Time to Publish

Oct 18

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Nancy J. Martin Author Interview

The Long Red Hair and Other Short Stories is a collection of short stories, flash fiction, essays, and some true stories, shifting seamlessly between humor, nostalgia, and reflection. What was the inspiration for this collection of stories?

I felt it was time to publish a collection.

How did you decide on the themes that run throughout your book?

There were no particular themes. The author notes best describe what happens in the book.

Were there any stories that were particularly difficult to write? If so, why?

Writing about both childhood and adult sexual abuse, such as in my story, “Evie’s Shadows,” was challenging.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?

I am in the process of writing a novel. Sorry, no spoiler on the topic. It is going slowly. I hope to complete it within a year.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon

Writers are always reminded to listen and take note of conversations that they might hear in a café or on a bus. I’ve found this to be excellent advice for mining info for future stories. I slightly fictionalized two of this book’s stories gathered in that manner, adapting true stories unwitting storytellers shared with me. Each time I heard those stories, I raced home to write them down. Other stories are flash fiction, which I enjoy writing, others are memoir pieces, and I added a couple of essays for good measure.

I am indebted to the many good folks taking part in various writing groups who have included me over many years. We shared our work, listened to others’ writing, and offered writing prompt suggestions; some of the fiction stories here originate from these suggestions.

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