---interview by Marcia Peterson
WOW: Congratulations on winning first place in our Fall 2023 Flash Fiction competition! What inspired you to write your story, “Firefly Boys?”
Myna: One of my goals last year was to create male protagonists who demonstrate healthy emotional relationships and supportive parenting. “Firefly Boys” began with a contest prompt: “you find a wild animal on your way home.” I thought about wild animals and worthy fathers and homes, and somehow ended up with magic fireflies. It doesn’t make much sense now that I’m typing it out!
WOW: It doesn't have to make sense, it's a good story! What advice would you give to someone wanting to try writing flash fiction for the first time?
WOW: Congratulations on winning first place in our Fall 2023 Flash Fiction competition! What inspired you to write your story, “Firefly Boys?”
Myna: One of my goals last year was to create male protagonists who demonstrate healthy emotional relationships and supportive parenting. “Firefly Boys” began with a contest prompt: “you find a wild animal on your way home.” I thought about wild animals and worthy fathers and homes, and somehow ended up with magic fireflies. It doesn’t make much sense now that I’m typing it out!
WOW: It doesn't have to make sense, it's a good story! What advice would you give to someone wanting to try writing flash fiction for the first time?
Myna: Find the spark in your story—the thing that most excites you about the idea. How does your character change in that moment? Focus on that change.
WOW: How do you find or make time to write?
Myna: It’s tough. I do a lot of writing-related work; editing, hosting readings, leading a discussion group. Sometimes I’m too drained from those activities to produce anything new. I try to schedule slots of writing time in my schedule, and I’m learning to say “no” to new projects. I also find motivation in contest deadlines.
WOW: What are you reading right now, and why did you choose to read it?
Myna: I’m savoring the flash stories in the 2023 edition of The Best Small Fictions anthology. I’m on the BSF staff, so I’ve already read many of these stories, but it’s so much fun to see them all gathered together. There are so many spectacular writers in the flash community. These stories inspire me!
WOW: Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Myna. Before you go, can you share a favorite writing tip or piece of advice?
Myna: Advice that is repeated every week in my flash group: submit that story! Get your work out there for editors to see, and if you receive a rejection, send the story out to the next publication on your list!
WOW: How do you find or make time to write?
Myna: It’s tough. I do a lot of writing-related work; editing, hosting readings, leading a discussion group. Sometimes I’m too drained from those activities to produce anything new. I try to schedule slots of writing time in my schedule, and I’m learning to say “no” to new projects. I also find motivation in contest deadlines.
WOW: What are you reading right now, and why did you choose to read it?
Myna: I’m savoring the flash stories in the 2023 edition of The Best Small Fictions anthology. I’m on the BSF staff, so I’ve already read many of these stories, but it’s so much fun to see them all gathered together. There are so many spectacular writers in the flash community. These stories inspire me!
WOW: Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Myna. Before you go, can you share a favorite writing tip or piece of advice?
Myna: Advice that is repeated every week in my flash group: submit that story! Get your work out there for editors to see, and if you receive a rejection, send the story out to the next publication on your list!
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