Podcasts about writing prompts

The wonderfully complex world of teaching English Language Arts—otherwise known as ELA. The subject that has it all—novels, grammar drills, essays, creative writing, and that classic moment when a student asks, “Why do I need to know what a gerund is?” ELA isn't just about reading books and writing essays. It's about developing critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills that students will use for life. Topics DiscussedNovel StudiesSpelling & Grammar PracticeShort, Impromptu WritingCreative WritingFormal Writing & Timed vs. Untimed WritingResourcesEllie's Daily Language:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/cognitive-cardio-math/category-daily-language-515168Ellie's Middle School Writing Prompts: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Middle-School-Writing-Prompts-Daily-Journal-Writing-Persuasive-ELA-Warm-Up-505556Brittany's Writing Prompts:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/12694801?utm_source=TCCBN-POD&utm_campaign=Conversation%20Starters%20Discussion%20Cards%20for%20Morning%20Work%20%26%20Small%20Groups%20-%20Grade%20612694801Brittany's ELA Materials:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-language-arts-409107Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don't miss an episode. Whether it's Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.This episode may contain affiliate links.Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.Let's ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany's 6th Grade Teacher Success group on...

Poet Lynnell Edwards enjoys using what she calls "external prompts" from other authors. But she believes that "ultimately as writers, we've got to have sort of internal prompts." On this episode, Lynnell shares questions that will help you create your own personalized writing prompts. Learn how to generate a series of poems, essays, or linked short stories based on what you've already written.About Lynnell EdwardsLynnell Edwards is the author of six collections of poetry, most recently, The Bearable Slant of Light, which documents the onset of bipolar disorder in her son, the impacts on the family, as well as constructions of mental illness as depicted in literature and history.  She is Associate Programs Director for the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing at Spalding University where she mentors and lectures in Poetry.  She is also Book Reviews Editor for Good River Review, Spalding's literary journal.  Find her at lynnelledwards.com for more about her work, including essays, poems online, interviews, and upcoming events.

Sam I Am is back after a long hiatus with a new Writing Prompt. Sorry it's been so long :(

We make thousands of decisions every day—some are small, some are life-changing. But have you ever shared one of your biggest decisions with your audience? In this episode, I break down how opening up about your own decision-making process can build trust, connection, and authority in your business.Inspired by one of my recent and most popular episodes, I'm giving you a writing prompt that will help you craft compelling content around a big decision you've faced. Whether you're writing an email, a blog post, or social media content, this approach will help you engage your audience in a way that feels real, human, and valuable. Plus, I'll give you a few subject line ideas to make your content irresistible. Let's dive in!Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why decision-based storytelling resonates so deeply with audiencesHow to structure your story so it connects with your ideal clientsA key ingredient that makes behind-the-scenes content impossible to ignoreShow notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Hear this writing prompt in action! Listen to Episode 136: Making tough decisions in business and life: https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast-1/making-tough-decisions-in-business-and-life I would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielText me a question or comment!

Get ready for StoryADay May with these warm-up tasks in April PLUS: hear about the wonderful writers who have sent us prompts for this year's challenge sign up at: https://storyaday.org

Listen to all my reddit storytime episodes in the background in this easy playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_wX8l9EBnOM303JyilY8TTSrLz2e2kRGWatch my videos in full on my YouTube channel (you even get to see my face!): https://www.youtube.com/Redditor This is the Redditor podcast! Here you will find all of Redditor's best Reddit stories from his YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During StoryADay I like to give you meaty writing exercises disguised as prompts. This week I'm giving you seven mini-prompts that you can use to juice up an existing work-in-progress or to spark a new one. You can find all these prompts here: https://storyaday.org/sftw101 Playlist of YouTube Short writing prompts Sign up for the StoryADay May Challenge here: https://storyaday.org/signup

Welcome back to the Spun Today Podcast with your host, Tony Ortiz. In this special throwback episode, we dive into Episode 281, where Tony revisits one of his earlier works, a riveting short story titled "Ball and Chain." Originally recorded as an audiobook and first shared in Episode 14, this tale explores the unique perspective of a female serial killer, a creative twist inspired by a writing exercise from Stephen King's "On Writing." In this re-released version, Tony adds new context and reflections on the story's evolution, inviting listeners to compare it to the polished version found in his short story collection, "Melted Cold." Join Tony as he shares insights into the writing process, the challenges of character creation, and the art of storytelling. Plus, don't miss the chance to support the podcast and grab some cool Spun Today merch to keep the creative vibes flowing. Tune in and embark on a journey through creativity and imagination!   This is the Audio Book version of the Short Story Ball & Chain by Tony Ortiz http://www.spuntoday.com/shortstories/ballchain *Original Release Date: March 12th, 2015*    The Spun Today Podcast is a Podcast that is anchored in Writing & Random Rants, but unlimited in scope. Give it a whirl. Twitter: https://twitter.com/spuntoday Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spuntoday/ Website: http://www.spuntoday.com/home Newsletter: http://www.spuntoday.com/subscribe   Twitter: https://twitter.com/spuntoday  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spuntoday/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spuntoday   Website: http://www.spuntoday.com/home  Newsletter: http://www.spuntoday.com/subscribe      Links referenced in this episode:     Get your Podcast Started Today! https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=SPUN (Use Promo code SPUN and get up to 2-months of free service!)   Check out all the Spun Today Merch, and other ways to help support this show! https://www.spuntoday.com/support   Check out my Books Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way FRACTAL – A Time Travel Tale Melted Cold – A Collection of Short Stories http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (e-Book, Paperback & Hardcover are now available).   Fill out my Spun Today Questionnaire if you're passionate about your craft.  I'll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/    Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the Podcast: http://www.amazon.com//ref=as_sl_pc_tf_lc?&tag=sputod0c-20&camp=216797&creative=446321&linkCode=ur1&adid=104DDN7SG8A2HXW52TFB&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spuntoday.com%2Fcontact%2F   Shop on iTunes using this link, to support the Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTop?genreId=38&id=27820&popId=42&uo=10   Shop at the Spun Today store for Mugs, T-Shirts and more: https://viralstyle.com/store/spuntoday/tonyortiz   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com   Outro Background Music: https://www.bensound.com   Spun Today Logo by: https://www.naveendhanalak.com/   Sound effects are credited to: http://www.freesfx.co.uk   Listen on: iTunes | Spotify| Pocket Casts| YouTube | Website 

When novelist Tammy Oberhausen feels "stuck or uninspired," she tends "to wallow around with it for a while and feel bad." Writing prompts help her ideas flow again. "Don't wallow too much," she says. "Get the prompt and go with it."On this episode, Tammy shares how to use your dreams—which she says are like "personalized prompts"—in your writing.About Tammy OberhausenTammy Oberhausen is the author The Evolution of the Gospelettes, a novel published in 2024 by Fireside Industries.She earned bachelor's and master's degrees in English from Western Kentucky University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Spalding University. While working as a book editor and teacher and raising two daughters, she kept coming back to a story about a family of gospel singers that wouldn't let her go. After three decades of developing her craft and writing and rewriting that story, the Gospelettes finally made their debut. A Kentucky native, she lives in Bowling Green with her husband.

You ever feel like you're just going through the motions? Like you wake up, do the things, get through the day, but you're not really present in any of it? Maybe your mind is constantly racing, or your emotions feel all over the place, or you keep making choices that don't really align with what you actually want. That's what we're diving into today—why we feel so disconnected, how that imbalance affects our thoughts, emotions, and choices, and how we can start reconnecting through journaling. .... Let's connect at www.letswriteforachange.com or IG: @thejournalcoachingco

Do you ever get the sense that there is a higher, wiser part of you that can stay at peace even when there is chaos around you? A part of you that is able to intuit the next, right step when you’re in unknown territory? That sees through the masks of others and recognizes the truth of who they are? There are many words for this wise voice — I’ve been known to call it the “narrator voice” since it’s the same voice in a story that sees the whole of the narrative arc while the hero struggles with tunnel vision. In his book The Immortal Diamond, Richard Rohr calls this voice the true self. Whatever you choose to call this deep wisdom, one thing I know for sure is this: writing is an amazing way to connect with your innate wisdom. In today’s episode I teach you a simple writing prompt that helps you see through the lies of your false self and hear the strong, sturdy voice of your true self more powerfully than ever before. Listen in to learn more. You can read Immortal Diamond by Richard Rohr by clicking HERE! Host: Ally Fallon // @allyfallon // allisonfallon.comFollow Ally on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allyfallon/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amelia Zachry, author of Enough: A Memoir of Mistakes, Mania, and Motherhood, didn't think anyone would want to read about her trauma. But being vulnerable about her experiences "invited people to be vulnerable" in return. "And so that is the power of the word from page to the reader," Amelia says, "that we can transform that sense of healing to others through our words." On this episode, Amelia discusses several writing prompts that will help you tap into your emotions and "share your truth."About Amelia ZachryAmelia Zachry is the author of Enough: A Memoir of Mistakes, Mania, and Motherhood.She began writing her debut memoir after finding her voice, shedding silence and fear. Enough reveals secrets of sexual assault and subsequently a bipolar disorder diagnosis. She is an advocate for mental health and sexual assault awareness, supporting causes to dismantle rape culture and normalize mental health.When she's not writing, she can be found sculpting Raku-Yaki pottery or hiking with her husband and two magnificent daughters. Amelia currently resides in Nagoya, Japan. 

