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G.G. Silverman lives north of Seattle with her husband and dog, both of whom are ridiculously adorable. When she isn’t writing, she loves to explore the mossy woods and wind-swept coast of the Pacific Northwest, which provide moody inspiration for all her stories. She also enjoys bouts of inappropriate laughter, and hates wind chimes because they remind her of horror movies.

She holds a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and also completed the Writing for Children program at the University of Washington. She also owns a branding and graphic design firm.

Ms. Silverman placed as a finalist in the 2012 PNWA annual literary awards for her short story, “The Black Dog of Porto Negro.” She is currently working on her first YA novel, a hilarious feminist twist on the zombie genre. Chat with her on Twitter @GG_Silverman

interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Congratulations on winning first place in our Summer 2012 writing contest! What inspired you to enter the contest?

GG: Thank you! I’ve been putting serious effort into launching my writing career over the last few years. I’m building up a body of work, and wanted to test the water for my stories, to get some validation and ultimately publish. WOW! has a great reputation with incredible guest judges every season, so your contest seemed like the right opportunity to do all of that. Having my story published on your site has given me fantastic credibility as a writer.

WOW: Thanks for the kind words about WOW! Can you tell us what encouraged the idea behind your story, The House of Butterflies?

GG: It was inspired by a life-changing conversation with a friend. I was at a critical point with the last draft of my novel, where I had major fears about expressing darker ideas, and she asked how my writing was going. I said I was afraid that when my book was finished and I came out of my shell as a writer, that I’d be seen as a frightening spider instead of a beautiful butterfly, and the world would revile my work. That’s when she told me it was okay to be a spider, that the world needs spiders. So, I’ve embraced my spiderness, meaning, I’m being true to myself as a writer and have accepted my position as someone who explores darker themes. The House of Butterflies has become a sort of personal manifesto. It’s my first published work, and I’m taking it as a sign that I’m becoming who I’m meant to become.

WOW: What a wonderful development for you. I love that you’re embracing your spiderness. Have you always enjoyed the genre, and how did you learn to write great flash fiction?

GG: I discovered flash fiction two years ago. It started as a way to keep writing when I need to take small breaks from my novel. I believe it’s important to write as much as you can, because you get better and faster with practice and time.

Also, I like to write flash fiction when I travel. It’s fun to dash off a story on a flight and have a sense of completion. Though the polishing aspect can be maddening, sometimes requiring up to eleven or twelve drafts. Writing a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end, in a very limited word count, while creating an evocative atmosphere with beautiful description, is quite challenging. But I love it. I really believe that flash fiction makes you a better writer.

It’s also a great way to honor readers who are busy and want a satisfying story they can read quickly. With the increasing popularity of e-readers, I think flash fiction is here to stay.

WOW: It's always interesting to learn about other people's writing routines. Could you tell us when and where you usually write? Do you have favorite tools or habits that get you going?

GG: For starters, I take a long walk every day, and I’m fortunate to live near incredible trails. My favorite walk is through a burnt-out swamp punctuated by dead, spiky trees. A bald eagle is usually perched overhead, and the sky can be really moody. The quiet atmosphere is meditative, and ideas often come to me there. Sometimes they come in the voice of a character. I might record a thought or a scrap of dialogue on my phone with a voice recorder app. If it resonates with me after my walk is done, then it’s something I’m really excited about, and I try to express it in writing.

I’m also a self-employed graphic designer, and keep a flexible work schedule so I can write or edit a few hours each day, usually in the afternoon. But unexpected things do happen, so I’ve learned to seize odd bits of time to write productively in short bursts whenever I can. I usually write first drafts long-hand (if it’s my novel, a chapter at a time) then transcribe and edit on the computer. When I write long-hand, I can do it anywhere, but when I’m on the computer, I prefer the ergonomic set-up of my office. When I’m writing, I have a strict No Internet rule. No Facebook or Twitter. I allow myself only fifteen minutes at the beginning of the day, but I’ll spend more time during lunch or when I’m done for the day, because I believe it’s important to start cultivating an audience and connecting with people.

Once every few months, as a special treat, my husband and I take short road trips to the coast to get away from the distractions of everyday life. We hole up in a cabin and soak up the scenery for inspiration, while getting lots of writing done.

WOW: Walking always yields lots of ideas for me too. What's one bit of advice you would give to aspiring writers?

GG: Discipline and perseverance are everything. Practice writing until you realize that you can’t not write, that you would feel sick if a few days went by and you haven’t written. By then, you’ll develop the momentum and stamina you need to do great work.

WOW: Thanks so much for chatting with us today, G.G.! Before you go, do you have any tips for our readers who may be thinking about entering writing contests?

GG: Rejection is a blessing. It’s an opportunity for you to go back, take another pass at your work, and make it sing.

