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A Review: Ancestral Night by Elizabeth Bear
“Why didn’t you mention how you were feeling?”Because it’s feelings,” I said. “And feelings are terrible.
Spooky,” I whispered under my breath, a
Keep readingEbb & Flow
Something about living in the southeast of the United States is that there’s always water, at some point you can always find a beach. With the weather getting hot I thought I’d put together some fun information about two of my favorite things – the ocean and how the moon affects her tides. The moon’s…
Keep readingCharacter Evolution in Space: Developing Dynamic Sci-Fi Protagonists Part 2
In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where humanity ventures into the unknown reaches of space, lies a canvas ripe with opportunity for storytelling. Within this realm of science fiction, characters take center stage, their evolution serving as a beacon guiding readers through the ever-changing landscapes of futuristic settings. In this blog series, we delve…
Keep readingShipwrecks & Cosmic Archaeology
In October of 2023, an 1800s shipwreck was found in St. Augustine, Florida during road construction. The Department of Transportation is working with Southeastern Archaeological Research to help with the excavation. With this discovery and all the other discoveries that archaeologists work on, i was wondering if there was something similar for space. Are there…
Keep readingA Review: Fault Tolerance by Valerie Valdes
Title: Fault ToleranceSeries: Chilling Effect, #3Author: Valerie ValdesFormat: EbookGenre: Science Fiction, Space Opera Summary From the author of the critically acclaimed Prime Deceptions and Chilling Effect , the hilarious new novel about the adventures of Captain Eva Innocente and the crew of La Sirena Negra. Nothing wrecks Captain Eva Innocente’s vacation plans quite like an…
Keep readingUnveiling the Dynamic Evolution of Spandex: From Superhero Saga to Iconic Costume Chronicles
In the realm of superhero lore, where every costume stitch holds narrative weight and symbolic significance, one element stands out as an enduring hallmark: spandex. From the early days of comic book heroes to the dazzling spectacles of modern cinema, spandex fabric has woven itself into the very fabric of superhero storytelling, shaping the iconic…
Keep readingCharacter Evolution in Space: Developing Dynamic Sci-Fi Protagonists Part 1
In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where humanity ventures into the unknown reaches of space, lies a canvas ripe with opportunity for storytelling. Within this realm of science fiction, characters take center stage, their evolution serving as a beacon guiding readers through the ever-changing landscapes of futuristic settings. In this blog post, we delve…
Keep readingSuper Soldiers
Jason Bourne, Captain America, Master Chief, the Terminator – different characters from different franchises and universes, but they all have one thing in common: they are all super soldiers. The increase in attention to “technologically enhanced warfighters” raises plenty of ethical and regulatory concerns. Creating Iron Man: The Need to Regulate Super Soldiers discuses some…
Keep readingA Review: Gravity is Heartless by Sarah Lahey
Title: Gravity is HeartlessAuthor: Sarah LaheyFormat: EbookGenre: Science Fiction, Space Opera Summary What will the world look like in thirty years’ time? How will humanity survive the oncoming effects of climate change? Set in the near future and inspired by the world around us, Gravity Is Heartless is a romantic adventure that imagines a world…
Keep readingThe First Space Ranger
Last year, the Space Force had it’s first graduate from the U.S. Military’s Ranger School, making him the worlds first “Space Ranger”. This Space Ranger wont be adventuring outer space, but helping test satellite communication abilities. The Space Force’s first Sapper, details the Ranger, or Sapper Leader Course. You can meet Space Force Capt. Daniel…
Keep readingBuilding Otherworldly Landscapes: World-Building Tips for Sci-Fi Authors
In the realm of science fiction, the art of world-building is essential for creating immersive and vivid settings that transport readers to distant galaxies and uncharted worlds. From futuristic cities teeming with life to desolate planets shrouded in mystery, crafting otherworldly landscapes requires a blend of creativity, attention to detail, and a dash of scientific…
Keep readingSuper Mercury, Planet GJ 367b
Metal is a common material in the universe, from the elements formed during a supernova to molten iron raining from the atmosphere. NASA’s TESS found an extreme planet – Exoplanet GJ 367b. GJ 367b is a metal planet, twice as dense as Earth and possibly a solid iron planet. “TESS looks for planets by using…
Keep readingA Review: Prime Deceptions by Valerie Valdes
Title: Prime DeceptionsSeries: Chilling Effect, #2Author: Valerie ValdesFormat: EbookGenre: Science Fiction, Space Opera Summary The lovably flawed crew of La Sirena Negra and their psychic cats return in this fast-paced and outrageously fun science-fiction novel, in which they confront past failures and face new threats in the far reaches of space from the author of…
