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Introduction The streets are quiet—too quiet. A distant siren wails, but it's a sound you’ve learned to ignore. In the shadows, something darker stirs. The chalk outline on the pavement is just the beginning. The air smells like danger, thick with secrets and lies waiting to be uncovered. In this city, nothing is as it seems, and everyone has something to hide. This is no ordinary crime scene; it's the heart of a mystery that will unravel lives and test loyalties. And as you dive into the gritty details, you need a soundtrack to match the pulse of your narrative—the raw intensity, the dark undercurrent of deception, and the uneasy quiet before the storm. So hit play and let the music pull you deeper into the chaos. It's time to write a thriller that will keep your readers up all night. And scroll down for writing tips! The Set List Intruxx Glass Animals ZABA In the House - In a Heartbeat John Murphy In the House In a Heartbeat Clint Eastwood Gorillaz Gorillaz No Church in the Wild Kanye West & Jay Z (Ft. Frank Ocean) Do I Wanna Know? Arctic Monkeys AM God's Gonna Cut You Down Johnny Cash American V: A Hundred Highways I Put a Spell On You Screamin' Jay Hawkins At Home with Screamin' Jay Hawkins Intro The xx xx Back To Black Amy Winehouse Back To Black Blood on the Leaves Kanye West Yeezus Tips for Setting the Tone in a Thriller Use Sensory Details: Focus on sounds like footsteps echoing or a distant siren. Add details of lighting like flickering streetlights or neon reflections in puddles. Don't forget those smells—stale cigarette smoke, metallic tang of blood. Build Suspense with Pacing: Short, clipped sentences increase the tension. Lengthen them for eerie, slow-burn moments. Lean into the Unknown: Keep readers guessing by withholding key details. Slowly reveal them for maximum impact. Dialogue that Drips with Tension: Use sharp, loaded conversations. Avoid excess words—every line should carry weight. Here's a quickly fumbled together example: "You know why I'm here, Victor," Jane said. Victor's eyes narrowed. He crossed his arms and leaned back in the chair. "Do I?" "The body. The blood. The knife." Jane paused to lower her voice. "You weren't careful enough this time." "I don't know what you're talking about." His voice was cooler than the shrug he offered. Jane leaned forward to close the space between them. "You think I don't know when someone’s lying? Your fingerprints are all over that knife. Don't make me spell it out." Victor's smirk barely covered the nervous flicker in his eyes. "Maybe you should spell it out then. Tell me what you think happened." Jane smiled like a hyena. "I think you went to the warehouse last night. I think you thought you'd leave no trace. But you did. You left the blood... and you left her." And then, she whispered, "And I think you’re too arrogant to admit you’ve already lost." Victor's eyes shifted to the door. "You're full of shit."  "I’m full of facts," Jane said. "And you’re full of lies. So, what’s it gonna be, Victor? Confess, or make me pull it out of you piece by piece?" Set the Mood with Environment: Think of rain-slicked alleys, dimly lit bars, abandoned warehouses—choose settings that reinforce the gritty, dangerous world. Internal Conflict: Let your protagonist wrestle with moral dilemmas, fear, or uncertainty—it deepens tension and keeps readers engaged. Use Music as a Writing Aid: The right playlist can help maintain mood consistency while writing. I happen to know of a writer-centric playlist catered just for this! Links to My Playlist Profiles YouTube Music Profile   | Spotify Profile Stay on your toes, Katherine Arkady

Introduction Lanterns flicker with an otherworldly glow, casting dancing shadows over stalls brimming with enchanted trinkets. The air is thick with the scent of rare spices, crackling spellbooks, and something… electric. Somewhere in this maze of wonders, tucked between a vendor selling bottled stardust and a fortune-teller whispering forgotten prophecies, lies the potion your characters desperately need. But the clock is ticking. The market shifts like a living thing, and not everything—or everyone—here is what they seem. You need a soundtrack that captures the thrill of the search, the awe of the unknown, and the quiet tension of a deal struck in whispers. So plug in, let the music guide you, and lose yourself in the magic. And scroll down for writing tips! The Set List You Can Do Magic America View From The Ground Mendelssohn: Overture "A Midsummer Night's Dream", Op. 21 Boston Symphony Orchestra Seiji Ozawa  & Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream Clocks Vitamin String Quartet Vitamin String Quartet Performs Coldplay Make Your Own Kind Of Music Mama Cass Mama's Big Ones Got My Mind Set on You George Harrison Cloud Nine 21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 5, Allegro in F-Sharp Minor David Parry & London Philharmonic Orchestra   The 50 Greatest Pieces of Classical Music Mr. Blue Sky Electric Light Orchestra All Over The World: The Very Best Of ELO The Flight of the Bumble-bee Neeme Järvi , Royal Scottish National Orchestra Rimsky-Korsakov: Overture and Suites from the Operas Groove Is in the Heart Deee-Lite World Clique Richter: Spring 1 (2012) Max Richter , Daniel Hope , Konzerthaus Kammerorchester Berlin Recomposed By Max Richter: Vivaldi, The Four Seasons Writing Tips for a Magical Marketplace Scene Use sensory details – What does the market smell like? Sound like? Make the marketplace feel alive – Let it have rules, quirks, and unexpected twists. Give vendors personality – A grumpy old witch, a mischievous fox spirit, a shopkeeper who only accepts riddles as payment. Play with magic – Items that whisper, stalls that shift locations, a potion that tries to escape. Add obstacles – The potion isn’t easy to get; maybe it’s hidden, cursed, or ridiculously expensive. Links to My Playlist Profiles YouTube Music Profile   | Spotify Profile May they find what they're looking for, Katherine Arkady

