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Introduction You know when you stare at a word and say it over and over and over and it begins to lose its meaning? That’s actually a phenomenon called   semantic satiation.  When you repeat a word enough times, it starts to sound strange or even meaningless because your brain temporarily stops processing it the same way. It's like your brain gets tired of interpreting the same sounds repeatedly and momentarily loses its usual association with the word’s meaning. Now, consider the body of work you've been editing for a while. Do you think your brain has gotten tired of interpreting the same words? Has the chapter that once had a punch now lost association with the original meaning? Do you just see scribbles on the page? Step away, friend. And write something else! "You're kidding," you say. "Fix the problem with more of the problem?" Well hey, if you're used to driving a car to work but instead ride your bike or walk, you're still traveling. If you're used to writing long form stories, but don't have the stamina for that, you can get your practice in other ways! Flash Fiction or Poetry Challenges Set Aside Time for Short, Creative Bursts Take 15-30 minutes to write very short stories (called flash fiction) or poems from writing prompts. These are great for when you have limited time. And, if you're bogged down by larger projects, you can get a quick "win" with completing a story. Writing Prompts to Jumpstart Creativity: Only an Internet Search Away! https://robinpiree.com/blog/flash-fiction-prompts https://www.squibler.io/learn/writing/writing-prompts/flash-fiction-prompts/ https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/ Or find a physical collection in books like: 642 Things to Write About: (Guided Journal, Creative Writing, Writing Prompt Journal)  by San Francisco Writers' Grotto and Po Bronson Writing Humor (Lit Starts): A Book of Writing Prompts  (Part of the Lit Starts Series) by San Francisco Writers' Grotto And Check out other writing prompt books on   ThriftBooks ! Have a stellar writing prompt? leave it in the comments! Embrace Experimentation Experimenting with different forms (such as haikus, sonnets, or drabbles) allows you to break away from routine. The limitations of short forms allow you the chance to sharpen your focus. Since you have to convey meaning and emotion in a smaller space, you're all the more likely to creative breakthroughs. That's the good stuff! Crafting Literary Collages Well, you're not writing but you're   writing . IYKYK The exercise of "visual writing" gives you the space to explore your story's themes outside of your mind. Like contemporary artists distill "feeling" into abstract pieces, so too can you create imagery for your stories. For example: If you’re working on a story about   loss , you might search for imagery that conveys emptiness or melancholy, or pick words that resonate with that feeling. If you're writing a story centered on   personal growth , you might explore imagery that symbolizes transformation, such as a caterpillar emerging from its cocoon, or select words that convey a sense of renewal and resilience. If your story revolves around   betrayal , you could look for imagery that evokes a sense of broken trust, like a cracked mirror or a wilting flower, and choose words that highlight feelings of isolation or bitterness Through this, writers gain fresh perspectives on their narratives. Choose images, colors, and textures from from magazines, old books, newspapers, or even fabrics that reflect your story world or character personalities. Think of it as creating a visual diary entry that reflects your inner creative world. Stick it onto poster board, cardboard, a wall, a chair-- anything.  That's a part of the visual writing, too. Another huge perk from this activity is that you're stepping away from the screen. Sure, you can collage on Pinterest and other apps nowadays, but to get the tactile experience of cutting, arranging, and gluing is meditative. Your mental energy is refreshed!  You're grounding yourself and still technically writing. Go you! Writing a Letter to a Friend There is a very successful series of novels about letters that   weren't supposed to be sent , but I would like to offer the case of why you should be writing and (mostly) sending way way more letters than you already do! First of all, the obvious: Writing by hand on paper is different from typing. The slower pace allows for deeper thought, and the physical act of writing can feel more therapeutic, encouraging a gentle flow of ideas and introspection. The less obvious is that, since it’s for personal expression rather than publication, you can reconnect with the joy of simply writing. Get back to the basics! "But nobody sends mail anymore," you say. You're telling me that you don't regularly take advantage of a mode of communication that is protected   by more than 200  federal laws  enforced by the Postal Inspection Service, one of the nation's oldest law enforcement agencies?? You don't offer the joy of a friend going to their mailbox and seeing that their friend has crafted a kind sentiment of thought just for  them?? No? "Okay but what would I even say?" you ask. 1. Start with Gratitude A great way to open a letter is by expressing gratitude. Let your friend know you appreciate them, or thank them for something specific they've done recently. It’s an instant mood lifter for both the writer and the reader. Example 1: “I’ve been reflecting on how lucky I am to have a friend like you. Your kindness has always been a source of comfort for me, and I don’t say it enough, but I truly appreciate everything you do.” Example 2: “BITCH❤️ I wouldn't have been able to survive Jenna's party without your steady support. You're a real one for holding that chair.” 2. Share a Memory Reminiscing about a shared experience can bring a smile to your friend’s face. It’s a way of saying, “I cherish the time we spent together.” Example 1: “I was cleaning out my closet the other day and found that hilarious photo of us from the beach trip—remember when we tried to build that sandcastle and it collapsed in two seconds? That was such a great day.” Example 2: “Remember that song that was playing when you and I went to Neck Tattoo Guy's house? It came on the classics radio yesterday. We can't be that old yet, right?” 3. Ask About Their Life In a world where most conversations are rushed, asking thoughtful questions shows that you truly care. Example 1: “I was thinking about you the other day and wondering how your new apartment is coming along! Have you unpacked everything yet? I’d love to hear how your decorating is going.” Example 2: “I've heard from the moms at Doggy Daycare that Milo is growing into his paws. Are you enjoying being a new parent? I can’t wait to see more pictures.” 4. Offer Encouragement or Support If you know your friend is going through a tough time, use your letter to offer comfort and encouragement. Sometimes, knowing that someone is rooting for you can make all the difference. Example 1: “I know you’ve been juggling a lot with work and school lately. I just wanted to remind you that you’re doing an amazing job—don’t forget to take breaks and treat yourself to some relaxation when you can.” Example 2: “He gave small  d energy from the get-go, girlie. You handled that news about him and that one girl like a class act. I could not be more proud of the way you have lifted yourself up from that dumpster fire. You're going into your best era yet. I just know it.” 5. Include a Personal Touch Letters are a space to share things that you might not usually say in a text. Be vulnerable, share a secret hope, or talk about something that’s been on your mind. Your honesty will deepen your connection. Example 1: “Lately, I’ve been working on some creative projects of my own. I’m not sure where they’re going yet, but it feels good to have something to focus on. Have you been exploring any new hobbies or ideas lately?.” Example 2: “...So that's the whole confession. I wanted you to know the whole story as you're the person I trust the most. I'll deny it up and down if anybody else were to know. Burn this letter   💚 ” 6. Send Well Wishes or Congratulations Celebrate your friend's achievements and milestones, offering heartfelt congratulations or well wishes. It's a way of showing that you're genuinely happy for their success, whether it’s career-related or personal. Example 1: “Congratulations on your promotion! I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this success. I can’t wait to hear all about it the next time we catch up.” Example 2: “I just heard about your new book club—how exciting! I hope it’s everything you hoped for. Wishing you many fun and engaging discussions ahead!” 7. Be Playful or Lighthearted Bring a fun, casual tone to your letter. By incorporating humor or light-heartedness, you create an easygoing atmosphere that makes your letter feel more personal and less formal. Being playful allows your friend to feel like they’re having a conversation with you, rather than receiving a heavy, formal message. Example 1: “So, I finally gave in and tried that weird coffee place you told me about. Let’s just say I’m now addicted to their caramel latte... thanks for the suggestion? (Kidding, I’m really enjoying it!)” Example 2: “I am LOVING the Christmas lights the town just put up. Is it the day after Halloween? Sure, but there is cheer to be had! Looking for Hallmark Christmas movie reccs if you have any. Who am I kidding? Of course you do.” 8. Ask for Their Thoughts or Advice This approach is about valuing your friend's opinion and including them in your decision-making process. Asking for advice makes your friend feel trusted and shows you respect their judgment. It’s a great way to deepen your relationship by inviting a thoughtful conversation about a decision you're facing, whether it's about travel or career changes. This also opens up an opportunity for your friend to share their personal experiences, offering insight that could benefit you while strengthening your connection. Example 1: “You’re always so wise about these things—I’m having a hard time deciding whether to take the plunge on this new job opportunity. What do you think? I’d love to hear your perspective." Example 2: “So I'm trying to impress Pepperoni Socks Guy and that probably means having a little get-together so I can show off my cool friends. You're so creative and snappy with your parties. I need your crafty advice on how to it special." These are just a few of the things you could include in your letter. Above all, a letter doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be   you . Answer Questions in the Back of the Book Holy smokes do I love a good "Reader's Guide" or set of "Book Club/Reading Group Discussion Questions." These are informed and thought-provoking questions specifically chosen to enhance the experience of the novel you've read. I pick out books specifically for their guides! It gives me a peek into what really mattered to the author to get across in the story. And I stay more engaged in the story when I'm looking for parts to reference in my answers. Speaking of, check out my answers to these " Book Club Questions from Reader's Guides " in other blog posts. Looking for books with these questions? "Book Club Picks" or "Staff Recommendations" sections at bookstores and libraries, which often feature books with detailed reading guides. Online resources like Goodreads, Reading Group Guides, and Book Clubz are also great platforms for discovering books chosen for their discussion potential, as they often include user-contributed questions. Additionally, look for “Book Club Editions” of books , which are often released with extra features like discussion guides and author insights. Award-winning books, such as those recognized by the Booker Prize or National Book Award, often have in-depth themes and are great for group discussions , and many of these books offer discussion guides on publisher websites. Finally, publisher websites like Penguin Random House and HarperCollins frequently provide downloadable reading guides or discussion sections for their books, especially those marketed as part of a book club. Creating a List of Grievances and Letting Go I have burned a lot of energy away in my time and you BET I wrote out all of the negativity. Fewer things are more satisfying than a good fire. Add ritual to it and I'm THERE. I don't have to tell you what grievances to write about. You had your own personal anthology hanging on your shoulders before you even started to read this post. Go ahead, lift the weight. Spill the tea. Hex and banish. Write everything or scribble your anger into the paper. Acknowledge your challenges. Acknowledge your outrage. Acknowledge the disservices and unkindnesses that have been thrust upon your path. Get it allllllllll out. After compiling this list, perform a symbolic act of release. You might (safely) burn the list, you may tear it up or shred it. I've flushed the ashes a time or two. This ritual can be a literal and figurative act of letting go, symbolizing a fresh start in your writing journey. Just keep in mind: as above so below.   Once you’ve let go of grievances, consider creating a list of positive affirmations or goals. Remind yourself of your progress and reframe your mindset toward what you’re excited to work on next. Conclusion Writing something else—like a letter to a friend, collaging a visual tale, answers to discussion questions, grievances, and the like—can reignite your passion for storytelling. You started writing for a reason, and it's important to remind yourself of that. Taking breaks to write something different helps you refresh, recharge, and return to your main work with a renewed perspective. Semantic satiation ,  semantic satiation , semantic satiation , semantic satiation , Katherine Arkady

