help people reflect on and heal from their experiences. You have a wealth of writing experience, including filmmaking. What, if any, connections do you see between your filmmaking, or your writing in other genres, and your fiction writing? 

Geeta: Filmmaking has, in many respects, changed my approach to narrative. It has helped me see scenes. I can picture emotions, tensions, and connections with significant depth. I pay close attention to my characters’ movements and the space around them. I notice how their small actions reveal what they don’t say. While I write, I see them as though they are on screen. This narrative feels like a cinematic experience in the way it developed. 

To show the complexity of Deepali’s life, I focused on small details of her garden, her making tea in the kitchen, the dim light in the room, her tense body when her husband talks, and the heavy silence showing her inner struggle. 

As every shot in a film is essential, I approached this story to ensure every moment helped shape the protagonist’s emotions. In fact, my experience in fiction writing has enhanced my filmmaking skills, and writing helps me explore a character’s inner world better than movies can. This deep psychological insight influences how I tell stories across all media. I constantly endeavour to tell stories soaked in honesty and reality. I fictionalise and weave a tale around actual incidents, real people and situations. 

WOW: It sounds like writing in multiple genres has really enriched your writing experience. To “see scenes” is such an important concept when writing narrative. What are you reading right now, and why did you choose to read it? 

Geeta: I’m reading Edith Eger’s The Choice, which looks at trauma, resiliency, and self-discovery. It concerns the atrocities of the Holocaust. I’m drawn to stories that dive into the complexity of human relationships. I especially like those that challenge accepted ideas. This autobiographical narration is about hope and how it can bloom even in the most improbable locations. Trauma and abuse leave an indelible mark on the psychology. Our adult reactions are the outcome of our childhood. The invisible childhood trauma and scars make us what we become as adults. It’s the same situation, but two individuals react differently. They respond differently because of their childhood experiences. This aspect fascinates me. And I’m curious about how other writers tackle violence and recovery. They don’t tell a tale; they also evoke feelings. Reading The Choice has helped me understand the world and the fighting spirit of human beings. I always seek books that broaden my view of human experiences and psychology. 

WOW: I love to hear how you’re reading with such purpose and depth. If you could give your younger self one piece of writing advice, what would it be and why? 

Geeta: I would counsel my younger self to stop shying away from writing on sensitive topics. I avoided writing about emotional abuse, trauma, and survival for a long time. I’ve found that the most complex stories are often written with utmost honesty. Only authentic literature spins out once we put ourselves in others’ shoes. I would also remind myself that writing is about telling the truth, not seeking approval. I wish I had realised earlier that my voice matters. My viewpoint is valid, and the stories I want to tell matter. I would also tell myself to be patient. Like everything necessary, writing is a craft and requires time to grow. There is no need to be flawless; to keep writing, learning, and believing the process works. 

WOW: Your voice matters! And we’re so grateful that you shared it with us. It’s a true gift. Anything else you’d like to add? 

Geeta: Topics like mental health issues and the stories woven around various mental health problems, like bipolar schizophrenia, suicide and suicide survivors, childhood abuse, trauma, geriatric issues, etc., when woven into a story, will change the narrative around these issues. I believe this. 

I hope that, in some minor way, the story “The Garden She Maintained” helps to shatter the silence around emotional violence. Ending an abusive relationship without visible signs can be quite challenging. Often, society downplays emotional violence. This leads survivors to feel their pain isn’t real or that they must endure it for peace and harmony at home. I want people to see that survival means choosing yourself. The world may teach you otherwise, but it’s not about enduring. I see it as a success if one reader connects with this story. If it helps someone feel seen or understood, that’s enough for me. Let me share: just after the WOW results were announced, one woman messaged me, saying, “I am going through the same. Thank you.” I was overwhelmed with emotions. Speechless. 

Thank you for allowing me to express and share my thoughts. Thank you. 

WOW: Thank you for your thoughtful responses and for sharing your story with us. 

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 on Twitter @greenmachine459.

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Leave a Comment Anne Greenawalt, contest runner up, Geeta Lal Sahai, WOW! Fall 2024 Flash Fiction Contest

Interview with Carol Ovenburg, WOW! Q2 2025 Creative Nonfiction Contest First Place Winner

Carol Ovenburg is a student of consciousness, an artist, a writer, an Argentine Tango social dancer—pretty much in that order. When she’s not writing or making digital art, she is on the dancefloor in various cities around the U.S. She’s been a committed meditator for over fifty years and has found this to be the integrating factor for everything she does.

Her life stories began spilling from her pen in 1999—tears dripping on her writing blurring words on the page. Many have been rewritten and become published essays—a few with WOW! Women on Writing, of which she is grateful. Her memoir continues to be a work-in-progress—she’s lost count of the multiple titles and the times she’s called it finished. But her current study of the origins of patriarchy, the myths and misogyny, and how being raised to put men first is the underlying element not yet developed in her memoir.