And, don't rush to submit. Taking an extra day to let a piece breathe, so you can review it with fresh eyes, can make a world of difference.

***

The Winter 2013 Flash Fiction Contest is OPEN
For details, visit: http://wow-womenonwriting.com/contest.php

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Suki Michelle is the co-author of the young adult urban fantasy, The Apocalypse Gene (Parker Publishing, Inc. 2011), on which she collaborated with her husband, Carlyle Clark. Their current co-project is a collection of speculative fiction stories set in the town of Redemption, Arkansas in the 1930s. Suki has two novels in progress and is a published poet. She owns a medical transcription company and works as a ghost-blogger for a Chicago celebrity. Suki is most proud of her beautiful daughter, Bree, who will soon complete her nursing training. Her passions include people-watching and chocolate.

Learn more about Suki’s co-written debut novel at: http://www.TheApocalypseGene.com

The Apocalypse Gene Fan Page: http://www.Facebook.com/TheApocalypseGene

Visit Suki’s blog: http://storymavens.wordpress.com/

Follow Suki on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Suki_Michelle

interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Congratulations on winning first place in our Fall 2011 writing contest! What inspired you to enter the contest?

Suki: Thank you so much for the congratulations. The win was quite a thrill!

I wrote this piece as an exercise to see if I could express the feelings of a highly creative but lonely child. While the facts of the story mostly fictional, the atmosphere and emotional elements are real. Also, I had previously earned an Honorable Mention in an earlier WOW! Flash Fiction Contest, and I wanted to try again after another year of learning the craft. I was happy with the piece after at least a zillion edits (mostly deletes).

WOW: We're so glad that you decided to try again! Can you tell us what encouraged the idea behind your story, "No One Told Me Stories? "

Suki: I was trying to pinpoint the driving force behind my desire to be a writer. It began with a love of stories. My father was indeed a surgeon with an eidetic memory, though he behaved much better than the father in the story. My mother was very engaging, unlike the fictional mother. I was always encouraged to read and had many books. My grandmother often told me stories about her life in Russia during the pogroms and her experiences as an immigrant landing on Ellis Island as a young girl. Those stories were probably the first to both terrify inspire me.

WOW: What do you enjoy about flash fiction writing versus the other kinds of writing that you do?

Suki: Flash fiction poses a specific challenge. Every word must earn the right to live on the page. If you write some scintillating prose, the best ever, but it doesn’t contribute powerfully to the piece, DELETE! If it’s fluff, DELETE! If it’s repetitive or dull, DELETE! What remains must have voice, a message, subtext, imagery, texture, rhythm--all the elements of solid writing, but economical and concentrated. Flash fiction is closest to poetry in that regard--the fewest words for the most i

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If you haven't done so already, read Mike's award-winning story "Stress Fracture" and then return here for a conversation with the author.

WOW: Congratulations on placing first in the WOW! Spring 2011 Flash Fiction Contest! Where did you get your inspiration for your story, “Stress Fracture”?

Mike: The inspiration for "Stress Fracture" came from the Faithwriters.com prompt, "Outlandish." I had an easy enough time coming up with a woman who was dressing outlandishly, but then I had to figure out why. Once I decided that she was covering bruises from abuse, I took it the next step by giving her a British persona, which she used to deflect attention from the more obvious reasons for her excessive makeup and concealing clothes.

I do have to say that Faithwriters has been quite helpful in my attempt to develop my writing skills. The "Weekly Challenge" has been a good resource in that it helps me discipline myself to write regularly, almost every week, and the feedback is always encouraging. Having my stories ranked among the hundred or so others gives me a good sense of what seems to be working and where I fall short. Also, because there are several exceptional writers who contribute, I learn simply by reading their work. It is, at times, quite humbling.

WOW: That’s great that you’ve found a writing community that’s been so helpful and nourishing for you and your writing! When did you realize you wanted to be a fiction writer?

Mike: I have always enjoyed writing, and when I was young I thought that I might write for a living. During and after college, I worked hard at prose and poetry, but didn't feel my work was strong enough to continue.

After I sold my small business several years ago, I wanted to try writing fiction. I found it to be a calling, something that I felt led to do, though I'm not sure why. I have found fiction writing to be difficult, and frustrating to the point of actually wanting to give up on numerous occasions, but then something good happens (like this WOW contest) and I am encouraged to continue.

WOW: It can be a daunting process, but winning contests is definitely a motivator! Glad we could help. What do you like best about fiction writing?

Mike: What I enjoy most about writing is when, after many hours and multiple rewrites, a story finally comes together. There is always room for improvement, always, but sometimes the stories just work.

"Stress Fracture" was one that worked, but after I had submitted it to Faithwriters and shown it to some friends, I began to have doubts.

