Interview with Katherine Scott Crawford, Runner Up in the Q2 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest with "Only Water"

 

Congratulations to Katherine Scott Crawford from Brevard, North Carolina for her amazing nonfiction essay titled:

 Only Water!

Check out Katherine's submission, Only Water, as well as all the other winning entries and then stop back here to read Katherine's enlightening interview with Crystal J. Casavant-Otto from WOW! Women on Writing. 

Katherine’s Bio: 

Katherine Scott Crawford is the award-winning author of The Miniaturist’s Assistant and Keowee Valley. A former backpacking guide, adjunct professor, and recovering academic, her newspaper column appeared weekly across the U.S. and abroad, including in USA Today, The Detroit Free Press, and the Herald Scotland. Winner of a North Carolina Arts Award in Fiction, she holds an MFA in Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She’d rather be in the woods with her dog than anywhere else, enjoys curious people, adventure, and snow—and believes historical fiction the best way to time travel. An eleventh-generation Southerner, she directs writing retreats at a remote mountain lodge in Western North Carolina, where she lives with her family.

WOW: Katherine, thank you so much for taking time today to chat with me. Thank you also for your personal and touching entry into the Nonfiction Essay Contest and Congratulations! We have just a bit of time today so let's get to it!

Where do you write? What does your space look like? I’d love to know more about your mountain lodge - (dear reader - check out this view!)  >>>>>>

Katherine: I write in what I call my "Boffice": it's my bedroom plus office, which sits at the top floor of my house. My desk is in a corner of the room. It's an antique, sort of mission-style secretary which my mother-in-law refurbished years ago and gave to me. Unfortunately, it's probably killing my neck and back, as antique desks weren't built for modern computers--but it's hard to let it go. I have twinkle lights draped over the top, my grandmother's antique glass lamp, my storyboard nailed to the wall beside me, and my dog, Merlin, usually asleep at my feet. 

The mountain lodge where I direct writing retreats is the wonderful Earthshine Lodge in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. I work with the fabulous folks at Earthshine to host writing retreats and workshops there for writers in all stages of their journeys once or twice per year. Earthshine is at a remote location at 3,000 feet with views of the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. It's heaven. (photo at right)

WOW: Let's just take a moment here - we are all absolutely jealous of that view from Earthshine Lodge. What a great place to work, and I love your support of others with the workshops! That begs the next question though, who is your support, and what have you found to be most supportive in your writing life as well as in life in general? You are clearly a very busy writer, but who do you turn to when you need some support? 

Katherine:  My greatest support is my husband, Stuart. We met as camp counselors two weeks after I graduated from college. He is my biggest cheerleader, sounding board, and partner-in-parenting and life. I could not be a publishing writer without him. My family and friends, especially my parents and sister, show up for me in more ways than I can express, and often have had more confidence in my abilities than I have had over the years. I'm ridiculously lucky to have them in my life. Frankly, I also rely a great amount on my dog, and on the natural world, when I need support. A hike along the river, in the open air, gives me much of what I need when it comes to slowing down and listens to my creative voice. 

WOW: Oh Katherine, that makes my heart so happy! Support is so important and I love that you have a village supporting you! 

This is a favorite question of mine: Do you have advice for your younger self when it comes to making decisions, believing in yourself, and/or writing? What would your current self say to the younger you? 

Katherine: If I could tell my younger self anything (and not that I would actually listen; I've been pretty focused and headstrong my entire life), I'd tell her to take as many risks as possible when it comes to life, which creates writing: to say "yes" to every adventure, be it a study-abroad opportunity, classes, contests, internships, and more. To talk to teachers and professors. To check out writing groups, go to the poetry reading, ask to join classes she might not feel ready for, be brave. I'd encourage her to write, and to read, as much as is humanly possible, and to seek out people, environments, classes, and more which align with her passions and hopes. And then, to be unafraid to mess up. 

WOW: Well, I'd say that is great advice for anyone. If only our youthful selves would listen...

You have an impressive bio; it begs the ask - tell us more about your professional goals? Long term aspirations? 

Katherine:  Thank you! I want to keep writing and publishing novels, and to reach more readers. I'd love to teach in a low-residency MFA program or take on writing students of my own, and I'd love to direct writers' retreats overseas at some point. I long to marry two of my great loves, travel and writing, in any way I possibly can. 

WOW: Does Stuart know you're looking to marry again? Seriously though, I love those goals not just for you, but for many of us! I hope all your dreams come true (for you and Stuart that is!)

What advice do you have for others during turbulent times? What works or doesn’t work for you when it comes to dealing with stress and the pressures of everyday life? 

Katherine: This is such a great question, especially in our current national and world climate. My best advice--at least what I have found to be the most helpful for me as an individual and a creative person--is to rest when you can. To take the time to sit in the comfy chair, wrap yourself in a blanket, and close your eyes, even if it's for twenty minutes. To say "no" to unnecessary asks, and to be with yourself. 

Then, it's to reach out to the people and activities you love in small ways: call your people (for me it's my sister and best friends), even if it's just to hear their voices. Grab tapas and sangria at your favorite hometown restaurant. Walk in your neighborhood and let yourself enjoy the way the dandelions push their cheery yellow selves up through the cracks in the sidewalk, the house finches fighting with each other in the trees, the way your elderly neighbors hold hands on their nightly walk. Watch a favorite movie with your friend, spouse, or kids. Enjoy each other. And always, always, find a way to get outside in nature, wherever and however you can find it. This is the stuff of life, and it's all that really matters.

WOW: Katherine, thank you so much for that fabulous reminder. I find myself taking time to relax and that inner voice kicks in a reminds me of how much work there is to do. Your words resonate deeply with me. 

Thank you for your time today and for sharing your many talents with us and the world! I'm ordering The Miniature's Assistant and Keowee Valley right now and look forward to reading them. I'm also looking forward to being your WOW! Blog Tour Manager on your next book! Keep my email and cell phone number handy!

and until we meet again - enjoy your twinkle lights and that antique lamp!

Today's post was penned by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto

Crystal Casavant writes. 

Everything. 

If you follow her blog you have likely laid eyes on every thought she has ever had. Her debut novel, It Was Never About Me, Was It? is still a work in progress and shall be fully worthy sometime in 2025. She has written for WOW! Women on Writing, Bring on Lemons, and has been featured in several magazines and ezines relating to credit and collections as well as religious collections for confessional Lutherans. She runs a busy household full of intelligent, recalcitrant, and delightful humans who give her breath and keep her heart beating day after day. 

Crystal wears many hats (and not just the one in this photo) and fully believes in being in the moment and doing everything she can to improve the lives of those around her! The world may never know her name, but she prays that because of her, someone may smile a little brighter. She prides herself on doing nice things - yes, even for strangers! 

