Now to climb out of this purgatory I have created for myself by writing but never editing

But these days, I’m trying to give myself permission NOT to go for themes? I love stories that make me feel emotional and I love stories that have deep thematic resonance layered through the plot; I just write like a Pinterest vibe board (with plot, because ADHD). And I guess that’s more me.

I think of some strange character or a single odd image or sometimes a line (“vipasana retreat at haunted beach?”) and then go from there. I like it when I can write deeply weird, deeply fantastic, deeply second-world stories; where I struggle is when I try to pinpoint themes.

My advice--don't worry too much about being "original." Worry about whether the thing you're doing is interesting and fun to you. There will always be someone to say your work isn't sufficiently new. They are obviously not your audience. 5/5

This is wonderful, wonderful news! I’m so sorry that all this had to happen, but I’m awed at your persistence to fight the good fight. Bravo.

The second is @rati.bsky.social’s “Amma’s Kitchen” which is about a diner in the afterlife, wisecracking frogs, memory, food and death. I thought it was beautiful. https://thedeadlands.com/issue-22/ammas-kitchen/

I’m finally playing Witcher 3 (because I did not like the series) and a horror card game called Inscryption!

I tell my mother I have written x number of words today and she sends me a picture of a god with “good morning” written across it in Papyrus font