If you haven't done so already, check out Amanda's award-winning story "The Selkie's Promise" and then return here for a chat with the author.
WOW: Congratulations on placing third in the Spring 2025 Flash Fiction Contest! What excited you most about writing this story?
Amanda: What truly excited me about writing this story was the chance to revisit cherished memories of reading with my children, particularly a much-loved picture book featuring a Selkie. The allure and mystery of these Scottish shapeshifting legends have captivated me ever since. I am drawn to the Selkie's duality: their enchanting presence as humans and their graceful retreat to the sea. Entering the flash fiction contest felt like the perfect moment to delve deeper into Scottish folklore, bringing this fascination to life on the page.
I was especially eager to experiment with the concise, impactful nature of flash fiction, a form that, like picture books, demands precision and emotional resonance in very few words. My aim was to weave an atmospheric tale that captures the raw feelings of grief and loss, immersing readers in Mara’s haunting journey and leaving them pondering what might unfold between her and the Selkie. This project was both a personal challenge and a creative departure from my usual writing, making it an exhilarating experience.
WOW: I am continuously amazed by the thoughtful precision and crafting that goes on behind the scenes of any piece of writing, particularly with flash pieces. What did you learn about yourself or your writing while crafting this piece?
Amanda: Through the process of crafting this piece, I realised just how swiftly you must draw readers into the world of flash fiction. The genre’s brevity means every word counts, so I found myself meticulously selecting and refining language to build an immediate sense of place and emotion. It became clear to me that establishing an atmosphere and forging a connection with characters is essential, almost like leading a group on a guided tour, ensuring no one drifts away because the journey is compelling from the very first sentence. This experience also highlighted the centrality of Mara’s grief, yet I wanted to ensure a subtle sense of hope lingered in her encounter with the Selkie. Having mostly written for children before, I discovered a new enthusiasm for writing with an adult audience in mind, and I am eager to pursue that further.
WOW: You’ve published memoir, children’s stories, flash fiction, and more. How does writing in multiple genres inspire you and your writing? Do you have a favorite genre, and why is it your favorite?
Amanda: Writing in multiple genres continually re-energises my creativity and keeps my perspective fresh. Each form brings its own set of challenges and delights. Writing a memoir allowed me to reflect deeply and find meaning in a difficult experience, while children’s stories invite a sense of wonder and playfulness. Flash fiction, on the other hand, offers a thrilling constraint, the need to distil emotion and narrative into a handful of impactful words. I find that moving between genres prevents me from getting stuck in a rut; lessons learned in one style often inform and enrich my approach to others.
As for a favourite, I am becoming very fond of flash fiction. Although maybe that is because I have been lucky enough to have been placed in two competitions this year. There’s something invigorating about the discipline it demands and the immediacy it creates between writer and reader. The genre’s brevity is a little like writing for children, challenging me to say more with less and to trust the reader to fill in the gaps. That sense of collaboration and shared imagination is what keeps me coming back to flash fiction, even as I continue to explore and enjoy other genres.
WOW: Having trust in your readers is a crucial element to good writing! Thank you for sharing that. What are you reading right now, and why did you choose to read it?
Amanda: At the moment, I am engrossed in The Tenant by Frieda McFadden. I have long been an admirer of her work; she is a true expert when it comes to suspense and crime thrillers. Our book club selected this novel as our latest read, and I jumped at the chance to begin it. What I appreciate most about McFadden’s writing is her knack for crafting intricately layered plots filled with unexpected twists, always managing to keep readers guessing right up to the final pages. Her fast-paced, straightforward prose makes her books thoroughly engaging and a breeze to read, which is ideal for me, especially in the evenings when I am seeking a captivating yet undemanding story to wind down with. It is the perfect way to lose myself in a different world before bedtime.
WOW: If you could give your younger self one piece of writing advice, what would it be and why?
Amanda: If I could offer my younger self one piece of writing advice, it would be to embrace the messiness of the first draft and not let the pursuit of perfection stifle creativity. I used to spend far too long agonising over each sentence, afraid to move forward until everything was just so. With time, I have learnt that the real magic often emerges in the process of revising and reshaping, and that it is far more important to get words on the page than to get them right the first time. Trusting in the journey and allowing yourself room to experiment opens unexpected possibilities, both on the page and within yourself as a writer.
WOW: Yes, you make another very important point about trust as a writer; not only do you have to trust your readers, you have to trust yourself, too! Anything else you’d like to add?
Amanda: Yes, I would just like to add how grateful I am for the various opportunities that writing has brought into my life, whether it is connecting with readers, engaging in lively discussions with fellow writers, or exploring new genres that challenge and inspire me. Each project, no matter how small, offers a chance to grow and discover something new about myself and the world. I am constantly reminded that writing is as much about curiosity and courage as it is about craft, and I look forward to seeing where the next story leads me.
WOW: We look forward to it, too! Thank you so much for sharing your story and your thoughtful responses with us. Happy writing!
Interviewed by Anne Greenawalt, founder and editor-in-chief of Sport Stories Press, which publishes sports books by, for, and about sportswomen and amateur athletes. Connect on social media: @greenmachine459.
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