Serial Poetry
Some poems exist as part of a series. They feature recurring characters and/or settings, often with a common tone as well. Serial poetry therefore takes an initial idea and expands on it over time, rather like episodes in a television show. The Poetry Fishbowl and other projects have spawned several poetic series. This lets participants inspire and sponsor new poems about a favorite protagonist or venue.
These poems come about in different ways. A series may have one or more people serving as its prompter(s) and/or sponsor(s). It's also possible for donors to sponsor a series in general, by marking a donation for the series rather than a specific poem. A reference to "general fund" means that the audience voted in a poll to direct general donations toward that poem. The landing page has details on how to sponsor available poems.
Sponsored poems have a link in the title so you can read them. Unsponsored poems currently for sale have a line count and price at the bottom of the entry. Epic poems may be opened for microfunding, usually at $.50/line. The starting donation is flexible, but $10 gives a good jumpstart to most poems. I try to keep at least one epic open, no more than three at a time, and no more than one in the same series. If you need more details, just ask me.
Each series has its own section below, listed alphabetically by series title. Within each series, poems are listed in probable order of internal chronology, so start at the top and read down. Some series also have extras such as illustrations or essays; these are linked below the list of poems.
Due to the high popularity of serial poetry among my audience, and my own high productivity, this page is getting long! Therefore I moved the big series to their own pages, just leaving their summaries here, which will make navigation easier. Click the link under the summary description to visit an individual series page with links to the posted poems and any extras. Also, links sometimes open a new window and sometimes don't, so check before closing a poem window so you don't lose your place on this page.
NOTE: If you are new to my work and reading the poems in series-chronological order, you may want to skip the comments on the first read through. Poems are often written in a different order than they are listed, which means the comments may contain spoilers. Warnings and other notes may also include spoilers.
You can also read about how to write serial poetry.
These poems come about in different ways. A series may have one or more people serving as its prompter(s) and/or sponsor(s). It's also possible for donors to sponsor a series in general, by marking a donation for the series rather than a specific poem. A reference to "general fund" means that the audience voted in a poll to direct general donations toward that poem. The landing page has details on how to sponsor available poems.
Sponsored poems have a link in the title so you can read them. Unsponsored poems currently for sale have a line count and price at the bottom of the entry. Epic poems may be opened for microfunding, usually at $.50/line. The starting donation is flexible, but $10 gives a good jumpstart to most poems. I try to keep at least one epic open, no more than three at a time, and no more than one in the same series. If you need more details, just ask me.
Each series has its own section below, listed alphabetically by series title. Within each series, poems are listed in probable order of internal chronology, so start at the top and read down. Some series also have extras such as illustrations or essays; these are linked below the list of poems.
Due to the high popularity of serial poetry among my audience, and my own high productivity, this page is getting long! Therefore I moved the big series to their own pages, just leaving their summaries here, which will make navigation easier. Click the link under the summary description to visit an individual series page with links to the posted poems and any extras. Also, links sometimes open a new window and sometimes don't, so check before closing a poem window so you don't lose your place on this page.
NOTE: If you are new to my work and reading the poems in series-chronological order, you may want to skip the comments on the first read through. Poems are often written in a different order than they are listed, which means the comments may contain spoilers. Warnings and other notes may also include spoilers.
You can also read about how to write serial poetry.
The Adventures of Aldornia and Zenobia
During the April 6, 2010 Poetry Fishbowl I wrote a poem about a young woman who was trying -- and failing hopelessly -- to be evil. I had been reading about the dead/evil lesbian cliche, and it occurred to me that somebody ought to write a story in which the lesbian is the only survivor and/or the only non-evil character. I jotted that down and filed it away. Only on re-reading this poem did I realize that I'd written something in which all the other people are crazy-evil and it's the lesbians who go sane, become good, run off and live happily ever after. Then when the "corruption and redemption" theme appeared in the August 2, 2011 fishbowl, one of Aldornia's relatives crash-landed into their lives and sparked a whole new adventure.
