----------Interview by Renee Roberson
WOW: Congratulations, Laura, and welcome! "The Huntsman" is full of beautiful imagery and haunting prose. What made you decide to choose the retelling of a fairytale for this piece of writing?
Laura: Thank you for your kind words. For me, the stories within stories have always beckoned. What if we could follow the thread of a background character's journey, or peek into the lives of familiar characters off-page? I feel we would find narratives just as compelling as their more familiar counterparts.
WOW: This is such a great suggestion for any writer looking for their next story idea! Because the word count is so limited in flash fiction, figuring out how to end the story is one of the most important elements. How did you decide on the ending for “The Huntsman?”
Laura: I count myself blessed to have in my life men of high caliber - my husband, father and brother among them. So often in fairy tales, we encounter men either as villains or bland P. Charmings. A courageous, self-sacrificial man is the one I want my daughter to find, both in life and in her fairy tales.
WOW: I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment! How did you first get started writing fiction and where do you find a lot of your ideas for new work?
Laura: My late mother gifted a legacy rich in love of literature. She patiently nurtured my early literary foibles, introduced me to theater, and together we spent many nights watching film, discussing characters and ideas. I hope today she would be proud to read the fruits of her labors.
WOW: It sounds like you had an amazing mentor and role model in your mother. Who are some of your favorite writers to draw inspiration from?
Laura: I owe a great deal to those who walked before. Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre" profoundly shaped my idea of heroine. J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis opened the world of myth and allegory. More contemporary credit goes to Angela Barrett, whose illustrated fairy tales currently line the bookshelf next to my bed.
WOW: Thank you for all those great suggestions! What are you working on now?
Laura: I'm dipping my toes into the world of flash humor. Perhaps a piece will tickle a judge in an upcoming season, and you will get to meet it here at WOW.
WOW: As a judge for both contests, I can tell you humor is always welcome! We can't wait to see what you come up with in the future. Thank you again, Laura!
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