Interview with Hallie Marbet: Q2 2026 Essay Contest 2nd Place Winner

Hallie’s Bio: Hallie Marbet has been writing voraciously for five years, creating both fictional and non-fictional work. Her story, Losing Leaves, was a runner up in a WOW non-fiction competition recently. In addition to her shorter pieces, she has written children’s books including: The Catch, Changing Charlie and Chalk Doors, along with three novels: Final Dawn, Fog and Divergent. She’s working on her next novel, Bad Progeny. She draws inspiration from tapping into varied memories and meaningful observation of everyday life. Her birthplace, Plum Island, Massachusetts, has always held her heart, but it never stopped her from living in more places than many. Currently, she resides with her family in Bracciano, Italy, teaching English as a second language to all ages. When she’s not writing or working, she’s either swimming, spending time with family or somewhere lost in translation. 

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

WOW: Congratulations on placing second in the Q2 2026 Essay Contest! How did you begin writing your essay and how did it and your writing processes evolve as you wrote? 

Hallie: It began as a much larger piece, but I had trouble finding a central focus. I let it sit for a while before picking it up again. The idea to pass between time with Anna and time on the boat presented itself one morning when I woke up. From there it was easy to piece together the story. 

WOW: It’s amazing what writers can gain with a bit of distance from their drafts. What did you learn about yourself or your writing by creating this essay? 

Hallie: It felt really good to put into words how the island made me feel, although some things are impossible to put into words. Once I had my first draft done, I started to feel like I was sliding into the writer I'm supposed to be. 

WOW: What an amazing feeling! How has living in many places and/or living abroad affected your creativity and writing practice? 

Hallie: I believe it has helped my writing. I think when you travel and especially when you live abroad, part of you goes more inside yourself. And in this introversion, it's easier to understand what you want to say or what you mean to say. 

WOW: Which creative nonfiction essays or writers have inspired you most, and in what ways did they inspire you? 

Hallie: Honestly, I've read nearly every winning nonfiction essay from WOW! over the last five years, and I know these have inspired me to write at the same level as these talented writers. Each of these women have given me something important that has helped me become the writer I'm becoming. 

WOW: That is fabulous. Thank you for reading and for sharing the impact the writing has had on you. If you could tell your younger self anything about writing, what would it be? 

Hallie: Start writing earlier. 

WOW: Anything else you’d like to add? 

Hallie: I am so grateful that I stumbled upon WOW! years ago. My mother had died and I didn't know where to put my sorrow. So, I started writing. I wrote a piece called The Lily for her, for me. It was my first nonfiction piece and remains my favorite. I am so thankful for the quarterly contests. It has been wonderful to participate over the years. It has not only helped me grow as a writer, but also as a person; of that, I am sure. 

WOW: Thank you for sharing your experience with WOW! We are so grateful to have you as part of our community! 

Interviewed by Anne Greenawalt, founder and editor-in-chief of Sport Stories Press, which publishes stories by, for, and about sportswomen and amateur athletes. Engage on social media @GreenMachine459.