This is my entry for The Halls of Pandemonium Day 4 prompt, which was written by and his muse, Kira.

I do a lot of non-fiction on here, but it’s been a while since I’ve shared something personal like this. I honestly didn’t plan to write anything today (or this week, beyond the podcast), because I have been, as they say, going through it.

Just one thing after another, but the urge to write is still there. And of course, I truly appreciate all the work has done to not only build Scriptorum as a place for The Halls of Pandemonium challenge, but also all his help supporting me and my work since we met last year.

So, the least I can do is accept both his and Kira’s prompt here since I have a story to share. After all…

I always do.

The Late (Creative) Bloomer

This prompt asks us to share a story about the first person or figure we associated with creativity. I went over my head a lot about who this might be for me.

I had a few options, and certainly some authors who have inspired me, but I kept coming back to one person whose name I remember, but I cannot spell it for the life of me.

We’ll call her Dr. K. She definitely has a PHD, and I know her last name starts with a K. And, most importantly, I recall her asking everyone to refer to her as such since her last name was difficult to pronounce for some.

Now, you’re probably wondering why I picked that title (not the article title, that’s a reference to J.M.’s posts for my prompts. I’m talking about the one at the top of this section).

You see, I knew around 2nd grade that I wanted to be a writer. I’ve shared that story a few times. However, I wouldn’t say that I really started to exercise my creativity until I was in middle school and high school.

Even then, it was limited. Some friends read my stories, but that’s about it. College, though. That was the point where I started to see myself as a true creative, and not some guy who writes 40-page novels on his parents’ computer and then gets surprised when they’re mad I printed it out.

Listen, I didn’t know how expensive ink was back then. I understand now.

The point is, I was a late bloomer in terms of truly considering myself a creative. At least, when you consider how early on I “decided” to be a writer. Back when kids were saying they wanted to be police officers and firefighters, I was proudly declaring I would be a bestselling author.

Points for ambition. I’ll give young Bradley that.

Cool Story Bro. What About the Prompt?

Right, yes, the prompt. No, I don’t plan to subvert the prompt here; I actually want to respond to this one. I’m just prone to rambling, and less prone to editing it out before I publish.

So, back to Dr. K. She was my creative writing professor at Valencia Community College down in Florida, where I went to school. I got my AA degree from there and then my Bachelor’s from UCF.

Yes, I hate it there. No, I’m never going back.

Despite my feelings about Florida, I look back on my time in Dr K.’s class very fondly. Not only was she a very down-to-Earth teacher, but she saw potential in people’s writing that they rarely saw themselves.

Case in point: I remember very early on in the class, she asked us all to write the first chapter of a story based on a piece of a conversation we overheard.

Now, I cannot recall the exact piece of said conversation that I used, but I do remember the story I wrote. It was an idea that had been brewing for a while, and I saw this prompt for class as an opportunity to write it (a trend that followed me into Substack here).

The following week, I brought chapter one of “The Blood Test” to class with me. It was a chapter told from the POV of a detective hunting a serial killer who was known to kill and drain his victims’ blood for reasons unknown.

We all got to read our chapters to the class, and folks, my chapter killed it (pun intended). The entire class was locked in. Dr. K asked to see me after. I was worried she didn’t like it, but something else happened.

I’ll never forget it, she basically said, “Bradley, I want you to bring a new chapter of this story to class every week. Don’t worry about the assignment. I want you to bring more of this.”

True story.

That Feeling When The Story Hits Just Right

So, my friends, that’s what I did. I ignored the assignments each week, and I brought a new chapter of The Blood Test to class each week as Dr K. requested. And every week was another hit, though I did have a few stumbles that I’ll get to in a second.

Dr K. loved the way the story developed each week. She even had a published author sit in during class one week, and I’ll never forget what they said when I finished reading:

“Wait a second, you wrote this chapter in a week?”

It was a long chapter, and despite some issues with me not doing proper medical research, it was very well received. They couldn’t believe I had put out something so polished in that short period of time.

I never did finish writing that story, but I did learn a lot of really cool things about creativity during that time:

• I learned that I could write stories that people actually enjoy

• I discovered how my writing voice makes me stand out from the crowd

• I learned the value of doing research (seriously, one chapter staring the killer who was also a surgeon had so many medical errors)

• I learned that I want to do this (writing) for my career, and for the rest of my life

And I learned all of that, because Dr K. believed in me. Not only that, but she believed in the power of that story. In the potential of that idea.

She gave me a push, and it led me to witness first-hand what happens when a story lands, and it finds an audience. I honestly don’t think anyone in my life has given me more of a creative gift than that.

It changed everything, and it’s one of the reasons I’m here now. And, to Dr. K, I don’t know where you are now or if you still even work at that school, but if you’re reading this: thank you.

You were one of the first people to ever believe in me and what I’m doing as a writer, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

Thanks for Reading! Here’s Your Musical Pairing

Listen to this after reading, like pairing a glass of wine with dinner.

Community Spotlights

• Check out the brand new newsletter from titled A Look into the World Tome.

• Get ready for and ’ Porch Prompts challenge launching May 4th!

• A huge thank you again to my writing group for all the awesome feedback on my novel outline this week. Be sure to subscribe to , , , , and . And of course, shout out to Trayvon R. as well, who is not currently on Substack, but is part of our group as well.

Wandering Prompt Winner

Well, did indeed make me cry again with his winning story Photographs. Read at your own risk, and bring tissues.

Weekly Shout Outs

This week, I took a look at five of my favorite stories from Flash Fiction February, to celebrate the launch of my new challenge, The Halls of Pandemonium.

• For the Love of Hot Water by

• Mountain Music by

• The Playpen Incident by

• Xenophilia by

• Tourney of Fates by

• BONUS: A Heart Isn’t Born Black by

Power up Prompt Stories

Thank you again to for helping with this week’s prompt, and for reviewing some of the stories/ballads!

• The Tavern of Unfinished Things by

• The Hush by

• Other Conditions of the Good Life by

• Memories of You by

• The Door in the Song by

• The Hills of Peregrin by

• Ballad Man by

• The Ballad Called Felix by

Friends and fellow writers of tales in all their forms. My warmest greetings to you all. This is Lord Devereaux the Devourer, using Bradley’s Substack account to deliver the first of several posts that will detail not only the tasks laid out before you, but the consequences of your actions as well.

For you see, we make ready to venture towards a dimension of pure anarchy. A universe of chaos. An infinite sea where the waters are ever-changing, and the storms are never-ending.

I, of course, refer to the realm of Pandemonium.

Your task this next month will be simple: You must harness the prompts formed from this energy to give form and function to chaos.

Your efforts here will keep Pandemonium at bay and perhaps save your world from annihilation.

No pressure, as you often say.

The Viscount is Hungry…

I must once more remind you that your efforts hold more than just your lives in the palm of your hand. You also feed my dearest cousin, Viscount Valegrave. We do not know the limits of his hunger, much like my own.

Even so, every story you submit. Every poem you craft. It will all feed his hunger, and should he finally become satiated, you will all benefit.

See The Live Objective Here

And, I must warn you all: there are consequences for failing to feed him sufficiently. I pray we will not witness them.

Let the writing begin!

Day 1 Prompt

This first week is preparation. The halls of Pandemonium are open, but you are not ready to step fully into them. We must first steel ourselves and prepare a library of stories for the road ahead.

The Viscount and I require snacks, after all.

Let us begin with this first prompt. A mere taste of the chaos in store.

Submit Your Entries Here

Day 1 Entries

Day 2 Prompt

Submit Your Entries Here

Day 2 Entries

Day 3 Prompt

Today’s prompt comes to us courtesy of ! This is one of several prompts submitted by community members that will appear throughout the course of the month!

Submit Your Entries Here

Day 3 Entries

Day 4 Prompt

“Today,” Lord Devereaux says, “I hunger for a something… exotic on this, the Fourth of May. My desire is for you to write a story set in the Star Wars universe—”

Behind him, a sound, bright and synthetic, out of place in a room that has so far taken itself very seriously. It leaks in from the wall behind him, not loudly, but insistently, the kind of presence that doesn’t ask permission.

Neither Devereaux nor Viscount Valegrave notice at first. Devereaux continues to speak as Valegrave looks on.

“—That combines the genre of Space Opera with—”

You notice the wall begin to glow.

At first, it’s only an outline, purple and vaguely human. It flickers, sharpens, then splits slightly at the edges. The music swells, and she comes through it, not stepping so much as phasing, as if physics were a rule she chose not to follow. Her roller skates meet the wood floor of the room.

Light spills from her in soft neon streaks, glitter trailing behind her and lingering just long enough to be noticed before it evaporates.

Her hair catches light that doesn’t seem to originate anywhere in the room, and her dress is too soft for the world it has entered, too bright to belong.

She glides forward a few inches and stops, tilting her head as she takes in the scene with mild curiosity, like someone who has walked into the wrong scene and decided, without hesitation, to remain.

Devereaux turns toward her. The Viscount contracts sharply, rings of teeth snapping inward.

She does not look at either of them. Instead, she lifts a hand in a small, dismissive gesture, the kind used to brush dust from a surface that has offended by existing. The glitz leaves her fingers in a soft, casual scatter and settles over Devereaux.

Everything about him stops. Not violently or anything, he simply stops mid-motion, mid-thought, mid-hunger. The faint pulse beneath his chest locks between beats and stays there.

The Viscount recoils then, his frame rattling faintly as his circular mouth tightens. The glitz traces the outer edge of his hunger, not freezing him entirely, but defining a boundary he cannot cross.

Only then does she look at Devereaux. Her gaze travels over him in a slow, unimpressed sweep.

“Beastly creature,” she says, her tone light, almost conversational. “Consuming fiction like it’s food?”

She leans in just slightly, examining him as though he were a prop assembled with more enthusiasm than thought.

She glides backwards, already finished with him, and turns her attention to you. Her expression shifts to something more focused as if she has located the reason she is here.

“Oh,” she says. “Hello, love. I’ve been looking for you.”

A faint warmth settles into the light around her, less neon now, more intentional.

“My name is Kira,” she continues. “I’m a muse. A working one. I show up, I interrupt, and when things drift too far off course, I correct them.”

