Writerly Ways

[cornerofmadness]

And just like that it's over I can't believe four days are gone so fast. And at the same time managed to feel like 4 months. So tired. Today was a shorter day though. We used to have workshops ALL sunday but I think last year it was changed to only half a day because so many had to be home by tomorrow. Met a younger prof from NY and she likes a lot of the same things I do. She wants us to have a fantasy book reading club and wants to beta read my stuff. I don't know if I'll do that but I will absolutely keep in contact

I was back at the hotel by 1 and I did stay the day because I always leave monday and wasn't even thinking but anyhow I decided let's go to the Pittsburgh Aviary. Well so did all of Pittsburgh. No place to park. The onstreet parking is dicey to begin with and as I rolled by I saw there was a line out the door. I don't need birds that bad. I should have gone to the Heinz history museum but it didn't have new exhibits (I went last year) and thought well I have never see ALL of the Pittsburgh Science Center, just the special exhibits. Kind of a waste of my money sadly mostly because it is 100% geared to the 4-11 year old crew which is amazing really but since I have no kids... The special exhibit was on mental health but while inventive, it was wasted on me because it was designed to be experienced in a group. Nothing could be done on your own. Oh well, I was entertained for a couple of hours at least.

And then dinner. OMFG, I saved the best for last and it was also SUPPOSED to be open and it wasn't. See me curled into a ball in the corner. I found some middle eastern/greek thing Ephestus Pizza and got a gyro pizza (onions, tomato, gyro meat and feta on a wood fire pizza sounded good. I've been so used to mediocre gyro meat as of late I was shocked I could smell the lamb (halal) through the box. It was true gyro meat and lots of it (better be given the price) tons of cheese too. Excellent. To make myself less disappointed I got baklava (vegan, I'm assuming butter isn't halal? I don't know. I found out today you couldn't put honey in tea because the heat kills the honey and that's forbidden) Anyhow best baklava I've had in ages.


So obviously no writing anything today. My brain is mush so links only

Open Calls

Plott Hound Magazine

Creepy Corner Season 1

Season’s Grievings: Holiday Travel Stories Gone Wrong

Scavengers: Now Seeking Submissions

30 Magazines Publishing Hybrid Writing



From around the web

How to Get Back Into Writing

Notes from the Editor’s Desk: May 2025

Why Tension Relies on Hope

What is Sensory Language? Definition + Examples

When Pantsing Pays Off for Writers


From Betty

Six Tricks for Memorable Character Moments

Five More Signs Your Story Is Sexist

Misattributed Arousal in Fiction

Five Ways Gods and the Afterlife Change a Fantasy Setting

The Tools Have Changed, but Your Voice Still Matters

Choose a Powerful Foundation for Your Story, Part Two

More Short Story Words of Wisdom

Reading Like a Writer

Writing 101: Point of View Basics

Character Secret Thesaurus: Making a Black Market Purchase

10 Ways to Reveal a Hero in Your Manuscript

Comments

[tjs_whatnot]

Ohhhhh! So many great links. Thank you so much! 💓

[cornerofmadness]

You're welcome (and that icon is so right)

[a_natural_beauty]

I hope you find time now to take a break! Sounds like a-lot.

The trip sounds like it was stressful. We may be going to Pittsburg next month to visit two friends. We need to figure out more about it. Two days away to check out museums is what we have talked about so far. Trying to find parking in the cities like that is always a headache and then to pay for parking and trying to find cheaper prices to park... ugh...

I'm glad you at least enjoyed the Baklava! That sounds tasty. :-p

[cornerofmadness]

Not so much stressful as disappointing. I never get to try those restaurants because downtown is a nightmare to park in so I was very much looking forward to them. Oh well.

Ah have fun. Pittsburgh is a great city and the museums especially the carniege are amazing (do avoid the science center unless traveling with young kids) The phipps is also great.

[spikedluv]

Too bad about the darned parking. And another restaurant being closed. What's up, Pittsburgh restaurants?!!

[cornerofmadness]

Everyone is taking the holiday weekend off apparently (and went to museums....)ha

[under_the_silk_tree]

I'm glad you were at entertained for a bit and made some new contacts.

The pizza sounds amazing.

[cornerofmadness]

thanks. It's always a good con

the pizza was amazing