Interview with Sophie Hoss

Meet NUNUM's Contributor: Sophie Hoss

3/14/2025

NUNUM

Blending Flash Fiction & Art

Interview with Sophie Hoss

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

Probably one of the Junie B. Jones or Magic Treehouse books. Or something about talking animals.

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

It was most likely Harry Potter. Series of Unfortunate Events was a big one, too. I loved Lemony Snicket's blend of darkness and humor. He taught me that not every story mystery must be answered.

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

Meander, Spiral, Explode by Jane Alison offers many great insights into plot structures that deviate from the standard "Hero's Journey."

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

So many! Frederic Tuten, Amy Hempel, Genevieve Sly Crane, Mary Oliver, Ocean Vuong, James Baldwin, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez have all been tremendous influences and inspirations.

Why write flash fiction?

It's super fun! Plus, having a limited amount of words really pushes me to experiment.

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

It's cliche, but don't get discouraged by the "no"s. Persistence is key, and if you continue to send out your work, it'll eventually find the right home. Also, make sure you don't get scammed---look carefully at a journal's website before you submit.

What else are you working on right now?

A book about the ocean and a short story collection.

Who were your Spotify Wrapped top 5 artists?

Fleetwood Mac, Florence & the Machine, Of Monsters and Men, Hozier, and Lana del Rey.

Pick a number between one and ten.

Seven.

Sophie Hoss loves the ocean and is in bed by 9 pm every night. She has received a Pushcart Prize, and her words are scattered around in BOMB, The Baffler, Split Lip, Ninth Letter, Wigleaf, and elsewhere. Also, she has a small dog named Elmo, who likes to wear little sweaters. You can read more of her work at sophiehosswriting.com.