She moves in a slow circle around you, studying with attention.

“For the moment, I’m yours,” she says, almost idly. “But not like you think. I’m not here to hand you inspiration. I’m here to make you choose it.

After all, I’m spoken for. And before you ask—yes, I look like this because he chose it,” she says, a faint smile touching her mouth. “Every detail. The skates, the light, the dress. None of this is accidental.”

She tilts her head slightly, clearly amused.

“I’m his solution. His way of making sense of what I am.

She drifts a little closer now, still circling you.

“But you don’t get me. You’re going to find your own muse today.”

“That’s the part mortals misunderstand. They think creativity begins when they invent something. It doesn’t. It begins the moment something real makes an impression deep enough that you have to translate it.”

She glances back at the frozen Devereaux and Valegrave, dismissing him without much effort.

“And we won’t be feeding these two today.”

She pushes off again, gliding in a slow arc, glitter trailing behind her and vanishing before it can settle into anything permanent.

“Creativity starts the first time someone showed you how to make it real.”

She places a piece of paper into your hand with quiet certainty.

“Start there, darling,” she says. “And when you find it—when you recognize it—build from it.”

Her smile returns, softer this time, but no less certain.

“I’ll be watching.”

Prompt: Write about the first person or figure you associated with creativity. This can be someone public (a musician, actor, writer or character) or someone personal (a teacher, family member, friend). Focus on the moment you realized what they represented to you. What did they look like? What did they make you feel? What changed after that encounter? -- Kira.

Genre: Nonfiction (yes, really)

Prompt and story written by:

Submit Your Entries Here

Day 4 Entries

Day 5 Prompt

Submit Your Entries Here

Day 5 Entries

Day 6 Prompt

Submit Your Entries Here

Day 6 Entries

You know, I may have the world’s first documented medical allergy to AI in all its forms. I’m only half-kidding. This stuff really does make me physically ill. And, despite all my attempts to distance myself from it, it’s still showing up way more often than I would like.

Case in point, I read an article posted by Nightingale Press this past weekend, and it made me realize I haven’t spoken up on AI in a while. I’ve probably had another 500+ people subscribe since I last really sat down to discuss it.

So, even though it makes me want to throw up, let’s talk about AI.

My Personal Stance on AI and Creativity

I still remember the very first time I encountered AI-generated writing. It was several years ago, before ChatGPT was a household name. I was attending a marketing conference in Cleveland, and I sat in on a speaking session about AI and writing.

This company was talking about how they were going to make marketing so much easier by generating social media posts, articles, and so on.

At the time, I didn’t hate it immediately. After all, I was doing technical writing. Packed with data, specifications, charts, and so on. Not much room for creativity there anyway.

I figured it would be a cool novelty, but it would never actually replace writers like me.

Oh, how wrong I was.

Fast forward to 2026, and if you work in tech like me, AI is all you hear about. Not only that, but you see it being used in all kinds of places with little to no human oversight. That’s really f$&@ing scary. Pardon my French.

And technical, business-focused writing is one thing, but I don’t want AI anywhere near my creative writing. My stories, my poems, my podcast, my novel, and articles like this one you’re reading right now? None of it ever goes anywhere near an LLM or AI model.

Not now, not ever.

Because I don’t need help to tell my stories. They’re my stories, and I’ll tell them how I like, regardless of what form they take. Now, to be clear, that’s my personal stance. It doesn’t mean I’m incapable of seeing other possible use cases and even understanding them.

Here are a few examples of where I think AI is okay, even if I would never use it this way:

• Brainstorming ideas for creative works

• Coming up with character/world/story names

• Developing characters or roleplaying to better understand your characters

• Getting assistance with structure and flow

• Leveraging AI assistance if you are a neurodivergent writer, or if you have disabilities that prevent you from being able to produce a finished story on your own

Notice how none of these things result in a finished product out of the box. They help you get there, and that’s okay if you need that. Again, it’s not something I need, but like any other tool, you can choose to use it or not use it.

And me? I choose not to use it. Plain and simple.

My Stance on AI as a Community Leader and Challenge Host

Personal thoughts on AI aside, the real reason we’re here is to talk about how I plan to handle AI when it comes to my publication and the challenges I host here. As you all know, May 1st marks the start of The Halls of Pandemonium.

My last challenge in February had over 650 total submissions. I expect this one to reach at least 1,000 or more. And if not this one, certainly the next one.

I cannot, even with a team of people, moderate that many posts for AI-generated content. So, instead, I’m going to say this once, and only once:

You can share this as a footnote in your posts, or as an addendum on your about page, or even as part of your bio on your Substack profile. It doesn’t matter where you say it, only that you say it and you’re honest about it.

My reasoning for this is simple: my challenges use an engagement-based scoring metric that combines likes, comments, and restacks. If you are open and honest about any and all AI use in your work, then individuals can decide themselves if they want to support that or not.

Because that’s what it’s all about. I’m not here to tell you how to write your stories. I’m only here to keep you honest about how you decide to do it.

Because that matters.

And if you use AI, and you decide to hide it from the community, or you deliberately use it to get ahead of other writers who put in the work, you will be banned from all future challenges.

No excuses. Either be up front about it, or you’re out.

And if you think I won’t find out, I promise you I will. So please, let’s support our fellow humans and creatives by being honest from the get-go.

A Final Note

Okay, scary policy stuff aside, I just want to say once again that I appreciate all of you. I don’t ever want to come across as unreasonable or unflinching in my approach to AI. I realize it’s not going anywhere, and I hate that.

I also realize that some use cases for it make sense, and I’m willing to hear those out. Many writing communities treat this as a black-or-white kind of topic, and it’s really not. Like anything else, there’s nuance. And so, I’ve tried to capture that here in my policy.

And to be clear, I think it’s more than fair for publishers and literary magazines to enforce a strict no-AI policy. That is their right, and we should all respect that.

And I say all this because I care about all of you. I care about your work. About your stories. About your reputation in the broader industry. I want to see you all succeed, and I want to see this community grow, but we have to do that the right way.

No cutting corners. No shortcuts. Just good old fashioned human creativity. Now, and forever.

Thanks for Reading! Here’s Your Musical Pairing

Friends and fellow writers! As you know, I love hosting writing challenges. Whether it’s The First Indulgence from last year, Flash Fiction February from a few months ago, or my weekly Power up Prompts, you always show up.

Well, the time has come once again to answer the call, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever. As many of you know, I like to evolve and expand with each challenge, and this next one is no different. So, allow me to be the first to welcome you to The Halls of Pandemonium.

A New Challenge, Where Chaos is the Only Certainty

The Halls of Pandemonium will test your skills as authors in new and exciting ways, while also bringing back the things you know and love about the challenges that I host here.

This, of course, includes the ever-enigmatic Lord Devereaux, depicted in the image above with art from .

So, let’s talk about what’s staying the same first:

• Every day will bring a new prompt (though the genre and type of prompt will vary widely from one day to the next)

• The scoring brackets from Flash Fiction February will return. This means that you will compete against similar-sized publications based on total subscribers

• Entries will be scored based on engagement. The total likes + comments + restacks of your posts will be used to tally your score across individual stories, and for your overall place in your bracket.

• There will be a prize for the winner in each bracket (see the poll at the end to help decide what it will be!)

• Weekly leaderboards will be published here on Substack, showing the top stories for each week of the challenge. Public directories will also allow others to find and support their fellow author’s work.

• Lord Devereaux the Devourer will once again return to host this challenge, and he will join me on The Saved as Draft podcast each week as well to share his thoughts on featured entries

It’s all the things you love about my challenges, still present and accounted for. One thing that will change, however, is that a fourth unranked bracket will be added for those who wish to join the challenge, but aren’t necessarily looking to compete.

This bracket will allow them to still join in and submit their work, and I will be selecting stories from here to feature on the podcast as well, so nothing is lost by choosing to join this bracket.

Now, let’s talk about some of the other new additions for The Halls of Pandemonium.

A Challenge With Stakes

For the first time, The Halls of Pandemonium will incorporate its own meta narrative that will be influenced by the community and your entries.

Each week will introduce a new element to the overarching story, with good and bad paths based on how well you handle the chaos coming your way.

You will find updates to this narrative in both the weekly directory posts, and in the Saved as Draft podcast as well, if you want to follow along.

Here’s the setup:

Lord Devereaux’s manor is built upon a gateway that has existed since the dawn of time. Part of his sacred duty is to guard this threshold against any who would use its power for evil.

On the other side of this doorway is pure chaos. The place where ideas are born. The realm of Pandemonium. For eons, the realm has remained dormant, but now that has changed.

The chaos of Pandemonium is encroaching on our world. If left unchecked, it could consume everything we know. It would be the end of the world as know it.

That’s where you all come in. Your responses? Your entries? They will serve to tame the chaos of Pandemonium. By giving form to this raw inspiration, we can fight back.

The stakes have never been higher. That’s why Lord Devereaux and I have decided to call in some help.

A New Character Joins the Fray

Allow me to introduce you all to Viscount Valegrave. The Viscount is a distant cousin of Lord Devereaux, created and brought to life here in this art by !

He may look like a Lamprey in a top hat and monocle (and he is), but he’s also an expert in all things Pandemonium. His input will be invaluable as we seek to tame the realm.

And, much like his relative, the Viscount also feeds himself on stories. He won’t be able to think clearly on an empty stomach, so your first task will be to feed him with as many entries as you can muster.

Each week, the Viscount will issue a secret challenge for the community, starting with the one mentioned above.

You will be able to monitor this progress in real-time, but it won’t always be clear exactly what moves the needle. You’ll need to examine the clues given to you.

If the community as a whole completes these weekly objectives, the Viscount will reward you with a bonus prompt, separate from the daily prompts.

Sounds pretty cool, right? Now, I know you’re probably thinking “Bradley, how the heck are you going to keep track of all this?”

I’m so very glad you asked.

Scriptorum Takes Center Stage

Earlier this year, in Flash Fiction February, stepped up to help me create directories, and an entire scoring system that we used, alongside a submission form.

This time around, I’m pleased to announce that Leeron is returning to assist with May’s challenge, and they will be joined by the insanely talented !

J.M. has developed a brand new platform called Scriptorum. This platform is being used for the first time with The Halls of Pandemonium,but its potential goes far beyond a single challenge.

