Interview with Rachel O'Cleary, 2nd Place Winner in the Spring 2025 Flash Fiction Contest

 

Rachel O'Cleary studied English with a creative writing emphasis at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, and then wrote mostly in secret for nearly 15 years before joining Writers HQ. She moves around quite a bit, but for the present moment lives with her family in the UK. Her stories have been printed in such wide-ranging publications as Smokelong Quarterly, Milk Candy Review, The Forge, and Reader's Digest, among many others. Her writing has been selected for the Wigleaf Top 50 and been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. You can find a list of her published work (and not much else) at https://rachelocleary.wordpress.com. 

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

WOW: Congratulations, Rachel, and welcome! “Belly Full of Stones” explores family dynamics and the impending loss of a loved one. How did you first get the idea to write about this topic? 

Rachel: "Belly Full of Stones" is a story from a novella-in-flash that I spent quite a bit of time dreaming up and writing a while back, which I recently opened again to see if I still liked it! In the novella, the main character has always had a difficult relationship with both of her parents, but especially her father, the parent who ends up surviving in the story. I think a lot has been written about making peace with a dying parent, but less so with what you do with all the anger and hurt when the two people with a difficult relationship are suffering a loss at the same time. I really wanted "Belly Full of Stones" to explore that dynamic, and to imagine this challenging parent in a different light, if only for the space of one piece of flash. As a parent myself, I am painfully aware of how easy it is to get it wrong, even when you are trying to get it right, so I really wanted there to be some nuance to the story, something to show that the story you are telling yourself can look completely different with the slightest perspective shift, and that you can find small pockets of peace and understanding even in the midst of big losses, and even if you can't forgive completely. 

WOW: In addition to this entry, you’ve had numerous short stories published. What is your process for finding good markets to submit your work? 

Rachel: That's a great question. When I first started submitting stories, I would just send them off to magazines or online publications that I liked, hoping one of them would publish me. But I also read a lot, so as I got more and more into flash fiction, I found myself reading all the publications that publish flash. The more I read, the more I get to know the aesthetic of a particular publication, and the better I now am at matching a particular story to the publication that will be best for it. That said, I still get plenty of rejections from places that I thought would be a perfect match, so in part it really is just being resilient and playing a numbers game of sending out my very best work and then polishing it and sending it out again if it's rejected. It's best not to be too precious about rejections, as I think I probably average 9-10 rejections for every acceptance now, and I think that's a really good number - that ratio used to be much worse! 

WOW: One of your published pieces, "What She Would Rather Tell a Stranger,” appeared in Reader’s Digest as part of a 100-word story competition. Did you find it difficult to pare down an idea to such a brief word count? 

Rachel: Yes! But that's why flash is fun. It's all about trying to figure out how much you can leave out of the story and still expect the reader to fill in with their own imagination. Can I imply things without having to say them outright? Can I maybe even make my readers fill the gaps with their own ideas? And having good editors helps. That particular story I ran by a good writing friend of mine, Fiona McKay, and she helped me to cut it from its original 130-something words down to the precise 100-word requirement. Writing is a team sport! 

WOW: It really is! What advice would you give a writer just starting to explore the craft of flash fiction regarding finding story ideas? 

Rachel: The lovely thing about flash is that you can get your ideas from anywhere. They don't have to be  enough ideas to sustain multiple plots and sub-plots, and 300 pages of exposition, so this is a big question, but I guess I would say two things: 

1. Find other writers to support you and to share your work with. They don't have to live down the street from you - all of my best writer friends are people I've met online. I started doing flash during the pandemic when Writer's HQ had a weekly challenge called Flash Face-Off. I met so many amazing writers there. We were writing to themed prompts every week, and it was inspiring to see what other writers were doing and it really helped me to figure out what worked, what didn't, and why. I think they still do a monthly flash challenge at WHQ - my schedule is, unfortunately, not what it used to be, so I haven't joined in a while, but any way of finding writer friends to bounce ideas off of is a good idea. 

2. Remember that flash is small, so the ideas don't have to be huge. They can be, as very big themes are often tackled in tiny stories, but sometimes the best ones are also very simple. A tiny, but universal, thought that you have, that you have always wondered if other people feel, too. One of my favourite of my own stories, "Flight Reflex," published in Smokelong Quarterly, was based almost entirely around a conversation I actually had with my 6-year-old, where he said something silly, and I made it into a real story. 

WOW: We’d love to hear about some of your favorite authors. 

Rachel: Oh, no! Does anyone really know how to answer this? I have such a huge number of favourite authors out there in the world! I love, and have always loved, Gabriel Garcia Marquez for his magical realism which is both beautiful and brutal at the same time. Leone Ross is also an absolute marvel to me. Recently, I have been working my way through Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan novels, and am really enjoying them. For flash, I am in absolute awe of Jo Gatford, Kim Magowan, and obviously, Kathy Fish. That is not even mentioning all the amazing writers I have had the pleasure of workshopping stories with. I could talk about this all day, but I'll leave it there for now. Thank you for the lovely and thought-provoking questions, Renee, and I look forward to hopefully speaking with you again in the future.

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Leave a Comment 2nd place winner, Contestant interview, Rachel O'Cleary, Renee Roberson, Spring 2025 Flash Fiction Contest, writing advice

The Reckoning of Grace by Ron Chapman Blog Tour, Author Interview, and Book Giveaway

We here at WOW! Women on Writing are excited to launch the blog tour for The Reckoning of Grace by returning author Ronald Chapman. 

This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys mystery, action, and/or psychological thrillers. Read on to find out the author's inspiration behind this novel in an intriguing author interview, and enter to win a copy! 

Here's a bit more about The Reckoning of Grace: 

The Reckoning of Grace is an exceptionally timely novel that captures the deep spiritual reckoning behind America’s political and cultural unrest. This third installment in the Saga of Grace series showcases Ronald Chapman’s inspirational fiction at its finest—an exploration of post-traumatic growth, emotional healing, and spiritual courage.

Through unforgettable characters and profound narrative arcs, the novel invites us into the heart of reconciliation, challenging us to become agents of grace amid turmoil. A powerful and thought-provoking read for anyone navigating transformation in uncertain times, this book—and the Saga of Grace series as a whole—is essential. 

The Reckoning of Grace

Book 3 of the Saga of Grace series

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-948749-89-3

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-948749-96-1

Library of Congress Number: 2025915402

Pub Date: September 14, 2025

The Reckoning of Grace is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. You'll want to add it to your Goodreads list. 

