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I’m very pleased to welcome Rosey to my inspirational stories series of posts as part of her short story collection launch and blog tour!
If you’ve ever thought you would like to get into writing fiction but haven’t got a clue where to start, then Rosey’s story will inspire you!
Rosey writes ‘flash fiction’ and I can tell you it’s good! I really enjoyed my sneak preview of her new collection ‘Beautiful, Complicated Family’.
Read on to find out more about Rosey and her writing.
Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?
Hi! I’m Rosey Lee. I write fiction stories about relationships with family members and friends. I live in the southern United States, and Southern culture is usually reflected in my stories.
Rosey is my pen name. I chose it to honor my grandmothers and great-grandmother, so it’s very dear to me.
My alter ego is a physician, and my stories frequently contain themes around health and wellbeing (including mental wellbeing), as well as personal growth and resilience.
What is ‘flash fiction’?
I describe flash fiction as very short stories. The stories are usually 1000 words or less, though some definitions allow it to range up 1500 or even 2000 words.
My stories are 1000 words or less, so you can read a story in about 5 minutes.
What inspired you to start writing flash fiction?
I stumbled into writing flash fiction. While I always enjoyed reading short stories, my goal has always been to write a novel.
When I started working on my author website, I decided to write a short story so I could post it on my website and give people an idea of my writing.
I found an online flash fiction class, and I’ve been writing flash fiction since then.
I really loved the idea of writing stories that would appeal to avid readers as well as those with busy schedules who only have small amounts of free time for reading.
Why should people read your new collection?
My stories are uplifting, and they’re designed for avid readers as well as those with who only have brief periods of time for reading.
Most of us are dealing with heavy things in life, and we can appreciate reading a story that’s relatable but also positive and entertaining.
My new collection is called Beautiful, Complicated Family. There are two volumes in the collection, and each has 5 flash fiction stories.
It would take most people 1 hour or less to read the whole collection.
You can get Volume 1 free from some ebook vendors (my website has an updated list and links to them).
If you like Volume 1, you can use the link within it to get Volume 2 free from my website. Volume 2 is also available for purchase from ebook vendors if you prefer that.
Photo by iam Se7en on Unsplash
What is your favourite story you have written so far?
Oh, that’s so hard!
It changes with my mood, so I can’t pick just one.
All of the characters in Beautiful, Complicated Family are dealing with something difficult, but they find a way to end it on a positive note.
The characters struggle with things that are common in today’s families—secrets, mother-daughter conflicts, coping with aging family members, and a more subtle question of what makes a family.
Everyone perseveres in their own way.
What challenges have you faced with your writing?
My biggest issue has been finding time to write. I think lots of writers struggle with that, especially if they’re also balancing another career and personal obligations.
How have you overcome these challenges?
I set deadlines, and make a schedule. But I also have to remember that it’s okay if I need to revise them. I also set small, short-term goals.
That helps to keep me motivated and encouraged.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is thinking about writing fiction?
Just start writing something.
If you don’t feel ready to write a novel or short story, you can start with journaling or free writing. Some writers use them later as the foundation of their short stories and novels.
What do you do to relax?
I love to unplug and read, especially in a peaceful outdoors spot.
I know travel can be stressful sometimes, but I really enjoy getaways that allow me to escape the stresses of regular life for a little while.
I also love music, so concerts are a big part of my self-care routine.
Photo by Aditya Chinchure on Unsplash
How do you stay positive?
I try to think about the good things—whether they’ve already happened, are actively happening, or are on the brink.
And I try to figure out what I can learn from the disappointments and struggles that I encounter in life.
I also pray regularly, and I find that I’m more positive if I’m well-rested. I’m still working on the rest part.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I hope to have published a couple novels, and I hope readers feel that my writing helps them to live a more motivated, positive, inspired, and healthy life.
How can people find out more about you and get in touch?
Visit my website (roseyleebooks.com), and subscribe to hear about updates, giveaways, and new books. I promise you won’t get too many emails from me.
We can also stay in touch via social media— @roseyleebooks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
*This giveaway is managed by Rosey Lee Books. Giveaway ends November 26 2019 (11.59pm ET) One winner randomly selected by Rafflecopter.
More About Rosey Lee
Rosey Lee writes uplifting fiction stories about family and friendship.
A native of the Westbank of New Orleans, Louisiana, Rosey is a fan of good food and a good time.
As a child, she dreamed of a career in writing, fashion design, and acting. She uses the pen name Rosey Lee as she pursues her passion for writing.
Her alter ego is a physician who has dedicated her career to individual and community-based approaches to health equity.
She enjoys cooking, flower arranging, listening to live music, and occasional bursts of fanatical bargain shopping.
Rosey’s flash fiction has appeared in Necessary Fiction, Bending Genres, Barren Magazine,
Turnpike Magazine, The Wellington Street Review, and elsewhere.
Her work has also been nominated for the 2019 Best of the Net anthology.
Other posts in the Inspirational Stories series:
Chloe Chats
A lovely inspirational story, glad Rosey is doing something she loves. I love writing too, I used to write loads of stories when I was younger but stopped as I got older, of course, the writing I do now is my blog, but would love to get back into writing stories. I remember I had hand written a story, I ended up filling up 2 notebooks and still didn’t finish it – maybe I’ll pick that up again one day!
Chloe xx
http://www.chloechats.com
Alison
Yes Rosey reminded me that I used to write stories as a kid too. We should definitely pick it back up!
Rosey Lee
Thank you, Chole! I didn’t mention it in my post, but I wrote short stories when I was a kid too. Then I stopped for years and picked it up again briefly in college (Okay, it was just for a class. But that still counts, right?). I think I’ll stick with it this time:)
And I hope you’ll get back to writing stories too. Your blog is great. Maybe you’ll post a couple stories there. Also, if you read my stories, I’d love to hear what you think of the mental health themes in them.
Rosey Lee
Yes, absolutely!!!