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.