Introduction The battlefield is set. Tension crackles in the air like a brewing storm. Your hero stands, weapon in hand—steel, magic, or sheer determination—facing the one enemy who has pushed them to their limits. Every wound, every lesson, every hard-fought victory has led to this moment. Now, it’s up to you to capture the heart-pounding action, the raw emotion, the final clash between light and darkness. And what better way to fuel your writing than with a playlist designed to immerse you in the chaos and triumph of an epic showdown? Turn up the volume, sharpen your words like a blade, and get to it. And scroll down for writing tips! Set List Vengeance Zack Hemsey The Way Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: 1. Mars, The Bringer Of War Chicago Symphony Orchestra , James Levine  & Gustav Holst Holst: The Planets / Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on Greensleeves; Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Fallis POWER Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Smells Like Teen Spirit Nirvana Nevermind (Deluxe Edition) Cubensis Lenses Psychedelic Porn Crumpets High Visceral, Pt. 1 Sabotage Beastie Boys Ill Communication The Four Seasons - Winter - Allegro Non Molto Various Artists & Antonio Vivaldi The Four Seasons Renegade (feat. Eminem) JAY-Z The Blueprint The Pretender Foo Fighters Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace Carmina Burana: O Fortuna David Parry, London Philharmonic Orchestra & London Philharmonic Choir The 50 Greatest Pieces of Classical Music Quick Tips for Writing a Showdown Scene Use short, punchy sentences for fast action – Keep the momentum high by avoiding long, complex sentences during intense moments. Describe movements vividly – Make readers feel every punch, dodge, and strike through sensory details. Keep emotions at the core of the battle – I'm talking revenge, desperation, fear, or triumph, emotion should drive the fight. Vary the pacing  – make room for explosive action and brief moments of stillness. This allows the fight to breathe and build tension and make big hits land harder. This gives the battle a rhythm! Use all five senses – Don’t just describe what’s seen—let readers hear, feel, and even taste the battle. Keep choreography clear – Ensure the sequence of movements makes sense so readers don’t get lost. Leverage the environment – Let characters use surroundings creatively. They can turn obstacles into weapons or advantages! Raise the stakes mid-fight – A weapon breaks, an ally falls, an enemy reveals a hidden strength—keep readers on edge. Let characters fight how they live – A reckless brawler, a precise strategist, or a scrappy survivor—make their style personal. Use dialogue sparingly but effectively – A taunt, a final revelation, or a desperate plea can add layers to the fight. Make every hit count – Avoid repetitive back-and-forth swings; each action should serve the story. Don’t forget exhaustion – Battles take a toll. Show shaking hands, ragged breaths, and the struggle to keep going. End with impact – Whether it’s victory, defeat, or something in between, the resolution should leave a mark. Links to My Playlist Profiles YouTube Music Profile   | Spotify Profile All is fair in love and war, Katherine Arkady

Introduction The cursor blinks at you mockingly. Your thesaurus is open to synonyms for “compelling.” And the query letter draft you wrote last night is suddenly the literary equivalent of "wet dog smell." Welcome to the emotional rollercoaster of crafting the perfect query letter— a rite of passage for every writer chasing the dream of publication. If you’ve stumbled upon this blog post, you’re likely in the trenches. You're likely navigating the fine balance between showing confidence and not sounding pretentious toward a future agent. How do you properly convey your manuscript's brilliance without overselling it, and—oh yes—still sound like a human being? But here’s the truth: this process is hard, and you’re not alone. Whether it’s your first draft or your thirty-first, the grind of perfecting a query letter can leave even the most tenacious writer feeling frazzled. That’s where my Writer-Centric POV playlist, aptly named “You’re on Your 31st Draft of a Query Letter to a Literary Agent,” swoops in to save the day (or at least your sanity) . The Set List Writing's On The Wall (From "Spectre" Soundtrack) Sam Smith In The Lonely Hour (10th Anniversary Edition)   Dreams Fleetwood Mac 50 Years - Don't Stop   Boulevard of Broken Dreams Green Day Boulevard of Broken Dreams   The Way It Is Bruce Hornsby & The Range Greatest Radio Hits   CALLIGRAPHY Saba CARE FOR ME   Pursuit Of Happiness (Nightmare) (feat. MGMT & Ratatat) Kid Cudi Man On The Moon: The End Of Day   About You Final Draft About You   Don't Stop Believin' Journey Time3   Caffeine Max Drazen Caffeine   Rewrite Darling Thieves The Extended Play Keep Going No matter how many ( many , many... ) drafts you’ve been through, remember this: every writer has been there. Crafting the perfect query letter is an art in itself, and it’s okay if it takes time. Hot take: IT SHOULD TAKE TIME. Now, hit play, take a deep breath, and get back to it. Your story deserves to be told—and who knows? This might just be the draft that lands the agent of your dreams. Links to My Playlist Profiles YouTube Music Profile   | Spotify Profile KEEP GOING, Katherine Arkady P.S. The folk over at qtCritique are SO HELPFUL. You'll learn the needed skill of taking constructive critisism. You'll also commune with folk that are in the same boat as you are. Speaking of being in the same boat, check out my blog post about Self Care for Writers: Finding Other Writers .