She lives in the Pacific Northwest and feels it’s wasted on her since she’s not a big nature person. She’s less about what’s out there; more about what’s in here. But she does venture out for walks and occasional hikes with her partner of twelve years.

Her published essays and digital art can be found on her website www.carolovenburg.com.

--interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Congratulations on winning first place in our Q2 2025 Creative Nonfiction essay competition! What inspired you to write your entry, “The Goddamn Ceiling?”

Carol: I had joined other writers in a Zoom three-hour planning workshop and decided to use my time to write. I didn’t know ahead of time that I would write this little story about cleaning the ceiling. It must have been hanging out in the back of my mind while, of late, reading about the origins of patriarchy. As I wrote it, I began to see ceiling and ladder as metaphors and the story took on a fuller meaning for me. It was an aha moment and I ran with it. It wasn’t until I was almost finished with the rewrite that I played around with the structure.

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

Carol: First, that I’ve written something worth reading.

Second, that I can turn my writing into something worth reading—something I’m proud of. I’ll remember what my writing mentor said—it’s not what you write but how you write it. In the re-write, I’ll focus on craft. This is perhaps the most difficult part of writing well, but it’s also the most fun—to look at the many ways you can say something without choking it to death.

WOW:  You’ve been on a memoir writing journey, and I’m sure you’ve learned a lot along the way. Is there a particular memoir you think everyone needs to read?

Carol: Yes. There are a few. I think any memoirist needs to read Jeannette Walls’s, The Glass Castle and Mary Karr’s The Liars’ Club: A Memoir. These two books were my first reads when I started writing memoir. I also love the more hybrid works—non-fiction mixed with memoir like Fire and Stone by Priscilla Long. Her book inspired how I want to re-write parts of my memoir. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Chelsey Clammer’s Human Heartbeat Detected, a powerful little book of memoir moments in essays. I read the stories. I study the structure of these memoirs. Right now, I’m re-reading Steven King’s On Writing - A memoir of the Craft because there’s good stuff in there about writing well.

WOW: In your bio, you also mention that you’re an Argentine Tango social dancer, traveling to various cities around the country. What do you think people might not know or may want to know about Argentine tango dancing?

Carol: This is a huge question, one that requires a lot of pages to answer. I’ll try to make it short. Bear with me.

People come to tango for a lot of reasons and often quit because it’s more difficult a dance than they thought it would be. It’s one of those dances that can (and usually will) reveal our deepest fears—insecurities, social awkwardness/anxiety, addictions, inappropriate attractions, breakups, jealousy, etc. I’ve been through most of these discordant emotions while learning this medium of creative expression, and I persevere because I know there is great depth to this dance. I feel deep connection and joy and humility and fun allowing my body to be in the flow with my partner, with the music, with the floor, completely in the moment, present, and complete. I also relish the social life tango events bring. I adore my tango sisters. There’s so much to tango that you will rarely find a group of tangueras and tangueros talking together about anything other than tango.

One thing people might not know about Argentine tango is it’s an improvised dance. We do learn sequences and steps, but the dance is never the same from one song to the next. The music generally dictates the improvisation. The same way a mood or circumstance dictates the words and phrases we use to form sentences that take on different meanings. This, to me is Argentine tango—a vehicle for surprise.

WOW: Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Carol. Before you go, do you have any tips for our readers who may be thinking about entering writing contests?

Carol: I’d say enter, but before you enter, make sure your essay is as clean as possible. If you don’t have a good writing group who can edit your piece before sending it in, you might want to spring for a critique, if offered by the contest. I find the critiques extremely helpful.

And, read prior winners to learn what your contest is interested in publishing.

So enter if you can—it’s good medicine.

And don’t let rejections discourage you. They’re your friends.

***

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Leave a Comment Carol Ovenburg, Contestant interview, essay contest, first place winner, Marcia Peterson, WOW! Q2 2025 Creative Nonfiction Contest, writer inspiration

Spring Into Reading Giveaway

The spring season is upon us. From plants to people, this time of year gives everyone a chance for renewal. And we're all ready for it here at WOW! Women on Writing. That's why we're proud to announce the launch of our Spring Into Reading giveaway. Whether you plan to take your book to the beach (assuming the weather holds up) or read underneath a blossoming tree (with hopes your allergies won't flare up), you're bound to find a book in our giveaway that captures your attention.

We're excited to bring so many of our favorite authors together (several of whom have been on tour with us lately!) in yet another major group giveaway.

Here's how it all works:

Much like our last giveaways, we will have three winners. One grand prize winner will receive the grand prize of our $150 Amazon Gift Card (or PayPal if they prefer), free entry with an editorial critique into one of WOW's Writing Contests (each contest has over $1200 in cash prizes!), and a large collection of books. Two winners will receive the same collection of books and also receive free entry and critique into one of WOW's contests.