Ready to become a respected voice in your industry without coming across as pushy or self-promotional? Let me show you how to create the kind of content that naturally positions you as an authority while building genuine connections with other experts in your field. In this episode, I spill the tea on my Beastie Boys-inspired approach to becoming an "ill communicator" (spoiler alert: it's all about being the dopest marketer you can be), and share a game-changing writing prompt that's about to transform how you create content.Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why playing it humble might be sabotaging your authority (and what to do instead)The sneaky psychology behind expert recommendations that makes your audience trust you moreA brilliant networking hack that turns content creation into relationship-buildingWant to help shape my new monthly writing prompts offering? Take the quick survey at www.kimkiel.com/WritingSurvey, and while you're at it, check out today's featured experts: Rebecca Vigelius (rebeccavigelius.com), April Stroink (aprilstroink.ca), and Megan Sumrell (megansumrell.com) for game-changing support in sleep, money, and time management!Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Share your ideas and thoughts about a new low-priced offer I'm thinking of creating to help you write effective copy, in this short survey: www.kimkiel.com/WritingSurveyCheck out some of the experts I shout out in this episode:Certified Stress & Sleep Coach, Rebecca Vigelius: https://www.rebeccavigelius.com/Money Coach, April Stroink: https://aprilstroink.ca/Time management & productivity expert for women, Megan Sumrell: https://www.megansumrell.com/ I would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielText me a question or comment!

Author Jessica Handler believes "that when we write well, we're writing about what matters to us." What matters to you? On this episode, Jessica shares a prompt that will help you understand what you're trying to do with your writing. It's one that she often used while working on her memoir, Invisible Sisters.Jessica also shares a prompt that will help you regain focus and use your senses in a work in progress. Her third prompt will help you generate ideas for future projects. About Jessica HandlerJessica Handler is the author of the novel The Magnetic Girl, winner of the 2020 Southern Book Prize and a nominee for the Townsend Prize for Fiction, a 2019 “Books All Georgians Should Read,” an Indie Next pick, Wall Street Journal Spring 2019 pick, Bitter Southerner Summer 2019 pick, and a Southern Independent Bookseller's Association “Okra Pick.” Her memoir Invisible Sisters was also named one of the “Books All Georgians Should Read,” and her craft guide Braving the Fire: A Guide to Writing About Grief and Loss was praised by Vanity Fair magazine. Her writing has appeared on NPR, in Tin House, Drunken Boat, Full Grown People, Oldster, The Bitter Southerner, Electric Literature, Brevity, Creative Nonfiction, Newsweek, The Washington Post and elsewhere.

The Crone and Sage start their discussion in this episode about their plans to celebrate the upcoming Winter Solstice and share their thoughts on a couple more of the Writing Prompts from the Samhain season’s Connections work. In the Lunar Cycle, they talk about the upcoming Full Moon in December which The Path calls the […] The post A Year in our Practices Continued appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

For poet and fiction writer B. Elizabeth Beck, "making sure that you are actively engaged in a community is... the salvation to your sanity and to your work."On this episode, Elizabeth discusses her participation in writing and music communities. She founded Teen Howl and Poetry at the/ˈtā-bəl/, two Lexington-based reading series where poets of all ages support each other's writing. Elizabeth has also discovered community with fellow fans of the Grateful Dead and Phish, and these experiences, as well as her love of visual art, often inspire her writing. Learn how to engage with art and music in your own writing with help from Elizabeth's favorite prompt.About B. Elizabeth Becklizabeth Beck is a poet who writes fiction. Dancing on the Page (Rabbit House Press, 2024) is her fifth poetry collection. Accents Publishing will publish Swan Songs, her debut collection of short stories, in 2025.Mama Tried (Broadstone Books) won the American Book Fest Prize for Poetry. She was a finalist in the Kentucky State Poetry Society Grand Prix Prize and has been nominated several times for the Pushcart Prize. Elizabeth is a recipient of The Kentucky Foundation for Women grant.Her work appears in journals and anthologies, including Poetica Magazine, Appalachian Review, Limestone Blue, and Harvard Education Press. Elizabeth founded two poetry series, Teen Howl, and Poetry at the/ˈtā-bəl/ in Lexington, Kentucky.

What's life really like as a writer? Well, the answer is as varied as the number of writers you ask, but for me, this is how things are going: Listen in, you might be inspired! LINKS Join Superstars + I, WRITER Course at a discount before Dec 15, 2024 https://storyaday.org/superstars Writing Prompts: https://storyaday.org/writing-prompt-archive/ Flash Fiction Primer: https://storyaday.org/flash-fiction-essentials/ The StoryADay blog: https://storyaday.org/blog CHAPTERS  00:27 Bluesky/BSKY 05:16 Flash Fiction Notes 11:49 The Power Of Others 20:32 Recap

An inexperienced crew of administrators aspiring to be field operators are assigned to a distant star system, where they encounter a sentient nebula. Genre: Science Fiction   Excerpt: The newly appointed Captain Dorus gazed at his new crew, each one interviewed and hand-picked by him. The not-so-hotshot pilot, Orson, who retired early after she was nearly killed flying into a star during a practice maneuver. The experienced engineer, Rekha, whose tendency to tinker a little too much got her booted off the first four ships she was assigned to. A doctor, Shade, who had no specialty because she kept getting distracted by new discoveries. And the actor, Kellu, whose purpose there no one—including himself—quite understood.   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?No prompt.  This idea came to me this morning, inspired by a binge-watch session of a show I once enjoyed (“Legends of Tomorrow,” Season 3).  I've always loved the idea of a ragtag crew onboard a spaceship having adventures and doing stuff together and…stuff.   MY FIRST BOOK IS OUT!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. The book title takes you straight to the book on Amazon. Or you can visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE (Hint: The Store page has a sign-up form for my email newsletter, where you can be a renegade by getting tales of my fictioneering mischief and writing tips from me for free.)   CREDITSStory: “The Renegade D.O.R.K.S.” Copyright © 2019 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro) Music by ANDREW SITKOV* “Abstract Vision #2” “Among the Stars” “Unknown Terrain” “Abstract Vision #7” “Abstract Vision #4” “Another World” “Dark Side” “First Contact” “Abstract Vision #1” “Space Discoveries”   Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)* “Particle voyager” “Stars above” “Pursuit”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Nicholas Jeudy and Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev Market Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Vocal effects created with Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping of some to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.net Find more music by Andrew Sitkov and Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. Partial view of the bridge of a ship from a low angle, showing three people from the waist up. Foreground right, a woman looking up and to the left with mouth parted. Center background, a man with hands resting on a wide flat panel and looking right. Background left, a woman with arms stretched out to another panel, looking down at the panel. A porthole on the ceiling shows a view of space.  Three support struts extend away from the porthole. The rectangular image is made square with a border at top and bottom. The border contains a vertical textured pattern with colors from the image. Watermark of “Storyfeather” along support strut near the middle figure's head.