About the Author - Ronald Chapman:

Ronald Chapman is owner of an international speaking and consulting company, Magnetic North LLC and a specialty company Leading Public Health. In addition to international accreditation as a speaker and national awards for radio commentary, he is the author of four novels, from the Saga of Grace Series: Book 1 - A Killer's Grace (2016), Book 2 - The Dark Side of Grace (2023), and Book 3 - The Reckoning of Grace (2025), and a spiritual allegory, My Name is Wonder (2016). He has also authored three works of non-fiction, Progressive Recovery through the Twelve Steps: Emotionally Sober for Life (2019), Seeing True: Ninety Contemplations in Ninety Days (2008) and What a Wonderful World: Seeing Through New Eyes (2004) and produced three audio sets, Seeing True: The Way of Spirit (2016), Breathing, Releasing and Breaking Through: Practices for Seeing True (2015), and Seeing True – The Way of Success in Leadership (2005). Ron provides a wide array of social media content at his Seeing True blog site, content for people in substance abuse recovery on his ProgressiveRecovery platform, and other content from his master Ronald Chapman site. He holds a Masters in Social Welfare from The University at Albany (New York.) Prior to his relocation to Atlanta, Georgia in 2008, he was a long-time resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico where much of his philosophies and practices came to life. He is also a wanderlust and adventurer, as well as a sculptor

Find Chapman Online:

Author website: https://www.ronaldchapman.com/books

Blog site(s): https://www.seeingtrue.com/blog and https://www.progressiverecovery.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ron.chapman.5/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ronald-Chapman/author/B002AGK4J4

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seeing_true/ 

 ----- Interview by Crystal Otto

WOW: Well Ron, I love that we find ourselves in this position again; thank you for contacting WOW, and trusting me to help with The Reckoning of Grace! As you know, I’m a huge fan of your work, but I have to ask: When do you sleep? You always seem to be doing and creating something or another. How do you do it?

Ron: Yes, Crystal, here we are again, and I’m pleased to have your support with The Reckoning of Grace. The truth seems to be that creativity has its own energies and its own timeline. The “muse” has its way with me, typically early in the morning. It’s as if a creation cannot be contained, though my initial reaction is to resist the urge. I remember reading that a number of creatives in the past routinely awakened in the middle of the night, so I guess I’m in good company. Resistance really does seem to be futile where creative energy is concerned.

WOW: You’re out there supporting everyone else—from nursing students, other authors, starving artists, orca whales if I recall correctly…and the list goes on. Who is it that is supporting you Ron Chapman? What helps you stay so positive?

Ron: Clearly you’ve been watching my social media feed … LOL! It’s interesting to have you reflect this back to me, Crystal. Like most of us, I just go about the business of my daily activities and don’t think too much about where my interests take me. Upon reflecting though, some time ago I realized that there is a lot that interests or attracts me, and that at times it would be a lot. So I do regroup and reprioritize with some frequency. More importantly, I discovered that going wandering in my car, or a visit to botanical gardens, or an art museum or gallery is really restorative for me. So too with yoga, sound baths, massages and other somatic practices. Broadly, I think of it as self-care, and a requirement for me to attend to my interests. At some point in time, most of my professional clients will hear me remind them: self-care, self-care, self-care. Apparently, I teach what I most need.

WOW: Where did it all start for you? When did you know that Ron Chapman was an author and did you ever feel like you were an imposter along the way? What advice do you have for others who are writing but maybe don’t have that confidence just yet to say “I’m an author”?

Ron: Great question, Crystal. For me the first callings were to books and the local library, which were childhood refuges for me. So much so that to this day, I am fundamentally attracted to stories of all kinds. Given that, I suppose it was only a matter of time before I would begin to write. My first book, What a Wonderful World: Seeing Through New Eyes, was the result of the urgings of a book promoter who knew me from my interviews of authors on public radio. With the editing support of my daughter, I was able to shape that collection of vignettes. Then the “muse” had me in its grip, something just clicked within me. From that point on, I was always in the process of writing something, so in some ways, writing became habituated. Perhaps that’s the best guidance of all, and consistent with prolific work and advice of Stephen King, just write and the rest will take care of itself.

WOW: You’ve got a lot of published books under your belt now. What advice do you have for authors who are sitting on a book idea wondering where to go from here? What do you know now that you wish you had known at the very beginning of this journey?

Ron: Well, consistent with the last question, just write! Beyond that though, I was surprised that the publishing realm is so competitive. I recently heard that Amazon publishes more than 400,000 books every year. Perhaps the best advice is to check one’s expectations. Then to explore one’s motivations. In the end, I’ve been far more satisfied with the entire process by reminding myself that I write because I love it. I have a sometimes slightly expensive hobby, as one friend reflected to me. And our hobbies are passions or pastimes for us. The result of that mindset is to feel good about the books no matter what. As an aside, I do sometimes marvel that somehow seven books have found their way through me. As a favorite character from My Name is Wonder, Boboso the Bear says, “The way is made with every step."

WOW: What’s in the hopper right now? I feel like you already have something in the works for 2026; can you give us a sneak peak?

Ron: As a matter of fact, the day before this interview, I was dragged out of bed by my psyche at 3:30 am. By 6:00, after contemplations and journaling and time in stillness, the plot and content for the next book in the Saga of Grace series fell into my awareness. I’d had a general idea before, but literally, the structure just appeared in my thoughts. If ever I needed proof of the “muse,” this would be the kind of demonstration. So now I know how to proceed, and I’ve set aside time on my calendar after the promotional activities of The Reckoning of Grace. In short, Book 4 will be twenty-five or thirty years in the future, and I will re-imagine that future consistent with the storyline in The Reckoning of Grace and the psycho-spiritual development of the protagonists, Kevin Pitcairn, an investigative journalist, and his beloved Maria Elena, who has become the voice and face of a social movement. Their story is not done, so the author is not done. As an aside, I’ve been known to say that if something is your life’s work, it will take your life.

WOW: Ron, what have you read recently that you think everyone else should add to their TBR pile and why do you think it’s important?

Ron: Oh wow (pun intended)! I’m thinking of the incredible, contextual writings of Heather Cox Richardson. I find them to be powerful reflections that help me think about the world in which we find ourselves. Setting aside political implications, she is so very good at framing the history and timing of what’s occurring and unfolding now. It keeps me grounded and curious at the same time. Since that’s a daily affair, I balance it with the daily, spiritual contemplations from Father Richard Rohr. A daily does of reality, and one of the spiritual seems to be very useful to my own contemplations.

WOW: I know you talk about seeing the light and being optimistic especially with all the chaos that seems to be in our world today; how do you stay so positive and what do you do to bring yourself positivity when you just aren’t feeling it some days?