Check out the latest Contests: 

www.wow-womenonwriting.com/contest.php

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Leave a Comment author interview, casavant-otto, crystal casavant, crystal otto, katherine scott crawford, keowee valley, runner up , the miniature's assistant, writing advice, writing contest

Don't Underestimate the Power of Habit

 

Somehow, over the past month, I've become disconnected from my writing routine. I have thought about writing, and I certainly would have liked to have written. Yet, those thoughts never turned into action. The anti-muse that is busyness crept back in, whispered in my ear that there's far too much to do, and turned my attention away from my creative work.

Oops, right?

Over the past week, I have been thinking about this and realized one aspect I needed to build back into my day: habit.

Think of your own habits in your life. Your teeth brushing. Your exercise routine. Your laundry. All fall under routines 

While I'm not a fan of habit stacking, I have embraced the idea of writing routines in the past. And it's worked. 

So lately, I have made the intention of starting my writing routine as early as possible. Instead of meandering around stories I have no connection to at the moment, I have returned to a familiar routine of grabbing one random picture and five random words to accompany it. And just responding until I have somehow used the image and words in a piece of writing

I have no idea if this will lead to anything, but based on my experience in the past, simply incorporating a regular routine (or habit, if you will) is the key to reclaiming my former sense of writing self. 

If you have sort of lost your way this year, don't waste too much time bemoaning it. Dust off the writing notebook. Fire up your laptop, typewriter, or whatever creative sword you battle with, and get back to your stories. Incorporate one act of writing in your day and mark it off the calendar. Hey, even download those goofy toothbrush tracking charts for kids to track your successes and treat yourself to a sticker after five days. 

Because what matters is that you aren't giving up. And if you can't seem to get back into it, start a regular routine (or habit) of writing into your day. You might just be surprised.

Nicole Pyles is a slightly overworked solopreneur who somehow can't admit she's running a business and not simply a side hustle. She loves the Lord and spending time with her family. She dreams vividly and loves writing metaphors in her fiction. When she's not checking her email obsessively, she enjoys watching old episodes of Twilight Zone and black-and-white monster movies. If you ever want to be on podcasts, let her know. And if you have a podcast, you could be her new best friend.

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1 comment Nicole Pyles, The Power of Habit, writing habits, writing routines

Even Google Wants You to Have a Team

Recently I signed up for the Google Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Professional Certificate through Coursera. My library had scholarships available, and I’ve been wondering how much of the content would be useful to me, a freelance writer. I need to be visible online.  I want people to find my work especially that I am now preparing to self-publish. 

I’ve just completed the first course, Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-Commerce. I didn’t learn a lot that was brand new to me in this introductory class but I'm taking that as good news.  This was just the introduction and there is overlap with my knowledge as a writer. I don't remember where as a writer I heard about marketing funnels.  That's the path potential customers go through from the beginning when they learn about you and what you are offering to the end where they engage.  

But another area of overlap that was especially interesting. Elle Duncan, a Google vice president, discussed building the confidence needed to go on the job search. Though I’m not planning on looking for a job in digital marketing, free lancers are frequently searching for opportunities and sales. So this is information I'm going to need especially if  I do apply for a job.  

In her session, Duncan mentioned two groups of people job seekers need in their lives. She called these people cheer leaders and practice buddies. 

The first group is somewhat obvious. Cheerleaders cheer us on. For a writer these might be the people who talk you through rejections. They lift you up when you are dealing with imposter syndrome. They tell you that no matter what your cousin twice removed said, your book does not need to be one of Reese Witherspoon’s book club selections for you to be a successful writer. 

Practice buddies may require a bit more thought before you see how it relates to your writing. They are the people who help you get the practice needed to perfect your craft. When I heard this term, I immediately thought of my critique group and my accountability group. These are the people who read my work and help me make it better. They recommend books on writing like Reimagining Your Nonfiction Picture Book: A Step-by-Step Guide by Kirsten W. Larson. They nudge you to sign up for classes that you've been talking about but not taken action. That's what Ang did when I talked and talked about Self-Publish Your Masterpiece with Barbara Noe Kennedy (an excellent class). These women are definitely my buddies. 

We writers definitely need a community. Whether you write something like picture books for young readers or essays about being a caretaker, you need your fellow writers. These are people you will get to know. That way when you spot a call for manuscripts, you'll remember that someone in your group is working on something appropriate. Together you will celebrate wins and mourn losses. They are practice buddies and so much more. 

If you don’t have an accountability group or a critique group and would like to connect with fellow Muffin readers, post below. Let people know what you write and what you are looking for. Do you need a critique buddy? Are you interested in assembling a group? This is how the accountability group that I’m in assembled here on the Muffin. 

And if you want to know about this certificate when I have completed it, let me know. One class down and six more to go. 

--SueBE

• To find out more about her writing, visit her site and blog, One Writer's Journey.  

• Click here to find her newsletter.

Sue Bradford Edwards' is the author of over 60 books for young readers.  

She is also the instructor for 3 WOW classes which begin on the first Monday of every month. She teaches:

• Pitching, Querying and Submitting Your Work 
• Research: Prepping to Write Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults 
• Writing Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults 

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Leave a Comment accountability groups, classes, critique groups, digital marketing, e-commerce, writing community

Interview with Annalisa McMorrow - WOW! Q2 Creative Nonfiction Essay Runner Up

Annalisa McMorrow returns! After placing in the Fall 2024 Flash Fiction Contest (see her interview HERE), Annalisa is back showing us that she is equally talented with nonfiction writing. She was a runner up in the Q2 2025 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest with "The Sound of One Hand Clapping".

Annalisa McMorrow is a writer and editor living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her love of words comes from her screenwriting father who told her magical serials every night at bedtime, and her mother, an accomplished poet. She has been published in periodicals from People to Parenting and once abridged a 92,000-word novel (from the 1600s) to fit onto an audiotape. Her favorite genres to read are memoirs, noir, and 50s pulp, but she has been known to buy books for their covers.

--Interview by Jodi M. Webb

WOW: Congratulations on "The Sound of One Hand Clapping" about the time after your husband's strokes. That's such a vast experience, how did you decide which details to focus on for the essay? Was it difficult to condense your experience to fit the contest word count?

Annalisa: I have been writing about caregiving and his strokes since December of 2019. Most people know someone who survived a stroke, but few people know anyone who survived two different types of strokes in 24 hours. I honestly only had a difficult time choosing which part of our “journey” to write about that was standalone. I live for tight word counts. I mean, I adore them. Give me 50 words, 150, 500, 700. I am going to noodle and tweak and polish and dissect until those words sing.

WOW: And sing they did! The memories in your essay are so vivid. Do you keep a journal to help capture your life?

Annalisa: The day after my husband’s strokes, my father brought me a notebook and pen to the hospital, and I kept almost excruciatingly careful notes (mostly for the insurance companies) from then on. (My husband was in facilities for three months.) I have probably written a million words about his illness in the past 5.5 years.

WOW: I have the same thing from when my husband was ill! Do you have any advice for writers?

