PUBLISHED GRAD

Which publisher did you submit your article to?

Unfading Daydreams

How many publishers have you submitted to?

This was my first submission!

Tell us the title of your story and gives us a short summary.

My flash fiction is entitled “The Muse.” It is about an artist that is divinely inspired by the goddess Athena to paint pictures foretelling the future.

What inspired your article?

I wondered what it would be like to have a muse ready and waiting to strike you with inspiration, and what the consequences would be.

How did submitting your work help your writing?

It has given me a lot more confidence in my writing. I fully expected my first rejection slip. My  justification was that at least that way I would have a start at being the serious writer I’ve always dreamed of being.

How did getting critiques from your ICL instructor help your work?

Critiques helped me shape my story into a more cohesive piece that would really give it the Alfred Hitchcock twist I wanted. This was for Assignment 7 in my ICL course.

Are you a full-time writer? If not, what’s your day job?

I write (or edit) every day, but my “day job” is being a mother to two wonderful children.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing for most of my life, but only seriously studying it for two years.

What do you do when you’re feeling discouraged or blocked? Do you have any tips for your fellow writers?

When I am feeling discouraged or blocked, I pour over the little book I keep of random snippets of ideas, fun phrases or writing prompts that may inspire inspiration. I also like to look to history or old legends or tales that can be spun a new way. My best advice is to just show up and write. One of my favorite ways to get started is to do the morning pages I learned about in “The Artist’s Way.” It gives you a sense of accomplishment and possibly more ideas.

If you could go to the yard sale of any character in the history of children’s literature, whose would you go to, and what would you buy?

I would like to go to Hermione Granger’s yard sale. She must have some fantastic books or writing implements to buy!

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your ICL experience?

I will forever be indebted to the Institute for Writers. They have given me the confidence to pursue my dream, and have given me so much support during my lowest moments. I will never be able to thank them enough. They have helped me find my calling.