Aimee Liu
@aimeeliu.bsky.social
#Author, #MFA prof, photopainter, Substacker.
Find me: https://aimeeliu.substack.com/
https://aimeeliu.net/
Some #Books: GAINING, CLOUD MOUNTAIN, GLORIOUS BOY, SOLITAIRE.
Find me: https://aimeeliu.substack.com/
https://aimeeliu.net/
Some #Books: GAINING, CLOUD MOUNTAIN, GLORIOUS BOY, SOLITAIRE.
#writingcommunity Your narrative spine leads readers from the abiding question at the start of your #story, to the conclusion, which ideally answers that question. Having a strong, proportionally balanced spine connects your reader to the story’s meaning.
writingcooperative.com/is-your-spin...
writingcooperative.com/is-your-spin...
Is Your Spine Strong Enough To Support Your Story?
The narrative core has to power, carry, AND deliver the goods
writingcooperative.com
January 31, 2026 at 4:18 PM
#writingcommunity Your narrative spine leads readers from the abiding question at the start of your #story, to the conclusion, which ideally answers that question. Having a strong, proportionally balanced spine connects your reader to the story’s meaning.
writingcooperative.com/is-your-spin...
writingcooperative.com/is-your-spin...
#writingcommunity Whether you’re protesting Dump or promoting your book, you need to know how to write an op-Ed that will actually get published. Here’s how.
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
Anatomy of an Op-Ed
To find the formula for an opinion piece, tweak the formula for a hit book
open.substack.com
January 31, 2026 at 4:04 PM
#writingcommunity Whether you’re protesting Dump or promoting your book, you need to know how to write an op-Ed that will actually get published. Here’s how.
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
Reposted by Aimee Liu
There are entire new cohorts of Americans, discovering in horror what the Black Americans always knew, feom their firsthand experiences…
This interview with James Baldwin was aired in the 1960s… and is so painfully valid today - on the day of ICE murdering another American.
This interview with James Baldwin was aired in the 1960s… and is so painfully valid today - on the day of ICE murdering another American.
January 24, 2026 at 10:33 PM
There are entire new cohorts of Americans, discovering in horror what the Black Americans always knew, feom their firsthand experiences…
This interview with James Baldwin was aired in the 1960s… and is so painfully valid today - on the day of ICE murdering another American.
This interview with James Baldwin was aired in the 1960s… and is so painfully valid today - on the day of ICE murdering another American.
Reposted by Aimee Liu
We all know the poem, and there is no shade of white that will save you from this murderous regime.
January 24, 2026 at 6:46 PM
We all know the poem, and there is no shade of white that will save you from this murderous regime.
Reposted by Aimee Liu
Alex Pretti "used to tell people off when they made sexist comments to female physicians. He bought me coffee when I had a really bad day as an intern...I laughed alongside him daily. He made a point to teach medical residents without judgement, but with a smile on his face and a joke."
January 24, 2026 at 9:41 PM
Alex Pretti "used to tell people off when they made sexist comments to female physicians. He bought me coffee when I had a really bad day as an intern...I laughed alongside him daily. He made a point to teach medical residents without judgement, but with a smile on his face and a joke."
Video footage shows Mr. Pretti stepping between a woman and an agent who is pepper spraying her. Other agents then pepper spray Mr. Pretti, who is holding a phone in one hand and nothing in the other, and pull him to the ground.
#ICEMURDERS #TRUMPLIES #MAGAMURDERS
#PRETTI #MINNEAPOLIS
#ICEMURDERS #TRUMPLIES #MAGAMURDERS
#PRETTI #MINNEAPOLIS
Minneapolis Live Updates: Videos Appear to Contradict Federal Account of Killing
www.nytimes.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:31 PM
Video footage shows Mr. Pretti stepping between a woman and an agent who is pepper spraying her. Other agents then pepper spray Mr. Pretti, who is holding a phone in one hand and nothing in the other, and pull him to the ground.
#ICEMURDERS #TRUMPLIES #MAGAMURDERS
#PRETTI #MINNEAPOLIS
#ICEMURDERS #TRUMPLIES #MAGAMURDERS
#PRETTI #MINNEAPOLIS
Reposted by Aimee Liu
Coming Soon: WeHo Reads: Telling Family Secrets, featuring Toni Ann Johnson, Aimee Liu, Juanita E. Mantz, and Hannah Sward
Wed. Feb. 18 6:30 pm PT
RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/weho-reads...
@toniannj.bsky.social @aimeeliu.bsky.social @codysiscowrites.bsky.social @bookswellclub.bsky.social
Wed. Feb. 18 6:30 pm PT
RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/weho-reads...
