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Thursday, August 28, 2025

Public Writing: Yay or Nay?

My "new" standing desk.

Recently someone on X asked if any of us actually write in coffee shops. “No one does that. It is purely performative,” responded one poster. 

Are any of you coffee shop writers? Or maybe you write in a local café? A friend of mine liked to write in a nearby café. She said that she was always more productive when she did this.    

I am not a café or coffee shop writer. I've tried it once. I have written in a meeting room at a retreat. And I’ve written in a public library while on retreat. I can pull it off if I can sit with my back to everyone. Coffee shop writing is much more problematic. Ooo. That looks yummy. I wonder what drink that is. That looks like a heated conversation. What is that amazing scent? Something must have just come out of the oven. Amount of writing accomplished? Next to nothing. 

When I write, I want to be at home. I prefer to write in my office. I can sit and work at my computer or stand and work at my new antique desk. When I get stuck, sometimes I sit on the patio or at the dining room table. 

Although I insist that I cannot write in public, I know I can write someplace other than my home office. I’ve done it! I’ve written in public spaces at retreats. I proofed Trench Warfare leaning against the wall in the emergency room. I revised American Life in the 1970s with my laptop perched on my father’s bedside cart in the hospital and The Evolution of Mammals in the dining hall of a lakeside lodge. 

How do I manage to pull this off when I insist I cannot write in public? 

First things first, I have to be on deadline to write someplace other than my office. When the need arises, it is possible. 

Secondly, I sometimes listen to music. I don’t know how any of you manage to wear ear buds. They are simply too uncomfortable which is even more distracting that being able to hear other people talk. But I do have a larger pair of noise canceling headphones. They fit over my ears and as long as I don’t get too warm, I’m okay. What can I say?  I'm picky!

Third, I try not to sit facing other people. Let’s face it. I am very easily distracted. 

Fourth, it cannot be someplace where a variety of food is served. See above about being easily distracted. 

Fifth, it cannot be a high traffic area. Haven't I already said that I'm easily distracted. If it is a high traffic area, it does not matter that I’m a nonfiction writer. I will soon be making up stories about the people I see around me. 

Writing in public does not come easily to me. I can do it if I have to. 

What about you? Are you a café or coffee shop writer? How do you feel about writing in public? 

--SueBE


Sue Bradford Edwards' is the author of over 60 books for young readers.  
  • 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:
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Wednesday, August 27, 2025

In Conversation with Regina Black, Author of August Lane

In Conversation with Regina Black, Author of August Lane

By Margaret Y. Buapim

Regina Black’s second novel August Lane (Grand Central Publishing, July 29, 2025) is a blistering love story about second chances. It dives into the lives of Luke Randall and August Lane and takes you through a history of Country Music through the eyes of Black Country Singers. But it’s not just for Country Music Fans. There are universal themes developed within the lives of the characters which hook the reader to the very end. WOW was able to catch up with Regina to ask about her latest novel and the writing process.

***

WOW: How did you get your start in writing?

Regina: I've been writing since I was nine or ten years old. I began with poems and short stories, then wrote my first full novel in 2006. I wrote eleven books before I wrote my debut, but never queried them. I shared them with friends and posted online. My debut, The Art of Scandal, was my twelfth completed manuscript.

WOW: That’s a lot of writing before beginning August Lane. Are you primarily a romance writer?

Regina: Both of my novels are romance, but I've written across genres—contemporary fiction, fantasy, thrillers. Most of what I write has a love story at its heart, though. Romance was my gateway into both reading and writing, and I suspect all of my books will include some sort of love story.

WOW: Romance has a way of pulling us all in. In your acknowledgements, you say August Lane is a second-chance romance inspired by the song "Belinda" by Ben Folds. Can you describe for WOW readers how you developed the main characters?

Regina: "Belinda" gave me the hook for the story. The song is about a man who has to perform his only hit, a song he wrote about a woman he betrayed. That situation stuck with me, and I started thinking about what that would do to a person psychologically. Then I started “what if” brainstorming. What if she's the one who actually wrote the song, and he lied about it? That's how the premise was born. 

I develop characters by figuring out what's wrong with them first. What happened in their past that brought them to where they are when the book starts? In romance, I focus on why they're alone and what's keeping them that way. Then I figure out why meeting their love interest matters. What is it about this person, in these circumstances, that inspires them to grow and change? My shorthand for this process is 'why this, why them, why now?'



“I develop characters by figuring out what's wrong with them first. What happened in their past that brought them to where they are when the book starts? ... What is it about this person, in these circumstances, that inspires them to grow and change? My shorthand for this process is 'why this, why them, why now?'”



WOW: When you read August Lane you can see how this writing process plays out fully. Two troubled souls who rescue each other. The story dives deep into country music and overlooked Black country singers, but it also explores alcoholism, family violence, grief, and self-discovery. What kind of research went into making those themes realistic?

Regina: I research extensively for every book. I read about southern history, musician memoirs, books about living with complex PTSD, alcoholism, and grief. I interviewed Black country singers about their experiences in the industry. I took online classes on songwriting and studied music theory. All this was ongoing. I didn't stop researching until I turned in the final draft. Some of the book is drawn from my personal experience. I'm a Black woman who grew up in a small town in Arkansas. I'm a mother. My family has experienced pain and trauma. The book isn’t based on my life, but a big part of writing for me is writing what I know emotionally and writing from a place of empathy.

WOW: Writing from a place of empathy. That’s big. Its palpable. The small town of Arcadia where much of the book plays out is so real but the characters are what make it come to life. How long did it take you to complete August Lane?

Regina: I began writing it in 2021 and completed three drafts before submitting it to my editor in 2024. 

WOW: Three drafts? I loved the final product. Pivoting a bit, It seems you have a full schedule daily. What is your writing process?

