For the first time since it was published in early 2021, I reread Our Company of Fools—with a Book Club. And yes, it was as intimidating as it sounds, even though it was with a few friends. And yet, I was pleasantly surprised by how reading my own novel, now removed from an author’s protective …
Continue reading Facing My Writing Demons: Upon Rereading Our Company of Fools
The fantasy trend of 2023 continues! I finished one trilogy, read another, took a break with some middle grade, and dove into some old classic epic poetry. Let’s dive into the mini-reviews! The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black (3.5/5 Stars): As I mentioned in Part 1 of this year’s Reading Recap, I was a …
Continue reading Reading Recap 2023 – Part 2: From Ancient Epics to Modern Fantasy
I’ve expressed in passing that the post-Endgame MCU films have been misses or mediocre for me. While there’s still some fun in going to see the latest Marvel movie, I’ve been less-than-impressed with multiple of the recent MCU films. The Spider-man movies after Endgame were great, I really liked Shang-Chi, and I’d agree that Guardians …
Continue reading Thor’s Failed Marvel Cinematic Universe Character Arc
Welcome to a rambly writing update! There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in. A Finished Draft Finishing a draft is a quiet affair, though it feels like it shouldn’t be. While publishing is certainly a big deal, I almost feel like finishing the rough draft is more worthy of celebrating. Finishing a …
Continue reading May 2023 Writing Update: A Finished Draft, A Started Sequel, and A Rut
As a writer, I love good stories. There are some books, movies, and TV shows that continue to stick with me over the years, as well as excellent tales I’ve only recently discovered. Some I appreciate for their impact on my writing; others, I love simply because they excite me and move me. Trying to …
Note: Possible spoilers ahead for The Super Mario Bros. Movie. You’ve been warned. Let’s-a go! I’m a Nintendo fan. And while The Legend of Zelda and Xenoblade Chronicles are my go-to Nintendo franchises, I’ve been looking forward to The Super Mario Bros. Movie ever since it was announced. I went into the film with expectations …
Continue reading Why Critics Are Wrong About The Super Mario Bros. Movie (And Other Thoughts)
Welcome to the first Reading Recap of the year! I’ve decided to split my reading recap posts into three parts this year, as the first few months of 2023 were full of many great books, both fiction and nonfiction. So far, the year has a strong fantasy bent, which will likely continue through the rest …
Continue reading Reading Recap 2023 – Part 1: Mistborn, Princess Bride, Norse Mythology, & More!
This past year has brought some significant encounters with death in my own life. Up until last year, my experiences with death were somewhat distanced. My maternal grandfather died before I was born, and while the shadow of his loss has affected me in a way, it has lacked the same personal sting that my …
I’m the kind of writer who can only write to lyric-less music. From orchestral pieces to movie scores, I’m a big fan of powerful, beautiful music that helps inspire the mood or tone of each scene I’m trying to write. Out of all music genres, though, video game music might just be my absolute favorite. …
I’m slowly realizing two very true things about myself as a writer. First, patience seems to be a defining virtue in this season of my career. Second, I really hate whatever stage of the writing process I’m currently in. Okay, maybe that second point is a little dramatic. After all, if I really disliked writing, …
Continue reading How To Get Through Writing Your Rough Draft
By Madelynn Orion 