Introduction That good for nothing son of a...man you're desperately in love with. Do you ever get super emotional over something that happened in your daydreams? It's all in your head but you can be brought to tears by the events your beautiful brains whips up? Do you ever applaud yourself for being able to conjure a plot twist or satisfying character arc for your story? I know you do, my writer friend. I know you've got that daydreaming bug to get away from the everyday. My maladaptive daydreaming can run wild. But!! If I am able to create something from my salacious daydreams, then they aren't maladaptive anymore, now are they? Make your own playlist for your own favorite daydream! POV-style for ultimate immersion. Practice writing a letter to your lover (bonus points for a non-existent one) and just see where your beautiful brain takes you. Because being a writer is having the healthy skill of imagination. The Set List Love Letters Elvis Presley Elvis' Gold Records, Vol. 4 To Know Him Is To Love Him (Live) Amy Winehouse Back To Black (Deluxe Edition) Love And Affection Joan Armatrading Joan Armatrading Prisoner (feat. Lana Del Rey) The Weeknd Beauty Behind The Madness Miss You The Rolling Stones Some Girls Ring of Fire Johnny Cash The Essential Johnny Cash Him & I G-Eazy The Beautiful & Damned Gangsta Kehlani Suicide Squad: The Album   Fade Into You Mazzy Star So Tonight That I Might See Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko) Rihanna Unapologetic Links to My Playlist Profiles YouTube Music Profile   | Spotify Profile Conjure them up! Katherine Arkady

Introduction The snow falls outside. The candles light your desk. The Christmas music is playing. You get to be full of gratitude for the good humans you've communed with all year. The scribbles of your pen percuss the smooth rhythm of your snoozing cat's breathing. It is Christmastime. And you are well. My warmest wishes to you all. The Set List My Dear Aquaintance (A Happy New Year) Peggy Lee Christmas With Peggy Lee   Christmas Tree Farm Taylor Swift Christmas Tree Farm Song for a Winter's Night Gordon Lightfoot Gord's Gold Wintertime Love The Doors Waiting for the Sun (50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? Ella Fitzgerald Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas (Expanded Edition) (There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays (1954 Version) Perry Como Greatest Christmas Songs All I Want for Christmas Is You Vince Vance & The Valiants All I Want For Christmas Is You White Winter Hymnal Fleet Foxes Fleet Foxes Christmas Time Is Here (Instrumental) Vince Guaraldi Trio A Charlie Brown Christmas [2012 Remastered & Expanded Edition] (Remastered & Expanded Edition) Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Judy Garland Nostalgic Memories-The Very Best of Judy Garland-Vol. 43 Links to My Playlist Profiles YouTube Music Profile   | Spotify Profile And to all a good night, Katherine Arkady

I have a blog post about setting your writing goals by the moon . Highly recommend giving it a look. That's where this playlist started. It's also a great intersection between "Writer Katherine" and "Witchy Katherine." Like I honor a lot in the craft, I honor the ebb and flow of my writing. It's not always a swift stream of creativity. But it'll come back — just like the phases of the moon. But when it's back, IT'S BACK BAYBEE. So listen to this playlist when you're practicing gratitude and renewing your purpose. The full moon is a time to celebrate progress and let go of doubts or blocks holding you back. The full moon's luminous energy can illuminate parts of your story or characters you hadn’t yet uncovered. The full moon’s intensity can inspire you to push boundaries in your storytelling. As a symbol of completeness, the full moon can encourage you to revisit unfinished works and finally bring them to fruition. The most important aspect of this is to honor your own  creative rhythms and intuition. The Set List Fly Me To The Moon (2008 Remastered) (feat. Count Basie And His Orchestra) Frank Sinatra Nothing But The Best (2008 Remastered)   Flor d'Luna (Moonflower) Carlos Santana Moonflower   Moon Lee Lo-fi of Lee   Instrumental 2024 Moon Full Moon Meditation - Manifesting Good Fortune with the Moon, Let Go of Negative Energy   The Moon (Instrumental) Haxhigeaszy King Ways (Instrumental)   Moon (Instrumental) NKZ Nights   Andromeda Jacoo Forgotten Songs 2012-2015   Moon Kanye West Donda   Moon (And It Went Like) Kid Francescoli  & Julia Minkin Play Me Again   Orange Moon Erykah Badu Mama's Gun Links to My Playlist Profiles YouTube Music Profile   | Spotify Profile Let me play among the stars, Katherine Arkady

Allegedly. The Set List Money B The Flying Lizards Money Time Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon   Mahal Glass Beams Mahal   Crystalised The xx xx   Money The Flying Lizards The Flying Lizards   Time to Pretend MGMT Oracular Spectacular   Intruxx Glass Animals ZABA   Space Song Beach House Depression Cherry Electric Feel MGMT Oracular Spectacular   Money (That's What I Want) (Single Version / Mono) Barrett Strong The Sound Of The R&B Hits I'm not putting anything incriminating on here, are you nuts? Links to My Playlist Profiles YouTube Music Profile   | Spotify Profile Legally, Katherine Arkady

Introduction THIS IS IT.  The moment you’ve been waiting to write since page one. The chapter that’s been simmering in the back of your mind, fueling every scene leading up to this. Your MC has been pushed, broken, underestimated—and now? It’s their turn. The gloves are off. The buildup is over. Whatever’s in their way? It’s about to get wrecked.  And you? You’re here to make it happen. You need a playlist that surges through your veins, electrifies your fingers on the keyboard, and makes you feel like you’re right there  in the fight. So crank up the volume. Channel the energy. This is THE  chapter. Let’s. Freaking. Go. Scroll to the bottom for writing tips! The Set List Free Bird Lynyrd Skynyrd Pronounced' Leh-'Nerd 'Skin-'Nerd Thunderstruck AC/DC The Razors Edge Totentanz, S. 525 Krystian Zimerman , Boston Symphony Orchestra , Seiji Ozawa  & Franz Liszt Liszt: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Totentanz Black Skinhead Kanye West Yeezus Dark Feminine Peachkka  & Maijah Dark Feminine APESHIT THE CARTERS EVERYTHING IS LOVE Mo Bamba Sheck Wes MUDBOY Money Cardi B Money FE!N (feat. Playboi Carti) Travis Scott UTOPIA See What I’ve Become Zack Hemsey The Way Writing Tips (Beyond Just Action Writing!) Since I've already covered tips on writing action in my playlist blog post about " You’re drafting an epic showdown between your hero and their greatest foe, " here are other ways  to make this kind of chapter hit HARD: Make It Personal This isn’t just a fight. This is payback, justice, or pure survival. The more emotional weight behind every hit, the more powerful the scene. Get into the why's. If the MC is furious, why?  If they’re cold and controlled, why?  