This giveaway is open to US readers for print copies. We'll be sending out physical book copies to winners. 

To enter this giveaway, scroll down to the bottom of the page and enter the Rafflecopter form. The giveaway ends May 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM Central. We'll announce the winners the next day!

Our First Place Winner Will Receive:

A $150 Amazon Gift Card (or PayPal, winner's choice)

One free entry and critique into either one of WOW! Women on Writing's writing contests

Life on the Road by Michelle Cornish

All Three Books in The Right Series by Patricia Gable

Hedgehog's Winter by Raven Howell

Lilies Bloom, Lies Fester by Elle Celyse Feranna

The Legends of Caraigdun: Quest to Slay the Dragon by Jane Cleere Johnson

Obsessed By A Promise by Sandra Warren

Water in Every Room by Heather Brown Barrett (and a handcrafted bookmark!)

For It Will Be Yours by Trey Everett

To Have and to Hold, to Love and to Kill: An Agreement of Souls by Amy S Cutler

No More Empty Spaces by D. J. Green

Does It Look Like Her? by Melanie Faith

The Way of Gratitude by Hannah Rowen Fry

Leaning on Air by Cheryl Grey Bostrom

Dear Someday Writer by Cindy Skaggs

Live by the Team by Cindy Skaggs

The Atlantean Horse, book 1 of Feathers of the Phoenix by Cheryl Carpinello

Second & Third Prize Winners Receive:

One free entry and critique into either one of WOW! Women on Writing's writing contests

Life on the Road by Michelle Cornish

All Three Books in The Right Series by Patricia Gable

Hedgehog's Winter by Raven Howell

Lilies Bloom, Lies Fester by Elle Celyse Feranna

The Legends of Caraigdun: Quest to Slay the Dragon by Jane Cleere Johnson

Obsessed By A Promise by Sandra Warren

Water in Every Room by Heather Brown Barrett

For It Will Be Yours by Trey Everett

To Have and to Hold, to Love and to Kill: An Agreement of Souls by Amy S Cutler

No More Empty Spaces by D. J. Green

Does It Look Like Her? by Melanie Faith

The Way of Gratitude by Hannah Rowen Fry

Leaning on Air by Cheryl Grey Bostrom

Dear Someday Writer by Cindy Skaggs

Live by the Team by Cindy Skaggs

The Atlantean Horse, book 1 of Feathers of the Phoenix by Cheryl Carpinello

Let's talk about some of the books you will receive in this amazing giveaway:

Life on the Road by Michelle Cornish

At thirteen, John Johnson chose his alcoholic father, Orson, over his desperate mother, drawn by the music that defined their bond. Years later, John’s dreams of making it big collide with Orson's demons, threatening to derail everything. As John tours with the band, he must confront his own struggles and decide whether to break free from the past or remain forever on the road. Life on the Road is a heart-wrenching journey of regret, redemption, and finding one's way home.

Purchase a copy on Amazon or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her website.

The Right Address by Patricia Gable 

Annie and Willie run away from their foster home in the middle of a snowy night. They hide in a small town, not knowing that someone is watching them. How will they eat? Where will they sleep? Will they ever find a forever home? 

Purchase a copy on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her website.

Hedgehog's Winter by Raven Howell

Hedgehog’s Winter celebrates the magical wonders of winter. As animal friends amble away to hibernate, Hedgehog remains determined to explore the wintry landscape. After sledding, ice skating and snowman building adventures, it's only at the last minute, a truly enchanting occurrence happens on his way to his nest to sleep. 

Purchase a copy on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her website.

Lilies Bloom, Lies Fester by Elle Celyse Feranna

Every family is dysfunctional. As a result, the gap between truth and fiction is defined and distorted by shared pretense. But what happens when secrets coveted and shared by and between family, the people worthy of trust, begin to weigh down perceptions and distort the space between truth and the context of the damage caused? Lilies Bloom, Lies Fester is a contemporary novella that explores familial discretion, birth order, and the harm caused by discretion that is cherished, altered, and communicated among family members. 

Purchase a copy on Barnes and Noble or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her Substack.

The Legends of Caraigdun: Quest to Slay the Dragon by Jane Cleere Johnson

In this tween fantasy, six siblings embark on a quest to save their parents from the wicked dragon Gwandoya. Strength of family bonds are tested as along the way they meet an irascible giant, cantankerous wizards, enchanted mugs, and one arrogant yet helpful dragon.

Purchase a copy on Amazon or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her website.

Obsessed By A Promise by Sandra Warren

The lives of two depression era brothers are changed forever when the oldest promises their dying father that he'd keep his little brother safe, but he loses him to the Orphan Train, and spends the next fifty years trying to find him. 

Purchase a copy on Amazon or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her website.

