The Triumph of Two Boys Kissing

The Triumph of Two Boys Kissing

When you look at the cover for Two Boys Kissing, you get a pretty good idea of what this book will be about. Then you read the synopsis on the inside cover and your idea becomes a bit more defined, a bit clearer. Finally, you sit down to read the book, only to discover that… Read more »

Why Do Speculative Things Matter?

Why Do Speculative Things Matter?

What exactly is a speculative matter? What exactly does speculative mean? Why does speculative matter? First, let us look at Merriam-Webster: Speculative, Adjective, spec·​u·​la·​tive, There is a third definition but, as it refers to financial matters, we can ignore that one. I think the first two are what we are looking for. Speculative fiction has… Read more »

Exposing Yourself to Narrative Poetry - Canadian Gothic-Style

Exposing Yourself to Narrative Poetry: Canadian Gothic-Style

Narrative poetry will always have a special place in my heart — it’s like two of my favorite things mushed together. Stories nourish our emotional lives, often mirroring our struggles and offering a safe place to feel sad or scared or, as in the poem I’ve picked, horrified. You’re welcome.  The Narrative Poem The poem… Read more »

First Chapter Analysis: The Midnight Library

First Chapter Analysis: The Midnight Library

If you’re a writer (and if you’re reading this article, it’s likely that you are!), you probably spend a happy amount of time reading. But when you read, do you read like a writer? Writers who learn how to read like writers inevitably improve their craft in immeasurable ways. The longer you read like a… Read more »

Writing a Young Adult Thriller? Then Read These Books!

Writing a Young Adult Thriller? Then Read These Books!

My author dreams began with my obsession with reading. I’m a book fangirl at heart, so it won’t come as a surprise that I love the Reading with Purpose tenet of DIY MFA (side note: I really love all three tenets, but reading will always hold a little edge on the others).  When I first… Read more »

Leisure Learning, December 2022

Leisure Learning, December 2022

Only a few more days til 2023! With Covid largely behind us, 2023 means we can get back out there and live fully. We can do research at destinations we’ve had on our lists for years! In the spirit of kicking off the new year, my December 2022 leisure learning recommendations are designed to set… Read more »

The Book Nook: Interview with Amy Wallen

I love craft books and I love food. So when I saw How to Write a Novel in 20 Pies by Amy Wallen come across my desk, I just knew I had to investigate further. And what a treat! Not only does Amy provide fantastic advice, but the recipes she weaves throughout look super yummy…. Read more »

Cozy to Cold-Blooded: Mystery Shows

Cozy to Cold-Blooded: Mystery Shows

Like many mystery readers, I love mystery television shows. Although I found it a tough task to narrow them down, today I share my favorites. I think there is something for everyone on this list, from cozies to gritty police procedural to dark (sometimes really dark) suspense. Happy reading and watching!  Shetland Genre: Police Procedural… Read more »

The Lasting Genius of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America

The Lasting Genius of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America

Not long ago, I finished my fourth read of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America. It is one of those rare texts that doesn’t just invite itself for a revisit, but is almost a necessary lifelong companion. Speaking as it does on homosexuality in America, and on the AIDS crisis (and the political mess that surrounded/continues… Read more »

November 2022 Leisure Learning

November 2022 Leisure Learning

Happy holidays and solstice celebrations to all! As the year comes to an end, I hope that you take the time to look over those moments which made 2022 special for you in terms of literature. Whether they are of the reading, writing, or researching variety – anything that inspires linguistic love counts as a… Read more »