Writerly Advice for a Confident New Year

I mentioned in the fall that I’d hit a sort of writing block. It wasn’t necessarily that I didn’t have the motivation to write or the ideas to write about; it was that I lacked the time to put my thoughts to paper (or screen, I suppose). My nontraditional NaNoWriMo helped to break that blockContinue reading “Writerly Advice for a Confident New Year”

Sconnie Love

Love is playfullike autumn’s trees,or da stop-and-go-lights,colorful, ever-changing, dancing in a sudden breeze.Love shimmerslike a squeaky cheese curd and evolves likea Brandy Slush sitting on a January porch,sometimes chilly but always warming.Love is as sweetas a couple-two-three Kringles with fruit filing, smooth and decadent, savored like a short-lived Sconnie summer. I wrote this poem forContinue reading “Sconnie Love”

Different Kinds of Resolutions

fragile like dawn’s first light,like the air buoyed in a bubble,like a needle of ice thinnedfrom sun’s rays,held in our cursory glance,then folded carefully,saccharine moment,earth’s newest rotation Happy New Year, everybody! I was contemplating the different sorts of resolutions I’ve made over the years. Many of them have had to do with writing or healthyContinue reading “Different Kinds of Resolutions”

December Reading List

Most of my library reads these days are my endless pursuit of comp titles for my speculative fiction novel. Feel free to share your own struggle for comps, your own success with comps, or your own questions about what the heck comps are, and I’ll commiserate/cheer/answer anything in the comments. 😅 I first read UselessContinue reading “December Reading List”

4th Cancerversary

I can’t believe it’s been four years since I picked up the phone and heard the words “You have cancer.” I spent those early days in shock and disbelief. I was also terrified. I remember going to our New Year’s Day mass on January 1st, 2020, convinced that I wouldn’t be there with my familyContinue reading “4th Cancerversary”

Nature in Reverse

In December, all colors fade to grayTree branches rainbow over river bendsLeafless limbs are blown asunder todayAs whirlpools swirl their mysteries awayTheir ephemeral enchantment now endsIn December, all colors fade to grayMurky storm clouds harden our hearts to clayAs wishes with foggy teardrops will blendLeafless limbs are blown asunder todayThe colors will bleed back inContinue reading “Nature in Reverse”

The Character of a Year

embrace small momentsweave them into memoriesa shawl of comfortbest worn in times of trialthe armor of endurance How do you characterize an entire year? One year holds so many ups and downs, tribulations and triumphs. I think we all did this with 2020, though; nobody says, “Oh, yeah, good ol’ 2020: best year ever!” IContinue reading “The Character of a Year”

Mirrored Image

the water’s surface, like a mirror, collects our thoughts and reflects the secrets in our eyes I wrote this poem for the week’s Wea’ve Written Weekly, hosted by David at the Skeptic’s Kaddish. The Poet of the Week and provider of our lovely prompt is Reena. Form: Naani Poem Naani is one of India’s most popularContinue reading “Mirrored Image”

Spiral Void

float on,down the river,until its eddiesreel against nature,swirling you intothe spiraling motion,the space devoid of downstream flow,the turbulence out of control,spinning on repeat ‘Tis the season to overextend yourself until you accidentally burn out, to then take a day entirely to yourself, and to finally bounce back feeling rejuvenated but also slightly off-kilter like you’reContinue reading “Spiral Void”

November Reading List

I read three books this month, and a part of me is curious how many I’ll manage in December. There’s still plenty of time for reading in 2023! I don’t usually read thrillers, but I did enjoy this one, and I’ve actually enjoyed a few others I’ve read (so maybe I really should read moreContinue reading “November Reading List”