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Archive for the ‘Writing’ Category

Just Bloom!

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , on July 23, 2026| Leave a Comment »

While it can sometimes be a helpful motivator to indulge in a bit of friendly professional competition, I find it generally unproductive to worry too much about who is doing what in the world of writing (and why I am not, who is ahead of me, what have they done lately, that sort of thing). What a lot of wasted energy. I’d rather use it to make something fun.

In case you need this reminder today!

“A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.” ― Koshin Ogui

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Photo by Karolina Bobek on Unsplash

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Funny Fiction for Your Monday

Posted in Funny, Writing, tagged , , , , , , , on July 20, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Sure, this short story from Ellie Race-Moore at McSweeney’s may be a little too on the news nose, but it is funny!

A Case for the Giant Toxic Goo Pit I Want to Build in the Center of Town

I am a humble man. I made my fortune the old-fashioned way, through grit, determination, and a small multi-million-dollar loan from my father. And now I’m trying to achieve something beyond what humans have ever imagined: a giant toxic goo pit.

Because Mondays are better with a bit of humor!

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Photo by Ahmed Zayan on Unsplash

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Cherish Your Gifts

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on July 19, 2026| Leave a Comment »

I see no particular merit in the fact that I was an artist at the age of eleven. I was born with an ability, with music in me, that is all. No special credit was due me. The only credit we can claim is for the use we make of the talent we are given. That is why I urge young musicians: “Don’t be vain because you happen to have talent. You are not responsible for that; it was not of your doing. What you do with your talent is what matters. You must cherish this gift. Do not demean or waste what you have been given. Work — work constantly and nourish it.” — Pablo Casals, Spanish Catalan cellist and conductor

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Photo by Kristin Brown on Unsplash

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Where Once Fell Soft Rain

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on July 18, 2026| Leave a Comment »

/where once fell soft rain

This phrase popped into my mind after a cloudburst rolled through overhead. We’ve been having more of those in the past few of years, intense concentrations of Nature’s power blasting through an otherwise clear weather map. It makes me miss the grey skies of summer rain, and the gentle drops that encouraged growth rather than washing it away.

The phrase also sounded very familiar, and a quick check assured me that yes, it was a variant on the title of a Ray Bradbury short story. It’s not a cheerful story by any means, but it is classic Bradbury.

There Will Come Soft Rains (short story) – Wikipedia

I found the story available here, along with a lot of other classics from the likes of HG Wells to George MacDonald to Bradbury, Christie, Chesterton, Gilman, and many more. 

Library of Short Stories | Authors

Here’s hoping you find stories that encourage your growth as a writer.

Enjoy!

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Photo by Mariia Zakatiura on Unsplash

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The Path to Good

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , , on July 13, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The path to good runs through bad, and that goes for art forms we don’t even consider art forms, like friendship, parenthood, and citizenship. But the only thing that gets us better is practice. — Hank Green

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Photo by Yusheng Deng on Unsplash

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Listen

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , on July 9, 2026| Leave a Comment »

“Before you tell your life what you intend to do with it, listen for what it intends to do with you.” — Parker J. Palmer

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Photo by Mohammad Metri on Unsplash

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Our (Martian?) Future

Posted in Science!, Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , on July 3, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Can you really survive on Mars? What science fiction gets wrong about off-world living | Space

Arnie said, “Get your ass to Mars”, but is it really a good idea? We asked the experts about our Martian future.

How likely is it that humanity will be able to live and thrive on Mars? Short answer, no. Longer answer? Still no! Doesn’t mean we can’t dream of new and exciting vistas in our future, though!

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Photo by Daniele Colucci on Unsplash

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Happy Questing!

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , , on June 27, 2026| 2 Comments »

I started two posts for today but neither have come together (yet!), so let me share a story from David Hankins (a fabulous and funny author from my Writers of the Future cohort!), with a bonus short from Lisa Para. 

Quest Tropes | Cast of Wonders: The audio for David’s story begins at 10m20s. Read the transcript or listen to the audio version, your choice!

The Last Quest of Corbin the Coward, by David Hankins

Corbin collapsed outside the dragon’s lair, acrid smoke wafting from his armor. He was getting too old for this. He’d never asked to be the gods’ favored champion.

Sunlit forests spread out below him, a peaceful world unaware and unconcerned that he’d almost been eaten. Twice.

Corbin drew a shuddering breath and wrenched a dragon tooth from his armor. Yet another pointless quest completed. What the hell did the gods want with a dragon tooth anyway?

No more. Corbin was done.

Enjoy!

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Photo by Daniel Dalea on Unsplash

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Have Fun Exploring!

Posted in Other, Writing, tagged , , , , , , on June 25, 2026| Leave a Comment »

I have no idea what this “game” is supposed to be about but I love it.

Wiki Spy from Neal.fun

Check out all those images; so many interesting people, places, things, and ideas!

Hint: Hovering over an image will pop up a window with the title and source. If you want more info, click the image (a new round of related images will come up) and go to the top of the page. To right of the search field you’ll see a thumbnail of the image you clicked and (even further right) a “View on Wikipedia” link.

Have fun exploring!

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Photo by Chase Clark on Unsplash

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Find Your Audience

Posted in Writing, tagged , , , , , , , , on June 22, 2026| Leave a Comment »

“You’re trying to find your audience. And the way to find your audience is by being fully yourself in an engaging and interesting way.” — DongWon Song

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Photo by alex Roosso on Unsplash

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