Tag: writing

October’s Writing Prompts

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

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

Book & Book

What would it be when you took the Dust of His Dark Materials and covered it in sin? That would be Dan Vyleta's Smoke. Mr. Vyleta has written a Dickensian tale of class structure, ethical theology, and coming-of-age in the most naked and brutal of ways. What if every sinful thought and compulsion you had were … Continue reading Book & Book

June’s Story Prompts

HOW is it already June? Have you written as many stories as you thought you would? Are you feeling stuck from mowing lawns and playing taxi to the little ones? Here are some cool story ideas to get you started - 1. Black, Hot Ice Planets "...a new phase of water with bizarre properties. Unlike the … Continue reading June’s Story Prompts

Cait Gordon, author & advocate

Cait Gordon's first book, Life in the 'Cosm, was meant as a way to survive chronic illness, but ended up a surprise hit. She's about to release a second edition, and a prequel, with Renaissance Press! With co-editor Talia C. Johnson and Nathan Fréchette from Renaissance, she recently built a Kickstarter for Nothing Without Us … Continue reading Cait Gordon, author & advocate

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

2018 – What’d I Learn?

I'm a goal-setter. A list-maker. A Resolutionist.  (ya like that?) Here were my goals for 2018: Have four works published Revise Ferals & Blights Write six new short stories Be able to do ten full push-ups Complete full year of Patreon poetry postcards Not bad! And, I learned something BIG about goal-setting as a writer. … Continue reading 2018 – What’d I Learn?

FrostFire Worlds

Remember how great it felt to curl up as a kid with a collection of short stories? You could drop in and out between chores or during lunch at school. I remember reading them on long car trips, too. FrostFire Worlds is a market for younger readers who like speculative fiction. It's one of the … Continue reading FrostFire Worlds