A couple of days ago I was reading a post on a blog I follow, Life in the Realm of Fantasy, and it posed the question about crisis points for a character. Her example was driving down a road where the signs are missing, but the character keeps driving anyway. I think of a fork…
Hello Readers! I'm excited to write that I was given the opportunity to participate in a guest post in anticipation of my fantasy novel, A Smuggler's Path, being released later this summer! Please take a moment to visit the website, The Once and Future Podcast, and then check out my post on their blog and…
In search of other stories–part one
As you know, dear readers, I have a complicated relationship with fairy tales. On the one hand, they're a great source of historical values and entertainment. But on the other, the anachronisms are hard to stomach sometimes. Especially as a woman. Even with my serious case of doublethink, I seek the stories out to better…
Gardening Tips from Mary, Mary Quite Contrary
Mary Mary quite contrary How does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockle shells And pretty maids all in a row I am a terrible gardener. More to the point, I’m a reluctant one. I find people and animals more rewarding than plants, so it’s hard to make myself pay the attention necessary…
Transformations with The Little Mermaid
Having a blog has taught me some interesting things about myself. Some things I already knew and the blog just solidified the fact (i.e. I thrive on deadlines because without them my default is lazy). Some were funny (like how ridiculously happy it makes me when someone leaves a comment). How guarded I am…
The Valiant Little Tailor and Other Brave Declarations
If ever there was a fairy tale character to look up to, I think Grimm’s The Valiant Little Tailor should be at the top of the list. Here was a man who had no problems telling the world about his amazing deed, even though the “seven in one stroke” he killed were only flies who…
Community in the Wilderness: Searching for a Writer’s Group in the Wilds of the Web
“Why did you start a blog?” It’s a question I get asked periodically by people who don’t write blogs. The honest answer is “platform”. It’s one of those buzzwords you can’t escape if you go to conferences, subscribe to newsletters, and generally stay abreast of the latest in writing and publishing. You hear it often…
Music For Writers
In the course of my life I’ve had many music teachers for piano, voice, music theory, and music history. I’ve taken classes in movement and drama, but I always knew that I would never be a professional musician. For me, music was another language in which to communicate. And even though I never had any…
Will Multicultural become a new genre?
When I was an undergrad, I had a work-study in the school career center. My main role was internet research, a sweet gig for a sophomore which came with an office and unfettered access to a computer. One day I was called into a planning meeting for a networking event. What made it different from…
At the Crossroads of Fairy Tale and Folklore
According to my outdated (read: paper copy!) Webster's Dictionary the definition of fairy tale is a story about fairies, magic deeds, etc., while folklore is defined as the traditional beliefs, legends, etc. of a culture. So does that mean all fairy tales and folklore have in common is etc.? What's etcetera anyway in this case? I like…