Timing. Chaos. Miscommunication. And just the right amount of ridiculousness. This playlist is crafted for writers penning a comedic scene where everything that could be misunderstood is . Maybe your characters overheard only half the conversation, maybe they mistook a different person for a date, or maybe someone thinks “the job” involves actual crime (spoiler: it doesn’t). This kind of scene thrives on rhythm and rapid dialogue, exaggerated logic, and the mounting tension of people talking past each other. The tone? Light, energetic, maybe a little chaotic—but always grounded in character-driven humor. If you're writing a rom-com misfire, a farcical heist, or an awkward brunch gone very wrong, this playlist helps you hit the comedic beats while keeping the dialogue sharp and the misunderstandings delightfully over-the-top. For when the wrong text goes to the wrong person...and everything spirals from there. The Set List Yakety Sax (Theme from The Benny Hill Show) Boots Randolph Boots Randolph's Yakety Sax! Bad Moon Rising Creedence Clearwater Revival Green River (Expanded Edition) Gossip High Fade Gossip Goin' Down (Stereo Mix) [2007 Remaster] (Stereo Mix; 2007 Remaster) The Monkees Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. (Deluxe Edition) Mahna, Mahna CAKE b-sides and rarities Funny You Should Say That Stickshaker Pull Up or Go Down! Gossip Tame Impala Currents Funny You Say That Corbin Roe  & Mayne Trap 6 Spinning Wheel (Single Version) Blood, Sweat & Tears Greatest Hits Comedy of Errors HOYO-MiX Genshin Impact - Pelagic Primaevality (Original Game Soundtrack) Tips for Writing an Absurd Misunderstanding Scene: 1. Everyone’s Logic Should Make Sense…to Them The best comedy often comes from sincerity, even in the most ridiculous circumstances. Each character involved in the misunderstanding should completely  believe in their own version of reality. Their assumptions need to feel just  plausible enough so the reader buys in too—until it all unravels. And when they're confidently wrong? That's the good stuff. 2. Let the Audience Be In On It Absurd misunderstandings shine when the audience knows more than the characters . This builds dramatic irony and creates anticipation as we watch the confusion escalate. It’s like watching a slow-motion train wreck—but with jokes. Drop hints early that allow the reader to piece together the truth, even if the characters can’t. This increases tension and  comedy. 3. Time the Escalation Just Right Comedy is rhythm. Your misunderstanding scene should build in waves —small misfires that keep stacking, leading to increasingly bizarre or complicated consequences. Timing your reveals and twists is everything. 4. Layer in Physical & Visual Comedy Don’t rely only on witty dialogue. Props, gestures, costumes, and even mistaken objects can create rich, layered humor. A character might grab the wrong suitcase or assume a whiteboard scribble is a company-wide crisis. Think like a director—how can you choreograph the scene to make it funnier visually , even if your medium is text? 5. One Character Needs to Stay Grounded (Eventually) Amidst all the confusion, give at least one character clarity—or slowly reveal  it to them. They might try to resolve the mess or let it continue out of self-interest. Either way, their shift in understanding offers a natural pivot point or punchline. Use this grounded character as your anchor—someone the audience can relate to, or someone who triggers the comedic reveal. 6. Choose Your Type of Misunderstanding Not all comedic mix-ups are built the same. Here are a few fun setups: Mistaken identity  – Someone thinks a stranger is their blind date. Or their therapist. Or a hitman. Double meaning  – A word, phrase, or acronym means wildly different things to different characters. Partial information  – One person overhears just the wrong part of a conversation. Wrong context  – A character walks in expecting one thing and misreads the entire situation. 7. Let It Fall Apart—or End With a Twist You can resolve the scene by pulling the rug out from under everyone with a big, loud reveal—or double-down with a new twist that makes things worse. Don’t be afraid to leave the misunderstanding unresolved if it adds to a larger arc or joke. Ask yourself what the emotional payoff is—do you want readers to laugh, cringe, or gasp? Use that to shape your ending. Bonus: Don’t Forget the Stakes Even absurdity needs grounding. What does each character want  in the scene? What's at risk if they misunderstand or get found out? When characters care deeply about something ridiculous, the comedy lands harder. Links to My Playlist Profiles YouTube Music Profile   | Spotify Profile With a sprinkle of chaos and a dash of whimsy, Katherine Arkady

Introduction Years ago , while working on a second manuscript, I had the idea of creating a tattoo artist character. At this point, I was sans tattoos, didn’t have any intention of getting a tattoo, and didn’t know the first thing about the process of getting a tattoo.  I know, great premise for writing an authentic character. My friend Gabriel, however, was loaded with tattoos and was scheduled to get another on his bicep. An anime character whose name I couldn’t even begin to remember. Furthermore, I think the tattoo artist’s name was Alexis, or Alicia, or something with an A. And the tattoo shop was definitely in Dearborn…with “star” in its name? See, the thing is, I was young and dumb in this phase of being a writer. I took notes but not great notes. I didn’t have a plan as I was a self-described “pantser” where I would let the world find me. I didn’t remember to put dates on anything and I didn’t remember to document the name of the artist or the name of the tattoo shop. I’ll remember it, I told myself. Narrator: She did not remember.           In fact, I ended up cutting the tattoo artist from the second manuscript. Toby still exists—now in a novella side project—but this interview was forgotten over the years. I was only able to pull it from the archived section of my memory banks when I was working on a new blog series. So, behold friends, the premier of the blog series “ From the Source. ”  It’s intention is not to be the end all be all of research for your characters—I only used a few pieces of this interview to create Toby. The intention is to show you that professionals in their field are very likely to open up and chat about their passions. You, the writer and researcher, just have to know what to ask and how to ask it and learn how to follow-up and follow the good nuggets of information that spark an idea for your story. AND DOCUMENT IT ALL <3 Did I do that in this interview? No. But I got better at it. And you will too. The Interview with a Tattoo Artist What is considered a full day for you? I like doing one big piece a day or two small ones. I don't like to sacrifice my artwork. Some tattooers will go all day and fill it up but it's exhausting and kind of fucks with my mental health. It's anxiety that my artwork goes on people's skin forever. There's a lot of burnout. We have complete control over our schedule and that's great for some but it can result in overbooking to accommodate others. What is considered a slow day for you? When I have a cancellation. I get sad if I have too many cancellations. What is the standard cancellation range? I mean some things can't be planned. Just so long as I know right when you know so I can arrange my schedule. No call no show sucks. Do you have slow seasons? February is our slowest month. That's because it's before tax season. Tax season is our busiest time of year. This also depends on my demographic. My 18-24 clients are away at college so most of my appointments come in the summer. What do you do in those slow seasons? I was learning new forms of art. I wasn't sure when I was going to tattoo again so I found a new plan doing wood burning.  A lot of tattooers ride motorcycles and travel. Dating makes things difficult because tattooers are always on their own schedule and could potentially be booked out for the next three months. Booked out? Booked out is what everyone wants to be with a full schedule and clients wanting to come in. Depends on the person, it's February and I'm booked through April. I still have some on the waitlist. How long was your apprenticeship? Six months. That's on the short end. Most are for a year. It's kind of based on skill level. You're at the will of the shop you go to. Whomever runs the place is who controls it. I was working for free at the shop so I worked delivery jobs when I wasn't working there to make up for the money I wasn't making. I worked eighteen hour days. What is your least favorite type of client? Karens. Very particular types that know what they like and will abuse me into feeling my ten years of tattooing is worth nothing.  Or off the street people that want a type of tattoo now . Like I can't just draw it, my priorities are elsewhere and you don't want a rushed tattoo. If you had a nickel for every time you heard (Blank), you would be rich. What is that thing? Can you make it any smaller? How small can you go? Does your hand cramp? Oh yeah, all the time. You don't realize how much it messes up your hand until you go a full-time week of tattoos. My back, arms and legs were sore too. From sitting! I don't have that much tape around the handle because it's a more comfortable rotary handle. Do you have exercises for your hand or wrists to manage this work? Yoga is helpful. Good stretches. Are people allergic to ink? Not extremely and not to black. One reacted to a specific color. Symptoms can include heavy bleeding, blisters, hives…and you could get a nasty infection with poor aftercare even if your body doesn’t reject the ink. Are all-natural inks a thing? I ask because of the green inks in particular having malachite copper salts in them for pigment. This as opposed to some synthetic pigments. They have vegan and cruelty-free ink. Safe for the environment. How quickly does skin react to the stabbing? What is a sign the skin is showing too much trauma? Is blood bad? Some skin can take a whole sleeve before it shows trauma. Some do it after three lines. No matter what, the skin will bleed. It's an open wound. If there's too much blood, I have called things off for a second session. It will bleed more if you overwork the area. It's natural to have risen and red skin. Is tattoo ink, in a pinch, usable for writing on paper? Does paper accept it? Does it dry? Oh yeah no problem. What would make a tattoo a multiple session project? Difficult skin. The size if it's big or if it's in a difficult spot. If the client needs to take multiple breaks. What do you do if the client leaves it unfinished? Thankfully it hadn't happened yet, but clients have tried to skip out. I've had to keep client's guests in the shop as collateral while the client got money. I've had people try to bargain with me. What do you do when a client has a really dumb idea? I try to explain it to them like hey you might want to rethink this. Like an influencer name. I also try to pride myself on being able to give the client what they want. Is there a tattoo you won't do? Political tattoos. "I really like tattooing you, Barry, but I have to be honest with you that I don't agree with this particular concept, and it might be better to find somebody else." A significant other's tattoos. I feel it immediately curses the relationship and it quickly ends. Is there a body part you just prefer not to tattoo? Back of the neck is rubbery and frustrating. Close to the face. just a personal preference getting really close to them. Collarbones are the same way. If I can smell your breath the entire six hours I'm inking into it, I don't enjoy that. Places around joints as they'll get a little twitchy with how much it hurts. Do you tattoo friends? Sure! All of them, myself, some significant others. Nothing personal onto the boyfriends but something cool. I was an apprentice with this one guy who let me tattoo a whole sleeve on him. When tattooing people near some usually covered parts (like breasts, pelvic areas) do you ever get nervous or feel a little blushy over it? Or is it just another area of skin? I just get nervous because I don't want people to feel uncomfortable.  I could see that being the case especially for men. Being close to a woman's anything is a good time to practice boundaries and asking that they're okay with where he's resting his arms and whatnot. The client's comfort is foremost. What do you do if people don't like their tattoo? I let them know that this was their decision and that this is a permanent decision. One guy spelled his own child's name wrong. I asked him like 30 times. I can't change it. Which machine do you use? A rotary machine is quieter, the coil machine is louder. Rotary is good for dainty things. Like a chill stylus pen. I feel I have more control. Coil is good for American style. Some have two machines, some are comfortable with the ones they use the most. I run my machine hot for the lines, but it's still not as high a voltage as a coil. That's what I did my apprenticeship on so I feel I could switch but don't want to. What goes into opening a shop? Extra taxes and the things I don't want to give energy towards. The shop makes 40% of what I make and 30% goes to taxes. Tattoo transfer paper: Is it always purple? There is also green that works for darker skin tones. Is one piece one use or can you use the remaining print for a second go? It's reusable up to five or six times before the detail starts to go. What are your thoughts on sternum? They're cute but hard to do. I've done them before so I kind of know how that skin reacts. It's different based on the boobage of each girl. Some have more and whatnot. Do you feel this job has given you a big grasp on human anatomy? Yes! I know the difference between a forearm and a bicep and other muscle groupings. I learned how nerves are affected. Seeing how each person reacts differently. There's a spot on the leg right above the pit of the knee. That will make everybody twitch when I go over it with a needle. As an artist, when looking at somebody else's tattoo, do you ever think about how you would have done it differently? Excessively. I'll keep it to myself but I wonder if some people were just mauled by a needle. Can you spot mistakes in aftercare or going over a spot too many times in healed tattoos? If they go too hard it looks muddled and yucky. This also depends on how well they care for it after. What is it like being a tattoo artist in the wild? I can tell when people only want to know me for getting free tattoos. I prefer to surprise them with a tattoo, you know? That's a business and I came here for pleasure. Do you fuck with coverups? I do. I don't advertise for it but I'll do it if people ask. I don't really want to do them but I like being able to fix something on people. What have you tattooed onto yourself? I tattoo anything I can reach. My entire forearm I did myself. That's how I learned. How does marijuana affect a tattoo? It affects the client's sensitivity. If somebody is anemic, it makes them more likely to pass out. How bad of an idea would it be to split a joint with a client and get to tattooing? I can tattoo high but I'm one of those people where it needs to be perfect and I don't want to affect my art. In Conclusion Final note about this interview and how not to do your interview: Professionals and experts are there to do a job. In the same way you wouldn’t ask a firefighter interview questions while he puts out a housefire, don’t spring an interview on a person.  