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Valkyrie

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  1. Valkyrie

    Life's a Zoo

    By Valkyrie,


    Prompts
    When I was a kid, I loved going to the zoo and seeing the animals.  I still do, even though I haven't gone in ages.  Most people love the monkeys or the lions and tigers, but my favorite was always the capybara exhibit.  I think it's because it was astounding to me that rodents could get that big.  Plus, they're cute   Anyway, my local zoo just got a new capybara named Mozzarella.  And since life can be a bit chaotic, I thought today's prompts could use a zoo theme.  There's also the matter of the missing giraffe in Texas.  I know Texas is big, but how the heck do you lose a giraffe??? 

    PT Prompt #346:
    Your local zoo just got a new animal and is holding a contest to name it.  You win the contest.  What's the animal, its name, and what did you win?
    PT Prompt #347:
    Your job is crazy and feels like a literal zoo.  With so much on your plate, you end up making a colossal mistake.  What's the outcome?  Does it end badly or surprisingly well?  
     
     
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
  2. Valkyrie
    Well, it's somebody's birthday today   🐧so I figured I would post some totally random stuff that probably only makes sense to me.  And probably @chris191070 and his time-traveling capybara.  My birthday present from everyone can be writing a prompt response.  @wildone  

     
    PT Prompt #342
    Use the following word list in a story:  ceiling fan, penguin, closet, snapdragon, fork, rutabaga, otter 
    PT Prompt #343
    Tell the story of a birthday gone either horribly wrong, or horribly right.  Or both.  
     
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
  3. Valkyrie

    Why Write Short Stories?

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    I love reading short stories.  Well-written short stories pack a punch and make the reader think.  I still remember reading stories like The Lottery and Flowers for Algernon in school.  I won't say how long ago that was...   I also love writing short stories.  For me, they're an experiment.  Sometimes it's a thought experiment - I wonder what would happen if.... Sometimes it's a form experiment.  Writing in third person vs first person or writing a story without dialogue. @Libby Drew wrote a wonderful guest article a few years ago on writing short stories, so I thought it would be a good time to re-feature it.  Give a read, and let us know in the comments your thoughts on reading/writing short stories.  
     
     
  4. Valkyrie

    Writing Events Reminder

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    We have two upcoming writing events - the Secret Author contest and the annual Anthology.  All the information about participating can be found in the links below.  While we are not allowed to talk about writing for the SA contest  , we can talk about the anthology.  How are everyone's stories coming along?  Feel free to share any teasers in the comments. 

     
     
     
     
  5. Valkyrie

    Where to?

    By Valkyrie,


    Prompts
    Last week, I threw together a random list of words, and @chris191070 came up with a story that will make you react like this: 

    Time-traveling capybaras... be sure to check it out! 
    Now, on to this week's prompt.  I decided to use another picture as a prompt.  We're heading into summer, which means time to travel for a lot of people.  This picture kind of spoke to me.  Is the person who packed this mess of a suitcase going on a vacation?  Work trip?  Kicked out of their residence?  So many possibilities...  let's see where they take us!  Be sure to copy/paste the link to your story/chapter in the comments, and maybe you'll be featured in a future blog.  Now start writing! 
    PT Prompt #339

    Photo by Eduardo Ramos on Unsplash 
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
  6. Valkyrie
    I've started a new job, so with my attention focused on that, I may or may not have realized it's prompt Friday   So, let's embrace that theme with a new prompt. 

     
    PT Prompt #338
    Word list:  Use the following words in a story - late, work, capybara, airplane, pizza box, umbrella 
     
     
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
  7. Valkyrie
    I thought it would be fun to do something a bit different, so today's prompt is based off the picture below.  Write a caption, story, novella, paragraph, poem - whatever the picture inspires.  
    PT Prompt #337
     

     
    Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
  8. Valkyrie
    We're baaaaaccckkkkk!!!  After a brief hiatus while the poetry anthology posted, Aditus and I have returned and are ready to prompt!  There's no particular theme to today's prompts.  It's just weird random stuff floating around in my brain.  If @wildone comments on that, I'll sic @Krista on him.  