Ron: Rest assured, like most everyone, I have inner challenges that arise with some frequency. Interestingly enough, I use some of the practices that are in the plot of The Reckoning of Grace. Breathwork, meditation, journaling and somatic practices bring me out of the messiness of thoughts and into my lived experience in the moment. Probably more importantly though, the result of exploration into the psycho-spiritual realm reflected in the Saga of Grace series, I’ve come to experience the world as a place of wonder and adventure. That’s been a slow process admittedly, which began more than twenty-five years ago when my mentor suggested I might want to take a good look at my discontentedness. He’d seen that I was forever at odds with life and with living. After resisting his suggestion, I finally delved deeply. I discovered that my expectations of myself, others and my life were simply not realistic. It was actually a life changing awareness. Today, as one might hear in the rooms of recovery, “living life on life’s terms” is powerful practice. It turns out there is a kind of magic that is ever present. I didn’t know that previously. I’ve come to count on it now.

Crystal - I wanted to add one more exciting surprise for all my WOW! friends - 

We’re celebrating the release of The Reckoning of Grace with a special giveaway! 

Three lucky winners will receive a Transformation Gift Pack that includes: 

 📚 A signed 3-book set of the Saga of Grace series (A Killer’s Grace, The Dark Side of Grace, and The Reckoning of Grace) 

 💳 A $25 gift card to any local bookstore of the winner's choice 

 🌟 A set of inspiring stickers 

 All you have to do is click this link to fill out a google form to enter. This contest is available for US and Canada participants only. The winners will be randomly selected. 

The giveaway closes November 15 - just in time for the holiday season! Don’t miss your chance to win this inspiring gift pack!

Check out this hashtag to stay up to date with this tour, the book, and it’s author: #reckoningofgrace #reckoningofgracechapman 

----Blog Tour Dates

September 22 @ The Muffin

What goes better with coffee in the morning than a muffin? Join us at the WOW blog to celebrate the launch of author Ronald Chapman’s The Reckoning of Grace. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

September 23 @ A Storybook World with Deirdra Eden

Deirdra Eden has fellow author Ronald Chapman in today's spotlight with his latest book: The Reckoning of Grace. Find out more about the third book in the Saga of Grace series!

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

September 24 @ What Is That Book About

Author Ronald Chapman finds himself in today's spotlight at What Is That Book About with his latest best seller: The Reckoning of Grace. You’ll want to run as fast as you can and snag this third book in the Saga of Grace series!

https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com/

September 25 @ A Wonderful World of Words

Author Ronald Chapman pens today’s post at A Wonderful World of Words. Read this enlightening post titled: "Characters and Characters" and find out more about Chapman’s latest book: The Reckoning of Grace. You’ll want this third book of the Saga of Grace series on your nightstand today! 

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

September 26 @ Sarandipity’s

Sarandipity’s Spotlight today is shining on Ron Chapman and the third book in the Saga of Grace Series! Stop by today and learn about Chapman’s book, The Reckoning of Grace. This is a book and series you won’t want to miss!

https://sarandipitys.com/

September 27 @ Of History and Kings

Helen Hollick puts fellow author Ron Chapman in the spotlight today! Readers will delight in learning about The Reckoning of Grace, the third book in the Saga of Grace Series! Stop by Helen’s blog today and be sure to add The Reckoning of Grace to your TBR pile!

https://ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com/

September 28 @ Bring on Lemons

Crystal Otto gives Ron Chapman’s The Reckoning of Grace 5 stars - stop by Bring on Lemons today and find out what Crystal has to say after reading this best seller, the third book in the Saga of Grace Series! 

https://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

October 04 @ World of My Imagination

Nicole Pyles reads and reviews Ron Chapman’s latest book: The Reckoning of Grace. This is the latest book in the Saga of Grace Series and Nicole gave the first two books 5 stars - will this one gain the highest ranking as well? Find out today!

https://worldofmyimagination.com/my-blog/

October 8 @ Lisa Haselton

Lisa Haselton interviews Ron Chapman about his latest book: The Reckoning of Grace. This is the latest book in the Saga of Grace Series and you won’t want to miss an insightful fast paced interview between Haselton and Chapman!

https://lisahaselton.com/

October 11 @ Storeybook Reviews

Storeybook Reviews has Ron Chapman’s latest book: The Reckoning of Grace in the spotlight today! This is the latest book in the Saga of Grace Series and you won’t want to miss an opportunity to find out more! 

https://storeybookreviews.com/

October 25 @ Words from the Heart

Stop by Words from the Heart as Linda reviews Ronald Chapman’s latest book: The Reckoning of Grace! This is the latest book in the Saga of Grace Series and you won’t want to miss an opportunity to find out more!

https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

The giveaway is open to US residents for a print copy. Enter to win a print copy of The Reckoning of Grace by Ronald Chapman! Fill out the Gleam form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends October 5th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day via Gleam and follow up via email. Good luck!

The Reckoning of Grace Giveaway

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4 comments author interview, blog tour launch, book giveaway, inspirational fiction, ronald chapman, Saga of Grace series, The Reckoning of Grace

Interview with Kelli Leiner, Runner Up in the Q3 2025 Creative Nonfiction Contest

 

While she obviously left her heart in San Francisco (and the surrounding Bay Area), Kelli moved to the other coast nine years ago where she currently resides in Wilmington, North Carolina with her husband, 15-year-old son, and their menagerie of critters. Kelli has worn a variety of ‘hats’ over the years, from school psychologist and grant writer to a brief, though misguided flirtation in software technical writing (read: technology is not her friend). But her very favorite writing will always be creative, especially stories that illuminate women’s experiences. As such, she is currently nearing the final pre-submission draft of her debut women’s fiction novel and hopes to get it out of the gate sometime soon. When Kelli’s not reading or writing about messy humanity, she can be found hitching a ride on (someone else’s) boat, drinking good wine, or cheering for her son at his basketball games. 

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

WOW: Congratulations, Kelli, and welcome! Your essay about your mother’s final days, "The Blink of a Life," provides a heartfelt takeaway at the end. Having lost both of your parents in a short amount of time, how often do you think of them when wrestling with your own questions about parenting your son? 

Kelli: I think about my parents almost every day, particularly when I’m getting a dose of typical teenage behavior (take what you will from that, lol). It’s very humbling. The hubris I once had pre-kid (for example, “I will never do xyz with my own child…”) died a quick death after becoming a parent. Having a teenager keeps adding nails to that proverbial coffin! I regularly think about what I would say to my parents now and without a doubt the short version would be, “I’m sorry and…thank you!” 

