Language as Lesson

In this Book & Book, two classics with an ambassador to a new world, whether by choice or force, demonstrate the lessons of language and their bearing on interpersonal power dynamics. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin sees an ambassador on the faraway planet of Winter where he must navigate shifgrethor … Continue reading Language as Lesson

Justin Bloch, author

Justin Bloch's debut novel, The Stolen Karma of Nathaniel Valentine, is a powerhouse of plot twists and personal journeys. The settings are rich and varied, and the characters are all masterfully round and motivated. I caught up with Justin while he was hard at work on the sequel to ask him a few questions. PersephoneKnits: … Continue reading Justin Bloch, author

3 Story Prompts for May

Ooh, spring has sprung. That makes butt-in-chair time harder to do. I want to jump up and go outside. Or sit outside writing, which really means not writing, but watching leaves unfurl and flowers bloom. A few story prompts might help us all. Orgone (pronounced like, was he here or was he gone? Or gone.) … Continue reading 3 Story Prompts for May

Denise D. Young, fantasy-romance author

PersephoneKnits has a mission statement of positivity and support toward creative outcomes and growth. That doesn't mean ignoring failures and challenges, but rather going into projects with our eyes and our hands wide open. Part of that is setting intention, and Denise models that beautifully. From her blog: The release of my Tangled Magic series: … Continue reading Denise D. Young, fantasy-romance author

4 Story Prompts for March

Need writing ideas for March? How about... https://www.apnews.com/76e7c9eb60f14db98c855ef680d43adb Wyoming District Will Open 1- Student School Next Fall There are several ideas that jumped to my mind for this one. You could write a story from the child's POV or the teacher's. And since there are two schools with one student a few miles apart, … Continue reading 4 Story Prompts for March

Five Story Prompts from Book Covers

Submittable's newsletter had a link to a set of super cool book covers in the public domain. I fell down this rabbit hole hard. Here are five great leaping off spots into a short story. Man, I love old books. "There is Death in the Pot." A treatise on spotting adulterated and poisonous food. … Continue reading Five Story Prompts from Book Covers

5 Freaky Finds for February

Dang, it's cold. Let's warm up with some weird story prompts for the month. Atlas Obscura has a compilation of creepy folktales in case you need to get your blood pumping. I am not responsible for any weird dreams, but feel free to drop a comment if you end up being inspired to write a … Continue reading 5 Freaky Finds for February

How Alix E. Harrow Makes Me Cry

This is a story analysis post shared from my Patreon. It's the 27th short story this year in which I've taken apart the casing to watch the engine move. If you like that sort of thing, please consider pledging. Do Not Look Back, My Lion is in Beneath Ceaseless Skies Issue #270, a fabulous magazine … Continue reading How Alix E. Harrow Makes Me Cry

Seven Joys of January

Soon, the cows will be having babies. They'll be so little and cute, curled up in the hay and chasing each other on too-long legs. As I type this, snow is falling thick and forever, weighing down the willows, curling their edges toward the ground. Here are places and ideas and stories that brought me … Continue reading Seven Joys of January

Every Character is the Star of Their Show

Got a sidekick? I don't mean in real life! (although maybe you do. If so, I hope you also have a kickass soundtrack.) Writing secondary characters with depth and voice is often what separates a good story from a great one, and I have an example for you from a movie! (spoilers ahead) In The Life … Continue reading Every Character is the Star of Their Show