J.M. posted a note explaining Scriptorum that I’ll embed below. Click the image to see the full note, it’s truly amazing stuff:

So, thanks to the help of J.M. Gooding, we’ll be using Scriptorum to handle everything from submissions to scoring, to leaderboards, to the secret objectives I mentioned above, and more. All of this is possible thanks to J.M.’s incredible work.

You will still post your work here on Substack, and you will find the prompts here as well each day, so there’s no need to worry about setting up on another platform.

Instead, Scriptorum will handle all the stuff behind the scenes, and you’ll submit your entries through a form there instead of a Google form.

I look forward to seeing how Scriptorum can be used to support other community events and challenges as well!

Prepare for Pandemonium…

So, we have a structure, we have stakes, we have our hosts, and we have a platform to handle everything. It still feels like something is missing, though…

Oh, right, the prizes! Just like Flash Fiction February, I want you to vote on what the winners of each scored bracket will receive:

For the podcast interview, I will accept questions submitted by the community, in addition to asking questions of my own. We did this for Flash Fiction February’s winners, and it worked really well!

Whatever you decide, though, thank you as always for being here. I hope you love the sound of the new additions, and I can’t wait to show you the prompts I have in store.

The Halls of Pandemonium open on May 1st, 2026…

Thanks for Reading! Here’s Your Musical Pairing

Welcome to the weekly Power up Prompt! These weekly prompts offer up a genre, a setting, a character, and a conflict for you to use in a story or poem, however you’d like! Submissions that use all three elements also get a guaranteed shout-out on The Saved as Draft Podcast!

Power up Prompts will show up every Saturday until the next big writing challenge. Let’s dive in and discover your options for this week!

A Prompt with Three Levels

My vision for Power Up Prompts is to put the power in the hands of my fellow writers. Most prompts give you a single idea to run with, and those are great, but I’m always looking for ways to keep you on your toes.

So, these weekly prompts are going to have three separate parts that can fit together, but they can also work on their own. This will allow you to mix and match to your heart’s content and set the challenge accordingly!

Should you decide to participate, here’s how you can figure out which power level your story or poem falls into:

Level 1 = A story or poem that uses one of the three elements

Level 2 = A story or poem that uses two of the three elements

Level 3 = A story or poem that uses all three elements

This week’s prompt is a ballad within a story! So, you’re still able to write a story submission this week, but your story should be centered around this type of poem (and it should appear in your story as well).

Now, you may have heard about ballads before, but if you need a refresher on how they work, I found this thread, which mentions five key characteristics that I think do a good job of showing the concept:

• Ballads tell a story in poetry form

• They have the same number of lines per stanza

• They have lines with the same number of syllables in each pair (first and third can be a different length than second and fourth)

• Ballads usually have a rhyme scheme where the second and fourth lines rhyme in each stanza

The reason for the poetry this week is that our prompt has been written by the great Hazel Allen! is a poet here on Substack and the founder of BookStack. Their work is truly phenomenal, so I’m really excited to be working with them on this week’s prompt.

Now, Hazel and I will be reviewing the entries this week, but please don’t look at these rules and worry about us tearing apart your work. That’s not going to happen, and I won’t disqualify or ignore any entries that don’t get the ballad portion exactly right.

All we ask is that you give it your best shot! And, if you’d like specific feedback on how to improve your ballad, we’d be happy to give it!

Oh, and remember:

You have until Friday, May 1st, at Noon Eastern Time to submit your stories for a shout-out on the Saved as Draft Podcast. Please make sure to drop your links in the comments of this post, or in my subscriber chat thread that I’ll open today.

That being said, if you’re running late, let me know, and I can always feature your story in the following episode!

Let’s check out this week’s elements, written by themselves!

Also, I’m adding images for each, but you don’t need to use them. If they inspire you, though, then feel free! Just remember to include attribution (these are all free images from Unsplash as well).

Element 1: Setting(s)

This week, you have two settings:

1. Your Office: A cluttered desk hosting an old computer, dim table lamp, and several trinkets and paper. Your computer is open to Microsoft Word, and an unfinished ballad sits on the screen.

2. The Tavern: A loud and festive place located inside the world of your unfinished ballad. The place is packed with chattering people, some adventurers, others on “business.” In the back, while barkeepers bring out new drinks, a bard is tuning his harp – perfect for the recital of one’s ballad.

Element 2: Character

Your character this week is The Anxious Poet. You have a knack for writing strong and thoughtful lyrics, though you’ve never sung before.

Most of your days are spent at your desk, musing over new verses, clamoring for the perfect flow. You’ve been writing for nearly ten years now, and your ability to write a ballad is nearly unmatched.

When it comes to social situations, you find yourself anxious, often wondering what others think of you. It’s difficult for you to share your writing aloud, but it’s still something you hope to do, eventually.

Element 3: Conflict

Your conflict this week is Reciting an Unfinished Ballad.

One moment you were working on a new ballad, carefully writing each word with clear intention. Then you were sent flying into the screen of your computer, straight into the world of your unfinished poem.

You land on a seat next to the bard tuning his harp, and he smiles and says: “Ah, you’re finally here. The men here want to hear a good song, so I hope you’re ready.”

Let Inspiration Strike

You may use all three elements for a level 3 story or poem, or you can take just one or two and run in a different direction entirely.

When your story or poem is ready, be sure to tag me and share which level it falls into. Make sure you drop the link in the comments here as well!

No poll this week because we’re about launch The Halls of Pandemonium next week, which is my big writing challenges for May! Stay tuned for a full article on that challenge very soon.

Thanks for Reading! Here’s Your Musical Pairing

Listen to this ballad while you pen a ballad of your own!

Be sure to check out her website, and click below to get your copy of this excellent cosmic horror thriller:

Get Your Copy of THE DEVOURING

This Week’s Shout Outs

• Mermaid in the Bathtub by

• Excess: The Useless Thing That Made Us Human by

• Night Watch by

• Cocooned in Wonder by

• A.V.A by

Wandering Prompt Winner

• Blade Mistress Gail, Formerly Known as Pam by

Power up Prompt Stories

• The Cleanest Restrooms in Hell by

• Echoes of Dathomir by

• A Body Made of Wanting by

• Bruises by

• The Ghost Weight by

• Site LETHE by

• The Shadow Mirror by

Well friends, it’s Monday again. I’ll admit, I had a pretty rough start to the day. Last week really messed me up (I’ll explain soon), and in general, I’m just struggling with feeling stuck, hence the title of this week’s checkpoint.

And speaking of checkpoints, welcome back to Mindful Monday Checkpoints, the series where I give you a quote (or quotes) to consider and a discussion topic to help us all remember to pause, take a breath, and reflect on where we are as the week gets started. Let’s dive in.

This Week’s Quotes

We’re doing a 2-for-1 deal this week on quotes. One to establish the problem, and the other to suggest a potential solution.

So, let’s start with the first quote to consider:

“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”

— Mandy Hale

I posted a note earlier about how I was feeling stuck, because when I get a feeling like that, odds are many others feel the same way too. I think of it like picking up a signal from the collective unconscious.

It’s how I decide on a topic for each week. I observe. I listen. I think about what’s going to help my fellow human beings and creatives (and me, to be fair) get through the week.

So, let’s talk about this first quote. I myself am someone who doesn’t like change because it’s unpredictable. My whole life has been unpredictable. I knew I wanted to be a writer from a young age, but career-wise, I didn’t get into writing until I was well out of college.

And even then, I was a freelance writer for over five years. Ain’t nothing stable about that. In fact, at one point, I couldn’t find work for months.

Thankfully, these days I have a steady job in marketing as a content manager, but even that’s feeling less and less stable as time goes on. I work in tech, so everyone’s all aboard the AI train, and me? Well, I’m not.

And that’s scary, because now I wonder if AI will replace me one day, because it’s faster, and it doesn’t complain about things like bandwidth or burnout.

Beyond my career, the world at large doesn’t feel stable (or safe) either. I was the victim of gun violence when I was younger, and that trauma has made me terrified to exist in our modern world (And for those unaware, I live in the U.S., so you can probably imagine why I would feel unsafe).

At least once a month, even all these years later, I get debilitating nightmares that often end with me being killed or bleeding out from a gunshot wound. It’s exhausting.

And beyond all of THAT, I feel so stuck. Like I can’t change anything. Like, I’m not empowered to change anything. Like, I don’t deserve to change anything.

I left the place where I grew up because trauma made it unbearable to live there. And now, the place I live now has been corrupted by it’s own trauma that happened in the last three years.

And so, I want out. I want a fresh start. There’s a whole world out there, but I’m stuck here with a house that I own and debt that I didn’t ask for.

It just feels like the chips have always been stacked against me, now more than ever, and it’s got me feeling like I can’t change things. Or, if I can, then I have to compromise.

Which brings me to our second quote:

“If you limit your choice only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise.”

— Robert Fritz, The Path of Least Resistance

Now, what I like about this quote is that it reframes this whole situation. I have been limiting my options based on what I think is “realistic.” I am absolutely guilty of that.

But wait a second. Aren’t compromises a good thing, though? It’s how we handle complex and nuanced situations.

Isn’t it?

Well, yes and no. Compromise is indeed important, but only to a point. If you let it go too far, then you’ll find that you make yourself small for the sake of avoiding pain or strife (ask me how I know!)

So, what happens if we take off the shackles of reality and really think about what we want? Complications and concerns aside. Just really imagine the ideal scenario.

Well, that brings us to our discussion topic for this week.

This Week’s Discussion Topic: What do you REALLY Want?

If you made it this far, thanks for listening to me vent. I’m sorry, these articles aren’t really supposed to be about me and my problems, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t struggling.

My hope is that, if you’re reading this, you know you’re not alone. I may not have all the answers, but I’ve been around long enough (and I’ve been through enough) that I feel like I’ve got some of them.

Or at the very least, pieces of them. So, for this week’s discussion topic, ask yourself this:

And I’ll start us off:

• I want to build the largest community of creatives the world has ever seen, and I want that to be my career. I want that to be my day job. I want to write stories, publish books, host podcasts, and support my fellow writers and artists. And, I want that to be what pays the bills.