Gabriel knew I was researching a character. He reached out to the artist beforehand to see if it would be okay for me to be there asking questions. She graciously said yes– but it wouldn’t have been a problem if she said no because people are allowed to talk to who they want to.  I heavily tipped her for her time, because mind you, she was tattooing Gabriel the entire time I was asking questions. Furthermore, think deeper about the questions you want to ask. I did not think deep at the point and time I conducted this interview. Most of the above questions are Google-able. You should know the base-level information about a person/profession/belief/hobby/etc. before talking to somebody about it. Otherwise, you'll look like a fool when asking a firefighter, "How fast does water come out of a firehose?" ( 100 to 500 gallons of water per minute —and I know this because I Googled it) I'm not going to say they were dumb questions. It's just that if I have somebody who knows their stuff in front of me, I want to respect them with good questions. Research isn’t just  about gathering information—it’s about building trust and treating people with respect. You’re a writer. Not a celebrity. Nobody has  to talk to you. Say thank you 983740918374 times during the process and be respectful of their time. Do that, and you’ll find that many professionals want  to share their experiences with you. Be patient, be kind, and, above all , remember: their time is just as valuable as the knowledge they’re giving you . Document everything or it didn't happen,  Katherine Arkady

Instead of just locking your mind in a state of unrest and procrastination, step out of the house and   pay  a puppet master whose job is to to lock your entire physical being in a themed puzzle room for 60 minutes and watch you squirm. In a fully licensed and approved by the fire marshal way. Escape serial killers by pulling fingers out of garbage disposals. Find a magical monkey that will help you escape a jungle by yelling at your fellow prisoners to press the “yellow first, then red, then green AND   THEN  BLUE, Kyle!  Can you get it this time? ” Get out of your head and into an alien spaceship where you have to count the ammunition that a fleet brought against the human race and use the numbers to solve a puzzle in the next two minutes.   OR ELSE! Here are three of my favorite puzzles to look out for in your next escape room experience: Sound Puzzle:   A puzzle that involves listening to and interpreting sounds to find a solution. Example: A sequence of tones or sounds played from a device, with a note indicating that "The key is in the melody." To solve, one must identify the pattern in the sounds (e.g., Morse code, musical notes) to reveal a code or clue. Book Cipher Puzzle:   Players must use a book or a specific text to decode a hidden message. Example: A note with a series of numbers like "3-14-2," and a hint that mentions a specific book in the room. The solution is to use the book to find the third word on the 14th line of the second page, and continue to decode the entire message using the provided numbers. Interactive Story Puzzle:   Players must complete a short interactive story by making the right choices to find the correct path to the solution. Example: A booklet with a choose-your-own-adventure story. Each choice leads to a different page and outcome. To get the answer, follow the correct path in the story to find a code or key hidden within the narrative So that's all fun and games for the average consumer. But, when it comes to being an author trying to beat writer’s block, nothing is more effective than becoming an interactive character in a sadistic gamemaster’s saga. Escape Rooms: immersive, stress-inducing writer’s solutions. "You're kidding me with this, right?" you ask. I mean it!  You can use your experience in an escape room to practice your own storytelling! Allow me to explain. But first, let me take your phone, give you a safety briefing, and lock you inside of the room. Oh, the storyline for this room? You'll figure it out soon enough. 1. Understand the Story Behind the Escape Room Every escape room has a theme, a backstory, and, now that you and your friends are here to suffer, a set of characters. The puzzle master,   long  before the room you're standing in was ever built, came up with a concept that would get you and hundreds of other people to subject themselves to stress for 60 minutes. Similar to being a writer, yeah? Okay, stay with me. The puzzle master considers themes first:   mystery, horror, adventure, or historical. This theme must resonate with the potential players of the room: families, friends, corporate teams, enthusiasts, couples, etc.  Don't those sound like genres? Doesn't that sound like a target audience? Then, the puzzle master must think about what environment would best enhance the theme. I've been to rooms set up like Dracula's haunted mansion, an ancient Egyptian temple, and uninhabited jungles, among others. What do you see around you in this room? A secret laboratory? Oh great, the puzzlemaster is getting gory — and your time has begun ! Before diving into the puzzles, take a moment to soak in the narrative. What’s the premise? Who are the characters involved? Why is this scenario set-up in the way that it is? Does this sound similar to those 2am manic episodes where you jot down the premise and the characters before they escape your mind? Uh huh, that was the puzzle master months ago. He's thought it all out, just like you have with your story, and now the reader gets to put together the pieces. That's it!   I am encouraging you to think like a reader. The entirety of this escape room is to figure out why the puzzlemaster/author did what they did to set you up for where you are now. You're in the reader's shoes,  and you only have 52 minutes left . Start looking for those clues! There are handcuffs in the desk drawer? There's a broken lightbulb that flashes? The beakers have scratched out letters? Why would the puzzlemaster put them there? Why would you the author put those specific elements into their story? It can't be obvious, but it can't be so stressful that your readers are left circling around the room with no clue as to where this plot is supposed to take them. But you're not getting it. Why is the bulb flashing like that? Are you supposed to handcuff somebody? Are the beakers just old? You have to reach out to your fellow prisoners for help. 2. Collaborate and Communicate Escape rooms require teamwork. You   have to  work with others to solve puzzles. You’re not just collaborating; you’re also sharing and building a narrative together. Each person brings their perspective, creating a richer experience. This collaboration mirrors how characters in a story interact and influence one another. Authors and puzzlemasters must practice clear communication. When telling a story, it's essential  to convey your ideas effectively. When your characters interact, they must convey their motivations regarding the plot effectively. Oh! Your friend Brenda knows morse code because she's a veteran. The lightbulb is flashing a code! M-A-R-T-I-A-N Like an alien? Like the planet? Like the prop electrical box recently serviced by   Martian Electric: Our Service is Out of This World . And now, with collaboration and effective communication, the storyline continues! 3. Embrace Conflict and Resolution a. Time Pressure and High Stakes (External Conflict) When the clock is ticking down, and your team is racing to solve the final puzzle, every second feels crucial. The adrenaline rush as you watch the time wind down creates natural tension. You can see how players react: Are they panicked? Do they freeze up? Or do they find unexpected clarity in the chaos? In your stories, using a literal or metaphorical ticking clock raises the stakes and forces characters into action. Ever seen this in heist plots, disaster stories, or romantic subplots where a character must confess their feelings before it’s too late? The pressure forces characters to make snap decisions, showing their true nature/calling and revealing their priorities. The tighter the deadline, the deeper the conflict and the more satisfying the resolution when they succeed (or the heartbreak when they fail...) b. Interpersonal Conflicts and Team Dynamics   (Character Development) Leaders emerge from this tension, champions prevail over conflicts, true strategists arise, and, sometimes, disagreements slow down progress. You may see players get frustrated with each other or step back to let someone else take charge. Pay attention to these things unfolding before you! Stories usually thrive on interpersonal conflict. Characters’ differing motivations, temperaments, and goals are bound to collide. By putting characters in high-pressure situations where they must cooperate (or fail), you can explore how personalities clash and bond. Who will stick their hand into the garbage disposal to get the fingers with numbers carved into them? Who will get the team to snap it together and lead the call out to rotate the organ donor crates for the secret key? Who's the "Debbie Downer" keeping everybody held up? The resolution might be characters learning to trust one another or discovering hidden strengths. Whatever makes the final victory more rewarding! c. The Unexpected Twist   (Plot Development) Imagine solving a series of puzzles only to realize the team missed a crucial clue that changes everything, forcing you all to pivot strategies. You have to rethink the ENTIRE approach, but hey, you paid for the experience, and this twist creates new layers of conflict. We like to get a conflict bang out of our buck, yeah? Incorporating twists in your narrative—like a sudden betrayal, a hidden secret, or a new threat—keeps readers engaged and forces your characters to adapt. The mad scientist in your escape room starts an intercom conversation—he's been watching you all this entire time! You didn't know that--what has he seen? Your teammates begin to panic as the mad scientist claims only three out of the five of you can be saved. What will it be? Twists shouldn’t be arbitrary; they should feel like a natural progression of the story. This will shift the stakes or reveal new somethings about the plot or characters. d. Environmental Obstacles and Adaptability   (Building Suspense) Environmental challenges like sudden darkness, hidden doors, or malfunctioning equipment create unexpected hurdles. Players must adapt on the fly and turn frustration into creative problem-solving. The lights shut off in your escape room. Who did it? None of your team mates did! And...is that the sound of water? Are they flooding this room? Was that in the waver? Placing your characters in an environment that works against them—like a jungle filled with deadly traps, a sinking ship, or even a mad scientists seemingly flooding laboratory—forces them to think on their feet. This builds suspense and showcases their adaptability, resilience, or even their breaking point. It also provides a rich backdrop for exploring the theme of man vs. nature or man vs. technology. In this case, it's man vs self because the light are off, but it's only the sound of water, as your team mate claims from being close to a speaker. Another teammate remembers that there was a light switch in the beginning of the maze, but it hadn't worked before! Two team mates volunteer to retrace their steps—in the dark—to find this switch. The ones staying behind count as there are merely minutes left in this puzzle. The lights switch back on! The key is found in the combination lock you were working on before the lights went out. You, honored by the rest of your team to do the honors, put the key in the door to escape. AND IT WORKS Y'ALL ARE FREE And your writing can benefit from all of this! In Conclusion Escape rooms are more than just a fun way to spend an afternoon; they are a playground for storytellers. By immersing yourself in a narrative-rich environment, you can sharpen your storytelling skills in a   very  out-of-the-box way. At the very least, you now know that you should stay observant for odd looking light switches and you can trust your best friend to take one or the team with the garbage disposal. So gather your friends, dive into an escape room, and do your writing a favor! Happy escaping! Not quick to escape my own mind palace, Katherine Arkady