"The Reluctant Villain" 4-6-10
Prompted by LJ users janetmiles and siege
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"The Accidental Hero" 8-2-11
Prompted by LJ users janetmiles, stryck, aldersprig, and ladyqkat
Sponsored by LJ users ladyqkat, zianuray, general fund, janetmiles, tuftears, the_vulture
"The Morose Mascot" 1-3-12
Prompted by LJ user the_vulture
Sponsored by LJ users the_vulture, janetmiles, westrider, general fund
"The Unsupportive Sidekick" 10-7-15
Prompted by LJ user rowyn, DW user redsixwing, Ladiesbingo Card 10-2-15, and
Halloween / Samhain Bingo Card 10-1-15
"The Inconvenient Princess" 1-2-18
Prompted by DW user peoriapeoriawhereart and Ladies Bingo Card 9-3-17
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
Extras
See an illustration of Aldornia and Zenobia at the Temple of Golden Light by LJ user ankewehner.
"The Reluctant Villain" 4-6-10
Prompted by LJ users janetmiles and siege
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"The Accidental Hero" 8-2-11
Prompted by LJ users janetmiles, stryck, aldersprig, and ladyqkat
Sponsored by LJ users ladyqkat, zianuray, general fund, janetmiles, tuftears, the_vulture
"The Morose Mascot" 1-3-12
Prompted by LJ user the_vulture
Sponsored by LJ users the_vulture, janetmiles, westrider, general fund
"The Unsupportive Sidekick" 10-7-15
Prompted by LJ user rowyn, DW user redsixwing, Ladiesbingo Card 10-2-15, and
Halloween / Samhain Bingo Card 10-1-15
"The Inconvenient Princess" 1-2-18
Prompted by DW user peoriapeoriawhereart and Ladies Bingo Card 9-3-17
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
Extras
See an illustration of Aldornia and Zenobia at the Temple of Golden Light by LJ user ankewehner.
Alien Ants and Butterflies
This series began with an exploration of Large Blue Butterflies in Britain., and their symbiosis with ants. It evolved into a poem about two species of sentient aliens based on the butterflies and the ants. Humans arrived and were horrified by the aliens' life cycles. The aliens explained why it still worked for them -- and how they were going to incorporate humans into their culture. They also figured out why humans are so odd.
"The Sky-Eyes and the Earth-Hearts" 7-2-09 (outside fishbowl)
Sponsored by LJ users minor_architect, nhpeacenik, browngirl, siliconshaman, haikujaguar, tuftears, janetmiles, fayanora
"The Stars Must Be Crazy" 8-4-09
Prompted by LJ user ellenmillion, sponsored by LJ user nhpeacenik
"The Twin Peoples in Love" 6-7-11
Prompted by fayanora
Published in Star*Line April-June 2012 35.2
"The Sky-Eyes and the Earth-Hearts" 7-2-09 (outside fishbowl)
Sponsored by LJ users minor_architect, nhpeacenik, browngirl, siliconshaman, haikujaguar, tuftears, janetmiles, fayanora
"The Stars Must Be Crazy" 8-4-09
Prompted by LJ user ellenmillion, sponsored by LJ user nhpeacenik
"The Twin Peoples in Love" 6-7-11
Prompted by fayanora
Published in Star*Line April-June 2012 35.2
The Arc of Joan
This series takes place in nether-Earth, along with The Steamsmith series. It gets its own space because it happens in a much earlier time (beginning around 1424 when Joan was 12) and concerns a different story arc. However, it does provide some relevant background -- for instance, why Maryam can get away with taking the social role of a man. It shares the same $1/line pricing, for similar reason of extra research work.
Joan's story begins in the poem "Listening to God," which came out of the July 3, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl. It relates her first vision of the saints and their call to arms. A sequel, "The Voyage to Vaucouleurs," covers her efforts to acquire some support for her mission. In this timeline, she supports the English rather than the French.
"Listening to God" 7-3-12
Prompted by LJ user kelkyag
Free perk
"The Voyage to Vaucouleurs" 11-6-12
Prompted by LJ user laffingkat
Free perk
Extras
For an analysis of Joan's historic weapons, armor, and strategy watch "The Deadliest Warrior Season 3: Joan of Arc vs. William the Conqueror."
Joan's story begins in the poem "Listening to God," which came out of the July 3, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl. It relates her first vision of the saints and their call to arms. A sequel, "The Voyage to Vaucouleurs," covers her efforts to acquire some support for her mission. In this timeline, she supports the English rather than the French.
"Listening to God" 7-3-12
Prompted by LJ user kelkyag
Free perk
"The Voyage to Vaucouleurs" 11-6-12
Prompted by LJ user laffingkat
Free perk
Extras
For an analysis of Joan's historic weapons, armor, and strategy watch "The Deadliest Warrior Season 3: Joan of Arc vs. William the Conqueror."
An Army of One: The Autistic Secession in Space
Once upon a time, there will be two galactic powers. One controls the Carina-Sagittarius Arm, and the other controls the Orion-Cygnus Arm. They have a war. Then they have an armistice. Then they have a peace. So they decide to decommission their secret surveillance stations and send home all their collected specialists with odd traits and useful skills.
That does not turn out well. A bunch of the autistic soldiers secede from galactic politics and form their own society. What happens, really, when neurovariant people get together? What type of culture will they build? Sometimes, an army isn't made of soldiers marching in lockstep. Sometimes, an army is made of one and one and one ... and this is their story.
See links to the posted poems in "An Army of One."
That does not turn out well. A bunch of the autistic soldiers secede from galactic politics and form their own society. What happens, really, when neurovariant people get together? What type of culture will they build? Sometimes, an army isn't made of soldiers marching in lockstep. Sometimes, an army is made of one and one and one ... and this is their story.
See links to the posted poems in "An Army of One."
The Asgard Eddas
This series takes place in my main science fiction universe, dealing with the culture of the colony planet Asgard and the Aesir who live there. From Earth to Asgard to points beyond they have spread. The first poem written was "The Forging of Brisingamen," a retelling of a myth about Freya; it recounts how a woman made diplomatic agreements with the Bonos, a race of hominid aliens. The second written was "Within the Wolf's Jaws," based on the myth about Tyr and Fenris; it deals with an emergency landing on a planet inhabited by aquatic aliens.
"Within the Wolf's Jaws" 5-1-12
Prompted by LJ users ellenmillion and rix_scaedu and Dreamwidth user avia
Sponsored by DW user jb_slasher
"The Saga of Eriksdottir" 11-6-12
Prompted by LJ user paka
Free perk
"The Forging of Brisingamen" 2-19-08
Prompted by LJ user tonithegreat
Sponsored by DW user jb_slasher
"Within the Wolf's Jaws" 5-1-12
Prompted by LJ users ellenmillion and rix_scaedu and Dreamwidth user avia
Sponsored by DW user jb_slasher
"The Saga of Eriksdottir" 11-6-12
Prompted by LJ user paka
Free perk
"The Forging of Brisingamen" 2-19-08
Prompted by LJ user tonithegreat
Sponsored by DW user jb_slasher
The Bat Vampires
This series began in the October 2010 Poetry Fishbowl with a starkly beautiful image prompt of mourners in a graveyard. From that I got the idea of vampires who were peaceful instead of violent, and hated by humans for no good reason. Then during the May 2012 Crowdfunding Creative Jam, I hit on the idea of using actual vampire bat behavior as inspiration for aspects of vampire culture, because these bats are surprisingly polite and cooperative creatures.
This series also connects with Frankenstein's Family.
"The Vampire Funeral" 10-5-10
Prompted by LJ user moosl
Sponsored by LJ user xjenavivex
"A Strange and Gentle Contagion" 3-25-14 (outside fishbowl)
Prompted by LJ user johnpalmer and Cottoncandy Bingo Card 2-1-14
Free perk
"A Sweet Fang" 5-27-12 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by clare_dragonfly
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"Listening to the Lifebeat" 1-19-13 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by LJ user ellenmillion
Free perk
This series also connects with Frankenstein's Family.
"The Vampire Funeral" 10-5-10
Prompted by LJ user moosl
Sponsored by LJ user xjenavivex
"A Strange and Gentle Contagion" 3-25-14 (outside fishbowl)
Prompted by LJ user johnpalmer and Cottoncandy Bingo Card 2-1-14
Free perk
"A Sweet Fang" 5-27-12 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by clare_dragonfly
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"Listening to the Lifebeat" 1-19-13 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by LJ user ellenmillion
Free perk
The Bear Tunnels
This series is time travel and alternative history, essentially a fix-it for America's messed-up past. Two modern-day Wampanoag people stumble across a hidden time machine and use it to travel into the past. There they hook up with their ancestral tribe and work on ejecting Europeans from Turtle Island.
See links to the posted poems in "The Bear Tunnels."
See links to the posted poems in "The Bear Tunnels."
Beneath the Family Tree
In 2013 there came some interesting discoveries in hominid research. One archaeological dig revealed several hominid skeletons that raised questions about how closely or distantly related the branches of our ancestors might be. Other evidence indicated interbreeding among Neanderthal, Denisovan, modern humans, and at least one other group.
While everyone else was arguing over whether they were one species or several unrelated species, I thought it would be more interesting to explore the possibility of multiple species living together in peace ...
"One Wide Tree" 11-5-13
Prompted by DW user sylvaine and Origfic Bingo Card 10-6-13
Free perk
"Gifts from the Spirit Wind" 1-26-14 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by DW users sylvaine, wyld_dandelyon, and Trope Bingo Card 1-2-14
Free perk
"A Stranger's Way" 4-1-14
Prompted by DW user helgatwb, LJ user rix_scaedu, and Cottoncandy Bingo Card 3-30-14
Free perk
"Thorns and Claws" 11-7-14
Prompted by DW user thnidu and Science Bingo Fest Public Card 10-31-14
Free perk
"Cobble's Stones" 4-7-15
Prompted by DW user zeeth_kyrah and LJ user the_vulture
Sponsored by DW user janetmiles
While everyone else was arguing over whether they were one species or several unrelated species, I thought it would be more interesting to explore the possibility of multiple species living together in peace ...
"One Wide Tree" 11-5-13
Prompted by DW user sylvaine and Origfic Bingo Card 10-6-13
Free perk
"Gifts from the Spirit Wind" 1-26-14 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by DW users sylvaine, wyld_dandelyon, and Trope Bingo Card 1-2-14
Free perk
"A Stranger's Way" 4-1-14
Prompted by DW user helgatwb, LJ user rix_scaedu, and Cottoncandy Bingo Card 3-30-14
Free perk
"Thorns and Claws" 11-7-14
Prompted by DW user thnidu and Science Bingo Fest Public Card 10-31-14
Free perk
"Cobble's Stones" 4-7-15
Prompted by DW user zeeth_kyrah and LJ user the_vulture
Sponsored by DW user janetmiles
Clay of Life
This series began with the August 6, 2013 Poetry Fishbowl. The poem "Clay Feet" introduced the golem Yossele and the traveling blacksmith Menachem. Jewish culture and folklore contribute much to this series. Themes include spirituality, freedom and service, friendship, and craftsmanship.
See links to the posted poems in Clay of Life.
See links to the posted poems in Clay of Life.
The Clockwork War
A conversation on my LiveJournal about handicapped characters in comic books led to this series of military science fiction poetry. Special thanks to LJ user viva_la_topknot for the parts that provided the most direct inspiration. In a war of attrition, conserving resources is the route to victory. These soldiers, facing an implacable robotic enemy, refuse to retire from the battlefield despite crippling injuries. Instead, they regroup and find ways to keep fighting.
"A Turning Point in the Clockwork War" 7-11-11 (outside fishbowl)
Sponsored by LJ user viva_la_topknot
"An Arm and a Leg" 7-11-11 (outside fishbowl)
Free perk
"With Mortal Flesh and Iron Will" 7-11-11 (outside fishbowl)
Free perk
"Confusion to the Enemy" 7-11-11 (outside fishbowl)
Free Perk
"In the Line of Duty" 10-14-11 (outside fishbowl)
Free Perk
"A Turning Point in the Clockwork War" 7-11-11 (outside fishbowl)
Sponsored by LJ user viva_la_topknot
"An Arm and a Leg" 7-11-11 (outside fishbowl)
Free perk
"With Mortal Flesh and Iron Will" 7-11-11 (outside fishbowl)
Free perk
"Confusion to the Enemy" 7-11-11 (outside fishbowl)
Free Perk
"In the Line of Duty" 10-14-11 (outside fishbowl)
Free Perk
A Conflagration of Dragons
This series began outside of any regular event, when I made a post about "The Macroeconomics of Middle-Earth" with regards to Smaug, and my audience discussed the implications. I wound up posting an outline of events in which several dragons attacked different cities and a refugee camp. Then I realized, nobody has really written about a fantasy world devastated by a sudden cluster of dragon attacks. The focus is usually a single attack and the response of heroic characters. But what happens if there are many attacks, and all the heroes die?
See links to the posted poems in "A Conflagration of Dragons."
See links to the posted poems in "A Conflagration of Dragons."
Los Conquistados
In our history, the conquistadores came from Spain to raid the Americas. In other timelines ... that doesn't always work out so well for them. Los Conquistados means The Conquered. This is what happens when the American empires -- the Mayans, the Aztecs, and the Incans -- hit back harder than the Spaniards expected. Sometimes, the gods and the magic are real, and really not happy with interlopers ...
"Todo lo que Brilla" 4-2-13
Prompted by LJ users kelkyag and moonwolf1988 and Trope Bingo Card 1-3-13
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"En Boca del Mentiroso" 4-2-13
Prompted by LJ user kelkyag
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"Todo lo que Brilla" 4-2-13
Prompted by LJ users kelkyag and moonwolf1988 and Trope Bingo Card 1-3-13
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"En Boca del Mentiroso" 4-2-13
Prompted by LJ user kelkyag
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
Daughters of the Apocalypse
WARNING: This series deals with weapons of mass destruction and extreme population loss. Please consider your tastes and headspace before deciding whether this is something you want to read.
This is post-apocalyptic hopepunk that takes place after natural disasters and warfare have cut the human population to a fraction of its former size. What remains is a world primarily populated by women, people of color, and queerfolk.
See links to the posted poems in "Daughters of the Apocalypse."
This is post-apocalyptic hopepunk that takes place after natural disasters and warfare have cut the human population to a fraction of its former size. What remains is a world primarily populated by women, people of color, and queerfolk.
See links to the posted poems in "Daughters of the Apocalypse."
Diminished Expectations
The first poem was "What Makes a Woman" back in January 2012, introducing the gynoid. Then in September 2013, I discovered the sculptures of Choi Xoo Ang and used those as inspiration for a bunch of ekphrastic poetry.
This dystopic science fiction series explores themes of emotion, discrimination, oppression, freedom and slavery, disability, family, and social malfunction. It features three broad groups of characters: 1) the unmodified humans, 2) the Diminished who are humans with a particular range of birth defects, and 3) the oids who are manufactured beings. While the worst oppression affects the latter two, it's not a good place for anyone.
See links to the posted poems in "Diminished Expectations."
This dystopic science fiction series explores themes of emotion, discrimination, oppression, freedom and slavery, disability, family, and social malfunction. It features three broad groups of characters: 1) the unmodified humans, 2) the Diminished who are humans with a particular range of birth defects, and 3) the oids who are manufactured beings. While the worst oppression affects the latter two, it's not a good place for anyone.
See links to the posted poems in "Diminished Expectations."
Dragonsilk
Humans have a hard enough time dealing with traumatic memories. Elves live longer and have perfect recall. So they employ a dragon to help elven veterans forget damaging memories.
"The Treasure of Her Keeping" 3-4-14
Prompted by DW user redsixwing and Trope Bingo Card 1-2-14
Sponsored by DW user redsixwing
"Hatching into the Future" 3-7-14 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by DW users redsixwing, rosieknight and Origfic Bingo Card 11-26-13
Free perk
"Silken Dreams" 1-18-15 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by LJ users ellenmillion, wyld_dandelyon, and Genprompt Bingo Card 12-8-13
Free perk
"The Treasure of Her Keeping" 3-4-14
Prompted by DW user redsixwing and Trope Bingo Card 1-2-14
Sponsored by DW user redsixwing
"Hatching into the Future" 3-7-14 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by DW users redsixwing, rosieknight and Origfic Bingo Card 11-26-13
Free perk
"Silken Dreams" 1-18-15 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by LJ users ellenmillion, wyld_dandelyon, and Genprompt Bingo Card 12-8-13
Free perk
Eloquent Souls
This series is fantasy romance about soulmates, soulmarks, and soulbonds. These features don't solve everything, but they do make life more interesting.
In this setting, most people have soulmates. They argue over whether everyone has a soulmate, or only some people; and whether each person has only one, or multiple possibilities. The truth is somewhere in between. Most people could connect with more than one person, while some are only compatible with one or none. Physicists have suggested that this relates to cosmic strings and paired atoms. Most people just think that some souls are made for each other and/or soulmates are two halves of the same soul.
A soulbond can take various forms. It is most often sexual/romantic, but it can be platonic, sensual, and so on. The first words a soulmate will say appear on a person's skin, usually but not always in the soulmate's handwriting. These things can be welcome or unwelcome, depending on the context. Most people manage to deal with them, but sometimes things get...complicated.
See links to the posted poems in "Eloquent Souls."
