MacGuffins are nouns in a story that drive the people and plot out of their normal routine and into fiction. In the end, they probably don't actually matter, but without them, the story doesn't have a compelling reason to get going. Respected and experienced creators have different definitions, but for the purpose of these prompts, … Continue reading October’s Writing Prompts
Djibril al-Ayad, Editor
To celebrate the Jubilee Issue of The Future Fire magazine, General Editor Djibril al-Ayad agreed to come and answer some of my questions about the work their team of editors and readers does in the speculative market. PersephoneKnits: Let's start with an introduction of The Future Fire (TFF) to the readers. Djibril al-Ayad: The Future Fire … Continue reading Djibril al-Ayad, Editor
Bonus Writing Prompt
One of the places SFF stories live is where the edge of science and the corner of ethics should meet, but don't. Is it regulated? Science so often outpaces regulation or societal conversation. Lyrebird is an AI voice mimic. I heard an NPR interview a few months ago with the app's developers and sat in … Continue reading Bonus Writing Prompt
Prose Poem
I'm trying to wrangle my Patreon posts into a spreadsheet, and rediscovered this prose poem I wrote two years ago. I loved this one, so I figured I'd share it so you could love it, too! Lunch Counter I’m sorry to stare. I sometimes have hallucinations and can’t always tell what’s there. Just a moment … Continue reading Prose Poem
September’s Writing Prompts
Ooh, for those of you with summer munchkins underfoot, you possibly have more time to write now that they are safely ensconced! But, you sit down to face that blank page and your mind stutters. This month's writing prompts (and the previous ones) might be able to help. Lots of sub calls will be for … Continue reading September’s Writing Prompts
Jason A. Holt, author
I met Jason at Miscon 33. We paneled together, and he came by with conversation and encouragement during my meet-and-greet. His latest book is Fighter Fred and the Dungeon of Doom, and it is hilarious. I love a book that can make me laugh. I also love books that poke fun at genres, tropes, and … Continue reading Jason A. Holt, author
Beak, Full of Tongue is live!
This is a limited first edition collection of twenty-three original poems. The book was printed locally in saddle-stitch binding, and I'm giddy with pride over it! Each book purchased through my Etsy shop is signed and comes with an extra bit of swag from my blackout poetry project as a special thank you.
Writing Prompts for August
Lacunamancy Staring into the holes of objects or text until you hallucinate. This was a practice of some Jewish mystics, and for some reason reminds me of The Wonderful Life of Henry Sugar (which I haven't read in decades, and should probably re-read). "...some Qumran scholars have spent many hours staring into the lacunae in … Continue reading Writing Prompts for August
Chronicle of Crows
Chronicle of Crows I'm not spatially-gifted. No one says savant or Rain Man or even any odd; I am in space, a miracle of neurology. Except for toes, especially right foot second which I've broken every year since I got my diagnosis. But I was thinking of the crows. Perhaps, fifty. Which will be next … Continue reading Chronicle of Crows
Cover Reveal !!
The cover for Beak, Full of Tongue is almost finished, and I wanted to show you a sneak-peek of the front design! There are still some tweaks needed, and I sent the back-copy this morning, but isn't it lovely? *swoon* This poetry collection is twice the poems of Terracotta Pomegranate, and will be available … Continue reading Cover Reveal !!