Annalisa: Don’t be afraid of a blank page. Get words down so you can edit them. If you are stuck, ask yourself questions: Who is this piece about? What is my goal in writing? Who is my audience? And if those are too broad, just keep asking smaller questions: Where do my characters meet? What does the room look like? Re-read your words to make sure that what you’ve written matches the vision in your mind.

Also, draft. I draft forever. I draft all day long. This is my fourth draft of this interview.

WOW: When writing do you have a favorite topic or type of writing?

Annalisa: Two broken people meet and fall in love. I love love.

WOW: Don't we all? In your bio you also mention that you've been known to buy a book because you fall in love with its cover (me too, especially those with stenciled edges!). I'm dying to know, what are some books you bought just for their covers?

Annalisa: The Further Adventures of Slugger McBatt by W.P. Kinsella — gorgeous writing, probably one of my all-time favorite short stories is in this book. It’s called “K Mart.”

Blue Heaven by Joe Keenan—oh, god, so funny.

Ironweed by William Kennedy—I prefer Legs (the sequel, I think) to this, but Ironweed was my first taste of William Kennedy.

WOW: Tell us what you do when you aren't writing (or reading). Do you have any hobbies? 

Annalisa: I crochet every day, and I give most of my scarves away. I’m a very shy person, but I have a little speech. When I see a stranger I want to gift with a scarf, I say, “I crochet scarves and like to give them to people who inspire me.” And then I hand over the scarf. I’ve only been turned down twice. I’ve probably given away 1000. My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was five, and that was (gasp) 50 years ago. I also write fan mail. Which is something I have done since I was small. Every so often, someone will write me back.

WOW: You've been published in a variety of publications throughout your writing career. Do you have a white whale publication that you're hoping to land? 

Annalisa: Years ago, I wanted Yellow Silk. I don’t think they’re in existence. I also wanted Libido. Ditto. I tend not to write literarily enough for literary magazines. But I made it into the NY Times with a 100-word submission for Thanksgiving, beating out (I think) 1500 entries. That was a big moment. I wish I could write a Shouts & Murmurs for The New Yorker.

WOW: The NY Times? I am officially in awe of you. Thanks for giving us a peek inside your writing life.

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1 comment Annalisa McMorrow, Jodi M. Webb contestant interview, WOW! Q2 2025 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest

Everything's fine. Or not.

If my life was a song, the refrain would be “Everything’s fine.” I am that person. The one who tries to put a positive spin on every person and event. Part of it is wanting everything to be fine and the other part is not wanting to worry people with my problems. So I’ve been singing “Everything’s fine” for years. Even when things were not. It just seemed easier.

My writing reflected that refrain. Fiction, articles, essays…none of my writing was dark. Yes, there was the occasional murder in a short story but it was always bad people who died, not innocents. I was the Pollyanna of the writing world. Even when I wrote about things in my life that were less than ideal, I always added a hopeful twist to balance out the negatives. Or more often, I would ignore the negative aspects of my life, focusing on the things that made me happy.

Because there are so many things in my life that make me happy: family, friends, art, nature, travel. When writing, I am never at a loss for a new subject.

But I’m getting too old to leave a portion of my life unwritten. I started writing about my fear, my anger, my failure. It started as middle-of-the-night letters to myself to get all the emotions out so I could finally sleep.  I guess it was my homegrown version of therapy. Then I began thinking, “Would other people read this?”

Of course, that was followed by, “Do I want other people to read this?”

Slowly, I’ve started polishing certain pieces into essays and sending them out into the world. Although it’s a part of myself few people have met, it is powerful. I’m still conflicted about the reaction of my loved ones if any of my middle-of-the-night writing is published. So I started out with flash essay contests. I didn’t win anything, but just sharing it with the contest judges was a big leap for me. Yesterday, I sent an essay to a dream market of mine: The Sun Magazine. So I’m seesawing between “Yes! What if it gets chosen?” and “Oh, no. What if it gets chosen?”

Have you found it difficult to share writing about aspects of your life you normally keep hidden?

Jodi M. Webb writes from her home in the Pennsylvania mountains about everything from DIY projects to tea to butterflies.  She's also a blog tour manager for WOW-Women on Writing and a writing tutor at her local university. Get to know her @jodiwebbwrites,  Facebook and blogging at Words by Webb. 

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2 comments Jodi M. Webb, personal essays, trauma

Interview with Janet Hise: Fall Flash Fiction 2024 Runner-up

 

Janet’s Bio:

Janet Hise is a Nebraska-based author with a writing degree from Wayne State College. Her debut book was published by Arcadia Publishing, and her work has been featured in Nebraska Life Magazine, Flash Fiction Magazine, Splickety, Plains Song Review, and more. A member of the Nebraska Writers Guild, she works in an academic library and writes across multiple genres, from eerie tales to historical fiction to young adult.

Janet spent her first 14 years on a family farm, where stories of life in the countryside sparked her passion for writing. Her latest work, a Christian thriller for adults, began as a NaNoWriMo project and evolved into a full-length novel about near-death experiences. It is currently seeking representation.

Connect with Janet through her website, www.janethise.com, or on X: @JanetHise.

--------------------------interview with Sue Bradford Edwards-------------------------------

WOW: What was the inspiration for "Lost One Standing"? Great title, by the way. 

Janet: This story began as a class assignment many years ago, unfolding in one of those rare moments when the words seemed to flow effortlessly. I started writing it as a 200-word filler with a title of “Write Me Your Secret,” thinking it would be light and funny with anonymous people spilling their “secrets” on postcards. In the original version, I decided to throw in a twist at the end. The final secret? "Never leave a return address." I’ve always loved this short version because it starts off as something innocent and charming, only to end with a sinister last line. 

WOW:  The contrast between the start and that last line is so powerful. So much of what makes a story great comes together through revision. How did this story change during the revision process? 

Janet: I recently dug up some of my old stories and started submitting them again, and this one got a little attention from a literary magazine. Although it was turned down for publication, they wrote, “An interesting concept that deserves a longer treatment than 200 words.” My writing excitement flared, and I started expanding the story, trying to answer all those questions from the short version. Thea Jackson just showed up along with the images surrounding her. Honestly, I have no idea where some of my characters come from; they just appear and take charge! Then came the big question: Who is the stalker? That is when I got the idea of a doppelgänger stepping out of the ether and swapping places with Thea. The new title suddenly appeared the same way Thea had. 

WOW: You obviously aren't afraid to make big changes in your work. We have so many writers who are new to writing flash. What piece of advice would you give them? 

Janet: Writing short fiction is tough. One of the biggest mistakes I have made in flash fiction is squeezing too much into a tiny space. Flash fiction is not about telling an entire epic. It is about offering a brief, powerful glimpse into a moment that speaks volumes on its own without relying on a mountain of backstory. The key is to let something small carry big meaning. A single moment, a sharp detail, or a carefully chosen sentence can hint at an entire world beneath the surface. 

