Tiffany of Midwest Magpie is such an inviting and personable writer. Whenever I read something by Tiffany, I learn something new. And I feel so welcomed, like we're speaking to each other face to face, as great friends. A latest great post: https://midwestmagpie.substack.com/p/monday-mood-029
Cierra of Losing Orbit is so open and vulnerable about the experience of losing a mother and all that happens after. Plus other things both hopeful and heartrending. A touching piece: https://losingorbit.substack.com/p/my-last-letter-to-mom
I attended the Compose Conference at Clackamas Community College yesterday. One of the sessions that I signed up for was " Fractured Flash Fiction" and your Website was recommended. I am enjoying it and getting inspired this morning. Thank you!
Kathy, I love this prompt. It dive me back into this childhood vision.
Living in the Bubble
Everyone knows the world is round. Christopher Columbus proved that to be true when he didn’t all off into the abyss when sailing from Spain to America. But doesn’t everyone know he couldn’t have fallen off. We live inside a shell, a giant bubble. The sky meets the earth or sea sealing us in tight, not even atomic bombs can break the seal. Because if the seal were to be broken, our bubble would collapse like a rapidly deflating balloon, spewing its contents and flinging us all into that dark place called outer space.
it's a noble ambition, to guide the ego of the reader:
"What we mistake as sentimental is in fact a generosity, a willingness to stay open and acknowledge the miraculous. Our fear of being touched removes us from a sensate world. The distant self becomes the detached self who no longer believes in anything. Awe is the moment when ego surrenders to wonder. This is our inheritance — the beauty before us. We cry. We cry out. There is nothing sentimental about facing the desert bare. It is a terrifying beauty."
Interestingly, I've begun writing a serial story for my son, which I'm then recording so he can listen to the chapters as they come out.
It's a lot of fun! It's also an interesting writing challenge, because there's no room to be too cute about the writing. It needs simple and straightforward language, but also the kind of every day, common place awe that you mention here.
When I was a kid I thought heaven had castles and they were build on top of those huge cumulus clouds. Even tho my mom quickly dispelled that idea when I shared it with her, I never lost the fundamental idea or hope that something so mystical and magical as heaven could also be so tantalizingly close and within reach; that I could actually see it. It's why I still pursue a 'career' in the creative field. Because what's a better metaphor for the struggling artist in 2023 than having heaven itself just out of arms reach? Guess I need to narrate myself finding some wings. And I did! You can find it on my profile in a post called 'Making a Connection.'
Thanks for the reading suggestions! I am looking forward to more flash fiction goodness. And congratulations on the 5k! Amazing milestone.
Recommendations: I do like SLAKE, Nathan's writing has that certain kind of humour that I find appealing. https://slake.substack.com
As far as my own Flash Fiction endeavours go, I would love some constructive feedback on my humble attempts thus far, esp. from fellow Flash Fiction enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Weirdly, during the pandemic I was incredibly prolific writing-wise. My friend challenged me to pump out a very rough first draft of a second book in a literary trilogy and I did it, writing a chapter a day. I wasn’t working. I was living in East Harlem. All I had was time. Later, I wrote a ‘fictional memoir’ about my NYC Covid experience which I’m currently posting on my stack for paid subscribers. I found myself writing as catharsis, as therapy, as spiritual salve. It saved me. That and reading. And AA. And phone calls with friends.
Another awe-inspiring post by you, Kathy! I have a few recommendations on Substack:
Lonely Robot Theme writes poignantly on many nuances of loneliness found in films and books. The latest publication can be found here: https://lonelyrobottheme.substack.com/p/im-here
Tiffany of Midwest Magpie is such an inviting and personable writer. Whenever I read something by Tiffany, I learn something new. And I feel so welcomed, like we're speaking to each other face to face, as great friends. A latest great post: https://midwestmagpie.substack.com/p/monday-mood-029
Kristin Garth writes raw, unabashed sonnets. Here's one of the greats: https://kristin3o160.substack.com/p/something-that-bleeds
Jennifer Woodworth writes transporting poems and prose pieces. I'm always stupefied by Jennifer's work. One of my favorite pieces: https://fishclamor.substack.com/p/we-are-nothing-if-not-thus
Arman Khodadoost is a hilarious writer. But also makes you think. Arman's latest light-hearted piece: https://armankho.substack.com/p/armans-antics-034
Ars Poetica shares little marvels of life with the little voice in us, plus wise words and poesy from other greats. A wonderful read: https://arspoetica.substack.com/p/poetry-pocket-wild-geese-mary-oliver
Cierra of Losing Orbit is so open and vulnerable about the experience of losing a mother and all that happens after. Plus other things both hopeful and heartrending. A touching piece: https://losingorbit.substack.com/p/my-last-letter-to-mom
Priya Iyer writes on writing and life stuff so beautifully and compassionately and thought-provokingly. I feel so empowered and inspired each time I read something by Priya. A wondrous post: https://writersomnibus.substack.com/p/the-sunday-edition-the-telescoping
There are so many more, but I'll share more next time!
