Lisa Fox is a pharmaceutical market research consultant by day and fiction writer by night. Her short fiction has appeared in the following publications: Devil’s Party Press anthology “Suspicious Activity,” Credo Espoir, Unlikely Stories Mark V, Ellipsis Zine, Foliate Oak Literary Magazine and UbiquitousBooks.com. She recently won third place out of 3000+ participants in NYC Midnight’s 2018 Flash Fiction Challenge. Lisa resides in northern New Jersey with her husband, two sons, and their oversized dog, and relishes the chaos of everyday suburban life.
How long have you been writing and what got you started?
I started writing creatively in high school and most of my college years were devoted to the written word. I love creating something out of nothing, bringing an idea that existed only in my mind to life on paper. So much of the everyday can be mundane, but when we look for the “what ifs” even in the ordinary, some wonderful things can happen as a result. I think everyone and everything has a story that needs to be told; the question becomes are we brave enough to look for it? Are we brave enough to tell it?
If you could go back and find yourself five years ago, what advice would you give yourself?
I just started writing creatively again three years ago after a very long time spent *not* writing. So, I would say to my 2014 self, “What are you waiting for? Life’s too short not to do the things you love to do.” My one regret in waiting so long to begin writing again is that my mother and my godmother, who inspired my love of books at a very young age, are no longer here to experience this with me. I’d like to think that somehow they’re reading my work from the other side – is there WiFi in heaven?
Do you participate in any online or in-person critique or writing groups?
I have met some wonderful writers from around the globe who have become trusted advisors and friends. I think it’s so important to find like-minded individuals who are happy to celebrate your successes, wallow with you in your rejections, and give you honest yet respectful critique. It’s a tough dream we’re all pursuing, but it’s so much better to be marching toward it with others that motivate us and push us toward our best than to navigate this road alone. Writing can be a lonely pursuit; the biggest challenge is not necessarily the hurdles of rejection you face “out there,” but the marathon you’re running against yourself. My critique partners, my writing friends, have helped me grow so much in a few short years – I am thankful every day to have found them.
I am also extremely fortunate to have the support of my family and friends who have been with me every step as I ventured back into this writing journey. My husband and my boys have been my biggest advocates. And the support I’ve gotten from high school friends, college friends, coworkers, friends from town, family members near and far has been wonderful.
What are your writing goals for the next twelve months?
I just want to keep writing. Keep growing. Keep challenging myself.