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Cynthia Tracy Larsen lives in southern Vermont with her husband and three daughters. She pretends to run the office for their landscaping company but is often caught writing. She graduated from the University of Maine at Machias with a degree in English and a minor in Creative Writing. Her historical novel, LOT’S DAUGHTERS, is currently on submission. She is trying her hand at short stories while she waits for the next novel to knock her over the head and carry her away.

This story began as a workshop piece for Roxanna Robinson’s class at the Wesleyan Writer’s Conference in the spring of 2010. A Cup of Coffee is Cynthia’s first publication.

interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Congratulations on winning first place in our Fall 2010 writing contest! How do you feel?

Cynthia: Thanks for asking, Marcia! I was really excited that my story was chosen. And surprised. This is my first publication, so it feels especially valuable to me. I was on vacation with my family when I found out, and quickly ordered up a round of mimosas to toast my achievement. But before we put down our glasses, my sister won $1000.00 in bingo and stole my moment! Marcia, Marcia, Marcia! Of course, she was forced to buy drinks for the rest of the trip, so I feel like I got even.

WOW: I'm no stranger to those Brady Bunch references! Can you tell us what encouraged the idea behind your story, A Cup of Coffee?

Cynthia: Most of my stories start with visuals. I pictured a woman, sitting in a diner, waiting for a man. I was interested in the idea that life-altering decisions can be made so quickly. In the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee.

WOW: You did a great job--it was very moving. What was the editing process like for the story, which began as a workshop piece for a class?

Cynthia: A Cup of Coffee started as a one-page character sketch for Roxanna Robinson’s workshop at the Wesleyan Writers Conference. Originally I had a bit of Ray’s back-story in it, which I think crowded the story. So I took that part out, which enabled me to flesh Caroline out a bit more. Even though the story didn’t change much, there was a lot of tweaking. That’s the challenge of flash, trying to squeeze out all of the extra air.

WOW: We’d love to know more about your writing routines, especially since you have three children. Could you tell us when and where you usually write? Do you have favorite tools or habits that get you going?

Cynthia: My writing habits change as my life changes. When my kids were little, I went through a period of time where I got up every day at 5 am to write. And I am not a morning person. Mainly I have become a hoarder of time. I don’t say ‘free time,’ because when you have three kids and two part-time jobs those two words do not co-exist. When my youngest daughter started pre-school, instead of usin

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Rachel Phelps is a 23-year-old who lives in Kansas City. She has her Bachelor’s in English Literature and currently works as a clinician for Applied Learning Processes, a private center for dyslexia treatment. She has experience in journalism as a reporter and editor, but her true passion is fiction.

She has been scribbling ever since she can remember and is working toward her dream being a published novelist. She is active on FaithWriters, enjoys writing skits and plays for her church, and has finally joined the blogosphere. Her favorite genre to write is historical of any period. Rachel will read almost anything as long as it is well written and isn’t senselessly offensive (offensive with a purpose gets an extra star in her book). Her biggest dream is to be an excellent author who is a Christian and prove to the skeptics that the terms are not mutually exclusive.

Find out more about Rachel by visiting her website,
http://www.wix.com/parexcellence/home, and her blog,
http://www.liveparexcellence.blogspot.com/.

interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Congratulations on winning first place in our Summer 2010 writing contest! What was your reaction when you found out you won?

Rachel: I screamed. I was watching a movie with friends and decided to check the Web site even though I hadn't received an email yet. When I clicked on the Contests tab, there was my picture on top. I almost dropped my computer. Once my friends figured out what was happening, I was given an impromptu toast with our soda glasses. Definitely a moment to remember.

WOW: Love your reaction! Can you tell us what encouraged the idea behind your story, Motherhood?

Rachel: I love telling the stories of forgotten characters. I think it's the journalist in me--I believe everyone deserves to have their story told. I'm adopted, so even though I'm not a mother, I've often thought about what it takes to give up a child. Putting those two instincts together brought me to Moses' mother.

WOW: It’s a powerful story that really pulled me in. You also seem to have a clear understanding of the historical period that made the story seem real. Could you share your research process, or any other good tips for writing historical fiction?

Rachel: The most important part of writing historical fiction is understanding the rhythm of the voice. For example, today, somone would say, "Hey, whatcha' doin'?" In medieval times, it would sound more like "Good morrow. How do you fare this day?" In the 1800s, you might say, "Good day. Is your family in good health?"