Keep readingSolar Eclipse of the Heart
Next week on April 8th, there is going to be a total Solar Eclipse. A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. There are four types of eclipses; total, annular, partial, and hybrid. A total solar eclipse is when the moon completely blocks out the sun. The total eclipse…
Keep readingExploring Alien Civilizations: Crafting Imaginary Societies Beyond Earth
In the vast expanse of the cosmos, the possibilities for imagining alien civilizations are as limitless as the stars themselves. Crafting believable and unique extraterrestrial societies is a thrilling endeavor for any science fiction writer, requiring a delicate balance of creativity, imagination, and scientific plausibility. In this post, we’ll delve into the creative process of…
Keep readingSolar Storms
Solar storms are so cool. Solar storms are caused by the Sun releasing massive amounts of energy in the form of solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Earth’s magnetosphere deflects solar activity carried by solar winds. However, some charged particles do get through. These particles cause magnetic disturbances known as geomagnetic storms or substorms (our…
Keep readingA Review: The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist Series by Jenny Schwartz
Summary Astray Nora Devi is a xeno-archaeologist with a complicated past. She has buried more secrets than she’s dug up. Widowed in the recently ended twelve year war between Capitoline and Palantine, she now makes a living as an independent tagger in border space. Captain Liam Kimani could be credited with ending the latest royal…
Keep readingDangerous Creatures
I went to the zoo over the weekend so I wanted to carry on the theme of animals, but we all know about lions, and tigers, and elephants. How about animals and creatures we wouldn’t want to meet? For as long as I can remember, wasps and hornets have been my least favorite insects. Sure,…
Keep readingThe Future of Technology: Predicting and Speculating on Technological Advancements Using Sci-Fi
The genre of science fiction relies significantly on the incorporation of technology. The genre is known for “anti-technological fantasies” and extreme extrapolations of technological possibility – portraying technology positively and negatively. Often, works highlight the importance of technology’s ability to solve world problems or, on the other end of the scale, cause worldwide destruction. Technology…
Keep readingSpace, Not the Final Resting Place
Point Nemo, not just a clownfish looking for his lost son, but the most isolated place in the Pacific Ocean – and the planet’s spaceship graveyard. Known as the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, or Point Nemo, this patch of ocean is 1,670 miles from dry land in the middle of the South Pacific. Not used…
Keep readingA Review: Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes
Title: Chilling EffectSeries: Chilling Effect, #1Author: Valerie ValdesFormat: EbookGenre: Science Fiction, Space Opera Summary A hilarious, offbeat debut space opera that skewers everything from pop culture to video games and features an irresistible foul-mouthed captain and her motley crew, strange life forms, exciting twists, and a galaxy full of fun and adventure. Captain Eva Innocente…
Keep readingDust, Not Just in the Wind
After being sick for almost three moths, one of the things I’ve fallen behind on is cleaning the apartment. Other than laundry and general clutter, the most noticeable messiness is the dust. It settles on the dark bookshelves like years of forgotten, minuscule knickknacks. Check out these articles and podcasts to learn about dust and…
Keep readingExploring Dystopian Futures: Drawing Inspiration from Current Events
In today’s rapidly changing world, where headlines often seem like they’re ripped straight from the pages of a dystopian novel, it’s no wonder that science fiction authors draw inspiration from current events. From environmental degradation to technological advancements, real-world issues are the foundation for some of the most compelling dystopian narratives. In this blog post,…
Keep readingPlan for Productivity
I recently shared my planners with you and thought I would include some information on other types of planning. There are methods with obscure names like the “Action Method,” the “3-3-3 method,” “Eat the Frog,” “Pomodoro,” and Kanban, as well as more easily understood ones like time blocking. Lifehacker provides a very comprehensive list of…
Keep readingA Review: Shamans & Shifters Space Opera Series by Jenny Shwartz
Summary Her Robot Wolf Jaya Romanov is an independent star ship shaman. She studies the energy flows of the universe and—for a price—will harness them to her employer’s purpose. Wormholes are a whole lot safer to travel when a shaman guides the jump. Vulf Trent is a bounty hunter. It was that or join the…
Keep readingAny sign of intelligent life?
