Empathy with words: An interview with author June Wolfman

FreedomFiction.com presents an interview series to know more about our authors and artists.

Readers of short fiction are no stranger to June Wolfman, who has a unique voice and perspective on humanity and an empathy for lost souls. She has been published in many well-known short story markets and we are glad to have her regular contributions at FreedomFiction.com

With these series of interviews, we are hoping to highlight popular independent authors, their personality, philosophy, influences, creative process, career journey, and outlook on publishing and writing life.

Presenting, JUNE WOLFMAN at FreedomFiction.com

Dey: What first made you want to become a writer?

June Wolfman: When I grew up, there was a TV program called, “The Waltons.” The MC was an aspiring, struggling writer. His character was so thoughtful that I thought…trying to write makes you a thoughtful person. I want that.

Dey: Was there a particular book, author, or moment that influenced your decision to write?

June: To Kill a Mockingbird really influenced me.

Dey: What kinds of stories or subjects naturally attract you as a writer?

June: I like creepy stories AND stories from a kid’s POV

Dey: Which themes or ideas keep appearing in your work, even unintentionally?

June: The ray of hope even in a dark situation. Kids raising each other. And even death.

Dey: How would you describe your writing process from idea to finished manuscript?

June: I get an image first, one that I have a strong reaction to. Then I write a story from that prompt. Then I show my draft to a writer friend and take her feedback (or not). Then revise. Revise again.

Dey: Do you write with a detailed plan, or do you discover the story as you go?

June: A little of both. I start with a plan, but then the story writes itself away from my plan.

Dey: What part of writing do you enjoy the most—and what part do you struggle with the most?

June: I love the part right before revising. Revising is hard.

Dey: How has your writing changed over the years?

June: It is far less forced.

Dey: Are there writers, artists, filmmakers, or thinkers who continue to inspire your work?

June: Gina Rogers, Stephen King, Anne Lamott

Dey: What role does personal experience play in your writing?

June: Huge. I usually pull from my experience.

Dey: How important has discipline and routine been in your writing career?

June: I try to hold myself to a deadline for the different stages.

Dey: What have been the biggest challenges in your journey as an author?

June: I’ve written two middle grade novels and not published either.

Dey: How do you deal with rejection, criticism, or creative self-doubt?

June: Not well.

Dey: What does success mean to you as a writer?

June: Writing well, first of all. Good feedback, second.

Dey: Do you believe publication is essential for a writer, or can writing itself be enough?

June: If you never ever publish…that’s one valid undertaking. I prefer to publish.

Dey: Has publishing changed your relationship with writing in any way?

June: Yes. Publishing gives me confidence.

Dey: What is your opinion of the modern publishing world and today’s reading culture?

June: Barnes and Nobles just pushes the new and the very old, but there are gems from just a few years ago that are completely lost.

Dey: What kind of emotional or intellectual experience do you hope readers take away from your work?

June: Some insight into the human condition or a thrill

Dey: What advice would you give to aspiring writers trying to find their own voice?

June: Keep a journal

Dey: Looking back on your career so far, what has writing taught you about life and/or people/society?

June: Just that I love stories!

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Read fiction from June Wolfman at FreedomFiction.com

A Transfer by June Wolfman
https://www.freedomfiction.com/2026/05/a-transfer-by-june-wolfman/

If Only by June Wolfman
https://www.freedomfiction.com/2026/02/if-only-by-june-wolfman/

A Train Ride to Queens by June Wolfman
https://www.freedomfiction.com/2025/11/train-ride-to-queens-by-june-wolfman/

Art Class by June Wolfman
https://www.freedomfiction.com/2025/07/art-class-by-june-wolfman/

The Fish Story by June Wolfman
https://www.freedomfiction.com/2025/04/the-fish-story-by-june-wolfman/