In this edition of Inside the Den, we’re highlighting Alex Wollinka, one of our fiction, flash fiction, and creative nonfiction readers. For the past two years, Alex has been a steady and insightful presence on the Black Fox editorial team. Her thoughtful commentary and careful attention to each submission make her a trusted voice across genres—and one of our go-to readers when we need a sharp eye and a dependable perspective.
Black Fox Literary Magazine: Hi, Alex, how did you become a reader for Black Fox?
Alex Wollinka: I started reading for Black Fox when I saw a call for applications in one of their emails.
BFLM: What kinds of stories or themes are you most drawn to?
AW: In general, I’m more drawn to character-driven work, and I’m a huge fan of writing that’s non-chronological or unfolds in unconventional ways. I tend to gravitate towards themes of family dynamics, transformation, and human connection with the environment. I also love imagery that feels strange and creative!
BFLM: What’s your biggest pet peeve when it comes to reading a submission?
AW: I would say the biggest is if it seems like AI was used for the writing, but that’s not very common as far as I’m able to tell. As for a more niche one, I dislike when the writing is overly convoluted so that there can be a big reveal or twist at the end. If all the characters know a core piece of information while only the reader is left in the dark, it’s usually difficult to feel connected (although there are ways to do this well!)
BFLM: What makes a submission stand out (in a good way)?
AW: I love pieces that think outside the box and play with things like structure, POV, or genre. If something takes me by surprise and makes me ask questions, it’s going to leave a good impression!
BFLM: What’s something you’ve learned from reading submissions that surprised you?
AW: For me, I’m surprised at how I still get a lot out of the pieces I read. I’m always learning new things and hearing different voices and ideas, and (aside from a couple repeat submissions) no two pieces are the same.
BFLM: What’s a story you love and think about often?
AW: “Sabrina and Corina” by Kali Fajardo-Anstine! I would highly recommend her book of short stories with the same title.
BFLM: If your personality were a literary genre, what would it be—and why?
AW: I’m going to go with the New Weird, mostly because it’s my favorite one to nerd out about. Firstly, it emerged around the same time I was born (late 90s to early 2000s) and secondly because the genre is very fluid–it draws from an eclectic mix of classic sci-fi, fantasy, and existential horror elements, and China Miéville referred to the genre as “a moment, a suggestion, a tease, an intervention, an attitude, above all an argument,” which is something that I aspire to live out in my day-to-day life.
BFLM: Many thanks, Alex, for your dedication and insight. Your thoughtful approach to each piece helps strengthen the heart of what we do here at Black Fox.
Stay tuned for more staff spotlights in upcoming editions of Inside the Den—because every page begins with a reader.
Alex Wollinka is based in Syracuse, NY, where she works as an editorial assistant at Syracuse University Press. Alex graduated from Colorado College in 2024 with a major in Creative Writing and a minor in Studio Art. In college, she worked as Editor-in-Chief of Cipher Magazine, a Writing Center Consultant, and held a summer internship with Dzanc Books. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, making art, and exploring the outdoors.
