At 2:20 am, the alarm always went off. It didn’t matter if she was asleep or still awake. She sat up and reached for her phone, and at exactly 2:22 am, she pressed play. The voicemail had been there for three years. It arrived the night Henry died. The love of her life for 10… Continue reading At 2:22: A Short Story
Category: writing
Grounding: A Poem
When panic arrives, narrow the room to breatheWhen panic arrives, narrow the room to breathePlace feet on floor, name what staysPlace feet on floor, name what staysWhen panic arrives, place feet on floorName what stays, narrow the room to breathe. Slow the body, count the secondsSlow the body, count the secondsTouch the chair, feel its… Continue reading Grounding: A Poem
Writer’s Block? 8 Tips to Overcome It and Find Inspiration for Your Writing
Okay, real talk: writer’s block sucks. Like, big time. Especially when you’re a mum to three little humans all under four (yep, been there), juggling snack demands, tantrums, and somehow trying to squeeze in writing while your coffee gets cold... again. Some days, it feels like your brain just shuts down and the words disappear.… Continue reading Writer’s Block? 8 Tips to Overcome It and Find Inspiration for Your Writing
Instructions For Relocation: A Short Story
TOLD AS AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL PURPOSE To outline the correct procedure for departure, transport, and arrival for an assisted emigrant departing Ireland for resettling in the Australian colonies. Follow each step in sequence. Deviation is discouraged. Step 1: Arrive at Point of Departure Present yourself at the designated quay before sunrise. Standing is preferable to… Continue reading Instructions For Relocation: A Short Story
How To Manage a Panic Attack: A Poem
First, name what’s happening, keep it plain.Not danger, not loss, you're not going insane.Just say: my body’s alarm is very loud,a storm in my chest, a nervous cloud. Sit where your feet can feel the floor.Let gravity help you just a little more.Tile or carpet, ground or mat,the world will hold you where you’re at.… Continue reading How To Manage a Panic Attack: A Poem
Final Notice: A Poem Written As A Public Service Announcement
PUBLIC NOTICE // SHIPWIDE ANNOUNCEMENT Attention all passengers!This vessel has cometo the end of its path.Not a failure.Not an error.An arrival There is no return trajectory.There never was. A reminder:Waking may hurt.You may feel losttight in the chest,with quiet certaintythat something has gone missing.This is expected.It will not pass. Please note:Earth is no longer available.It… Continue reading Final Notice: A Poem Written As A Public Service Announcement
Understanding the Power of Show, Don’t Tell in Writing
When I first started writing, I used to think telling was just fine. “She was scared,” I’d write, hoping that would be enough. But then I learned that showing is what makes stories come alive. It's the magical way to let readers truly step into your character's shoes and feel the moment. For example, instead… Continue reading Understanding the Power of Show, Don’t Tell in Writing
The Long Passage: A Short Story
The quay in Dublin was always wet. It didn't matter if it was raining or sunny; there was always moisture coating the surface. Stone blocks were darkened permanently by salt and water, the original colour long forgotten. Ropes were wound around iron posts, stiff and strained from the beating they received from the salt water… Continue reading The Long Passage: A Short Story
Like A Phoenix: A Poem
The fire doesn’t roarit hums,a soft, slow songof endings dissolvingand new beginnings. It curls around the bonesof everything we thought we were,a kiss of heat,a tender goodbye. It burns,it hurts,but it's never cruel.It is the knowingthat nothing is lostwhen the moment comesto shed our skin. In the flames,the shadows we carriedmelt away,turning to ash,soft as… Continue reading Like A Phoenix: A Poem
The Awakening: A Dialogue Only Short Story
“Hello?” "Good. You’re awake.” “Where am I?” “You’re safe.” “That’s not an answer.” “It’s the only answer that's needed.” “I can’t feel my legs. Why can't I feel my legs?” “Your motor control will normalise.” “Who are you?” “Elias.” “What's my name?” “Charlotte.” "Why doesn't that name mean anything to me?" "I don't know." “Why… Continue reading The Awakening: A Dialogue Only Short Story