Creative Inspirations – Cartoons
Once at a horror convention, I watched a live Q&A with director Joe Dante where the interviewer asked what inspired him to make movies. His answer was unorthodox but unsurprising:
Category: Essays
Essays on a variety of topics. Included are favorites lists, health, product reviews, personal essays, nostalgia, and more.
Three Days in Chicago
When it comes to traveling, I like to say I’ve been to more places than some people and not as many as others. Not that I’m in competition. I doubt
The Entertainment of Bad Stories
Each decision a writer makes when writing a story steers it into one of two of the simplest categories: good or bad. While the response to a story is highly
Writing My Debut Novel Honestly by Holly Trost
I wrote my first book as I finally came to understand who I was. Many writers wait for the “perfect time” to begin something new, but that moment never came
How I Choose Books to Review on My Blog
Sharing your books with others is probably the scariest part of the writing process. Once the manuscript is written, you have to go through the scrutiny of submitting your
Celebrating Halloween with Monsters
When I think of horror, the first thing that pops up for me is the Universal Monsters. They were my introduction to horror, and they continue to be reborn and
The Truth About Writers
As a writer, it’s comforting to see writers in fictional stories. Those characters are instantly relatable, even if they’re not likable or identifiable. Still, books, movies, and shows don’t always
Psychic Sisters from the Planet Leshma: The Friendship that Inspired Fires Burning Underground by Nancy McCabe
Instant best friend The first day of junior high, in the midst of so much newness and uncertainty, I found an instant best friend. Marissa and I lived on the
My History with Lizzie Borden
When I first heard about the Borden murders and the general situation surrounding it, I imagined them taking place on a dark and stormy night in an old Victorian mansion.
Creative Inspirations – Judy Blume
The thing about the people who inspire us is that they just get us. They don’t necessarily have to know us personally, but the things that they create connect us
Funny Characters in Children’s Literature
When I go browsing for a new book to read, I find that you’re more likely going to find a sad, scary, or dramatic story rather than a funny one.
Creative Inspirations: Tim Burton
It’s typical for a writer to say that they’ve always loved books. But I like to broaden that to say that I’ve always loved stories. Whether they came from a
Exploring the Fall Aesthetic
As a kid, I remember being much more aware of the seasons. Time moved slower, you had lived through fewer months, and every new season felt fresh and exciting. As
Creative Inspirations: The Tillerman Cycle by Cynthia Voigt
Those who love reading from a young age tend to love epic fantasy and adventure tales that transport them to other worlds with magic, creatures, heroes, and villains. I’ve never
Why Music Tastes Are So Personal
I have never liked a piece of music that another person has recommended to me. If someone asks me to listen to a song they like, I want to beg