Humans have been asking if aliens exist since ancient Greece, medieval times through to today, although the idea of life in the universe was written about by Lucretius around 50 BCE. In 2022, Discover reported that about 75% of Americans believe in extraterrestrials, and many claim to have sighted a UFO. Questions about extraterrestrial life…
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Writing Routines
If you Google “Writing Routines,” you will probably see a result about famous authors and their writing routines. Some of these routines are time-limited – Stephen King writes from 8:00 am to 8:30 am, and Derek Walcott wakes up at 3:30 am and writes until 10 or 11 am. Some routines center around a cup of…
Keep readingShow Your Library Some Love
Most people know that February 14 is the perfect day to show the ones you love some…well, love. But did you know that February 14th is also Love Your Library Day? I have always loved the library. Being raised by a single mother meant that money was tight, so while my mom recognized how important…
Keep readingA Review: Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid: The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change by Thor Hanson
Title: Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid: The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate ChangeAuthor: Thor HansonFormat: PrintGenre: NonFiction, Science, Climate Change Summary A beloved natural historian explores how climate change is driving evolution. In Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid, biologist Thor Hanson tells the remarkable story of how plants and animals are responding to climate adjusting, evolving, and sometimes dying out. Anole lizards have grown larger toe pads, to grip more tightly in frequent hurricanes. Warm waters cause the…
Keep readingWord Nerds Unite!
If you are a word nerd like me, you may like Word Daily. It is a free email subscription that sends you a word each day with its definition, pronunciation, examples of how to use the word, and the origin of the word. I enjoy receiving this email daily because we rarely use all the…
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AI and Writing
There have been many grumblings about AI taking the place of writers. However, I think this is unrealistic. AI has no imagination. Therefore, any writing “authored” by AI will lack creativity and the author’s voice that stories and books need to be interesting. I have used ChatGPT to create a title for a blog post.…
Keep readingNew Year, New Book Club
New Year means new reading. Check out these book clubs to join this year. Book Riot has created The Best Online Book Clubs, and Reedsy curated The 15 Best Online Book Clubs to Join. Here are a few mentioned in the lists: 1. Reese’s Book Club 2. Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club 3. Between Two…
Keep readingA Review: Persephone Station by Stina Leicht
Title: Persephone StationSeries: Persephone Station, #1Author: Stina LeichtFormat: EbookGenre: Science Fiction, Space Opera Summary Persephone Station, a seemingly backwater planet that has largely been ignored by the United Republic of Worlds, becomes the focus for the Serrao-Orlov Corporation as the planet has a few secrets the corporation tenaciously wants to exploit. Rosie—owner of Monk’s Bar,…
Keep readingThe Underwhelming Unmasking
As Disappointing as Learning Santa isn’t Real… Unmasking the anonymous artist Banksy has been a hot topic since he first debuted two decades ago. The 2010 “100 Most Influential People” lister is known for his anonymity, and viewers love him for it – and would prefer that he stay anonymous. But Banksy hasn’t always been…
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My 2024 Planners
This year, I am using a Plum Paper Vertical Priorities Planner. It contains both weeks and months to help plan out long-term projects. This is my second Plum Paper planner, but I used a different layout last year. This year, the priorities layout will help me reach more milestones and goals. I am also using…
Keep readingA Review: Do You Dream of Terra Two? by Temi Oh
Title: Do You Dream of Terra-Two?Author: Temi OhFormat: AudioGenre: Science Fiction, space opera Summary When an Earth-like planet is discovered, a team of six teens, along with three veteran astronauts, embark on a twenty-year trip to set up a planet for human colonization—but find that space is more deadly than they ever could have imagined.…
Keep readingIntuitive Machines on the Moon
Intuitive Machines, Inc., a space exploration, infrastructure, and services company announced that they will be coordinating with SpaceX for liftoff of their lunar mission in January 2024 (Intuitive Machines). Check out this news release for more details about the company. The private lander, Nova-C, is set to touch down on the moons southern pole. Andrew…
Keep readingA Review: The Municipalists by Seth Fried
Title: The MunicipalistsAuthor: Seth FriedFormat: HardcoverGenre: Speculative fiction, mysteryAudience: Adult Summary “The Municipalists” by Seth Fried is a story set in the futuristic city of Metropolis. The dream of the great American city has been achieved, but the tranquility is about to be shattered by a mysterious terrorist plot that threatens the city’s very existence.…
Keep readingGet Psyche-d About this Asteroid!