    We also accept guest prompts, so if anyone has ideas they'd like us to share, please PM either myself or @Aditus
    PT Prompt #335
    It's home renovation time!  Choose a room to renovate into something it's not typically used for.  For example, turn a dining room into a home office.  
    PT Prompt #336
    You haven't showered for 10 days straight.  Why? What are the consequences? 
     
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
     
  9. Valkyrie

    Upcoming Site Events

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    Now that the poetry anthology is behind us, it's time to look forward to what's next.  Last week, Cia announced the forbidden secret author contest.   No, it's not forbidden to participate - just to announce that you're participating  

     
    We also have our annual anthology, with two themes this year, Horizons and Unspoken.  

    We'll round off the year with our annual Prompt Team event - details will be revealed later this year.  
    Should we make it a contest to see which event gets the most participation?  I think the secret author contest and the anthology tied last year.  Maybe with two themes, the anthology will win out this year  
  10. Valkyrie

    **2026 Anthology Announcement**

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    It's here!  The moment we've all been eagerly waiting for!  It's time to announce the 2026 Anthology theme!  But before we do, you know we like to keep everyone on their toes, so there's a bit of a twist for 2026.   This year we decided on....


    Two themes!  So if one doesn't strike your fancy, hopefully the other one will.  Ideally, both will inspire authors to write a story for each.  So without further ado, here are the themes for the 2026 GA Anthology!
    Horizons

    and
    Unspoken

    Guidelines can be found below:
    2026 Anthology - Due: October 1, 2026
    2026 Themes are: Horizons, Unspoken
    Feel free to interpret the themes in any way you want. The anthologies are not exclusive, but inclusive, so don't worry if you think your entry has only a tangential link to the theme. If you are inspired, then write a short story, poem, or play!
    Please read these submission guidelines carefully.
    You may address these themes in any style or genre you choose. Be creative! However, please note this is an anthology of short stories. By definition, a short story must stand alone and not require reading a prior story. It therefore cannot be a chapter in a serial.
    Who may participate:
    Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. However, you must be a member here at GA with author or poet status (which is free and can be purchased through the Activities tab: Store link).  Please RSVP to the 2026 Anthology event (can be found by accessing the activity tab, then events) to receive reminders and also to give the anthology team an idea of number of participants.
    Submission Guidelines
    Submission Date: October 1, 2026
    Please Note: Submission date is for submission to the Anthology Proof Team.
    Non-Poetry
    No Story Limit: Each story submitted must meet quality and editing guidelines. Each story posted as its own submission Minimum word count per story: 1,000 Maximum word count per story: 25,000 Poetry
    Unlimited number of poems, up to 10,000 words total Posted as a single submission (a collection)  
    Submission Procedure *Please read carefully*
    Once your story is complete and has gone through your beta and editing team, please complete the following steps:
    Contact @Valkyrie via PM. Include in the PM the following information: Title, original editor, genre, synopsis, word count, and excerpt in the body of the PM. Attach your story file as a Word document.  Please send as a .doc or .docx if possible.  We have had issues with .odt documents.  You will be paired with a proofreader from the Anthology Proof Team who will perform a final proof for the anthology and return the file to you. *Please Note: Prior editing required before submission.* Once you receive your proofed file, complete your edits and submit your story into the GA Stories Archive. For help, please read How do I upload my anthology entry into GA Stories? o   Make sure the story stays unpublished (DO NOT click on either the publish or publish now buttons for the story itself or later when adding a chapter/chapters.)
      Select “Fiction” as the category. It will be moved later by staff.  A maximum of four chapters may be included, but submitting the story as one chapter is highly preferred. Due to site limitations, if there are multiple chapters submitted, one chapter will post every 24 hours. This is not something we can change. When submitting multiple chapters, DO NOT SET A DATE for the ‘story’ or the chapters.  Site staff will set the dates for you once they are moved to the anthology category. The ‘story’ and first chapter will publish on the anthology release date, and subsequently, additional chapters will post every 24 hours after that.  Not following this guideline results in a LOT of extra work for staff, and you will risk your story not being included in the anthology. Mark your story status as COMPLETE. Only completed stories are allowed in the anthologies Please note that once you submit a story it will NOT show up in your list of stories until the anthology has gone live. Copy the URL for your story (not a chapter page) and paste it in the announcement thread in the Writer’s Circle so your submission may be checked to ensure it meets submission guidelines and is moved to the anthology category.  ***Please do a visual check of your story once it has been uploaded to ensure that it posted correctly. If it did not, contact @Cia or @Valkyrie.  