Let their motivation seep into the way they fight. Show Off Growth Make this the moment where readers see how far the MC has come. Compare their mindset, skill, or confidence now vs. where they started at the beginning of your story. Maybe before they hesitated—now? Nuh-UH. Not anymore! Make It Hurt (For the MC or Their Foes) Even if they win, let the victory cost something. Maybe they lose control. Maybe they cross a line. Maybe the enemy gets in one last blow. Whatever happens, make sure this fight changes  something. Give One  Unforgettable Line Whether it’s a battle cry, a quiet threat, or a full-on "You should have killed me when you had the chance" moment, give your MC a line that hits like a punch to the gut. Make it something that sticks with the reader long after the scene ends. Personal favorites: "The thing is, I am not a monster. I’m just ahead of the curve." – The Joker, The Dark Knight  (2008) "You have no idea what I’m capable of." – Wanda Maximoff, WandaVision  (2021) "I am your reckoning." – Geralt of Rivia, The Witcher  (books & show) "Say hello to my little friend!" – Tony Montana, Scarface  (1983) "I am not in danger, Skyler. I am the danger." – Walter White, Breaking Bad  (2011) "Consider this my resignation." – John Wick, John Wick: Chapter 2  (2017) "If you come at the king, you best not miss." – Omar Little, The Wire  (2002) "My turn." – Eleven, Stranger Things  (2019) "I have nothing to prove to you."   – Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel  (2019) "I’m still standing." – Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay  (2010) Just make sure it has to do with the situation. There's that episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia where Mac is fighting robbers at a convenience store. He's saying cool things, but the rest of the gang critiques him on how it lands: MAC Walk away now, and I let you live... or stick around and repent for your sins. ROBBER You better step your a*s back. MAC And you better say "cheese." ROBBER Huh? Mac scoops nacho cheese from the counter and uses it to take down the robber. MAC Crisis averted. CHARLIE Holy sh*t! Mac, that was amazing! Oh, my God. MAC Did you like my "say cheese" line? CHARLIE I didn't quite get that, if I'm being honest. DEE Yeah, I was a little bit confused by that as well. MAC It was a pun, 'cause I flung cheese in his face, you know? DENNIS No, I got that, but... Yeah, but-but that's not really a pun. No. FRANK No, if you... if you had taken his photograph, and then you flung cheese in his face... DEE There it is. FRANK ...that would be a pun. CHARLIE Yeah, you're taking the guy's picture, you say, "Say cheese!" DEE That would've done it. Don't be Mac. Pacing: Make It BREATHE Let the chapter have peaks and valleys —all-out chaos isn’t as powerful without moments of tension in between. A knowing smile before the final strike. A pause where both sides realize what’s about to happen. A single breath before hell is unleashed. Those tiny, quiet beats? They make the action 10x more impactful. Links to My Playlist Profiles YouTube Music Profile   | Spotify Profile Go forth and cause fictional mayhem, Katherine Arkady

Gin/Chartreuse Cocktail and Gin/Ginger Cocktail at Milk and Honey | New York City | Buzz Anderson Introduction I was doing research for a Detroit-based story the weekend before Valentine's day. There's this spot, Castalia at Sfumato that, according to their website, " is an experimental craft cocktail bar located in Midtown, Detroit. Focusing on the harmony between flavor and fragrance, each of our drinks is paired with a scent from our sister company, Sfumato." Perfect date night spot, perfect place to research perfumes. I'm getting two birds with one stone. If you're in the Detroit area, I highly recommend you go there. My boyfriend thought it would be cheesy —expensive cocktails with flowery smells? —but he changed his mind. It's a sensory experience that folk should experience at least once. And they have a rotating list of cocktail pairings as they are always creating new scents! "But Katherine, what does this have to do with Nick and Nora Glasses?" you ask. Right, yes. I was sipping on this lovely cocktail called Light and Dark, Good and Evil . It's got a botanical spirit (peppermint, dried lime, basil), elemi, lemon, raicilla ( a distilled spirit originating in the south western part of the Mexican state of Jalisco. Like tequila and mezcal, it is a product of the agave plant) , cucumber, amaro ( (Italian for 'bitter') is an Italian herbal liqueur that is commonly consumed as an after-dinner digestif) , and vermouth. And it was served in this cute, cute glass. Wikipedia describes it as " a long stem, a high-sided bowl, a narrow mouth, and a moderate capacity (of about 5 US fluid ounces (150 ml))." I, ever curious, asked the bartender what the name of the glass was. She said, "a Nick and Nora glass." I asked why that was and she didn't know. Suddenly, from the deep memory banks of my college literature classes, I wondered aloud, "I wonder if it has to do with the Dashiell Hammett novel." She had to go and tend bar but I was on my phone searching away at this. And, what do you know, it DID have to do with The Thin Man (1934) by Dashiell Hammett . My trivia-going energies were tingling. My reference hunting energies were buzzing. My blog writing energies were grinding away. So dear reader, let me tell you more about the novel, The Thin Man, the movies inspired by the book, and the cultural influences they had on these glasses. The Literary Origins: The Thin Man Dashiell Hammett Samuel Dashiell Hammett (May 27, 1894 – January 10, 1961) was an American writer of hard-boiled detective novels and short stories. He was also a screenwriter and political activist in the vein of anti-fascism. You know him without knowing him, too. Like I knew Hammett from The Thin Man, others may know the genius of The Maltese Falcon . Honorable mentions include Red Harvest and The Dain Curse which draw from his experience as, of all things, a Pinkerton Detective from 1915 to 1922. Talk about writing what you know! He's got 82 complete and standalone short stories under his belt. He also wrote under the pseudonyms of Peter Collinson, Daghull Hammett, Samuel Dashiell, and Mary Jane Hammett. The man wrote. I could chat about all his works as I had a literary college class all about hardboiled detective novels, but that's for another post. This post is in reference to The Thin Man . The Thin Man (1934) So, The Thin Man, as I'm sure you've guessed by now, is a detective novel by Dashiell Hammett. It was originally published in condensed form of fourteen chapters in the December 1933 issue of Redbook. Here's a link to the public domain copy! It starts on page 111 though I recommend looking through the entire book —the ads and stories are a hoot from the past. A month later, I guess when things in publishing moved faster, it was published in book form by Alfred A. Knopf. Here's a link to a public domain copy of the 31 chapter book. The book starts with Nick Charles, who used to be a private detective but has basically retired into day drinking with his very wealthy, very cool wife, Nora. They’re in New York for the holidays, just trying to have a good time, when Nick gets dragged into this mystery involving a missing inventor named Clyde Wynant. Things get messy fast—someone turns up dead, everyone’s lying, and Nick just can’t help himself and starts investigating. Nora’s totally into it too, and insists on tagging along, mostly for the drama and the fun of it. Nick and Nora Charles Nick and Nora Charles are honestly the best part of The Thin Man . Nick’s got that dry, slightly sarcastic humor and this very I’ve-seen-it-all  energy, but never in a jaded or cynical way. He’s sharp, but he’s not trying to prove anything. Nora , on the other hand, is this effortlessly stylish, quick-witted woman who married into all of it for the fun—and maybe a little for the chaos. She’s rich, clever, curious, and totally unbothered by the darker stuff. She’s the kind of person who hears someone’s been murdered and is like, “Okay, but what really  happened?” From Chapter 8: She sat up holding her cheek and looked around the room until she saw Morelli, nippers on one wrist, standing between two detectives. Morelli's face was a mess: the coppers had worked him over a little just for the fun of it. Nora glared at me. "You damned fool," she said, "you didn't have to knock me cold. I knew you'd take him, but I wanted to see it." One of the coppers laughed. "Jesus," he said admiringly, "there's a woman with hair on her chest." She smiled at him and stood up. When she looked at me she stopped smiling. "Nick, you're—" I said I didn't think it was much and opened what was left of my pyjama-coat. Morelli's bullet had scooped out a gutter perhaps four inches long under my left nipple. A lot of blood was running out of it, but it was not very deep. Together, they have this really modern, playful relationship that feels way ahead of its time. There’s no old-school gender dynamic where he’s solving the case and she’s staying home. Nora’s right there in the thick of it, asking questions, cracking jokes, dragging Nick out of bed to go snooping. They tease each other constantly, but it’s never mean—it’s pure chemistry: From Chapter 1: "She grinned at me. 