WOW: How did your first draft of this essay change by the final version? Do you have any editing tips for our readers just starting out in this genre? 

Kelli: After I shared the essay with one of my writing groups, I kept most of the content but took some of their advice and changed the order a bit to add more interest to the beginning. Readers know what draws them in and keeps them reading. With that being said, the following are a few editing tips that have worked for me: 

1. Get other eyeballs on your work. There’s no replacement for outside feedback no matter how many times you’ve fine-tooth combed your piece. You might find that something you wrote seemed incredibly clear to you but doesn’t quite land in the same way for others. However, keep in mind that one person’s feedback is not the end all, be all. I usually split the difference. For example, if I’m getting the same feedback from multiple sources, it’s pretty solid. 

2. Walk away. Come back a few days—or, if needed, weeks—later and try to read it with new eyes. Does it still have the same impact? 

3. Read your work out loud. If something doesn’t flow well, consider rewording until it does. 

4. Trust your instincts. It’s easy to have too many voices in your head when you’ve been receiving feedback, a lesson I’m still learning. At the end of the day, however, this is your work. Your voice. If you can maintain anything in the editing process, let it be this. 

WOW: I love this advice. What inspired you to enter this particular writing contest? 

Kelli: I’d been following WOW! for some time and had just finished revising my essay with a local writing group when I stumbled on the contest. It seemed kismet. I must confess, though, that my submission was impulsive, as it needed to be. I struggle with the vulnerability of being judged and other than a nonfiction essay contest in high school (many, many eons ago), I’d never entered one. I made sure to submit it before I lost my nerve! 

WOW: That's incredible! I'm so glad you decided to submit it as it obviously struck a chord with our judges. You mentioned finishing you are working on a novel in the women’s fiction genre. Could you share what some of the themes in it are? 

Kelli: My book,"Wild Bend," currently in its third draft and making its way around beta reader groups, deals primarily with grief and the emotions that often accompany it. I’m a huge fan of messy humanity on the page, so the story also touches on mental illness (including inequitable access to care), romantic love, friendship, found family, and self-forgiveness. 

WOW: Who are some of your favorite writers and what books of theirs would you recommend to us? 

Kelli: I adore anything by Barbara Kingsolver, a writer who makes prose sing like poetry, and Emily

Henry, whose books pose as fluffy beach reads on the shelf, but sucker punch you with an incredible amount of depth, entertainment, and wit. I’m currently reading a book by Amy Jo Burns called, "Mercury" and am digging it! I’m thinking about using it as a comp title and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves to dive deep into messy family stories tinged with intrigue. "The Bright Years" by Sarah Damoff is also one I would recommend in this category.

WOW: Kelli, thank you so much for being here again today. We loved learning more about you and wish you all the success with your novel!

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Leave a Comment Contestant interview, Kelli Leiner, Renee Roberson, runner up , WOW! Q3 2025 CNF Contest, writing advice

Write in Spite of, Not Because Of

 

Lately, I've been dealing with a lot of anxiety. It's been off and on and comes in varying waves of intensity. And I have to admit that it's affected my writing his year. I started out strong with an excellent method that worked for a while.

Then, I had a lot of ups and downs with my writing gigs. One major one disappeared, yet again, sending me into a spiral of not being sure what to do about it. I've managed okay, but there's also been a lot of scrambling to make up the income that has me on edge.

So, not a lot is happening in the creative department.

Recently, and forgive me that I cannot think of where, I ran across advice on how someone responded to a period of stress.

And they said that throughout their day when they recognized their typical stress response, they asked themselves: what would I be doing if I wasn't stressed? How would I respond or conduct my day if I wasn't feeling this way?

And I may be paraphrasing this terribly, but it resonated with me. 

Lately, in response to my own anxiety, I ask myself: if I wasn't battling anxiety, what would my creative efforts look like?

Because a lot of the creative realm requires a stillness in our soul. A listening. And I can't do that if I'm worried about my budget spreadsheet and trying to convince the income column to increase all on its own.

Whether you are battling stress or anxiety, or simply struggling with not being in the mood to write (but wanting to despite that), think of this: how would you express your creative side if anxiety/stress/anti-creative moods weren't on the table?

Then go ahead and create. In a way, you'll be writing in spite of how you are feeling and not because of it. 

Now, it's time for me to go on and take my own advice.

Nicole Pyles is a writer living in Portland, Oregon. Her writing has appeared in Sky Island Journal, Arlington Literary Journal, The Voices Project, The Ocotillo Review, and Gold Man Review. A poem of hers was also featured in the anthology DEAR LEADERS TALES. Her short story, “The Mannequin of Lot 18,” was nominated for Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy for 2024. Since she’s not active on social media very much, stay in touch by following her writing blog at World of My Imagination or her Substack, Nicole Writes About Stuff. 

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Interview with Emily Rinkema, First Place Winner in the WOW! Spring 2025 Flash Fiction Contest

Emily Rinkema lives and writes in northern Vermont. For her real job, she works as a district curriculum and instruction leader, supporting and facilitating professional learning for teachers and administrators. She has written about education for years, but has now shifted almost entirely to writing fiction, partly as a way to escape the world, and partly as a way to understand it. Her stories have recently appeared in Fictive Dream, Variant Lit, Flash Frog, Ghost Parachute, and Wigleaf, and she won the 2024 Cambridge Prize and the 2024 Lascaux Prize for flash fiction. When not writing or working, she enjoys spending time with Bill, her husband; Chet, her dog; and Jack Reacher the Cat. You can read her work at https://emilyrinkema.wixsite.com/my-site or follow her on X, BS, or IG (@emilyrinkema).

--interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Congratulations on winning first place in our Spring 2025 Flash Fiction competition. What prompted you to enter the contest?

Emily: The timing was just right. I came across the reminder about the WOW deadline online, and I thought I had a story that would be a great fit. I have a spot in my heart for WOW as it was the first flash comp I ever entered, so I was excited to try again.

WOW: Can you tell us what encouraged the idea behind your story, “Huff and Puff?”

Emily: After a long day at work, a man I ran into decided to explain AI to me. It was sort of the last straw in a series of similar experiences and so I came home and rage-wrote the first draft (there was a lot more violence in that first draft…). I decided to incorporate the fairy tale components because there’s a common template and expectations in fairy tales that I thought played well with my main character’s situation. And honestly, it was really cathartic to write.

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

Emily: This isn’t mind-blowing advice, but I’d tell them to read flash every day. One of the great things about flash is that there’s always time to read a complete story. I’d find a few flash journals or sites that you admire and go to them whenever you have a few minutes (instead of doom-scrolling, for example). One of my go-tos is Matt Kendrick’s site (https://www.mattkendrick.co.uk/resources), but I also recommend Bluesky, which has an amazingly prolific and supportive flash community. SmokeLong also has an incredible Fitness offering on their site; so many of the stories I publish were started in SmokeLong Fitness.