Introduction In the second part of this two-part series, Katherine continues her conversation with Todd, a lifer in the motorcycle club world. With 18 years of experience, Todd shares his thoughts on what it means to be a part of a club, the emotional ups and downs that come with the territory, and how the landscape of motorcycle clubs has evolved over time. From the challenges of managing relationships within the club to navigating the perceptions of the wider world, Todd pulls back the curtain on what really happens in the day-to-day life of a seasoned member. Learn about the balance between fear and respect, the importance of community meals, and what the future might look like for motorcycle clubs. Here's the link to this specific podcast episode on my website.  Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other major platforms! Timestamps 00:00:51 Are there such things as posers with the guys that have the motorcycles that have like leather jackets, but no patches sort of thing? 00:01:40 What gets you excited about the Motorcycle Club? 00:02:13 Follow up question, what about it drains you? 00:02:55 Can we talk about you being a lifer and what that means? 00:03:28 Would you say that being a part of the club, you get a full range of emotions? 00:04:35 Now, going off with, you know, figuring out the burial and whatnot, would you mind talking a little about how you take on, you know, some responsibilities with that? 00:07:31 There are folk with, you know, criminal records that are perhaps coming back from jail. How’s the reception when they come back? 00:08:42 What do these community meals mean to you? 00:09:38 What foods do you yourself have in your refrigerator? 00:12:14 As far as scents and smells and flavors, what sort of smells and scents and flavors do you associate with the club or with the motorcycle? 00:13:58 If you were to make a candle for your motorcycle club, what fragrances would it have? 00:14:32 How important has your sixth sense been on your journey in this motorcycle club world? 00:16:13 What's something that is perhaps often overlooked or forgotten when it comes to motorcycle clubs? 00:17:02 Do you guys have like a rule book or legislation amongst the club that you have to follow? 00:18:22 What advice do you have for individuals that are aspiring to join a motorcycle club? 00:19:43 If, if somebody were to come up to you while you're, I don't know, at a, not at a club affiliated thing and say, hey, I see that you're part of this, is that something that you would have a conversation or is that just not a time or place? 00:20:24 What's something that you think most people in motorcycle clubs might, like, change about the field? 00:21:25 Once you become a member of a motorcycle club and then you find out maybe it's not for you, is there like, are you allowed to then go to a different club? 00:22:15 You've mentioned that going online, for information about motorcycle clubs, you'll find some stuff that's true and some stuff that's not true, and to recommend going to other clubs, or going to clubs to get more information. Is there anywhere else where people could find information, specifically writers, finding information on motorcycle clubs? 00:23:20 Would you agree that it's like the media and entertainment that vilifies and adds this mystification to it? 00:24:02 Are there things with motorcycle clubs that have gone out of date, or would you see the same sort of stuff happening today that happened in the 50s? 00:25:02 You've been involved with motorcycle clubs for 18 years. What have you seen the most change in? 00:25:44 What sort of tech in a motorcycle has changed? 00:26:55 Speaking about the ladies, how do they love the motorcycle clubs? 00:29:51 Going off of my question about things going out of date, what is something with motorcycle clubs that is perhaps future proof, or it could be 200, 300 years from now, and it will still always be part of the club? 00:32:05 If you read blank, if you read something in a book or saw something on TV regarding motorcycle clubs, what would that thing be where you would know that the writer did their research? 00:34:37 And you've asked me this question before, to which I answered incorrectly and you told me why. Where you asked, is it better to be feared or respected? 00:36:48 You mentioned the fear of getting kicked out. Is that super possible with, like, anything, or does it take lengths to do it? 00:45:50 Do you foresee a time where you'll be unbothered by the government and society and outsiders? 00:47:56 If somebody wasn't in a motorcycle club, they would never believe what. Key Takeaways: Emotional Journey in Motorcycle Clubs : Todd describes the emotional highs and lows of being in a club and what it means to be a "lifer." Women in Motorcycle Clubs : The role and love of women in the motorcycle club scene, with a unique look at the dynamic and respect they receive. Technology & Motorcycle Evolution : Insights into how motorcycle tech has changed over the years and what’s likely to stay for the long haul. Club Traditions & Future : Todd discusses which traditions have evolved, which have remained the same, and what might stand the test of time. Advice for Aspiring Members : Practical advice for anyone looking to join a motorcycle club, and the things they should be prepared for. Editor's Note: Writers often rely on outdated or dramatized portrayals. Todd challenges those ideas, offering insight into what's changed, what’s future-proof, and what media still gets wrong . This helps writers avoid clichés and creates space for more compelling, original narratives. The goal is to move past surface-level assumptions—like loud engines and leather jackets—and into the emotional texture  of club life: responsibility, grief, brotherhood, and legacy. These are narrative veins rich with depth that most shows or books gloss over. Hearing this firsthand offers primary-source realism  you can’t find in Wikipedia articles. Clubs have internal politics, unsaid rules, lifer status , and even exit strategies—topics rarely explored accurately. Research through lived experience helps you build internal logic  for characters or worlds based on motorcycle culture. The episode drops terms like “lifer,” discusses club legislation, and explores etiquette and acronyms. That’s gold for dialogue writing and for giving characters the right voice and vocabulary —key to believability. Links & Resources: American Motorcycle Association has a page discussing Charitable Activities where you can find local philanthropic events/programs. There are many more to check out, so get to your nearest search engine for a gander. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has resources on Motorcycle Safety , How to Choose the Right Helmet , and plenty more safety resources. What Does CC Mean in Motorcycles? by RiiRoo   Part One of this Series Keep the rubber side down and the throttle wide open, Katherine Arkady

A favorite TikTok/Instagram trend of mine was "Say _________ without saying _________." For example: Say you're a millennial without saying you're a millennial. "I still use 'LOL' unironically." Say you're a cat owner without saying you're a cat owner. "I can't leave my drink unattended for more than 5 seconds." Say you're into gaming without saying you're into gaming. "I just need one more level before bed... four hours ago." Say you're from the Midwest without saying you're from the Midwest. "I brought a casserole to the party—hope that's okay!" Distilled down to the essence, a person is able to get the point across without directly saying the point in question. What literary term is that similar to? The ✨ allegory ✨ . A what? “ Allegory ” is derived from the ancient Greek word, ἀλληγορία (pronounced ah-lay-gor-EE-ah), which means "speaking otherwise" or "speaking figuratively." It is a combination of two parts: ἄλλος (allos) , meaning "other," and ἀγορεύειν (agoreuein) , meaning "to speak in public" or "to harangue." The word passed into Latin as “ allegoria” and from there into English. Writers are able to say _____________ without saying _____________. Say you're writing about political corruption without saying you're writing about political corruption. "The kingdom's rulers grew fat and lazy while the villagers struggled to find enough food." Say you're critiquing society without saying you're critiquing society. "In the city of mirrors, everyone was too busy staring at their reflections to notice the crumbling walls around them." Say you're exploring personal growth without saying you're exploring personal growth. "The seed buried in the dirt wondered if it would ever see sunlight, not realizing the darkness was necessary for it to bloom." Say you're commenting on class differences without saying you're commenting on class differences. "The workers toiled in the shadows, building a tower so tall only the elite could see the sky from its peak." An allegory is a very useful writing tool for getting your point across without forcing it down a reader's throat. Better yet, there are a few flavors of allegory to choose from: 1. Moral Allegory Characters and events symbolize moral qualities or virtues. Examples :  Soul (2020) : This movie explores the idea that life's true value lies not in professional success but in experiences, relationships, and personal growth. Through seeing the protagonist's journey, viewers are encouraged to reflect on their own life purposes and the importance of appreciating everyday moments. Trigger Warnings: Discussions of existential themes, death, and feelings of inadequacy. Life of Pi by Yann Martel : This story showcases faith and resilience through Pi's survival at sea, emphasizing the importance of choosing one's narrative in difficult times. The tiger symbolizes the struggle between instinct and civilization, representing Pi’s internal conflicts. TWs: Themes of survival, animal violence, trauma, and loss. Whiplash (2014) : This movie comments on the extremes of ambition and the moral boundaries one may have to cross in pursuit of greatness. The mentor-student relationship raises questions about the ethics of pushing oneself and others to the limits. TWs: Psychological abuse, bullying, and intense pressure in a competitive environment. The Giver by Lois Lowry : This narrative delves into the cost of conformity and the sacrifice of individuality in a controlled society. It serves as a cautionary tale about losing freedom, emotion, and the moral implications of a utopian existence. TWs: Themes of emotional suppression, euthanasia, and loss of individuality. 2. Political Allegory Used to comment on political situations, ideologies, or figures. Examples :  Animal Farm by George Orwell : This allegory uses farm animals to critique totalitarianism and the betrayal of revolutionary ideals. Key figures from the Russian Revolution are covered in symbolism. The shift from hope to oppression illustrates how power can corrupt. TWs: Violence, manipulation, and themes of totalitarianism. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood : The story critiques authoritarianism and patriarchy and showcases the extreme oppression of women’s rights. The narrative is a warning about the dangers of fundamentalism and loss of autonomy. TWs: Sexual violence, forced subjugation, and misogynistic themes. The Hunger Games (2012) : This movie critiques social inequality and the exploitation of the underprivileged folk. The "spectacle of violence" serves as commentary on media manipulation and the consequences of authoritarian control. TWs: Violence, oppression, and themes of survival under duress. Elysium (2013) : This movie addresses class inequality and immigration, portraying a divided society where the wealthy live in luxury while the poor struggle for survival. It critiques the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality. TWs: Violence, class struggle, and themes of systemic oppression. 3. Religious Allegory Stories or characters symbolize religious concepts, figures, or events. Examples : The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis : Aslan symbolizes Christ and explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and resurrection. The narrative serves to illustrate moral lessons through a fantastical lens. TWs: Death, sacrifice, and themes of good versus evil. The Shack by William P. Young: This story addresses faith and the nature of God’s love in the midst of tragedy, using allegory to explore forgiveness and healing. It invites readers to confront their beliefs and understandings of divinity. TWs: Discussions of trauma, grief, and loss of a loved one. (I haven't read as many works in this category so I don't have much to properly comment on.) 4. Philosophical Allegory Abstract concepts like knowledge, truth, or human nature are represented through symbols or stories. Examples : Plato’s Allegory of the Cave: This classic allegory represents human ignorance and the pursuit of enlightenment. It illustrates the journey from darkness — ignorance — to light — knowledge — and the challenges of understanding truth. TWs: Themes of existential struggle and the discomfort of confronting harsh truths. The Truman Show (1998): This movie raises questions about reality, freedom, and self-awareness. Truman’s journey symbolizes the quest for truth in a controlled environment, reflecting philosophical themes of existence and choice. TWs: Manipulation, loss of autonomy, and themes of existential dread. The Matrix (1999): This movie explores perception of reality and free will, drawing from philosophical concepts about the nature of existence and the illusion of choice. H eavy on Platonic and Cartesian themes. It invites — or challenges, depending on how you look at it — viewers to question their understanding of reality. TWs: Violence, existential themes, and the questioning of reality. Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder: This book provides an overview of Western philosophy through a narrative lens, using allegory to explore philosophical questions about existence, knowledge, and identity. TWs: Themes of existential questioning and philosophical disillusionment. 5. Social Allegory Illustrates social issues such as class struggles, inequality, or human rights through symbolic narrative. Examples : The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins : This allegory critiques class disparity and societal violence, reflecting on how media manipulates public perception and controls narratives. It highlights the consequences of societal inequality. TWs: Violence, oppression, and themes of survival under duress. Snowpiercer (2013) : This movie serves as a commentary on social hierarchy and climate disaster, using a train as a microcosm of society to illustrate the brutal consequences of wealth disparity and class struggle. TWs: Violence, class conflict, and themes of survival. Joker (2019) : This movie explores mental health and societal neglect, illustrating how social inequality can lead to dangerous consequences. It critiques the lack of support systems for the marginalized. TWs: Mental illness, violence, and themes of social disenfranchisement. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones : This book addresses racial injustice and the impact of systemic issues on personal relationships, exploring how societal pressures can affect love and commitment. TWs: Themes of racial injustice, incarceration, and emotional trauma. 