Neil Ellis Orts
@neowrites.bsky.social
Writer, goof. Not necessarily in that order.
August 6, 2025 at 2:08 AM
CultureMap has named the New Works Festival, produced by Thunderclap Productions, as one of the top 8 productions to see in Houston this June. Check it out here and get your tixs at the MATCH website! Get a first glimpse at my full-length play, Jacob's People!
houston.culturemap.com/news/arts/ju...
houston.culturemap.com/news/arts/ju...
Cabarets and festivals take the spotlight in Houston's 8 best shows in June
We get a bit of a theatrical breather this month before some of the biggest mysteries, comedies, and musicals of the year arrive in July. But June still brings plenty of new shows for theater and danc...
houston.culturemap.com
June 5, 2025 at 5:07 PM
CultureMap has named the New Works Festival, produced by Thunderclap Productions, as one of the top 8 productions to see in Houston this June. Check it out here and get your tixs at the MATCH website! Get a first glimpse at my full-length play, Jacob's People!
houston.culturemap.com/news/arts/ju...
houston.culturemap.com/news/arts/ju...
The irony of complaining about Pride month is that if queer humans just existed without any discrimination, there would be no need for us to assert our humanity every June with parades and history lessons. (Same goes for other history months, btw.) #pride2025
June 2, 2025 at 11:22 PM
The irony of complaining about Pride month is that if queer humans just existed without any discrimination, there would be no need for us to assert our humanity every June with parades and history lessons. (Same goes for other history months, btw.) #pride2025
Pride Month under 47 feels like it might be a special event. Here we go. Hold onto your freedom. Assert your humanity. Hang onto your community.
May 31, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Pride Month under 47 feels like it might be a special event. Here we go. Hold onto your freedom. Assert your humanity. Hang onto your community.
New writing is up at Soul by Southwest, the arts and literature journal of Seminary of the Southwest, my semi-alma mater. I'll be reading "Catechesis" tomorrow (4/25) night on campus at the journal's release party. #writing #spirituallit #faith #doubt #idontknowwhat
openbookssw.org/post/cateche...
openbookssw.org/post/cateche...
Catechesis - Open Book
Neil Ellis Orts I. The faithful, each in their way, according to what they were taught, how they were taught, keep silence, repeat prayers, sing old or new songs, play instruments or don’t, making one...
openbookssw.org
April 24, 2025 at 6:25 PM
New writing is up at Soul by Southwest, the arts and literature journal of Seminary of the Southwest, my semi-alma mater. I'll be reading "Catechesis" tomorrow (4/25) night on campus at the journal's release party. #writing #spirituallit #faith #doubt #idontknowwhat
openbookssw.org/post/cateche...
openbookssw.org/post/cateche...
Some very kind words from writer and teacher, David Meischen about my novella, Cary and John.
davidmeischen.substack.com/p/two-daught...
davidmeischen.substack.com/p/two-daught...
Two Daughters, their Fathers
On October 12, 2022, I was glancing at fiction shelved on the wall of books in our great room when I spotted a novella I had no memory of purchasing, no memory of shelving there.
davidmeischen.substack.com
April 18, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Some very kind words from writer and teacher, David Meischen about my novella, Cary and John.
davidmeischen.substack.com/p/two-daught...
davidmeischen.substack.com/p/two-daught...
I wrote this shortly after Steve Paxton died. I couldn't find a home for it so I put on my Substack. Not my usual Crumbs post so give it a shot if you're a dance fan. Share with your dance pals if they might appreciate it. #Dance #StevePaxton #ContactImprov crumbsatthefeast.substack.com/p/gravity
Gravity
In Memory of Steve Paxton
open.substack.com
April 6, 2025 at 4:48 AM
I wrote this shortly after Steve Paxton died. I couldn't find a home for it so I put on my Substack. Not my usual Crumbs post so give it a shot if you're a dance fan. Share with your dance pals if they might appreciate it. #Dance #StevePaxton #ContactImprov crumbsatthefeast.substack.com/p/gravity
Thunderclap Productions is producing a New Works Festival and a scene from my play, Jacob's People, is in it. Limited seating, one night only. Houston come out and support new theater WIP. Let me know if you have questions! #WIP #NewTheater #NewPlays #HoustonTheater
matchouston.org/events/2025/...
matchouston.org/events/2025/...
New Works Festival
Thunderclap Productions is proud to present a festival featuring several local playwrights, lyricists, and composers showcasing excerpts from their new plays and musicals. Join us to get glimpses of n...
matchouston.org
March 28, 2025 at 1:54 AM
Thunderclap Productions is producing a New Works Festival and a scene from my play, Jacob's People, is in it. Limited seating, one night only. Houston come out and support new theater WIP. Let me know if you have questions! #WIP #NewTheater #NewPlays #HoustonTheater
matchouston.org/events/2025/...
matchouston.org/events/2025/...
Last minute Ash Wednesday reflection.
open.substack.com/pub/crumbsat...
open.substack.com/pub/crumbsat...
