C. N. Jeffrey contributed one of the longer stories of the inaugural Fiddlhead Folio. As the editor putting up this post, I will write a short confession: I was really, *really* hoping that she would submit this piece and that we’d have the chance to publish it. I am proud we’ve given it a place to call home.Want to learn more about C. N.’s work? You can find her at @cnjeffreywrites on Instagram.

What inspired you to write your story? How does that inspiration manifest in this work? 

This story started with a writing prompt that gave you only the first line. As soon as I read it, I had this fully formed image of a man in a suit surveying his neighborhood from his living room window. I wanted to put him in a world where what usually happened outside that window was disrupted and see how he would behave. His response gives us insight into how small his world has become, but a little compassion from a stranger changes his whole story.


What was the hardest part of your writing process? Do you think it will be easier for your next story? 

I wrote this story without an outline. I learned a lot about my writing process, including that I am not a Pantser! My next story started with a spreadsheet.


What are you writing now (or next)? 

I am writing a mystery/suspense novel about friendship, deception, and how far we are willing to go to win. 

The launch of the Fiddlehead Folio will take place at the Literary Extravaganza and Book Bazaar on Saturday, December 2nd from 10am-3pm at the Writers’ Loft in Hudson, MA. If you live in Massachusetts, we would love to see you and share the Folio (along with so many other books on sale that day!) with you! Planning to join us? Let us know on Facebook or Eventbrite!