OK chat I need to do background research for supporting characters in an upcoming project. I'm looking for: - academic nonfiction books/articles about Sephardic Judaism, as close to the 9th century as possible. - academic nonfiction books/articles about Norse/Scandinavian magical practices.

did you whisper any secrets to the moon last night?

The majority of what I do as a writer is google "synonyms for..."

Book mail is the best mail

Songs that feel like this sunset

I love leaving helpful notes to myself

I get distracted by one task and suddenly I haven’t worked on my short story in 3 months😭

I came across a street artist named Chiaka Howze in Pittsburgh in February 2020 and my friend showed him an image of Ardhanarishwara aka Siva Shakti to paint and he did an incredible job of bringing it to life. Happy Mahasivaratri🙏🏽

Just in case you thought that removing DEI criteria would mean that everyone is competing equally: NIH is removing grad students from underrepresented backgrounds from the applicant pool altogether. Their applications will not be considered. Other students, not from these backgrounds, will be.

Deciding what books to take on trip before deciding on what clothes to take🤓

Scrivener keeps autocorrecting Kaikeyi to Kailey and Manthara to Mantra. I want to scream.

Looking for a non-fiction book I can sink into. Something along the lines of psychology, anthropology, or history. Science too but like an intriguing science book. No self help please and thank you.

Writing/dancing/singing, etc

It sure would be nice if teachers, librarians and parents could have some sort of assurance that the beloved Newbery Medal doesn't sit on the cover of a book written by a credibly accused sexual predator. You know. Because the kids are watching. What will they learn? What are we teaching them?

1 book conversation == 1 scented candle

Re: Neil Gaiman and Justin Baldoni. Beware of men who shout from the rooftops about being feminist allies. In many cases, they’re the worst. It’s an act to make it easier to let your guard down and make it harder for people to believe you.

Whenever you read a metoo story in a serious publication and then see an apology that says that accused person wasn't perfect but that the worst allegations are false, remember: The former has been vetted by editors, fact-checkers, multiple accounts, and corresponding evidence. The latter hasn't.

Readers: snuggling with a book Writers: struggling with a book

Delighted to have a story in Write Pittsburgh’s Holiday Spirits Anthology! My story is ‘Magpie and Jay’ and it’s my first publication in 6 years. I’m proud to share space with such talented writers and very grateful to @writepittsburgh.bsky.social and @slbarrett87.bsky.social for their support!

*Youth pastor voice* Now, who do we know who shows up in December, gives an unexpected gift, and vanishes without a trace?

I absolutely do not want to live through a revolution because I know what sorts of things tend to happen during revolutions.

Current mood: overwhelmed, underfed, dehydrated Current task: writing

Roses are redde Noble are the manatees Yf we wante a bettir future Teach artes & humanityes

I've read so many fantasy books where characters (usually an "other" culture, not the main character's) do things or believe things that serve no advantage and have plenty of disadvantages because "it's their culture." In real life, even oppressive structures benefit *someone.*

“RIVER vs TREE” I screamed to myself, regarding a fantasy story.

Kirk and Spock

Ghost story workshop!

I ran out of room for a hashtag...But we have 2 spots left in our @writepittsburgh.bsky.social Holiday Spirit(s) Workshop, which is for holiday ghost stories (not just Christmas ghost stories), & you WILL get a spot in the workshop's anthology! #writingcommunity #ghoststories #horrorwriting #horror

So when Kendrick Lamar drops a new album, is that like men getting a new season of Bridgerton?

This sums it up perfectly. It’s not a conversation.

Tacos fall apart so you don’t have to. We owe them so much

i want to stand at the edge of a volcano and sync my breathing to its eruptions

This. This. This. I've been screaming in my house about this. I would not have been able to use the bathroom. I would not have been able to drink from the water fountain. I would not have been allowed to immigrate. Vote. I would not have been able to use the pool. WE HAVE SEEN THIS.

I need to reread Wicked

sorry i was late. i was watching the moon

The prompts were courage, discipline, sacrifice, and service. I challenged myself to write a poem about these words without using them.

Remember that Deepavali or Diwali isn’t just about pretty lights. It’s about light triumphing over darkness. Good defeating evil.

I attended a horror and suspense writing workshop last night and realized that a scifi short story I drafted 9 years ago might just work best as a suspense thriller!

When life gives you problems, make problemade.

I went to a writers' critique session for the first time in months and it felt so good to be reading and giving feedback and discussing stories. Really missed being around my people🥺

Seeking reading recommendations for a high school reader! Where can I find MG or YA short stories? Anthologies with short form fiction are good too.

Who called them Cat Burglars and not Purrglars?

My mom: i want you to do a FedEx someday me: ?? my mom: where they stand on a stage and speak me: TED talk?

What’s your favorite way to use up ripening mangoes?

me to my mom: Do you know the Aurora Borealis? my mom: is that a new virus?

Dad Joke is my son. Please call me Father Humor