WOW: Are you working on any writing projects right now? What’s next for you?

Emily: I love writing (and reading) flash, so for the foreseeable future, that’s what I’ll continue to do. Maybe someday I will publish a collection!

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

Emily: I guess I would say to find what you love to write and then just do a lot of it. I spent a few years trying to be a kind of writer that I’m not, beating myself up for not having discipline and for not writing a novel and for not doing all of the things that I thought a “writer” was supposed to do. But then I just gave into what I really love, which is flash fiction, and I’ve been so happy (okay…like it’s all relative, right? I mean the world is a complete $h*tshow, so my happiness is balanced by a good dose of existential dread, rage, and despair, but in terms of my writing life? Happy.).

***

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Leave a Comment Contestant interview, Emily Rinkema, first place winner, flash fiction, Marcia Peterson, WOW! Spring 2025 Flash Fiction Contest, writer tips

Lost Heart In King Manor by Celeste Fenton: Blog Tour & Giveaway

I'm always excited to introduce readers to fun characters that seem to leap off the page like those in Lost Heart in King Manor. But it's even better because author Celeste Fenton is launching a series and her characters will stop by for welcome visits in subsequent books. Celeste has finally made that timeless question "What do I feel like reading?" unnecessary. Her debut novel gives us a pinch of everything: cozy mystery, suspense, romance, second chances, humor, beautiful settings.  Join us as we celebrate the launch of this book with a giveaway of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card and an interview with the author.

But before we get to that, here's more about her book:

Lost Heart in King Manor is a thrilling story of love, passion, and determination. The plot has twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing all through. 

Because some secrets are worth killing for.

And some hearts don’t break quietly.

At 45, Gabby Heart isn’t looking for drama—just quiet days on Dost Island running her village gift shop, teaching art, and keeping her past tucked safely away. But when her mother suffers a sudden health crisis, Gabby is pulled into a storm of family secrets, betrayal, and a dark legacy buried within the walls of the once-grand King Manor. 

What was supposed to be a safe place for her mother’s recovery becomes the backdrop for a chilling mystery. Strange incidents begin to unfold, and it becomes clear: someone inside King Manor has a deadly agenda. As a hurricane traps Gabby inside the sprawling estate, she’s forced to work alongside two very different men—her maddeningly attractive officemate and a charming new neighbor, both hiding dark secrets. 

One man may want her heart. The other may want her dead. But can she trust her instincts before it's too late?

Publisher: Independently Published (April 15, 2025)

ISBN: 979-8280071773

AISN: B0F2ZML3M9

Print length:  347 pages

Purchase your copy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You'll also want to add it to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Celeste Fenton

Celeste Fenton holds an M.Ed. and Ph.D. in education and has over thirty years’ experience in higher education. Her writing is fueled by a lifelong love of mystery, a fascination with the complexities of the human heart, and just enough real-world experience to keep things interesting. A widow, mother of adult twin sons, proud grandmother, dog lover, and semi-retired professor living in Florida, she weaves imagination with insight to create stories that are both emotionally rich and laced with suspense.

When she’s not writing, reading, or plotting her next twist, she’s often off exploring small towns across America—setting out solo for month-long adventures, much to the awe (and occasional alarm) of friends and family. Her latest obsessions include escape rooms, mastering the perfect miter cut for a DIY bathroom remodel, and making the impossible decision of where to travel next.

Website: https://celestefenton.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celeste.fenton.9/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestefentonwrites/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/CFentonWrites

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@celestefenton

--Interview by Jodi M. Webb

WOW: Congratulations on your debut mystery, Lost Heart in King Manor. As a big fan of the mystery genre, I’m always eager to know why you chose to write in the mystery genre?

Celeste: Thank you! Even as a kid, I loved a good mystery—especially the kind that kept me up way past bedtime with a flashlight under the covers. Growing up, I read everything in our small-town library, from Nancy Drew to Victoria Holt, and eventually moved on to Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, and romantic suspense. I was a huge Murder, She Wrote fan—still am, really. I think I fell in love with the idea that even in a chaotic world, a clever woman with a sharp mind and a stubborn streak could find the truth. Writing Lost Heart in King Manor felt like coming full circle—mixing suspense, family secrets, and a little romance with characters I’d actually want to have coffee with… or interrogate.

WOW: Tell us a little about your writing journey. When did you begin writing and what led to the decision to write a book?

Celeste: I’d been putzing around with writing ideas for years—jotting things down in journals, daydreaming about stories—but like a lot of people, life and work always seemed to get in the way. That was my excuse, anyway. Then in 2021, everything shifted. My husband passed away, both of my beloved dogs died, and I lost a dear friend to cancer. It was a season of deep loss. 

But in the middle of that grief, I realized something: life wasn’t going to wait for me to write a book. And when I really reflected on it, the truth was not that I had been too busy to write. It was deeper: I was afraid. Afraid of failure, of rejection. If I had a story to tell—and I did—it was time to get moving. I had to stop waiting for the “perfect time” and start now. I gave myself permission to let go of the fear and finally chase the dream. And once I did, the story poured out. 

WOW: Finding that elusive "perfect time" to write. Was that the most challenging part of writing?

Celeste: The most challenging part? Hands down—marketing. I didn’t even have a social media account when I started. I thought TikTok was the sound my clock made. Now I’m learning hashtags, filming videos, and figuring out how to post reels and tag folks! I’m terrible at it, but getting there!

WOW: And then, just when you feel like you've got a handle on marketing, something new pops up! That's how I feel, at least. So what's been the most rewarding part of writing?

Celeste: The most rewarding part is watching the story come to life. Seeing the characters evolve into people I care deeply about. And hearing from readers who love them too—or who yell at me because of something a character did. That connection is magic. Knowing something I wrote made someone laugh, or cry, or stay up too late reading? That’s magic to me.

WOW: Do you belong to a writing group or have a group of beta-readers that helped when you were writing your book?

Celeste: When I started writing… I really just dove in. Quite naively, to be honest. I wasn’t even aware of writing groups or beta reader networks—I just had a story I needed to tell and hoped for the best.

I didn’t belong to a formal writing group, but I had what I like to call my “squad”—four trusted friends who read early drafts and gave me feedback, kindly but honestly. And one especially dear friend who re-read and edited so many times, I’m fairly certain she could recite the book by heart at this point. They helped me see what worked, what didn’t, and most importantly, they kept me going when I wanted to toss the whole thing in a drawer.