• I want to get the hell out of where I currently live. My old life died here, and that’s fine. I’ve made peace with that. What I haven’t made peace with, and what I won’t make peace with, is living in this house that has now become a tomb. Someone else deserves to start fresh here. I want need to leave.

• I want to finish my damn novel. I started it back in 2016 as a short story, and now it’s book 1 of a trilogy, but for some reason, I’m just stuck and trying to get back into it. I’m making progress, but it’s not happening as fast as I’d like.

• I want to live in a world where I feel safe to go places. I want to visit parks, concerts, museums, and all kinds of other places where people gather, and I want to feel safe there. I don’t want to be looking over my shoulder. I don’t want anxiety painting horrible pictures about what could go wrong. I don’t want to have nightmares about it, either.

Some of these are more realistic than others, and I know that, but the point of this exercise is to stop thinking about what’s possible or reasonable, as our second quote suggests.

If we skip past the obstacles for a moment, we can really see what we want. And, perhaps, we can see new ways to get there. For me, I think that’s continuing to break down these big goals into smaller victories.

It’s that classic “Snowball effect.” If you gain momentum by accomplishing smaller, more realistic goals, then you inevitably build up to where you want to be. So, let’s take my community/creative goals for example:

• Every new subscriber

• Every new comment

• Every new story

• Every new writing challenge

• Every new podcast review

• Every new paid project…

Gets me one step closer to creating that community that also becomes my career. The reality of it all is that I need to make money so I can pay the bills, but first I’ve gotta build the platform.

Maybe one day I’ll get real, actual sponsors for the podcast? Maybe one day a company like Story Engine or Freewrite will sponsor one of my writing challenges?

Maybe that novel I’ve been working on for nearly ten years will be a best-seller, enabling me to invest even more into this community?

I don’t know! Anything’s possible, but only if I get started first.

So, start by answering this week’s discussion topic in the comments, and then think about how you can break that down into smaller, realistic goals.

Start building that momentum, and you may find yourself “unstuck” before you know it.

And, don’t forget, no matter what happens, I’ll be here cheering you on.

Thanks for Reading! Here’s Your Musical Pairing

Listen to this after reading. Like pairing a glass of wine with dinner.

Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of “On Repeat,” the series where I talk about a track that’s been stuck in my head and write some poetry inspired by it. If you like what you see (and hear), write something of your own and tag me in the post!

This week, I’m switching to something more upbeat. The kind of track that gets you pumped, and makes me wanna get really wild with the rhythm of my poem. Will it work out, or will I crash and burn?

We’re about to find out, but either way, it should be fun!

On Repeat #3: Christened by STIM

STIM is a two-person hyperpop duo composed of Ben Waldee and Jordan Rhys. Their tracks are usually high-energy and use a combination of digital audio and influences from both anime and fantasy (in this case, the inspiration comes from Attack on Titan, one of my favorites).

The reason this track has been on repeat for me is simple: it’s catchy as hell. The opening dialogue makes me feel like I’m about to ride into battle, and the song itself has lyrics that pull me further into that mindset.

The repetition of “brick by brick by brick” really works for me, and it got me thinking, can I accomplish a similar rhythm in a poem?

I don’t know, but we’re about to find out. Let’s start by listening to the track:

The repetition of “brick by brick by brick” really works for me, and it got me thinking, can I accomplish a similar rhythm in a poem?

I don’t know, but we’re about to find out.

Neptune’s Wrath

Our enemy does not miss
Nothing can prevent this.
Mercy, Venus, Earth, Mars.
Snuffed out like dying stars. 

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus.
A force unyielding and ruinous. 
Its many eyes set on us now.
We will not yield, we will not bow. 

Billions gone. 
Battle lines redrawn.
Neptune's oceans stir
The outcome starts to blur.

They'll feel our wrath
they'll regret this path.
We've already done the math.

The foundation is built.
Bricks made of guilt.
Stitched together like a quilt 

Time to fight.
Show them our might.
The iron grip is tight
but victory is in sight.

Cut them down. 
Watch them drown. 
Take their bloody crown. 

They expect victory.
Their plan is contradictory.
We'll make history.
Our strength a mystery.

And if we fall 
Even if we have to crawl
with our blood we'll scrawl
our names on history's wall. 

Your Turn!

Let me know what you thought of this one! And remember, if you get inspired by this track and you write something of your own, be sure to tag me so I can read your work as well!

Welcome to the weekly Power up Prompt! These weekly prompts offer up a genre, a setting, a character, and a conflict for you to use in a story or poem however you’d like! Submissions that use all three elements also get a guaranteed shout-out on The Saved as Draft Podcast!

Power up Prompts will show up every Saturday until the next big writing challenge. Let’s dive in and discover your options for this week!

A Prompt with Three Levels

My vision for Power Up Prompts is to put the power in the hands of my fellow writers. Most prompts give you a single idea to run with, and those are great, but I’m always looking for ways to keep you on your toes.

So, these weekly prompts are going to have three separate parts that can fit together, but they can also work on their own. This will allow you to mix and match to your heart’s content and set the challenge accordingly!

Should you decide to participate, here’s how you can figure out which power level your story or poem falls into:

Level 1 = A story or poem that uses one of the three elements

Level 2 = A story or poem that uses two of the three elements

Level 3 = A story or poem that uses all three elements

This week’s prompt is Sci-fi and Romance! We had a tie in last week’s poll, which means I’m combining both. It doesn’t need to be an even split, either. You can lean toward one genre or the other. What matters is that they are both represented in some way.

Oh, and remember:

You have until Friday, April 24th at Noon Eastern Time to submit your stories for a shout-out on the Saved as Draft Podcast. Please make sure to drop your links in the comments of this post, or in my subscriber chat thread that I’ll open today.

That being said, if you’re running late, let me know, and I can always feature your story in the following episode!

Let’s check out this week’s elements! Also, I’m adding images for each, but you don’t need to use them. If they inspire you, though, then feel free! Just remember to include attribution (these are all free images from Unsplash as well)

Element 1: Setting

Your setting this week is The Forbidden Vault. This is a heavily secure military installation on an extremely hostile world. That’s by design, because this vault holds some of the most heinous and terrifying failed experiments ever to grace the cosmos.

While the galactic government does a good job of covering up its sins, it’s widely known among conspiracy theorists that they conduct experiments that defy all the natural laws of nature.

When these experiments inevitably go wrong, they send them to the Vault, where they are sealed away forever.

They get to play God and keep their public reputation intact. It’s a win-win for everyone but the things locked in that vault.

Element 2: Character

Your character this week is The Software Engineer. This is someone who has worked on many secret government projects. They have clearance to even visit the Forbidden Vault, but they’ve never had a reason to visit, until now, that is.

For you see, this software engineer has been secretly working on a project of their own. Their partner recently passed away from a horrific disease plaguing the galaxy, one that has no cure.

Before they died, however, the software engineer copied their consciousness onto a remote server that they programmed themselves.

So now, they have a copy of their partner’s soul. All they need is a new body for them, and it just so happens that one of the experiments in the vault was indeed a technology that can 3D print humans…

Element 3: Conflict

Your conflict this week is Misplaced Trust. If you’re heading to the Forbidden Vault, then you’re going to need help, and there’s one person who can help you, but you haven’t spoken to them in over a decade.

And there’s a good reason for that: the last time you trusted them, they betrayed you. Sold you out, and nearly got you killed. They tried to apologize, but you didn’t want to hear it. Now, they may be your only way into the Vault.

Will you place your trust in them yet again, or find another way to accomplish your goal?

Let Inspiration Strike

You may use all three elements for a level 3 story or poem, or you can take just one or two and run in a different direction entirely.

When your story or poem is ready, be sure to tag me and share which level it falls into. Make sure you drop the link in the comments here as well!

Check the poll below to vote on which genre we should do for next week’s prompt. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Vote on Next Week’s Prompt!

Next week, I am very excited to announce that will be writing the Power up Prompt. This will be our last prompt before my next writing challenge begins May 1st.

Hazel has told me they will be writing a fantasy + poetry prompt where you’ll be transported to the realm of your own poem. So, what kind of poem should it be?

Thanks for Reading! Here’s Your Musical Pairing

Listen to this while you brainstorm your sci-fi and romance story for this week.

Get Your Copy of The Serpent's Rise

And don’t forget to check out the ’s new weekly portal prompt! You can also support this awesome group by grabbing some merch from their website.

Community Spotlight

This week, our community spotlight is on ! I recently got to meet Luden in person at an author event near where I live. Her book, The Kingdom of Deception, is out now!

Wandering Prompt Winner

Our winner of last week’s Wandering Prompt was with the story Mars to Major Tom.

Weekly Shout Outs

• On Entanglement by

• The House With No Address by

• RTSA 38 - Don’t Encourage Him by

• Obviously Oblivious and Unfair Game by

• The Worms Took Less Than You by

Power up Prompt Stories

• The Spirit’s Gift by

• Changing Places by

• The Bucc-ees at the Edge of Forever by

• Lock in, Chat by

• Meet-Cutes in the Time of Brisket and Wormholes by

• Parallax by

• Aisle Seven Incident Report by

• Wings of Suburbia by

• The Hunger Between Shelves by

Well, friends, it’s Monday again. You know, I have a theory as to why I hate Mondays so much. It’s because they don’t feel like the start of anything. When I wake up on Mondays, I’m still recovering from the week prior.

I start the week out of breath, confused, and exhausted. That’s enough to make anyone cranky. I know I’m not the only one, which is why I created this series. This is your chance to hit the pause button. Join me for a quote and a discussion topic. Give yourself a minute to just…breathe.

This Week’s Quote

This week, I find myself reflecting on why I’m here. And not just on Substack (though that’s a big part of it), but why I’m here on this Earth.

I’m one of those people who subscribes to the idea that we all are put here for a reason. We have something no one else can offer. And of course, for many of us that “thing” is our stories.

After all, no one can write your stories quite like you. So with that in mind, here’s this week’s quote to consider:

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born... and the day you find out why.”

- Mark Twain

As human beings, I think we’re all seeking purpose. I know I am. I’ve spent most of my life trying to figure out the why of it all. Why am I here? Why is any of this here? There has to be a deeper meaning to all of this.

