“The Acorn”: An Ekphrastic Exercise
Ekphrasis: an artistic dialogue, in which one medium illustrates, evokes, or delves into the essence of another.
Last night, I betrayed one of my characters and I feel really okay about it.
Last night, one of my WIP YA novel characters and I had a DTR and a minor falling out (that was quickly resolved). It went something like this.
Beyond the Realms of Critique & Perfection
Critique and Perfection are inherent to a strong writerly practice. But we need access to other realms too—ones that allow our ideas to take root and grow into incredible things.
Setting the Room Ablaze: Tips for Reading as a Writer
This is something I’ve been sitting on for a while: Hillfire Anthology, Vol. II is finally out! Hillfire Press Edinburgh is a collective of writers, publishers, designers and team players. We find our roots in the Creative Writing, MSc. at the University of Edinburgh. Though we’ve scattered across the globe since graduation, we remain dedicated…
Finding the In-Between: Words of Advice for the Busy Creative
I won’t take much of your time. Because you’re probably busy. You “have a life” that includes demands like bills, housework, groceries, jobs, kids, caregiving, schoolwork… the list could go on. And somewhere in the madness, you try to squeeze in your own creative ventures. Well. Maybe “try” is a hard word. I know how…
3 Reasons Why the Pen is My Weapon of Choice
In the latest iteration of my résumé, I eloquently told my prospective employer that, in the fight to build thriving communities, foster empathy, and engage diverse people, the written word was my “tool of choice.” I guess they thought that sounded pretty good, because they hired me. But what exactly did I mean? I’ve always…
Marveling at the Tree Line: An End-of-Year Reflection
As the year closes, many of us are reflecting on 2022—the things we did and the things we should’ve done or wanted to do but didn’t. This is going to be a bit of a ramble, but stick with me. I won’t take much of your time. Morgan Harper Nichols—an artist, poet, and one of…
Is It Worth It? A letter to the wondering writer
Dear Wondering Writer, I see you. Sitting at your desk again. Cross-legged on the window seat. Under your favorite tree, or perhaps in it, your toes hooked around the branch to bring balance your precarious body. You’re staring again. At the screen. The page. The ether. Wondering. I’ve been where you are. I’m sure I’ll…