    IMPORTANT: Please DO NOT do ANYTHING with your story once it has been submitted to the anthology. We lock edits to anthologies, but we can only lock so much and making ANY changes can cause issues with the system. If there is something with your story that absolutely needs fixed, added, etc, PLEASE contact @Cia or @Valkyrie. Thank you!
    Extensions
    Occasionally things happen that prevent an author from meeting the deadline. If you need an extension, contact Valkyrie before the deadline (not the day of or after), and something may be able to be worked out.  If you have NOT made arrangements prior to the deadline, your anthology story will not be included. You are welcome to post your story independently and include a story note stating it was originally meant to be part of the anthology.
    Story Titles
    Please do not use the anthology theme or your GA Username as a title. Be as original as you can. In case of duplicate titles within the anthology, we will request that titles be changed.
    Unacceptable entries & Content Warnings
    Entries that are obviously unedited (containing many errors) or that violate site guidelines will be either declined or changes may be requested as a condition of entry. For information on what is considered to be unacceptable, please see the Story Content Rules FAQ. 
    Please include a Content Warning in the story notes if your story contains sensitive content, e.g.: abuse-physical, mental, sexual, extreme violence, taboo topics, etc.... 
    Previously posted stories (whether at GA or elsewhere) are not eligible for inclusion into the GA anthologies.
    Editing
    All entries MUST be edited prior to being sent to the Anthology Proof Team. If you need an editor, please visit the Editors section of the Writer’s Club to request one.  Please make sure to follow the guidelines when requesting an editor.  The proof team is under no obligation to provide a proofread of a story until it has been edited. Proofreads should take no more than 72 hours once you have been paired with a proofreader. If you have not received your story back within 72 hours, please contact Valkyrie via PM. If you send your stories in within the last 48 hours of the deadline, you have 48 hours after receiving it back to upload it in order for it to be included in the Anthology.
    Copyright
    As with all content in GA Stories, the rights remain with the individual authors. Your story will post with a simple 2026 copyright notice, using your GA user display name. If you have another preference (for example, a different name, or a Creative Commons license, or specific copyright wording you'd like to use), please include that with your submission.
    However, with this anthology, by submitting your story, you are giving GayAuthors.org first worldwide rights with 14 days exclusivity. What that means is you are giving GayAuthors.org permission to archive your story on its website, distribute it via RSS, kindle, iPhone, iPad, eyeball… and you agree not to publish it anywhere else for two weeks.
    If you later decide to post your story at another site, please mention at the beginning or end of the story that it was first published as part of the 202 Gay Authors Anthology – Horizons or Unspoken and include a link back to GA if possible.
    If you have any questions, please post them in the Anthology Forum.
    and be sure to let us know you are going to participate:
     
  11. Valkyrie
    We had twelve poems featured for this year's poetry anthology. What a perfect way to celebrate National Poetry Writing Month! A huge thank you to all who participated by writing poems, reading, reacting, commenting, and reviewing.  Participation is what keeps these events going every year, and I know myself, for one, look forward to the anthologies all year.  I couldn't coordinate the anthologies without help, so I'd like to give a shout-out to the people who make things happen behind the scenes: 
    2026 Poetry Anthology Support Team
    Anthology Coordinator
    Valkyrie
    Tech Support
    Myr
    Anthology Banner Creation
    Cia
     

    If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the anthology poems linked below.  
     