WOW:  I feel like I could spend weeks unpacking that piece of advice.  There is just so much there. Your writing is so varied. What themes wend their way through your work? How do different types of writing (flash, novel writing, etc.) help you explore them? 

Janet: I tend to write about hope rising from tragedy, the power of faith, redemption, and the kind of forgiveness that does not always come easy. There is something fascinating about the unseen forces that shape our lives, nudging us in ways we do not always notice. Sometimes, my stories take a deep dive into the strange and eerie where reality gets a little slippery. 

Writing novels gives me room to stretch out and dig into my characters’ flaws, strengths, and motivations. I get to explore how their past and environment shape them, throw in a few red herrings, and weave in multiple themes. Watching characters grow and change with the story is one of my favorite parts of writing, but I also love keeping them true to themselves, with quirks, mannerisms, and inner thoughts that remain consistent no matter how much the world around them shifts. 

WOW: You are currently seeking representation for a novel you drafted during NaNoWriMo. What advice do you have for our readers about completing that first draft? 

Janet: Time slips away faster than we realize. Writing has always been my passion, yet life constantly tries to pull me away from it. NaNoWriMo forced me to push everything else aside and focus solely on getting words on the page. Writing finds its way into your schedule, no matter how busy life gets. Another powerful tool for writers is to find an accountability partner. When someone expects your words, excuses fade. Clear goals also make a difference, helping to balance writing with other responsibilities. Even if you are only piecing it together a little at a time, every word written is progress.

WOW:  I do hope that people will take the time to visit your site and read "Piecing It Together."  And this is such important advice about fitting writing into your schedule.  Thank you so much for taking time to share with us.  Good luck on your writing and your agent hunt! 

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Leave a Comment Fall Flash Fiction Contest 2024, flash fiction, interview, Janet Hise

Interview with Joanne Lozar Glenn, 2nd Place Winner in the WOW! Q2 2025 CNF Essay Contest

 

Joanne Lozar Glenn is a writer, editor, and educator whose work has been published in Beautiful Things (River Teeth), Peregrine, Journal of Compressed Creative Arts, Under the Gum Tree, Brevity, Brevity Blog, JMWW, and other print and online journals. 

 ----------Interview by Renee Roberson 

WOW: Thank you for joining us today, Joanne, and congratulations on placing 2nd in the contest! As a person who has struggled with the very topic of your essay, "Encore" resonated deep in my core. Mental illness can be difficult to explore in creative nonfiction. What was the drafting piece for this process was like, and what do you hope the main takeaway for the reader is? 

Joanne: Thanks for sharing your personal experience, Renée. This piece emerged during a 10-year period of trying to figure out a way to tell this story. I drafted multiple first-person narratives, fragmented narratives, and other related "micros" that never quite clicked, grappling with the question of what was mine to tell. I'm not sure where the idea to start this piece with "the boy" came from, but once I did, that particular draft seemed to catch hold. So I kept going, following the image(s) in my head, letting the piece sit, then continually tweaking until it felt done. As for takeaways, I don't believe I consciously was this purposeful at the time, but now I think the use of "the boy" (and letting other characters be identified by their roles rather than by their names) shows both how this loss affected me specifically as well as the swirl of unanswerable questions this kind of loss creates. My hope is that telling such a story will part the curtain on what is often shrouded in secrecy and shame and therefore silenced--and that readers who might have a similar but as yet untold story will feel seen. 

WOW: I’ve noticed a lot of your essays explore your familial relationships, such as this one published in Brevity. Both “Encore” and “Solstice” provide poignant descriptive details of everyday life involving mental illness that engage the reader and highlight that you never know what a family might be struggling with. What has exploring this topic taught you about your own role in your family? 

 Joanne: First, thanks for reading those other essays! TBH, I'm not sure how to answer. Maybe it aligns with what someone once said about the importance of stance to telling a story effectively: i.e., that you must have one foot in and one foot out of the experience. Until recently I lived three states away from most of my family. This layered an "outsider" stance over the "insider" history I had before I moved away. This has advantages and disadvantages: I can bring a different perspective to a situation, but I might also miss something important, despite my best attempts to be as true to the story as I can. 

WOW: Having been published multiple times online and in literary journals, what is your process for finding markets to submit your work? 

Joanne: I first make notes of familiar journals that I'd love to have publish my work. I also consult lists I keep of lit mags that might be potential markets---markets I've found through research or that have been shared with me by fellow writers---and see if I can read online samples to see if my work might fit. When I've decided which markets might work for a specific piece, I either list each one on paper or open browser tabs to each one's submission requirements. Then I follow their guidelines and submit. If a particular market isn't reading during that period (many lit mags only read submissions during a specific time of the year), I make a note on my calendar for when submissions open so that I can submit at that time. I once read that it takes an average of 12 submissions for one acceptance, so I try to submit to multiple markets when I can and hope one of them picks up the work. (Then, of course, if a piece is accepted I withdraw that piece from other markets.) This process is usually more messy and sporadic than I've described it here; like many writers, marketing is my least favorite part of getting my work "out there," and I do the best I can in the time I have. 

WOW: What advice would you give to someone who’s looking to explore writing creative nonfiction for the first time? Any do’s and don’ts you’d recommend for the process? 

Joanne: Prompts such as keepsake photos, treasured (and often even random) objects, and/or lines from a poem or memoir can be great starting places for a piece. Once you've got a starting place, write with abandon. Get it down before it's gone. Do not judge how good it is. Simply turn the page, set the writing aside, and return to write another piece later. When you have a lot of pages, maybe a whole notebook's worth, take them somewhere quiet and read them. Pull the ones that make you feel, and acknowledge that yes, you can write. Find a community of others, maybe one or two at a time, and support each other in this work by writing and sharing what you wrote (if you want to). Because this is first-draft work, call out (or mark) only what is strong, what stays with you, what you're jealous of not having been able to write yourself. (Celebrating strengths is how you gain the confidence to write more!) Then decide if you want to develop any of these pieces more fully and deeply. If yes, find people (teachers, classes, published writers) who can teach you by their example and experience. 

WOW: I love this advice! Often I already have an idea of a theme when I sit down to write an essay. I'd like to see what I could come up with using a visual prompt. What are you currently working on now? We’d love to hear about it.

Joanne: I''ve been experimenting with creating "snapshots' of a caregiving situation I've been in. The writing is raw, but except for obvious flaws or shortcomings, I prefer it for this project--at least for now. I want to be fair but also honest. It's probably the most challenging thing I've written about--or lived.

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Leave a Comment Contestant interview, Joanne Lozar Glenn, Renee Roberson, WOW! 2025 Q2 CNF Essay Contest, writing advice, writing nonfiction

A Day in the Life of Working from Home

I primarily work as a freelance writer, podcaster, and aspiring novelist. But if I’m to be honest, I spend most of my days being distracted by bright and shiny objects. Something tells me I’m not alone in this. Consider what an average day looks like for me. 