@toniannj.bsky.social @aimeeliu.bsky.social @codysiscowrites.bsky.social @bookswellclub.bsky.social
January 21, 2026 at 11:24 PM
Coming Soon: WeHo Reads: Telling Family Secrets, featuring Toni Ann Johnson, Aimee Liu, Juanita E. Mantz, and Hannah Sward
Wed. Feb. 18 6:30 pm PT
RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/weho-reads...
@toniannj.bsky.social @aimeeliu.bsky.social @codysiscowrites.bsky.social @bookswellclub.bsky.social
Wed. Feb. 18 6:30 pm PT
RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/weho-reads...
@toniannj.bsky.social @aimeeliu.bsky.social @codysiscowrites.bsky.social @bookswellclub.bsky.social
This is a formidable #memoir genre. If you write any kind of #nonfiction, you need to understand how MWAM works.
#writingcommunity
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
#writingcommunity
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
'Careless People' is a Model MWAM [Memoir With A Mission]
Sarah Wynn-Williams proves that story, structure, and voice can turbocharge political, business, and policy messaging
open.substack.com
January 17, 2026 at 5:07 PM
This is a formidable #memoir genre. If you write any kind of #nonfiction, you need to understand how MWAM works.
#writingcommunity
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
#writingcommunity
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
Reposted by Aimee Liu
Gov. Walz to MS NOW:
"Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system … is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic.
"The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her."
"Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system … is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic.
"The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her."
January 17, 2026 at 1:15 AM
Gov. Walz to MS NOW:
"Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system … is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic.
"The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her."
"Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system … is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic.
"The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her."
This beautiful post asks: “How do we measure our worth as #writers? And if we fail, how do we continue to write in spite of that real and/or perceived failure? ...remember in those darker places that failure is a kind of rupture and with every rupture comes new openings.”
#writingcommunity
#writingcommunity
Making a Bed of Words
The work of writing is an offering of light and love
open.substack.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:55 PM
This beautiful post asks: “How do we measure our worth as #writers? And if we fail, how do we continue to write in spite of that real and/or perceived failure? ...remember in those darker places that failure is a kind of rupture and with every rupture comes new openings.”
#writingcommunity
#writingcommunity
#WritingPrompt: PREJUDICE
"“If you feel safe in the area that you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area.”- #DavidBowie
I wish today’s image were composed purely for shock value. Alas, it’s a photograph of an actual “antique” store display
Here's the full prompt:
"“If you feel safe in the area that you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area.”- #DavidBowie
I wish today’s image were composed purely for shock value. Alas, it’s a photograph of an actual “antique” store display
Here's the full prompt:
Writing Prompt: PREJUDICE
Visual inspiration + mental exercise to start your writing week
open.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM
#WritingPrompt: PREJUDICE
"“If you feel safe in the area that you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area.”- #DavidBowie
I wish today’s image were composed purely for shock value. Alas, it’s a photograph of an actual “antique” store display
Here's the full prompt:
"“If you feel safe in the area that you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area.”- #DavidBowie
I wish today’s image were composed purely for shock value. Alas, it’s a photograph of an actual “antique” store display
Here's the full prompt:
If you’re an #indie or small press #author, I’m sorry to inform you that you have a special target on your title.
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
Authors, Beware of the Latest "Book Group" Scams
Predators will heap "quiet" praise on your indie title. Do not fall for it!
open.substack.com
January 10, 2026 at 3:55 PM
If you’re an #indie or small press #author, I’m sorry to inform you that you have a special target on your title.
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
One year ago today, the #LAfires broke out. Lifted the paywall on this in honor of all those who lost so much — and have yet to recover.
No Matter How Much You Lose, You'll Always Have Your Story
The necessary consolation of narrative that we all carry with us
open.substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:50 PM
One year ago today, the #LAfires broke out. Lifted the paywall on this in honor of all those who lost so much — and have yet to recover.
#writingprompt : What would I learn if I held still, pressed close, tuned my eyes and ear, too, to the signals of stories on the far side of that fence?
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
Writing Prompt: PEEK
Visual inspiration + mental exercise to start your writing week
open.substack.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:31 PM
#writingprompt : What would I learn if I held still, pressed close, tuned my eyes and ear, too, to the signals of stories on the far side of that fence?
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
#writingcommunity Here's what's happening at #mfalore this spring. If you're looking for #creativewriting and #bookpublishing advice from a bestselling author and veteran #MFA professor, consider joining our tribe of Loreates over on Substack!
www.mfalore.com/p/new-mfa-lo...
www.mfalore.com/p/new-mfa-lo...