Novelist Jacinda Townsend believes that "writing is a habit, and the imagination begets the imagination." Having a set writing routine helps her create because "the imagination is a kind of muscle." On this episode, Jacinda explains the steps she takes each morning to fire up her imagination, including using writing prompts.Her favorite prompt to share focuses on pacing. Her students generate such strong work with this exercise that some have even published their finished pieces.About Jacinda TownsendJacinda Townsend is the author of Trigger Warning (Graywolf, 2025) and Mother Country (Graywolf, 2022), winner of the 2023 Ernest Gaines Award for Literary Excellence. Townsend's first novel, Saint Monkey (Norton, 2014), winner of the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize and the James Fenimore Cooper Prize for historical fiction, was an Honor Book of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. A former broadcast journalist and elected official, Townsend has written nonfiction for Al Jazeera and The White Review.

Every ninth full moon, the Reptilian Vaudevillians put on a spectacular show that for one audience member is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Genre: Fable   Excerpt: No one will know of my crime. Tomorrow, I will die. And so will every one of my cohorts. The ones who came before are already dead. So none will know of my crime. Today, I should be searching for a mate. But instead, I am hiding in the shadows of leaves, having broken from tradition, from fate, from my duty.   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?There is no official writing prompt, but I was prompted to think of this idea when I started drafting my first email newsletter and realized that all the stories I'd written in January 2020 thus far featured an animal.  First birds, then a dragon, then a tiger.  None of these animals were what they seemed.  None of them were ordinary animals.  So I figured I'd round out the month with another story centered around an animal.    MY FIRST BOOK IS OUT!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. The book title takes you straight to the book on Amazon. Or you can visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE (Hint: The Store page has a sign-up form for my email newsletter, where you can get tales of my fictioneering mischief and writing tips from me for free.)     CREDITSStory: “The Reptilian Vaudevillians” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by JONATHAN SHAW* “Spinning Tavern” “Midnight Creeping” “Showdown of Misdeeds” “Sinning Tavern” Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)* “Oinions” “Winterheart” “Infinite land” “Double face” “La pomme” “Duality” “Shadows and flames” “Haven”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Nicholas Jeudy and Jonathan Shaw is licensed from GameDev Market Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Changes made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping of some to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.net Find more music by Jonathan Shaw and Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.net Find more music by Jonathan Shaw at jshaw.co.uk Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. An alligator, standing upright and seen from left, stepping forward with tail raised, and holding out a top hat in the outstretched right forelimb. Behind the alligator is a hazy curtain of moss drawn apart to either side.  Strands of sparkling lights are set in the curtains. Behind the parted curtains is only shadow. At bottom edge are the silhouettes of the heads of various animals. Watermark of “Storyfeather” along the alligator's back.

After a young drummer commits the crime of “creativity without a license,” her bandmate discovers a way to protect her and all other unlicensed artists.  Genre: Science Fiction   Excerpt: “Tell me, as the band's leader, what is the future of Discordance now? Will you find a new drummer? Will you disband and follow individual careers? The fans are dying to know.” Kavita seen herself in interviews dozens of times before, and she'd felt many different emotions at seeing herself. Mortification, dissatisfaction, pride, amusement. This time she felt only anxiety. But it wasn't the anxiety of what had already happened. It was the rising anxiety of anticipation.   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?If you could be in any band (past or present), what band would it be?  What would be your role? Source: 500 Creative Prompts. Copyright © 2019 Piccadilly (USA) Inc.   MY FIRST BOOK IS OUT!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. The book title takes you straight to the book on Amazon. Or you can visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE  (Hint: The Store page has a sign-up form for my email newsletter, where you can get tales of my fictioneering mischief and writing tips from me for free. Sounds sweet to me.)   CREDITSStory: “The Drummer for Discordance” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by ROZKOL “To the Water's Edge”   Music by KOMIKU “Dreaming of you”   Music by ANDREW SITKOV (MuzStation Game Music)* “Abstract Vision #3” “Abstract Vision #6” “A&C Percussion Loop #11” “Abstract Vision #5” “Abstract Vision #2” “A&C Percussion Loop #3” “A&C Percussion Loop #14”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev Market Music by ROZKOL is licensed under CC BY 4.0 Music by Komiku is licensed under CC0 1.0 Universal License Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Vocal effects made in Audacity Changes made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping of some to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.net Find more music by Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.net Find more music by Komiku and ROZKOL at freemusicarchive.org and bandcamp.com Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. A girl sitting behind a full drum set, facing forward. The girl's eyes are closed and her body is tilted to the left, both bent arms raised and holding drumsticks above cymbals. The sticks glow with sparkles. The girl's long dark hair is whipping to the right. The tops of the three drums in front of her emit glowing threads of light. The drum at bottom bears a symbol. Translucent text at the bottom of the frame reads “The Drummer for Discordance.” Watermark of “Storyfeather” along edge of cymbol near top right. The rectangular image is made square with a framing border that shows of a color-shifted larger version of the image's edges.

Summary:  Join us in this week's episode as guest host Laura Boon chats with Gillian Wills about her new novel, Big Music!  Discover how Gillian pours her rich background in music into her writing, creating a riveting tale that intertwines passion, politics, and power plays within the world of classical music. Learn about her transition from a musician to an author, the challenges of writing fiction, and her advice to aspiring writers.     https://pod.link/1275851144   Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:50 Pamela's Personal Update 03:01 Upcoming Webinars and Substack Bonuses 04:01 Listener Survey and Writing Prompts 08:04 Upcoming Podcast Episodes and Guests 09:30 Laura Boon Interviews Gillian Wills 32:14 The Sacrifices of a Musician's Life 32:40 Challenges Faced by Musicians 33:17 The Importance of Acoustics in Music 36:14 Publishing Journey and Rejections 39:57 Inspiration Behind 'Big Music' 42:20 Writing Process and Craft 53:39 Advice for Aspiring Writers   SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast   W4W Patreon https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon   Gillian Wills Website: click here Instagram: click here Facebook: click here Buy Big Music here   Laura Boon Website: click here Instagram: click here  Facebook: click here Buy Tips From an Insider Insider here   Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here  Instagram: click here   This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women.        Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The unexpected demise of a witch on All Hallow's Eve prompts her faithful assistant to seek the answer to the question, “Who killed Edith Evilez?” Genre: Horror   Excerpt: “Who killed Edith Evilez?” the slightly malnourished young—or perhaps old—woman asked, as she thrust a dusty umbrella at a passing passerby. The asker's name was Trudy Trubbeld. And she had been standing at the corner, asking the question—or rather accusing the question—to various passersby since the death of her mistress and mentor, the aforementioned Edith Evilez, known to her enemies as Edie, and to her friends by no name, as she had no friends to call her by any name.   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?Write a 200-word newspaper obituary for your villain. Ready. Set. Novel. Writer's Workbook. Chris Baty, Lindsey Grant, and Tavia Stewart-Streit. Copyright © 2011. Chronicle Books.   MY FIRST BOOK IS OUT!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. The book title takes you straight to the book on Amazon. Or you can visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE (Hint: The Store page has a sign-up form for my email newsletter, where you can get tales of my fictioneering mischief and writing tips from me for free. Simply diabolical.)    CREDITSStory: “Evil Edie's Surprise Demise” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel   Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)* “Eternal life” “Witches” “At night” “The death of love”   Music by CHRIS LOGSDON* “Haunted Town” “Shady Town”   Music by ANDREW SITKOV (MuzStation Game Music)* “Mystical House” “Hidden Fear” “Evil is Near” “Funny Horror” “Scary Theme #3”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Nicholas Jeudy, Chris Logsdon, and Andrew Sitkov is licensed from GameDev Market Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Changes made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.net Find more music by Chris Logsdon, Andrew Sitkov, and Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. Partial view of an obituary in a newspaper seen from a slight angle. At right is the image of a woman seen from shoulders up, wearing a collared cloak, face in three-quarters profile facing right, one brow and one corner of the mouth raised in a smiled, hair in a low bun at her neck. She holds up her left hand. The top half of a bat seems to be emerging from her palm. Another bat with outstretched wings facing forward appears just above her palm. At left, partial view of a column with text. The top reads “Obituary.” Below it reads “Edith Evilez.”  The following text is visible, with ellipses representing parts that are cut off as they are out of frame. “…vilez passed in terror and fright on the night of October 31…is yet to be determined according to one of three profane…she might have followed. She is survived by her faithful…ing and slightly malnourished assistant, her beloved pet…the partially sentient carnivorous pitcher plant that…otherwise fetid greenhouse. Sometimes joined forces…ogud and Ralph Rotneg. Gave stingily of her time and…ociety of Whisper-mongers. Was awarded the dishonor…allion for her work with wandering spirits. Served a…junior board member for the Pocket Goblin Company…in dental assisting, equine communications, and…Known for her collection of historical thimbles…corded by aforementioned faithful assistant were…Edith will be begrudgingly remembered by…mies for her stalwart efforts at frightening…the downtrodden, and the surprisingly delicate…the summer block party every year…one. Her passing being celebrated by all…manity, and goodness.” The rectangular image is made square by borders at top and bottom which contain blurred and distorted bits from the main image. Watermark of “Storyfeather” below the obituary text.