6. Historical Allegory Represents real historical events or figures, often with veiled references, through fictional characters or events. Examples : The Crucible by Arthur Miller : This play uses the Salem Witch Trials as an allegory for the McCarthy-era "witch hunts" in the time of 1947–1959. Miller critiques the dangers of hysteria and the consequences of false accusations in society. TWs: Themes of persecution, hysteria, and social paranoia. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak : This story serves as a historical allegory of Nazi Germany, exploring the impact of war and hatred through the eyes of a young girl, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit. TWs: Death, violence, and themes of war and persecution. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead : This narrative reimagines the Underground Railroad as a literal train, symbolizing the fight for freedom against the horrors of slavery and the brutal realities of the past. TWs: Slavery, violence, and themes of oppression. Pan's Labyrinth (2006) : ( not the one with David Bowie) Set during Francoist Spain, this movie uses fantasy to comment on the brutalities of war and fascism, reflecting the loss of innocence in a conflict-ridden society. TWs: Violence, war trauma, and themes of loss and suffering. 7. Romantic Allegory Uses symbolic characters and settings to explore themes of love, passion, or personal growth. Examples : The Fault in Our Stars by John Green : This narrative explores the fragility of life and love through the protagonists' battles with illness, using their experiences as metaphors for the fleeting nature of relationships. TWs: Terminal illness, death, and themes of grief. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon : This story illustrates the themes of loyalty, passion, and the transcendence of love across time and culture, emphasizing the struggles faced in the pursuit of true connection. TWs: Violence, historical trauma, and themes of displacement. Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman : This narrative explores the emotional impact of first love, self-discovery, and memory, using the relationship between the characters to reflect on the beauty and pain of fleeting moments. TWs: Themes of sexual awakening, longing, and loss. The Shape of Water (2017) : This movie serves as a romantic allegory about acceptance and love beyond societal norms, highlighting the beauty found in connections that challenge conventional expectations. TWs: Themes of isolation, abuse, and societal rejection. Well isn’t that just like a metaphor? Well isn’t that the same as symbolism? Well doesn’t that have the same meaning as a parable? Well… A metaphor, symbolism, and parable are similar to allegories in that they are literary devices that involve deeper meaning. However, they differ from an allegory in structure, purpose, and overall scope: Unlike a metaphor, which is a brief comparison, an allegory extends throughout an entire story where nearly every character and event has a symbolic meaning. While symbolism focuses on individual elements representing deeper ideas, allegory involves the whole narrative being symbolic. Lastly, a parable is simpler and shorter, designed to teach a single moral lesson (like Aesop's Fables!), whereas an allegory is more complex and layered in meaning. Why does Allegory still matter? Aren’t there enough classical examples? As we humans live on, so will allegory . It’s relevant because it provides a way to discuss complex, sometimes controversial, sometimes abstract ideas in an indirect, engaging, and overall more palatable way. Nobody wants to experience the full throes of (x) but talking about it via (a softer version of x) certainly opens up the discussion to procure more growth. One is able to critique their political systems, cultural anxieties, and comment on their opinion of societal norms without pointing a finger too closely at the problem. After all, subtlety is key with allegory . What do we as writers do with it? What ideals does a writer follow in order to create allegory ? I can't speak for anybody since I'm still a student in this particular school of thought. BUT here is what I've been able to observe: Pick a Theme — Any Theme! You have a stron g enough opin ion on this theme to analyze it down to the minute details in order to properly come up with a literary equivalent of such themes. This is the foundation of your allegory . You must have solid ground to stand upon your case! If you want to explore the theme of oppression , you could focus on issues like authoritarianism, societal norms, or personal struggles. If you want to explore the theme of freedom , issues like authoritarianism, personal autonomy, or societal constraints may be pertinent. If you want to explore the theme of identity , focusing on elements of cultural heritage, self-acceptance, and the search for belonging may be where to start. If you want to explore the theme of greed , concepts of materialism, environmental degradation, and personal vs. communal needs may help. If you want to explore the theme of love , focusing on the complexities of relationships, sacrifice, and unconditional love may be impactful. The Status Symbols For this bit, I don't mean that your themes have to show your own prestige. I mean to convey that the characters, settings, and events used in your story are not only able to symbolize broader concepts related to your theme, but that they also hold the proper status in comparison. It's key to getting your connections to have an impact. Characters, settings, and events can represent various ideologies, societal roles, or moral qualities. For example: The Theme of Love Characters: The Star-Crossed Lovers: Represents the challenges and sacrifices inherent in love, often facing external obstacles. The Wise Old Woman: A character who embodies unconditional love and nurtures others, symbolizing wisdom and compassion. Settings: The Heart-shaped Garden: A place where love blooms, symbolizing growth, intimacy, and connection. The Lonely Mountain: Represents the emotional distance or challenges that love must overcome. Events: The Great Sacrifice: An event where one character must make a significant sacrifice for another, illustrating the depth and complexity of love. The Theme of Greed Characters: The Greedy Merchant: A character who represents materialism and selfishness, often ignoring the needs of others. The Humble Peasant: Symbolizes contentment and the value of simplicity, contrasting with the merchant's greed. Settings: The Golden Palace: Represents wealth and excess, symbolizing the superficiality of material possessions. The Desolate Wasteland: A setting that illustrates the consequences of greed, such as environmental destruction and loss. Events: The Great Auction: An event where characters bid for possessions, illustrating the lengths people will go to for material gain and the futility of such pursuits. The Characters...Must Have Character Even if the characters are there to be villainous, they have to have redeeming qualities that make the reader care about their growth. Or, if they're bad bad , they properly incite the growth upon the protagonist. My point is: create multi-dimensional characters that embody the values or ideas you want to explore in your allegory . They evolve and reflect the moral or lesson you’re presenting. For example: A character who begins as self-centered but learns the importance of community and sacrifice can demonstrate the value of empathy. After facing his fears, a guy begins to reconnect with friends and family, ultimately creating art that incorporates his relationships and emotions. This evolution demonstrates the value of self-discovery and vulnerability. A protagonist chooses to stand up against the oppressive system, using her voice to inspire others. This transformation embodies the theme of self-empowerment and the importance of pursuing one’s passions for personal freedom. The Witch Must Have a Hat! Yes! The literary witch's hat for plot structure! Some genres get by with making most of their comments into fluffy prose where the discussion of an idea is more potent than the acting out of an idea. Not this type of story! Allegories need action. You must illustrate your theme through the interactions your characters have with each other, the setting, and the events that unfold. Line up your exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution and let the themes really shine through: Example #1: A magical orchard that bears golden pears, which grant immense wealth and power to those who possess them. Greer is a greedy farmer who hoards the pears for herself. Dan is a kind-hearted villager who shares the pears with the community. Greer's greed leads her to become increasingly isolated, while Dan's generosity brings the villagers together. The orchard begins to wither due to Greta's selfishness. A drought threatens the orchard, and Greta is faced with the choice of sharing the last remaining pears or keeping them to herself. Greta chooses to share the pears, leading to the orchard's revival and a renewed sense of community, illustrating the value of generosity over greed . Example #2: A dystopian city where everyone dresses in gray and follows strict rules, suppressing individuality. Mark is a young artist who secretly paints vibrant murals in the night. A tyrannical figure named "The Watcher" enforces conformity and punishes those who deviate from the norm. Mark is torn between his desire to express himself and the fear of being discovered by The Watcher. After witnessing the despair of his fellow citizens, Mark decides to host a secret art exhibition that reveals the beauty of color and individuality. The exhibition inspires others to embrace their uniqueness, leading to a rebellion against The Watcher’s oppressive regime, illustrating the importance of personal freedom. Sprinkle In the Fancy Stuff You have the characters and events figured out. However, you want to zhuzh up your story. This is the time to incorporate metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to enhance the symbolic meanings of your characters and events. A storm could represent chaos, while a calm sea may symbolize peace or clarity. A forest could be a labyrinth of shadows, where every turn leads to deeper confusion, representing the complexities of finding truth in a world of misinformation. Upon a sandcastle at the beach, a kid's hands work like a sculptor's chisel, shaping the grains of sand into towers that reach for the sky, embodying the fragility of human achievements. Make It Relatable Like I said, writers would ultimately like their readers to have some sort of connection to the characters and the story. Example #1: Stu, a middle-aged man dealing with the loss of his job and struggling with feelings of inadequacy. Stu’s journey reflects the universal fear of unemployment and identity loss. As he learns to accept help from friends and support from his community, readers can connect with his vulnerabilities. Example #2: Leslie is a young woman torn between her family's expectations and her own dreams. Leslie's conflict represents the universal struggle of balancing personal aspirations with familial obligations, allowing readers to empathize with her journey toward self-discovery. 7. Craft a Satisfying Conclusion Your resolution should reflect the lessons learned by the characters and the ultimate message of the allegory . Otherwise, what's the point? Consider how the journey transforms the characters or society. Example #1: Plot: A community grapples with environmental destruction caused by industrialization. Conclusion: After facing the consequences of their actions, the community comes together to restore the land, embodying the lesson of sustainability and collective responsibility. The final scene shows children planting trees, symbolizing hope for the future. A society that learns to embrace diversity and reject tyranny may emerge as stronger and more unified. Example #2: Plot : A society judges people based on appearances learns the importance of inner beauty. Conclusion : The resolution reveals a festival celebrating diversity, where individuals share their unique stories and talents. The community embraces acceptance, showcasing the power of empathy and understanding. 8. Reflect on Relevance Consider how your allegory relates to contemporary issues or timeless human experiences. This will help your work remain relevant and impactful. Examples: Contemporary Issue : Explores the impact of technology on social connection and isolation. Relevance : The characters represent various perspectives on technology—those who embrace it, those who resist it, and those who find balance. This allegory resonates with today’s discussions about the benefits and pitfalls of technology in daily life. Timeless Theme : Addresses the struggle for personal and collective freedom. Relevance : The characters navigate oppressive regimes, paralleling modern movements for social justice and human rights, making the story resonate with readers who witness similar struggles in their own lives. Universal Experience : Examines the challenges of breaking free from negative patterns. Relevance : Characters’ struggles with addiction and unhealthy habits reflect a contemporary societal issue, allowing readers to connect their experiences to the narrative's exploration of growth, resilience, and redemption. 