  12. Valkyrie

    Carlos Hazday

    By Valkyrie,


    Memorial
    RIP Carlos Hazday
    April 23, 1958 - June 16, 2023
     
     
    It is my sad duty to inform everyone that a beloved member of the GA community has passed away.  Carlos Hazday was a staunch supporter of GA.  He took over the popular Ask an Author blog when it was in danger of being discontinued and made it into one of GA’s most anticipated blog series.  Carlos was also a great advocate for the anthology, by writing stories, editing, and encouraging writers to participate.  He made many friends on the site through editing, interacting with the readers of his stories, and participating in the site forums. Carlos loved writing and worked hard to improve his craft, rising to the level of Signature Author.
    As anyone who has read his popular CJ series knows, Carlos was active in politics, and he was also involved in several local non-profits.  His heart was as big as his personality.  Carlos also loved riding his Harley, traveling, and sports. Anyone who interacted with him will not forget him.  Our sincere condolences to Carlos’ friends and family.
    Rest in peace, Carlos.  GA will be a quieter place without you. 

    Carlos' obituary can be found here: https://www.fredhunters.com/obituary/charles-hazday?lud=09367C4271059DE1AF2403240192BA49
     
     
  14. Valkyrie
    It's time to celebrate National Poetry Writing Month by releasing the first set of poems for the GA annual Poetry Anthology - Choices!  It's always interesting to read the different takes on the anthology theme, and this year is no exception.  Please show support for our site poets and anthology participants by reacting, commenting, or reviewing their poetry.  Stay tuned next week for even more poems!
     
  15. Valkyrie
    The GA Poetry Anthology is returning for 2026 with the theme "Choices"!  We face all different kinds of choices in life, so this would be a great opportunity to explore some of them.  I look forward to reading what our site poets come up with!   Submitted poems will be featured throughout the month of April to celebrate National Poetry Month. I will work on getting the threads set up in the anthology forum and the event posted. Give me a little time to get that done. 
     