And sure, you could argue that there’s no point to any of it, but I don’t personally find much value in a nihilistic mindset. If you do, then that’s great, but I need to feel like there’s a reason for all of this. A point. A purpose.

And for me, that purpose is simple: I’m here to tell my stories and to support my fellow creatives. I want to change the world by creating better ones, and then doing what I can to make the world we live in a better place as well.

So yeah, that’s my why. It’s why I’m here, it’s why I keep fighting every single day, and it’s why I’ll keep going for as long as I have breath in my lungs. That’s my purpose.

Now, that being said, I don’t want to imply for a second that any of this was easy, or that I have it all figured out, because I don’t.

It feels good to know why I’m here and what I bring to the world, but just knowing isn’t enough. I have to embody that every day.

That means a lot of late nights. It means juggling a full-time day job with this publication, with my podcasts, with my creative projects, and so on. It’s hard work, and it took me a long time to come to this conclusion as well.

So, next I’d like to talk about that journey and encourage you to share yours.

This Week’s Discussion Topic: Why are You Here?

I knew from a pretty young age that I wanted to be a writer. I think I’ve told this story a thousand times (so apologies to long-time readers, I’ll keep this short), but I won 3rd place in a creative writing contest in 2nd grade, and that was the moment I knew.

I wanted to tell stories.

As time went on, I never lost sight of that. I dabbled in other potential careers, of course (at one point I wanted to be an archaeologist), but I always came back to writing.

And I got the usual push back: Writing doesn’t make any money. You’ll never make it big like those other authors. You need to pick something with stability…

And so on. I’m happy to report I proved all the naysayers wrong (at least so far). I have a career in writing (marketing currently), and I have found success here in this community.

And it’s that kindness, support, and community that showed me why I’m here. I knew I wanted to write, but I didn’t know how to translate that writing into something that could truly change the world.

You inspired me to stop searching for a community and instead, create the one I wanted to see.

So, I did. And now, when I look around, I see so many incredible things happening every single day that are making this community (and the world) a better place:

• I see people like , who just crossed 50 episodes of her Penny Dreadfuls podcast and who also hosted a Micro Fiction March event last month. Her work lifting up other writers inspires me every single day.

• I see people like who just hosted her first challenge about the fictional town of Millcreek, which has gone on to become a mainstay in the community. Her passion for this community and for storytelling is truly unmatched.

• I see people like and who are showing up to in-person events, sharing their work, and getting involved with the writing community in person and online.

• I see people like and lifting up everyone around them, hosting live streams, and just doing everything they can to nurture this community we have.

• I see people like stepping up to protect this community by not only protecting others, by providing resources to report online abuse and harassment.

• I see people like and the rallying around creators, supporting them, and helping them through tough times.

• I see people like hosting in-person writing events and encouraging people to get involved through events like his recent Day of the __ Writer event that had people sharing their daily lives as creatives.

• I see people like who spends countless hours putting together his DREAD Reviews newsletter to highlight authors, share great stories, and make people laugh in the process (something this world needs right now).

• I see people like posting real, relatable, authentic, and vulnerable content that resonates with me and countless others. That kind of work makes people feel less alone, and it’s so important.

• I see people like sharing their journey into publishing, the lessons they’ve learned, and helping others who find themselves drained by the process. Her work will help countless other writers get back up instead of giving up.

• I see people like who wants to see other writers succeed and finish their projects (even if that means employing a little tough love from time-to-time). How many stories and novels exist because of her pushing others to keep going? A fair few, from what I’ve seen!

• I see people like and stepping up to help organize and run writing challenges that inspire others and help them find their voice. Both of them are helping me with my next challenge as well!

• I see people like , who publishes absolutely incredible work rooted in deep, emotional, and relatable topics. And, not only that, but her Ink That Waits series has highlighted so many incredible writers through it’s unique format.

• I see people like , who has been collaborating with writers everywhere in the Sugar of lead series, to create stunning combined poems that let both voices shine through.

• I see people like starting entirely new publishing businesses that cut through the problems of the industry and present real, viable paths forward for writers everywhere.

• I see people like and , who share amazing images and prompts to inspire others in the community. There’s truly no limit to how powerful a good prompt can be for inspiring others. I would know!

And I could keep going, but I think I’ve proved my point, which is this:

You are all here for a reason.

Please don’t ever forget that. I know it gets hard. I know that silence gets so loud. I know imposter syndrome comes knocking at our lowest, but I am telling you, you ARE making a difference.

Not just in my life, but in the lives of countless others. So, my friends, this week, I ask you this:

A simple question with a lot of possible answers. Take time to think about it. Really step back and try to define why you’re here. On Substack, in this community, or on this planet.

Because there is a reason, my friends. And when you find it, you’ll be one step closer to finding your true purpose.

And while the work doesn’t end there. It’s a great place to start.

When you’re ready, share your answers in the comments. And, thank you as always for listening to me ramble here. I appreciate every single one of you.

Thanks for Reading! Here’s Your Musical Pairing

Listen to this after reading, like pairing a glass of wine with dinner.

Welcome to the weekly series where I share a music track that I’ve been listening to on repeat, and then I share a poem inspired by it. These are strea-of- consciousness poems as well, written in the moment and while listening to the song.

Because traditions are important, and rituals even more so. Last week, I introduced you to a track from Dermot Kennedy, and this week I’m keeping up with the emotional tracks by showcasing a piece from Said The Sky.

On Repeat #2: ‘Wings’ by Said The Sky & baby blue

Said The Sky is the stage name of Denver-born DJ and producer Trevor Christensen. Like many other EDM artists, Said The Sky often partners with other artists and vocalists for various tracks.

In this case, baby blue steps in to provide some truly haunting and beautiful vocals that make this track truly shine.

Let’s listen to Wings by Said The Sky and baby blue:

So, why is this song on repeat for me? Well, the melodies are beautiful and heartbreaking, but the lyrics pull out a tinge of hope for the future.

I also love the metaphor of being drowned and losing your wings, wishing only to breathe again.

If you find yourself inspired and you write something, tag me and let me know! I’d love to read and share it.

For now, though, allow me to share with you a poem inspired by this beautiful song…

You tried to take my wings

You were afraid of me.
Afraid of what I could be.
Afraid of how high I could soar.
So you tried to take my wings.

And just to be safe
You drowned me, too.
Suffocated my fire
just to be safe. 

I fell into an ocean 
Made of my own tears. 
And you just watched. 
So very pleased with yourself. 

Turns out being dead isn't so bad. 
It's cold down here in the depths,
but guess what, asshole? 
I've learned how to breathe underwater. 

I'm finding warmth as I go deeper
Maybe it's the fires of hell 
Or maybe, just maybe 
I'm starting to believe again. 

And those wings you took from me?
They're growing back.
One day at a time
I'm healing. 

I'm going to taste the air again
The kind that welcomes me
and fills my aching heart
with something akin to hope. 

Because that's the thing about me.
Something you never understood. 
You can try to take my wings, 
but I'll still find a way to fly. 

Welcome to the weekly Power up Prompt! These weekly prompts offer up a genre, a setting, a character, and a conflict for you to use in a story or poem, however you’d like! Submissions that use all three elements also get a guaranteed shout-out on The Saved as Draft Podcast!

Now that Flash Fiction February is over, Power up Prompts will show up every Saturday until the next big writing challenge. Let’s dive in and discover your options for this week!

A Prompt with Three Levels

My vision for Power Up Prompts is to put the power in the hands of my fellow writers. Most prompts give you a single idea to run with, and those are great, but I’m always looking for ways to keep you on your toes.

So, these weekly prompts are going to have three separate parts that can fit together, but they can also work on their own. This will allow you to mix and match to your heart’s content and set the challenge accordingly!

Should you decide to participate, here’s how you can figure out which power level your story or poem falls into:

Level 1 = A story or poem that uses one of the three elements

Level 2 = A story or poem that uses two of the three elements

Level 3 = A story or poem that uses all three elements

This week’s prompt is a 3-image prompt. I’m going to give you a photo for your setting, a photo for your character, and you guessed it, a photo for your conflict. No genre requirement here, either.

You will need to interpret each image accordingly and use them as inspiration for your story or poem. I tried to stick to a similar “vibe” here to help them all fit, but this is my first-ever image prompt like this, so I’d love to know what you think!

Also, all these images are free and from Unsplash with credits in the caption. That means you’re free to use them in your story if you’d like!

Oh, and remember:

You have until Friday, April 17th at Noon Eastern Time to submit your stories for a shout-out on the Saved as Draft Podcast.

That being said, if you’re running late, let me know, and I can always feature your story in the following episode!

Now, let’s take a look at the three images for this week’s prompt:

Element 1: Setting

This image is listed as a “blurry supermarket with bright lights and shelves.” Your entire story or poem doesn’t need to be set here, but it should make an appearance in your entry.

You can download the photo for free here if you’d like to use it in your entry!

Element 2: Character

This image shows a person speeding through a city at night on a motorcycle. Where are they going? Are they in a hurry? That’s up to you!

You can download the image here if you’d like to use it in your entry.

Element 3: Conflict

And lastly, here we see an experimental photo featuring a blue light and a swirling, almost tunnel-like pattern. What’s happening here? Could this be some sort of portal? Or perhaps this is some sort of entity.

And, notice how there’s a mention of a laboratory on the sign to the right. Interesting, wouldn’t you say?

You can download the photo here to use in your entry.

Let Inspiration Strike

You may use all three elements for a level 3 story or poem, or you can take just one or two and run in a different direction entirely. When your story or poem is ready, be sure to tag me and share which level it falls into. Make sure you drop the link in the comments here as well!

Check the poll below to vote on which genre we should do for next week’s prompt. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Thanks for Reading! Here’s Your Musical Pairing

Listen to this while you brainstorm an entry based on this week’s images! Went for the same vibe here as well.

Community Spotlight

This week, our community spotlight is ! Be sure to subscribe to him and to the as well!