Water in Every Room by Heather Brown Barrett

Water in Every Room embodies the fluctuations of emotion and form in new motherhood. Ferocious and tender, tending and transformed, mother embraces both her child and the dualities of self in this collection of poems.

Purchase a copy on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her website.

For It Will Be Yours by Trey Everett

After a failed gallery opening, struggling artist Wyatt Brone inherits a mysterious painting and letter from his famous uncle, who has recently passed. The letter promises that Wyatt's dreams will come true if he follows three simple rules, and soon his life transforms dramatically—he finds success, love, and international fame. However, when Wyatt breaks one of the rules, his dream life begins to unravel, forcing him to uncover whether his success was earned or the result of a sinister curse.

Purchase a copy on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting his website.

To Have and to Hold, to Love and to Kill: An Agreement of Souls by Amy S Cutler

In her past life, after causing the death of a little boy, Nikki was so devastated that her soul mate promised to murder her in their next life, to make her pay for what she had done. With no knowledge of this, Nikki lives for years as an addict, down on her luck, until she is rescued by Ken, who helps her with all aspects of her recovery. 

With the help of a few new friends and a cat named Destiny, Nikki turns her life around. What she doesn't know is that someone out there is destined to kill her, and he is watching, his passion for killing her growing stronger each day.

Purchase a copy on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her website.

No More Empty Spaces by D. J. Green

Will Ross, a divorced American geologist, has signed on to work on a troubled dam in a remote, rugged part of Turkey in 1973. He decides to take his children with him, but they think they're only going for their usual two-week stint of shared custody—not to live there. Once in Turkey, Will struggles for control—of his family, his work, the landscape, and, ultimately, himself. No More Empty Spaces will make you think about how you relate to yourself, your family, the Earth, and its ever-changing processes.

Purchase a copy on Bookshop.org, Amazon, or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her website.

Does It Look Like Her? by Melanie Faith

Alix briefly meets an accomplished artist at a coworker’s dinner party and subsequently sits for a painting that becomes well-known. But Alix is neither a one-trick pony nor an ingénue; she’s 47 and embarking on her own painting and teaching journeys while starting her life over with her young son.

This collection of narrative poetry spans years and POVs—including Alix; her son, Sam; her ex; and her colleague, Meghan—and explores what it means to pursue artistic passion, the personal meanings we overlay onto art and artists in a society not conducive to art-making, ambition at midlife, the indirect route to so-called overnight success, and more.

Purchase a copy on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her website.

The Way of Gratitude by Hannah Rowen Fry

“May we rest in goodness, gratitude, and wonder all the days of our lives.” Hannah Rowen Fry writes thoughtful reflections on Scripture, inviting you to marvel at God’s character in The Way of Gratitude. 

Experience greater joy in the present moment as you learn about gratitude as a lifestyle. Allow the Holy Spirit to transform your life through reading Scripture and responding to the Word of God without legalism, judgment, or guilt. Slow down and choose simplicity; rest in God’s goodness.

Purchase a copy on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her website.

Leaning on Air by Cheryl Grey Bostrom

In a remote corner of the Pacific Northwest . . . 

He’s autistic.

She’s adrift. 

A Beautiful Mind meets The Notebook in this most unusual love story.

Purchase a copy on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her website.

Dear Someday Writer by Cindy Skaggs

Have you always dreamed of writing a novel but don't know where to start? Struggling with self-doubt, time constraints, or writer's block? Discover the essential guide to transforming your writing dreams into reality. Crafted by an experienced writing professor and book coach, Dear Someday Writer provides aspiring authors with the tools, motivation, and support needed to embark on and complete their writing journey. Whether you're a complete beginner or a writer looking to refine your craft, this book is your gateway to success.

Purchase a copy on Amazon or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her website.

Live by the Team by Cindy Skaggs

Ryder's love for his country runs deep, but when a top-secret government program leaves him and his elite Special Forces unit with devastating side effects, he's forced to make a choice: follow orders or protect his own. When a fellow soldier goes rogue, Ryder takes matters into his own hands and disappears underground with his new wife, Lauren.

Lauren thought she had it all with Ryder, but when he vanished without a trace, her world crumbled. Now, she's picking up the pieces alone, until someone tries to kill her. With nowhere else to turn, she's forced to trust the one man she thought was gone forever.

Purchase a copy on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her website.

The Atlantean Horse, Book 1 of Feathers of the Phoenix by Cheryl Carpinello

Summoned by an Ancient Atlantean. Rosa and Jerome embark on their quest for the first of the 5 Feathers of the Phoenix. They find themselves in a race with the Four Horsemen of the Bible to gather all 5 Feathers and raise Atlantis from the deep!

Purchase a copy on Amazon or add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Find out more about the author by visiting her website.

