R.A. Goli is the author of Winter’s Widow, a spellbinding story just published in Winter Enchantment. As the story opens, Evelyn gazes through the window but has lost the sense of joy she once felt. How can frost sprites change Evelyn’s life? Will Evelyn find the strength to do the right thing?
Goli has published numerous short stories, as well as a short story collection, Unfettered. Here’s her interview.
What inspired Winter’s Widow?
I’m not sure what inspired the story, other than there was a winter-themed call for submission. The story was rejected there and was later published elsewhere.
Winter’s Widow originally had quite a dark/sad ending, but that second editor suggested I try to write a happier ending, so that’s the version you’ll read in Winter Enchantment.
How does place influence your writing?
I have a big desk (so there is room for my cat to sleep), in my office, so I usually write there, but I’ve also become quite good at ignoring the TV noise if I happen to be writing at the dining room table.
I don’t think place influences my writing. I’m either in the “zone” or not.
What is your writing process like?
When the phase of the moon is right, I’ll leave an offering for the hob-goblins who — if satisfied with my gift — will come in for coffee and brainstorm ideas with me. But I usually just try to write for a specific call so that gives me a theme. Then I’ll think about it for a while — maybe an hour, maybe a few days — and hopefully get something I can build on when I sit at my laptop.
Have you written about otherworldly beings in any of your other work?
Ooh lots! Ghosts, mermaids, gargoyles, Minotaurs, blob-like creatures worshipped as gods, griffons, vampires, Death, gods & goddesses, harpies, zombies, and more.
Where can we read your writing?
You can read an excerpt from my short story collection, ‘Unfettered’, on my website or download a couple of free stories by signing up to my newsletter at https://ragoliauthor.wordpress.com/ or stalk me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RAGoliAuthor.
What is your next writing project?
I would like to publish another collection of short stories. Unfettered is a mixed-genre collection, so the next collection will be genre-specific; probably fantasy, but possibly horror as I can’t pick a favourite.
Read Winter’s Widow in Winter Enchantment, a collection of tales to transport you to far-flung snowscapes, published in February 2023 and available from Smashwords, Amazon, Kobo and more!
R.A. Goli is an Australian writer of horror, fantasy, and speculative short stories. In addition to writing, her interests include reading, gaming, the occasional cemetery walk, and annoying her chihuahua, two cats, and husband. Her short story collection Unfettered is available through her website, https://ragoliauthor.wordpress.com/. Check out her numerous short story publications, grab a free short story at her website or stalk her on Facebook.