Wake up anywhere between 7 and 8 a.m. Get my coffee, catch up on the national news (most of the time I regret this), drink a glass of water, and make breakfast. From there, I get dressed and walk my two dogs. One is an elderly dachshund who is not too keen on walking, the other is a feisty chihuahua terrier who will NOT have her walk cut short unless it is raining, or she hears thunder in the distance. 

Once we return from this walk, I try to get in a quick strength training workout. Then I consult my to-do list for the day. This usually includes about an hour of planning or research before I break for lunch, if I don’t have a podcast interview scheduled. 

After lunch is my most productive time of day. I work on research for the podcast, write scripts, and if I’m caught up on that, tinker around with essays and any fiction I’m working on. Unfortunately, I’ve become discouraged with my fiction writing as of late, so I’ve spent more time working on creative nonfiction and podcast content. However, I’m prone to falling down rabbit holes during this period of time. 

Take yesterday, for example. I was reading a back issue of a newspaper, specifically an article about a missing woman’s body being found in 1989, when another headline caught my eye. It read, “Young Man’s Success Ends with Bizarre Death.” A college-student created a lucrative business selling balloons and other celebratory items and then is shot to death when he tried to enter a random home in town? I had to learn more. I took out my true crime notebook to write down the headline and publication information for a future podcast episode. This happens frequently, as does me posting a reel on Instagram and then getting distracted because my favorite store is having a sale. But I digress. 

Thursdays I reserve afternoons for recording or editing my podcast. Throughout the week, if I feel I’ve been less productive during the day, I’ll carve out an hour or two at night to catch up on work. I try to read a few chapters of a book before I go to sleep, as it helps for a restful night of sleep (unless you’re reading a book like “The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires” by Grady Hendrix. I'll never make that mistake again. Talk about some vivid dreams). 

Somehow, even with all these distractions and stops to take in food, drink, walks, and other exercise, I manage to be productive on the projects I most care about. I’d love to hear when you do your best writing! 

Renee Roberson is an award-winning writer who also produces the true crime podcast, Missing in the Carolinas. She’s currently seeking representation for a novel about, what else? A podcaster trying to solve a mystery. Learn more at www.FinishedPages.com and www.MissingintheCarolinas.

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3 comments a day in the life, procrastination, Renee Roberson, writing advance, writing productivity

Interview with Roxane Sloan - Runner Up in the Fall 2024 Flash Fiction Contest

I’m thrilled to chat with Roxane Sloan today about her dreamlike story, “Family Secrets,” which placed in the Fall 2024 Flash Fiction Contest! Join us as we discuss her ekphrastic inspiration, speculative literature, and more in this fascinating interview.

Roxane Sloan has been a children’s librarian, an elementary and middle school teacher, and a teacher of English to speakers of other languages. She is fascinated by languages and cultures, and has taken classes in Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian just for the fun of it. When she is not reading or on the road, you can find her mulling over character development and wondering whether there is any dark chocolate left in the kitchen.

----- Interview by Angela Mackintosh

WOW: Welcome, Roxane! I absolutely love your story “Family Secrets,” and how you incorporated Japanese folklore. What inspired you to write this tale?

Roxane: It started with my address book which features woodblock prints by the Japanese artist, Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858). As I was looking for an address, the print of New Year's Eve Foxfires At The Changing Tree (1857) caught my attention. It's magical! I was soon online researching the print, foxfires, and enoki or hackberry trees. I ended up in the library checking out a stack of books on Japanese folklore, travel guides of Japan, and foxes. I'm not sure if I ever did find that address.

WOW: Oh wow, Hiroshige's woodblock print is magical! I had to include a photo of it, so our readers can see how well you captured the mood of the piece. One of the things that made an impression on me was the brilliant way you used the father’s dialogue as a retelling, which has this folktale feel to it. When the father starts with “I was enthralled,” it reminded me of a documentary! How did you come up with this structure?

Roxane: To be honest, I didn't consciously plan the structure. I wanted to portray a person reliving an important moment in his life, using language to convey the mood and his feelings of being spellbound. Having the father retell what happened seemed the way to do this.

WOW: Would you call your story magical realism or more speculative because of the shapeshifters? Who are some authors in the genre who have inspired you?

Roxane: I consider it speculative, but this is my first attempt writing in the genre, so I might not have gotten it right. Also, the story continues in my mind; I know some upcoming plot twists that might make it more speculative to me than the flash fiction story appears to the reader. I have enjoyed reading magical realism and speculative fiction for years. I admire the writing and story-telling abilities of Orson Scott Card (especially the Tales of Alvin Maker series, and the Ender series), Octavia Butler (Kindred and Parable of the Sower), Rebecca Roanhorse (Sixth World series - Trail of Lightning and Storm of Locusts), and just for the pure fun of it, Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series.

WOW: Those are all fantastic authors! Your bio mentions your fascination with cultures and languages (Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian). I admit, learning Japanese is on my must-do list, to be able to better communicate with my relatives. Do you have any recommendations for language learning resources?

Roxane: That's a tough question for me. I find language learning (actually, most learning) depends on the learner's individual motivation, likes, and interests. If you can tap into those, the learning will flow. For me, it helps if I see the written language as I'm learning the sounds and words. There are so many opportunities for language learning, from online classes, programs, and tutors to old-school hard copy books. If one class or program doesn't work for you, don't give up. Try another! It sounds as if you may have the advantage of some built-in practice with relatives! Have fun with it!

WOW: In your previous interview with WOW, you mentioned two middle grade novels you were working on. Are you still working on those and/or what are you working on now?

Roxane: Thanks for asking! I'm getting up my nerve to send one of the MG novels to agents this spring. The other still needs some work. After writing flash fiction stories for adults, I'm interested in trying a longer work of fiction for adults.

WOW: This is the second time you’ve placed in a WOW contest! We are thrilled to celebrate your work and love returning writers. Do you have any tips for entering contests?

Roxane: I love the WOW! Flash Fiction contests! The WOW team is so supportive and encouraging to writers! I find it a comfortable environment for trying new styles and to experiment and grow as a writer. The critiques that are offered have been a boon to my writing. To have someone who doesn't know me (and doesn't have to "love" my writing) give me a critique, tell me what speaks to them or what they find confusing - that is valuable! So I guess my tip would be to take advantage of the WOW! Flash Fiction contests and critiques!

WOW: That makes me smile! Thank you for your kind words. Okay, final question: What’s your favorite writing quote or piece of advice and why?

Roxane: I like the Mo Willems quote: "If you ever find yourself in the wrong story, leave." It works on so many levels!

WOW: Great tip and so true! Thank you, Roxane, for chatting with me today. It's always a pleasure to catch up with you and celebrate your writing, and now I have a few books to add to my list!