Now that Lost Heart in King Manor is published—and the sequel, Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle, releases September 22—I’m exploring beta reader teams, ARCs, and maybe even a writing group. I’ve learned that writing might be solitary, but publishing thrives on community.

WOW: We hope you find a welcoming group here with the WOW community. Why did self-publishing appeal to you for your mystery series?

Celeste: At first, I thought I’d try the traditional route—but once I started researching, I realized self-publishing gave me something I really valued: creative control. I wanted to shape the series the way I envisioned it—everything from the cover design to the pacing of the release schedule to how I connected with readers.

And let’s be honest, I’m not twenty-five. I didn’t want to spend years waiting on gatekeepers to tell me yes or no. I’d already waited long enough to start writing. Self-publishing let me take ownership of the process, and while it’s definitely a learning curve, it’s also incredibly empowering. Plus, I’ve discovered a whole world of supportive indie authors and readers, indie bookstores, and resources  out there. 

WOW: After reading Lost Heart in King Manor, I want to visit Dost Island! Is it based on a real place? How do you think a great setting adds to a book?

Celeste: I love this question because one of my passions is traveling across America, especially through small towns. There’s something so charming about those little towns and villages—where the Main Street still has a neighborhood hardware store, and everyone waves at you even if they don’t know you. I’ve spent a lot of time in New England and absolutely fell in love with those seaside communities and postcard perfect charm. Dost Island was inspired by that—but with a touch of my own imagination and mystery stirred in.

For me, setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of the story. Small towns create this illusion of safety, of community, of knowing everyone’s business. There’s a sense of tradition, fellowship, and comfort. But what I love about writing mystery is pulling back that curtain—asking, what’s really going on behind those white picket fences? That cute little shop? That contrast—the cozy surface and the darker undercurrent—is perfect for suspense.

A setting like Dost Island lets me play with that tension. It can feel warm and familiar one minute, and eerie the next. And in a mystery, that’s gold.

WOW: I definitely felt the contrast of the charming down and the secretive undercurrent in your book. Tell us more about your main character Gabby. Is she your literary counterpart? 

Celeste: Well… I think my curiosity, impatience, and a little spunk definitely found their way into Gabby. She’s not me—but she thinks fast, feels deeply, and sometimes blurts things she probably shouldn’t, and… well, let’s just say that felt familiar!

But honestly, there’s a little bit of me scattered across many of the characters—not just Gabby. Some of them carry my snark, some my passions or old wounds. Others reflect people I love. I’ve borrowed some of the best traits from my friends and family—kindness, wit, loyalty, that fierce protectiveness—and tucked them into the people on the page. I do think most writers weave themselves into their characters, whether they mean to or not. It’s like we crack open parts of ourselves and rearrange the pieces into someone new. That’s where the truth—and the fun—lives.

WOW: What would we find if we took a peek at your bookshelf?

Celeste: I think I’m kind of moody when it comes to reading. Depending on my mood, I’ll binge mysteries, or suspense, or romance (could be contemporary or historical), thrillers…when Game of Thrones was dominating HBO/Max, I binged George R.R. Martin. My bookcases are stocked with M.C. Beaton, Janet Evanovich, Charlain Harris, Linda Howard, J. D. Rob, C.J. Box, for romance Lisa Kleypas, Sarah MacLean, Eloisa James, Emily Henry, Elizabeth Berg, Elizabeth Strout…I could go on and on. 

I’ve always been inspired by authors who mix strong characters with a compelling sense of place. I love a story that’s a little mysterious, a little emotional, and makes you want to step right into the world they’ve created. Lord, I cried buckets over The Tale of Edgar Sawtelle.

Right now, I’m reading The Atomic City Girls by Janet Beard—a wonderful novel inspired by true events during World War II. I’m a sucker for historical fiction with heart and grit. Waiting in the wings on my nightstand are The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Rodham, and People We Meet on Vacation—so you can see I’m all over the map, genre-wise! 

  

WOW: But that's half the fun! Now you've gicven me a few books to add to my TBR list. What’s up next with your writing career?

Celeste: Well, the adventure continues! My second book in the Mysteries of a Heart series—Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle—releases September 22. Gabby and a few familiar faces journey to Scotland, where a remote castle, buried secrets, and an incoming snowstorm create the perfect storm for a twisty, emotional mystery. Meanwhile, back on Dost Island, loved ones are grappling with an unsettling crisis of their own—unraveling the truth behind a string of missing boys.

Following that, Broken Heart at Avalon Chateau is scheduled for winter 2026. Jay offers a much-needed escape to his newly inherited chateau in northern Canada… but let’s just say peace and quiet aren’t on the itinerary. As Gabby and the gang uncover danger and deception up north, their friends back on Dost Island are trying to solve the murder of the island’s beloved librarian.

And there’s more! Book Four—Wild Heart at Crest Edge Villa—takes Gabby and friends to Tasmania after Anna’s half-brother dies under mysterious circumstances. A cryptic letter leads them deep into the wilderness in a motorhome (what could go wrong?), where a wrong turn becomes a survival story with eerie twists, ancestral secrets, and a stalker in the shadows. Book Five—Rescued Heart at Water’s Edge—is also outlined. After barely escaping Tasmania, the group ends up shipwrecked on an uncharted island. 

It’s been a wild ride, and I’m loving every moment. I never imagined I’d be here, doing this, at this stage of my life—but I’m proof it’s never too late to chase a dream… or write yourself into a mystery.

WOW: I love that your characters are going to be popping all over the world chasing adventure - and danger. Thanks for giving us a sneak peek and sharing your inspiring writing journey with us.

