2 Things I Learned About History’s Role in Writing from Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

Posted on by jenny maloney

All right, because I’m a nerd like that, I insisted on reading Lovecraft Country before watching the show. I’m only a couple episodes in – so no spoilers! Here are a couple things I learned reading the novel: Acknowledge Your Literary Tradition…and Critique It. Art is not made in a vacuum. Every piece of writing … Continue reading 2 Things I Learned About History’s Role in Writing from Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

I Am Allowed To Sleep

Posted on by jenny maloney

Growing up, my mom was very consistent with my bedtime ritual: bath, book, bed. Bath -- warm water, bubbles. By seven or eight months old, this first step was so necessary that my dad, left alone with me for an evening, had to call my mom away from a coffee (a military-wives get-together) because I … Continue reading I Am Allowed To Sleep

3 Things I Learned About Making Art from James Ijames’s White

Posted on by jenny maloney

Covid-19 has taken a lot of things from us. Like the ability to breathe without a piece of cloth in front of our faces. And the chance to meet up with a group of friends without strategic planning. And the opportunity to head to school and be bored in a classroom rather than be bored … Continue reading 3 Things I Learned About Making Art from James Ijames’s White

Climate Change

Posted on by jenny maloney

A Drive

Posted on by jenny maloney

I put on socks and shoes for the first time in days. Still comfortable, nothing too fancy. If I wanted to, I could go for a walk, and I could walk for a mile or two without getting blisters. I brush my hair. Pull it into a ponytail. My phone, wallet, and mask are on … Continue reading A Drive

Playlists

Posted on by jenny maloney

At the keyboard, waiting for words to come, I often flip over to Spotify, looking for new playlists. Always hunting for some melody, some tangible experience I haven’t heard before. Triggering some thought I haven’t thought before. I ask friends on Facebook for songs and create new playlists. I browse playlists already created in genres … Continue reading Playlists

3 Writing Tricks To Steal From Fleur Bradley’s MIDNIGHT AT THE BARCLAY HOTEL

Posted on by jenny maloney

A couple weeks ago, I was the lucky duck who received an advanced reading copy of my dear friend's (hi, Fleur!) newest novel for middle grade readers: Midnight at the Barclay Hotel. My review of the story is up at Criminal Element which you can check out here. But I thought it'd be useful for … Continue reading 3 Writing Tricks To Steal From Fleur Bradley’s MIDNIGHT AT THE BARCLAY HOTEL