***** SPRING INTO READING GIVEAWAY *****

Enter the Spring into Reading Giveaway! (#SpringIntoReading) For your chance to win a $150 Amazon Gift Card, and all the wonderful books above, please enter using Rafflecopter below. Giveaway ends on May 22nd at 11:59 PM Central. We will pick three winners randomly via Rafflecopter, and follow up via email the next day. Good luck!

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48 comments Amazon gift card giveaway, book giveaway, Group Giveaway, Spring into Reading

Revising a Nonfiction Picture Book: Let Kirsten W. Larson Show You the Way

 

I’m always disappointed that most of the books I find about revising picture books are about revising fiction picture books. Yes, that’s an important topic, but it isn’t incredibly helpful to me – an author who writes primarily nonfiction. 

Fortunately, I’ve found a top-notch book on revising the nonfiction picture book. And the best part? It isn’t just a book. It is, as the subtitle indicates, a step-by-step revision guide. If you write nonfiction picture books, consider Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book: A Step-by-Step Guide by Kirsten W. Larson. 

For those of you who don’t know Larson’s work, she is the author of over 30 nonfiction books for young readers including the picture books Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane, illustrated by Tracy Subisak (Calkins Creek, 2020), A True Wonder: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything, illustrated by Katy Wu (Clarion, 2021), and The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of, illustrated by Katherine Roy (Chronicle, 2023). 

Larson knows just how difficult it can be to revise the nonfiction picture book, but she also knows how rewarding it can be to take a piece that isn’t working and transform it into a manuscript that is accepted by a publisher. She’s open with her own experiences throughout the book, discussing various manuscripts that weren’t working until she discovered the structure that pulled it all together. 

For her, that’s the key to getting started. Before you can edit spreads or individual sentences, you need to make certain that you have a structure that works. Larson takes you through several chapters detailing various structures. Some are narrative, telling a detailed story, while others are chronological, taking the reader through events in a necessary order. Other structures are nonchronological and include lists, comparison and contrast, and even question and answer. Larson provides samples of each structure in the book and, also, on Pinterest. She explains how each structure functions to help you find the format that best suits the story you are telling. That isn’t the end! 

Once you find the right structure, you need to find a mentor text. Then Larson shows how to analyze the mentor text and use thumbnails to duplicate this structure in your own manuscript. Only then can you undertake the first revision. 

Structure is only the beginning. Larson also takes you through scenes, voice, rhythm, figurative language, tension and pacing, and so much more. Admittedly, I haven’t seen a lot of big changes in my manuscript. Not yet. 

The problem was that I hadn’t understood what structure I was trying to use. So when people critiqued my manuscript and made suggestions about tension and pacing, I made changes that disrupted my structure. For me, step one is acknowledging my original structure and coming to understand it. Then I can either select a new structure or go back to the original. 

I’ve chosen to use the original structure, but now I have a better understanding of what it is and how it works. This will help me create a new draft that takes full advantage of the shape and strength of the comparison and contrast structure.

Sounds like a lot of work, doesn’t it? But I’m really looking forward to creating a stronger manuscript that I fully understand. Then I’ll better grasp whether recommended improvements will actually improve it or just change it.  This book has definitely been the key to unlocking a strong revision process.

--SueBE

• To find out more about her writing, visit her site and blog, One Writer's Journey.  

• Click here to find her newsletter.

Sue Bradford Edwards' is the author of over 60 books for young readers.  

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

• Pitching, Querying and Submitting Your Work 
• Research: Prepping to Write Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults 
• Writing Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults 

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2 comments nonfiction picture book, Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book, revision, rewriting, structure, Sue Bradford Edwards, voice

Interview with Vienna Folliard, Runner Up in the WOW! 2024 Fall Flash Fiction Contest

 

Vienna Folliard is an Irish-born, American writer. Her tales are rooted in Irish folklore and history with modern themes. She teaches literature and creative writing in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband and their two children. Her story, “Ned’s Tale,” won The Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction in 2024. Vienna earned her MA in English at University of St. Thomas and BA at Mount Holyoke College. Visit: viennafolliard.com.

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

WOW: Hello, Vienna, and congratulations! “Banshee’s Song” is the haunting tale featuring an otherworldly bond between two sisters. How did you first get the idea for this story? 

Vienna: My writing is typically rooted in Irish myths and legends and Halloween had me in the mood for a banshee story. The opening line, “You still wear the dress,” popped into my head, quickly followed by the question: who would talk to a ghost with such familiarity? The fears and strengths of a younger sister shaped by her love and loss spoke to me. Banshees are spirits of lamentation. Women fighting for their voice and freedom seems a timeless struggle. I wanted it to read like it could be in the distant past or during our lifetime. Looking back, the fact that this tale poured out of me two days after the election I will leave for others to psychoanalyze. 

WOW: We’d love to learn more about the inspiration behind your award-winning story, “Ned’s Tale.” 