9. Revise, Refine, and Seek Feedback Review your allegory to ensure that your symbols and messages are clear and effectively intertwined. Consider whether readers will understand the connections between characters and their symbolic meanings without excessive explanation . Make adjustments to improve clarity and impact. I totally understand what it's like to stare at a story and edit all I can until I'm wondering if it made sense in the first place. That, friends, is prime time to step away from your computer, breathe, and do two things: #2 return to it later, but only after #1 getting feedback from your trusted writer's circle. Writer's groups will give it to you straight because they've been there themselves. You can meet them at writing conferences, library clubs, online meet-ups — the works! And what might a story get out of a writer's group? Here are some examples: They may suggest emphasizing the relationship between characters and their choices, leading the author to add more backstory that illustrates the consequences of their decisions. A writer friend points out that some symbols may be too abstract, making the message unclear. The author adds relatable anecdotes and tangible examples that connect the symbols to characters’ experiences, strengthening the overall narrative. The crystals along the path represent personal growth and enlightenment. After feedback, the author clarifies the crystals' significance through dialogue among characters who discuss their journeys and what each crystal symbolizes. This reinforces the narrative’s message about the importance of self-reflection. A library of forgotten books symbolizes lost knowledge and history. After feedback , the author strengthens connections between characters and their respective stories by revising sections where they reflect on how their lives relate to the forgotten narratives. This creates a deeper understanding of the allegory ’s message about the importance of preserving history. ***An important point I would like to make here is that while joining a writer's group may give you perfect insight into your own story, it is also a responsibility to offer the same sort of help to your fellow writers. This should not be an exploitive activity. We are a community! Refer to my allegory about greedy farmer Greer and her golden pears. 💚 *** IN CONCLUSION! If you want a nifty tool to offer insight into the human condition, look no further than the timeless allegory , here to stay for as long as humans do. They invite readers and viewers to look beyond the surface and reflect on broader societal, political, or philosophical issues. By exploring these layered stories, we can uncover truths about ourselves, our history, and our world. Keep an eye out for a hidden allegory in your favorite book, movie, or even song! Already have a favorite? Feel free to share either scenario with me in the comments! An obscure literary element myself, Katherine Arkady

I understand that I'm playing the long game with writing and getting published. I also understand that the publishing industry moves about the same speed as molasses. This is not great for anxiety. I simultaneously feel behind and ahead in my goals. I know where I want to be and I'm not there yet. Along with the help of a licensed professional, I have employed a celestial body to help me with my writing goals: the moon! According to the Giant Impact Hypothesis , our moon is a part of us as much as the sun is. Long associated with intuition, cycles of change, and creativity, the moon is my main tool for setting intentions. It's all cyclical. Let me lay it out: The moon has phases because its position relative to the Earth and the Sun causes different portions of its surface to be illuminated by sunlight. This results in the appearance of different lunar shapes we see on Earth. There are eight main phases : New Moon : marks the beginning of the lunar cycle when the moon is not visible from Earth. It symbolizes new beginnings, fresh starts, and setting intentions . Waxing Crescent : As the moon begins to wax or grow larger, a thin crescent shape becomes visible. This phase represents intentionality, growth, and brainstorming actionable goals regarding your New Moon manifestations. First Quarter : Halfway between the New Moon and the Full Moon, the First Quarter phase is about making decisions to overcome the first round of obstacles and taking decisive action . Waxing Gibbous : During the Waxing Gibbous phase, the moon is nearly full, representing a period of growth, momentum, and expansion . Full Moon : The Full Moon is the climax of the lunar cycle when the moon appears fully illuminated in the night sky. It symbolizes completion, fruition, and illumination . Waning Gibbous : After the Full Moon, the moon begins to wane or decrease in size. The Waning Gibbous phase represents reflection, gratitude, and releasing what no longer serves you . Last Quarter : Halfway between the Full Moon and the New Moon, the Last Quarter phase signifies introspection, revision, and reassessment . Waning Crescent : As the moon approaches the end of its cycle, it appears as a thin crescent in the sky. The Waning Crescent phase symbolizes surrender, rest, and introspection . These phase — either new moon to new moon, full moon to full moon, etc — are called a Synodic Month. This lasts approximately 29.53 days. So how did I put all this information to use? New Moon : January 11th Visibility: The New Moon is not visible from Earth because it's positioned between the Earth and the Sun, with its illuminated side facing away from us. It rises and sets roughly along with the Sun, so it's typically in the sky during the day. The New Moon is an ideal time for planting seeds of inspiration, starting new projects, and setting clear writing goals for the upcoming cycle. During the new moon, I sit myself down for a meditation ceremony. I gather all the ideas I have regarding a goal I want to accomplish. I write down anything that comes to mind about forming a "plan" and make sure the universe is aware of my intentions. For example, back in January, the new moon was on the 11th. My goal for this phase was finding at least two Comparable Titles for my first manuscript. These titles are used to show literary agents that there is a market for my manuscript and give a vibe for the manuscript itself. During the meditation, I wrote down all the motifs, topics, settings, and conflict that could serve as keywords to my search. I also figured out that I was most available to read first thing in the morning and right before bed. I made a note to buy peppermint tea. I was setting the groundwork for success. Waxing Crescent : January 15th Visibility: The Waxing Crescent Moon sets a few hours after the Sun sets, so it's visible in the western sky in the early evening after sunset. The Waxing Crescent is a time for nurturing ideas, gathering inspiration, and laying the groundwork for creative endeavors. During the waxing moon, the light is growing and so are my plans. During the first quarter moon, I often approach my first obstacles. It's easy for me to get discouraged but I remember to stay flexible. I'm carefully listening to my dreams, reading through resources, and staying curious about  methods to find titles. I was able to compile a list of ten books, found where I could borrow these books from local libraries, and set a schedule for the next 19 days to read them. This was going well! First Quarter : January 18th Visibility: The First Quarter Moon rises around noon and sets around midnight. It's visible in the afternoon and evening sky, appearing halfway between the horizon and the zenith (the point directly overhead). The First Quarter marks when the wide stroke of your new moon planning can receive some refining. This is where my first big moves are made to see where the next step of my writing and publishing. It's imperative that I focus on my mental health so that my creative vision can flourish. Mental health is HUGE! Do your self-care how you see fit. Incorporate some rituals into them if you practice. My first obstacle was that the first six novels I read through either had few similarities to my manuscript or weren't an equatable voice in prose. Shame too — they were (commercially) such good books to market a pitch with! I had to give myself grace: not a lot of novels regarding a girl selling weed edibles to tourists to save her bakery are out there. I stayed flexible and continued reading from my list. Waxing Gibbous : January 20th Visibility: The Waxing Gibbous Moon rises in the afternoon and is visible throughout the evening and early morning hours. It sets in the west after sunrise. It's a time for fine-tuning your projects, refining your writing style, and building upon the progress made earlier in the cycle. In the span of those two days, I motored through reading the four left on the list, Kübler-Ross'd myself through the grief of having to do more research to come up with another list, came up with another set of ten books, found where I could borrow these books from local libraries, and set a schedule for the next 14 days to read them. Full Moon : January 25th Visibility: The Full Moon rises in the east around sunset and sets in the west around sunrise. It's visible throughout the night, reaching its highest point in the sky around midnight. This phase is ideal for celebrating achievements, gaining clarity, and harnessing the full power of your creative expression. The full moon is a mid-point where I check in with myself. It's a big time for practicing gratitude. Sometimes this can be tricky! My manifestation desires may look different than my original desires — and I must figure out how I feel about that. It was especially difficult to practice gratitude when I was on book #25 and had a long list of "Maybe of Maybes" next to an empty list of "Comp Titles." Sure, I could spin a novel or two into working but I wanted Comp Titles that knocked my query out of the park. This wasn't a very illuminating time. What was I to do? Have a Full Moon Ceremony. I looked at my new moon manifestations and, with the new knowledge I had acquired, clarified the purpose and reason of the original list. I knew I needed a new list of novels. I centered myself. I may have smoked a recreationally legal joint while bundled up from the January chill. I definitely stood, blessed, under the strong moonlight blanketing my backyard. I meditated on the next step. Later on, while warm in my full moon bath tea, I came up with new keywords and vibes to search for regarding my comp titles. Waning Gibbous : January 30th Visibility: The Waning Gibbous Moon rises in the evening and is visible until morning. It's highest in the sky in the hours before dawn. It's a time for re-evaluating your progress, letting go of distractions, and preparing for closure or completion. The waning moon's light is decreasing. This is a time for inner reflection and review. Come from a place of non-judgement as an "observer" of your actions. This is time to notice what about the  new moon manifestations worked and what didn't. BE NICE TO YOURSELF . This moon phases is good for releasing bad energies and things that don't serve yourself. Rest, relax, and prepare for the next phase. This phase is also good for sharing what you've learned. reach out to friends and colleagues for insight and community. I didn't want to share with my friends that I wasn't getting the insight I had hoped for. I felt that I needed to double down and focus so I wasn't behind on my plans. In turn I really let go of distractions. I took my proverbial phone off the hook and doubled down on my reading schedule. I was on book #30. If this one worked, I'd have one comp title. If this one didn't work, I'd already borrowed five more novels from my library and could start right away. Last Quarter : February 2nd Visibility: The Last Quarter Moon rises around midnight and sets around noon. It's visible in the early morning sky, appearing halfway between the horizon and the zenith. It's a time for editing, revising, and refining your writing projects, as well as releasing any lingering doubts or fears. On February 2nd, I made myself sit with the slightly uncomfortable feeling that I hadn't achieved all I planned. I knew that I wasn't really behind on my plans because I had put the work in, but it still felt...lacking. When I'm in my head, I've learned from my therapist that it's wise to partake in activities that get me out of my head. Calling up my friends is the quickest route to take with this one. I was able to chat with my friend Kellie about what she had been up to post-holidays and she was kind enough to ask about my writing status. "You're looking for a book that has small-town summer vibes, an ensemble cast, and a happily (for now) ending?" She had a recommendation for me! Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid! It had small-town summer vibes, an ensemble cast, and a happily (for now) ending! (All of which were on my full moon manifestation list.) Blessed be, it's the friends you have that'll get you through it. The very next morning, I drove to my library to borrow the book. I read Malibu Rising in seven straight hours. I devoured every creatively placed word and internally thanked Taylor Jenkins Reid for a little bit of healing that every good book offers a reader. Waning Crescent : February 5th Visibility: The Waning Crescent Moon rises shortly before sunrise and is visible in the eastern sky before dawn. It's typically low in the sky and may be difficult to see due to the brightening morning twilight. I had to fully surrender and chalk this month up to a semi-success. It's a time for introspective writing, journaling, and quiet contemplation before the cycle begins anew with the next New Moon on February 9th. Finding a Second Comp Title was going to be at the top of my to do list. I was also going to prepare plans to draft a query letter for potential literary agents. I needed to start thinking about my social media presence, too. But what may be more important than a to-do list is a to-done list. Over this last Synodic Month, I had: Read at least 100 pages of 32 different novels — and finished seventeen of them. Made friends with the library staff that helped me when the Dewey Decimal System failed me. In order to optimize my reading hours, I mostly cooked at the house and, in turn learned how to properly prepare and season chana masala. Racked up precious snuggling time with my cat who loves sleeping on me. According to the universal rule of "when a pet lays on you, you can't move," I was effectively forced to sit down for longer periods of time to read while Gizmo was on my lap. Finally practice Taylor Lorenz's 6 Relaxing Yoga Reading Poses: Do Yoga While Reading! that I had Pinterested five moons ago: https://www.taylorstracks.com/yoga-reading-poses/ Confirm the belief that if the wonderful 32 novels I read could be published, so could mine. I use all these notes and lessons and newly-acquired skills to make the next new moon manifestation. The moon has kept me better in focus than any app ever has. I encourage you to experiment with setting your own writing goals or intentions by the moon phases. It's flexible and adaptable to fit your needs. But the most important aspect of this is to honor your own creative rhythms and intuition. Here are some resources to learn more about moon phases, rituals, and/or specific dates and times to your area. https://www.moongiant.com/ https://www.farmersalmanac.com/calendar/moon-phases https://www.chroniclebooks.com/products/the-moon-journal https://www.universallifetools.com/2018/02/energy-of-full-moons-new-moons/ https://clarityonfire.com/work-like-a-woman/ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/full-moon-rituals https://www.reddit.com/r/SASSWitches/comments/1034uec/full_moon_rituals/ Stay wild, moon child, Katherine Arkady