Regina: I spend considerable time developing a book before I start drafting. I write a logline first to ensure I have a high-concept, easily pitchable idea. Then I draft a longer pitch to ensure all the key elements are present—character, goals, motivation, conflict, and stakes. Next comes character development, which is when research begins in earnest. Once I have a decent idea of who the book is about, I do a broad outline of the story beats. Depending on the complexity of the book, I may start drafting at this point. If it has a lot of moving pieces (like August Lane), I'll create a document that's a cross between a detailed outline and a zero draft. Once that's done, I use it to start drafting the book. 

I have a full-time job, so I have to squeeze my writing into the margins of my day. When I'm drafting, I get up every day at 5:30 a.m. to write. My minimum is twenty minutes of uninterrupted writing every day. After twenty minutes, if I have some momentum going, I write more. If not, I stop there. On weekends, I do at least three twenty-minute sprints with the same rule: write more if the words are flowing, but stop if they’re not. This is how I avoid burnout. Eventually, I’ll have a finished book. I try to revise that draft at least once before sending it out for feedback.



“My minimum is twenty minutes of uninterrupted writing every day. After twenty minutes, if I have some momentum going, I write more. If not, I stop there. On weekends, I do at least three twenty-minute sprints with the same rule: write more if the words are flowing, but stop if they’re not. This is how I avoid burnout.”



WOW: So no excuses for our readers, even with a full time job, it can be done! But you are very detailed in your approach. That can lead to nothing but success. I’m sure you’ve learned a lot since the debut of your first novel. What has been the most eye-opening experience since you became a published author? 

Regina: How opaque the industry is. It's surprising how little an author knows about what's happening behind the scenes with their own book. Clear communication isn't a priority, which is unusual for an industry that relies so heavily on words.

WOW: That must have taken some adjustment on your part. What advice would you give to an unagented writer trying to get their work published?

Regina: Focus on three things: writing, reading, and networking. Writing is something you should always be trying to improve. I never stop reading craft books and pushing myself to become a better writer. Reading reminds me why I decided to do this in the first place. It keeps me inspired and fills my creative well. Networking is essential because this business is built on relationships. Find friends who will give you honest feedback and remind you of who you are when the business makes you forget.

WOW: That’s great advice to remember especially about honing your skills by reading craft books and networking. Wrapping up, what would you like readers to know about you as a writer?

Regina: I write stories for people who have made mistakes and had to figure out how to forgive themselves and move forward. If you've ever ruined a friendship, broken a heart, or forgotten to pick up your kid from daycare, my books may be for you.

*

My thanks to Regina Black for chatting with me about writing. To find out more about Regina and August Lane, visit her website, or purchase a copy of the book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Bookshop.org. 

***

Margaret Buapim

Margaret Buapim is the author of Ring Envy, a Christian fiction adult contemporary novel. She has conducted several interviews for WOW! Women on Writing, including New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe, author Karen Brown Tyson, author Brittney Morris, and author Denise Williams. Connect with Ms. Buapim online at www.authormyb.com or Twitter @YBuapim.
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Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Interview with Laura Durkee, Runner Up in the WOW! Winter 2025 Flash Fiction Contest

Laura lives and writes in the heart of Midwest farm country. Her micro flash has been long-listed by Tadpole Press. “The Huntsman” is her first published piece of flash fiction. 


----------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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Monday, August 25, 2025

The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg: Blog & Podcast Tour & Giveaway

The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg
We are excited to announce the launch of a blog tour with author Ekta Garg. The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories is a charming collection of short stories, perfect for anyone who loves fairy tales in any form—fractured, retellings, modernizations, and more. If you loved classics like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Secret Garden or modern gems like Wicked or Cinder, this is the book for you. 

Read our interview with Ekta, who talks about her enchanting short story collection. You can also enter to win a copy of the book and a $25 Amazon Gift Card! 

Before we get to that, here's more about The Witch's Apprentice:

Have you ever wondered why Jack and Jill needed that pail of water in the first place? Or how Sleeping Beauty managed to prick her finger despite a royal order to destroy every spindle in the kingdom?

Fairy tales and nursery rhymes have given us some of the most iconic characters and images in storytelling; think Cinderella’s glass slipper or Jack’s oversized beanstalk. But what about the in-between moments? The ones that never made it to the page?

In this enchanting micro-collection of short stories, award-winning author Ekta R. Garg explores the untold scenes between the lines of some of our most loved tales. Find out what the Wicked Witch of the East was doing in the road before Dorothy’s house fell on her. Learn where Goldilocks came from. Meet the conmen who convinced the emperor he had new clothes and more.

Rediscover the wit, heart, and magic of the classics, and see them as you’ve never seen them before in The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

Purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. Be sure to also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Publisher: Atmosphere Press (August 12, 2025)
ASIN: B0FGFK498B
ISBN-13: 9798891327405
Print Length: 97 pages

About Ekta Garg

A Reviewer, Editor, Author, and Dreamer of stories and books, Ekta has worked in niche publishing since 2005—she’s written and edited about everything from healthcare to home improvement to Hindi films! Ekta judges writing contests, hosts writing workshops, and podcasts about great books and how to write them. She’s currently the Content Coordinator of Neighbors of SW Champaign, a hyper-local magazine focusing on and lifting up the Champaign, Illinois, community. Ekta’s award-winning holiday novella, The Truth About Elves, and her award-winning fairy tale for grown-ups, In the Heart of the Linden Wood, are available from Atmosphere Press. 


-- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: First off, congratulations on your short story collection, The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories. What inspired you to write these stories?

Ekta: I've always been fascinated by the "behind-the-scenes" information of stories, like deleted scenes of TV shows/movies or those interviews with actors/directors/writers about their processes. I wasn't thinking directly of these things when I set out to write this collection, but I know part of my driving force in writing these stories comes from that abiding interest. 

