Hollow Hills

#1 Worst Trope

Marie, here. I know I often blog about fiction tropes that drive me nuts. Today, let’s talk about the one that is still a thing and makes me want to scream when I see it. Seriously, just saw a comic ad with it yesterday and threw up in my mouth a little. “I just wantedContinue reading “#1 Worst Trope”

Writing Fanfiction

Aurora, here. Before the pandemic, this was something I’d never even tried. I’ve only read a few pieces of fanfic, honestly, and associated the whole genre with teens trying their hands at writing for the first time. During COVID, Cobra Kai was one of the shows I binged and I discovered that Marie had beenContinue reading “Writing Fanfiction”

Influencing Readers

Marie here. We often write blog posts here about things we do or don’t want to see in the media. We discuss topics that may or may not be controversial that we read, hear about, or see through various means like television, movies, radio, and books. There is a very good reason for this. AsContinue reading “Influencing Readers”

Co-Writing

Marie here. Today I want to talk about writing a story with a friend or colleague. Writing is a lonely hobby. You spend hours talking to the people in your head: having imaginary conversations and playing out scenes. It is great having fellow author buddies who you can share your work with and bounce ideasContinue reading “Co-Writing”

Reading to Write

Marie here. I often talk about how important it is for authors to read but today I want to focus on one of the many reasons why by relaying a personal story. As a fan of anime since I was eleven, I was excited to find the Vampire Hunter D movies. Badass vampires in anime?Continue reading “Reading to Write”

Not Like Other Girls

Marie here. This is a rant post so be warned! I will admit that in my naive youth I may have used this phrase. I wanted the world to know that my character was different, that she wasn’t a cookie cutter version of girls the world over. Oh, what a fool I was! This isContinue reading “Not Like Other Girls”

Body Language

Marie here. Recently I have been reading web comics obsessively. As in, being distracted from my own writing and reading of novels, obsessively. As a lover of art, I spend hours finding new stories on certain sites that catch my eye with their unique style. The art might draw me in, but the story isContinue reading “Body Language”

Conventions and Art

Marie here. A couple years ago, I took a weekend to get away and enjoy a comic book convention. GalaxyCon Raleigh, taking place in North Carolina, was a weekend of cosplay, celebrities, and comics. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting new faces and taking pictures of all the amazing cosplayers. Meeting a few celebrities face-to-face was awesome,Continue reading “Conventions and Art”

Nostalgia and Lazy Writing

Marie here. Fair warning that this is a half rant post and half please-don’t-write-like-this post. I’m going to be talking about the Netflix show Cobra Kai so if you haven’t seen all the seasons: SPOILERS! I started watching the show with my husband because it looked interesting. Let’s take these characters from a hit 80s/90sContinue reading “Nostalgia and Lazy Writing”

To Suffer or Not to Suffer? That is the Question

Marie here. Reading back over my second part of The Brave Blacksmith tale, I realize how much I like the story. As authors, we tend to be our own worst critics, going over and over our work and never being quite satisfied with it. I know I have certainly read over plenty of my storiesContinue reading “To Suffer or Not to Suffer? That is the Question”