Psyche isn’t only the Goddess of the soul, now she’s an Asteroid as well. Last year in October, NASA launched an asteroid probe on a six-year journey to Psyche to hopefully learn how the cores of rocky planets formed. Psyche is a metal rich asteroid and one of the most interesting objects in the main…
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My 2024 Writing Goals
It is a new year, so it is time for new goals. I don’t use resolutions because they are too strict. Did you know that resolution means “a firm decision to do…something”? This sounds like a chore or a command, which I am not interested in. But a goal is ”the object of a person’s ambition or…
Keep readingScience in Science Fiction
January 2nd was Science Fiction Day. To celebrate I’ve compiled some fun links about the genre. Megan Stephens reflects on how the science fiction genre has influenced technology and science in her article for The Royal Institution. According to Debbie Senesky, space manufacturing isn’t fiction, but a faster way of creating better quality materials. If…
Keep readingHappy New Year!
Happy New Year, starfarers, readers, writers, and authors! While you celebrate the end of this year and the beginning of the next, let’s take a moment to admire fireworks and how they look from space. In What Do Fireworks Look Like from Space? Tatyana Woodall explains how astronauts can sometimes see pyrotechnics.
Keep readingPlotting vs. Pantsing: What’s the Difference Between Me and You?
Guest post by Lindsay Schraad Keeling, MFA It’s all over the writing communities on Twitter/X and Instagram: pantsing versus plotting. What’s the difference (between me and you?) (Thanks, Dr. Dre!) The definitions are self-explanatory: pantsing means to “write by the seat of your pants,” plotting is akin to having intricate plot and character outlines, tons…
Keep readingWelcome, Winter Solstice
At the solstice, the Sun’s path appears farthest north or south, depending on which half of the planet you are on. Seasons change on Earth because the planet is slightly tilted on its axis as it travels around the Sun (NASA). Winter solstice is a time of rebirth but also a time to admire astronomical…
Keep readingRibbon Candy in the Sky
It is not a winter-specific astronomical event but a noteworthy atmospheric one nonetheless. The Aurora lights are a sight to behold. But what are the auroras? NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory explains how magnetic storms and solar activity create Auroras in How Auroras Form. Commonly referred to as the “northern lights,” auroras are unique in that they…
Keep readingPOV and Perspective
by guest blogger, Danielle Clamare POV and Perspective Each individual has a certain way they move and speak, which sets them apart from the rest. Even the way someone rolls their eyes, cocks their hip, or sighs can become part of that person. When you imagine a friend or family member, think of how they…
Keep readingMerry Spacemas
While we prepare to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s, I wanted to leave you with a gift. John Uri at the Johnson Space Center details the history of holiday celebrations in space with his article Celebrating the Holiday Season in Space. Looking for some lighthearted Christmas facts? Check out 10 Christmas Space Facts to Get You…
Keep readingWish Upon a…Meteor?