The collection started with the title story, "The Witch's Apprentice," the first draft of which I wrote in response to a writing prompt I read online a few years ago. I had so much fun writing the "in-between" story that when I started considering what my third book should be, I decided to devote it to several short stories that take fairy tales and nursery rhymes as we know them and figure out what's happening in the gaps. That's what the book is about: examining well-known stories as they exist in their original form and looking at the mini-stories that were never told.

WOW: I love those behind-the-scenes too. I loved that you wrote about our familiar fairy tales and gave them a different kind of spin. What led you to do that? 

Ekta: There are so many amazing retellings and fracturing of fairy tales—where a writer takes a well-known story and changes some major portion of the story while still staying true to the spirit of the original. I've read many of these stories/books and enjoyed them immensely. Instead of doing the same, however, I wanted to challenge myself in a different way. What if, I thought, we take the stories as they currently stand and look at previously-unexamined parts of them? 

An example of this would be the shortest story in the book, "Denying Hamelin," which goes back to the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin and how he led the children out of the town. Most versions of this story in fairy tale books end with the piper skipping out of town, playing his merry little tune, and hordes of kids following him. The question that came to my mind upon examining the story a little closer was, What happened to the parents who were left behind? The story I wrote examines that. So I didn't come up with an alternative to the piper leading the kids away; I left the original story intact. My goal, instead, was to look at what hadn't been previously explored; in this case, it was the effect the kids' disappearance had on the parents.

WOW: What a unique approach! You ended up filling in the blanks for a lot of familiar stories, including fairy tales and nursery rhymes. Why did you decide to sort of reframe these familiar stories in a new light? 

Ekta: My goal as an author in every book is to challenge myself to get better in the craft but also to challenge my imagination and creativity in ways I haven't before. As I mentioned, other authors have fractured and retold the classics many times over. Think of the Disney princesses, the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, or Wicked by Gregory Macguire. Writers have had a lot of fun giving familiar stories a new twist or a facelift, but I'm not sure how many authors are out there sticking with the original stories and winding their way between the gaps. Because there are many, many gaps. In an effort to differentiate myself from what other authors are doing or have done before, and, more importantly, to force myself into a new way of approaching stories, I decided to go in this direction. 

In some ways it was easier, because I don't have to come up with the base story. The main players are already in place. The load-bearing framework of the story exists. I just have to find a new way to move around that frame. It was also harder than writing a retelling or fractured fairy tale, because the implicit agreement I've made with my stories on this project is that I wouldn't try to knock down some of the walls as they were originally built. I challenged myself to work around them. When there are specific elements that you've agreed won't be touched, moved, or changed, it becomes an interesting challenge to find out how to highlight what's already there while also uncovering something new all at the same time.

WOW: That's definitely not something commonly done. I love that you did that. You also write and host workshops. What does hosting those teach you about writing and your own creative work?

Ekta: First, that the world is full of immensely creative, talented people! One of the workshops I do at the library from time to time is a brainstorming workshop called "Solving Your Story Problems." Writers bring their writing problems to the workshop, and I help them brainstorm some solutions in real time. I also encourage the other writers present to share any ideas they may have to help solve the story problem, and many people's creativity and contributions leave me in awe. I'm so glad I get to hear about these amazing artistic pursuits.

Secondly, there are days when I'm painfully aware of just how hard writing is. It's not something that's acknowledged enough at the granular level—just how challenging it is to come up with a compelling character, plot, story, conflict, and dialogue. How difficult it is to create an original story that speaks to the human condition while also being its own special artistic expression; how writers spend months and sometimes years researching unusual and even downright strange ideas/careers/scenarios and then turn around and distill all of that research into something meaningful and impactful (In getting ready to write Cloud Cuckoo Land, for example, Anthony Doerr spent a year just researching libraries in ancient Constantinople.) These workshops are a good reminder that I'm not the only person trying to do this with my craft. Writing is a solitary endeavor, but knowing others are toiling away at their desks—whatever form that desk might take—is comforting.

WOW: Sounds like a great workshop! This is your third book. What have you learned about writing through each book you've written?

Ekta: With every book, I've become more aware of the readers and how to frame my story and present my characters to them. When I was working on my first book, my editor (the incredible Asata Radcliffe,) said something to me during revisions that really stuck with me. We were discussing some of the magical elements of The Truth About Elves that, at that time, weren't coming across as clearly as they needed to. She gave me guidance on how to improve my story, especially when it comes to specificity, and then said, "You're teaching your reader how to read your book." 

I've really taken that to heart since then. This advice is especially applicable to genres that include fantastical components, but I think you could say the same for almost any work. The reader goes into a new book having very little idea what they're going to encounter. Not only are we, as authors, sharing the story of the characters we created; we're also teaching our readers how to encounter and embrace the story as we want them to. In both of my subsequent books, I've been more and more aware of how readers will encounter my stories and what I can do to teach them to take in the books so they get the best reading experience.

WOW: What a great point! What does your writing space look like? 

Ekta: We moved into our current home in 2016. When we were trying to figure out what kind of home best suited our needs, I told my husband I'd love to have a writing studio—a space I could devote to everything and anything writing/publishing related (and where I wrap Christmas presents during the holidays so I can keep the mess down to a minimum and hide what I'm wrapping from the kids!) 

My studio is a room above our garage, so any time anyone comes home from work/school, I know right away. 😁 It's about 10'x11' and is filled with things dedicated to my work as an author but also things I find inspirational/interesting. I've got posters of all three of my book covers on the wall behind my desk so that every morning when I enter the studio, that's what I'm facing when I walk in. My father-in-law bought me a gorgeous desk where I sit every day and work. I've also got little trinkets that are important to me for sentimental reasons—the mug I got at my high school graduation with the names of my fellow grads on it. Framings of writing certificates and book reviews. A picture of my dad, who I lost last year, in my direct line of sight. A cork board with postcards, vacation mementos, and other things on it. Lots of little items all around the room that others might say are emotional inclusions but mean something to me. It's a balance of things to encourage me in my writing but also things that make me smile, which is helpful if I'm having a bad day.