'You got types?' 'Only you darling - lanky brunettes with wicked jaws.'" You get the sense they’re best friends and  completely in love, which is kind of rare in old-school fiction. They basically turned solving crimes into a flirtation game—with a side of gin. That’s why people are still talking about them today—they weren’t just characters, they were a whole mood . It feels less like a gritty noir and more like a murder mystery hosted by people you’d actually want to drink with. The Cinematic Influence The Film Adaptations While Hammett's novel laid the foundation, it was the 1934 MGM film adaptation that turned Nick and Nora into household names—and cocktail icons. Here's a link for the first movie on Internet Archives . Played by William Powell and Myrna Loy , the on-screen chemistry between the two actors brought Hammett’s characters to vibrant life. Their effortless sophistication, clever repartee, and casual, glamorous drinking habits resonated with audiences during the Depression-era, when escapism was in high demand. Frankly, they took the idea of The Thin Man and RAN with it. Check out Internet Archive's The Thin Man collection . And the Wikis for each film in the series can be found here: The Thin Man After the Thin Man Another Thin Man Shadow of the Thin Man The Thin Man Goes Home Song of the Thin Man There's also a TV Series but that stars Peter Lawford and Phyllis Kirk. William Powell and Myrna Loy are my Nick and Nora. Sipping cocktails in promo posters Cocktail Culture Nick and Nora's drinking wasn’t just a background detail—it was practically a character in itself. In The Thin Man , Nick and Nora are constantly drinking. Like, constantly . At a fancy dinner, mid-investigation, or just lounging in their hotel room, there’s always a cocktail in hand. But what’s interesting is that it’s never portrayed as reckless or tragic—it’s elegant, effortless, and a little bit cheeky: Nora: How do you feel? Nick: Terrible. I must've gone to bed sober. They made drinking look fun, social, and even intellectual. It wasn’t about getting drunk—it was about style, ritual, and wit. That’s a big reason why people latched onto it. Nick: How about a drop of something to cut the phlegm? Nora: Why don't you stay sober today? Nick: We didn't come to New York to stay sober. And then the movie adaptations took it even further. William Powell and Myrna Loy turned cocktail culture into an art form. For example, in an introductory scene, Nick is explaining to the bartenders how to shake a cocktail: “The important thing is the rhythm. Always have rhythm in your shaking. Now a Manhattan you shake to fox-trot time, a Bronx to two-step time, a dry martini you always shake to waltz time.” credit: The Blonde at the Film The way they drink together—always laughing, never sloppy—became a kind of aspirational thing. People didn’t just want to solve mysteries like Nick and Nora; they wanted to drink  like them too. Their cocktail lifestyle came to represent this classy, carefree sophistication that audiences in the ’30s (and even now) found completely irresistible. It basically turned them into icons of old-school cool. William Powell and Myrna Loy posing with Wire Fox Terrier dog actor Skippy The Evolution of the Nick and Nora Glass Now, the glass itself. The Nick and Nora glass is small—usually around 5 ounces—with a rounded bowl and a short stem. It’s often mistaken for a mini coupe or martini glass, but it’s distinct in how it handles aromatics. Bartenders love it because it concentrates the nose of stirred cocktails like a Martini, Manhattan, or Martinez without the spillage risk of a wide-brimmed martini glass. Liquor.com / Sabrina Tan Comparison to Other Cocktail Glasses According to Food & Wine 's article, The 5 Best Nick and Nora Glasses, According to Our Tests , " What separates a Nick and Nora glass from other stemmed glassware, like the coupe or martini glass, is the shape of the bowl. The wider coupe and V-shaped martini glass have a wider opening as opposed to the deeper bowl shape of the Nick and Nora Glass." The Revival The name “Nick and Nora glass” didn’t catch on right away. According to it's Wikipedia page —yes, it's got a page!— " Use of the glass became widespread beginning in the late 1980s, when bartender Dale DeGroff   had several made for the Rainbow Room  restaurant in New York City. The design was found in a 1930s catalog under the name "Little Martini"; DeGroff was looking for a small, delicate glass to counter the large conical martini glasses popular at the time. DeGroff's protégé Audrey Saunders  spread the use of the glass to other bars in subsequent years. In the present day, the glass is found in numerous manufacturer catalogs and in upscale bars across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom." It’s a staple of the serious bartender’s toolkit, evoking vintage charm and classic sensibilities! Recipes Readers, research had to be done. I found the most classic of classic 1930s cocktail recipes for Nick and Nora on Liquor.com where they explain that Dale DeGroff offers the recipe. " He suggests using Beefeater, a classic London dry gin, and Noilly Prat, a good dry vermouth from France. That combination in a three-to-one ratio, with an olive for garnish, will help you channel the intrepid duo as you stir then sip your cocktail." Ingredients 1 1/2 ounces gin 1/2 ounce dry vermouth Garnish: Spanish olive (no pimento) Steps Add the gin and vermouth to a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a small Spanish olive without pimento filling. Dear readers, I hate olives . I test them every once in a while to see if my taste buds change their mind. (Fun fact, it isn't true that they change every seven years. It's every 10-14 days ) But I liked the olive in this drink! Something about the dry vermouth (that I've been known to sip on its own) and the funk of the olive actually changed my outlook on the dumb little fruit. Try this recipe out when you want to impress your cinephile friends. If you're looking for more recipes, check out Bev Nap & Coaster's Article on 10 Cocktails To Make Using Nick & Nora Glassware . I will neither confirm nor deny how many of these cocktails I tried out, however ...I wasn't disappointed in any of them. Conclusion Today, the Nick and Nora glass feels like a symbol of restraint and refinement. In a world of oversized drinks and over-the-top garnishes, this little glass says, "I know what I'm doing." You’ll find it in speakeasy-style bars, on