Check out the latest WOW writing contests here:

www.wow-womenonwriting.com/contest.php

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Interview with Olivia Brochu: Q2 2025 Essay Contest Third Place Winner

Olivia’s Bio: Olivia Brochu’s work has been featured by Anti-Heroin Chic, Feels Blind Literary, The Inquisitive Eater, and more. She is a fan of gut-wrenching prose, roller coasters, and baby feet. You can read more of her work at oliviabrochuwrites.com. 

If you haven't done so already, check out Olivia's award-winning story "Contagious" and then return here for a chat with the author. 

WOW: Congratulations on placing third in the Q2 2025 Essay Contest! How did you begin writing your essay and how did it and your writing processes evolve as you wrote? 

Olivia: When my husband and I started thinking about having a fourth baby, I kept having this recurring thought – what if it's a girl? Most people would assume that a mom of three boys would want a daughter, and I did, but I was also nervous. Was I ready to usher another person into womanhood? Despite being a relatively experienced parent, it was something I had not had to face before. In my opinion, the experience of being a woman, and all the beautiful and challenging parts to it, is unique and different from the road my sons will walk. It's a path forged by the women that came before me, that I continue to trek while holding my daughter's hand. This essay was an exploration of the fears and insecurities I harbored while pregnant with her. She is here now, almost one, and a constant source of joy for all of us. When I read this essay now, I know that I've already evolved past so much of what I felt then. I'm glad I took the time to put the feelings into words and put those words on paper. This piece came together in a WOW course called "Writing is Revising" with Chelsey Clammer. I could not have done it with the help of my classmates and Chelsey's careful edits. 

WOW: I think that reading your own personal essays years later is rewarding in many ways, and you’ve captured that feeling so well here. Thank you for sharing your experience with that. What did you learn about yourself or your writing by creating this essay? 

Olivia: It took a lot of vulnerability to write this piece. I've always had a hunch that vulnerable essays resonate the most – and this piece proved that for me. It was originally published by Anti-Heroin Chic. They were so kind and supportive. And since coming in third in this contest, I've had other readers reach out to thank me for my honesty. I hope to continue to push the bounds of my own comfort while writing nonfiction in the future. It's where I find my best work. 

WOW: Yes, it’s that honesty in personal writing that captures an audience’s attention and makes it resonate. You mention in your bio that you appreciate gut-wrenching prose, which I believe can be tied to honest writing. How would you define “gut-wrenching prose” and what draws you to it? 

Olivia: The thing about "gut-wrenching prose" is that you know it when you see it. For me, it's pieces like Claudia Monpere's "The Violence of Grape Popsicles in the Fall," published in trampset. When I first read that piece, it literally took my breath away. I seek it out even still for inspiration, and to once again feel that original sense of awe. When writers manage to have all threads come together in the end, and keep the reader engaged all the way through, I'm always blown away. 

WOW: Which creative nonfiction essays or writers have inspired you most, and in what ways did they inspire you? 

Olivia: I happen to work closely with a brilliant essayist. My writing partner, Kaci Neves, manages to make the mundane both engaging and profound. See her essay for Bon Apetit, "Dining and Dreaming at the Blind Salamander RV Park", for a good example. I have the good fortune of reading lots of her work before it gets published, so I know firsthand that she has a lot of wonderful pieces coming out soon. 

WOW: What a joy to have a writing partner who inspires you! If you could tell your younger self anything about writing, what would it be? 

Olivia: My younger self was always sure she missed the boat. I was always, somehow, just a hair too old in my estimation to have any real writing success. Finally, in my thirties, I realized what a fallacy that was. The moment is now, the opportunities are there, and my age doesn't matter. My words do. The beauty of aging is the wisdom that comes with it. 

WOW: I love that advice! Thank you for sharing your writing with us and for your thoughtful responses. 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. Engage on Twitter or Instagram @GreenMachine459.

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Leave a Comment Anne Greenawalt, Olivia Brochu, Q2 2025 Essay Contest, Third Place Winner

Friday Speak Out!: So You Got Rejected Now What?

By Laura Yeager

Rejection is something with which all writers are familiar. Writers can be rejected for many reasons from weak grammar to an illogical storyline. There are many causes of rejection, but what are some of the effects of rejection on the writer?

The some of the effects include the following –

Throwing the piece out and beginning afresh. This is a drastic response to rejection and is likely to be a result of hurt feelings and devastation. I don’t recommend this action, but if you’re completely tired of working and reworking a story or article, starting from scratch might be the way to go.

Getting advice from an editor or a reader and proceeding to rewrite from there. I do recommend this action. Sometimes a second set of eyes will move the story or article along and will take it to completion. My editor has saved me from looking like a fool many times, as well as spotting typos and misspellings.

Stopping writing entirely. NOT RECOMMENDED. Chalk the rejection up to an editor having a bad day.

Working harder on your own and perfecting the manuscript. Nuff said.

Shopping the piece (as is) around. This method stems from the idea that your piece will gain acceptance if it finds just the right editor. I recommend this action if you know that the manuscript is clean and interesting.

Putting the piece aside (in a drawer) and sleeping on it for a while. It’s amazing what time will do for one’s editing capabilities. You’ll be able to grasp the totality of the piece – the meaning, the syntax…everything about the story.

Of course, all these reactions have their pros and cons. What’s important is to keep at your art and to not give up. Rejection is part of the writing process, and writers should get used to being rejected. If writers can get over and learn from rejection, they can sell more of their work, which is an object of the business.

Back when writers sent their work out in paper form and received paper rejections, it was a fad to paper a wall of one’s home with rejection slips. Since most everything is electronic these days, this doesn’t occur, but, oh, those were the days! A wall papered with rejections was, in a way, a status symbol. It showed years (perhaps) of hard work and perseverance.

The most important thing to remember is to trust your instincts in your writing. This is easy to say and hard to do.

You will be rejected, and what I haven’t said is that maybe you should be rejected at that point in time. Maybe an editor is doing you a favor.

This brings me to a final point. Whether you sell a story or get rejected, don’t forget to thank the editor for her readership. This polite action will take you far.

They say that writing is rewriting. This is true. What’s also true is that writing for publication is rejection. That’s it in a nutshell.

* * *

Laura Yeager is a frequent contributor to Curetoday.com, a cancer website. She teaches writing at Kent State University at Stark and at Gotham Writers. Laura is happy and proud because her son, Thomas, has started writing and illustrating children’s books.
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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Leave a Comment dealing with rejection, Friday Speak Out!, Laura Yeager, writer tips

Finding Out the Old Stories Don't Speak to You

 

This has been a year of surprises. I've let go of a major writing gig and went both feet into my new podcast booking service (which is doing surprisingly well). And I managed this year, so far, to finish a strong draft of a story I'd been working on for years.

After that, knowing I needed to give myself a break, I reached for other stories in my "finished - but not revised" folder. I brought both up, started working on them, and got bored.

I. Got. Bored.

With my own work!

This is obviously a terrible sign, but I thought...well, I'm stressed. And I'm having a hard time focusing creatively. So, maybe just keep at it.

