If you haven't done so already, check out Elizabeth's award-winning story "The Wail" and then return here for a chat with the author.
WOW: Congratulations on placing third in the Fall 2025 Flash Fiction Contest! What excited you most about writing this story?
Elizabeth: My brother served in the Coast Guard and some years back he had told me about a beached whale they tried to save but to no avail – it was very sad. I decided this would make a harrowing short story someday. It has evolved into a 750-word story from 3000 words and, interestingly enough, after chopping so many words, it still feels like it is complete. I find that exciting.
WOW: Yes, it often amazes me how much can fit into a piece of flash writing. What did you learn about yourself or your writing while crafting this piece?
Elizabeth: I am fascinated by small fishing villages in places I have travelled because they seem to have something for all the senses – this piece really helped me use those memories, as well as bring in all the sights, smells, tastes and feelings, etc. Showing and not telling has been a challenge for me and I believe in honing this story, I was able to push myself to use those descriptors more so than in any other short story I've written.
WOW: I imagine it gets busy working as a nurse practitioner, and spending time with your children and pets. What tricks or tips can you share for making time to also be a prolific and accomplished writer?
Elizabeth: My children are all grown now and no longer live with me so that in and of itself makes for peace and time. When I am working (as a nurse) I find myself yearning to get home and read/write. I feel guilty watching TV and reading others’ books when I should be focused on my own art. I do audio books when I commute but when I'm home, I spend 80% of my time writing something and, even if I do not finish what I start, I know down the road I will revisit it with new eyes. That was what happened with The Wail. I started it years ago, forgot about the very rough draft, and then rediscovered it just recently. And I always find time for my 4-legged antidepressants!
WOW: Audiobooks in the car have been a huge timesaver for me, too, and I [almost] look forward to my commutes. What are you reading right now, and why did you choose to read it?
Elizabeth: Currently, I am reading The Many Lives of Anne Frank by Ruth Franklin. After visiting Amsterdam a few years ago, I had very mixed feelings about the Anne Frank House, so I wanted to find out more, beyond the diary.
WOW: If you could give your younger self one piece of writing advice, what would it be and why?
Elizabeth: I grew up in a home where we could stay up as late as we wanted as long as we were reading, we could not see a movie unless we read the book first, and we were not allowed television except on Sundays. Going back, I wish I'd catalogued (and kept) all the books I'd read, especially the ones when I first started reading. It would have been fun to now share some of those really old titles with my grandkids. Many are no longer in print.
WOW: Keeping a list of books you’ve read is a great idea! I feel fortunate that I have GoodReads to help with that now. Anything else you’d like to add?
Elizabeth: I very much enjoy writing for and reading the stories on WOW. This platform has not only awarded me twice thus far but has also helped me build confidence in my writing. Perhaps I am going in the right direction. Congratulations to the other winners and thank you WOW for this honor.
WOW: You’re very welcome! Thank you for sharing your story and your 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 and offers developmental editing and ghostwriting services to partially fund the press. Connect @greenmachine459.
0 comments:
Post a Comment