Weekly Shout Outs

• The Medusa Glitch: Part 2 by

• Audrey the Unicorn Girl: Chapter 1 by

• The Legend of the Broadsword Samurai by

• Memories Worth Fighting For by

• Why do they feel familiar in a way I can’t explain? by

Wandering Prompt Stories

• Winner: Out of Leaves by

• Runner-up: Madam Lurk’s Tick Tock Tea by

Power up Prompt Stories

• Angel of Death by

• Black Dahlia Tea - A Short Story by

• The Cursed of the Forlorn Forest by

• The Girl and the Queen of the Grove by

• A Years and a Day by

• The Half Son Returns by

• The One Who Came Before by

• Appointed Night by

• Patchwork Heart by

• Ruby by

I offer a lot of different types of content here on The Writer’s Journey. Fiction, poetry, podcasts, articles on writing, and now as you can see, book reviews! I was asked to be an ARC reader for THE DEVOURING which is a new cosmic horror thriller from author A.M. Shilling.

When I first heard about this book, it was pitched to me as “John Wick meets H.P. Lovecraft,” and if you’ve been here in my community for any amount of time, you’ll know those terms immediately caught my attention.

I went in with very high expectations as a result. That kind of combination could work extremely well if it’s done right. So, let’s find out if author A.M. Shilling managed to capitalize on this ambitious concept.

Get Your Copy of THE DEVOURING

A Winning Premise and a Strong First Impression

Before we dive into my review of the book’s various elements, let’s talk about the premise and the opening few chapters first.

THE DEVOURING stars Jason and Ayana. Two people who lead very different lives, but both respect the other’s space and career. For Jason, that means being an elite assassin, and for Ayana, that means conducting autopsies at the local forensic center.

In the book’s opening chapters, Jason decides to spare a witness to one of his assassinations, a decision he will soon come to regret. Meanwhile, his wife Ayana witnesses something inexplicable while conducting a routine autopsy.

These two inciting events propel our characters into a story that combines themes of revenge, occult mythology, and the lengths one will go to protect those we love and our way of life.

Over the course of thirty-nine chapters, the book switches between these two key POVs, moving each character’s story forward while also intertwining them during key junctions throughout the book.

Within the first few chapters, we get a nice taste of the cosmic horror in store. Not only that, but Shilling also expertly pulls out the scope as the story goes on. What starts as something small and seemingly isolated soon grows to apocalyptic proportions by the end.

So, needless to say, you will be hooked by the end of chapter one. I guarantee it.

All of the elements you expect from great cosmic horror are here, though some take more time to manifest than others. While we do get nuggets of Lovecraftian terror in the opening chapters, the true cosmic horror payoff doesn’t come until later in the book, particularly in the second half.

I would have loved to see more of these elements manifest sooner in the story, but Shilling manages to keep the reader’s attention with constant revelations and truly brutal cliffhangers between each chapter.

Speaking of, let’s talk about this book’s structure and pacing.

Follow A.M. Shilling on BlueSky

Pacing & Structure That Keeps You Turning the Page

When it comes to a horror/thriller like THE DEVOURING, the story will live or die based on its pacing and structure. With so many moving parts, multiple POVs, and of course, the rising stakes, a story like this needs to keep the reader engaged while also slowly unveiling those layers of intrigue.

In this regard, Shilling has achieved wild success with this book. I can scarcely recall the last time a book had me on the edge of my seat like this. And that was the case all the way through.

The opening chapters hooked me, but what really impressed me is how each new revelation continued to pull me from one chapter to the next.

I would liken the pacing here to that of a riveting TV show. The tightly woven chapters each feel like a cohesive “episode” within the larger narrative. And, crucially, they nearly always end with some sort of jaw-dropping reveal or cliffhanger.

In this way, Shilling commands your attention. You will feel that pull to read “just one more chapter” with this book, and that’s thanks to how the story is paced out across the book’s thirty-nine chapters.

I was convinced that the book would have to run out of steam at some point. Maybe around the mid-point, but barring a few chapter endings, that was never the case.

And, even with some of the slower chapters, I still felt that the overarching mystery was compelling enough that I had no choice but to keep going.

I would argue that the pacing and structure here is nigh-perfect. As a fellow horror and thriller author, I learned a ton from this book’s structure.

I can only imagine the late nights of editing that went into this. Every single moment feels intentionally crafted in a way I’ve rarely seen.

It doesn’t waste a single word, and it’s all the better for it.

Characters That Feel Real

When it comes to our two POVs: Jason and Ayana, I was fully invested in both of their characters with the first five chapters. Shilling does an amazing job of showing us both of them in their natural environment before forcing them to face all manner of disruptions and danger.

It’s a smart flow, and I particularly enjoyed how Shilling dives into their relationship as well. As you can probably imagine, an elite assassin and an autopsy specialist make a very interesting couple.

They have a mutual respect for each other’s work, and it’s clear they love each other, but I love how everything else in their relationship is more ambiguous.

For example, Jason exerts a LOT of control over Ayana, and while she seems to be okay with it on the surface, there’s this nagging question in the reader’s mind about whether she truly doesn’t mind that side of him.

Shilling plays with this concept well, showing how Jason’s dangerous side can be both exciting and terrifying to Ayana in equal measure. One scene comes to mind involving a home invasion that really showed both sides of this coin.

And it’s through this that Shilling develops extremely deep and nuanced characters in the form of Jason and Ayana. The book, of course, includes a supporting cast as well, but these characters are kept more at arm’s length.

I did enjoy the efforts that were there to develop some of them, but ultimately, this is a story about Jason and Ayana, and the focus here reflects that.

Given that these two are such strong and interesting characters, though, I didn’t really feel the need to explore anyone else in the same level of detail.

Now, of course, any good horror story needs a monster or some sort of entity, and you will find that here.

I’m not going to spoil that side of the story, but I will say that the “villain” of this story achieves a nice sense of presence throughout the second half of the book once it is finally named.

It takes a little longer than I would like for the true threat to reveal itself, but as I mentioned earlier in the review, the book’s other elements kept me engaged until that big reveal. And, from there, THE DEVOURING truly becomes a cosmic horror lover’s dream.

Do I Recommend THE DEVOURING?

I’m not the biggest fan of numbered scoring systems, and so, I’ve decided with this first book review here on The Writer’s Journey that I will not score books here.

Instead, I will give you my honest opinion on whether or not I recommend it. So, let’s find out: Do I recommend THE DEVOURING from author A.M. Shilling?

As I’m sure you can guess from what I’ve said thus far, yes, I absolutely recommend THE DEVOURING from author A.M. Shilling. There’s something here for cosmic horror lovers, for action fans, and for fans of tense thrillers as well.

And, beyond the success it has in those genres, this is just an incredibly polished and well-crafted piece of fiction. I can only hope my eventual novel reaches this level of polish and presentation. Shout out to whoever edited this book. I would like your contact info.

THE DEVOURING is available now! Click below to get your copy.

Get Your Copy of THE DEVOURING

Thanks for Reading! Here’s Your Musical Pairing

Listen to this after reading. A track that I feel embodies the themes of this book.

This poem was written for the Dragons & Butterflies Poetry Challenge · Hosted by Vision2Verse & Verdant Butterfly

Please enjoy…

There was a moment
When I thought it was over
Everything I’d worked for
Stripped down to the core. 

Everything we built
burned all around me. 
The fires licked my skin.
Beckoning me to join my kin.

I tried my best, I really did
but you didn’t care. 
You’d rather run 
Then seek the sun. 

Our garden was rotten.
Resentment grew like vines.
Choking all that love.
Or lack thereof. 

You left me broken. 
I fell into that empty house.
A home became a tomb. 
Grief painted every room. 

It was then, in that crushing dark
that I glimpsed my own soul.
My reflection stares back at me.
Pain and trauma are all I see. 

This was the crucible.
The place where broken souls
are reforged and rebuilt.
Making peace with all that guilt. 

The flames burned bright,
devouring all past time. 
Turning memories to ash.
Ten years, gone in a flash.

And when it was done
I expected to leave.
Collect my things
and leave on angel’s wings. 

I didn’t give up, though. 
A fallen, broken soul 
got back up and then
took hold of a page and a pen. 

I wrote about every scar.
Took back my power. 
While you drifted farther
I found safe harbor.

With every story 
I found a piece of myself.
Filling the cracks with gold.
The story reframed and retold. 

You wouldn’t recognize me now
and that's by design. 
The Crucible tested me 
And now, I’m finally free. 

Thanks for Reading! Here’s Your Musical Pairing

Listen to this after reading. Like pairing a glass of wine with dinner.

Read Chapter 10

Sarai could barely believe her eyes. From the moment she was born, D’veen’s moon had been shattered. It was a scar on the night sky. A reminder of the cost that hubris exacts on both mortals and gods alike.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Yeldarb asked.

“I never thought I’d see it whole like this. It’s incredible,” Sarai whispered.

“We should get moving,” Yeldarb said, stepping into Sarai’s view. For a moment, she had forgotten that he stripped down to his undergarments just moments before. The runes on his skin seemed to sparkle and dance in the moonlight.

He gestured toward the road leading to Giant’s Bane. “We should go to the city gates. You can tell them you captured me.”

Sarai nodded. “And after that? The way I see it, we need to secure an audience with the Aluthian Titans. We’ll talk to Finton and tell him what has happened in the future.”

Yeldarb sighed. “I wish it were that simple. Not only will it be incredibly difficult to get an audience with the Titans, but Finton won’t know who we are. He’ll have no reason to believe us. We’ll need proof.”

Sarai pulled the Chronoscepter from her back and held it out in front of her. “Is this not proof enough?” she asked.

Yeldarb shrugged. “It’s a start, but it hardly verifies our story. We also don’t know what will happen if we tell the Titans in the past about events that have yet to transpire.”

Sarai placed the Chronoscepter on her back. “I suppose you’re right. Let’s begin with securing an audience. We’ll go from there.”

Yeldarb held out his hands, bound together with rope. “You’ll need to lead me. Remember, Tallion didn’t have basic rights in this time. You need to treat me as such.”

Sarai took hold of the rope dangling from Yeldarb’s bound wrists. “Beyond your lack of clothing, I don’t enjoy any part of this plan.”

Sarai held back a chuckle as Yeldarb blushed. His eyes went wide and he quickly cleared his throat. “Yes, well, I believe this is the best course of action. It will help us blend in.”

Sarai smiled as she turned away from Yeldarb. As they made their way toward the road leading to Giant’s Bane, the sounds of celebration filled the air.

