This post should inspire you to think creatively in relation to the following prompt and is especially targeted at nonfiction writers. Choose a common, trivial or otherwise unremarkable memory and describe it in the most dramatic and absurd way possible, with the aim to grab the reader’s attention. Suggestions for Nonfiction Writers Modernist literature developed… Continue reading Finding the Extraordinary
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Summer 2021 – Poetry
Heartsong Oh, you’ve done it now, you chancer;You’ve burrowed all the way downAnd set up shop in my warm and sticky centre. Your filthy crackling laughRattles my bones awake each morning,And your honey-thick hum soothes them to sleep each heavy evening. Sinéad Mooney We published many memorable poems in our last issue, so it was… Continue reading Summer 2021 – Poetry
Halloween and Valentine’s combo
Writing for a particular occasion is always fun and provides a useful cultural touchpoint to get your imagination flowing. In this post, I will suggest a number of activities which groups can do near to Halloween and Valentine’s day. First we will look at the genre of horror which is apt for Halloween-inspired writing. Thinking… Continue reading Halloween and Valentine’s combo
Summer 2021 – Fiction
The Mythology of Althea & Keegan “Christ,” the pelican said, pressing the tip of his wing to his forehead. “Does either of you have a vape pen?” “No!” Keegan exclaimed, looking appalled. Althea dug in her purse and handed one over. “Here you go,” she said. “Thanks.” He sparked it and inhaled deeply, coughing and… Continue reading Summer 2021 – Fiction
Convictions and intoxications
This post will be a fun resource combining the themes of politics and intoxication in relation to writing and artwork. First we will begin with politics… Some opening thoughts A commitment to politics requires a strong dedication to the use of words to craft engaging and informed arguments. Creative writing is a great place to… Continue reading Convictions and intoxications
People in Plots
Let’s begin by thinking about character… Warm up: Think about what constitutes effective character creation. Are these characters relatable? Are they consistent? Do they have recognisable qualities? Think about your favourite fictional character and consider why you like them so much. Think about the importance of names within fiction and how you might go about… Continue reading People in Plots
Summer 2021 – Drama
‘I want to tell you about something that happened to me. It’s about the ocean. And about fear.’ – The Whales by Christopher Woods. We have been thrilled to launch our new Drama section in this Summer 2021 edition of Spellbinder. Each of our published pieces has its own unique energy with strong characters, style… Continue reading Summer 2021 – Drama
Summer 2021 – Nonfiction
Hamantaschen ‘Like today, last Hanukkah was another of my faltering attempts to mark a holiday we’d never celebrated as children, with gaps in space and memory filled in using the internet. I learned to pronounce the prayers from a YouTube video, and met up with my sister over Zoom each night to light a menorah… Continue reading Summer 2021 – Nonfiction
Spaces and Places
Read on if you are interested in activities relating to the construction of settings in fiction works or the production of travel writing as a nonfiction genre. The setting of any piece of fiction is extremely important and will make a huge difference to the type of work you end up writing. To practice the… Continue reading Spaces and Places
Slipping into strangeness
This post should inspire you to think creatively in relation to the following prompt and is especially targeted at fiction writers. Write a surrealist poem or flash fiction piece. To do this, you can first write your piece as you would normally do. Then, you can play with it by swapping words or part of… Continue reading Slipping into strangeness