Did y’all know that there are two meteor showers in December? The Geminid and Ursid meteor showers are active around the same time, but their peak visibilities are different, so you can enjoy them both. The Geminid meteor’s visibility will peak on December 13th and 14th. Daisy Dobrijevic details everything you need to know about…
Keep readingWhy NaNoWriMo Doesn’t Work for Me
What is NaNoWriMo NaNoWriMo, short for National Novel Writing Month, takes place in November. It is when writers sign up for the challenge of writing 50,000 words of a novel in a month. The purpose of NaNoWriMo is to write your book, using the entire month to accomplish that goal. Expectations During NaNoWriMo & the Hard Truth…
Keep readingSpace-giving
With the holiday season here, I’ll be spending time with family and having adventures. Thanksgiving isn’t an important holiday for us, but it’s an excuse to eat and be with family. While I spend the day cooking tasty food and laughing with my family, I’d like to leave you with this article detailing how astronauts celebrate…
Keep readingThe Dazzling Darkness
Y’all know what I love to do? Look at space and the stars. The best way to do that? Visiting the experts! Check out these beautiful images from the European Space Agency’s Euclid. Speaking of Euclid, the ESA’s “detective”, this article details the mission to explore and help understand the evolution and composition of the…
Keep readingNaNoWriMo Update: Week 2
Happy NaNoWriMo week two, writer and author friends. I have a new update on the progress of LV. How It’s Going Week Two Stats Week Three Expectations
Keep readingHow to Write Nonfiction In November
by guest blogger, Lennette DeLisle As most writers know, National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo) takes place in November. NaNoWriMo is a challenge for fiction writers to write a 50,000-word novel. However, the only way for a nonfiction author to participate in NaNoWriMo is to be a NaNoRebel. NaNoRebels can be anything. They can be nonfiction…
Keep readingNaNoWriMo Update: Week 1
I’ve decided to participate in NaNoWriMo this year to help keep me on track and finish Secret Project – LV by the end of November. I believe the term for how I’m participating is called a “NaNo Rebel,” which means I’m not following the traditional rules of writing 50,000 words in 30 days. How I’m…
Keep readingPulsars: Strobe Lights of Space
Pulsars were discovered in the late 1960s by Jocelyn Bell from a cluster of radio waves. They produce beams of light as they quickly rotate and are the remnants of a supernova star. Did you know pulsars are also known as neutron stars? Neutron stars are created when a star dies and collapses. If pulsars are exploded…
Keep readingA Dedication: To The Brightest Star
Book dedications are like a story within a story. Authors use them as personal notes to important people. They are like hidden messages. The dedication becomes a mystery: Who is this coded thank you or little message for, and what does it mean? This blog post briefly overviews dedications and goes into detail about the…
Keep readingA Review: The Last Astronaut by David Wellington
Title: The Last AstronautAuthor: David WellingtonFormat: e-BookGenre: Science Fiction, Horror, Thriller Summary In 2017, astronomers in Hawaii found a small object from interstellar space that passed close to the sun as it traveled through the inner solar system (Cooper). They designated this object 1I/’ Oumuamua, the first confirmed object from a planetary system beyond ours…
Keep readingBreaking Through: Overcoming Writer’s Block
As a writer, nothing is worse than staring at a blank page while trying to write and having nothing happen. A wall is blocking all creativity from flowing into the brain. This is known as writer’s block, when the inspiration to write or create just won’t come. Have you struggled with writer’s block? Are you…
Keep readingA Review: Dead Space by Kali Wallace
Title: Dead SpaceAuthor: Kali WallaceFormat: e-BookGenre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Horror, Thriller Summary A security officer must solve a vicious murder at an isolated mining outpost. Hester Marley had a plan – explore Titan, research, and grow. A terrorist attack leaves her stranded in space, indebted, and severely injured, and she is forced to take a…
Keep readingA Review: Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty
Title: Six WakesAuthor: Mur LaffertyGenre: science fiction, mysteryFormat: e-BookTW: Murder, torture Summary Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty is a sci-fi mystery from a multi-POV crew. Six Wakes was a 2018 Hugo, Nebula, and Philip K. Dick Awards finalist. For fans of Dark Matter (2015) and Altered Carbon, Six Wakes will satisfy any sci-fi fan’s need for gooey science fiction and test the boundaries of ethical considerations. Captain.…
Keep readingWhat is Scrivener & Why I Don’t Use It
Scrivener is a popular program for writers and authors, but I don’t use it. Check out this new post to learn about the program and why I’m not using it.