curated bar carts, and in cocktail kits designed by mixologists who appreciate the balance between form and function. It also taps into a broader cultural nostalgia—an era when drinking was ritualistic, stylish, and social. So the next time you see a Nick and Nora glass perched on a bar cart or filled with a perfectly stirred martini, know that it’s not just a pretty little vessel—it's a tribute! In a world that moves fast and often forgets the charm of subtlety, the Nick and Nora glass is a small, elegant reminder of a different era—one where the drink mattered, the company mattered more, and the banter was always on point. Cheers to that. More References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_%26_Nora_(glass) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thin_Man https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashiell_Hammett https://www.supersummary.com/the-thin-man/summary/ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025878/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1 https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1336952-the-thin-man https://www.imdb.com/list/ls074468058/ https://www.riedel.com/en-us/blog/inspiration/nick-nora Keeping the trivia knowledge alive, Katherine Arkady

Oh ho ho ho — do I live for a good ✨ anagnorisis. ✨ I've experienced a few myself. You probably have too. "No, not me," you say. No? Have you never realized that you have been undervaluing yourself in relationships or at work, leading to a decision to set healthier boundaries or pursue opportunities that reflect your true capabilities? No? You haven't come to the realization that certain friendships or family dynamics were unhealthy and detrimental to your mental well-being, prompting you to distance yourself from those influences? No? You haven't come to understand that your feelings of sadness or anxiety are not just temporary phases but are connected to deeper mental health issues and, in turn, this recognition leads you to seek help and begin therapy? No? You've never guarded your emotions until realizing that opening up to others can foster deeper connections and improve your relationships, prompting you to be more vulnerable? You haven't come to clarity about your true passion and quit your job to pursue your dreams? You don't know the feeling of accepting your sexual orientation or gender identity after years of confusion or denial, allowing you to live more authentically and openly? You didn't recognize how past experiences of trauma have shaped your current behavior and relationships, enabling you to begin the healing process and work toward forgiveness and growth? You've never reflected on your life choices and recognized patterns that have led to unhappiness or dissatisfaction, motivating you to make more conscious and intentional decisions moving forward? No? Alright well...anagnorisis in books and movies and other media are much more dramatic anyway — by design. Anagnorisis is when a protagonist recognized their true nature or their identity, or a significant truth about their world. It would feel like a dolly zoom in the movies similar to the one on Roy Scheider's character in Jaws. Very vertigo, not at all demure. This moment of revelation often leads to a change in the character's fate, influencing the plot's progression and the emotional resonance of the story. The term anagnorisis (pronounced ah-nahg-NOR-ih-sis) comes from the Greek word ἀναγνώρισις, meaning "recognition" and from anagnorizein "to recognize." Deeper in, from ana "again" + gnorizein "to make known, gain knowledge of." Gus Portokalos of My Big Fat Greek Wedding would be proud. A favorite of Sigmund Freud, let's consider the tale of Oedipus Rex by Sophocles . In this classic Greek tragedy, Oedipus experiences a profound anagnorisis when he realizes that he has unknowingly killed his father and married his mother. This revelation not only leads to his tragic downfall but also serves as a commentary on fate and free will. As a matter of fact, anagnorisis originates from Greek Tragedies. Agamemnon by Aeschylus: In this play, Agamemnon returns home from the Trojan War, and his wife, Clytemnestra, recognizes her husband but harbors a deep-seated desire for revenge. The anagnorisis occurs when Agamemnon, despite his awareness of his wife's apparent warmth, fails to recognize the danger he is in. His lack of insight ultimately leads to his tragic death at her hands. The Bacchae by Euripides: In this tragedy, Pentheus, the king of Thebes, experiences anagnorisis when he finally recognizes the power of Dionysus and the consequences of his refusal to honor the god. His realization comes too late, as he is torn apart by his own mother and the other women of Thebes, who are under the influence of Dionysus. This moment underscores themes of divine power and human folly. Some more modern examples include: The Sixth Sense (1999) In M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological thriller, Dr. Malcolm Crowe (played by Bruce Willis) experiences an anagnorisis in the film's shocking twist ending. The realization that he is actually dead changes the interpretation of the entire narrative and enhances the film's emotional impact. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling Harry Potter undergoes a significant anagnorisis when he learns about the true nature of his connection to "he who we don't name on this website." This recognition of his role as the true master of death and his understanding of sacrifice leads him to make critical decisions that shape the story's climax. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen : Elizabeth Bennet realizes her misconceptions about Mr. Darcy, leading to her understanding of true character and love. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald : Nick Carraway’s recognition of Gatsby’s tragic idealism and the hollowness of the American Dream comes as he reflects on the events surrounding Gatsby’s life and death. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë : Jane’s realization of her own worth and her understanding of her feelings for Mr. Rochester lead to her decision to return to him, emphasizing themes of self-respect and independence. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee : Scout Finch’s understanding of Boo Radley as a protector rather than a figure of fear marks a significant moment of recognition in her moral development. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky : Charlie experiences a pivotal moment of anagnorisis when he comes to terms with the trauma of his childhood, particularly the loss of his best friend and the abuse he endured, which profoundly affects his mental health and relationships. This realization leads him to embrace his emotions, recognize the importance of vulnerability, and appreciate the love and support of his friends, ultimately allowing him to heal and find a sense of belonging. "But isn't that just a plot twist, Katherine?" you wonder aloud. Technically but not really? They're related, but are distinct from each other. Anagnorisis refers to a moment of recognition or revelation in which a character gains insight into their true identity, circumstances, or relationships, often leading to significant character development and thematic depth, as seen in Oedipus Rex . In contrast, a plot twist is an unexpected development that surprises the audience and alters their understanding of the narrative, focusing more on external events than on character growth; for example, revealing a murderer’s identity in a mystery novel. AND SO — anagnorisis can function