Until something hit me. One of my favorite short stories was in the category of speculative fiction (it's called Mannequin of Lot 18). My latest story is about virtual reality and the ramifications of trusting that technology with our lives.

And as I was thinking of the stories I was attempting to revise, an idea struck me: these aren't in my genre. What I love about speculative fiction is that you can really say things about society. I mean, you can in all genres, but I feel like this genre inspires me to write more thought-provoking themes in my work.

My next project is to speculatively fictionalize (my new word) these old stories of mine. 

If you aren't really feeling the vibe of your latest work, maybe it isn't you. Maybe the story isn't expressing a part of who you are anymore. Maybe it's not even the genre you want to be in.

And that's okay. Don't be afraid to move or let go. That means you're growing, not failing.

Nicole Pyles is a slightly overworked solopreneur who somehow can't admit she's running a business and not simply a side hustle. She loves the Lord and spending time with her family. She dreams vividly and loves writing metaphors in her fiction. When she's not checking her email obsessively, she enjoys watching old episodes of Twilight Zone and black-and-white monster movies. If you ever want to be on podcasts, let her know. And if you have a podcast, you could be her new best friend.

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2 comments Nicole Pyles, Old Stories, writing goals

Interview with Geeta Lal Sahai: Fall 2024 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up

Geeta’s Bio: Geeta Lal Sahai is a writer, award-winning filmmaker, and mental health advocate based in Delhi-NCR, India. With a background in journalism, she transitioned into full-time writing, and mental health activism. 

Her fiction is deeply rooted in real-life experiences, shaped by meticulous research and a keen understanding of human emotions. Her work has been published by HarperCollins, Mithra Publishing, and Niyogi Books, and her short stories have received awards in multiple international competitions. 

She is the author of the non-fiction book Beyond Music – Maestros in Conversation (Niyogi Books, 2015), which explores Hindustani Classical Music through insightful discussions with renowned artists. Her short story collections include When Goodbye Begins: Life Takes Over and Once is Not Enough: Stories on Love, Passion, Desire, Family, and Loss. (Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/geetalalsahai) 

Her film I Remember... has received national and international recognition, winning multiple awards. She has also been honoured with the REX Karmaveer Bronze and Silver Karmaveer Chakra Awards (instituted by iCONGO in partnership with the UN) in 2014 and 2019 for her advocacy in disability and mental health. 

Reflecting on her creative process, she shares: “All my creative endeavours emerge from moments I witness—whether of beauty, pain, or anguish, but always rooted in reality. Through writing, I attempt to make sense of these moments with honesty, directness, and vulnerability.” 

Presently, she is working on her upcoming non-fiction book on Mental Health and Human Rights. She continues to write, research, and advocate for mental health and human rights while exploring stories that need to be told. 

If you haven't done so already, check out Geeta's award-winning story "The Garden She Maintained" and then return here for a chat with the author. 

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

Geeta: While writing “The Garden She Maintained”, I rediscovered myself. The chance to speak about an experience that is often ignored or misinterpreted excited me. Emotional abuse steals confidence, identity, and self-worth. It leaves no visible scars. I have seen survivors of emotional abuse, and in some measure, I can also consider myself a survivor. My experience made me understand others’ silent pain. I saw how they felt trapped, unheard, and unsure of their reality. 

Writing this story allowed me to explore my journey from feeling controlled and insignificant to finding the strength to act. I wanted the protagonist to leave after a deep internal struggle. I wanted her to awaken to the reality gradually. I tried to capture the moment one realises and begins to expect more from life. Even if the world says otherwise, this process is powerful. 

Having said this, let me clarify that taking a final step is tricky. It is challenging, as only the survivor knows the truth. The world continues to be captivated by the abuser’s charm. Their adorable personality impresses everyone around them. The reality is that it is hard to talk about invisible pain, unlike the visible scars of physical abuse. Even at the police station, the officers do not believe the survivors’ story. Their response is, “But where are the scars?” It is so complex that often, the abused person doubts their own judgement. The line between reality and the “visible reality” appears like a dense fog where one cannot see beyond what is shown. The real picture remains invisible. And this makes survivors doubt their sanity. 

WOW: Very well said. And thank you for giving voice to a topic that is too often silenced. What did you learn about yourself or your writing while crafting this piece? 

Geeta: Writing about perseverance and survival speaks to me. It shows the quiet courage needed to rebuild life after trauma. This story reflects what I have always believed about myself. This story made me realise how important these tales are. I’ve always seen fiction as a way to share what often goes unsaid. Writing this allowed me to reflect on my experiences. Survivors of emotional abuse usually struggle with self-doubt. The abusive partners instruct them to think their pain isn’t “real enough and that they are going insane.” Even others begin to doubt the version of the survivors. But the validity of pain does not depend on its conspicuous presence. While writing this story, I recognised the truth. It applied not only to my main character but also to several others in similar situations. I also understood the need for moderation in narrative from a technical standpoint. Emotional abuse involves manipulation, gaslighting, and control. I aimed to present this gradually. The pauses, silences, and the protagonist – Deepali’s self-doubt are as powerful as confrontation. This story helped me understand the power of silence and how to use subtext, body language, and atmosphere. These elements convey emotions that words cannot capture completely. 

WOW: Thank you for sharing this. It’s so powerful to hear about the ways writing can help people reflect on and heal from their experiences. You have a wealth of writing experience, including filmmaking. What, if any, connections do you see between your filmmaking, or your writing in other genres, and your fiction writing? 

Geeta: Filmmaking has, in many respects, changed my approach to narrative. It has helped me see scenes. I can picture emotions, tensions, and connections with significant depth. I pay close attention to my characters’ movements and the space around them. I notice how their small actions reveal what they don’t say. While I write, I see them as though they are on screen. This narrative feels like a cinematic experience in the way it developed. 

To show the complexity of Deepali’s life, I focused on small details of her garden, her making tea in the kitchen, the dim light in the room, her tense body when her husband talks, and the heavy silence showing her inner struggle. 

As every shot in a film is essential, I approached this story to ensure every moment helped shape the protagonist’s emotions. In fact, my experience in fiction writing has enhanced my filmmaking skills, and writing helps me explore a character’s inner world better than movies can. This deep psychological insight influences how I tell stories across all media. I constantly endeavour to tell stories soaked in honesty and reality. I fictionalise and weave a tale around actual incidents, real people and situations. 

WOW: It sounds like writing in multiple genres has really enriched your writing experience. To “see scenes” is such an important concept when writing narrative. What are you reading right now, and why did you choose to read it? 

Geeta: I’m reading Edith Eger’s The Choice, which looks at trauma, resiliency, and self-discovery. It concerns the atrocities of the Holocaust. I’m drawn to stories that dive into the complexity of human relationships. I especially like those that challenge accepted ideas. This autobiographical narration is about hope and how it can bloom even in the most improbable locations. Trauma and abuse leave an indelible mark on the psychology. Our adult reactions are the outcome of our childhood. The invisible childhood trauma and scars make us what we become as adults. It’s the same situation, but two individuals react differently. They respond differently because of their childhood experiences. This aspect fascinates me. And I’m curious about how other writers tackle violence and recovery. They don’t tell a tale; they also evoke feelings. Reading The Choice has helped me understand the world and the fighting spirit of human beings. I always seek books that broaden my view of human experiences and psychology. 