The Celestial Feast was well underway. Magic spells continued to explode in the skies above them, portraying images of dragons, ocean waves, and of course, the Aluthian Titans themselves.

As they reached the road, Sarai and Yeldarb spotted a Magiri caravan. It was decorated with extravagant fabrics and jewels. Beneath it, a small army of Tallion slaves carried it forward on their backs.

Their emaciated bodies and sunken eyes were a horrific sight. Sarai’s heart sank as she imagined how Yeldarb must have felt, seeing his people treated in such a way.

They had no doubt gone for days without food or rest, all to carry a people who could just as easily have used magic to transport themselves.

Sarai walked alongside the road, pulling Yeldarb behind her. As the reached the gate, one of the guards spotted them and approached with his spear at the ready.

“State your business!” the guard shouted.

Sarai watched as the Magiri Caravan passed into the city. Her eyes wandered back to the guard. “My name is Sarai of house Rashan. I am an emissary of the World Tree, come here from Avondale Forest to participate in the Celestial Feast.”

The guard’s eyes looked past Sarai and over to Yeldarb who stood hunched over behind her.

“And what about the Tallion? He with you?” the guard asked.

Sarai shook her head. “I caught him trying to flee. I figured the Magiri would want him back.”

The guard nodded. “I hear they pay well for deserters. Doesn’t end well for them, though.”

Sarai shrugged. “Not my problem. Are we free to pass?”

The guard nodded. “Sure. You know where to take him?”

“Yes. I’ve done this before.”

The guard returned to his post. Sarai and Yeldarb made their way into Giant’s Bane.

The streets were filled with all manner of different peoples from across D’veen. Vendors were set up all along the street selling everything from food to homemade potions and handmade children’s toys.

It was a celebration of D’veen as a whole. A melting pot of every race that once graced the realm. The sight was truly incredible to behold. Equal parts inspiring and impossible to eyes that came from a much darker future.

Sarai pulled Yeldarb into an alley away from the festivities. “Now what? Should we look for the Titans?”

Yeldarb shook his head. “They’re not going to be out with the rest of the people. If I had to guess, they would be staying at the castle, but there’s no chance they’ll let us in. We need some sort of cover story.”

“You didn’t plan this far ahead?” Sarai asked.

“In case you’ve forgotten, I’ve never done this before. I’m just as lost as you are.”

Sarai closed her eyes and tried to organize her racing thoughts. All she could think about is the threat that awaits them in the future. That’s when it hit her.

“We should tell them about Avondale. About the Rot,” she said.

“No! Absolutely not. We have no idea how that will affect the future,” Yeldarb replied.

Before she could respond, Sarai felt eyes on her. She looked up and saw a Magiri battlemage approaching. They pulled their hood down, revealing translucent skin and glowing indigo eyes.

“By the Titans, you found him? I was told he was long gone,” The Magiri said, stepping into the alley with them.

Sarai looked back to Yeldarb and then to the Magiri. “Yes. Yes, I did. I was traveling from Avondale Forest and I saw him walking on the side of the road. I figured someone here would recognize him.”

The Magiri face twisted into a devilish smile. “You did very well, my elven friend. He is going to pay dearly for disrespecting my father. I will see to it that you’re paid handsomely for your assistance.”

The Magiri reached out and took the rope from Sarai’s hand. She looked over to Yeldarb who nodded solemnly.

“With all due respect, friend, I don’t release my prisoners until I’ve been paid. I’m sure you understand.”

The Magiri chuckled. “Yes, I understand, but this slave is a special case. You have my word, as the heir to Archmage Xerxes, that you will get your payment.”

Sarai went to say something else when she felt Yeldarb’s hand brush her elbow. She made eye contact with him. His eyes were full of fear. He shook his head slowly.

Sarai looked back to the Magiri, who was practically salivating at the prospect of Yeldarb’s capture.

“Very well, you may take him,” she said.

The Magiri bowed deeply. “It was a pleasure doing business with you…I don’t believe I got your name?”

“It’s Sarai. Sarai Rashan.”

He nodded. “Very good. Should we cross paths again, you may refer to me as Acolyte Maros. Thank you again, Sarai. Enjoy the feast!”

Sarai forced a smile. “You too.”

She watched the Magiri battlemage lead Yeldarb away. The two melted into the crowd of revelers. Sarai’s heart raced in her chest. Her mind was reeling. She was at a loss at what to do next.

As a child, Sarai would often pray to the World Tree in times like this. All elves possessed a telepathic connection with that ancient spirit of Avondale Forest.

In the future, her connection has been severed when the Rot escaped, but perhaps the past would be different.

“World Tree, if you can somehow hear me, I need your guidance,” Sarai whispered, closing her eyes and lowering her head.

The sounds of the feast became distant. A familiar voice rang out in her mind.

My child. You do not belong here.

Yeldarb was grateful that Sarai listened to reason. Neither of them had been alive when the Magiri were at the height of their civilization, but he had read enough history books to know that they would lose in a fight, even with just one of them.

Capture, terrifying as the prospect may be, was the better of the two choices.

“Keep moving!” Acolyte Maros said, shoving Yeldarb forward.

“There has been some sort of mistake. I am not the Tallion you seek,” Yeldarb said, hoping to appeal to reason.

Acolyte Maros stepped in front of Yeldarb and stared at him with his menacing, glowing eyes.

“You all look the same to me,” he spat. “In any case, you fit the description. Broken horn and all.”

Yeldarb stifled a laugh. “That’s all you’re looking for? Any Tallion could have a broken horn.”

The Magiri closed his fist and punched the air between them. Yeldarb felt an invisible impact on his left side, like the world itself had knocked the wind out of him. He collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air.

Acolyte Maros leaned down so he could whisper in Yeldarb’s ear. “Give me an excuse, Blueskin. I’ll kill you without a second thought.”

Yeldarb knew this one couldn’t be reasoned with. He nodded as he stood to his feet.

“Now. MOVE!”

He shoved Yeldarb again, pushing him through the crowd of revelers. Soon, the Magiri caravan loomed in the distance. The eyes of his fellow Tallion fell upon him with a mixture of concern and empathy.

It was one thing to read about such atrocities in aging scrolls, accompanied by crude drawings. It was another thing to witness them with his own eyes.

Yeldarb was overcome by sorrow at the sight of it. He didn’t have time to ponder, however, because soon Acolyte Maros led him through the fabric entryway of the caravan. Inside, the Magiri leadership sat upon jewel-encrusted thrones.

On the left was Archmage Xerxes. Perhaps the most cruel of the Magiri Archmages. Beside him was his wife, and commander of the Magiri’s Battlemages, Archmistress Saliri.

Yeldarb paused, searching his mind for anything he knew about these historical figures that now sat before him. A sharp pain in the back of his leg interrupted his thoughts. He fell to his knees as he felt Acolyte Maros’ hand around the back of his neck.

“Mother, father, I have brought the escaped Tallion,” he said.

Archmage Xerxes narrowed his eyes. They emanated a deep golden light. “You captured him yourself?”

“No, your eminence. I was brought here by an elv—”

Yeldarb’s vision spun as something heavy hit the back of his head.

“Silence!” Acolyte Maros shouted. “Your kind is not permitted to speak to the Archmage.”

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Yes, father. I captured this one myself.”

Yeldarb clenched his jaw as the pain continued to echo across his skull. He lifted his eyes to see Archmage Xerxes smiling.

“Wonderful. Perhaps this is the beginning of a new era for you,” he said, turning to his wife. Her deep crimson eyes held no emotion whatsoever.

“Only time will tell,” she said flatly.

Archmage Xerxes stood up and clapped his hands together. “Now, let us make an example of this one.”

Yeldarb’s heart skipped a beat. He looked over to Acolyte Maros, who was grinning like his father. “Perhaps a public execution, father? An offering to the Titans on this most holy of nights?”

“Yes! A fine idea, my son. We will execute him in front of all his fellow Tallion. A reminder of what happens when you try to run.”

A pair of Magiri guards lifted Yeldarb to his feet. Panic swept over his body. His mind stumbled from one thought to the next.

They carried him back outside, and he watched as other Magiri guards cleared out a space in front of the caravan.

The eyes of curious onlookers mixed with the haunted gaze of his fellow Tallion. Neither were interested in helping him. The guards pushed Yeldarb back to his knees. He felt cold steel press against the back of his neck.

“Father, may I have this honor?” Acolyte Maros asked.

“Of course, my son. This is your quarry. You may finish what you started,” Archmage Xerxes replied.

Yeldarb started praying to every single one of the Aluthians Titans.

“People of D’veen! Before you is a Tallion who tried to escape from the Magiri’s embrace. This Tallion killed innocents. Women. Children. All in pursuit of undeserved freedom. Tonight, we will make an example of him. This is what happens when you defy the greatest magic-users of the realm.”

Yeldarb felt the blade against his neck begin to warm up. The hairs on his skin stood on end as magic coursed through the blade. At the very least, it would be a quick death.

“Any last words, Blueskin?” Acolyte Maros asked.

Yeldarb clenched his fists. “You may think your rule is eternal, but your days are numbered, Magiri. One day, the Tallion will be free.”

Acolyte Maros laughed. “That will never happen.”

“It will. I have seen it with my own eyes.”

Yeldarb felt the blade pull back as Acolyte Maros readied his swing. He shut his eyes.

I’m so sorry, Isara. I wasn’t strong enough.

“Wait! Don’t kill him!”

Yeldarb’s eyes shot open. He looked up as a well-dressed emissary from the castle broke free from the crowd. His face was bright red and his breaths came in short, hurried bursts.

“What is the meaning of this?” Acolyte Maros asked.

The emissary held out a roll of parchment. Yeldarb watched the Magiri take it and open it with contempt.

Acolyte Maros grunted in frustration. “The Titans want to see him? Why?”

The emissary caught his breath and stood back up, adjusting the creases in his tunic. “It is not my place to question the will of the Titans. Now, unhand him, he’s coming back to the castle with me.”

Yeldarb stood to his feet, resisting the urge to smile as the Magiri unbound him. It felt good to have his hands free.

He froze as he felt Acolyte Maros’ breath hot on his ear. “This isn’t over, Blueskin. Not even the Titans can save you.”

