My embarrassing writer moment, or Why I sobbed over a cake….😂

This story does have a happy ending, but here it goes:

When Going Short was first released as a print book in 2020, I knew the decision to release it in a quarantine year would mean some sacrifices: no live events, no release party, no fancy cake with a picture of my book cover on it. However, I felt strong enough that it was the right book at the right time that I embraced the virtual book tour and all the wonderful virtual events (and I don’t regret it!)

BUT…here’s the cake story: The night before the official release, I was in the kitchen, thinking about that cake with my book’s picture on it that I wasn’t going to get and I just lost it. All the self pity and all the fears of 2020 just bubbled up and out and I was found by my partner, sobbing at the dining room table about how I never get to have a cake.

So, like any good partner, Nick went on a mission to end this sobbing immediately (and for anyone reading this, if anyone in your life is ever sobbing over cake–heed this course of action!) 

As the story was later relayed to me, he went to the nearest grocery store bakery, but since it was already 10 pm, the bakery was closed, and the decorators were gone. However, the teenagers on the night shift, wanting to be helpful, (and maybe having had a sobbing cake episode in their own lives) suggested they could let Nick into the kitchen with some frosting tubes and he could decorate the cake himself.

The situation was of course, desperate. 

When I woke up in the morning on the official Going Short release day I saw this cake in the fridge:

And honestly, it’s my favorite cake ever.

So now, two years later, it’s a thing. This past weekend, in preparation for the Going Short Audiobook release, I still haven’t hugged most of you or had a pre-2020 style release party, but I’m eating cake. All week.

And I’m hoping you not only love the new audiobook (and my narration debut!) but that you eat a piece of cake with me! There’s no way I would rather celebrate than to eat virtual cake with you! For real!

Thank you all for the many years of support, inspiration, and friendship. If I’ve learned anything in these last two years, it’s to cherish your tribe in all the ways, hug them when you can, and always know they are eating cake with you, wherever they are.

Let the cake-eating begin!! 
xoxoxo Nancy

(Yes, I know this is a St. Patrick’s Day cake! I’m not good at this cake thing!!! xoxo)

AND Presenting….
GOING SHORT: THE AUDIOBOOK!

Listen exclusively on Audible NOW

For New Audible members: Listen for $0.00

Seriously!

Happy Reading and Writing (and Listening!)

P.S. Tell me what you think!! Nervous!

P.S.S. Head over to @apparelforauthors on Instagram this week, where I am talking all about writing and fashion!

It’s official! Going Short audiobook coming March 15! (listen now)

We’ve got a release date! And don’t worry–the Ides of March don’t worry me at all! Hahahaha.

Thanks to everyone who planted this audiobook seed in my head: You were right! My reflections on the process coming soon….so much to say! xo

For now: Listen to some of the samples and get ready to hear me read to you for hours! You are the best.

xoxo Nancy

“Embracing Constraints” from Going Short: An Invitation to Flash Fiction by Nancy Stohlman

Read by the author

“Grown Adult Living in the Basement” from Going Short: An Invitation to Flash Fiction by Nancy Stohlman

Read by the author

Summer 2022 Retreats: Colorado and Spain!

Do you dream of uninterrupted days to write in beautiful locations?

Do you long to meet, be mentored by, and network with other writers?

Give YOURSELF a writing gift this year.

Join us in 2022!

Andalucía, Spain: June 7-13, 2022

Grand Lake, Colorado: August 9-14, 2022

All summer retreats opening January 2022!

Sign up here for early registration access!

LAST CHANCE! Flash Novel workshops for 2022

Ready to write this winter?

Flash Flood: Write a Flash Novel

January 17-28, 2022 (SOLD OUT)

February 21-March 4, 2022

$249 Registration Fee

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Do you have a large, book-length idea that you’ve been wanting to bring to fruition? Do you want to start 2022 with your flash novel in progress? Do you love the intensity of FlashNano or NaNoWrimo? Then get ready: In 10 days we will create a literal “flash flood” and you will leave the workshop with the bones (at least) of a flash novel.

What’s a flash novel? With the scope and complexity of a novel, and the size and ingenuity of flash fiction, the flash novel is a new type of book, a breakout genre that can deliver a sophisticated reading experience in a compact space. In this online workshop will envision, draft, collage and create the momentum for that large-scale idea you have been wanting to tackle.

Participants should come with a basic understanding of flash fiction and have ideas for a book-length project.

NOTE: This class (taken either now or previously) is the jumping off point for the Flash Novel Mastermind, running again this spring. 

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Going Short: Writing Beautiful Flash Fiction 

January 10-14, 2022 SOLD OUT

February 14-18, 2022 (SOLD OUT)

This 5-day generative class will take a deeper dive into the concepts from Going Short to examine the fundamentals of flash, try a variety of approaches to the compressed narrative, discuss what makes successful flash, and generate your own original flash pieces.

This course is open to writers with all levels of experience in the form, whether you are brand new to flash fiction, a writer coming from other genres, or a veteran flasher looking for a dose of inspiration and some writing camaraderie.

Questions? Feel free to contact me at nancystohlman@gmail.com