The Writer as a Tortoise.
by Sheelagh Aston It is estimated that 97% of people who start writing a novel never finish it. So, congratulations on finishing the first draft of … The Writer as a Tortoise.
Greetings! I began my writing career in 2015 following the death of my beloved mother. The lessons and world views she instilled during my life as I grew and developed maintain a strong thematic presence throughout much of what I write. Her emphasis on the importance of love, kindness, and concern for all is the primary influence behind my material focusing on occasionally uncomfortable topics like emotional vulnerability, abuse, and existentialism. It isn't all mopey, though - I do like to let the hair down and writing about the fun things in life. Like owning an adorable dog that has enormous, "I just saw a ghost" eyes, for instance. While I use this website predominantly for hosting poetry and/or thought pieces, my primary commercially-marketed project is a sci-fi/fantasy series of novels which I originally self-published. The first is titled Continuity and was published in 2016. A sequel, Continuity: Coalescence, was released two years later. I'm thankful to say both were recently picked up by a traditional publisher, Wild Ink Publishing that will be releasing one, consolidated version of both in December 2024. Announcements on this moving forward will also be posted here. As far as the rest, I'm an ex-Vanderbilt baseball player (c/o '09) with a degree in Economics & Corporate Strategy who is ironically trying to forging a career that has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with either of those things. Before my scribbles began, I was an insurance agent for the better part of a decade. Other than that, I enjoy simple living along with my aforementioned co-author, Pip the Pekingese! Thank you for visiting the website. I hope you enjoy your stay, and I look forward to connecting with any and all. No matter who you are or what you believe, you are warmly welcome! M.E. Shao
by Sheelagh Aston It is estimated that 97% of people who start writing a novel never finish it. So, congratulations on finishing the first draft of … The Writer as a Tortoise.
Over time, I began to realize more and more how strange I probably came off to people by doing stuff like this. It would make the other person think I’m subtly acknowledging an imperfection or something. Messed up hair, wrinkled shirt, whatever. Which wasn’t at all what I was doing, but it probably appeared that way nonetheless. … More Living With OCD: The Subtle Ways it Can Govern Your Life
We are so excited to meet with one of our wonderful children’s author’s Haddessah Anne Brice, or as we like to call her, Haddie. Her children book, … Author Interview with Haddessah Anne Brice
There often comes a point during the publishing process in which you will be asked to write a #BookBlurb. Now, don’t start panicking just yet. You’ve… The Art of Writing a Book Blurb
Recently, I had the pleasure of doing an interview with author (and basically comedian) M.E. Shao. He’s a renaissance man, having achieved some … Author Interview with M.E. Shao
Today we have the chance to hear from our very own J.K. Raymond… the author of Infinite Mass, Wild Ink Publishing’s most recent YA/NA title (… The Infinitely Awesome J.K. Raymond
Driving forward in reverse Yet asking why I’ve stopped Climbing up while being down And wonder: where’s the top? Try to move by holding back Is that how I’ll progress? Or have my actions been for naught But coping, and regress Questions, they have haunted me While reason hides each day Perhaps I chose a … More Reevaluate
There is no clearer smoke and mirror Than the haze of government It does not matter what’s your stature Practice pilgrimage or lent The world should not be dictated by those who wish you in a trance Nor should you beholden to a politician’s circumstance It is so clear Our Lords, austere Are nothing more … More Aftermath
I’m so much higher in Fiber and Vitamin C You’re just a cartoon gimmick that’s lesser than me! C’s anti-oxidize and help them absorb Immune systems thank me, I bring Iron on board And how about vision and your tissue health? My Vitamin A count is brimming in wealth Your names even stupid! You’re “Spinach”, … More Kale v. Spinach: The Superfued
We never really know what’s going on in others’ minds We make assumptions, think we see behind the blinds A person playing games with you might say that this is so But on the inside things are different, and only they will know This is why you’ll never really know a person, true You’ll only … More Those Who Cry Alone