Friday Speak Out!: My Sh*tty First, Second, Gulp, Fifteenth Drafts or What I Learned from Years in Writing Groups

by Libby Ware Ann Lamott, in her writing guide, Bird by Bird, advises writers to move forward without editing until reaching the end of a “shitty first draft.” I’ve tried this approach and I’ve also written a chapter, taken it to my writer’s group, revised it, and then moved on to the next chapter. There are advantages and disadvantages to each approach. But whichever method is used, a warning is...

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4 comments first drafts, Friday Speak Out, Libby Ware, novel writing, writing groups

Why Should I Enter That Contest? This Post May Just Convince You!

Why should I enter that contest? You’ve probably thought this while reading a contest announcement (maybe even WOW!'s Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest with a deadline of 7/31!) and thinking about the entry fee. Maybe you’ve been eyeing a contest for your novel or for a format or genre you don't usually write to try something new and get some feedback. Whatever your reason for entering a contest,...

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6 comments contests, essay contest, Flash Fiction Contest, Margo L. Dill, writing contest

Writing Tips, Compliments of the Kitchen Painting Project

Like many of the Pandemic Population, I’ve been working on a home project. Namely, painting. And the other day, whilst I stood there, paintbrush in hand, fumes swirling about my head, I still somehow managed a couple of brilliant thoughts about writing. So before the fumes overtake me, here’s a few writing tips, compliments of the Kitchen Painting Project: #1: Music Can Make All the Difference I...

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6 comments Cathy C. Hall, Dean Martin, the writing process, writing tips

Interview with Teri Liptak: Winter 2020 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up

Teri’s Bio: Teri Liptak lives in Texas with her supportive husband, Eric, two opinionated cats, and one loud-mouthed dachshund. Her son, Logan, and daughter-in-law, Kasey, also live in Texas and keep her inspired. After experiencing “empty nest syndrome” and more free time than she was used to, Teri began exploring writing and art. She enjoys writing women’s literary fiction and poetry. Currently,...

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Leave a Comment Anne Greenawalt, Runner up, Teri Liptak, WOW! Winter 2020 Flash Fiction Contest

What's Your Angle?

This past week, as I worked on the script for a podcast episode, I had a terrible case of Imposter Syndrome. While researching the story idea, I found out other true crime podcasts had covered the same topic. One used the same book I was reading as the basis for her episode. Even though I was already several pages into the script, I seriously considered giving up. Then I started thinking...

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4 comments finding your story angle, magazine writing, podcast scripts, Renee Roberson, true crime podcasts

3 Ways You Can Set Yourself Up to Write

Write every day. That’s the advice that we are so often given but how do you squeeze writing in around your day-to-day activities? It doesn’t matter if you are dealing with children who are distance learning, working remotely yourself, or just dealing with day to day household tasks, it can be way too easy to put your writing off. You finally get a moment to write and . . . Nothing. The words...

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5 comments daily writing, writing prep, writing ritual, writing time

Must Have: Calm Strips (Interview and Giveaway!)

We’re excited to bring back our “Must Haves” column. Long time WOW readers will remember our editors highlighting their favorite products for the e-zine. This time, we’re not only sharing our amazing finds but also giving you a chance to win them! One of our favorite tools to help you de-stress is a meditative sensory product called Calm Strips. I tend to struggle with anxiety; and lately, it's...

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10 comments anxiety, Calm Strips, grounding, meditation, mental health, Michael Malkin

Friday Speak Out!: Meta-Notes on my COVID Book Launch

by Heather Siegel I finally launched my book last month, which took 3 years to write and 2 years to see through to publication. Once I got over the bummer of not having my event at Barnes & Noble and embraced my backyard as the only viable venue, I invited a few neighbors to bring lawn chairs and masks, made individual plates of cheese and crackers, and dug out my daughter’s karaoke mic (4 minutes...

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7 comments author tips, Book Launch, book promotion tips, Friday Speak Out, Heather Siegel

Objects, Memories, Stories, Writing

There is a black cape stuffed between my clothes in my bedroom closet. It belonged to my mother, her multi-purpose cloak for both weddings and funerals. After she died, it was one of the items I wanted of hers. I knew I would never wear it. My mother had great taste when it came to fashion but it wasn't my style. Still, sometimes I try it on like a little girl playing dress-up when I need to bask...

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13 comments Memories, objects, Stories, writing

Gotta Have Faith

These days, my faith is faltering. I queried dozens of presses/agents earlier, and recently, queried/submitted to over 80 in the span of a couple of months. Many of those have not responded (an unspoken Thanks, but no thanks?) but I’ve had plenty of variations on The story doesn’t speak to me. (Each time I see the snippet of an email beginning, “Thanks so much for sending me…” my heart drops. I don’t...

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11 comments George Michael, Sioux Roslawski, the faith of a writer

Meet Dawn Rae, Runner Up in the WOW! Winter 2020 Flash Fiction Contest

Dawn Rae lives in Cape Town, South Africa where she is a church secretary (because someone has to pay the bills) but belongs to three different writers’ groups (because that’s where her joy lies). She shares her home with Plum and Honey, cats-of-great-character! Dawn loves books and has been an avid reader all her life, dipping into her mother’s books from an early age. Over the years she has written...

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2 comments Contestant interview, Dawn Rae, Renee Roberson, WOW! Winter 2020 Flash Fiction Contest

Dancing Between the Beats (Reader Review and Giveaway)

We are proud to present another special reader review event with author Lynn Nicholas, featuring her book Dancing Between the Beats. Read the reviews of this fun book and our interview with the author. Don't forget to enter to win a prize pack with a variety of items picked about by the author as well as a copy of her book. First, about the book Dancing Between the Beats: Twenty-four-year old...

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10 comments ballroom dancing, book giveaway contest, Dancing Between the Beats, Lynn Nicholas, novel, reader reviews

The Silent Patient: A Lesson in Craft

It seems appropriate that I start this post with dual warnings since this is a book with two narrators and two timelines. This post will be a gigantic plot spoiler. You’ve been warned so no fussing.  The second warning is a trigger warning. This book is about abuse. As a thriller, this book is creepy and will at times makes your skin crawl. As a woman you’ve dealt with men who...

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6 comments Alex Michaelides, mentor texts, narrators, Sue Bradford Edwards, surprise ending, The Silent Patient