Yeldarb ignored the threat. He followed the emissary through the throngs of people toward the castle at the center of Giant’s Bane. He felt a mixture of relief and exhaustion as they stepped into the castle’s main hall.

In the future, it was dulled. The colors of the tapestries had faded. The golden trim across the ceilings had long since flaked off. In the past, however, Yeldarb was treated to a feast for the senses.

“So, this is what Giant’s Bane looked like in its prime,” he whispered.

The emissary spun around. “Pardon? Did you say something?”

Yeldarb smiled and shook his head. “No, just admiring the decorations.”

The Emissary gave him a polite nod. “Yes, quite impressive. Right this way, please.”

Yeldarb followed the Emissary into the throne room. It was largely empty, save for two figures standing at the back. A familiar voice reached his ears.

“Yes, well, if the World Tree hadn’t vouched for you, I don’t think we would have been able to save your friend in time. You got lucky, my elven friend. From the sounds of your story, though, it’s hardly the first time.”

Yeldarb couldn’t resist letting a smile crawl across his face. “Finton, you’re alive!” he shouted.

The two figures paused their conversation and turned toward him. Yeldarb was overjoyed to see Sarai and a familiar Titan looking back at him.

“Who is Finton?” the Titan asked.

“My apologies, your grace. My friend here is confused. He should know that you are the Titan Merriboch. Don’t you, Yeldarb?” Sarai asked.

Yeldarb’s eyebrows shot up. “Yes, of course! My apologies, it has been quite the night.”

Merriboch laughed. “It’s quite alright. I must say, I do like that name, though. Well, in any case, I am pleased to see your head is still on your shoulders. Your friend here was just telling me about how you met.”

Yeldarb and Sarai made eye contact. He chose to remain silent and simply continued smiling. Merriboch turned back to Sarai.

“Now that I’ve confirmed your story with the World Tree, I should speak with the others,” Merriboch said.

Sarai nodded. “Yes, of course, your grace. Where are the other Titans?”

Merriboch waved his hand through the air. “Oh, they’re around, I’m sure. It will take a moment to track them all down.”

“Merriboch, are you in here?” a voice asked.

Sarai and Yeldarb both looked to the entrance of the throne room as a woman stepped through the doors. Her chestnut hair flowed like a river across her shoulders.

Her skin was the color of freshly fallen snow, and her eyes were more blue than all of the waters of the Endarian Expanse.

Yeldarb had read stories about her in D’veen’s ancient tomes, but to see her in person, he realized that even those words failed to describe the true depths of her beauty.

Sarai too was struck by the sight of her. Both she and Yeldarb went silent.

“Who are you?” the woman asked, her eyes scanning both Yeldarb and Sarai.

Merriboch clapped his hands together and stepped forward. “Ah, there you are, sister! These two guests of ours just arrived with dire news. We must gather all the Titans together to hear it.”

Merriboch gestured to Yeldarb and Sarai.

“Yeldarb. Sarai. Allow me to introduce you to my sister: the Titan, Kazra.”

TO BE CONTINUED…

Thank you for Reading! Here’s Your Musical Pairing

Stay tuned for a new chapter in two weeks!

Well, looks like Monday is back again. I hate that smug look on its face, like it’s inevitable or something. Yeah, okay, buddy, you just wait. I’ll figure out a way to skip Mondays yet.

Jokes aside, welcome to Mindful Monday Checkpoints, the weekly series where I share a quote and a discussion topic so you can have a chance to stop, take a breath, and start your week on the right note. Let’s dive in and check out this week’s topic.

This Week’s Quote

This week, I want to talk about the idea that we have to somehow earn our place in the world. Whether it’s a place at our job, a place in our family, or our place in a community like this.

We’ve all felt it. It’s like there’s some unseen set of rules or accomplishments that have to be fulfilled before we can successfully justify our existence as a writer, an artist, a narrator, or any other creative role.

So, with that in mind, here’s a quote to consider:

“Creative entitlement simply means believing that you are allowed to be here, and that—merely by being here—you are allowed to have a voice and a vision of your own.”

- Elizabeth Gilbert

I love this quote because it cuts right to the heart of the matter. You don’t need to justify your existence. You don’t have to apologize for wanting a voice. You’re allowed to be here just as much as anyone else.

Your accomplishments should be celebrated, but they don’t define you. From the moment you started writing stories, you became an author.

From the moment you started drawing or painting, you became an artist.

And the same goes for narrating, for voice acting, for graphic design, and for any other creative medium. The act of doing it means that you’re in. You can now give yourself that title.

There’s no secret test to pass. No committee to please. No bar you have to clear. Some of those things may come up when you seek to do this professionally, but outside of that, doing the thing makes you the thing. Point blank.

And this extends beyond creativity. I once wrote a poem called Unapologetically You last year, and I stand by the message in that piece as well.

I’m someone who has spent my whole life apologizing for things that weren’t my fault. At a certain point, I became comfortable with apologizing just for existing. For taking up space. For breathing oxygen.

And let me tell you, being in that mindset sucks, and it doesn’t lead anywhere good. Given that we creatives tend to be extra hard on ourselves, I’d be willing to bet a lot of you reading this have been in a similar place.

So, before we get into this week’s discussion topic, I want to remind you of two things that will always be true:

1. If you write stories, then you’re an author. If you post poetry, then you’re a poet, and so on. You don’t have to earn your title. You made it in the moment you started.

2. You don’t have to justify your place in the world. You are a human being like the rest of us, and you deserve to be here as much as anyone else.

Now, let’s shift to our weekly discussion.

This Week’s Discussion Topic: Where You Feel Like You Belong

I’ve struggled a lot in my life with feeling like I don’t “belong.” I knew from an early age I wanted to be a writer, but I struggled for a very long time to find a writing community that felt like it wanted me there.

That was exactly how I felt when I joined Substack here. Early on, I had meaningful conversations and I read incredible work. I saw the seeds of community, and so many people doing their part to nurture it.

It was at this time that met incredible people like , , , , , , and , who were among some of the first writers and poets I connected with.

These were people who were talking the talk and walking the walk. They fostered community, they gave feedback on other work, and of course, they published incredible works themselves.

They made me feel welcome in a way I’d never experienced in my life (online or otherwise). They showed me what it looks like when you bring together like-minded people with a shared goal: to tell our stories.

And so, I set out to make this place feel like that to anyone and everyone that wishes to join.

More importantly, I wanted to make sure this was a safe, inclusive space. In a world where those are increasingly rare, it’s important to me that all are welcome, and that hate has no place here.

And that’s a battle that’s ongoing. I’m just one person, and I have no illusions about changing the world, but I do think I can create better ones.

And, I believe I can create the largest, most inclusive community of creatives the world has ever seen.

Enough about me, though. Here’s my discussion question for you all this week:

You can interpret this however you’d like. It can be in relation to this community on Substack, or your place in the world in general.

And don’t worry about hurting my feelings. If you don’t feel welcome, I want to know, and I want to try and fix it.

And, if you’re still struggling to find your place in the world, guess what? A lot of people are.

Most of them, I’d wager. Being vulnerable and admitting that isn’t a weakness. It takes courage, and it could help someone else feel seen.

So yeah, lay it on me in the comments. I want to know what you think, and of course, I’m always here if you need to talk. I’m not perfect.

I make mistakes like anyone else, but I’d like to think I’m a good listener, and someone who has picked up a few nuggets of wisdom in my time on this Earth.

And, I care about this community. I really, really do.

Thanks for Reading! Here’s Your Musical Pairing

Listen to this while you catch your breath. Remember, it’s only Monday. Pace yourself, friend.

Hello, and welcome to a new series here on The Writer’s Journey! As many of you know, I include musical pairings with almost everything I post on here. That’s because I love the way music pairs with stories and poetry to elevate the emotions within.

I’ve also long been inspired by music. Certain tracks and lyrics stick with me. They’re like seeds that often blossom into larger works.

And so, I’ve decided to share that process more here in this new series. Every Sunday, I’ll post a fresh new poem inspired by a song I’ve been listening to on repeat. And, I’ll share a little about why this song inspired me the way it did.

Let’s check out our first entry!

On Repeat #1: ‘Endless’ by Dermot Kennedy

I have been a long-time fan of Dermot Kennedy’s work. The man’s voice is iconic. So much emotion and power in his music. Not only that, but the lyrics themselves are achingly poetic and filled with emotions like regret, pain, and just a dash of hope.

The track Endless is from his new album The Weight of the Woods, which released recently.

Let’s listen to it:

I love every track on this album, but this one really stood out to me for a number of reasons. It’s that perfect blend of sadness, pain, and hope that I try to bring to my work.

As the song says, “the night feels endless,” but then it turns things around, saying “they’ll come a day we step outside and see the stars uncovered.”

The song drags you into the dark to show you how important the light is when it feels like the pain is endless. I can relate to that. I can get inspired by that.

And so, I humbly present my poem inspired by this track.

There has to be more than this

Sometimes I wonder
Was I born to suffer? 
My whole life 
Nothing but pain.

The pain of heartbreak.
The pain of loss. 
The pain of disappointment.
The pain of betrayal. 

You’ve said the same.
I see the hurt, 
burning
in your eyes.  

You don’t deserve this.
It’s not right. 
Something as beautiful as you
shouldn’t have to suffer. 

Me, on the other hand. 
I deserve this. 
Don’t I? 
Why else would life be so cruel? 

This place isn’t home.
Pain has soaked
into these walls.
Into this land. 

I want to leave.
You want to leave,
but where do we begin? 
I’m so lost. 

It feels like this night
is endless. 
It feels like the suffering
will never end. 

I wish I could breathe.
That the pain would stop.
Gone for now. 
Just a moment. 

I wish I could save us both
Take us far from here 
But for now, can I hold you?
Will you lie here with me? 

Let’s pretend the pain is distant
Like it doesn’t know where we are. 
Stay with me here, safe,
until the morning. 

There has to be more than this. 
I want to believe the sun is coming
That the stars still shine.
Beyond this endless night.  

Let this moment be proof
That we fought 
With all we had
For as long as we could.
 

I have faith.  
A part of me believes. 
Because I’ve never known peace 
until I met you.