as a plot twist if the recognition comes as a surprise to the audience. HOWEVER — not all plot twists involve anagnorisis . So what makes anagnorises so good? Writer's must effectively create impactful moments of recognition or revelation in a narrative. Consider these elements: Significant Revelation: The realization should be profound and pivotal, altering the character’s understanding of themselves, their relationships, or their circumstances. Build-Up: Effective anagnorisis often involves a gradual build-up of tension and conflict, where clues and foreshadowing lead to the moment of recognition. This makes the revelation feel earned and meaningful. Emotional Weight: The moment should carry emotional significance, resonating with both the character and the audience. This can evoke feelings such as joy, sorrow, regret, or empowerment. Character Development: A good anagnorisis leads to character growth. The character’s recognition should prompt changes in their behavior, decisions, or perspective, contributing to their overall arc. Themes and Messages: The revelation should reflect the central themes of the story, such as identity, truth, redemption, or the complexity of human relationships, adding depth to the narrative. Impact on Plot: The moment of recognition should have clear consequences for the plot, propelling the story forward or leading to a resolution of conflicts. Relatability: The realization should be relatable to the audience, allowing them to connect with the character’s journey and understand the significance of the moment in a broader context. Clarity and Precision: The anagnorisis should be clearly articulated, whether through dialogue, inner monologue, or narrative exposition, ensuring that the audience grasps its importance. Moments of recognition can evoke profound emotional responses, guiding both characters and audiences toward a deeper understanding of the story’s themes and the human experience. It goes without saying that writers feel this too! I would go so far as to say the transformative power of anagnorisis reminds us that self-discovery and realization are central to our journey through life. Do you have a favorite anagnorisis ? Have you gone through an anagnorisis yourself? I hope you share with me down below! Realizing more about myself by the day, Katherine Arkady

Introduction There is no place like home! This expression originates from 'The Bath Chronicle,' an English newspaper, in an article published in September 1781, saying: "But this maxim mind - No place like Home. For safety, will you find?" The phrase was again use in the 1823 song ' Home, Sweet Home ,' written by John Payne and Sir Henry Bishop. The line appears in the song as follows. 'Mid pleasures and palaces Though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, There's no place like home. A charm from the skies Seems to hallow us there, Which seek thro' the world, Is ne'er met with elsewhere. Home, home, sweet, sweet home, There's no place like home, There's no place like home." What made it really really popular was the use of the phrase in   The Wizard of Oz , released in August 1935. From the transcript of the  script : Glinda, the Good Witch of the North: Then close your eyes and tap your heels together three times. (Dorothy taps her heels three times) And think to yourself "There's no place like home." (She waves her wand slowly) Dorothy Gale: There's no place like home. (She continues repeating the phrase and the spiral spins downward onto Dorothy. Then the farmhouse spins and falls back down to the ground. The film changes back into the sepia tone.) And, nearly 90 years later, we humans still firmly believe that there is no place like home. And I, a writer, can still firmly believe so. Yeah yeah yeah I talked about getting out there in the first post but   now  I'm talking about staying inside, okay? Here are some ways to incorporate writer-centric self care without getting out of your jammies. Create the Writing Space of Your Dreams Your writing space is an extension of your “mind palace” – a sanctuary that fosters creativity and flow. Start by defining what feels cozy and inspiring to you. Maybe it’s a small desk tucked into a window nook to see your flourishing garden. Maybe you're surrounded by bookshelves filled with alphabetically sorted fiction and chronologically sorted nonfiction. Maybe you'd prefer a white-walled cube with super-fast wifi for your computer and   nothing else . You have options. When creating such a space, ask yourself: Natural and organic   or  industrial and edgy? Do I need peace and quiet for inspiration   or  do I thrive in the center of family/roommate chaos? Bright and airy   or  warm and cozy? Do I feel more productive in a structured workspace   or  an adaptable, flexible environment? Do I prefer a writing area that’s minimalist and clear   or  full of trinkets and inspiration? Is natural light essential for me,   or  do I enjoy a moody, softly-lit atmosphere? Am I inspired by bold colors and patterns,   or  do I prefer neutral, calming tones? Do I need to see my books and materials,   or  is it better when they’re neatly tucked away? Add what you need in order to reach your writing environment goals. Create a board of your ideal space on Pinterest and share it with me @takesonetowriteone! Mindfulness App Subscriptions Writing is a mental workout. I'll say it again. WRITING IS A MENTAL WORKOUT. And, like any exercise, it requires recovery time. Mindfulness apps like   Calm ,  Headspace , or  Insight Timer  offer guided meditations that can help ease stress and bring focus. Set aside a few minutes before or after writing to meditate. These apps can guide you through breathing exercises or visualization practices. These apps can help you reconnect with the present moment, clear mental blocks, and reduce stress, making your home environment feel peaceful and productive. "But meditating doesn't work for me!" You and I both say. I thought meditating was doing all that I could to clear my mind. To shush everything until this magical epiphany arrived on a chariot from the   ✨ white light of my inner mind. ✨ But no. It's about sitting with your thoughts and acknowledging them until your mind is quieted. We as writers sit with our writing thoughts a lot, but   maybe  we don't give much attention to our personal thoughts. My mother and sovereign, Qveen Herby , perfectly encapsulates this practice in her song "Good Morning": Moving forward on my path When I encounter something that doesn't feel good I will simply notice it, watch it Remember to breathe And say thank you to my guiding system That allows me to adjust, pivot And upgrade further I'm clarifying what I want A side note but a major point none the less: listen to Qveen Herby . Not just Good Morning but Vitamins, and Abracadabra and HOUSEWIFE and Mission and Chakras and Pre Roll, and New Bitch and Stretch Marks and Masterpiece and and and and AND She'll get you feeling like the baddest bitch, and you are that bitch, so be that bitch bestie   💚 My point is, your body wants to protect you. Your anxiety is a bitch but that bitch also wants to protect you. Your "writing brain" can get strong with writing workouts, but your brain will get stamina to handle those projects when your "not-writing brain" gets the care and exercise it needs. So give that squishy pink organ some love. Smellscaping Scent can have a powerful impact on our mood and mental state. According to   PsychologyToday , " In your home office, lemon is a good scent to sniff—it has been tied to enhanced professional performance. The cinnamon-sugar