#53: Flash Fiction Writing and Jazz Lounge Metal with Nancy Stohlman
Welcome to quarantine hobby life, y’all. We’re all trying to learn some new things as we continue to practice social distancing in our homes. But even with some extra time at home, we don’t always want to actually spend a lot of hours investing in something that may just turn out to be a passing fancy. Luckily, writer, teacher, and performer Nancy Stohlman is here to help — in the briefest way possible.
Nancy is the author of Going Short: An Invitation to Flash Fiction, an inspiration to flash fiction, showing that less is more to lovers of the craft and a valuable asset to those teaching it.
This book is super helpful and is also presented in flash fiction format. It shows veteran and newbie writers alike how to create, sculpt, revise, and collect stories, and is both delightful and super helpful. And guess what — you don’t need to know the first thing about flash fiction, or even be a flash fiction writer, to get a lot out of Going Short.
Nancy also teaches workshops and hosts retreats and knows her stuff, so if you’d like to become a better writer (as we all should aspire to be), then you’ll definitely want to listen to this conversation.
Highlights of our conversation include:
A look at the standard definition of flash fiction and how it differs from other writing like poetry or vignettes, and how flash fiction has come into its own over the past few decades. (5:18)
Nancy’s first experience with flash fiction and how she initially struggled after being used to writing long-form novels. (8:04)
Why Nancy decided to write a book on flash fiction, how that book took ten years to write, and some book writing tips. (10:32)
Some of the book marketing ideas Nancy has done to promote Going Short, and why she took a very deliberate and specific approach to the writing and design of the book. (14:50)
Why Going Short also provides actionable advice on how to become a better writer, no matter what your previous writing experience is like. (18:22)
The importance of an eye-catching book cover and the factors Nancy considered in creating hers — plus a shout out to Janice Leagra, her book’s artist. (20:20)
The inside scoop on Kinky Mink, Nancy’s lounge jazz metal trio, from the group’s history to its worst gig. (23:45)
A few of Nancy’s favorite singers, plus her guilty pleasure of the Backstreet Boys. And if you haven’t seen BSB’s Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of documentary, I’d highly recommend it. (33:06)
Nancy’s top three dream alternate lives. (35:30)
Where to find Nancy Stohlman:
Visit nancystohlman.com to learn more about Nancy’s writing, her workshops and retreats, and a whole lot of other goodies. Check out some other great books at Ad Hoc Fiction. And dig these sweet tunes from Kinky Mink.
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