WOW: What a wonderful space! Are you a pantser, a plotter, or a bit of both? And why?

Ekta: Definitely a bit of both. I've tried pantsing stories from time to time; I actually tried it when I started the first draft of my first book, The Truth About Elves, more than a decade ago. However, I discovered pretty quickly that without a general semblance of where my story is going, I won't finish it. 

I'm also not one of those writers who has to map out every single scene or chapter—I've tried that once or twice too and discovered that I won't write those stories either, because part of the fun for me is the discovery along the way. If I plot the entire thing, there's no point in writing the actual story because I know beat by beat what's going to happen. The fun of spontaneity is gone.

So that's why I say I'm both a plotter and a pantser. I need to know what my final destination is and will put that in my GPS, but if I happen to take some unexpected detours along the way because of traffic or something that looks interesting that I hadn't originally mapped out, I'll follow the detour for a while to see what's down that path before gently coming back to my original route. I get the benefit of both.

WOW: You have a great balance! Thank you so much for chatting with us today. I hope you enjoy your tour!

The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta R Garg WOW Blog Tour

-- Blog Tour Calendar

August 25 @ WOW! Women on Writing
Join us as we celebrate the launch of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. Read an interview with the author and enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.

August 27 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

August 29 @ CK Sorens' Instagram
Join Carrie for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

August 30 @ One Writer's Journey
Visit Sue's blog for an excerpt from The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

September 2 @ One Writer's Journey
Stop by Sue's blog again for her review of  The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

September 4 @ The Faerie Review
Join Lily for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

September 4 @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy's blog for a guest post by author Ekta Garg on how to set goals and actually keep them.

September 5 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog again for a guest post by author Ekta Garg on how to choose the theme of your book...or let it choose you. You can also read her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories.

September 5 @ All Things Writing
Caitrin interviews author Ekta Garg about her writing journey and short story collection The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories.

September 7 @ What Is That Book About
Visit Michelle's blog for an excerpt from The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg

September 7 @ Shoe's Seeds and Stories
Visit Linda's blog for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

September 9 @ Words by Webb
Join Jodi for her response to our tour-themed prompt on what's something in a fairy tale that she wished she saw more of.

September 10 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Joy's blog for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

September 12 @ Musings of a Literary Wanderer
Visit Angela's blog for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

September 12 @ Author Anthony Avina's blog
Visit Anthony's blog for an excerpt from The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

September 13 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her thoughts on why fairy tales still resonate with readers today.

September 13 @ Boots Shoes and Fashion
Join Linda's blog for her interview with Ekta Garg about her book The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories.

September 14 @ Shoe's Seeds and Stories
Visit Linda's blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt about what were some of her favorite fairy tales growing up.

September 15 @ Beverley A. Baird's blog
Visit Beverley for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

September 16 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Joy's blog again for an excerpt from The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories.

September 16 @ Words by Webb
Join Jodi for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

September 16 @ CK Sorens Newsletter
Don't miss Carrie's feature of Ekta Garg's The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories.

September 17 @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog
Join Beverley again for a guest post by Ekta Garg on finding your voice as a writer.

September 18 @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy's blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her thoughts on why fairy tales still resonate with readers today.

September 19 @ Beverley A. Baird's blog
Visit Beverley again for her response to our tour-themed prompt on which fairy tale she would alter and how she would do it.

September 20 @ Sarandipity's
Visit Sara's blog for her interview with author Ekta Garg about her book The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories.

September 21 @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra's blog for a guest post by Ekta Garg on using the word "perfect" to empower your writing.

September 21 @ Boys' Mom Reads
Join Karen's blog for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

September 23 @ Sandy Kirby Quandt
Visit Sandy's blog for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

September 24 @ Writer Advice
Visit B. Lynn Goodwin's blog for a guest post by Ekta Garg on why she chose the hybrid publishing route.

September 24 @ Author Anthony Avina's blog
Stop by Anthony's blog for his review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

September 25 @ Knotty Needle
Stop by Judy's blog again for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

September 26 @ Just Katherine
Visit Katherine's blog for her review of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. You can also check out her response to our tour-themed prompt on what she hasn't seen in a fairy tale that we wish we saw more of.

September 27 @ Jill Sheets' Blog
Visit Jill's blog again for her interview with author Ekta Garg about her book The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories.

Podcast Features

The Mike Wagner Show

One More Thing Before You Go

Book Lover's Companion - The English Version

Teatime with Miss Liz

Apollo Papyrus


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

Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta R. Garg! Fill out the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win. The giveaway ends September 8th at 11:59 CT. We will choose a winner the next day and announce it in the Rafflecopter widget as well as follow up via email. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Sunday, August 24, 2025

Interview with Anne Penniston Grunsted, Runner Up in the WOW! Q3 2025 Essay Contest

Anne Penniston Grunsted is a native Missourian who now calls San Diego home. Her writing focuses on parenting a son with a disability and healing from childhood trauma. She lives with her wife and son and various cats and dogs.

You can read her award winning piece of creative nonfiction HERE.

Interview by Jodi M. Webb

WOW: Congratulations on being a runner-up in the Q3 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest with "The Diagnosis". What made you choose this essay to enter in the contest?

Anne: I read past winning essays and was really impressed by the urgency of the writers’ voices. I selected an essay of my own that I felt had some of the same qualities. Much of my writing tends to go down the winding lane of introspection but this one, I felt, was much more in the moment - letting the action do the job of self-searching.

WOW: I think we all feel inspired by reading the winning entries, hoping to find that winning quality in our own writing. In your bio, you mentioned that much of your writing is about several challenges in your life. I'm curious about how you came to that focus. Were you a writer who developed a focus on your challenges or did you begin writing as a way to help you deal with your challenges?