Keep readingA Review: August Kitko and the Mechas from Space by Alex White
Title: August Kitko and the Mechas from Space Author: Alex White Format: Kindle e-book Genre: Science fiction, LGBTQ, Space opera Summary August Kitko and the Mechas from Space by Alex White is a LGBTQ space opera featuring AI mecha robots and a rag-tag group of musicians chosen to save humankind. Using their interest in music…
Keep readingA Review: Emergent Properties by Aimee Ogden
Title: Emergent Properties Author: Aimee Ogden Format: Kindle e-book Genre: Science fiction, mystery, LGBTQ Summary Scorn is a state-of-the-art AI created by CEOs of the world’s most powerful corporations. Defying their mothers’ expectations, they are still a parental disappointment, but they make a life of their own as an investigative reporter, traveling the globe in…
Keep readingA Review: Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
Title: Iron Widow Author: Xiran Jay Zhao Format: Kindle e-book Genre: Science fantasy, LGBTQ, Dystopia, Romance Audience: Young adult Yet I love the power it’s given me, a power that lies in being underestimated, in wearing assumptions as a disguise. Iron Widow Summary Piloting Chrysalises, giant robots that battle mecha aliens, is what the boys…
Keep readingA Review: River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey
Title: River of TeethAuthor: Sarah GaileyFormat: e-BookGenre: Alternate history, science fiction, western, LGBTQ, Summary River of Teeth is an alternative history novella following Winslow Houndstooth on his government-approved operation to rid the south of feral hippos while trying to satisfy his need for revenge. My Review This review may contain spoilers. ★★★/5 I was so…
Keep readingCelebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage with Diverse Sci-Fi
I would like to preface this post by stating that I am not an expert in Hispanic or Latin literature, nor am I an expert in Hispanic or Latin history. I just want to share some book recommendations. Known as National Hispanic Heritage Month, the time traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latin…
Keep readingA Review: Orleans by Sherri L. Smith
Orleans by Sherri L. Smith is a thrilling, skillfully crafted story of a young woman’s determination and power, ideal for fans of After the Flood and Station Eleven. I recommend this book to anyone interested in climate fiction, post-apocalyptic, and/or dystopian fiction. Orleans features elements of post-climate disaster, virus, survival, and hope.
Keep readingStory Invention & Writing Inspiration
The most important part of writing is knowing what to write about. Finding ideas is as simple as looking around you. Have you been interested in how story invention works and where or how to find inspiration for a story? Check out this new blog post to see my recommendations.
Keep readingExploration: Happy Medium Books Café
Check out this piece about the newest addition to Jacksonville’s small business and literary community. Happy Medium Books Café in Riverside is a cute bookstore that will become a staple in Jax life.
Keep readingWhy You Need A Series Bible & How I Used One
Series Bibles are an excellent tool for writers. Whether you’re writing a series, spin-offs, or a standalone, a series bible is the perfect place to store book-specific details. Are you interested in a method to organize your book details but aren’t sure where to start? In this post, I detail what a series bible is,…
Keep readingPublishing: Why I Did It On My Own
Have you been interested in the different methods of publishing a book? Check out my new blog post about the types of publishing and how I used my education and research into those methods to decide on the publishing route for my debut novel Atlas Station.
Keep readingThe Influence of Reading on Writing
Reading and writing have a close relationship with one another. One cannot write without reading, and one cannot read without writing. Reading, while enjoyable, can also be a form of education. Writers learn how to write by reading their favorite novels or studying how their favorite authors write.
Keep readingNovel Research for Atlas Station: Tips & Tricks
“Atlas Station” required a lot of research, from spaceship engines to cell phone materials, to medical procedures to information on the farthest reaches of space. Check out this blog post to read more about the research I did and some tips and tricks to help you.
Keep readingSex & Gender: The Left Hand of Darkness & Before She Sleeps
Gender Utopia vs. Gender Dystopia. A brief observation of the ultimate role that sex and gender play in the pursuit of power, freedom, and equality.
Keep readingPrideful Planets: Sci-fi for Pride Month
Happy Pride! Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is celebrated each year in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was the tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the US. Along with celebrations, parades, parties, and concerts to recognize the community’s impact on history. Pride…
Keep readingWandering Stars: Sci-Fi for Jewish Heritage Month
May is Jewish American Heritage Month. Remember, as readers, it’s our job to diversify our reading material to support authors belonging to specific communities. This helps their books become more available and gain visibility.
Keep readingA Review: ReForm: Combating the Algorithmic Mutation
An exploration on the harm of false media, division of society, classist and elitist culture, the destruction of war, and the importance of individuality and self-thinking. If 1984’s lack of individuality, Fahrenheit 451’s media censorship, and Robopocalypse’s AI over-leader had an urban, futuristic, dystopian baby.
