The Messy Middle: Luna & the Rise of Trans Narratives

The Messy Middle: Luna & the Rise of Trans Narratives

Welcome back to The Messy Middle, where we focus on crafting complex characters and building dynamic worlds that connect with readers from marginalized communities. Out of the numerous current events that have demanded our attention (and response) lately, I could not have predicted the surge of 490 proposals for anti-trans legislation that was introduced in… Read more »

April 2023 Leisure Learning: Friends, Foes, & Infamy

April 2023 Leisure Learning: Friends, Foes, & Infamy

Merry April, all! I hope that by the time you read this, you have gotten a chance to experience the luxury of reading outside. (Made even more luxurious, at times, through the magic of antihistamines.) This month’s column explores the spectrum of friends, enemies, frenemies, and simply odd relationships found within literature, both on and… Read more »

#5onFri: Five Ways to Get through a First Draft

#5onFri: Five Ways to Get through a First Draft

In the thirteen or so years that I’ve been in publishing, I’ve heard and seen it all. Working alongside #1 bestsellers and aspiring hopefuls, the similarities are a lot greater than one might expect—and the writing process isn’t too different, either. Whether you have a storied career, a collection of Creative Writing degrees, or you’re… Read more »

Become a Practicing Poet

Become a Practicing Poet

Are you a practicing poet? I’m guessing if you’re reading this article, you’d love to be. But. But. The BIG BUT.  So many buts. There are bills to pay, mouths to feed, and a Starbucks/Amazon addiction to indulge in.  Well, do not despair. I have good news for you, my friend. You don’t have to… Read more »

#5onFri: The Five Stages of a Writer’s Career

#5onFri: The Five Stages of a Writer’s Career

As a writer, you have your own unique gifts and only you can do the work you’re meant to do, but you’re also part of a larger art form with a long history and an amazing community. Just as we study the work of the writers we admire, we can study the path they’ve taken… Read more »