Character Development
The Red Boots. Runner-Up in Not Quite There Yet Challenge.
My mother used to read what I called "sick kid books" -- stories from parents whose children had rare diseases or crippling disabilities. Since we offspring were all healthy, I wondered at her tastes. I didn't want to have anything to o with them -- as if the suffering might be contagious.
By Sonia Heidi Unruh4 months ago in Critique
My Self-Critique of My Writing Battle Entry (Part Deux)
This is a breakdown of my most recent entry into the Writing Battle that didn’t make it out of the peer judging round. I recommend reading it before you dive into my self-critique of why it doesn’t work because nothing says, “Hey go read this!” quite like leading off with, "Hey this didn’t actually place so it might not be very good!”
By Matthew J. Fromm4 months ago in Critique
Planes, Trains, and Magic?
The world would end in dragon fire. This, Kavik knew for centuries. He breathed heavy, and his lungs drank thirstily of flame instead of oxygen. Elves were heartier than humans, yet his skin burned as sweat spilled from his pores and instantly evaporated.
By Sama Habib4 months ago in Critique
Reflections on A Languishing Manuscript. Top Story - July 2026.
Years ago, I was president of a town’s writing group, but it disbanded. Ten years ago, a character appeared in my mind and poured onto the page, words frothing from my fingers like sudsy waves at the shore. My hip replacement cemented my decision to retire, and recovery meant long hours outdoors on sunny days with my aging dog. Her love and devotion grounded me. I finished the book that summer. Two years later, my faithful companion was gone, and the manuscript remained untouched, saved in a file that moved only when the computer did, still unseen.
By Andrea Corwin 4 months ago in Critique
Margaritas and Meltdowns
The sun sparkled on the turquoise water of the resort pool, light and shadow patterns dancing across the bottom of the shallow end. Mary Elizabeth poured herself another margarita from Mandy’s Rubbermaid pitcher resting inside her enormous beach bag and tried to call Josh again. She was dying to tell him that Mike and Mandy rented. It went to voicemail after a few rings. His phone was probably on the cart, so she’d try again in a few minutes.
By Harper Lewis 4 months ago in Critique