Beloved Ash
perfect love casts out fear
open.substack.com
March 6, 2025 at 4:23 AM
Last minute Ash Wednesday reflection.
open.substack.com/pub/crumbsat...
open.substack.com/pub/crumbsat...
This afternoon brought me my first acceptance email for some creative writing for 2025. I write without getting these but I do send out the writing to get them. So, getting acceptance emails are gratifying. I'm grateful. But I try not to live for them. But I kind of do.
Humility is hard.
Humility is hard.
March 4, 2025 at 10:59 PM
This afternoon brought me my first acceptance email for some creative writing for 2025. I write without getting these but I do send out the writing to get them. So, getting acceptance emails are gratifying. I'm grateful. But I try not to live for them. But I kind of do.
Humility is hard.
Humility is hard.
Trans people already know this happens and may skip. People who are comfortable in the sex assigned to them at birth, I'd like you read the link in the first comment. This is not an ordinary murder. If nothing else, you have to admit this. My love for my trans friends comes with this concern (fear).
February 16, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Trans people already know this happens and may skip. People who are comfortable in the sex assigned to them at birth, I'd like you read the link in the first comment. This is not an ordinary murder. If nothing else, you have to admit this. My love for my trans friends comes with this concern (fear).
The T stays. I haven't seen it myself yet, only reports of trying to remove the T from LGBTQ+. But to be clear, on this account, the T stays. Period.
February 14, 2025 at 2:24 AM
The T stays. I haven't seen it myself yet, only reports of trying to remove the T from LGBTQ+. But to be clear, on this account, the T stays. Period.
Digital journal, Synkroniciti, has posted their profile of me and a synopsis of my flash fiction, "Ancient Grains." Find it here and follow the links to get your own copy of their Haunted issue. synkroniciti.com/haunting-fea...
“Haunting” Featured Artist Neil Ellis Orts
Synkroniciti is happy to welcome back Houston writer Neil Ellis Orts with an atmospheric piece of flash fiction, “Ancient Grains,” which we nominated for the Best Microfiction Anthology…
synkroniciti.com
February 11, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Digital journal, Synkroniciti, has posted their profile of me and a synopsis of my flash fiction, "Ancient Grains." Find it here and follow the links to get your own copy of their Haunted issue. synkroniciti.com/haunting-fea...
2 more days to get your Prodigy Comics #1 Hurry. FASTER!
zoop.gg/c/prodigy-co...
zoop.gg/c/prodigy-co...
Prodigy Comics #1
A 76-page anthology comic from a spectrum of creators, Prodigy Comics #1 introduces a new universe of superheroes, aliens, and magic. This book takes the classic anthology format of the 1930s and 1940...
zoop.gg
February 4, 2025 at 4:29 PM
2 more days to get your Prodigy Comics #1 Hurry. FASTER!
zoop.gg/c/prodigy-co...
zoop.gg/c/prodigy-co...
What's on my mind is a lot and it's rambling. So I turned to my dormant Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/crumbsat...
open.substack.com/pub/crumbsat...
Right and Wrong and Hope and Love
Looking for Guidance in this 21st Century
open.substack.com
January 22, 2025 at 9:10 PM
What's on my mind is a lot and it's rambling. So I turned to my dormant Substack.
open.substack.com/pub/crumbsat...
open.substack.com/pub/crumbsat...
Reposted by Neil Ellis Orts
I do not want to be mistaken for being naive (though I am AND I am not) and I do mean to appear hopeful for things that I'm not really deeply hopeful for. But I find this a hopeful act. Speaking bluntly to the Bible seller like this is hopeful. episcopalnewsservice.org/2025/01/21/w...
Washington bishop’s plea to Trump: ‘Have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared’
[Episcopal News Service] Washington Bishop Mariann Budde, in her Jan. 21 sermon at Washington National Cathedral’s Service of Prayer for the Nation, called on all Americans to strive for a renewed …
episcopalnewsservice.org
January 21, 2025 at 10:10 PM
I do not want to be mistaken for being naive (though I am AND I am not) and I do mean to appear hopeful for things that I'm not really deeply hopeful for. But I find this a hopeful act. Speaking bluntly to the Bible seller like this is hopeful. episcopalnewsservice.org/2025/01/21/w...
The 1st page of my Diminishing Man story is in this preview @zanemfannin.bsky.social posted. Some of you may notice that I'm borrowing an opening style of Bronze Age DC Comics, what with that one panel origin recap (the only place you'll find DM's origin!). But wait! There's more! So much more!
Just $269 away now!!!
If you aren’t entirely convinced that you should pick up a copy of Prodigy Comics #1, here are some interior pages to show you what you’re missing ;)
#indiecomics #comics #crowdfunding
Here’s the link just in case we’ve sold you on it 😊
zoop.gg/c/prodigy-co...
If you aren’t entirely convinced that you should pick up a copy of Prodigy Comics #1, here are some interior pages to show you what you’re missing ;)
#indiecomics #comics #crowdfunding
Here’s the link just in case we’ve sold you on it 😊
zoop.gg/c/prodigy-co...