WOW: I love to hear how you’re reading with such purpose and depth. If you could give your younger self one piece of writing advice, what would it be and why? 

Geeta: I would counsel my younger self to stop shying away from writing on sensitive topics. I avoided writing about emotional abuse, trauma, and survival for a long time. I’ve found that the most complex stories are often written with utmost honesty. Only authentic literature spins out once we put ourselves in others’ shoes. I would also remind myself that writing is about telling the truth, not seeking approval. I wish I had realised earlier that my voice matters. My viewpoint is valid, and the stories I want to tell matter. I would also tell myself to be patient. Like everything necessary, writing is a craft and requires time to grow. There is no need to be flawless; to keep writing, learning, and believing the process works. 

WOW: Your voice matters! And we’re so grateful that you shared it with us. It’s a true gift. Anything else you’d like to add? 

Geeta: Topics like mental health issues and the stories woven around various mental health problems, like bipolar schizophrenia, suicide and suicide survivors, childhood abuse, trauma, geriatric issues, etc., when woven into a story, will change the narrative around these issues. I believe this. 

I hope that, in some minor way, the story “The Garden She Maintained” helps to shatter the silence around emotional violence. Ending an abusive relationship without visible signs can be quite challenging. Often, society downplays emotional violence. This leads survivors to feel their pain isn’t real or that they must endure it for peace and harmony at home. I want people to see that survival means choosing yourself. The world may teach you otherwise, but it’s not about enduring. I see it as a success if one reader connects with this story. If it helps someone feel seen or understood, that’s enough for me. Let me share: just after the WOW results were announced, one woman messaged me, saying, “I am going through the same. Thank you.” I was overwhelmed with emotions. Speechless. 

Thank you for allowing me to express and share my thoughts. Thank you. 

WOW: Thank you for your thoughtful responses and for sharing your story with us. 

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. Connect on Twitter @greenmachine459.

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Leave a Comment Anne Greenawalt, contest runner up, Geeta Lal Sahai, WOW! Fall 2024 Flash Fiction Contest

Interview with Carol Ovenburg, WOW! Q2 2025 Creative Nonfiction Contest First Place Winner

Carol Ovenburg is a student of consciousness, an artist, a writer, an Argentine Tango social dancer—pretty much in that order. When she’s not writing or making digital art, she is on the dancefloor in various cities around the U.S. She’s been a committed meditator for over fifty years and has found this to be the integrating factor for everything she does.

Her life stories began spilling from her pen in 1999—tears dripping on her writing blurring words on the page. Many have been rewritten and become published essays—a few with WOW! Women on Writing, of which she is grateful. Her memoir continues to be a work-in-progress—she’s lost count of the multiple titles and the times she’s called it finished. But her current study of the origins of patriarchy, the myths and misogyny, and how being raised to put men first is the underlying element not yet developed in her memoir.

She lives in the Pacific Northwest and feels it’s wasted on her since she’s not a big nature person. She’s less about what’s out there; more about what’s in here. But she does venture out for walks and occasional hikes with her partner of twelve years.

Her published essays and digital art can be found on her website www.carolovenburg.com.

--interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Congratulations on winning first place in our Q2 2025 Creative Nonfiction essay competition! What inspired you to write your entry, “The Goddamn Ceiling?”

Carol: I had joined other writers in a Zoom three-hour planning workshop and decided to use my time to write. I didn’t know ahead of time that I would write this little story about cleaning the ceiling. It must have been hanging out in the back of my mind while, of late, reading about the origins of patriarchy. As I wrote it, I began to see ceiling and ladder as metaphors and the story took on a fuller meaning for me. It was an aha moment and I ran with it. It wasn’t until I was almost finished with the rewrite that I played around with the structure.

WOW:  What is the most difficult part of your writing process?

Carol: First, that I’ve written something worth reading.

Second, that I can turn my writing into something worth reading—something I’m proud of. I’ll remember what my writing mentor said—it’s not what you write but how you write it. In the re-write, I’ll focus on craft. This is perhaps the most difficult part of writing well, but it’s also the most fun—to look at the many ways you can say something without choking it to death.

WOW:  You’ve been on a memoir writing journey, and I’m sure you’ve learned a lot along the way. Is there a particular memoir you think everyone needs to read?

Carol: Yes. There are a few. I think any memoirist needs to read Jeannette Walls’s, The Glass Castle and Mary Karr’s The Liars’ Club: A Memoir. These two books were my first reads when I started writing memoir. I also love the more hybrid works—non-fiction mixed with memoir like Fire and Stone by Priscilla Long. Her book inspired how I want to re-write parts of my memoir. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Chelsey Clammer’s Human Heartbeat Detected, a powerful little book of memoir moments in essays. I read the stories. I study the structure of these memoirs. Right now, I’m re-reading Steven King’s On Writing - A memoir of the Craft because there’s good stuff in there about writing well.

WOW: In your bio, you also mention that you’re an Argentine Tango social dancer, traveling to various cities around the country. What do you think people might not know or may want to know about Argentine tango dancing?

Carol: This is a huge question, one that requires a lot of pages to answer. I’ll try to make it short. Bear with me.

People come to tango for a lot of reasons and often quit because it’s more difficult a dance than they thought it would be. It’s one of those dances that can (and usually will) reveal our deepest fears—insecurities, social awkwardness/anxiety, addictions, inappropriate attractions, breakups, jealousy, etc. I’ve been through most of these discordant emotions while learning this medium of creative expression, and I persevere because I know there is great depth to this dance. I feel deep connection and joy and humility and fun allowing my body to be in the flow with my partner, with the music, with the floor, completely in the moment, present, and complete. I also relish the social life tango events bring. I adore my tango sisters. There’s so much to tango that you will rarely find a group of tangueras and tangueros talking together about anything other than tango.

One thing people might not know about Argentine tango is it’s an improvised dance. We do learn sequences and steps, but the dance is never the same from one song to the next. The music generally dictates the improvisation. The same way a mood or circumstance dictates the words and phrases we use to form sentences that take on different meanings. This, to me is Argentine tango—a vehicle for surprise.

WOW: Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Carol. Before you go, do you have any tips for our readers who may be thinking about entering writing contests?

Carol: I’d say enter, but before you enter, make sure your essay is as clean as possible. If you don’t have a good writing group who can edit your piece before sending it in, you might want to spring for a critique, if offered by the contest. I find the critiques extremely helpful.

And, read prior winners to learn what your contest is interested in publishing.

So enter if you can—it’s good medicine.

And don’t let rejections discourage you. They’re your friends.

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