smells of cinnamon rolls have been directly linked to a boost in creative performance." I'm allergic to cinnamon, so you'll have to take their word for it. If you need to relax, the staples of   lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile will get you where you want to go. Essential oil diffusers, candles, and incense offer solutions to making a scent environment quickly. Make it a ritual to light a candle or start your diffuser when you sit down to write; it becomes a small, grounding act that signals your mind it's time to get into a creative zone. Some considerations: Consider Sensitivities and Allergies, and Preferences  Certain scents may trigger allergies or sensitivities in some individuals. CONSIDER WHAT SCENTS/METHODS MAY NOT BE GOOD FOR YOUR PETS Don’t Go Overboard Keep the "scentscape" light. The only thing worse than a bad-smelling environment is an environment that suffocates you with fragrance. Keep Experimenting! Don't be like Chanel in   Scream Queens  and only light a candle once, but also don't stick to something that isn't working for you. I really dig incense because I have a rationally irrational fear of candles and lighting things on fire. However, my space wasn't big enough for those long sticks or cones to burn through. I was able to find  Incense Matches ! The little matches burn for a minute or so and then they're done! These give a quick scent to my space and I've literally Pavlov'd myself into being more productive this way. Hollyberry is my favorite. It's a softened blend of red, black, and yellow hollyberries with a hint of clove. Frankincense and Bayberry are also rad. Healthy Sleep Habits From an article on   Sleep Advisor , a sleep study  conducted by Soomi Lee, an assistant professor at the University of South Florida’s School of Aging Studies, states that participants with  "insufficient rest reported symptoms that included anger, nervousness, loneliness, irritability, frustration over losing sleep, upper respiratory issues, body aches, and gastrointestinal issues." Even with just one night of poor sleep! Also from the article: "Lee found that the most significant decline in cognitive and physical well-being occurred after the first night of sleep loss, and the symptoms remained at a steady, elevated level after consecutive nights of poor shuteye." You don't need scientists to tell you that little sleep means upset writer. It means more coffee or tea is needed in your system. It means less emotional bandwidth for writing. Your "writing brain" is tired so your writing is tired. Your organs suffer. It's a snowball. Now I'm not going to offer any hard and fast suggestions on what you should do. Your sleep needs are different from my sleep needs are different from everybody else's sleep needs. You know you best. What I will say is that you should set boundaries around your work and meet those goals. Show up for yourself and follow through on the promises you make to your greater self. Consider unwinding an hour before bed. Read,   but  not  your own work . Avoid screens entirely a hour beforehand. Consider journaling or listening to soothing music or a guided meditation. Get your brain in rest mode. Start these habits. "Do   you  do that bullshit, Katherine?" you ask. If I lie about doing any of these subjects, it's   not  sleeping. I prioritize sleep over just about everything. If my body needs a nap, girlie pop I nap — but not if it's after 3pm, then it messes with my big sleep. I'm so in tune with my cycle that I know what nights I'll need more sleep. My waking life has benefited tenfold. My skin glows. My hair has never been curlier. That last claim is unfounded, but I wouldn't be surprised. If you get nothing else from this blog post, understand that you need good, nourishing rest in order to be your very best. Healthy Hydration and Snacks I don't mess with my sleep and I don't mess with my snacks. Stay hydrated. Drink more water than you think you need. Your body will start to recognize when it's dehydrated and you'll get better. It's all a process, you're human. As far as snacks go, I used to reach for the salty crunchy fried and munchy snacks.   However , since we're so focused on our writer brain in this post, I shall focus on nutrient-dense suggestions: When you're brainstorming , the mind benefits from foods that promote mental clarity and creativity. Opt for snacks that are light yet rich in antioxidants to help sharpen focus without weighing you down. A gentle caffeine boost may also be beneficial. Berries and mixed nuts, matcha green tea or black tea (my favorite is English Breakfast), apple slices with almond butter In the drafting phase , your body needs steady energy to keep the words flowing. Snacks that offer a mix of protein and healthy carbs are perfect. They keep you going without getting the post-snack sleepies. Greek yogurt with granola, whole-grain (low-sugar) crackers with hummus, banana with peanut butter While editing and revising , you will require sustained focus, so choose snacks that offer a steady source of energy and help support concentration without distractions. Roasted chickpeas, dark chocolate and walnuts, red bell pepper strips with guacamole And, when all else fails, barter with gummy bears. They're a favorite of mine. I've also done some classical conditioning on my writer brain to get motivated AF for those gelatinous ursi. Do you have a favorite special sweet? Who am I kidding, of course you do. Digital Detox As a writer, spending long hours at home often means being surrounded by screens – from your laptop to your phone, TV, e-reader, fridge, smart home console, video games, etc etc. While these devices are essential tools, too much screen time can lead to burnout, eye strain, and mental fatigue, all of which can stifle creativity and motivation. A digital detox allows you to reset, giving you mental space to let ideas breathe. By scheduling regular breaks away from screens, you’re likely to find that your creativity flows more freely when you return. Here’s how to start a simple, effective digital detox: 1. Schedule Regular Breaks 10-15 minute breaks every hour is an easy way to start. During these intervals, step away from all digital devices. Set a timer to remind yourself, and use this time to stretch, go outside, or simply sit with your thoughts. Short breaks like these can prevent eye strain, relieve stress, and boost mental clarity. 2. Create Digital Boundaries Set specific times of the day when you disconnect from screens. You might start small by not using any screens an hour before bed or an hour after waking up. Show up for yourself and stick to these boundaries! 3. Go Analog for a Change During your detox periods, try engaging in activities that don’t involve screens. Journal on paper, read a physical book, sketch, or brainstorm ideas with pen and paper. Tapping into these analog methods can feel refreshing and even help you break through creative blocks. It can also rekindle your love for writing without distractions. 4. Be Intentional with Your Screen Time When you’re on screens, make every minute count. Plan your writing sessions, social media time, and research tasks to minimize "wandering" online. Consider using website blockers to avoid distractions and make it easier to stick to your screen-time goals. Conclusion There's no place like home to start your writing goals. Your mind palace can have extensions into reality with your own simple tweaks to fit your writing needs. How have you made your home fit your writing? Share below in the comments Currently in her own mind palace, Katherine Arkady