    2026 Poetry Anthology - Due: March 30, 2026
    The 2026 Theme is “Choices”
    Feel free to interpret the theme in any way you want. The anthologies are not exclusive, but inclusive, so don't worry if you think your entry has only a tangential link to the theme. If you are inspired, then write some poetry!
    Please read these submission guidelines carefully.
    You may address this theme in any poetic style. Be creative! However, please note that this anthology, UNLIKE the other GA anthologies, is an anthology of poems. Therefore, no prose allowed, unless it is prose poetry.
    Who may participate:
    Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. However, you must be a member here at GA with author or poet status (which is free and can be purchased through the Activities tab: Store link).  Please RSVP to the 2026 Poetry Anthology – Choices event (can be found by accessing the activity tab, then events) to receive reminders and also to give the anthology team an idea of number of participants.
    Submission Guidelines
    Submission Date: March 30, 2026
    Please Note:  Anthology submissions must be uploaded into Stories and the link posted in the 2026 Poetry Anthology Choices Links topic, which can be found under the Anthology tab in the Writer’s Circle Club, by midnight EST March 30, 2026.   
    Your entry must include the following:
    At least one poem – there is no upper limit; however, submissions may not exceed 10,000 words total. Posted as a single story submission A maximum of five chapters may be included (“chapters” may consist of multiple poems). Due to site limitations, if there are multiple chapters submitted, one chapter will post every 24 hours. This is not something we can change. When submitting multiple chapters, DO NOT SET A DATE FOR THE ‘STORY’ OR CHAPTERS!  Site staff will set the dates for you once they are moved to the anthology category. The ‘story’ and first chapter will publish on the anthology release date, and subsequently, additional chapters will post every 24 hours after that.  
    Submission Procedure *Please read carefully*
    Once your poetry collection is complete and has gone through your beta and editing team, please complete the following steps:
    Submit your poems into the GA Stories Archive. For help, please read How do I upload my anthology entry into GA Stories? Make sure the story is unpublished. Select “Fiction” as the category. It will be moved later by staff.  Mark your story status as COMPLETE. Only completed works are allowed in the anthologies. Please note that once you submit an unpublished story for the anthology, it will NOT show up in your list of stories for readers until the anthology has gone live. Copy the URL for your story (not any chapter page) and paste it in the links topic so your submission may be checked to ensure it meets submission guidelines and can be moved to the anthology category.  [*]Please do a visual check of your story once it has been uploaded to ensure that it posted correctly. If it did not, contact @Cia or Valkyrie. 
    IMPORTANT: Please DO NOT do ANYTHING with your story once it has been submitted to the anthology. We lock edits to anthologies, but we can only lock so much and making ANY changes can cause issues with the system. If there is something with your story that absolutely needs fixed, added, etc, PLEASE contact @Cia or Valkyrie. Thank you!
    Extensions
    Occasionally things happen that prevent an author from meeting the deadline. If you need an extension, contact @Valkyrie or @Cia before the deadline (not the day of or after), and something may be able to be worked out.  If you have NOT made arrangements prior to the deadline, your anthology entry will not be included. You are welcome to post your poetry independently and include a story note stating it was originally meant to be part of the anthology.
    Poem Titles
    Please do not use the anthology theme or your GA Username as a title. Be as original as you can. In case of duplicate titles within the anthology, we will request that titles be changed. No foreign language or ALL CAPS for the titles, please.
    Unacceptable entries & Content Warnings
    Entries that are obviously unedited (containing many errors) or that violate site guidelines will be either declined or changes may be requested as a condition of entry. For information on what is considered to be unacceptable, please see the Story Content Rules FAQ. 
    Please include a Content Warning in the story notes if your story contains sensitive content, e.g.: abuse-physical, mental, sexual, extreme violence, taboo topics, etc... 
    Previously posted stories/poetry (whether at GA or elsewhere) are not eligible for inclusion into the GA anthologies.
    Editing
    All entries MUST be edited prior to being uploaded. If you need an editor, please visit the https://gayauthors.org/forums/forum/372-editors/ forum to request one. We recognize that poetry sometimes breaks the rules when it comes to grammar and wordplay; therefore, it is not a requirement for poetry to go through the Anthology Proof Team.  If you would like your poems reviewed for obvious misspelling, misused words, or something specific to the form you’ve attempted, then please contact Valkyrie and a proof team member will review your submission.
    PLEASE do not format text beyond bold and italics unless absolutely necessary. Changing the font color, size, etc… or other excess formatting breaks the custom GA reader controls which are helpful to those who may have visual impairments.
    Copyright
    As with all content in GA Stories, the rights remain with the individual authors. Your story will post with a simple 2026 copyright notice, using your GA user display name. If you have another preference (for example, a different name, or a Creative Commons license, or specific copyright wording you'd like to use), please include that with your submission.
    However, with this anthology, by submitting your poetry, you are giving GayAuthors.org first worldwide rights with 14 days exclusivity. What that means is you are giving GayAuthors.org permission to archive your story on its website, distribute it via RSS, kindle, iPhone, iPad, eyeball…. And you agree not to publish it anywhere else for 2 weeks.
    If you later decide to post your story at another site, please mention at the beginning or end of the story that it was first published as part of the 2026 Gay Authors Choices Poetry Anthology and include a link back to GA if possible.
    If you have any questions, please post them in the Anthology Forum or PM Valkyrie.
    Be sure to RSVP so we know you are planning on coming!
     
  16. Valkyrie

    **Last Call**

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    There's a little over a week to get submissions for the poetry anthology posted to the anthology forum.  So there's still time to choose to participate and share your poetry with GA.  

     
     
  17. Valkyrie
    I have good news if you're on the fence or thinking you don't have enough time to get something written for our annual poetry anthology!  I've extended the deadline to April 6th, so you have an extra week to submit your poetry for inclusion in the anthology   So, if you haven't started yet, there's still time. 

