Interview with Kathy Humenik: Winter 2026 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up

Kathy’s Bio: After twenty-five years as a program/project manager, Kathy has returned to what she enjoys most, writing. Her love of writing was fostered through evenings spent sharing poetry and short stories with her dad. She and her husband have recently relocated to Henderson, Nevada where she is active in local writing groups. She has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and her blog can be found at itsworthrepeating.com. Kathy also has two novels available on Amazon as well as a collection of vintage inspired journals, designed to help others tell their own stories. 

If you haven't done so already, check out Kathy's award-winning story "The Radioactive Shopkeeper" and then return here for a chat with the author. 

WOW: Congratulations on placing in the Winter 2026 Flash Fiction Contest! What excited you most about writing this story? 

Kathy: What I enjoyed most about writing this story was creating the unlikely pairing of the vintage crafter and the bureaucrat. It was a challenge to bring the two worlds together in a story that was both plausible and entertaining. 

WOW: What did you learn about yourself or your writing while crafting this piece? 

Kathy: Every time I write a story, I am reminded that it is harder than I expect to create characters and plots that a reader will find interesting. I learned that I am more than willing to procrastinate but eventually take pleasure in seeing the piece through to a satisfying ending. 

WOW: We’re so glad you followed through with this piece to share with WOW readers! Please tell us more about your vintage inspired journals. What inspired you to create them? 

Kathy: The journals are ‘vintage inspired’ with quotes, history and photos that reflect the past. My hope is that the framework, along with the writing prompts, will inspire people to capture some of their own stories. We all have unique experiences and perspectives and sharing those moments can help the people that we care about get to know us a little bit better. There are around 15 titles, with various focuses, all available on Amazon; just search on “it’s worth repeating.” 

WOW: What a great way to inspire people to share their stories. What are you reading right now, and why did you choose to read it? 

Kathy: Right now, I’m reading several books on the history of Las Vegas, the setting of my next mystery novel. 

WOW: That’s intriguing! Thanks for that glimpse into your next book. If you could give your younger self one piece of writing advice, what would it be and why? 

Kathy: Well, the obvious answer from my perspective is to just keep at it. Additionally, I find that critique groups and beta readers are very valuable for seeing what you as the author have missed. 

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

Kathy: Writing is a great creative outlet, so regardless of wins and losses with publishing and contest submissions, you need to enjoy it. It’s not something everyone has the interest or tenacity to pursue. 

WOW: That’s so true! Thank you for sharing that piece of wisdom, 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. Connect @greenmachine459.