--Blog Tour Calendar

September 15th @ The Muffin

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Celeste Fenton's debut novel filled with romance and suspense: Lost Heart in King Manor. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of her book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

September 16th @ All Things Writing

Don't miss author Celeste Fenton's advice on Setting the Stage for Suspense.

https://www.caitrincking.com/blog

September 17th @ Chapter Break 

Today's guest is Celeste Fenton, telling the story of Publishing at 69! It’s Never Too Late for a Story.

https://chapterbreak.net/

September 19th @ What Is That Book About 

The spotlight's on romance and suspense with Celeste Fenton's debut novel Lost Heart in King Manor.

www.whatisthatbookabout.com

September 22nd @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews & Interviews

Meet Celeste Fenton, the author behind Lost Heart in King Manor and the Mysteries of a Heart series.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

September 25th @ Words by Webb

Jodi reviews a novel for reader that like a good dose of adventure with their romance: Lost Heart in King Manor.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

October 1st @ Avonna Loves Genres

Start the month off right with a review of Lost Heart in King Manor & a book giveaway.

https://avonnalovesgenres.com/

October 2nd @ Some Thoughts. Everything Creativity

Stop by for a review of the first book in Celeste Fenton's mystery series: Lost Heart in King Manor.

https://www.kaeceymccormick.com/blog

October 3rd @ Books R Us

Author Celeste Fenton is visiting today with the guest post From Barbie to Breakdown: Writing About Complex Women

www.booksrusonline.com

October 4th @ Three Things on a Saturday Night

Searching for some Saturday fun? Lost Heart in king Manor made the list of Three Things on a Saturday Night! Check out the review.

https://nicolepyles.substack.com/p/3-things-on-a-saturday-night

October 7th @ A Wonderful World of Books

Enter to win a copy of Lost Heart in King Manor. Author Celeste Fenton also share a guest post: Cozy Mystery Doesn’t Have to be Cute: Grit and Grace in Your Cozy.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

October 9th @ Knotty Needle

Stop by for a review of Lost Heart of King Manor by Celeste Fenton.

http://www.knottyneedle.blogspot.com

October 10th @ Some Thoughts. Everything Creativity

Novelist Celeste Fenton is posting about Using Weather as A Metaphor. 

https://www.kaeceymccormick.com/blog

October 19th @ Just Katherine

Everyone loves a romance! Find out how Celeste Fenton writes it with the guest post Second Chances, Slow Burn: Crafting the Romance in Lost Heart.

https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/

***** MYSTERY NOVEL & GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY *****

The giveaway is open to US residents for a print copy. Enter to win a print copy of Lost Heart in King Manor by Celeste Fenton and a $25 Amazon gift card! Fill out the Gleam form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends September 28th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day via Gleam and follow up via email. Good luck!

Lost Heart in King Manor Giveaway

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36 comments author interview, blog tour, Celeste Fenton, Lost Heart in King Manor, Mysteries of a Heart, mystery, romance, suspense

Interview with Karin Patton: 2025 Q3 Essay Contest Runner Up

Karin’s Bio: Karin is a long-time West Virginia newspaper columnist who lives with her husband Don in a 120-year-old warehouse they are attempting to renovate, despite it being far beyond their skill set. When not covered in remodeling filth, she enjoys refinishing antiques that are one gasp away from the dumpster. Her day job involves managing a recycling center and re-use store in an area rife with old hippies and young back-to-the-landers. Her newspaper columns were once named Best in the U.S. by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, a bittersweet win considering the stories were about the diagnosis and passing of her youngest daughter from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She is currently working on a young adult novel about a girl who grows a tail. Her fiction and nonfiction have been published in Ladies' Home Journal, Writer’s Digest, Family Circle, Woman's World, and Atlanta Parent, among others. 

If you haven't done so already, check out Karin's award-winning essay "Pinned Hopes" and then return here for a chat with the author. 

WOW: Congratulations on placing in the Q3 2025 Essay Contest! How did you begin writing your essay and how did it and your writing processes evolve as you wrote? 

Karin: Years ago, while lying in a hospital bed after receiving heartbreaking news, I spotted a mostly deflated balloon hanging from a tack in the ceiling. I tried to distract myself from what was happening by imagining the scenarios for how that balloon came to be hanging there. The balloon was such a powerful image to me that I knew I would someday write about it, although it took years before I could. 

WOW: It’s so interesting to learn how a simple image or memory can be turned into a powerful piece of art. What did you learn about yourself or your writing by creating this essay? 

Karin: For much of my adult life, I have dealt with sadnesses by distracting myself. It’s become something of a superpower. Still, it wasn’t until writing this story that I realized where the distracting business might have begun. 

WOW: That’s a powerful realization. What connections, if any, do you see between your writing and your interests in remodeling, refinishing, and recycling? 

Karin: I don’t like anything to be wasted, including experiences. With both writing and refinishing, I’m not always wise enough to recognize the value of what I have until I can strip off the layers. The process of writing allows me to slow down what I have gone through and examine it in a way that isn’t possible as something is happening. I can spend time determining what is worth keeping and what can get tossed. What I start with and what I have at the end is often so different it’s nearly unrecognizable. 

WOW: Quite an apt metaphor for the writing process. Which creative nonfiction essays or writers have inspired you most, and in what ways did they inspire you? 

Karin: The writings of David Sedaris inspire me greatly. His beginnings and endings are exceptional. He will begin by causing a belly laugh and then get into something serious or tragic and then step back out again and cause another hard laugh. He can seem to be veering off subject, yet those offshoots always make his stories even meatier. I don’t know how he does it. I can’t think of any other writer as masterful as him. 

WOW: If you could tell your younger self anything about writing, what would it be? 

Karin: I used to believe I was being responsible when I put my writing on the back burner so I could work a second job or refinish a bunch of furniture or some other moneymaking endeavor. I wish I could tell my younger self to prioritize writing since that is where I find peace and a sense of pride and—please excuse the cliché—the things that money can’t buy. 

WOW: Excellent advice! Anything else you’d like to add? 

Karin: The story that placed first in this contest—"You" by Elizabeth Hoban—that is a must read. Perfectly told. Every word was exactly right. 

WOW: Thank you for the shoutout to fellow 2025 Q3 Essay Contest winner! And 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, Karin Patton, runner up , WOW! Q3 2025 CNF Contest

Too Many Tropes?

 

I’ve been thinking about tropes a lot lately. That's because I’ve been noodling over a story idea that will be a mystery in a science fiction setting. So which tropes do I use? 

For those of you who may not be familiar with the term, a trope is an element of genre fiction. It can be a theme (corrupt corporations in science fiction) or a plot device (a fake relationship in a romance).

Although there can be overlap between genres, many tropes are fairly genre specific. Science fiction tropes include rogue robots, aliens come to eat all the humans, the dangers of space travel including worm holes, cloning, genetic engineering, and evil scientists with hidden laboratories. 

Among the mystery tropes are isolated locations, a closed circle of suspects, a missing person, blackmail, and a ticking clock. 

Looking at these lists, I can see several that would work well together. I’ve already decided that there will be a robot. Nope. You can’t talk me out of it. The robot is essential. Since I was thinking they would be in the midst of a spaceflight, I think I could layer in an isolated setting and a closed circle of suspects. 

But I was worried about another problem. Can you have too many tropes? 

I was doing some research, and no I wasn’t just avoiding writing. I found an excellent piece by Jane Friedman, Tropes: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. She wrote about a problem that she called trope stuffing. As she explained it, this happens when the writer includes every single trope they can think of. They often do this in an attempt to appeal to as many readers as possible. If they list the tropes as themes, this can also help their book come up on as many searches as possible. 