     
     
  18. Valkyrie

    We're All Mad Here

    By Valkyrie,


    Prompts
    Yesterday was the start of March Madness in the USA.  For those unfamiliar with MM, it's a college basketball tournament that lasts foreeeevvvveeerrrrr.  At least to non-sports people like me  So, in honor of MM, I thought I'd feature some sports prompts. 

     
    PT Prompt #331
    You win a large amount of money on a sports bet.  How do you spend it? 
     
    PT Prompt #332
    You've just moved across the country and join a local sports team.  One of the members comes up to you and says, "Oh my God!  I know you!".  Tell the story from there. 
     
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
  19. Valkyrie

    National Poetry Writing Month

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    April is National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), which is why we choose to feature our poetry anthology then.  What is NaPoWriMo? It's a time to honor all things poetic and also to encourage people to give writing it a try.  Like National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November, there's a challenge to be attempted.  Write thirty poems in thirty days.  Several site members have tackled this challenge, and continue to do so.  The goal isn't to write perfect poetry, but simply to get something on paper.  There will be some gems and some duds, but completing the goal is quite the accomplishment.  
    We have two and a half weeks left till the deadline to submit poems for the Choices anthology.  Plenty of time to get writing and send in a submission.  And then think about keeping the momentum going, and giving NaPoWriMo a go.  

     
  20. Valkyrie

    Poetry Fun

    By Valkyrie,


    Prompts
    April is National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), which is why we feature the poetry anthology then.  The goal of NaPoWriMo is to write 30 poems in 30 days.  I've completed this task several times, generally using daily poetry prompts.  I thought I'd feature a couple of my favorite prompts to see what others come up with.  Maybe it will be something to use in the anthology. 
     

     
    PT Prompt #327:
    Write a series of short stanzas that personify adjectives or abstract nouns.
     
    For example:
    Patient smiles politely as Clueless prattles on.
    Fate locks eyes across the room, his sentence abandoned mid-thought.
    Expectation drums his fingers, disappointed he was not met.
    Wonder stares wide-eyed at Fate.
    Truth careens around the room like a drunkard, causing sobriety with each slam.
     
    PT Prompt #328:
    Write a poem made up of suggestions (real or absurd) for appropriate manners or behavior in specific situations. You might talk about being taught manners. Or you might simply entitle your poem “Manners” and go somewhere unexpected.
     
    Example:
    But in some countries,
    Not burping after a meal
    Is considered rude.
     
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
     
  21. Valkyrie

    Poetry Anthology Check-in

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    There's a little over one month to go before our annual poetry anthology goes live, so it's time to check in and see how everyone is coming along.  I have some ideas, but haven't put them to paper yet.  Feel free to share a snippet or how many poems you've written or plan to write.  

     
     
  22. Valkyrie

    More Poetry Help

    By Valkyrie,


    Anthologies
    Last week, we explored Haiku as an introduction to writing poetry.  This week, I'd like to discuss free verse.  Remember that poetry does not have to incorporate rhyming or meter or stick to a particular form.  Free verse embraces that concept, which gives the writer virtually unlimited freedom to express their thoughts.  Free verse does not follow any particular form or rhythm.  It tends to follow natural speech patterns, but doesn't have to.  I think of poetry as painting word pictures - it's the ultimate exercise of 'show vs tell'.  It can tell a story or describe a moment in time, or be pretty much whatever you want it to be.  Here is an example of a free verse poem I wrote for the 2023 Poetry Anthology - Exploration. 
     
    Sandcastles
    I watch you sit cross-legged at the edge of the cliff,
    as white-capped waves resculpt what’s left of the beach.
    The route we walked just hours earlier,
    exploring and climbing crumbling shale precipices,
    submerged and inaccessible.
    Now sand and water collide,
    advancing and receding as one.
    New crevices create temporary ponds,
    blocking the path to the fallen tree serving as bridge
    between camp and water.
    The same bridge where you steadied me with firm hands,
    when my steps faltered.
    A sturdy log leading to the bright beach where we ran and laughed and
    sang songs around the campfire,
    Eventually realizing we were water and sand,
    a temporary structure waiting for high tide.
    Bright sunlight briefly peeked through the dark clouds,
    creating a halo around your auburn hair,
    contrasting the angry surf.
    In that moment, you were holy to me.
    Sacred,
    untouchable,
    a sandcastle slipping through my fingers.
     