New @MFA Lore in 2026!
Resolution: Get your writing ready for readers
www.mfalore.com
January 3, 2026 at 4:59 PM
#writingcommunity Here's what's happening at #mfalore this spring. If you're looking for #creativewriting and #bookpublishing advice from a bestselling author and veteran #MFA professor, consider joining our tribe of Loreates over on Substack!
www.mfalore.com/p/new-mfa-lo...
www.mfalore.com/p/new-mfa-lo...
#writingcommunity
When we peer into the history of our lives or families or observations, we can know they’re worth writing about without having any idea which form that writing should take. #shortstories? A novel or #memoir? Collected #Essays? Each choice will require different treatment.
When we peer into the history of our lives or families or observations, we can know they’re worth writing about without having any idea which form that writing should take. #shortstories? A novel or #memoir? Collected #Essays? Each choice will require different treatment.
Terrific Raw Material. Now What Are You Going To DO With It?
Finding the right prose form can make or break your hard work
writingcooperative.com
January 3, 2026 at 4:38 PM
#writingcommunity
When we peer into the history of our lives or families or observations, we can know they’re worth writing about without having any idea which form that writing should take. #shortstories? A novel or #memoir? Collected #Essays? Each choice will require different treatment.
When we peer into the history of our lives or families or observations, we can know they’re worth writing about without having any idea which form that writing should take. #shortstories? A novel or #memoir? Collected #Essays? Each choice will require different treatment.
Music this week opened a hidden door for me to a revelation I have been missing my entire life. The experience also gave me new insight into the role that music can play as a memory synthesizer for writers generally and #memoirists in particular!
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
Need a Little Tenderness in Your Writing? Let Music Open the Floodgates
Tune memory can crack even hardened shells around feeling
open.substack.com
December 27, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Music this week opened a hidden door for me to a revelation I have been missing my entire life. The experience also gave me new insight into the role that music can play as a memory synthesizer for writers generally and #memoirists in particular!
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
open.substack.com/pub/mfalore/...
#writingcommunity Have you mastered the art of beats?
If you think they only apply to #screenwriting , you're mistaken. Beats are the basic unit of #storytelling , whether you're writing a short story or an epic #novel.
If you think they only apply to #screenwriting , you're mistaken. Beats are the basic unit of #storytelling , whether you're writing a short story or an epic #novel.
Staking Out Your Story, Part 3: Beats
Every beat is a story in miniature
open.substack.com
December 20, 2025 at 5:04 PM
#writingcommunity Have you mastered the art of beats?
If you think they only apply to #screenwriting , you're mistaken. Beats are the basic unit of #storytelling , whether you're writing a short story or an epic #novel.
If you think they only apply to #screenwriting , you're mistaken. Beats are the basic unit of #storytelling , whether you're writing a short story or an epic #novel.
I woke up this morning with the curious word JEOPARDY in mind. Hence, this #writingprompt for #storytellers and #memoirists and #novelists in the #blueskywritingcommunity
Writing Prompt: Jeopardy
Visual inspiration + mental exercise to start your writing week
open.substack.com
December 15, 2025 at 4:55 PM
I woke up this morning with the curious word JEOPARDY in mind. Hence, this #writingprompt for #storytellers and #memoirists and #novelists in the #blueskywritingcommunity
We’ve got the receipts on the #trumptariffs. Thank you @moveon.org
December 12, 2025 at 6:56 PM
We’ve got the receipts on the #trumptariffs. Thank you @moveon.org
“Maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, you know? And maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally.” Inexplicably, #Trump doubled down on this terrible message at a rally on Tuesday night, determined to hand #Democrats a gift. @nytimes.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:13 PM
“Maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, you know? And maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally.” Inexplicably, #Trump doubled down on this terrible message at a rally on Tuesday night, determined to hand #Democrats a gift. @nytimes.com
#Democrat Higgins led the Republican by about 19 percentage points. FIRST DEMOCRATIC MAYOR OF #MIAMI IN 30 YEARS!!! #bluewave
apnews.com/article/miam...
apnews.com/article/miam...
Democrat wins Miami mayor’s race for the first time in nearly 30 years
Democrat Eileen Higgins has won the Miami mayor’s race over a Republican endorsed by President Donald Trump.
apnews.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:22 PM
#Democrat Higgins led the Republican by about 19 percentage points. FIRST DEMOCRATIC MAYOR OF #MIAMI IN 30 YEARS!!! #bluewave
apnews.com/article/miam...
apnews.com/article/miam...