----- 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?
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!
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