Writing is hard. First, you have to come up with a brilliant idea worth sharing with the world. Then, you have to get something down on paper that makes a bit of sense to read. Finally, and most importantly, you have to edit. Editing can be a real pain. You have to make sure everything… Continue reading Exhausting Edits
Inspiring Ideas
When I was in second grade, I wrote a gender-swapped version of The Prince and the Pauper after watching the Mickey Mouse version. I called it The Princess and the Widow. It took forever slowly typing it out on my grandmother's clunky computer. (This was between the years 2000 and 2001 when technology still needed… Continue reading Inspiring Ideas
Notebook Necessity
Technology has come a long way. We can make documents on a computer, edit without making a mess of our manuscripts, cut and paste without scissors and glue, and organize alphabetically or numerically with a click of a button. All of this is amazing and makes writing easier than ever. Yet writers still hoard pens… Continue reading Notebook Necessity
Pantser Ponderings
I've read a lot about the virtues and pitfalls of both plotting a novel and writing by the seat of your pants. Some writers swear plotting is the only way to go, while others insist on diving in headfirst without any plan at all. These differing approaches have led to more than a few harsh… Continue reading Pantser Ponderings
Resolution Ramblings
It’s finally here. The start of the new year. Time to get to all those resolutions you’ve been making since the day after Christmas. Or maybe you’re like me and your list is from four years ago, and you’ve been putting it off because you haven’t gotten the instant gratification of your dreams coming true… Continue reading Resolution Ramblings
Smiles For Sale
Mr. Williams sits outside Magnolia's Magnificent Magic Shop every day from dawn to dusk with a small plastic bucket and a cardboard sign. Smiles for Sale Penny a Piece He wears a bright yellow mask and a goofy hat. His clothes are covered in polka dots and shiny buttons. The shoes on his feet are… Continue reading Smiles For Sale
Snow
The fairy tale always ends with Snow White living happily ever after. But it often fails to mention how. You see, Snow White was no ordinary young lady, and she knew this since childhood, as did her stepmother. The Evil Queen did everything possible to rid herself of a perceived rival, but in doing so… Continue reading Snow
At the Dragon’s Cave
You left her here knowing she'd live. You've sent countless knights, promising them her hand, thinking I'd be easily slain. Now you stand before me with an army, demanding her release, hoping for mercy. Mercy you won't receive. You see, she doesn't want to leave. Here, she's safe. I provide for her, care for her.… Continue reading At the Dragon’s Cave
The Chosen One
So there I was, minding my business when this guy shows up asking if I want power. I knew enough from my aunt, the local crazy lady, to refuse. But this guy kept bothering me, so I caved. Big mistake. Turns out, the guy's a sorcerer, and I'm some Chosen One. Now, I'm here, standing… Continue reading The Chosen One
Demon River
Silence consumed the world around me as I trekked through the forest. Lost in thought, I didn't realize how close I was to the river until I heard the crunch of a bone beneath my boot. I gripped the hilt of my sword, telling myself I could handle whatever trials I had to endure. The… Continue reading Demon River