Are you staring at the calendar wondering how you'll get all your content created before the year ends? Well, you're in luck because I'm sharing one of my favourite copywriting prompts, "My Favourite Thing".This prompt consistently helps my Joy of Copy Club members create engaging email content in record time. I'll walk you through exactly how to use this prompt to craft authentic, connection-building emails that your audience will love - starting with a personal story and ending with an engagement-boosting call to action. Implement this prompt immediately to boost your email engagement and keep your best prospects close.Topics We Cover in This Episode: A behind-the-scenes peek at how my Copy Club members transform simple prompts into revenue-generating contentThe engagement-boosting element that most people forget to include in their emailsThe perfect timing trick for sending this type of email during the holiday seasonIf you want more prompts like this one - Join the Joy of Copy Club and get 4 hand-picked writing prompts every month: www.kimkiel.com/copyclubShow notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:Join the Joy of Copy Club: www.kimkiel.com/copyclubI would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielText me a question or comment!

A young woman finally learns the truth about what happened when her grand-aunty accepted a dare to knock on the door of a mysterious manor. Genre: Horror   Excerpt: Naomi clicked on her recorder, took a deep breath, and asked her grand-aunty Z about the one thing that her mother and grandmother told her to never, ever, never, never, ever ask her about. “Aunty, what did you see when you went into Mausefalle Manor? And how is it that you got out when so many other people never did?” Her aunty, whose full name was Zelda, responded by glancing down at the plate on the coffee table between them. “Have a cookie.”   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?Not a prompt. Recurring dream going into a house and getting lost.  Patterns of wallpaper are complex and dizzying.   MY FIRST BOOK IS OUT!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. The book title takes you straight to the book on Amazon. Or you can visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE   CREDITSStory: “Mausefalle Manor” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)* “Dedale” “Broken keys” “Hunter's moon” “Evidence” “Blood and bones” “A dead heart” “After dark” “Dark echoes” “Past and secrets” “Sins and sinners” “Incantation” “The mirror” “Demon's cage”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Nicholas Jeudy licensed from GameDev Market Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Changes made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.net Find more music by Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. At center right, middle ground, a two-level manor house seen from a corner. A tower with parapets is attached to one side. The upper level along one wall is covered with a series of blinds. Weeds grow in the foreground. Rain falls at a slant from top right to bottom left.  A distorted ghostly outline of the house is reflected at left, sharing an edge with the house. Borders at top and bottom make the image square. The borders contain black-and-white blurred portions of the main image; the top of the image at top and the bottom of the image at bottom. Watermark of “Storyfeather” along top wall of the manor house at right.

From Amy: I met Sonya at a Minneapolis bookstore, where she was reading from her latest collection of essays. Her writing voice is engaging. But it's the multiplicity of roles she occupies as a writer that fascinates me: from established professor of creative writing and published author, to her embrace of various voices still waiting to be released. For the people in my audience who long to write but feel constricted by "what's permitted," this conversation just may feel freeing.We end with three promising writing prompts to try for yourself.Sonya Huber is the author of eight books, including the new essay collection, Love and Industry: A Midwestern Workbook as well as the writing guide, Voice First: A Writer's Manifesto, and an award-winning essay collection on chronic pain, Pain Woman Takes Your Keys and Other Essays from a Nervous System. Her other books include the Supremely Tiny Acts: A Memoir in a Day, Opa Nobody, Cover Me: A Health Insurance Memoir, and The Backwards Research Guide for Writers. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Brevity, Creative Nonfiction, The Atlantic, The Guardian, and other outlets. She teaches at Fairfield University and in the Fairfield low-residency MFA program.www.sonyahuber.comhttps://www.instagram.com/sonyahuber/The What Happened ProjectThe Three Words That Almost Ruined Me As A Writer: Show, Don't Tell  Amy Hallberg is the author of Tiny Altars: A Midlife Revival and German Awakening: Tales from an American Life. She is the host of Courageous Wordsmith Podcast and founder of Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life Writers. As an editor and creative mentor, Amy guides writers through their narrative journeys—from inklings to beautiful works, specifically podcasts and books. A lifelong Minnesotan and mother of grown twins, Amy lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and two cats. Learn about Courageous Wordsmith Circle for Real-Life WritersWork with Amy 1:1

Novelist Robert Gipe believes that when you use writing prompts, "you're just kind of fishing for something that works."If you're lucky, you might end up with "a couple of sentences that have some energy to them, that have some heat." Robert says those sentences can help you build a piece of writing "you feel good enough about to share with others."Try your luck with three of Robert's favorite writing prompts. According to him, these prompts use form "as a way of letting your unconscious drive the content." About Robert GipeRobert Gipe won the 2015 Weatherford Award for Outstanding Appalachian Novel for his first novel, Trampoline. His second novel, Weedeater, was published in 2018. His third novel, Pop, was published in 2021.All three novels are published by Ohio University Press. In 2021, the trilogy won the Judy Gaines Young Book Award.From 1997 to 2018, Gipe directed the Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College Appalachian Program in Harlan. Gipe is founding producer of the Higher Ground Community Performance Series and has served as a script consultant for the Hulu series, Dopesick, and a producer on the feature film, The Evening Hour.Gipe resides in Harlan County, Kentucky. He grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee.

161: Therapy Writing Prompts for Filipino American WomenAlso available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z4KIqp6tduIWhether you've been going to therapy for years or are just toying with the idea, we want to meet you where you're at. In this bonus episode, Nani shares five therapy writing prompts you can use to explore your relationship to therapy and mental health, identify which therapy topics to discuss, and develop healthy coping skills for anxiety and stressful situations. As a follow-up to our previous conversation in episode 159, we hope you take advantage of this opportunity to apply what you learned to your life. Happy reflecting!Love our show? Leave us a message and show us your support! Visit https://tfawproject.com/supportMonthly Book Club -- Every 3rd Friday of the month @ Noon (PT) / 3 PM (ET), members of the Tsismis with Jen and Nani Book Club get together to discuss their latest readings. The best part?? No reading is required! Whether you're an avid reader or just want to soak in what our readers have to share, we'd love to have you. First-timers are welcome to attend for FREE! Join us at THENEWFILIPINA.COM to RSVP today.Upcoming FREE Events (Online)5-Day Reflection SeriesOpen Mic NightsVision Board PlanningFor specific dates and times, join our FREE app today at THENEWFILIPINA.COM--NEWSLETTER: Receive the latest stories, updates, and media coverage by subscribing to our FREE newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cO0bifABOUT US: Welcome to The Filipino American Woman (TFAW) Project, a podcast that strengthens Filipino voices one conversation at a time through all things life, culture and personal development. Hosted by Jen Amos and Nani Dominguez-Smith. This show is brought to you by our family at THENEWFILIPINA.COM. Join the conversation today!UPCOMING BOOK: Special thanks to the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at UC Davis for the opportunity to present our academic paper, Pinay Podcasters: Building a Self-Sustaining Community Through Storytelling, Collective Healing & Learning, and Collaboration. The initial draft is now available! Read more at http://pinaypodcasters.com/RECOGNITION: In December 2020 and December 2021, we received an Honorable Mention at the Asian American Podcaster's Golden Crane Podcast Awards. August 2020, Jen Amos participated as a speaker on behalf of TFAW Project for PodFest Global, which now holds the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Largest Attendance for a Virtual Podcasting Conference in One Week. May 2020, we were recognized as “Amplifying Asian Women Voices” on Spotify during AAPI Heritage Month.We've also been featured in Realtime Community Oakland, Mochi Magazine, Ossa Collective, SUPERBANDS, Chopsticks Alley, FoundHer by Entrepinayship, Spotify, PodFest Expo, Philippine American Foundation for Charities, When In Manila, You Are Collect;ve, San Diego Union Tribune, NBC 7 San Diego, and much more! Read more at: https://linktr.ee/tfawproject.featured CONNECT WITH US: Instagram @thefilipinoamericanwoman, Facebook...

