In this article, we interview Autumn Bettinger, WINNER of the July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction with her story, Twelve Jars.
Hi Autumn, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what drives you to write short fiction?
I’m a stay-at-home mom, which means I don’t have a ton of time for writing. Short fiction is something I can tackle in the time that I have. I love flash fiction; I find it such a refreshing approach to writing and thinking. There’s a real dopamine hit in being able to craft a story in an afternoon or a couple days and refine it to something you’re proud of. That exists now, and it didn’t before! How amazing!
You WON the July 2024 Not Quite Write Prize. What did you spend your prize money on?
A tattoo! It’s a lovely one too. Tiger lilies and strawberries, in honour of my dad.
We’re aware that you were going through a difficult time in your personal life when you submitted your winning entry. How did your personal experience at that time impact your writing process?
It was honestly the worst time of my life. My dad was dying when I wrote that story. I didn’t think I would have it in me to write anything, let alone something that would win. But the anti-prompt was just too good to pass up. I love some saturated imagery, and purple prose was right up my alley. So, I thought what the hell. I have relied on writing through a lot of my life to get me through challenging times, so why not? So, I wrote Twelve Jars, and I think even through the softened pink and flowery imagery you can probably see how raw I was.
In fact, you’ve won a number of different short-form writing competitions. Do you think there’s something unique about your approach which sets you up to win?
I am a cinematic writer. I see the image I want to portray in my story and go from there. I don’t plot stories beforehand, I let them wind organically. My first drafts are never winners, but I believe in the power of revision and trusted beta eyes, and it helps me shape that story into something that can resonate. I’m all about those vibes. Characters and imagery are where I am strongest, and what tends to set me apart.
Once you’ve written a story, what’s next? Do you start submitting to lit mags?
Hell yeah, I do. I love sending my work out into the world to find a home. I think submission is an important part of the writing process. It teaches you to be humble because trust me, you will be rejected, a LOT. But it also teaches you to be tenacious. There are stories I’ve had rejected from multiple publications that have gone on to win awards or be published somewhere wonderful. Plus, it’s a little thrill every time you press submit!
You’re not just a writer; you’re also a mother. Amanda is desperate to know how you cope with the crushing guilt that comes from splitting your time and energy?
Amanda, you just write while having crushing guilt. That’s the trick. Constant self-criticism while creating. See? You can have it all. But in all seriousness, I had to get really strict with my writing routine. I started getting up at 5 am so I could write before my kids woke up. That is the only guaranteed time I have, and I protect it ruthlessly. I also have an online writing group, and when there’s a story I’m working on, I’ll put the draft up at the end of my morning session so it can get some beta reads and by the following morning, I’ve got some fresh perspectives, and I can revise anew. It speeds up the process for me.
Can you share any words of wisdom with our Not Quite Write Prize hopefuls?
Write a good story first. Don’t write yourself into a corner with the anti-prompt. Trust me. The first story I wrote for NQW was horrible. I went waaaaay too far into the anti-prompt before I realized this contest isn’t about gimmicks, it’s about embracing the challenge in a way that enhances your work. Subtlety can go a long way. Write a good story!
About Autumn
Autumn Bettinger is a short-form fiction writer and full-time mother of two living in Portland, Oregon. She was the 2024 Fishtrap fellow, has won the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest, the Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction and the Silver Scribes Prize.
She will be teaching a two-part online micro fiction class with Fishtrap in May 2025. Come learn how to craft an effective 100 word piece and submit!
https://fishtrap.org/2025-may-bettinger
You can connect with Autumn at: