What we are to each other doesn’t go away. Our people don’t go away. And that changes everything.
What We Are To Each Other Sticks: On Kohelette and the Power of Memories
“Wicherek Way” and Some Truth in Fiction
"For better or for worse, she’d never given any hint of discomfort when her dreams had to face reality." - from "Wicherek Way," a short story from the world of the forthcoming novel Kohelette I wouldn't say my fiction is autobiographical, but I do find myself drawing on bits of real-life experience to ground my... Continue Reading →
When the New Becomes Hard: On Kohelette and Piecing Together A Life After Loss
“She wants to do something new with her life, but she may need the dead to help her do it.” - Kohelette: A Novel How do you feel about doing new things? Energized and excited? Uneasy? Overwhelmed? I've been paying extra attention to how I answer that question as we've entered the new year. To be... Continue Reading →
Holiday Baking: A Gingerbread Legacy
I know there’s more to the holidays than baking, but baking is simply one of those things my family does this time of year. It’s a ritual, a practice, an experience playing out over time that builds layers of memory and meaning. Even if I weren’t baking for holiday gatherings or for gifts, I’d still... Continue Reading →
Spending Time with Creative Block: Reflections on The Joy of a Field
I dread "the block.” It comes in all shapes and sizes for all kinds of creative projects. It frustrates the heck out of people whose well-meaning efforts it stalls. Ever been there? It’s not fun. Unfortunately, my most recent novel, The Joy of a Field, left me spending more time with creative block than either of... Continue Reading →
Autumn Memories and “The Fodder Shock Maze”
"This was the fun part. I reminded myself of that. At least, it used to be the fun part. Mazes gave me all the chances I needed to get where I was going." - from "The Fodder Shock Maze" Do you have a favorite part of autumn? I have trouble narrowing it down to one thing, myself. I'm a... Continue Reading →
Callie J. Smith 