A family is haunted by a demon who collects the fallen baby teeth of the children, and who soon hungers for more and more teeth, even when there are none for them to offer. Genre: Horror   Excerpt: Many doctors and healers had tended to him. But the family he left behind, to whom he was beloved, blamed only one. The doctor of teeth. For before he came, the patient appeared to be suffering some pain but in general was in good spirits. It was poor luck, on the part of the doctor of teeth. The infection had already taken hold. None could have stopped it. But the family did not know this. And perhaps would not have cared if they did. For even if the man had lived, the screams he uttered during the surgery upon his teeth, those screams alone would have earned the doctor of teeth an enemy or two in the family.   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?Set limits—time limits, page limits, rules of rhyme or meter. Source: The Observation Deck. Naomi Epel. Copyright © 1994. Chronicle Books. The exercise or rather the challenge is merely this…write a story that is between 2500 to 3500 words, and no more.     MY FIRST BOOK IS OUT!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. The book title takes you straight to the book on Amazon. Or you can visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE     CREDITSStory: “The Curse of the Tooth Demon” Copyright © 2019 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel   Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)* “Inspector” “Evidence” “Unsolved” “Mourning day” “Under my bed” “Just behind” “Demon at the door” “Killer escape” “Dark Secret”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Nicholas Jeudy licensed from GameDev Market Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Changes made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.net Find more music by Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. Crouching amid shadows, tilted to the left of vertical, a humanoid figure with pale green mottled skin, white, bloodshot eyes with no irises, and a wide smiling mouth filled with long sharp teeth. The clawed left hand rests on the figure's knees, and the right hand extends forward toward the silhouette of a sleeping human figure seen in right profile at bottom foreground. Watermark of “Storyfeather” along the bottom of the demon's palm.

“I believe that telling our story, even the story of a moment, the story of an emotion, is one of the most healing things we can do,” says James Crews, poet, teacher and speaker. His new book, Unlocking the Heart: Writing for Courage, Mindfulness and Self-Compassion blends poetry, essays and writing prompts to help readers tell their own stories. We speak about this unusual blending of genres, writing as a healing practice, and how to write titles and first lines that draw people in. James Crews is the editor of several bestselling books, including The Path to Kindness and How to Love the World, which has over 100,000 copies in print. He has been featured in The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The New York Times Magazine, The New Republic, The Christian Science Monitor, and on NPR's Morning Edition. The author of four prize-winning books of poetry and of the book Kindness Will Save the World, James also speaks and leads workshops on kindness, mindfulness, and writing for self-compassion. He lives with his husband on forty rocky acres in the woods of Southern Vermont. AND The Wonder of Small Things just won the New England Book Award for Poetry! He also hosts a monthly writing community and sends out a weekly newsletter.To purchase signed books and join his newsletter: https://linktr.ee/jcrewsjrMore on James Crews: https://www.jamescrews.net/For info on his monthly writing community: https://www.themonthlypause.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emergingform.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, struggling to start writing?In this episode, I'm sharing three mind-blowing secrets I wish I'd known before becoming a professional copywriter.Drawing from my experience in both the nonprofit sector and as a self-employed copywriter, I'm diving into why pro copywriters never start from scratch, how great copy is actually assembled rather than written, and why the "less is more" principle is crucial in crafting compelling messages.I'm also inviting you to learn how to implement these 3 strategies in your sales copywriting process at my upcoming masterclass “What to say & How to say it” You can register for free at kimkiel.com/masterclass!Topics We Cover in This Episode: How to tap into your customers' language for maximum impactA simple writing prompt that can kickstart your creativityThe secret to turning one piece of content into multiple engaging messagesWhy confusion is the enemy of sales (and how to avoid it in your copy)Show notes are always available at https://www.kimkiel.com/podcast!!Resources Mentioned:See these tips in action! Attend the free copywriting masterclass: What to say & How to say it. Grab your seat at: https://www.kimkiel.com/masterclassI would love to connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KimKielCopy, Instagram: www.instagram.com/kim_kiel_copy, and Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kimkielText me a question or comment!

Traveling on a road at night that cuts through the woods, one driver fears encountering dangers both natural and supernatural. Genre: Horror   Excerpt: The car had been behind me for a while, even before we turned onto Dollortop, the road that just barely split the sprawling woods that separated the counties. I gripped the steering wheel at ten and two, and glanced at the rearview mirror, as I eased my foot off the accelerator. My car began to slow.   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?Looks like this story was inspired by “Over the River and Through the Woods,” a Thanksgiving nursery rhyme. “Over the river, and through the wood, To Grandmother's (Grandfather's) house we go. The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh, Through the white and drifted snow.” And so on. It's a long rhyme!   MY FIRST BOOK IS OUT!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. The book title takes you straight to the book on Amazon. Or you can visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE   CREDITSStory: “Through the Woods at Night” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel  Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)* “Unsolved” “The killer story” “I'm sorry” “Ruined” “Silence is dead” “Hope is gone” “Human monster” “Discovering the truth” “Whispers”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Nicholas Jeudy licensed from GameDev Market Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Changes made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.net Find more music by Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.net Find more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. View from inside a car at night facing the front windshield. At left, the driver's arms extend toward the steering wheel, held in both hands. On the dashboard, the radio dial, air vents, and glove box are just visible in the dark cabin. Beyond the windshield is a narrow road, bordered by bare-branched trees. In the rearview mirror appears a hazy shadow of shoulders and a head. Borders at top and bottom make the rectangular image a square. Hazy trees extend into the top border. The bottom border contains smears of color from the bottom of the image. Watermark of “Storyfeather” along the glove box.

Be advised: This episode contains some intense music and sound effects.  A group of friends venture into an abandoned tunnel against the warnings of one of them, who senses there is something in the tunnel that won't let them get to the other side. Genre: Horror   Excerpt: Bradley rubbed his hands together and looked at Amora. “It's show time.” Phoebe walked over to Amora, whose dark-eyed gaze was still staring ahead at the tunnel. “Take your time,” Phoebe said. She wanted to tell Bradley to stop staring, but she figured it would only make Amora feel more self-conscious. “So?” Bradley said. “Is there anything in there?”   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?No prompt. Okay, so what if a group of friends find a haunted tunnel?    MY BOOK IS HERE!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. For a limited time you can get all formats for a special launch price. The book title takes you straight to the book on Amazon. Or you can visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE   CREDITSStory: “The Mad Tunnel” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel   Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)* “Lost in the maze” “The story behind her smile” “Once upon a time” “As if it comes” “The crypt” “Sacrifice” “Pitch black” “Panic attack” “Shadow tunnel” “Communication” “Trust me” “I'm sorry” “Experiment 8” “Sounds from the end” “Experiment 6”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Nicholas Jeudy licensed from GameDev Market Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Vocal effects created with AudacityChanges made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.netFind more music by Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.netFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. At middle, view down a dark stony tunnel. Foreground, two people from behind and shoulders up. Person at left, seen in silhouette, holds one arm outstretched. Person at right, mostly in darkness, holds up a flashlight, shining it down the center of the tunnel. The light illuminates a man some distance away, lying on his stomach, propping himself up with both palms on the ground. The man looks forward, his brows raised. Visible in the light, on either side of him are thick legs ending in feet with curved claws. The legs belong to a massive bear-like creature standing over him. The creature's clawed hands are visible in the light. The rest of the creature is hidden in shadow. A border is added at top and bottom to make the rectangular image square. The border contains patterns that match the stony texture and circle shape of the tunnel. Top border contains two hazy red points aligned next to each other. At middle left, watermark of “Storyfeather.”

