Interview with Sophie Goldstein: Spring 2024 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up

Sophie Goldstein is a Jewish Chicana from Los Angeles, California. Most of her professional career has been spent as a theatre educator, director, and choreographer. For the past three years she has focused more on her writing and is incredibly grateful for platforms like WOW! Women on Writing who provide a space where writers can share their voice and improve their craft. Her writing has been seen at several theatre festivals around LA, including Son of Semele, the Frida Kahlo theater, and the Amapola players. She was published in Anchor Magazine in 2017 and was a 2022 Ya Tu Sabes writer finalist for Nosotros. Her work will soon be seen at the Alcazar Ensemble in Carpinteria in August, and the LowellArts' Playbytes by Playwrights competition in Michigan in October. She is so thankful to her family, especially her husband and parents, for their support. Website: www.sophiegoldstein.org

--interview by Marcia Peterson

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

Sophie: For the past four years, I've been focusing more on writing and have spent time finding opportunities to submit. WOW! Women Writing came up during one of my searches and I am so grateful for this platform that uplifts female voices. My work has been predominantly plays and short stories, so entering a flash fiction contest is perfect for me.

WOW: Can you tell us what encouraged the idea behind your story, “Where There is a Fight, So There is She?”

Sophie: Like most writers, I write what I'm passionate about and activism has always been a huge part of my life. My parents are both activists, having spent much of their lives fighting for quality education for all, healthcare, and rights for immigrants. This story in particular was inspired by a woman I met at a Women's March protest. She was in her 80s, using a walker and I was so impressed by her presence. She was moving slowly, but she was there, and I could tell I wasn't the only one admiring her. Many women took the time to go up to her and thank her, take pictures with her. It was powerful to witness.

WOW: Why do you write flash? What makes it different for you?

Sophie: I love writing flash fiction because of the challenge it presents. I have to write a full story with a limited word count. Even if I'm writing about a single moment, it needs to feel like a complete story (at least in my opinion). Even if I leave the reader on a cliff hanger, I as the writer, want to feel like I've given the best story I could give. I honestly think every writer should try doing flash fiction, even as an exercise. It helps me learn how to focus on what's essential; to tell a story using only the critical details.

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

Sophie: This has been said before but embrace the word count. I always brainstorm by thinking of moments in time--fragments of my own life that I can expand on. They aren't long stories, but they're impactful moments that are perfect inspiration for flash fiction.

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

Sophie: This isn't new advice, but it's something I find really helpful: don't edit yourself the first time. Just write. Get out all the ideas no matter how strange or ridiculous. You can edit later but that first draft is an opportunity to word vomit, and I always find that wonderfully freeing.

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