In this setting, most people have soulmates. They argue over whether everyone has a soulmate, or only some people; and whether each person has only one, or multiple possibilities. The truth is somewhere in between. Most people could connect with more than one person, while some are only compatible with one or none. Physicists have suggested that this relates to cosmic strings and paired atoms. Most people just think that some souls are made for each other and/or soulmates are two halves of the same soul.
A soulbond can take various forms. It is most often sexual/romantic, but it can be platonic, sensual, and so on. The first words a soulmate will say appear on a person's skin, usually but not always in the soulmate's handwriting. These things can be welcome or unwelcome, depending on the context. Most people manage to deal with them, but sometimes things get...complicated.
See links to the posted poems in "Eloquent Souls."
Feathered Nests
The Fifers are a race of birdlike aliens who have five genders and a polyamorous society. The aleph males are assertive and territorial, with large dark ruffs and bright plumage. The beth males are easygoing and live between the territories of the alephs; they have smaller pale ruffs. The faeder males are gentle and won't tolerate alephs or beths who are too rough, but live inside an aleph's territory; they look much like females, with drab plumage. The modor females enjoy topping other females, have low interest in males, but will follow along if their 'special friend' gimel chooses to mate. The gimel females enjoy bottoming to other females, but are also the most interested in males and typically do the mate selection, bringing along any 'special friend' modor(s) they may have. The most stable and productive family structure incorporates all five.
Humans have begun interacting with the Fifers. In the process, some humans find that the five-way gender and family structure has some appeal for them too. This is improving relations between the species. This series began with the April 1, 2014 fishbowl.
See links to the posted poems in "Feathered Nests."
Humans have begun interacting with the Fifers. In the process, some humans find that the five-way gender and family structure has some appeal for them too. This is improving relations between the species. This series began with the April 1, 2014 fishbowl.
See links to the posted poems in "Feathered Nests."
Fiorenza the Wisewoman
This series began with "Can She Bake a Scary Pie?" in the October 5, 2010 Poetry Fishbowl, although "A Knot of Thyme" is chronologically earlier. Fiorenza is a young woman living in a village not far from Fermo in Italy, around 1600 CE. She is skilled in herbalism, gardening, and baking ... and dealing with paranormal problems, such as vampires. Most of the villagers look up to her most of the time, but sometimes authority figures get testy about her level of influence. But even Don Candido the priest knows that they need her!
See links to the posted poems in "Fiorenza the Wisewoman."
See links to the posted poems in "Fiorenza the Wisewoman."
Fledgling Grace
The roots of this series appeared during the September 2012 Crowdfunding Creative Jam with a prompt from DW user jjhunter about how, in a world where people had wings, somebody would be providing professional care for them. "The Wingdresser's Kitchen" takes place some time after people have suddenly acquired wings.
Then the October 2-3, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl had a theme of "Horror: Demons." That inspired several more poems with wings, feathers, and grace. Some of the characters are different, the styles are different, but something about the underlying tembre resonates the same way. So
I've collected these into a series.
See links to the posted poems in "Fledgling Grace."
Then the October 2-3, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl had a theme of "Horror: Demons." That inspired several more poems with wings, feathers, and grace. Some of the characters are different, the styles are different, but something about the underlying tembre resonates the same way. So
I've collected these into a series.
See links to the posted poems in "Fledgling Grace."
Frankenstein's Family
Here is the tale of an unconventional family. Victor Frankenstein, originally named Victoria, identifies as a man despite having a female body. His assistant Igor has a deformed back. They decide to make a family together, because women just aren't interested in either of them, although both of them are heterosexual. So they wind up in a queerplatonic relationship. They use their knowledge of science to create a son, Adam.
See links to the posted poems in "Frankenstein's Family."
See links to the posted poems in "Frankenstein's Family."
Glimpses of Minoa
The island of Crete once held the Minoan civilization, known for its sophisticated society and beautiful architecture. Some painted walls, pottery, and other artifacts remain. So we know of the Minoan bull dancers, the snake goddesses, and other tidbits of culture. LiveJournal user browngirl inspired and sponsored several poems based on ancient Minoa.