A bard embarks on a quest to discover what it is that the dragons guard at the center of a maze made of the primal cosmic elements.  Genre: Fantasy   Excerpt: Once upon a time, there was an ocean of water and at the center of this ocean of water was an ocean of sand and at the center of this ocean of sand was an ocean of air and at the center of this ocean of air was an ocean of fire. This ocean of fire was the realm of the dragons.   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?Prompt: Write a short story beginning with the line “Once upon time…” Source: A Writer's Year: 365 Creative Writing Prompts. Text by Emma Bastow. Copyright © 2019 HarperCollins Publishers     MY BOOK IS HERE!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. For a limited time you can get all formats for a special launch price. The book title takes you straight to the book on Amazon. Or you can visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE   CREDITSStory: “That Which Dragons Guard” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel   Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by CHRIS LOGSDON “Mystical Town”   Music by BENJAMIN CARR (Scythuz)* “Crystal Caves” “Ice Cavern” “Underwater Temple” “Mystical Forest” “Ancient Ruins” “Orchestral Battle Theme 4” “Miscellaneous Battle Theme 3” “Miscellaneous Battle Theme 1” “Mausoleum”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Benjamin Carr and Chris Logsdon licensed from GameDev Market Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Vocal effects created with AudacityChanges made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.netFind more music by Benjamin Carr and Chris Logsdon at gamedevmarket.netFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com     Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. Right half, partial view of a dragon, facing forward, seen from chest up. Wings are raised but folded down. Head is curved down from a long neck. Two horns slightly curving down extend from behind the eyes, which look down at the black silhouette of a human at bottom left, seen from the shoulders up. Behind the human and the dragon's chest is a bright light shining on a rocky surface. Watermark of “Storyfeather” along the dragon's left wing.

A small team of marine explorers searches for a treasure from an arcane myth, a jewel that fell from the heavens.   Genre: Science Fiction   Excerpt: “So the gods order the sea fairies to wreck the ship,” Dalil continued. “I mean tear it apart until nothing is left, not even a single plank for the princess to grab onto to survive. But here's the thing, the thing that the king didn't know and the gods didn't know—because they never paid attention to the girl. She was great friends with the fairies of the sea. She loved the beaches of her kingdom. And she loved the sea. And she would bring the fairies gifts from the gifts she received, and gifts that she had made herself, and she learned their language. So even though she didn't ask them to save her, they saved her.”   “This story is about to take a turn, isn't it?”    What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?Rory's Story Cubes.  Story Cubes Voyages.  Rolled all nine die.  In no particular order…Crown Open chest (treasure chest)Submarine Monkey on a branchWorried expressionSix BeansParamecium Camera Crab   MY BOOK IS HERE!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. For a limited time you can get all formats for a special launch price. The book title takes you straight to the sales page on Amazon. Or you can visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE   CREDITSStory: “The Nimasterion” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel   Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by LEE ROSEVERE “The Long Journey” “Thoughtful” “Cosmic Drifting” Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)* “Learning punch” “Under the mask” “The deal” “Negociation” “Doubts” “Master” “Trojan horse” “Men in black”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Nicholas Jeudy licensed from GameDev Market Music by Lee Rosevere is licensed under CC BY 4.0Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Changes made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.netFind more music by Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.netFind more music by Lee Rosevere at freemusicarchive.org and bandcamp.comFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. View from inside a vessel. Two people, seen from the back, sit in chairs in front of a round window, a control console between them. The console bears a label with the letters “MAG.” The person at right pulls down on a throttle on the console. The person at left points out of the window with the right hand and holds the first two fingers of the left hand on a wall panel at left. Cables hang down from upper right. In the cabin behind the pilots' section, part of a monitor is visible. The monitor is labeled “Station 3” along the vertical edge. The horizontal edge bears the label “Science,” though the last two letters are cut off. Below the monitor is a container bearing an arrow pointing up along one side, and the letters “AGILE,” presumably the word “fragile” with the first letters cut off. The top of the container is labeled “MAG.” At bottom left corner, partially visible, is a display labeled “CAM19.” One of the triangular sectors on the display is labeled minus-five. At bottom the word “forward” is visible, and the letters “METRY.” Watermark of “Storyfeather” along container at bottom right. The rectangular image is made square by adding a top and bottom border with a curving portal-like pattern that matches the colors of the main image.

When creative writer Deidra White feels stuck with her writing, she tells herself to "write the poem that you need to read." This exercise helps with one of the most challenging aspects of writing: visualizing your audience.Deidra shares several other ways she likes to jump start her writing. She also describes how she rediscovered her passion for words as a nontraditional college student, why she enjoys teaching young people, and more. About Deidra WhiteDeidra White is a Lexington, KY, native, a University of Kentucky MFA graduate, and an aspiring Affrilachian poet.She received the 2022 Farquhar Award for Poetry for “Meihua;” the Patricia and William Stacy Endowed Fellowship for Distinguished Honors in English; and the William Hugh Jansen Fiction Award in the Art of Storytelling/Folklore for “Woodstock.” White was the 2023 winner of the Broadside Poetry Contest for “When They Came” and the 2023 winner of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Nonfiction Award for her contemporary piece, “DUCK." She was also the Keynote Speaker for the 2024 Youth Poet Laureate commencement. Her work engages the tradition of Affrilachian writing and explores the intricate dynamics of Black womanhood with an eye to connections of the past to present.

The heiress of an unexpected fortune learns the cost of becoming too attached to her newfound riches after she is cursed by a magical vagabond.  Genre: Fairy Tale   Excerpt: “But beware that you cling too tightly to your riches, madam. For gold likes best to glitter in the light, and if you confine it, it will seek to fly away. Your treasure will turn against you.”  “So says one who has no treasure,” Gilda said. “Your words are as empty as your pockets.”  The old man raised his voice, for the carriage was now moving away. “A necklace is a noose and a ring is a sting. What is yours is yours no more. You have lost everything.”   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?Write about a very rich person who loses everything. Source: A Writer's Year: 365 Creative Writing Prompts. Text by Emma Bastow. Copyright © 2019 HarperCollins Publishers     MY BOOK IS HERE!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide: A Game Plan for Writing Short Stories. It's now available as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. For a limited time you can get all formats for a special launch price. The book title takes you straight to the sales page on Amazon. Or you can visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE   CREDITSStory: “The Treasure of Gilda” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro) Music by BENJAMIN CARR (Scythuz)* “Crystal Caves” “Labyrinth” “Mystical Forest” “Ice Cavern”   Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)* “Evidence” “A story of gold” “Dark fields” “Unsolved” “Inspector” “Whispers” “Sun and moon” “Winterheart” “Emblem”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Nicholas Jeudy and Benjamin Carr licensed from GameDev Market Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Changes made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.netFind more music by Benjamin Carr and Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.netFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com     Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. At left, a chest seen from an angle with the lid partly open. A glowing yellow light bursts out from the chest. Several yellow birds, each surrounded with a glowing and sparkling light, are scattered in flight around the chest, one of them perched at one edge of the open chest. The rectangular image at center is made square with a border at top and bottom that show blurred portions of the main image. Watermark of “Storyfeather” on inside lid of chest.

A young mage facing a difficult homecoming finds a treasure by the side of the road, a stolen treasure whose true owner she cannot find, and whose last owner is a terrible troll. Genre: Fairy Tale   Excerpt: With one hand, she raised the sack, as she waved the other before her eyes, casting a lensing spell that would allow her to see any magical markings upon the sack. Indeed there was a magical mark, not on the sack, but on its contents. The sack was filled with gold coins, and they all bore the scrawling scratching mark of a claim in a script she could not read, but recognized at once. The script of the trolls.   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?You find $1000 on the street.  What do you do with it? Source: A Writer's Year: 365 Creative Writing Prompts. Text by Emma Bastow. Copyright © 2019 HarperCollins Publishers   MY BOOK IS HERE!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide. The book details how to write a short story from start to finish. The eBook is out now. It's a #1 new release, and for a limited time you can get it for a special launch price. (Print versions are imminent.) The book title takes you straight to the sales page on Amazon. Or you can find visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE   CREDITSStory: “The Mage, the Troll, and the Gold Coins” Copyright © 2019 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel   Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)* “A story of gold” “Compass” “The village” “Secret water” “Don't move” “Shadow forest” “Home” “The plan” “Shields up” “Out of the temple” “They follow”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Nicholas Jeudy licensed from GameDev Market Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Changes made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.netFind more music by Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.netFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. A cloaked woman seen from waist up facing and looking forward through half-closed eyes. Her left hand is held forward with palm up and fingers curled. Her bent right arm is held to the side with hand over the head, first two fingers flourished. Sparkling lights swirl around her. Faintly visible behind and above the woman are two eyes with vertical pupils and thick furrowed brows. Watermark of “Storyfeather” along woman's cloak at bottom left.