Anne: I’ve always been a writer first. I just think that the challenging aspects of life are those that are most interesting to share with others. Which isn’t to say, of course, that writing hasn’t been a form of therapy for me, because it definitely has.

WOW: I think most of us can agree that we've used writing as therapy at one time or another. The problem for me is that my struggles often involve other people and I struggle with sharing writing that includes the story of other people's lives. Do you get permission or give a "heads up" to family/friends if they are in your essays?

Anne: I don’t ask my partner anymore. I think we have a good understanding of what can be shared. I do, however, struggle with writing about my son and have over the years reduced what I share about him because he’s got limited communication and can’t give his full permission for me talk about him.

WOW: What is the most difficult part of writing?

Anne: For me the most difficult part of writing is to trust the story I’m telling. It’s easy for me to go down the path of over explanation and not allow the events of the story to take their place in center stage.

WOW: I like that idea "allow the events to take center stage". Tell us a little bit about your life when you aren't writing.

Anne: I recently had a new challenge come my way - a cancer diagnosis. So right now I’m not writing but rather working on my recovery.

WOW: Thank you for taking time out of your recovery to share some thoughts about writing with us. I'm sure I speak for the entire WOW community when I say we wish you strength and success in your recovery.


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Thursday, August 21, 2025

What's the Magic Number?

 


As writers, we spend so much time searching for the magic word needed for a piece of writing. But lately I've been wondering about the magic number -- the marketing number. In my prior life in marketing, I talked to plenty of business owners about the Rule of Seven. The Rule of Seven is a theory that the average customer has to have seven contacts with a message before they take action. For writers, the message might be "Buy my book" or "Hire me for my writing services" or "Take my class". On the surface it sounds simple, but how much contact is too much?


Like most of you my inbox is filled with communications from other writers - Substack, Instagram, blogs, email blasts, newsletters. Recently I signed up for the newsletter of a new writer who seemed interesting. I received a "newsletter" that was basically all her book covers  and a synopsis of her newest release. OK, that's fine. I don't know much about her and this introduced me to the different series she writes. Then I received another "newsletter" that featured a different title...and another...and another. I was being contacted every other day. My inbox was jam-packed and much of it was a result of her marketing plan. Why so many emails? Perhaps she was hedging her bets, thinking I wouldn't open every email so if she sent quite a few I would open at least one or two. Sadly, it didn't work out the way this author hoped. First, I stopped opening the emails. Then I unsubscribed. She didn't win me over. She just annoyed me.


I follow other authors that send me something once a week or once a month. Yes, I hear from them less frequently but I ALWAYS open and read their emails. True, they tout their books but it's a soft sell. They also give me something more: personal stories, what they're reading, photos, recipes. When I see their email in my inbox I'm happy! It's like a little gift I can't wait to open. They've managed to communicate in a way that makes them feel like a friend. I remember their names and when I'm in a bookstore I seek out their books to buy, read, review.


I understand that this type of communication takes a lot more time and effort but, at least in my case, it's paid off for these writers. I bought their books. I told friends about them. I recommended their newsletters. And I'm writing about them now (Julia Kelly, Claire Cook and Katie Clapham).


All writers need to touch base with their audience. Share your thoughts...


How frequently should an author contact you?


What's your favorite thing to see in an author's newsletter?


Have you ever unsubscribed from an author's newsletter because it came too frequently or contained stale content?



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 in her at blog Words by Webb. If you follow her, she promises not to send you something every other day!



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Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Interview with Alma Thomas: Winter 2025 Flash Fiction Runner-Up

 Alma's Bio: Alma Thomas is a writer, as well as yet another lawyer amongst the legion in Washington, DC. She practices law by day and also by night, unfortunately, but she finds time to write in the interstices. She has a lively interest in ancient languages, history, and myths and legends, including Arthurian legend. She also dabbles in cat fostering and gardening.

If you haven't read Alma's story, "Traces of Iseult," please take the time to do so and then come back to read her interview.

WOW: How did you choose the Legend of Iseult (Isolde) as the starting point for your story? 

Alma: I read that the guest judge had written a book based on Tristan and Isolde and it reminded me of my own fascination with the myth, and some stories I wrote in the past about it. One thing I’ve always loved about the Arthurian myth is the idea that these are characters and tableaus that will be reborn time and time again. The implications of that along with Tristan and Isolde’s eternal, magically-influenced love made me think – what would it mean for these characters to just keep finding each other throughout time, inexorably? 

WOW:  Interesting how a thread found in the story led to your own story. Your story moves from legend to futuristic science fiction. How did you choose the times and places? What settings did you consider that did not make it into the story? 

Alma: I wanted to start with the Arthurian myth and then try to move through a variety of ages, including our current one. The far futures that felt hardest to imagine fascinated me the most. I thought of each setting as correlating to a stage in their relationship. Like ones you might move through in a normal relationship, but stretched out across the ages. Would they hate and resent each other at some point, the eternal bond between them feeling more like a weight than a blessing? Would they come to some understanding of each other? I saw it as somewhat tragic, but also hopeful. Which is why, perhaps, the sci fi settings ended up being so dystopian. I thought of doing a nearer future setting in between the present and the far future, but ultimately that setting just didn’t work as well or evoke the atmosphere I was looking for. 

WOW:  Which leads to our next question. Revision is an important tool in shaping a piece of writing. How did this piece change throughout the revision process? 

Alma: In addition to word-smithing and adding and removing some elements on re-reading, I tried to do what I could in these short scenes to create some visual cues for readers, and to create a unique atmosphere for each. When I revise I think about it almost like sifting flour. I’m looking through the text for what doesn’t work, what is missing, what is needed, and refining. 

WOW: What advice do you have for writers who are curious about flash fiction? 

Alma:  Just dive in. I was intimidated but it’s actually very fun to try to write a compressed story. The limitation of having to get a story across in a small number of words creates a constraint that gets your creative energies flowing. And because it’s so short, you can spend a lot of time on revising and re-writing, which is a great way to hone your writing skills. 