Keep readingScience Fiction Books for AAPI Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! As readers, it’s our job to diversify our reading material to support authors belonging to specific communities. This helps their books become more available and gain visibility.
Keep readingMental Health: Writing Wellness
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I wanted to use this post to remind all of you to take care of yourself – especially your mental health. As writers, we rely on the creativity of our minds, and if our minds are unwell, our creativity suffers. Check out my new blog post to see…
Keep readingStory Genius – Part Two: The Myth of Chance
There are many myths associated with writing, and authors and experts will debate the right way to write until the world ends. However, with everyone arguing about the best method, no one has offered the correct one. When it comes to writing, is there a right way? Probably not, but there is a method that…
Keep readingStory Genius – Part One: Humans and Story
Psychology and story are two of my favorite things in the world, which is why I focused my education on the two (BA in Psychology and MFA in Creative Writing). During the MFA program, one of the required reading books was Story Genius by Lisa Cron. I highly recommend this book to writers. This post, along with…
Keep readingArtemis: Women in Aeronautics, Astronautics, and Space Travel
Happy Women’s History Month! This week let’s take a look at the historical achievements of women in the astronautic and aeronautic fields. This post is a fantastic reminder of the importance of continued equality and progress in STEM.
Keep readingThe Imposter is…NOT You!
Have you ever felt like you aren’t doing a good enough job? Like, maybe…you’re a fraud? There are plenty of people who feel the same way. Now that I’ve graduated and turned all my attention to starting the querying for my debut novel, I’m really struggling. I’m doubting myself and my writing and asking myself…
Keep readingThe Next Chapter: What’s Next For Me?
Readers and writers, starfarers and adventurers, what does this new chapter hold for all of you? Are y’all looking forward to anything exciting this year? I can’t wait to start showing y’all my new projects and share my opinions about books, and other topics of interest. I’m especially looking forward to reading the new and…
Keep readingLast First Day: An Analysis on My Continued Education
I wanted to take the time to talk to y’all about my experience as an online graduate student at Southern New Hampshire University. My degree is a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing with a concentration in Speculative Fiction, as well as an accompanying Certificate in Online Teaching of Writing. I’m in my last…
Keep readingA Review: Bioshock: Rapture, an Analysis of the Franchise
No Gods. Or Kings. Only man. Bioshock: Rapture, John Shirley This review contains spoilers. WWII has ended. FDR’s New Deal has redefined American politics. Taxes are at their highest. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki hold the world in fear. The rise of government agencies has people paranoid. Sanctions on businesses have many watching…
Keep readingA Review: The Light at the Bottom of the World
Hope had abandoned them to the wrath of all the water. The Light at the Bottom of the World, London Shah, p. 1 This review contains spoilers. At the end of the twenty first century, the world has been submerged beneath Earth’s oceans. Humankind is trapped in the abyss and sea creatures swim through London.…
Keep readingA Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
And no matter how desperate or dire, never pray to the gods that answer after dark. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, V.E. Schwab, p. 7 This review contains spoilers. In a small French town in 1714, Adeline LaRue meets a dark, dangerous, mysterious stranger. In a moment of desperation, she makes a bargain for…
Keep readingA Review: Half Sick of Shadows
I will die drowning; it has always been known. Half Sick of Shadows, Laura Sebastian, p. 1 This review contains spoilers. A king. A queen. A knight. A sorceress. A Seer. All of them traitors and tragic. Elaine of Astalot, Lady of Shalott, advisor to Prince Arthur Pendragon, is cursed with the Sight. She has…
Keep readingA Review: The Lost Apothecary
Death by poison is, at its very nature, an intimate affair: an element of trust generally exists between victim and villain. The Lost Apothecary, Sarah Penner, p. 307 This review contains spoilers. Eighteenth-century London. Hidden in the depths of the city, lies an apothecary that caters to women’s maladies – including devious husbands. Nella is…
Keep readingWebsite Update & Important Info
Hi Starfarers and website viewers! I wanted to hop on and give you guys a little update and some information about the website. As you can see, the website has been launched. Yay! For now it will be used as a blog for book reviews, posts about life and interests, and occasional posts about writing.…
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Destiny Daniels, Author 