Interview with Caroline Michalicki, Spring 2023 WOW! Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up

Bio: Caroline Michalicki resides in rural Connecticut with her two dogs. When not substitute teaching she dreams up fictional short stories that stem from her childhood.

WOW: Congratulations on placing as a runner up in our Spring 2023 Flash Fiction competition! What prompted you to enter the contest?

Caroline: I love to read and create short and ultra short stories.

WOW: Can you tell us what encouraged the idea behind your story, “Legless Bill?” You mentioned dreaming up stories that stem from your childhood, so did that come into play here?

Caroline: Legless Bill existed. As a child I knew Bill only from my Dad. He occupied his wheelchair on his porch that abutted the neighborhood Drug Store. My Dad visited him whenever he went to the Drug Store. Details of Bill's situation were never discussed in front of me, so I created my own story about Legless Bill.

WOW: Are you working on any writing projects right now? What’s next for you?

Caroline: Waiting to publish my novel about a nine year old girl in 1959 experiencing the loss/disappearance of neighbors that live in her apartment building.

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

Caroline: Pan by Knut Hamsun. I am close to a cousin who lives in Norway. My deceased husband recommend the book years ago.

 
Jewel by Bret Lott. I lived in the South for years and enjoy reading fiction about the South in years gone by.

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

Caroline: I have been told to write what you know.