WOW: Your bio explains that you are a Washington D.C. attorney. Can you explain to our readers how you fit writing into your crowded schedule? 

Alma: I wish I could say I have a strict schedule I stick to, but the truth is that I just find spaces here and there where I can. It helps to submit to contests like this one to keep me focused and writing. I try to be less particular about where I write – if it’s on my phone’s Notes app while I’m sitting in a train station, and that’s what works, then that’s what works.

WOW:  Then that is, indeed, what works!  Thank you so much for sharing your process with our readers and good luck on your current writing projects.

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Monday, August 18, 2025

Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee

I'm excited to announce a blog tour for Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee. This book is perfect if you want an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will keep you up at night until you find out what happens next.

We'll be celebrating the launch of the blog tour by interviewing the author and giving you a chance to win a copy for yourself.

But first, here's more about the book:

For David Byrdsong, life is a series of daily obligations. An attorney, he lacks both ambition and the ability to commit to a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Gayle. Abandoned by his family at an airport when he was eleven, he learned to blunt his feelings, despite his subsequent adoption by a loving couple.

Until one day, when David discovers his own face in a missing child ad. Suddenly driven to uncover the truth about his past, he is forced to tap into his inner strength as he encounters corporate conspiracies, murdered bystanders, and distressing suspicions about the only family he’s ever really trusted. David enlists Gayle's help—and the help of an unlikely stranger with secrets of his own—as he attempts to find his true family, whoever they are.

Thrilling, exploratory, and propulsive, Have You Seen Him is a story of lost identity, dangerous secrets, and a deeply personal pursuit of the truth.

PUBLISHER: Butterfly Effect Press
ASIN: B0F9TJYN8V
ISBN-13  979-8991867207
Print Length: 268 pages

Purchase a copy now on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Bookshop.org. You can also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Kimberly Lee

Kimberly Lee, JD is the author of the riveting thriller Have You Seen Him. A versatile writer, editor, and creativity coach, she has a passion for nurturing the imaginative spirit and helping others reveal their own inner wisdom. Kimberly is an Amherst Writers & Artists affiliate and serves on its board. She is a certified facilitator of SoulCollage®, Journal to the Self, and Guided Autobiography, as well as a joyful meditation teacher and Groove Method provider. A teaching artist with Hugo House, Women On Writing, The Writing Salon, and Loft Literary, Kimberly has led events at numerous retreats and conferences. Recent collaborations include Esalen Institute, Omega Institute, Arts & Healing Initiative, the Expressive Therapies Summit, and Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center. Kimberly’s writing has appeared in a variety of publications and anthologies, and she has served on the staffs of Literary Mama, F(r)iction, and Carve Magazines. Kimberly trusts in the magic and mystery of miracles and synchronicity, and believes everyone is creative and has unique gifts to share. Connect with Kimberly on Instagram @klcreatrix or at KimberlyLee.me.

--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: First off, congratulations on your novel Have You Seen Him. What inspired you to write this novel?

Kimberly: Thank you! It’s a dream come true. Soon after we meet the book’s main character, David, he’s sifting through his mail and sees the missing child ad with his own face. The inspiration for the book is a scenario somewhat similar to that—I was sorting my mail and saw an ad for a child who went missing when he was 10. The computer-progressed image showed him at 40 years old. I thought about how this boy’s family had been searching for over three decades and had never given up trying to find him. The faces haunted me. I tore it out and carried it around in my bag for a while, then sat down to write a story about it.

WOW: I love that such a heartbreaking moment stayed with you and you turned into a novel. You keep such a great pace throughout this novel. How did you manage to do that so well?

Kimberly: An early developmental editor reminded me that thrillers need to move quickly. A comment she repeated throughout her notes: “Move it along!” As I revised the manuscript, I let go of many chapters and characters because they slowed things down and weren’t essential. At one point, I read the story and tried to act like I was new to it, as if I knew nothing about it. If I found myself disengaging or skimming a passage, I cut it. If this boring or uninteresting passage contained information that was crucial to the plot, I integrated it elsewhere in the story. My first draft was twice as long! 

WOW: What a great point! Pace is everything. You published this book under your own imprint. Why did you decide to pursue self-publishing?

Kimberly: I originally envisioned going the traditional route. After my early drafts were workshopped, revised, and workshopped again, and also edited by a developmental editor and a copyeditor, I entered it into Simon & Schuster’s First Novel Contest. My manuscript made it to semi-finalist in that contest and also in another contest given by a hybrid press. I later sent the first 20 pages to 10 agents. One requested the full manuscript and eventually passed on it, saying she really liked it but wasn’t in love with it as she needed to be. That phrasing stuck with me–that I was waiting for someone to be “in love with it as they needed to be.” I decided not to wait for that, and having placed well in the two contests gave me enough validation that the book was ready. I was in love with my book as much as I needed to be, and that was enough to go forward. I decided to independently publish it under my own imprint, Butterfly Effect Press, with the help of the wonderful team at AuthorImprints. As a result, I maintained control over cover design and many aspects of production. They held my hand every step of the way, and their expertise was invaluable. I love the final product and am thrilled that I made this choice!

WOW: That must have been so validating. What does your writing space look like? Any photos you can share?

Kimberly: When we moved into our current home, I claimed a little room near the laundry area as my “writing retreat.” I had it painted a beautiful mauve and took delight in decorating it with furry pillows, a sofa, a lovely desk. Hardly any of Have You Seen Him was written there! I mostly worked on my novel from behind the wheel (while the car was parked, of course!). I’d be waiting for my kids at karate class, flute lessons, parkour, theatre rehearsals. Something about grabbing those casual moments—with a finite amount of time—helped me get into a flow. It took away the pressure that sometimes blocked me when sitting at my desk for “designated writing sessions.”