When Baron Raven discovers a rare gem in his mines, he performs his duty by making a gift of the gem to his liege, King Monkey. Genre: Fable   Excerpt: In the mines within the five mountains that lay at the kingdom's borders, Baron Raven discovered a most wondrous stone. Even in its raw form, it shone with a cosmic gleam that kindled the baron's curiosity. The gears of his clever mind spun and whirred.     What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?Rory's Story Cubes. Story Cubes Voyages Roll Mountains (five) with a path leading to them and a moon/sun in the sky Blackbird (raven) Old-timey ray gun (like 50's sci-fi shows) Monkey on a branch Three gears Old camera Stick figure face looking sheepish(?) and wearing a bandanna over their head Closed sack full of something Necklace with a gemstone pendant that is octagon cut MY BOOK IS HERE!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my first ever book called Fictioneer's Field Guide. The book details how to write a short story from start to finish. The eBook is out now. It's a #1 new release, and for a limited time you can get it for a special launch price. (Print versions are coming soon.) The book title takes you straight to the sales page on Amazon. Or you can visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE     CREDITS Story: “Baron Raven's Magnificent Gift ” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro) Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)* “Of sun and sand” “The bard” “A way to find the truth” “A way to find another truth” “Desert dance” “Scroll of the wind walker” “In the shadows” “Primal” “The lightkeeper” “Haven” “Infinite land”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Nicholas Jeudy licensed from GameDev Market Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Vocal effects created with AudacityChanges made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.netFind more music by Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.netFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. A stained glass octagon-cut gem at center, each facet a different color. The lines of the outer facets extend beyond the gem, forming glowing rays around the gem, each ray a different color. The largest rays or sections contain symbols. The top section, the sun with nine rays; the left section, a five-pointed star; the bottom section, a flame; and the right section, a crescent moon. Watermark of “Storyfeather” along top of ray extending to bottom right.

Kid advocate Janet Jones returns, and Professor Theo celebrates Augtober vibes by sharing some Halloween writing prompts. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/professortheo/support

The seemingly empty cardboard box that a student uses for a school project still contains something.  Something unexpected…and unnerving. Genre: Science Fiction   Excerpt: “What?” I asked. “Is it a bug?” “There's an eye, Mallow. It's looking.” I leaned over the box, now thinking that a picture of an eye from something my mom ordered had scared my brother. Just as I peeked inside, he said, “It's blinking.”   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?List as many uses as you can think of for a cardboard box. Source: A Writer's Year: 365 Creative Writing Prompts. Text by Emma Bastow. Copyright © 2019 HarperCollins Publishers   MY FIRST EVER BOOK IS HERE!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. And I talk all about it in my book called Fictioneer's Field Guide. The book details how to write a short story from start to finish. The eBook is out now. It's a #1 new release, and for a limited time you can get it for the special launch price. (Print versions are coming soon.) The book title takes you straight to the sales page on Amazon. Or you can find it on my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE   CREDITSStory: “The Celestial Gobbler” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel   Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by JONATHAN SHAW* “Checking Inventory” “Thoughts” “Midnight Creeping” “Treading the Unknown”   Music by ANDREW SITKOV (MuzStation Game Music)* “Story at Night” “Scary Theme #3” “Evil is Near” “Scary Theme #1” “Scary Theme #5” “Scary Theme #4”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Andrew Sitkov and Jonathan Shaw licensed from GameDev Market Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Vocal effects created with AudacityChanges made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.netFind more music by Jonathan Shaw and Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.netFind more music by Jonathan Shaw at jshaw.co.ukFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. A cardboard box seen from one edge sitting on a tabletop. The box's flaps are open. Inside, partly visible, is a sphere encircled by a ring. Extending out from beside the sphere are two thin limbs. One bends down and rests a three-digit appendage on the tabletop. Another extends through the ring and to the left behind the box, one digit visible on the tabletop. A thin tendril drops down over the corner of the box. Next to the box at right is a pencil holder containing several colored pencils. In front of the box is a glass globe ornament. A partly rolled tube of paint spills paint over the table edge from its uncapped opening. At left, several buttons are scattered over the tabletop. Watermark of “Storyfeather” along the box flap at left. The rectangular image at center is made square with a top and bottom border with blurs of color that extend from the colors of the main image.

Writing success comes to those who stick with it, and Diana Raab has stuck with writing for more than sixty years. Over that time she published fourteen books, ranging from poetry to self-help to memoir. How does she do it? Simple: She finds bliss in the act of writing!In fact, 'Writing From Bliss' is the name of one of her most beloved books. In today's episode, Diana shares wisdom from the book to help all writers lean more deeply into bliss. She also tells the fascinating story of her long and prolific writing life, which began in her early childhood, sparked by a family tragedy. Tune in for inspiration and encouragement to go the distance, creatively and emotionally.Diana's latest book is Hummingbird: Messages from My Ancestors: A Memoir with Reflection and Writing Prompts, published by Modern History Press.For more, visit:dianaraab.commaggielangrick.comwonderwell.pressFollow us on Instagram: @maggielangrick@dianaraab

What is a writing sprint and how can they enhance your writing productivity? In this episode, Lori explains how you can overcome writer's block and generate a lot of words for your project. She covers the essentials of planning a writing sprint and practical tips to help set you up for success. Writing sprints are highly adaptable and allow writers to experiment with different ways of engaging with their craft and making progress on their big projects. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker, Danielle Mitchell, and Karen Zheng. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest host bridgette bianca. Visit thepoetrylab.com/podcast for more information. Theme song: "Simply Upbeat" by Christian Telford, Kenneth Edward Belcher, and Saki Furuya

In a desperate moment, a mage casts an unpracticed spell to save himself, but may have doomed himself instead... Genre: Fantasy   Excerpt: Of course Panofus knew the procedures and had run many drills, but he had never expected to use that particular part of his training. He should have paid more attention to the rumblings and rumors of demonic invasion. He had a plan for escape. A simple plan. If he could see his whole self in a mirror and reverse the image in his mind, he would be able to cast the spell of invisibility upon himself and escape.   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?If you could be reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you choose and why?  Write about your first day living as that animal. Source: A Writer's Year: 365 Creative Writing Prompts. Text by Emma Bastow. Copyright © 2019 HarperCollins Publishers   COMING SOON…my book!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. I've put that method into my upcoming book called Fictioneer's Field Guide. The book details how to write a short story from start to finish. Want to get a t-shirt with my artwork on it? Or maybe get a mug, sticker, notebook, a baby onesie, and more? To find out how to get my book or my merch please visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE   CREDITSStory: “Panofus” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel   Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)* “Runes” “Flames on ice” “The last stand” “Blood on snow” “Call of the wild” “Fallen leaves” “Northern dusk” “Winter guild” “White river” “Written in stones” “Adventure”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Nicholas Jeudy licensed from GameDev Market Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Vocal effects created with AudacityChanges made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.netFind more music by Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.netFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. At bottom center, a man seen from shoulders up, facing forward and looking down. Five hazy glowing lines are arrayed behind his head. Each line leads to an animal, depicted as an outline filled with a different solid color. Clockwise from bottom left is a standing dog, a fish with body bent to the side, a bird positioned vertically with outstretched wings, a monkey sitting on a branch, and the head of a hippo emerging from water with mouth open. Watermark of “Storyfeather” along bottom center. The rectangular image is made square with borders at top and bottom that display a pattern of squares in colors that match the colors of the main drawing.