Vienna: Ned is the hapless hypochondriac storyteller in my novel, "The Mottled Raven." I wanted him to have a wonderful backstory about how he learned to weave Ireland’s epic tales “as fine as gold filigree.” There are many old Irish laws pertaining to beekeeping, as well as folklore about how much bees love a good bit of gossip. They want to know all the “buzz,” you see. So when Ned thoughtlessly offends one of the powerful Fair Folk with his lazy selfishness, what better punishment than a few selfless deeds while entertaining hardworking bees? 

WOW: Ah, a prequel toyour novel, "The Mottled Raven," which you are currently shopping around. Could you tell us a little more about it? 

Vienna: "The Mottled Raven" is a medieval Irish tale, but reflects on modern themes and the many faces and phases of womanhood often painted over in traditional lore. My hope is to develop a planned trilogy around the Maiden, Mother, and Crone. This novel blends Christian and Pagan beliefs, takes the reader on an adventure with myriad magical creatures, and has a good dose of romantic and familial love. The story follows two characters from vastly different backgrounds as they navigate a world beyond their understanding. 

WOW: As a writing instructor, what are some of your favorite parts about teaching the craft to your students? 

Vienna: My current students are 16-20 years old. They spent a good chunk of junior high or high school disconnected with distance learning. I focus much of their writing on personal reflection, as well as making connections to others, no matter how different their experiences have been. It can be eye opening to relate to people of different ages and walks of life and it has helped many of them form deeper insights in their writing. 

WOW: Being Irish born and now living in Minnesota, I’m curious to know more about the path that led you to the United States. Do you get to return to Ireland often? What do you miss about it? 

Vienna: My brothers and I were born in Dublin and raised on tales of our fairy folk. When my parents moved us to the U.S. for new opportunities, I hung around and worked in my father’s pub. It helped keep my roots to be surrounded by the music, storytelling, culture, and humor from home. We spent many Augusts living with my grandmother in Mayo and I took opportunities to work and study Irish literature and history as a third-year college student in Dublin. It has been a wonderful experience bringing my husband and our children back with me in recent years. What I miss most are the little things: Staring out the train window as the fields and towns fly by; the smell of burning peat and freshly trimmed hedges; a strong cup of tea and hot sausage rolls; the signs written in Irish and English; and being kept on my toes by the sharp wit that is distinctly Irish.

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A New Twist on Predictable Ideas

Several months ago I entered a themed short story contest that included a list of tips to improve your chances of winning. One tip was to not write about the first thing to pop into your head because if it popped into your head, chances were it popped into the heads of dozens of other writers. So I discarded my first two idea nuggets and finally settled on the third. It was about something I never write about -- sports rivalries. Actually had to consult my sports expert (husband) for two football teams that were rivals. But the story must have worked because I did get mentioned as a runner up.

I've spent much of my time as a freelance writer, trying to craft my ideas into queries that perfectly match what the editor is asking for in their guidelines or call outs. After that contest I wondered if the advice would carry over to the nonfiction world. After all, if I thought my idea was so perfect for this market or editor what were the chances that some other writer had settled on the exact same idea? So I would do the opposite. I would uncover that idea that had never been submitted. I was going to be off-the-wall.

As a new grandma, I have read countless pieces about grandparenting. They are everywhere! So when Business Insider put out a call for essays from new grandparents I had some ideas about what they meant. I had been reading these essays and articles for months. Pushy grandparents, ignored grandparents, reluctant grandparents, blended family grandparents, grandparents as childcare, long distance grandparents, grandparents during childbirth.

I settled on the last one. Grandparents during childbirth seems to run into two themes: being present at my grandchild's birth changed my life and the battle over who should be present during childbirth. I'm sure the editor would be getting many versions of those two themes. Mine was a bit of a twist - I didn't expect to be at the childbirth, I was invited and I was terrified. I sent out the query and heard back the next day! Less than twenty four hours. Of course, then I had to check with my daughter and son-in-law about the wisdom of my sharing the experience with the world. 

I've secured two more assignments that were an unexpected twist on what the editor was requesting. I frequently submit to Chicken Soup for the Soul but normally skip it when the theme is cats. Not that I don't have cat experiences. Over the years I've shared my home with four cats - reluctantly. But I imagine the submissions are from people who LOVE cats. I don't LOVE cats. I don't even love cats. Occasionally, I find myself briefly liking cats. That's what I pitched. I share my home with three cats and we don't like each other. Bingo!

It's enlivening to challenge yourself to come up with the twist on a request that the editors have never come across. Sometimes I'll submit two ideas. One that matches the call out more closely and one that is off-the-wall.  Some days I wonder if editors really like the off-the-wall query or if they are just curious to see what the heck I'm going to do with my proposed idea.