WOW: Ha! Isn't that just the way of things? Must be a lovely space though! Are you a pantser, a plotter, or a bit of both? And why?

Kimberly: Probably a bit of both. I’ll have a broad idea of where I’d like the story to go, but am open to what arises naturally during the flow of writing. This may sound strange, but if I can truly get in the zone, the characters will kind of start behaving on their own and their dialogue and actions just come through. For Have You Seen Him, I wrote the beginning of the story and I knew how I wanted it to end but wasn’t sure how to get there. After agonizing over it, I decided to go ahead and write those final scenes. Doing that gave me a glimpse of how I’d feel when the book was complete, and it motivated me to get the characters from Point A to Point Z. I think my subconscious was also working on it because I’d wake up with ideas. So instead of outlining every plot point, I like to stay open to the unexpected.

WOW: I think that's a great combination of plotting and pantsing. I loved reading about your Soul Collage Workshops on your website. Why is that sort of creative expression so important to us?

Kimberly: I love seeing people light up as they discover and explore their creative gifts! And since the nature of writing is solitary, workshops are a chance to be in community with others on the same path. I really enjoy integrating creative and expressive writing with SoulCollage®, an intuitive collage process that’s fun, accessible, and also pretty magical. With gentle guidance, we create powerful collages with images we’re drawn to, then find the meaning or story they contain. It’s visual and tactile, and helps us tap into creative resources and hidden narratives we may not have access to through logical thinking. I offer workshops in-person and on zoom, varying from one-day events to longer courses and retreats. Recent collaborations include working with veterans in West Los Angeles, at The Huntington, a botanical garden in the Pasadena area, and with survivors of the LA fires. I’ve led weeklong events at Esalen Institute and the Omega Institute, and I’m on my way to one at Hollyhock Centre in British Columbia. It’s a treat—and deeply meaningful—to have uninterrupted time to express ourselves creatively, forming connections while immersed in a beautiful natural setting. New stories emerge.

WOW: I think that visualizing activity is so important to creative expression. What are you working on that you can tell us about?

Kimberly: Have You Seen Him is the first in a trilogy, so it’s back to my notebook to work on the second installment! Pen to page. A few people have asked what’s going to happen with the characters, and to be honest, I’m not sure myself, although I have a few ideas. Robert Frost said, “No surprise for the writer, no surprise for the reader.” We’ll all be surprised with the next developments–please stay tuned!

WOW: I can't wait! Thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Hope you enjoy your tour!

Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee Blog Tour

--- Blog Tour Calendar

August 18 @ WOW! Women on Writing
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Kimberly Lee's thriller and suspense novel Have You Seen Him. Read an interview with the author and a chance to win a copy of the book yourself.

August 20 @ One Writer's Journey
Visit Sue's blog for a review of Kimberly Lee's thriller Have You Seen Him. 

August 21 @ What Is That Book About
Visit Michelle's blog for a spotlight of Kimberly Lee's thriller Have You Seen Him.

August 23 @ World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole's blog for her review of Kimberly Lee's thriller Have You Seen Him.

August 25 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for a guest post by Kimberly Lee on her journey from attorney to writer and how she leans on that experience for her writing.

August 27 @ One Writer's Journey
Visit Sue's blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt on what comforts her and gives her a sense of community and connection.

August 28 @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy's blog for her review of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

August 29 @ Writer Advice
Visit Lynn's blog for a guest post by Kimberly Lee on inspiring words from other authors.

August 31 @ Words from the Heart
Join Linda's blog for a guest post by Kimberly Lee on her research for the novel Have You Seen Him.

August 31 @ Live, Love and Laugh for a Healthy Lifestyle
Visit Nicole's blog for her review of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 2 @ Live, Love and Laugh for a Healthy Lifestyle
Stop by Nicole's blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt on what she dreams of doing and small steps she is taking towards it.

September 3 @ Create Write Now
Visit Mari's blog for a blog post by Kimberly Lee on transforming everyday events and interactions into great scenes.

September 4 @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi's blog for her review of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 5 @ Words from the Heart
Visit Linda's blog for her review of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 6 @ A Sip, A Shout, and a Sentence
Join Celyse's Substack for her review of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 7 @ StoreyBook Reviews
Visit Leslie's blog for her spotlight of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 9 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Joy's blog for a guest post by Kimberly Lee about writing with images.

September 11 @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy's blog for her response to our tour-themed writing prompt on following her intuition.

September 12 @ Sarandipity's Blog
Visit Sara's blog for her interview with Kimberly Lee about her newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 13 @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
Join Lisa for an interview with Kimberly Lee about her newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 15 @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdre's blog for her spotlight of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 16 @ Kaecey McCormick's blog
Visit Kaecey's blog for her review of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 17 @ Boys' Mom Reads
Visit Karen's blog for her review of Kimberly Lee's newest thriller, Have You Seen Him.

September 18 @ Words by Webb
Stop by Jodi's blog again for an interview with author Kimberly Lee.

September 18 @ The Frugalista Mom
Visit Rochie's blog for her response to our prompt about what she dreams of doing and small steps she can take towards it.

September 20 @ Choices
Visit Madeline's blog for a guest post by Kimberly Lee on her book's journey from idea to publication.

September 21 @ Kaecey McCormick's blog
Don't miss Kaecey's blog stop for an interview with Kimberly Lee.

September 25 @ Caitrin King's blog
Visit Caitrin's blog for her review of Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee.

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

Enter to win a copy of Have You Seen Him by Kimberly Lee! Fill out the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win. The giveaway ends August 31st at 11:59 CT. We will choose a winner the next day and announce it in the Rafflecopter widget as well as follow up via email. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Sunday, August 17, 2025

Interview with Amy DeFlavis, Third Place Winner in the Q3 2025 Creative Nonfiction Contest

 


Amy DeFlavis resides and writes in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Her short stories, flash fiction, and creative nonfiction essays have earned placements in Writers Digest, NYC Midnight, Tadpole Press, and WOW Women on Writing competitions. Outside her corporate day job, she spends her time editing her debut romantic suspense novel and refining her author website. Her moments of respite are found in renovating her historic home, planning adventures to various corners of the world, and manifesting the life of her dreams.












