DWR Award Flash Fiction Finalist Jeff Hoard

This week’s Writer Wednesday is writer, journalist and DWR Award flash fiction finalist Jeff Hoard from Macomb Township! Jeff is the Michigan Production Hub Editor for MediaNews Group. He’s also a flash fiction writer, a big Detroit sports fan and a Stephen King fanboy. He’s been featured in the literary journal CHEAP POP as well as The Central Review at Central Michigan University. 

He took first place in the flash fiction category at the 2022 DWR Awards for his story called “Pet Store.” Read more about him below!

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

That "ah-ha!" moment when a story comes to mind and watching it evolve as I type away on the computer. 

What does your writing workspace look like?

Very messy! My den is filled with books from my favorite authors like Stephen King and Kurt Vonnegut, and many comic strip book collections such as Calvin and Hobbes, Pearls Before Swine, FoxTrot and much more. I collect Dunnys and other vinyl figurines that serve as inspiration for my writings. I love the whimsical art of Melvin McGee and have many of his canvas prints on the walls.

What do you enjoy the most about writing flash fiction?

The challenge of writing a complete story in so few words. Being a journalist I have written many news stories that get to the point, and that carries over into my fiction writing.

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?

Playing video games, which I do more of now with my son. I have a backlog that grows every Black Friday sales season.

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

Read as much as possible. This helps me learn to choose the correct words and create the perfect sentences. Also, many of my story ideas are inspired from stories I read in online journals and my bookshelf. 

What writing projects are you currently working on?

I'm working on a couple longer speculative fiction pieces inspired by current events and binge watching "Black Mirror" on Netflix. One is about guns in America and the other about the aftermath of a presidential election.

Follow Jeff on Twitter at @JeffHoard921.