The best way to capture the voice of a period is to read a lot of stories from (or set in) that period. You'll also learn a lot about mindsets and social issues of the day by doing that. I've never officially studied Ancient Egypt, but I've read a ton of novels set there. I'm also very familiar with the B

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Sarah Warburton is a writer, wife, the mother of two, and a knitter (not necessarily in that order) living in Sugar Land, TX. After earning an M.A. in Classics from the University of Georgia and another from Brown University, she spent time working in independent bookstores, reading and writing. She’s studied at the University of New Mexico with Sharon Oard Warner and Julie Shigekuni, at the Taos Writer’s Workshop with Pam Houston, and in Houston with Justin Cronin. Since 2005 she’s been a staff writer for the local monthly magazine, UpClose and member of the weekly critique group, Writers Ink. Her short story, “Margaret’s Magnolia,” appeared in the Southern Arts Journal and she has finished her first mystery novel, The Language of the Dead.

Find out more about Sarah by visiting her website: http://sarahwarburtonwriter.wordpress.com/.

interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Congratulations on winning first place in our Winter 2010 writing contest! How do you feel?

Sarah: Really honored and thrilled! A few years ago, I had one short story published in the now-defunct Southern Arts Journal, but it wasn’t available in many places. It’s been amazing to have this chance to share my story with so many people…and I really appreciate the opportunity.

WOW: Can you tell us what encouraged the idea behind your story, "Life Script? "

Sarah: I wanted to write a story that covered a large span of time in a short space and I was interested in the divergence between our plans for life and the direction our lives take. I thought about the difference between our vision of the writing life and the many different paths it actually takes. There may also have been echoes of my favorite movie, a sort of “When Harry Missed Sally” feeling.

WOW: Your approach was effective! It was a quietly powerful story. Have you always enjoyed the genre, and how did you learn to write great flash fiction?

Sarah: My short stories tend to be either very long or very short. One of the reasons I love flash fiction are the constraints of the genre. There isn’t any room for prevarication or words that don’t pull their weight. It’s a fantastic genre for those of us with small children, because we have such narrow moments of opportunity in which to work. Since I knew with “Life Script” that I would be moving quickly through time in little blocks of text, I could consider each paragraph in isolation whenever I had a few minutes to myself.

WOW: You've also completed a novel. Can you tell us about that? What did it take to complete that big goal?

Sarah: I think it took the kind of commitment it takes to have children…complete ignorance of the enormity of the task, plenty of support, and a dedication to doing it every day. I started almost ten years ago with eighty pages of non-consecutive scenes and now three cities, numerous writing workshops, and several writing groups later I’m making my final revisions with my agent. Without my writing group, Writers Ink (http://www.concretebride.com/) I don’t know if I wo

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Leigha Butler teaches and writes in New York's beautiful Hudson Valley region. Her stories and non-fiction are inspired by the landscapes and waterways she has encountered—from the Long Island Sound to the Yellow River to the forested kids-only diving holes of her childhood. She teaches Writing and Environmental Literature as an adjunct professor at two colleges in the region. She earned her masters degree in Literature & Environment from the University of Nevada, Reno where class was often conducted on a hiking trail or over a potluck supper. In order to polish several stories and essays that sit, dusty, on her hard drive, she plans to attend Chatham University's Nature Writing MFA program in the fall. When she's not agonizing over a sentence, she's likely reading, kayaking, doing her sun salutations or catching up on the worst of reality TV (one has to be versed in the culture of her students, after all).

You can find her work at: http://www.everydayfiction.com/riding-in-circles-for-love-by-leigha-butler/ and http://gloomcupboard.com/2010/01/03/prose-113/. Or submit a story to her community-writing blog: http://talesfromthedomicile.blogspot.com/.

Interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Leigha, congratulations on your first place win! How do you feel?

Leigha: Thanks. I feel wonderful! I was so impressed by the second and third-place stories; I’m honored that "Kayana's Secret" was chosen to be in their company.

WOW: Could you tell us a little about your story and what encouraged the idea behind “Kayana’s Secret"? I’m guessing it may have been inspired by a place from your childhood.

Leigha: When I was little, my brothers and I loved to jump off of this particular pier into the Long Island Sound. My mother trusted me to determine whether tide was high enough to make our jumps safe, the scary implication being that my brothers’ lives were in my hands. The responsibility weighed heavily, but it marked my transition into adulthood and adventure for me.

In the story, Kayana experiences a similar rite of passage, made possible by her older sister. Devil’s Hole and Neversink Crag from the story combine several of these diving pools from my childhood. I still find my way to these kinds of jumping spots every summer. There is something so intriguing about how dangerous these places are, and yet how – again and again – they draw so many curious kids.

WOW: You switch between third person and second person narrative modes in the story in a very effective manner. It’s an interesting choice—and a hard one to pull off successfully. What made you decide to approach the story this way?

Leigha: I have written and re-written this story so many times, from so many different points of view! There’s a special kind of immediacy a writer can achieve, I find, with the second person point of view. Then again, as a reader, I get annoyed with the second person sustained. In the end, my decision to mix it up was the result of lots of experimentation and lots

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