Published inThe Bad InfluenceThe Robo-Caller’s Lonesome Wife; or, Women Don’t Love Shoes *That* Much.A telemarketing scheme with deep sexist roots: On Carrie Bradshaw, the Police Department, and women who aren’t shoe-obsessed.Aug 12, 2021Aug 12, 2021
Three Ways to Make Coincidences Work in Your FictionIn stories and in life, coincidences make order out of chaos — but they can feel artificial. Here’s how to to weave them into a story.Aug 8, 2021Aug 8, 2021
Instead of Setting a Writing Goal, Try a Dare.Unfettered time can make writing (paradoxically) harder. Here’s one simple trick to help yourself produce the pages.Aug 8, 2021Aug 8, 2021
4 Reasons for Writers to Read “Bad” BooksBooks you don’t think you’ll like can be great writing teachers.May 17, 20201May 17, 20201
My Life in Pantyhose: A Gal Begins Work in the 1980s.Susann Cokal, originally published in Writers on the Job.Jan 30, 2019Jan 30, 2019
On Sexual Violence in a Young Adult Novel Called THE KINGDOM OF LITTLE WOUNDS“THE KINGDOM OF LITTLE WOUNDS is a young adult book. It uses elements of fantasy and history to deliver a modern message: Bad things…Sep 21, 20181Sep 21, 20181
Clean Porn: Hygiene, Hot Sex, and Hair RemovalCleanliness is next to godliness in porn stars’ crotches. Here’s how that relates to religion.Jul 11, 20181Jul 11, 20181
Perfect, for YouOf love after prison and the impossible girl at the dive bar you called home. First published in Gargoyle 57, summer 2011: 273–283.Jun 29, 2018Jun 29, 2018
Edward Eager’s Magic Tales: Half, by the Lake, Seven-Day, Or Not?“When you have magic powers and know it, it can be a fine feeling, like a pleasant tingling inside. But in order to enjoy that tingling…Sep 20, 20171Sep 20, 20171