So I know this blog has been quiet lately, and I'm sorry about that. The truth? It's a combination of things. I've been deep in the throes of revision, for one. Also, I was chosen to be a NaNoWriMo co-ML (regional leader) for our region. And lastly, I've been pouring a lot of energy into …
NaNoWriMo Desktop Calendars: 2021
Sorry I'm a bit late this year, but I'm continuing the tradition of creating some NaNoWriMo desktop calendars for 2021. These should be sized so that if you select "Fill Screen" in your settings, the wallpapers should be sized correctly on most monitors. (There's enough room on the sides to adapt to multiple monitor sizes). …
On The Love of Monsters
I've always loved monsters. As far back as I can remember, I loved the aesthetic of Jareth the Goblin King, found myself oddly fascinated by Darkness from Legend, and couldn't pinpoint why I was so obsessed with vampires. I was always drawn to the odd, the repugnant, the weird. At the same time, I was …
Writing Fuel: My Fave Coffees
First off, a quick note that this is not a sponsored post. None of these companies know I'm actually making it, I just really love their coffee and wanted to share. Best Flavored: Bones Coffee Company (Mug is a custom commission from Amy Rae Hill) I'm usually a bit dubious of flavored coffee... It can …
New podcast: “…and it’s writing.” (And Episode 1!)
Welcome to a new podcast project with fellow writer D.C. McNaughton! Together, we'll have a few drinks while we explore an aspect of writing craft in each episode by reviewing and revising some of our old, cringey writing. Each episode will also feature a themed beverage pairing. For the schedule and more episodes, check out …
Continue reading New podcast: “…and it’s writing.” (And Episode 1!)
Custom Mocktail: Joyce Liu-Stone
Today's custom mocktail recipe is a bright, joyful, non-alcoholic smoothie inspired by my friend Amren's character, Joyce Liu-Stone. Joyce is a bit awkward, but a sweet person and a great friend. Because of her love for mangoes, I wanted to use that as the base flavor. This drink is super-easy to prepare, too, great for …
Custom Cocktail: Taryn Roft
This week, I'm excited to feature a cocktail based on Taryn from E.M. Wright's YA Steampunk novel SEDITION, available now!In the description of the character, I loved the idea of using her favorite earl grey tea as a base flavor in the drink, while also referencing her copper clockwork arm in the color. Plus, it's …
What I Learned Writing Fanfiction
It's not unheard-of for authors to get their start writing fanfiction. Even if it's a seven-year-old's My Little Pony original character going on adventures with Spider-man, fanfiction can be a very accessible entry point for writing. The side characters and setting are already created, all you need to do is provide a plot and maybe …
Custom Cocktail: Ecstasy Goldentongue
A little while ago, I started making custom cocktails and mocktails based on characters created for friends. Today's feature is a friend's DnD character, Tiefling Warlock Ecstasy Goldentongue. Artwork by Matt Spencer (Twitter / Website) Ecstasy is described by his player Matt as "Severe, elegant, meticulous, scheming, devoted (to his patron, and to his own …
Author Spotlight: E.M. Wright
On today's author spotlight: E.M. Wright, author of the upcoming novel Sedition, available on May 18th! Introduce yourself! Tell us your name and one interesting or unusual fact about you. Hi, my name is Em, and I used to play 7 instruments. I could probably still do it, just not well. It’s been a long …
Avery Ames 