She composes a symphony, not with the dots and lines of musical notes but with the dots and lines of letters. The plot is the melody, consistent throughout. Themes pop up at intervals like recurring motifs, reminding the reader of what is at stake. The rise and fall of action is like the rise and … Continue reading Music
Art
She splashes the page with vibrant colors, blues of melancholia, greens of envy, reds of passion. She forms each paragraph with the utmost precision, a balancing act of carefully placed adjectives, nouns, and verbs. Each word, each letter, each line, each squiggle, each dot, is meticulously laid to create the perfect image. She fleshes out … Continue reading Art
Sacrificing Characterization and Plot for an Ending: An Analysis of Avengers Infinity War
I have to admit something that is probably going to be unpopular: I thought Infinity War was a hot mess. I, of course, have been told--mostly by offended Marvel fans who are appalled that I dared to speak out against their Holy Bible of the MCU-- my opinion is invalid. According to them, I am … Continue reading Sacrificing Characterization and Plot for an Ending: An Analysis of Avengers Infinity War
Pedants and Platitudes Part I
"You'll find your husband as soon as you stop looking for him." "You can't wait around for your knight in shining armor to ride up. You have to actively search for him." "Just be yourself. Let him see the real you." "Make sure you always look your best. Men don't like ungroomed girls. And always … Continue reading Pedants and Platitudes Part I
Sound of Silence
The digital clock told me it was way past eleven in the evening. The city lights of Chicago shone dimly through the curtain, deceptively making the outdoors brighter than it should be. My sister sat sobbing on the bed of our hotel room, in the throes of an existential crisis. “I’ve been around people all … Continue reading Sound of Silence
Not a Waste of Time: Using Fan-fiction in the Classroom
I have a confession to make that may forever alter your opinion of me (those of you who have wandered onto my blog for the first time are currently thinking, Umm, I don't have any opinions). I love reading and writing fan-fiction. I currently have two fanfic accounts on the internet, which anyone with a semblance of … Continue reading Not a Waste of Time: Using Fan-fiction in the Classroom
Welcome Back, Welcome Back, Welcome Back…
Props to anyone who figured out the pop cultural reference in my title... Over the last several years I have been busy working as a teacher whilst continuing to hone my writing skills. After I finally finished the second draft of my manuscript, I started doing research on the tricky enterprise of publishing. Much to … Continue reading Welcome Back, Welcome Back, Welcome Back…
