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Alumna Featured in Huffington Post for Monster Story | SUNY Plattsburgh

Want a “terrific” example of how to write a suspenseful dark tale?

According to the Huffington Post, you don’t need to look any further than 2011 alumna Ali Simpson.

The Post made note of Simpson’s writing skills as illustrated by her short story, “The Monster,” originally published on Michael Noll’s “Read to Write Stories ” blog and on “Electric Literature’s Recommended Reading.” 

Inspired by Self-Pity

The inspiration behind “The Monster” began with self-pity.

“I felt my writing was going nowhere, as were my friendships, my relationships and my job,” Simpson said. “A lot of young adults are trying to navigate the world. I wrote this story for those people rather than for myself.

“It’s a big deal in the publishing universe to be highlighted on these blogs,” said the magazine journalism and English writing arts graduate.

Since The Huffington Post shout-out, Simpson is committed to publishing. She has been honing her skills, reading more works and has even found an agent.

“I had a dance party after getting an agent,” Simpson said.

She is also promoting her most recent story, "The Gallipoli Experience," which was published in Consequence, a journal about war and the culture of war.

Fostering Creativity and Concise Writing

Simpson credits her success to the professors in the English and journalism departments for encouraging creativity, teaching her concise writing and guiding her academic career.

“I owe a lot to SUNY Plattsburgh for making me a better writer,” Simpson said. “I learned to stop being afraid to make phone calls, thanks to my journalism classes.”

Simpson plans to complete and publish her first novel. She also hopes to be in New York City this summer with a publishing job.

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