Hmm. I think that as long as the tropes work within my story, I can get by with four tropes – two science fiction and two mystery. There wouldn’t be any point in attempting to trope stuff, because I know my idea will not appeal to every single reader. It is for a middle grade audience, which eliminates an awful lot of people. And it is a science fiction mystery. I’ll have to give it a try to see if it will work. 

But before I can do that, there’s more research to do. 

--SueBE

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

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

• Click here to find her newsletter.

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 mysteries, Science Fiction, Sue Bradford Edwards, tropes

Is Tech Stealing Our Dialogue?

Usually when I finish reading books, I'm faced with the question: Keep it, pass it on to a friend or donate it to the local library's used book sale? But recently, I reluctantly threw away a book. It had many shortcomings that might have been alleviated with the help of a good editor but the thing that drove me absolutely bonkers was the dialogue.

It didn't read like a person taking. It read like...a robot. It was a combination of super short sentences(sometimes missing a subject), no contractions, odd word choices that people don't often use when speaking. Obsessed with the dialogue I began reading it aloud and found it awkward and stilted. Something was definitely...off. It was as if this author had never heard people talk.

Suddenly it occurred to me that we don't hear people talk that much anymore. Can you remember being a teenager and spending hours on the phone with your best friend? Meeting an old friend for coffee and having so much to tell them? Trying to chat up someone at an event hoping you might end up with a date? 

Our phones have made all those scenarios a thing of the past. Our teenagers text(with mysterious abbreviations that seem to be constantly evolving) and seem intimidated by the idea of making an actual phone call, let alone staying on the phone for hours. Sure, we meet up with friends but thanks to social media they already know everything that's happening with us. Coffee might turn into showing each other photos or memes on our phones. And it seems there are a wide assortment of apps to connect us with romantic partners, no conversation needed.

No wonder this author had trouble with dialogue. Talking is on the decline. We may be communicating 24/7 but actually moving our mouths to make sound come out? Not so much. I used to spend time eavesdropping on people at the mall, in coffeshops, even in the office. It helped me get a feel for the give and take of conversations. Watching strangers I learned about when people lowered/raised their voices; how their body language changed depending on what they were saying, the words used by people in different age groups/geographic areas/professions. My poor author with the robot language probably never had a chance to eavesdrop to hone his ear for dialogue. There is no one to listen to anymore.

Despite many of us being introverts, I think as writers we have a responsibility to get out there and find places where people are talking. Join groups, attend events, start conversations with strangers. Anything to avoid writing robot conversations (unless, of course, your characters are actual robots).

I already have read many books set in the present that include texts, emails and other digital communications. But what about when we write something set in the pre-cellphone era? Will our cultural love affair with tech make it harder to write convincing language?

I have a habit of reading my dialogue aloud because my ear often has a better feel for authentic dialogue than my eyes. How do you check to see if your dialogue sounds like real people?

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. Get to know her blogging at Words by Webb.  

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1 comment Jodi M. Webb, writing dialogue, writing tips

Interview with Leslie Carlin, WOW! Q3 2025 Creative Nonfiction Contest Runner Up

Leslie Carlin (she/her) has published short fiction in various journals including Reed Magazine, the Baltimore Review, the Ocotillo Review, and the Toronto Star. She writes personal essays on topics ranging from head lice to Hadrian's Wall, and is working on a creative nonfiction book, Asking After Alice. Leslie earned her certificate in creative writing from the University of Toronto's School of Continuing Studies in 2019, winning the Penguin Random House Canada Fiction Prize for Students and the Marina Nemat Award for Creative Writing. Leslie is a wife to one, a mother to three, and a servant to two cats and a dog. She is a medical anthropologist with interests in health, society, disability, and aging. Leslie posts her observations about living in and out of the United States, England, and Canada at Travails of a Transatlantic Transplant. Her website can be found at LeslieCarlin.com.

---interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Congratulations on your top ten win in our Q3 2025 Creative Nonfiction essay competition! Reading your entry, “Alice’s Grave,” I felt like I was there with you. What inspired you to write this particular story?

Leslie: I’m glad the story gave you that feeling. Over the past several years I have been looking for answers about my aunt, Alice, keeping track of what I learned in a journal. I expected to encounter many unknowns, and I have, but I thought locating her grave would be simple. It proved very much otherwise. When I finally managed to visit the cemetery and find Alice, such a mix of emotions followed me that I knew I wanted to write about it and mined the notes I had kept. The journey itself turned out to be an adventure, too.

WOW: You also write short fiction, personal essays and are working on a creative nonfiction book. Do you find form of writing one more challenging than the others? Are you drawn to one form more than the others?

Leslie: The most challenging form of writing always seems to be the one I am currently engaged in. I love to create (and to read) long, short, fiction, and non-fiction stories but as soon as I have set myself a goal or a deadline for one of them, I find myself inspired to work on a different one. In general I have several writing projects on the go at once. At the moment I am turning my notes into a book about my aunt (Asking After Alice), as well as keeping up my personal essays on Substack (Transatlantic Travails), and drafting both short stories and longform fiction (a detective novel).

WOW: What is your writing process like? Please describe a typical day.

Leslie: A typical week might be more telling! I have a day job as a medical anthropologist in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, where I conduct research related to health and society, disability, and aging. Thus some days are devoted to work. On writing days my favorite thing is to start typing immediately, before my feet touch the floor. When I finally get up, it makes me happy knowing that I already added words to my story. I also write in local cafés, and at my desk, often late at night. I belong to a couple of writing groups where we share what we have written, which is very helpful.

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

Leslie: As with my writing I tend to read more than one book at a time, in different formats. In paper form I’m reading a fun memoir by Canadian journalist Cathrin Bradbury called This Way Up, because I have enjoyed Bradbury’s writing in the past. I’ve just started The Boy in the Moon by another Canadian, Ian Brown, about raising a severely disabled son. It makes me think about Alice. I also love audiobooks: I just listened to the suspenseful, evocative novel Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anaparra, and I dip in and out of Six Poets by Alan Bennett, which brings me calm.

WOW: Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Leslie. Before you go, can you share a favorite writing tip or piece of advice?

Leslie: It has been a pleasure. Thank you for asking.

My writing tip is basic: always write. Anything you produce can be co-opted into something else. Sometimes I recount an anecdote in an email to a friend and then think “Gee, I can use that” and so I do, copying the words into a story or just into my writing journal. Also, as Nora Ephron’s mother advised, “It’s all copy.” Pay attention to everything. Write it down.

***

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