Don't forget that editors are people too. People who might get bored reading endless variations on the
same theme day after day. Give them something new to read. They just might like it!

Jodi M. Webb writes from her home in the Pennsylvania mountains about everything from DIY projects to tea to butterflies. Next month her writing will be included in What I Learned for My Cat (Chicken Soup for the Soul). She's also a blog tour manager for WOW-Women on Writing and a writing tutor at her local university. Get to know her @jodiwebbwrites,  Facebook and blogging at Words by Webb. 

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1 comment Jodi M. Webb, query, writing advice

Interview with Anny Stone, WOW! Fall 2024 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up

Anny Stone is trying to resuscitate her dream of being a writer who actually writes. In the daytime, she is a librarian. She mostly writes about the odd frequency of her mind. She writes to connect, to find those with a similar frequency. You can reluctantly find her on Instagram @mrsjohnwaters.

--interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Congratulations on your top ten win in our Fall 2024 Flash Fiction competition! What prompted you to enter the contest?

Anny: Thank you! I’m thrilled to have been placed and grateful that this weird little story finally has a home. I found WOW through my desperate searches for writing competitions that might give my voice a shot. I’ve entered a few past contests since, and I’m always impressed with WOW's communication and supportive environment.

WOW:  Can you tell us what encouraged the idea behind your entry “How to be unsuccessful at modern dating?” I’m guessing that the story, while darkly humorous, is close to reality for many people.

Anny: I’ve workshopped this piece several times, and I’m always amazed at how many really resonate with this one. We all want to believe we’re the most socially awkward person in the room, but it’s just not true. Modern dating, which pretty much defaults to dating apps now, is a weird form of social torture. Nobody likes it or is good at it, yet here we are. This piece rubs the border of fiction and personal essay. It definitely came from a place of feral insecurity and from that random intense hiccup of loneliness that finds you at 10 p.m. on a Friday.

WOW:  What advice would you give to someone wanting to try writing flash fiction for the first time?

Anny: Don’t get flustered by traditional plot structure. Flash is fun because there’s more acceptance for anarchy and play. Capture a moment, a feeling, a memory, whatever—it’s your move.

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

Anny: I’m about to finish Close to the Knives: A Memoir of Disintegration by David Wojnarowicz. It’s haunting, infuriating, raw, and devastatingly beautiful. Memoirs are hugely influential to me as a writer and as a human being living in this inflamed world. Collect voices, all types of voices, and continue to fine-tune your capacity to listen.

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

Anny: I always go back to Toni Morrison’s “Write what you want to read” advice.

***

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Leave a Comment Anny Stone, contest runner up, Contestant interview, Marcia Peterson, WOW! Fall 2024 Flash Fiction Contest, writer inspiration

Friday Speak Out!: WRITER’S BLOCK? TRY USING A WRITING PROP

By Laura Yeager

Writer’s block is a common problem. It can last an hour, a day, a year or two or, God forbid, even longer. People try many things to get over it – brainstorming, writing to music, using writing prompts – to name a few. Whole books have been written on the subject.  Now, here’s an idea -- if writer’s block happens to you, the issue might be solved through the use of a writing prop.

I had never purchased a writing prop until recently. What I mean by “writing prop” is an object that I use to generate ideas for an article I want to write. Take, for example, a miniature Zen Garden retailing at $24.99. I invested money in this because I believed I’d get a story out of it, and I knew I’d probably be able to market the piece and make a profit from it.

With the Zen Garden, I began experimenting to see how using it daily would make me feel. Zen Gardens are meditation/relaxation devices. And guess what? The tray of white sand and little rakes actually promote calmness. I ended up writing about Zen Gardens and their benefits for cancer patients for Curetoday.com, a cancer website. The article was published on April 4, 2025.

Writing props can be anything that helps you generate ideas for an article or a story. A writer might invest in a deck of tarot cards to see if they assist in day-to-day living. After the writer experiments with the cards, she can write about the experience.

Another example of a writing prop might be a plant that you purchase, or raise from a seedling, with the sole purpose of discussing its growth progress in an article.

What about buying a white noise machine. Does this prop make your life better? The point is if you’re stuck for ideas, invest in a seminal object, a writing prop.

Try essential oils and candles in the boudoir. Do these make your bedroom activities better? Worse? If so, write about this.

There could be an article in the purchase of diet drinks. Do they really help you lose weight? Does eating more fruit and vegetables make you feel better? Invest a little money on them, or grow your own, and find out, and then discuss your findings in an article.

Using writing props is ultimately a form of research. For a minimal investment, you might come up with one or more stories.

Or if you’re short on money, get creative and look for (free) props around your house. For example, if you’ve never recycled before, start saving empty cans and bottles and see where it takes you. Who knows? This earth-friendly experience may generate a whole novel.

In conclusion, objects can be inspirational and can help banish writer’s block.

