Dystopian anthology submissions call!
Seeking short stories for a dystopian anthology by, for, and about disabled and chronically ill people.
The Ification-ification of Everything
When everything is like everything else, is anything anything anymore?
Notting Hill: Romance & Defending Anna Scott
In which I defend Anna Scott, talk about autism, and appreciate the romance in Notting Hill.
The Fundamentals of Caring (2016) movie ironically doesn't care
An exposition on the film and how media both challenges and reinforces ideas of disability.
An Apolitical Booktok is a tool of the Patriarchy (among other things)
We are not empowered or made safe by silencing critical thoughts and "political" discussions, but by protecting our space and right to have and express them.
On Reading and Thinking (gasp)
In which I talk about the time I met a woman in a bookstore, and I make a bus into a metaphor.
Female Arousal, Patriarchy, & Fantasy Romance
In which I talk through my thoughts on the smelling & sensing of female "arousal" in Romantasy and Fantasy Romance
Thoughts on ‘Hot Frosty’, Disability, & The Carceral System
Part two of my thoughts on Netflix's latest "funny" Hallmark-esque Christmas movie in which a snowman comes to life. On disability, police violence, and the carceral system.
Thoughts on ‘Hot Frosty’ & Born Sexy Yesterday
Part 1: My thoughts on Netflix's latest Christmas movie, the Born Sexy Yesterday archetype, and romance.
Thoughts on Reading and Writing as Resistance
Some thoughts and feelings, and some reading recommendations.
in which I dissect "It was a dark and stormy night..."
It was a lengthy and honest substack; words fell in paragraphs—except at occasional intervals, when they were broken by a violent hitting of the 'enter' key.
You Probably Don’t Actually Think Disability Doesn’t Belong in Fantasy
Hello friends. Yes, I have had thoughts™ and yes, I have made a generalisation in the title of this substack, but both are probably for good reasons, I...
a needless retrospective of Alvin and The Chipmunks
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of guitar and keyboard, must be in want of a singing trio of chipmunks.
On Disability, Fantasy, and Belonging
The inability to imagine disabled characters outside of a cure or tragic narrative is a failure of imagination, understanding, and empathy.
Not Like Other Damsels: On Clever Heroines
Well sure she's clever, but has she ever considered joining a union?
Megamind: Critiquing Toxic Masculinity, Perpetuating Misogyny & Hegemonic Values
In which acceptance can be reheated in the microwave of evil.
Breaking The Spell: Why "It's Fantasy!" Isn't an Excuse
In which I say fantasy probably still needs to make sense and can be judged through real-world lenses and understandings.
Romantasy: Feminist, Or Patriarchy 2.0 Electric Boogaloo?
Are our favourite Romantasy novels feminist, or is it an old man in a mask?
Forgive Your Mum or Rot In a Hell Stone: Forgiveness Narratives & Self-compassion
The imposition, expectation, and false moralism of 'forgiveness', wrapped up in a Vampire Diaries rant.
The Paradox of Weird Barbie: Girlhood, Weirdness, and Agency
When everyone is weird... nobody will be.
Complicated Thoughts on the magic cure trope & precluding disabled narratives
My hot take? This trope is not inherently problematic, and the reductive labelling of it as 'problematic' leads to devaluing certain disabled stories.
Thoughts on Barbie (2023) and The Romance of Patriarchy
How is Barbie (2023) engaging with and subverting cultural constructions of gender and gendered expectations?
Romance Novel Euphemisms
A 'rod of joy'? In her 'lady cave'? It's more likely than you think!
Thoughts on the Forced Nickname Trope
Well hello, my little Filet Mignon. You don't like that? Too bad.
Hero’s Journey, Shmero’s Journey
“Why do you hate the Hero’s Journey?” nobody may be asking. But one thing about a hero is that he always delivers.
Puss In Boots: All Paths Lead to Heroism
What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the words “Fairytale” and “hero”?
He Was a 500yo Boy, She Was Girl. Can I Make It Any More Obvious?
Yes you could and I need you to spell this out for me in great detail.
Megamind: Women Can Be Super Villains Too
An argumentative essay that will have you shaking in your “custom baby seal leather boots.” (Megamind, 2010, 15:29)
Fiction is 'That Deep' and I'm Going Swimming
Critical thinking, reviews, and a silly little thing called 'depth'.
The Ableist Narrative of Toxic Perseverance
Disability, Perseverance, Heroism, and GeekDis.
Building Wings of Wax: Hannah Kaner's Thoughts on Writing
A short interview with bestselling author of Godkiller, Hannah Kaner!
5 Ways Short Fiction Has Helped My Novel Writing
In which I think about short fiction, subtext, rejections, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (2000).
Thoughts on Writing with Author Amanda Niehaus
5 writing questions answered by the lovely Amanda Niehaus, author of The Breeding Season.
Casual Ableism and Inaccessibility in Worldbuilding
Thoughts™️ about casual ableism and inaccessibility in worldbuilding, and how it often flies under the radar.
On Short Fiction: With Author A.J. Van Belle
Author A.J. Van Belle answers 5 questions about their writing process.
Writing Critique: Being An A+ Critique Partner
Being an A+ writing critique partner, something that is normal to want and possible to achieve.
Writing Short Fiction: Interview with Adie Hart
Writer Adie Hart answers questions about writing short fiction, while I look snazzy and invisible in the background of the blog post.
Writing: Sexual Attraction Alone Does Not a Romance Make
How dare you lie to me.
15 Free Writing Prompts
If you need a little inspiration...
Immediate Lover-Coding in Enemies-to-Lovers Stories
When the Enemy is Too Hot to be a threat.