Have you ever had a writer friend who talked about how sometimes it felt like they weren’t writing the story – their characters were? I know. It sounds absurd. But sometimes – it really does feel that way. Last week, I had rounded 80K on the first draft of my murder mystery novel, and IContinue reading “Rogue Characters: Murder Mystery Edition”
Author Archives: AmiMaxine
An Evening with Heather Headley
Twenty-two years ago (plus a couple months), I saw the national tour of Aida at the Weidner Center, which was located on my college’s campus. I took full advantage of the fact that my city’s performing arts center was walking distance and offered student rush tickets. I loved it so much that I went backContinue reading “An Evening with Heather Headley”
Woodfield Mall
I’ll admit, this post is mostly for my own nostalgia. But a couple weeks ago (by the time this posts, more like a month), I was listening to a podcast where one of the hosts, who is also from the Chicagoland area, mentioned Woodfield Mall – which is located in Schaumburg, IL, and is theContinue reading “Woodfield Mall”
First Friday Rec: Binti
Title: BintiAuthor: Nnedi OkoraforGenre: science fiction, adventurousPages: 74Publication Date: 2015StoryGraph* Moods: adventure, emotional, hopefulHow I Stumbled Upon This Book: book clubOther Books by Okorafor: Death of the Author, She Who Knows, Noor, Who Fears Death, The Book of Phoenix, Lagoon, Kabu Kabu, *StoryGraph also offers content warnings. Description: Binti, of the Himba people, is theContinue reading “First Friday Rec: Binti”
Farmers’ Markets
Not gonna lie, I’m not a huge fan of the summer months. I don’t like hot, humid weather. I’m allergic to everything that blooms. And I have to douse myself in a gallon of sun block any time I’ll be outside. You’re probably thinking I’m joking, but let’s just say this comic by the talentedContinue reading “Farmers’ Markets”
Pushy Story Ideas
On a day near the end of March, I was driving, and an idea came to me (I have a long commute, so this is not unusual). “They” say (there was a study that I read that I can’t find – but I’m still looking – so thus the air quotes around ‘they’) that weContinue reading “Pushy Story Ideas”
Summer Teachin’
Like Summer Lovin’ but for teaching? Haha. What? Not funny? Yeah, Ok. This summer, I finally get to be that teacher – the ones people always throw in our faces when we ever dare to ask for a raise. The ones that get the ENTIRE summer off. *gasp* I just finished up my sixteenth yearContinue reading “Summer Teachin’”
Kavarna: Twenty Years
I’ve been hitting some milestones lately that have felt…unreal. Impossible? I’m in my sixteenth year of teaching – but I swear I’ve only been at my college for a few years. I’m also coming up on twenty years since I graduated from undergrad (the specific date is three days from now) – and given theContinue reading “Kavarna: Twenty Years”
First Friday Rec: Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns
Title: Pole Dancing to Gospel HymnsAuthor: Andrea GibsonGenre: poetry, nonfiction, reflectivePages: 92Publication Date: 2008StoryGraph* Moods: emotional, reflective, inspiringHow I Stumbled Upon This Book: Like many, I heard Gibson’s poetry before I read it. About a decade and a half ago, a friend told me I HAD to come with her to see Gibson perform –Continue reading “First Friday Rec: Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns”
Complicated Drink Orders
I remember when St@rbucks first became popular. I’ll admit, I was super judgy of folks who went there that had complicated drink orders. I didn’t even drink coffee at that point, so I had no clue what a bone dry cappuccino or a half-caff double-shot soy caramel macchiato even were. Honestly, most of the ordersContinue reading “Complicated Drink Orders”
Ami Maxine 