WITH ONLY WEEKS until the deadline for an annual writing contest, I am stretching my mind to come up with short stories and poetry that will please not only me, but also the editors of a Minnesota-based literary anthology. It’s not easy, this creative writing. Yet, I enjoy the challenge.
I can’t always explain from whence my fictional stories spring. I’ve written some really dark stuff that has landed me publication and sometimes prizes. Stories with undertones of darkness and violence. Nothing like I’ve experienced in real life, although certainly I’ve faced plenty of dark and trying days.
When I read my second place winning fictional story, “Dear Mother,” at last fall’s Talking Stick 33—Earth Signs book launch party in northern Minnesota, I qualified my reading with “I don’t know where this dark story came from.” It was implied that the main character killed her abusive mother. The writer who followed me as the first place winner in fiction also wrote a dark story. I don’t recall if Tara or some other writer explained that, in order to reach the light, we need to go through darkness. That resonated with me.
I’ve completed the initial draft of my first piece of fiction for this year’s contest. It, too, includes some dark elements. The community calendar in my local newspaper prompted the story, which I realize may seem rather odd. But, hey, inspiration can strike in the most unlikely of places. A previous work prompted by a sign at Bridge Square Barbers in Northfield earned me a second place in creative nonfiction in 2022.
Now three years later, with the printed community calendar of events lying on my office desk, I glanced from newspaper to computer screen as the idea of a story began to take shape. Once I finished the intro, words began to fly (OK, admittedly not always) from my brain to the keyboard to the screen. The draft is saved, awaiting a second look in a few days.
Now I’m on to my next piece of writing. A photo I took of a sharing library (like a Little Free Library) in Pine River is serving as my inspiration for a story that has yet to unfold. But I see the possibilities in the many love-themed/titled books shelved inside that library adorned with a Peace/Love/Books sticker.
Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare. Lunkers Love Nightcrawlers, author unknown to me. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, packed with life lessons, including that of love. Sin Killer by Larry McMurtry, a book of adventure, humor and romance on the American frontier. And then Absolute Power by David Baldacci, about a President “caught” with a billionaire’s wife. That title seems so relatable to today. Absolute power. But writing contest rules call for no political or religious rants, meaning I will need to steer clear of politics.
And so I’ll see where this idea goes. If a plot develops in my mind, if a story flows into something that may, or may not, be dark.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Hi Audrey, I tried to leave a supportive message on your blog, but I wasn’t able to do so. Wishing you the best on your writing. May the words be with you, Beth
This message clearly arrived in my comments. Thank you for your support, Beth.
I don’t know what’s happening with comments today. You aren’t the only one experiencing issues. Sigh.
Best of luck to you, Audrey! I have no doubt your piece will do very well. As you said, ‘inspiration can strike in the most unlikely of places,’ and I know this to be true. A story may not always be pretty or happy, but it’s all about making the reader feel or understand something, perhaps they they’ve experienced, or perhaps not, but it connects with them in some way.
That’s right. It’s about connecting with the reader. Today I’ll work on my next entry. I have lots of writing to complete in the next several weeks.
A writer searches for her muse! 😊 You are so lucky to have the gift of creative writing!
Thank you. Creative writing is a fairly new endeavor for me. I didn’t realize I could write fiction until I tried. With a journalism degree and work experience as a newspaper reported, I’d always written in a journalistic style. Facts. Not fiction.
Your writing is always first rate and I look forward to the selection for the upcoming anthology book.
Thank you, Sue. We’ll see what, if any, of my writing is selected for the upcoming volume of TS. First I need to get my entries written. Working on it.
I can’t wait to read your newest story. Best wishes for another entry.
Thank you, Valerie. I’m working hard on my entries this week. It takes time and inspiration.
You are a good writer, who doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects. This makes your writing feel ‘fuller’, as you incorporate experiences from many different places. Looking forward to your next winning story in the Talking Stick. Is there a theme this year for the next episode of the Talking Stick or is the theme decided after all the entries are gathered?
Thank you for your kind words, Rose. The title of the book comes together once the poetry and stories are selected. Editors seem to find a common theme threading through the works. But, no, there is no theme ahead of time. Just the rules for each type of entry such as word count, no religious or political rants and, most importantly, you must be a Minnesota resident or have a strong connection to Minnesota to enter this competition.
I wish that I had the creative ability to tell stories like you do. You never know maybe my blog posts would become more interesting but it’s just not my art form. Wishing you luck on your next published story. They are always fun to read about
Thank you. Your creative abilities lie in the hands-on art of knitting, sewing, etc. And that, too, is a gift. I love how you embrace your gifts and often share your creations with others. You are a blessing to many.
Good luck —- you will write something great — I am sure of it!
Working on it.