Interview with Jane Cleere Johnson: Summer 2024 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up

Jane’s Bio: Jane Cleere Johnson has been a member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) for over 30 years and has been published in children’s magazines like The Friend and knowonder! Jane’s first Indie tween fantasy The Legends of Caraigdun: Quest to Slay the Dragon was released to global distribution through IngramSpark in September. Jane is currently working on developing her picture book manuscripts and is working on a middle grade novel. Every now and then Jane feels the muse singing to her, “write for adults.” She knows she can appease the Goddess by writing flash fiction. Way back in the beginnings of WOW!—in 2007, Jane was honored and ecstatic to be awarded 1st place for her story "Funding a Memory." She has submitted to WOW! on and off since then, has recently been awarded honorable mention for her story "The Haunting" and has been grateful for the opportunity to have her stories critiqued by the insightful women of WOW! When Jane is not writing she enjoys spending time with her family, reading (especially picture books to her nine grandkids), and going for walks on crisp autumn days. You can read more about Jane and purchase her debut novel on her website Mushroom Manor Books. 

If you haven't done so already, check out Jane's award winning story "Never Too Late" and then return here for a chat with the author. 

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

Jane: This story came from an idea I had many years ago and I was excited to submit to WOW, get an excellent critique last year, make some revisions, and place with this story. It was a fun task, to fit this tale of love into a flash fiction format. 

WOW: Excellent! We’re so glad you found the critique beneficial and that you resubmitted! What did you learn about yourself or your writing while crafting this piece? 

Jane: This story came from deep within my heart, a tender heart that loves people and still believes in soul mates. David and Margaret and the beginnings of their story sat in a file for many years. Their story needed to be told! What I learned is to look through all my files because there are a lot of good ideas and first drafts in there. 

WOW: From your bio, it sounds like much of your writing has been for children. Why do you think you’ve been called to write for adults through flash fiction recently? What differences and similarities do you see between writing for children and adults? 

Jane: I have written many short stories aimed at children's magazines over the years, but every once in a while, an idea pops in my head that is about adults. Flash fiction is perfect for me, especially as I've gotten older and feel that there's no way I could remember enough to write a novel! I write for children because I know children. There is rarely a day that has gone by in my life that I wasn't with children. Even in college I volunteered with children and youth. So, I write what I know and for those I know. Writing for adults doesn't come as naturally for me. 

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

Jane: This question makes me smile. I always seem to have at least three books that I'm reading at once. I am reading Atomic Habits. I'm 61 and even though they say you can't teach a dog new tricks, I'm retired and want to focus on getting in shape, eating more healthily, and writing. I'm learning some great concepts! I'm also reading Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott which was recommended to me by my oldest daughter and a great read for writers! And, I'm re-reading The Hobbit, because I can and it's so much fun! 

WOW: What a great array of classics from different genres! If you could give your younger self one piece of writing advice, what would it be and why? 

Jane: Write. Revise. Submit. Repeat. My writing literally got buried many times over the years. I kept little yellow notepads and wrote down so many ideas, beginnings, and I typed up so many first drafts, first chapters, even got up to 5th and 10th chapters on some YA, and Middle Grade attempts, but life would get in the way. I'd get distracted. There was work, rearing six children, and lots of volunteering and now my brain doesn't work the way it did even five years ago. So, I would tell myself and everyone out there. Write. Write while you're young. Write while you can. 

WOW: Great advice, and I love the idea of mining your old drafts for gems to work with. Anything else you’d like to add? 

Jane: WOW is always in my mind as a place to submit. I really value the critiques I've gotten. Your words of encouragement are a boon to my soul. Thank you. So much. 

WOW: You are very welcome! Thank you for sharing your story and your inspiring responses with us. Happy writing! 

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 and offers developmental editing and ghostwriting services to partially fund the press. Connect on Twitter @greenmachine459.