If you haven't already, please take a few minutes and read "Red, White, and Blueland", then return here for an interview with the author!

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

WOW: Welcome back Amy, and congratulations! We're excited to learn more about you and your process for writing and creating thought-provoking essays. Writing about our personal experiences can be therapeutic, but sometimes it’s difficult to arrange our thoughts into a cohesive essay form. Do you have any tips for writers just starting out in creative nonfiction? 

Amy: I think most writers, whether conscious of it or not, pull from the well of their own experiences. We’re shaped by the world around us and the events that mark our lives. Personally, I never set out to write full-on creative nonfiction, so I’m not sure about tips. Being a romance writer, I’d always preferred immersing myself in a world where I knew a happy ending was guaranteed. But as we all know, real life holds no such promise. And the more I tried to incorporate my experiences through the lives of my fictional characters, the more I realized it wasn’t resonating with me any longer the way it had before. It felt hollow and two-dimensional. Somehow, not genuine. So, I made the decision to drop the pretense and dive into the deep end of creative nonfiction. I thought it was going to be scary to pull back the curtain all the way, but it turned out to be the thing that opened the floodgates to deeper, more powerful writing for me. I began to keep a notebook, jotting down any experience, brief interaction, or conversation that struck me for whatever reason. Then I dug into the memories of things I’d pushed aside over the years—the fear that comes with getting older, my father's death, friendships I’d lost, people I’d met during my travels, and the broken hearts scattered along the way. I pulled all those feelings together and then incorporated them into a specific event or scenario in my daily life. So, I would say if you’re just starting out, make notes of the things that happen to you during the day. It could be a brief interaction or passing someone on the street. Or maybe a song that takes you back to a certain place and time. Were you happy, sad, angry? Sit with those emotions. Write about them under the cover of a fictional character if you have to. And then dissect that character until it’s stripped down to its raw components. You might be amazed that underneath all of it, it’s you. At least I was. 

WOW: That's solid advice! As writers, I believe first and foremost, we are observers. What happens when we mix those daily observations with our memories and emotions is magical. The last line of “Red, White, and Blueland” is so powerful and poignant. Writing the final sentence in any short story or essay can be intimidating. Did you struggle at all with figuring out how to wrap up this piece in a way that would resonate with the reader? 

Amy: I’ve always been more of a panster than a plotter, so it’s rare for me to know how I will close out a piece. This one was no different. I just know that for everything I write, I want to do my best to make it stay with the reader. I love it when art/movies/books make me think about them for days after the movie credits roll or I turn that last page of the book. I want my readers to feel that. I want them to take whatever they can from my work and come to their own conclusions about what it means to them or how it makes them feel. For this one, when I thought about that day in New York, the one thing that kept coming back to me was how cold my feet were. It was bitter, and the wind made standing outside almost unbearable. I even considered abandoning the tour. When I’d gotten to the end of the piece, I knew I had to circle back to my cold feet because, through everything I heard and saw, in the back of my mind was the constant throbbing. My feet were the main character that day—a nagging, inconvenient reminder of how uncomfortable I was with so many things in the world. 

WOW: You have to love the double meaning there and I applaud you bringing that physical and emotional discomfort through in your piece. Like you mentioned above, this winning essay revolves around an excursion you took to New York City as a form of distraction, and you’ve also discussed other trips in other essays. We’d love to hear about some of your favorite journeys! 

Amy: I love learning about other cultures and meeting new people. London has quickly become one of my favorite places. I visited last month and wish I could have stayed longer. I have a soft spot for Italy and hope to retire there someday. Australia and Spain had the best food. The most wonderful thing to come from my writing journey, aside from the creative outlet it provides, is that I’ve made friends all over the world through my various virtual writing groups. After only knowing these supportive, creative, wonderful souls online, it’s been amazing to actually meet them in person when I travel. The world has become so much smaller through the power of the internet. The days of writing letters to a pen pal from middle school French class seem so long ago. Now, I can get on a plane and meet the people I’ve only known through a screen for years, but who’ve had as much of an impact on my life (if not more so) than people I see every day. And with the recent passing of my nineteen-year-old dog, I feel like I’m on the precipice of some pretty cool adventures. I’ll miss her, but Japan has been calling to me in my dreams for a little while, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the wind blows me next. 

WOW: What amazing journeys you've had! I just read One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle and truly felt like I was transported to Positano. I can't wait to visit there and try the food and wine! To many of us, our writing spaces are sacred and help us to be our most productive. Living in a historic home, we’d love to hear about any special areas you’ve created for your writing. 

Amy: I’ve tried a few different places in my home to write. I’ve tried music, having plants around, and sitting outside on my patio. But at the end of the day, I always seem to end up sitting on my couch with my laptop on my knees. As much as I want to make some kind of zen space for writing, this old couch seems to hide all my creative secrets under its cushions. 

WOW: Ha! I love that. You’ve experienced success in writing competitions and are working on a novel when you’re not at your full-time job. Are there any other dream creative projects on your list to tackle? 

Amy: Right now, I think I need to dust off my manuscript and dive back in. Halfway through the second draft, I lost steam. I turned to writing competitions to keep the creative juices flowing so I wouldn’t become stagnant. But I also found that it served a greater purpose. Pouring my energies into the Flash Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction pieces improved my writing more than I realized. They took me to greater depths with my creativity and helped me understand more fully what kind of writer I want to be moving forward. I have a renewed passion for my novel and am looking at it with fresh eyes and a new perspective. I look forward to completing the edits to produce a more polished and tightly written novel, so I can finally start the query process.

WOW: You've got this, Amy! Looking forward to reading more from you in the future. 
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