Introduction In part one of this two-part series, Katherine sits down with Todd, a seasoned member of a long-standing motorcycle club. With years of experience under his belt, Todd shares his unique perspective on the world of motorcycle clubs and their impact on society. From the myths surrounding club life to the realities of maintaining brotherhood, Todd goes into the history, structure, and personal significance of being a club member. He addresses commonly held stereotypes, the importance of club patches and colors, and gives insight into the role of philanthropy in the motorcycle community. Join us for an eye-opening discussion about the real world of motorcycle clubs that you won't see on TV. Here's the link to this specific podcast episode on my website.  Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other major platforms! Timestamps 00:01:12 How is it that you got started with the club? 00:02:44 Fact or Fiction 00:03:06 Harley Davidson is the one and only choice for real motorcycle club members. 00:04:12 What does the CC mean? 00:05:07 Motorcycle clubs are only for people who don't fit mainstream society, like ex-convicts, rebels, or troublemakers. 00:06:03 Motorcycle club members are all heavy drinkers and partiers, and that clubs are shown hosting wild parties fueled by booze, drugs, and chaos. 00:07:23 Motorcycle club members are always heavily tattooed, always wear leather jackets and vests and have to look tough. 00:08:52 Motorcycle clubs frequently feud with rival clubs and club wars and turf battles are a constant reality, leading to shootouts and revenge plots. 00:11:47 Motorcycle clubs control small towns and communities, and that motorcycle clubs exert influence over local businesses, law enforcement, and politics as seen on all of these TV shows. 00:14:54 Motorcycle clubs have strict hierarchies and roles. 00:17:07 What makes a motorcycle unsafe? 00:17:36 Women are not allowed to be full-fledged members and that women are depicted as property or mere accessories to male motorcycle club members. 00:21:28 A club patch or colors are considered untouchable and disrespecting them leads to serious consequences. 00:24:32 Timeline of being accepted into a club 00:25:15 History of motorcycle clubs, specifically in Detroit. 00:30:59 Regarding being in the club, how important is observation and attention to detail? 00:33:43 What challenges occur when maintaining a peaceful environment at the clubhouse and what happens when you host other clubs? 00:35:04 How often does your club host other clubs at the clubhouse? 00:35:45 Are there acronyms or code words that you'll see used in other motorcycle clubs or amongst yourselves to communicate? 00:36:32 Resources for writers 00:37:54 Philanthropy with the clubs (and not so much with the government) 00:40:40 Lawyers for the club 00:41:12 Like jewelers have dirty and burned hands, like farmers get wicked tans. Would anything on your body give away that you are in a motorcycle club? 00:42:52 What does this brotherhood mean to you? 00:43:50 In a lot of media, there's shows like Sons of Anarchy that really get into the motorcycle clubs. What about these shows do they get right, and what about these shows do they get wrong? 00:45:14 Could you describe a visually memorable experience that has stuck with you through your years in the motorcycle clubs? 00:47:38 Sounds of being a club member  00:52:50 What music genres do you think most of the club listens to? 00:54:00 Do bikes automatically have a stereo outfitted, or is that like an extra accessory that people bring? 00:54:47 If you're just driving in your hearse and you hear a bike going down the road and you hear something from that bike, what would you hear where it's like, man needs to get that checked out? 00:55:51 What extra precautions do motorcyclists have to take while on the road with other vehicles? 00:57:34 How do these club nicknames come to fruition? 01:01:02 What sort of protective gear does one wear while riding? 01:01:56 What sort of accessories do you see people outfitting their motorcycles with? 01:02:27 Do people most often only have one bike or is it like, once you have one, you get 12? 01:03:18 And when people do the outfits with aftermarket stuff, are there certain websites that folk go to, or is it just whatever you find? Key Takeaways: Motorcycle Club Myths : Todd discusses common misconceptions about motorcycle clubs, from the types of members they attract to the often exaggerated depictions in media. Club Hierarchy and Brotherhood : The importance of the club's structure and the deep sense of camaraderie that members share, often transcending typical friendships. The Role of Women in Clubs : Todd addresses the gender dynamics within the club and the misconceptions about women's roles in motorcycle clubs. Philanthropy and Community Engagement : Motorcycle clubs often give back to their communities in ways that go unnoticed by the public. Biker Safety and Gear : An overview of the necessary safety precautions, gear, and accessories motorcyclists use while on the road. Editor's Note: Motorcycle clubs are often misrepresented or oversimplified  in media. I'm sure you've seen them glamorized in gritty crime dramas or reduced to caricatures in action films. If you're writing anything from a novel to a screenplay or even journalistic work that involves these groups, nuanced research is non-negotiable . But the challenge: much of what’s written about  clubs is secondhand, biased, or sensationalized. That’s where interviews like this come in: they’re primary sources . You’re hearing directly from a veteran club member—not just what happens  in a club, but how it feels, what people value, how trust is built, what’s taboo, and what outsiders never see. It’s texture and context that you won’t find in Wikipedia summaries or trope-heavy TV episodes. This kind of real-world, firsthand material can help writers: Avoid lazy stereotypes (like “all club members are violent outlaws”) Use accurate lingo and structure (like understanding ranks, patches, or rituals) Reflect the emotional layers (loyalty, tension, code of honor, etc.) Create characters who feel real, not like recycled archetypes Links & Resources: Check Out Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)  for resources on riding gear and road safety. Dig into the history of notable motorcycle brands like Harley-Davidson . Iain Parke has a great list of his personal picks for "Outlaw Biker Books" books on Shepherd.com/ CuriosiD , a segment in WDET 101.9 FM programming, has a rad episode about " What’s the story behind Black motorcycle clubs in Detroit?" Part Two of this Series Thanks for riding along. Until next time, keep it in the wind, Katherine Arkady

Understated. Chic. Demure. Am I talking about Loro Piana's latest fabrics? Am I admiring Patek Philippe's newest collection of watches. No, I'm talking about the most chic and understated bitch of the literary runway. The obscure term that has made a living out of flying under the radar. I'm talking about the ✨ litotes .✨ She gets away with saying everything without saying anything. She decides who gains access to the true meaning of the speaker's words. She, that cunning term, will hide lies and truths from you. Pronounced lie-TOH-tees , this rhetorical device is an understated way of making a point, often by using double negatives or negating the opposite. Litotes comes from the Greek word litotēs , meaning “simplicity” or “plainness.” It’s derived from litos , which means “simple” or “meager.” This etymological root reflects the understated nature of the figure of speech itself. While it may seem modest, litotes often conveys a deeper meaning with precision. I'm telling you! She's fierce! In essence, litotes is a form of understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negation of its opposite. Rather than stating something outright, the speaker emphasizes its truth by downplaying it. Some examples: Not bad (meaning good) She's not unkind (meaning she is kind) He’s no fool (meaning he is smart) That wasn’t the worst meal I’ve had (meaning it was a decent meal) You’re not wrong (meaning you’re right) She’s not inexperienced (meaning she’s experienced) It’s not impossible (meaning it’s possible) It’s not unlike him to be late (meaning he’s often late) He’s not unfamiliar with the subject (meaning he is familiar with the subject) I can’t say I disagree (meaning I agree) He’s not the worst singer I’ve heard (meaning he is a decent singer) That wasn’t entirely unexpected (meaning it was expected) I wouldn’t say no to dessert (meaning I would like dessert) She’s not exactly thrilled about it (meaning she is unhappy about it) This isn't rocket science (meaning it is easy) It’s not the best weather (meaning the weather is bad) That wasn’t the least enjoyable experience (meaning it was somewhat enjoyable) He’s not entirely wrong (meaning he is somewhat right) It’s not unheard of (meaning it is common or known) That’s no small feat (meaning it is a big achievement) You’re not exactly a stranger to this (meaning you are familiar with this) Exactly! You use litotes all the time don't you? You’re not exactly foolish . Litotes allows for a more restrained way to express something, often softening the blow of a harsh truth or adding a touch of irony. "But doesn't meiosis use understatement with a touch of irony, too?" you ask. "What's the difference?" Meiosis and litotes are both rhetorical devices involving understatement, but they differ in their purpose and execution. Meiosis intentionally downplays the significance of something, often for ironic or humorous effect, such as calling a serious wound a "scratch," thereby emphasizing its true severity. Or calling a psychologist a "shrink" or a "glorified babysitter." Or jokingly calling your Great Dane a "lapdog." In contrast, litotes affirms a positive statement through negation, using double negatives to express modesty or subtlety, as seen in phrases like "He's not unattractive" (meaning he is attractive). While meiosis often carries a sarcastic or ironic tone, litotes typically maintains a more neutral or polite demeanor, softening a statement without belittling its subject. She's cunning. She'll get you and you won't know until after the fact. This figure of speech isn’t just found in colloquial conversation. It's been around for centuries! In classic literature, the device is used to add complexity to characters' dialogue or to enhance the irony of a situation. For instance, In Beowulf , the phrase “that sword was not useless to the warrior now” is an example of litotes , subtly affirming the weapon’s importance without directly stating its value. “It’s no small task.” from John Milton, Paradise Lost. Milton uses litotes to indicate that a particular task is actually quite significant and challenging. In closing, litotes won't be the Shalom Harlow cutting up the literary runway and leaving no crumbs, but would thrive with the activist energy of Adwoa Aboah getting the job done with subtle grace and precision. Next time you want to make a point without being overt, consider using litotes —because they're not unimportant . Mind your p's and litotes, Katherine Arkady,

In the realm of literary devices, few tools offer the versatility and subtle power of the ✨ synecdoche ✨ Prounounced si- neck - duh-key, the word synecdoche ( /sɪˈnɛkdəki/) comes from the Greek word synekdokhē (συνεκδοχή), which means "simultaneous understanding" or "shared understanding." It's derived from the prefix syn- (meaning "together") and ekdokhē (meaning "interpretation" or "understanding"). This figure of speech, though often overshadowed by its flashier cousins "metaphor" and "simile," plays an excellent role in storytelling by allowing writers to paint vivid images in the reader's mind while using fewer words. Synecdoche occurs when a part of something is used to represent the whole , or, conversely, when the whole is used to represent a part . This act creates a more dynamic and layered form of expression. "What , pray tell, does that even mean , Katherine?" you ask. Here are some examples to get the gears grinding! "Ears" to refer to to listening or attention: "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." "Heads" to count people : Teachers often use this when counting how many students are back on the bus.  "Faces," referring to people: "We need some new faces in the team." "Bubbly" to refer to champagne : "Bubbles" are just one part of the drink, but it's now widely used to refer to the beverage.  "Forbes" to refer to a Forbes journalist : When someone is noted as being interviewed by a publication, the whole publication is used to refer to the specific journalist who conducted the interview.  "Threads" referring to clothes: "He showed off his new threads at the party." "Kleenex" to refer to all facial tissues.   "Coke" to refer to a soft drink : Drinking "Coke" whenever you're having a soft drink. "Wheels" to refer to a car: "She just got a new set of wheels." Why should we writers even take advantage of a hard to pronounce si- neck - duh-key ? Synecdoche offers a unique way to introduce nuance into writing. You should love your nuance. Instead of describing an entire scene or object, a writer can zoom in on one telling detail that stands in for the larger picture. This not only streamlines the narrative but also adds texture and specificity to descriptions. Consider this line from Emily Dickinson's Poem I heard a Fly buzz—when I died: "The Eyes around—had wrung them dry—" In this line, eyes stand for the people gathered around the speaker. By focusing on the eyes, Dickinson emphasizes the emotional intensity of the moment, particularly the weeping and the witnesses' grief. "Another! Another!" you plead. Okay, okay: consider how we Americans hear synecdoches on a daily basis. You tune into the news and hear the anchor say, "The White House issued a statement." Here, The White House is used to represent the President and his administration. It's not the literal building that is issuing a statement, but the people who work there. The power in a synecdoche is where it leads the reader. It's the power of suggestion that leads you to the most impactful part of the scenario. If done right, synecdoches will have readers actively engaging with the text and filling in the blanks with tidbits of their own experiences. They can participate in the creation of meaning, making the reading experience more immersive. THAT'S THE GOOD STUFF. And so, to close: though it may be an obscure term, synecdoche is an essential tool for writers who want to add nuance and depth to their stories. By focusing on a part to represent the whole, or vice versa, authors can create sharper, more resonant images that stick with readers well after they've read the final page. Next time you’re reading or writing, keep an eye out for synecdoche —you may be surprised how often it’s used to evoke powerful meaning with just a few words. Have a favorite? let me know in the comments. Si- neck - duh-key, si- neck - duh-key, si- neck - duh-key, Katherine Arkady