January 20, 2025 at 3:48 AM
The 1st page of my Diminishing Man story is in this preview @zanemfannin.bsky.social posted. Some of you may notice that I'm borrowing an opening style of Bronze Age DC Comics, what with that one panel origin recap (the only place you'll find DM's origin!). But wait! There's more! So much more!
Prodigy Comics #1 has come within $600 of its Zoop goal in 10 days. It still has 22 days to go, so click over and get your copy of this anthology comic (with a story by me!) and get one for a friend.
zoop.gg/c/prodigy-co...
zoop.gg/c/prodigy-co...
Prodigy Comics #1
A 76-page anthology comic from a spectrum of creators, Prodigy Comics #1 introduces a new universe of superheroes, aliens, and magic. This book takes the classic anthology format of the 1930s and 1940...
zoop.gg
January 16, 2025 at 3:22 AM
Prodigy Comics #1 has come within $600 of its Zoop goal in 10 days. It still has 22 days to go, so click over and get your copy of this anthology comic (with a story by me!) and get one for a friend.
zoop.gg/c/prodigy-co...
zoop.gg/c/prodigy-co...
Have I posted about this? I already forgot. Anyway. Here it is again if I did. And for the first time if I didn't.
Crowdfunding now, Prodigy Comics #1. An anthology by a dozen creators, with "new characters [who] come from a variety of backgrounds, as do their creators. Queer people and people of color, especially, are integral to the fabric of this world."
Preview at the link.
#gay #lgbt #comics #news
Preview at the link.
#gay #lgbt #comics #news
Prodigy Comics #1
A 76-page anthology comic from a spectrum of creators, Prodigy Comics #1 introduces a new universe of superheroes, aliens, and magic. This book takes the classic anthology format of the 1930s and 1940...
zoop.gg
January 8, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Have I posted about this? I already forgot. Anyway. Here it is again if I did. And for the first time if I didn't.
My short story, "After Robbie," hit the web this week in the January issue of The Blotter. It's one imagining of what happened to those families who rejected their gay sons who died of AIDS 40 years later.
#lgbtqia #gaylit #writingcommunity #literature #shortstory
blotterrag.com/pdfs/2025-01...
#lgbtqia #gaylit #writingcommunity #literature #shortstory
blotterrag.com/pdfs/2025-01...
blotterrag.com
January 5, 2025 at 3:53 AM
My short story, "After Robbie," hit the web this week in the January issue of The Blotter. It's one imagining of what happened to those families who rejected their gay sons who died of AIDS 40 years later.
#lgbtqia #gaylit #writingcommunity #literature #shortstory
blotterrag.com/pdfs/2025-01...
#lgbtqia #gaylit #writingcommunity #literature #shortstory
blotterrag.com/pdfs/2025-01...
Recommended soundtrack: Sowing the Seeds of Love by Tears for Fears
New wonderment on the way from @mishadiva.bsky.social and a playdate in Memorial Park. Stay tuned.
New wonderment on the way from @mishadiva.bsky.social and a playdate in Memorial Park. Stay tuned.
December 28, 2024 at 7:49 PM
Recommended soundtrack: Sowing the Seeds of Love by Tears for Fears
New wonderment on the way from @mishadiva.bsky.social and a playdate in Memorial Park. Stay tuned.
New wonderment on the way from @mishadiva.bsky.social and a playdate in Memorial Park. Stay tuned.
I suppose I need to start sharing writing links to this place. Well, this journal, Willows Wept Review, published a flash essay I wrote, "Humans on the Open Road," and appears on page 15 of their 35th issue. Find it here:
willowswept.com/2024/12/14/i...
willowswept.com/2024/12/14/i...
Issue Thirty-Five: Winter 2025
In the road across the street from our house, there’s a sprig of grass that keeps trying to make its way through the asphalt. My friend Carlos keeps a collection of photographs of these tiny bits o…
willowswept.com
December 15, 2024 at 11:50 PM
I suppose I need to start sharing writing links to this place. Well, this journal, Willows Wept Review, published a flash essay I wrote, "Humans on the Open Road," and appears on page 15 of their 35th issue. Find it here:
willowswept.com/2024/12/14/i...
willowswept.com/2024/12/14/i...
I keep forgetting I made this account. So that's how this is going.
December 13, 2024 at 6:35 AM
I keep forgetting I made this account. So that's how this is going.
I just got back from a weekend retreat with my church folk, St Stephen's Episcopal of Houston. It was a good group of good people who let me be my hermit self and wander the woods alone to reappear for meals. I'm tired but at a lower hum than than what a left with on Friday so I think that's good.
November 17, 2024 at 8:25 PM
I just got back from a weekend retreat with my church folk, St Stephen's Episcopal of Houston. It was a good group of good people who let me be my hermit self and wander the woods alone to reappear for meals. I'm tired but at a lower hum than than what a left with on Friday so I think that's good.