I attended the Compose Conference at Clackamas Community College yesterday. One of the sessions that I signed up for was " Fractured Flash Fiction" and your Website was recommended. I am enjoying it and getting inspired this morning. Thank you!
Kathy, I love this prompt. It dive me back into this childhood vision.
Living in the Bubble
Everyone knows the world is round. Christopher Columbus proved that to be true when he didn’t all off into the abyss when sailing from Spain to America. But doesn’t everyone know he couldn’t have fallen off. We live inside a shell, a giant bubble. The sky meets the earth or sea sealing us in tight, not even atomic bombs can break the seal. Because if the seal were to be broken, our bubble would collapse like a rapidly deflating balloon, spewing its contents and flinging us all into that dark place called outer space.
This is beautiful, ornate and amazing.. Love this Cathy. Anxiety sucks ever joy out of your life.
If time permits then please go over this piece that I have worked on https://kallolpoetry.substack.com/p/maai-ferocious-as-much-as-loving
I love your prompts! They really help me dig deep and think about (and feel) my stories!
it's a noble ambition, to guide the ego of the reader:
"What we mistake as sentimental is in fact a generosity, a willingness to stay open and acknowledge the miraculous. Our fear of being touched removes us from a sensate world. The distant self becomes the detached self who no longer believes in anything. Awe is the moment when ego surrenders to wonder. This is our inheritance — the beauty before us. We cry. We cry out. There is nothing sentimental about facing the desert bare. It is a terrifying beauty."
— Terry Tempest Williams.
<3
Interestingly, I've begun writing a serial story for my son, which I'm then recording so he can listen to the chapters as they come out.
It's a lot of fun! It's also an interesting writing challenge, because there's no room to be too cute about the writing. It needs simple and straightforward language, but also the kind of every day, common place awe that you mention here.
Definitely recommend it as a writing challenge!
I love the width you bring to writing. Great Substack, thank you. 😁
When I was a kid I thought heaven had castles and they were build on top of those huge cumulus clouds. Even tho my mom quickly dispelled that idea when I shared it with her, I never lost the fundamental idea or hope that something so mystical and magical as heaven could also be so tantalizingly close and within reach; that I could actually see it. It's why I still pursue a 'career' in the creative field. Because what's a better metaphor for the struggling artist in 2023 than having heaven itself just out of arms reach? Guess I need to narrate myself finding some wings. And I did! You can find it on my profile in a post called 'Making a Connection.'
Thanks for the reading suggestions! I am looking forward to more flash fiction goodness. And congratulations on the 5k! Amazing milestone.
Recommendations: I do like SLAKE, Nathan's writing has that certain kind of humour that I find appealing. https://slake.substack.com
As far as my own Flash Fiction endeavours go, I would love some constructive feedback on my humble attempts thus far, esp. from fellow Flash Fiction enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Weirdly, during the pandemic I was incredibly prolific writing-wise. My friend challenged me to pump out a very rough first draft of a second book in a literary trilogy and I did it, writing a chapter a day. I wasn’t working. I was living in East Harlem. All I had was time. Later, I wrote a ‘fictional memoir’ about my NYC Covid experience which I’m currently posting on my stack for paid subscribers. I found myself writing as catharsis, as therapy, as spiritual salve. It saved me. That and reading. And AA. And phone calls with friends.
Michael Mohr
‘Sincere American Writing’
https://michaelmohr.substack.com/
Sheesh, don't hate me. Einstein never said that, though the internet keeps saying that he did. (Sorry.)