While authorities search for a tiger that escaped from the local zoo, a group of people take shelter in a diner, not really worried about their safety, until a stranger appears who seems to have been attacked. Genre: Fable   Excerpt: Sally got on the phone, and I could tell she was calling her neighbor to ask if they would look out for Frankenstein (their calico cat). He was an outdoor cat and young. He could probably run faster than other animals that were a threat, but another cat might be a different story. Sally pulled the phone away from her head. “Anyone know how fast it can run? Have they said?”   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?Prompt: You hear on the news that a dangerous animal has escaped from your local zoo and has been spotted in your neighborhood.  Write what happens next. Source: A Writer's Year: 365 Creative Writing Prompts. Text by Emma Bastow. Copyright © 2019 HarperCollins Publishers   COMING SOON…my book!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. I've put that method into my upcoming book called Fictioneer's Field Guide. The book details how to write a short story from start to finish. Want to get a t-shirt with my artwork on it? Or maybe get a mug, sticker, notebook, a baby onesie, and more? To find out how to get my book or my merch please visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE   CREDITSStory: “What the Tiger Remembered” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel   Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by LEE ROSEVERE “Awkward Silences (version b)” “All the Answers” “Heat Haze” “Thoughtful” “Betrayal” “Awkward Silences (version a)”   Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)* “Reloaded” “As it happenned” “Secret agent” “DNA” “Creatures of the night”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Nicholas Jeudy licensed from GameDev Market Music by Lee Rosevere is licensed under CC BY 4.0Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Vocal effects created with AudacityChanges made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.netFind more music by Lee Rosevere at freemusicarchive.org and bandcamp.comFind more music by Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.netFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. Head of a tiger from nose to base of ears, facing and looking forward, slightly offset to left, framed by shadow. Watermark of “Storyfeather” along left side of nose. Border at top and bottom to make the image square contains a pattern from the main image.

This episode contains a writing prompt. I periodically offer such prompts to help you navigate your grief process. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For Therapy Inquiries (PA residents only): www.starfishcounseling.biz

Ah, the curious ways in which the wonders of our childhood manifest when we are older. Genre: Fantasy   Excerpt: I woke up to watch it walking into my room through the open door. I didn't remember closing the door. But I always closed the door, so it should have been closed. Part of its tail trailed off beyond the open door that I don't remember leaving open. It just sat there, or stood there, and I sat in bed, watching it. I didn't say anything. I felt so tired. My eyes were sore. They wanted to close. And I didn't feel scared for some reason, even though there was a wild animal in my room.   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?Have you ever cheated on a school homework assignment or a test?  Do you still regret it today Answering as a character. (Didn't write down source in draft!)   COMING SOON…my book!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. I've put that method into my upcoming book called Fictioneer's Field Guide. The book details how to write a short story from start to finish. Want to get a t-shirt with my artwork on it? Or maybe get a mug, sticker, notebook, a baby onesie, and more? To find out how to get my book or my merch please visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE   CREDITSStory: “Opossumillo” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel   Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by ANDREW SITKOV (MuzStation Game Music)* “Story at Night” “Mystical House” “Scary Theme #1” “Medieval Theme #1” “Medieval Theme #2” “Hidden Fear” “Ice and Fire (peaceful part)”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Andrew Sitkov licensed from GameDev Market Vocal effects created with AudacityChanges made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.netFind more music by Andrew Sitkov at gamedevmarket.netFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. Seen at an angle, the cover of a comic book. At bottom left a label reads, “Approved by the Kid Comics Alliance.” The last few letters of the last word are cut off. To the right of this is text reading, “They eat fear for breakfast…” with the rest of the words cut off. At top of frame is the word “Opossumillo.” Between the frames that contain text is the depiction of a creature, seen from the left side, with the body of an armadillo and the head of an opossum, and a frill around its neck. The creature's mouth is open. Caught in the mouth is a creature whose bottom is a long stem and whose top has two outstretched limbs and a head with spiky protrusions.  The face bears wide eyes and an open mouth.  The shadows of other similar creatures extend across the page behind the opossumillo. The central image is made square with top and bottom borders that depict blurred grayscale portions of the main image. Watermark of “Storyfeather” at bottom left.

A man keeps waking up in a sweat, breathless, and on the verge of tears, but he can't remember his dreams. Then one day, he wakes to find something disturbing on his hands. Genre: Mystery   Excerpt: And then he woke up. He huffed out a breath and gasped. He was covered in sweat, even though the room was cool. His eyes were still shut, but he felt the wetness gathered at the rims of his eyelids. He squeezed and a tear rolled down from the corner of his eye and wet the outer rim of his ear. Right away, he calmed. The intensity of whatever emotion he'd been feeling that brought him to tears just vanished.   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?Write a story that ends with the line: “And then he woke up.”Source: A Writer's Year: 365 Creative Writing Prompts. Text by Emma Bastow. Copyright © 2019 HarperCollins Publishers   COMING SOON…my book!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. I've put that method into my upcoming book called Fictioneer's Field Guide. The book details how to write a short story from start to finish. Want to get a t-shirt with my artwork on it? Or maybe get a mug, sticker, notebook, a baby onesie, and more? To find out how to get my book or my merch please visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE   CREDITSStory: “The Waking of J” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro)   Music by NICHOLAS JEUDY (Dark Fantasy Studio)* “Monochromatic stain” “Cold case” “Experiment 3” “Dead files” “Profiler” “As it happenned” “Experiment 7” “FBI” “Genetic marker” “Complexe mind” “Unclassified”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Nicholas Jeudy licensed from GameDev Market Changes made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.netFind more music by Nicholas Jeudy at gamedevmarket.netFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com     Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. View from perspective of a person sitting up in bed looking down at their hands, with their outstretched legs and bare feet beyond. The left hand is turned palm down. The right hand is loosely held palm up. The words “Don't Try to Remember” are written in all capital letters on the palm. At upper left is the corner of the room with an open door. Against the far wall, from left to right is the bottom of a tripod, and a satchel leaning against a trunk or chest. Framing borders with a square ripple effect. Watermark of “Storyfeather” along left edge of left hand.

When one flower asks for every passing creature to help her attain the gift of motion, she finds no luck, until she meets a cat named Serendipity. Genre: Fairy Tale   Excerpt: Once upon a time, flowers lived long lives. They are now known to be fleeting, for the most part. They bud. They bloom. They grace the world with their beauty. And then they die. But it was not always so. They lived long lives indeed. Longer than creatures with many legs. Longer than creatures with four legs. Longer than creatures with two legs. And sometimes, even longer than the long-lived beings of the deep.   What's the Writing Prompt that inspired the story?No prompt, another what if…?What does a treacherous human, a compassionate cat, and a long-suffering rock have in common?   COMING SOON…my book!Ever wonder how I've gotten all these hundreds of stories written?  I have a method. I've put that method into my upcoming book called Fictioneer's Field Guide. The book details how to write a short story from start to finish. Want to get a t-shirt with my artwork on it? Or maybe get a mug, sticker, notebook, a baby onesie, and more? To find out how to get my book or my merch please visit my Store page: STORYFEATHER STORE   I've Got Issues For YouThe Storyfeather Gazette is a monthly round-up of my recent podcast episodes, short stories, trailers, news, recommendations, and more that I send by email. Follow the link to look through old issues and to Sign Up: STORYFEATHER GAZETTE   CREDITSStory: “When Serendipity Met the Flower” Copyright © 2020 by Nila L. Patel Narration, Episode Art, Editing, and Production:  Nila L. Patel   Music: “Trip-Hop Lounge Abstract Background” by Digital Emotions (Intro/Outro) Music by JONATHAN SHAW* “Thoughts” “Afternoon Chat” “Spinning Tavern” “Checking Inventory” “A Bitter Hope” “Encounter of Misdeeds” “Treading the Unknown” “Cold Sanctuary” “Lingering Evil” “A Dream of First Flight” “In Tranquil”   *These tracks were part of a music and sound effects bundles I purchased from Humble Bundle and sourced from GameDev Market.   Music by Jonathan Shaw licensed from GameDev Market Sound effects from AudioJungle and GameDevMarket Changes made to the musical tracks?  Just cropping to align with my narration.   Find more music by Digital_Emotions at audiojungle.netFind more music by Jonathan Shaw at jshaw.co.uk and gamedevmarket.netFind more stories by Nila at storyfeather.com   Episode Art Description: Digital drawing. A zinnia flower in bloom atop a bed of leaves. From the flower's center emerges the top half of a humanoid woman with her head and shoulders thrown back and her arms stretched out to her side. From her back there emerge two diaphanous wings. Bright beams of light burst out behind her. Watermark of “Storyfeather” along top edge of her left wing. Image is made square with borders at top and bottom that contain streaks of color matching the drawing at center.

It's time for another writing prompt. Be sure to create space and time to do the writing and then plan on doing a reset before reintegrating. Contact: lori@starfishcounseling.biz or starfishcounselingforgl@gmail.com For therapy inquiries (PA residents only): www.starfishcounseling.biz