Dig up the family jewels. Put them in a creative work. See how they sparkle…in prose.

* * *

Laura Yeager is a frequent contributor to Curetoday.com, a cancer website. She teaches writing at Kent State University at Stark and at Gotham Writers. Laura is happy and proud because her son, Thomas, has started writing and illustrating children’s books.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
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2 comments Friday Speak Out!, Laura Yeager, overcoming writers block, writing tip

Reader Review Wrap Up & Giveaway for Merikay McLeod's The Day After His Crucifixion

Today I'm happy to share thoughts from the reader review event for The Day After the Crucifixion by Merikay McLeod.

About the Book

"Rich in biblical allusions and symbolism, ... the standout to me is McLeod's focus on the gathering of women to share memories of Jesus, a communal space for women where storytelling reinforces faith and offers comfort. Although the outcome is well-known, the journey to get there is both powerful and affecting, beautifully conveyed through McLeod's skillful writing."

-- Jamie Michele, Readers' Favorite Reviews

The Day After His Crucifixion weaves together the lives of the women who followed Yeshua the Nazarene when they gather the day after His crucifixion to comfort one another with personal, heart-felt stories of how the Promised One changed their lives forever.

Eavesdrop on their inspiring conversations and learn behind-the-scenes details of Yeshua's baptism, the Cana wedding feast, and other New Testament events, and discover afresh the power of His love.

ISBN-10: 1662955510

ISBN-13: 9781662955518

Publisher: Front Porch Publishing (April, 2025)

Length: 164 pages (paperback)

The Day After His Crucifixion is available in print at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. Take a moment to add it to your Goodreads list. Read an interview with the author, Merikay McLeod, about this book here.

Here is what WOW! reader had to say about The Day After the Crucifixion by Merikay McLeod:

Joan says: 

Two of the women's stories really stood out to me. One was that of the woman caught in adultery. Wow. McLeod's imaginative backstory really puts a different take on that biblical event. Another woman's story of great impact was that of the mother of the boy with the few loaves of bread and fish from which Jesus fed thousands. McLeod imagines her thoughts kneading the bread, preparing food for her family. That her common labor for her family would be used by Jesus was just an amazing story.

I highly recommend this novella. It highlights how Jesus treated women, respecting them, never ignoring them and never turning them away. The Author's Note at the end is a good resource for identifying the Scriptures upon which McLeod's stories are based. There are also questions for deeper study so this novella would make a good personal or group study. It provides a new take on familiar stories yielding insights I never would have seen on my own.

Celia says:

Too often the women in the Bible are on the fringes, serving, observing; very aware of what's happening, they are helpmates in Jesus's story/ministry. The Day After His Crucifixion shows the women as real, suffering with Jesus, weeping, laughing, supporting each other. It's almost as if we, the readers, are eavesdropping--and learning the very human side of being near the crucifixion--of being a woman there.

Pastor Lin Johnson, First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville, NC says:

Beautifully written and thought provoking. The author's take on the days after Christ's death and the women's perspective is heartfelt and beautiful. This is a very memorable book. You'll want to have it on your shelves to share often.

Jodi says:

I always enjoy books about the bonds between women and this book shows us the strength of women's relationships that have been hidden in a patriarchal society. I was fascinated by how author Merikay McLeaod was able to seamlessly weave together several females from the Bible and their stories, making them all friends. Although I think this book is best suited to practicing Christians, I think even a person not particularly interested in religion aspects could enjoy The Day After the Crucifixion for the historical aspects of the novel.

Carol says:

These women come to life on the page as they gather together and share how Yeshua touched their lives. A compelling story that will speak to your heart.

Darlene says:

Brava! This is a page-turner with a timeless illuminating message. From the outset, the reader is drawn into the story by way of vivid descriptions, raw emotions, and the heart-felt actions of courageous women. The point of view is reminiscent of women’s experiences within the context of Patriarchal power structures. I highly recommend this novella.

About the Author, Merikay McLeod

A Midwesterner by birth, Merikay McLeod spent most of her adulthood in northern California where she worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor, newspaper columnist and freelance writer. Her articles and stories have won state and national awards. Her freelance work has appeared in such magazines as Good Housekeeping, MS, Sunday Digest, Insight, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and many others. 

Her walk with Jesus is expressed most accurately by the 23rd Psalm. She has long pondered Jesus' respectful treatment of women despite the surrounding culture's view that women were inferior. The Day After His Crucifixion is her first fiction book. 

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

Enter to win a copy of the Biblical fiction, The Day After His Crucifixion by Merikay McLeod! Fill out the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win. The giveaway ends April 29th at 11:59 CT. We will choose a winner the next day and announce in the widget and also follow up via email. Good luck!

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1 comment book giveaway, Christian historical fiction, Merikay McLeod, Reader Review Event, the Day After His Crucifixion