Interview with Dawn Miller

Meet NUNUM's contributor: Dawn Miller

2/14/2026

NUNUM

Blending Flash Fiction & Art

Interview with Dawn Miller

What was the first book you remember picking up and reading by yourself?

Wow. That's such a hard question. Books were an integral part of my upbringing.To be honest, I don't recall the switch from being read to by my parents to then reading on my own. The book I remember the most from my early youth is Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume. It felt like a revelation!

What writer(s) or which book(s) influenced your decision to become a writer?

I didn't have a specific moment when I decided to become a writer. Like many writers, I've created stories since I was little. The moment I decided to share my work was more of a conscious decision as I knew the only way to improve was to be vulnerable, put myself out there, and get feedback. Writers that have greatly influenced me are Lisa Moore, Margaret Atwood, Mary Lawson, and Miriam Toews.

Is there a writing craft book that you would recommend to new writers?

A good first book is Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. A classic.

Is there a writer who has influenced your current writing style?

I first learned about flash fiction from reading Kathy Fish's work. She's a brilliant writer and teacher. Other strong influences are the writers Lydia Davis, Sarah Freligh, Steve Almond, and Christopher Allen.

Why write flash fiction?

I love the precision and density of flash fiction. Every word counts, yet there still must be a layered and compelling story. I'm also fascinated by compression, how so much can be expressed in such few words. It's a powerful form!

What advice would you give someone who is just starting to send their work out to journals?

Expect rejection and know it's all part of the process. Be open to sharing your work. Workshop with other writers. Read, read, read! The only way to improve is to keep writing. Even widely published writers get rejections, so don't let that discourage you.

How do you find a group of trusted writers for workshopping?

There are loads of online courses on flash. Find ones that appeal to you and start networking with other writers. The flash community is full of generous writers!

What should you do when you feel you "can't write"?

Allow these fallow periods. Don't beat yourself up. When I have periods of non-writing, I read voraciously. It seems to fill up my writerly tank, and I can then return to whatever writing project I was working on with fresh eyes.

Coffee or tea?

For many years, it was coffee, but I found it too hard on my stomach (even decaf). I've switched to herbal tea. Having a warm drink beside me is imperative to my writing routine! My interest in tea and tea sommeliers (who knew there was such a thing?) has even sparked an idea for a work in progress!

Dawn Miller is the 2024 winner of the Toronto Star Short Story Contest. Her work appears in The Forge, SmokeLong Quarterly, The Cincinnati Review, and elsewhere. She is a graduate of the Humber School for Writers and lives in Picton, Ontario.