Ava’s Posts
-
The Art of the Short Story
If you suffer from bibliomania like me, you may be entitled to compensation. You’ve probably also noticed in your strolls through the book aisle of every store you enter that trends are getting easier to recognize. I don’t mean trends… Continue reading
-
A Book-Related Tattoo Tour
This is my (our) blog, so I can talk about whatever I want. Today, I want to talk about tattoos. If you’ve seen a picture of me, you know I’m an enthusiast to put it mildly. While I hold to… Continue reading
-
Writing is Like Friendship: Don’t Force It
For anyone who’s ever tried writing as either a hobby or profession, the experience of writer’s block and burnout are known by all. Having the right reaction and tools to handle this inevitability is possibly the most important component of… Continue reading
-
UNSCHEDULED: I’m Going to be Published!
Hello few and dedicated readers! This is a short unscheduled post to announce that it’s finally happened. A magazine has accepted my submission! It’s been my short-term goal this whole year to get a short story published. I’ve spent hours… Continue reading
-
I Put My Best Reads of 2025 (So Far) In A Tournament and That Was a Terrible Idea
You know, I’ve done some difficult things in my life. Survived a trip to Germany without parental oversight. Got my upper stomach tattooed. Recently, ripped out the carpet in my living room. I think all of those things were easier… Continue reading
-
Oversharing: A Free Write
To anybody trying to get their creative juices flowing, I will always highly recommend trying a ten-minute free write. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept: set a ten-minute timer and open a blank word document or pull out your favorite… Continue reading
-
An Excerpt from The Silverwing
Readers! I want to give you a tiny little taste of my pride and joy, my ugly but darling child, The Silverwing. This excerpt is from part four of the novel, where Captain Riggs struggles to deal with the stain… Continue reading
-
Project Name Clown: Something Weird is Coming Out of Me
A few weeks ago I sent a message to my friends that most found slightly alarming. The message was as follows: “My debut into weird fiction will explore the strange urge I keep having to put on face paint and… Continue reading
-
Book Banter: 9 Upcoming Releases That Have Me Salivating
I read The Hacienda last year and devoured the entire thing in two days. Isabel Cañas blew me away with her dread, her atmosphere, the way she could make me feel like someone just dropped an ice cube down my… Continue reading
-
How Sexy Is Too Sexy?
Father Cruz really got away from me. Not in a bad way! Let me stress that I am constantly delighted in the directions my stories tend to turn, like an ornery pony with a terrified child on its back. But… Continue reading
Pen and Sword Blog 