    Now let's see what you guys come up with.  Let me know if there are any particular forms of poetry that you'd like me to dive deeper into.  And don't forget to RSVP to the poetry anthology event! 
  23. Valkyrie

    Let's Take a Vacation

    By Valkyrie,


    Prompts
    A lot of the US is experiencing record cold temps.  In my area, we came close to equaling a fifty-year-old record for longest cold snap.  I don't remember the last time we were above freezing, and temps in the 20sF felt like a heat wave this week.   Sadly, it's going to get worse before it gets better.  This weekend is on track to be the coldest temps yet, along with good ol' lake effect snow.  Is it spring yet?  Our local groundhog said it would be an early spring, but I don't believe him.   

    Since Jack Frost is in his glory right now, let's go on vacation and flip him off as we head to warmer destinations.

    PT Prompt #323
    Describe your dream vacation.  Include all the wh- words - who, what, when, where, why. 
     
    PT Prompt #324
    Take the reader on a sensory journey without explicitly telling us where you are.  Describe the sights, sounds, smell, tastes, etc.  
     
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
  24. Valkyrie
    Writing poetry can be an intimidating prospect when you've never done it before, but it doesn't have to be.  Like our Poetry Anthology theme this year - Choices - you can choose to give it a go and see how it turns out.  Many people think of things like sonnets, ballads, iambic pentameter, and rhyming when it comes to poetry.  Meter, form, and structure, oh my!  Some of these forms intimidate even seasoned poets.  But we don't need to be Shakespeare to express ourselves.  Start simple.  
    Haiku is a great starting point for beginner poets.  It's an introduction to form without being overwhelming.  Haiku are typically centered around nature, but they don't have to be.  They are composed of three unrhyming lines of five, seven, and five syllables respectively.  This is an example I wrote for National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo) in 2017:
    Happy Place
    Multi-hued valley
    Visible breath, pounding hearts
    Two legs astride four
     
    This poem was based off the following prompt:  “Field Guides” Let your poem tell of a small, resonating memory of a moment’s observation of the natural world. The suggested form was a Haiku.
     
    You can also choose to explore and play with this form.  During the same week for NaPoWriMo 2017 I wrote a "reverse" Haiku - following 7-5-7 syllables instead of the typical 5-7-5.
    Ruins
    Stone towers lie recumbent
    No longer reaching
    For blue, but consumed by green.
     
    So, try out some haiku and see how it goes.  Maybe you'll end up with enough to feature in the anthology.  Stay tuned to future blogs for more poetry suggestions! 
  25. Valkyrie

    Title Prompts

    By Valkyrie,


    Prompts
    I was recently looking for a new series to binge-watch during the nasty winter storm we just had and found a few that were promising based on the description.  Then I read the title "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart".  Hmmm... intriguing.  I scrolled past, then said I couldn't pass up something with such an interesting title.  So over the next couple of days I discovered what the lost flowers were and who Alice Hart was.  It was a riveting story, and I highly recommend it if anyone is looking for something to watch.  Anyway, it got me thinking about titles and how they draw people in or turn them away.  
    Let's explore the art of a good title.  
    PT Prompt #321
    Choose an existing title and write a short story about it. 
     
    PT Prompt #322
    Think of a title first, then write the story. 
     
    Please include the prompt number either in your story/chapter description or title to help readers who would like to search for specific prompts. Also, please remember that stories less than one thousand words must be posted as part of a collection.
    If you check the subgenre ‘prompt’ in your story tags, then people/readers can find everything here:
    https://gayauthors.org/stories/browse/subgenre/prompt/
     
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