I’m a novelist, translator, and translation scholar, not necessarily in that order. I have taught, lived, and written in the US, Finland, Russia, Spain, Hong Kong, and Mainland China, where I currently spend seven to eight months out of every…
Lenore serves as the Associate Creative Nonfiction (CNF) Editor for the Mud Season Review. Her environmental novel Pulp into Paper was published on Earth Day by Atmosphere Press. Around the same time, she gave birth to her newest poetry collection,…
In the topside world, I teach academic writing at a community college in Honolulu, Hawaii. In the river that flows beneath, I am a writer, collage artist, and photographer.
As a writer who has experimented with various workspace setups over the years, I’ve come to realize the profound impact our environment can have on our creativity and productivity. The ancient Chinese practice of feng shui, often dismissed as mere…
I’ve always been fascinated by the enduring appeal of summer romance novels. There’s something magical about stories that unfold under the warm sun, against the backdrop of lazy beach days and endless possibilities. This magic isn’t just in the pages;…
As summer arrives in all its glory, bringing long, sun-drenched days and the gentle lull of waves, it’s the perfect time to indulge in some leisurely summer reading. There’s something magical about curling up with a good book by the…
Writing trends come and go. But one trend that’s making a significant comeback and reshaping the way we tell stories is serialized fiction. This age-old format, once popularized by literary giants like Charles Dickens, is experiencing a renaissance in the…
As writers, we’re constantly evolving, learning, and growing. Our words today may inspire, guide, or even surprise our future selves. That’s why I’m excited to explore the concept of a writer’s time capsule – a unique way to capture our…
As the summer sun beckons and the allure of vacation grows stronger, many of us writers find ourselves torn between the desire to relax and the need to keep our creative momentum going. I’ve faced this dilemma countless times, and…
Outsider art is created by those who don’t fit it. Or those who choose not to. Being true to one’s spirit brings me to my writer’s dilemma – highfalutin words: love ’em or leave ’em? Scribblers, decide how much of…
Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting your literary journey, one thing is clear: a writer’s toolkit is like a treasure chest, filled with essential software and tools that can elevate your craft to new heights. So, gather ’round,…
As an author or writer, you understand the importance of honing your craft, but finding the right mentor can be akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. Fear not, for in this article, we’ll embark on a journey…
As the days grow longer and the temperature rises, summer presents both opportunities and challenges for writers. The season offers a wealth of inspiration, from beach scenes to sun-drenched afternoons, but it also brings distractions that can derail even the…
In the heart of the Caribbean, under the canopy of swaying palms and against the rhythm of the ocean waves, a young girl named Leila listened to her grandmother’s tales. These stories, rich with folklore and history, were more than…
Mythology and folklore have long been a source of inspiration for writers, providing a rich tapestry of stories, characters, and themes to draw upon. As a writer who is passionate about both mythology and queer representation, I find the intersection…
Father characters can be some of the most compelling figures in literature. They often serve as pillars of strength, sources of wisdom, or, in some cases, complex figures with their own sets of flaws and struggles. Creating believable and memorable…
As writers, we constantly seek ways to enhance our stories and captivate our readers from the very first page. One powerful tool to achieve this is the epigraph. An epigraph—a quote placed at the beginning of a book or chapter—can…
As writers, we often find ourselves tasked with portraying intimate and romantic scenes that are not only engaging but also respectful and realistic. These moments of vulnerability can be powerful tools for character development and plot advancement, but they also…
As writers, we are continually seeking innovative ways to tell stories and engage readers. One such approach is the epistolary novel, a narrative told through letters, diary entries, emails, or other documents. Epistolary novels offer a unique storytelling format that…
Creating a Standout Synopsis In the journey from manuscript to published book, writing a book synopsis is one of the most crucial steps. This condensed summary of your novel is your ticket to capturing the attention of agents, editors, and…