I've always wanted to learn a new language. Technically, I took three years of Spanish in high school, but that didn't sink in — not for lack of effort on the teacher. I had really wanted to learn French, but my mom insisted I would use more Spanish in my day to day. To this day, I still point out all the French we see in the area because, as we are Michiganders, we're close to the Canadians with their own French flair. And so, well over a decade since I was in high school, I still had this yearning to learn a new language. Now, with the power of smartphones behind me, I could learn French on Duolingo! Sike, that owl was NOT impressed with me. But I was nearing 30 and had yet to even skim this dream of being bilingual! Enter an adult continuing education class offered by my local community—Italian 1. I enjoyed the second season of White Lotus . I loved The Godfather Part One and Two and kindly ignore the third. And Sofia Loren? in movies, in fashion, just EXISTING?? I wanted to learn her language! Plus, her documentary on Netflix, What Would Sofia Loren Do? was inspiring!! And so, I am now six classes in and here is what I've found most interesting to learn so far: Gendered Nouns . The Italian language, with its gendered nouns, offers a poetic and nuanced lens through which I've newly interpreted the world. Inanimate objects are gendered and that can offer layers of meaning as to how our perceptions of the item can be shaped. Allow me to explain with my favorite comparison so far with  "il giorno" (the day) and "la notte" (the night): Il giorno in the masculine category evokes senses like action, strength, and productivity. It is a time of clarity, light, and energy. "The day"'s masculine form coincides with traditionally masculine traits such as decisiveness and boldness, as daybreak brings direction and movement to life. The sun, with its unrelenting heat and brightness, takes over the sky, mirroring how the day represents authority and control over time. On the opposite side, la notte (feminine) embodies mystery, softness, and introspection. The night is a time of reflection, dreams, and rest, aligned with traditionally feminine qualities of nurturing, secrecy, and emotional depth. The moon, of which I'll consider to be the night’s guardian, changes phases like a cycle—much like the cycles associated with femininity. The night invites surrender, with its dark and enveloping presence that asks for trust and acceptance, rather than dominance. This duality of masculine and feminine reflects a broader—what I believe to be even a romantic idea in Italian—is that opposites, when paired together, complete one another. Day and night balance each other, just as masculine and feminine energies do. The masculine day is incomplete without the feminine night, suggesting that life’s fullness comes from the interplay between these forces. In a broader sense, gendered language in Italian allows us to view the world through a lens of relationship and balance. Objects and concepts aren’t just neutral—they contain the essence of gendered qualities, making the language itself a form of storytelling, where each noun carries its own personality and place within a greater harmony. This to me is the romance of the Italian language! It breathes life into things that, in other languages, might be seen as ordinary or without emotional resonance. As a writer, this is an exciting avenue to explore. In English, the fire is a fire, the leaf is a leaf, and the story is a story. But, as you can see below in these following comparisons, Italian adds different energies to the words. Il mare (the sea, masculine) vs. La terra (the land, feminine) The sea is vast, powerful, and ever-changing. The land is stable, nurturing, and grounded. Il sole (the sun, masculine) vs. La luna (the moon, feminine) The sun is bright and dominant, symbolizing action and clarity. The moon is mysterious, gentle, and associated with intuition and cycles. Il fiore (the flower, masculine) vs. La foglia (the leaf, feminine) The flower is vibrant and draws attention The leaf is quiet, persistent, and supports the life of the plant. Il vento (the wind, masculine) vs. La pioggia (the rain, feminine) The wind is forceful and unpredictable. The rain is soft, life-giving, and cleansing. Il cuore (the heart, masculine) vs. La mente (the mind, feminine) The heart represents emotion and passion. The mind symbolizes logic, reasoning, and introspection. Il fuoco (the fire, masculine) vs. L'acqua (the water, feminine) Fire is intense, consuming, and transformative. Water is fluid, adaptable, and sustaining. Il cielo (the sky, masculine) vs. La stella (the star, feminine) The sky is vast and overarching. The stars are distant, twinkling, and subtle, giving light to the darkness. Il pensiero (the thought, masculine) vs. La sensazione (the feeling, feminine) Thought is rational, structured, and concrete. Sensation is emotional, intuitive, and abstract. Il libro (the book, masculine) vs. La storia (the story, feminine) The book is a tangible object, formal and structured. The story is fluid, imaginative, and driven by narrative flow. Il vino (the wine, masculine) vs. La birra (the beer, feminine) Wine is often associated with elegance, depth, and complexity. Beer has a refreshing, more straightforward, and communal nature. Language will never not be a passion of mine. If you take it literally, letters and words are made up scribbles that humans have given meaning to. If you take it spiritually, letters and words are a human creation made to better explain the dual experience of living within ourselves and experiencing life through our outward realities. I'm still learning and hope to discover more of these lovely connections. Until t hen — May you find your dualities and affirm your wholeness though the power of language, Katherine Arkady

In Self-Help , a collection of stories by Lorrie Moore, page 117 to be exact, lies a short story titled How to Become a Writer . It begins with my favorite published sentence to date: "First, try to be something, anything, else." I first read it while attending a community college for a video production degree. I was questioning my choices as a future producer and wanted to dip my toes into a much more profitable English Degree. The class was ENGL-1040 and covered short stories and the authors that created them. Within the first paragraph, the narrator lays out that "it is best if you fail at an early age." I was 22 at the time and a year away from reaching late-stage Gifted Child Burnout. To hear that writers need to be okay with failure was a foreign and loathsome thought. I hated how it seemed that it was out of a writer's hands to protect themselves from failure. I passed the english class with a 99% — which really pissed me off — and went forward with my courses for video production because I abide by the sunk-cost bias. I worked multiple jobs (sometimes three at a time) to pay for my classes. I wasn't picky: chocolatier, home heath insurance recruiter, keyholder at a clothing boutique, nanny, lighting and rig technician, keyholder at another clothing store, and a church secretary. I secretly liked any of these jobs more than I liked producing videos for other people. I never stopped writing in my journals. I graduated a year and a half later. By then, I had started my own freelance graphic design company to pay for college classes. This was what I wanted to do. I was blessed that it only took two months for me to find a job as a graphic designer. The Gifted Child Syndrome was buzzing with a perfect gig and the bubbles of impending collapse. I continued to write in my journals, but this time it wasn't about me, it was about these (fictional) characters that were yelling stories at me. The 1999 single What's My Age Again? by blink-182 thrice states, "Nobody likes you when you're twenty-three." Frankly, I didn't like me, either. The Gifted Child bubble had popped. I was going through some traumatic shit that took a therapist to unpack. If you knew me back then, no you didn't, but I'm still super, super sorry about it. I was doing one of those miserable deep cleans of my room because I needed to make more room for a shelf to put all my filled journals. I laughed when I opened a closet box to see several college books inside, specifically Self-Help . I read How to Become a Writer again. It wasn't lovely to see my life paralleling with the narrator — "Decide to experiment with fiction...Take all the babysitting jobs you can get...spend too much time slouched and demoralized...Perhaps you are losing your pals, your acquaintances..." — but it was comforting. I continued to work as a graphic designer at a print house for three years. I continued to write in my journals. The characters now had storylines and intertwining plots. I think I was telling people that I was moonlighting as a writer at this time. I wasn't ready to claim it but I was ready to hold onto the idea. When the pandemic happened, I had too much time on my hands so I read what books I had at home. Like a purple and white beacon, Self-Help brought my mind to safe harbor. How to Become a Writer had the magic phrase needed to propel me out of a pity party and into finalizing a manuscript that was reaching it's seventh anniversary from conception: "You are said to be self-mutilating and losing weight, but you continue writing. The only happiness you have is writing something new, in the middle of the night, armpits damp, heart pounding, something no one has yet seen. You have only those brief, fragile, untested moments of exhilaration when you know: you are a genius. Understand what you must do." I finished my first manuscript by the time the quarantine was over. The world had changed. I had changed. But I hid the manuscript and took a job as a landscaper. I was laid off in September because of Covid restrictions. The job market was tough then. Gifted Child me would have been an anxious wreck. I had reached the point in therapy where I could give myself grace. The universe gave me some grace when I read How to Become a Writer again. "You must write from what you know, from what has happened to you." I began writing my second manuscript in that time. I also began writing my third because I still had a little Gifted Child in me that needed sating. I got a job as a jeweler because I'm not picky. Loved the technical work, hated the work culture. I quit and started a dogsitting business. Loved that more than anything I had done before. I'm not shy to say that it's because I had more contact with dogs than humans. I finished my second and third manuscript. I dared to call it a series and talk to my friends about it. Just as it's written in How to Become a Writer: "Sooner or later you have a finished manuscript more or less. People look at it in a vaguely troubled sort of way and say, 'I'll bet becoming a writer was always a fantasy of yours, wasn't it?'...Say that of all the fantasies possible in the world, you can't imagine being a writer even making the top twenty." But I kept writing in my journals and brainstorming a fourth story. I started putting "Writer/Dogsitter" in my bio on dating apps. It was a new me that I wanted to show of to the world, so I might as well be authentic about what I was doing. The emotionally unavailable men I continued to date, "with a face blank as a sheet of paper asks you whether writers often become discouraged. Say that sometimes they do and sometimes they do...'Interesting,' smiles your date, and then he looks down at his arm hairs and starts to smooth them, all, always, in the same direction." Spoiler alert: that's how it ends. With the Narrator's dates acting the same way that my dates do. I'm not shy to say that I cried upon realizing I've finally reached a milestone. The story doesn't end with the narrator becoming a successful writer and this story is the opposite of an instruction manual. The story ends with the narrator in a state of understanding of "this is how it is" as a writer. Now, after what's been eight — soon to be nine years later and with five manuscripts — I dare call them a series — under my belt, I read How to Become a Writer before writing this post, and I see myself through the entirety of the story. I feel I'm finally understanding that I became a writer when I took on all aspects — discouragement, exhilaration, misunderstandings, loss, obsession, etc., etc., etc. I was finally okay with failure as it had become a familiar and assuring thought. And so; while I've done my best to be anything but a writer, it's only ever confirmed that a writer is exactly who I should be. Cheers, Katherine Arkady P.S. If Lorrie Moore is reading this right now: you're the reason my video production degree is somewhere in my mother's attic. ❤️