"Bull-Dancers" 6-13-08
Prompted & sponsored by LJ user browngirl
"The Goddess and the Bull" 9-10-08
Prompted & sponsored by LJ user browngirl
"The Snake Goddess" 9-22-08 (outside fishbowl)
Sponsored by LJ user browngirl
"Sacred to Medusa" 12-3-13
Prompted by LJ user fayanora
Sponsored by DW user gingicat
"Minoan Dreams" 4-3-18
Prompted by DW user gingicat based on this picture by DW user minoanmiss
Sponsored by DW user gingicat
"Bull-Dancers" 6-13-08
Prompted & sponsored by LJ user browngirl
"The Goddess and the Bull" 9-10-08
Prompted & sponsored by LJ user browngirl
"The Snake Goddess" 9-22-08 (outside fishbowl)
Sponsored by LJ user browngirl
"Sacred to Medusa" 12-3-13
Prompted by LJ user fayanora
Sponsored by DW user gingicat
"Minoan Dreams" 4-3-18
Prompted by DW user gingicat based on this picture by DW user minoanmiss
Sponsored by DW user gingicat
Gloryroad Crossing
In every campaign, there lies a village where the adventurers go
to heal up after a quest, restock their supplies, and get roaring drunk.
This is the story of that village. Despite catering to adventurers, it's
a fairly quiet little hamlet at a crossroad. The people who live there
tend to be tough, practical folks with a wry sense of humor. The
excitement began in the July 5, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl with the
introduction of Dron the barkeeper and Brilla the baker. Come
take a walk through the village of Gloryroad Crossing...
"Where the Action Is, and Was, and Ever More Shall Be" 7-5-11
Prompted and sponsored by LJ user the_vulture
"Half-Baked Ideas" 7-5-11
Prompted by LJ users eseme and the_vulture
Sponsored by general fund
"Crossing the Line" 3-6-12
Prompted by LJ users the_vulture, lilfluff, meeksp, marina_bonomi, aldersprig, siege, and eseme
Free perk
"Star-Crossed, Sun-Swept" 2-19-17 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by LJ user ellenmillion and Valentines Bingo Fest Card 2-1-17
Free perk
to heal up after a quest, restock their supplies, and get roaring drunk.
This is the story of that village. Despite catering to adventurers, it's
a fairly quiet little hamlet at a crossroad. The people who live there
tend to be tough, practical folks with a wry sense of humor. The
excitement began in the July 5, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl with the
introduction of Dron the barkeeper and Brilla the baker. Come
take a walk through the village of Gloryroad Crossing...
"Where the Action Is, and Was, and Ever More Shall Be" 7-5-11
Prompted and sponsored by LJ user the_vulture
"Half-Baked Ideas" 7-5-11
Prompted by LJ users eseme and the_vulture
Sponsored by general fund
"Crossing the Line" 3-6-12
Prompted by LJ users the_vulture, lilfluff, meeksp, marina_bonomi, aldersprig, siege, and eseme
Free perk
"Star-Crossed, Sun-Swept" 2-19-17 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by LJ user ellenmillion and Valentines Bingo Fest Card 2-1-17
Free perk
The Godship Wanderers
Captured by the alien Cangrejos, a group of enslaved Cubans are rescued by another alien, the godship they name Estrella. Already living aboard is a third species, whom the refugees call Los Salvados, resembling sunda colugos. Bembé, Lur, and Homero form a family of their own and strive to make a new life for themselves. They can't get home to Earth, because they don't know where they are or where Earth is from there. Along with the other Cuban refugees, they become interstellar wanderers and part of the godship's crew.
"Estrellado" 8-6-13
Prompted by DW user jjhunter and Hurt/Comfort Bingo Card 6-10-13
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"Gathering Family" 11-6-13
Prompted by LJ users rix_scaedu, siege, mdlbear, janetmiles, and
Hurt/Comfort Bingo Card 8-12-13
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"The Terrible Fascinating Power"
Prompted by DW user elizabethconall, Hurt/Comfort Bingo Card 6-10-13, and Rainbowfic Moonlight list
Free perk
"The Language of Resistance" 4-9-15 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by DW user chanter_greenie, LJ user kelkyag, and Genprompt Bingo Card 3-16-15
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"Estrellado" 8-6-13
Prompted by DW user jjhunter and Hurt/Comfort Bingo Card 6-10-13
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"Gathering Family" 11-6-13
Prompted by LJ users rix_scaedu, siege, mdlbear, janetmiles, and
Hurt/Comfort Bingo Card 8-12-13
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"The Terrible Fascinating Power"
Prompted by DW user elizabethconall, Hurt/Comfort Bingo Card 6-10-13, and Rainbowfic Moonlight list
Free perk
"The Language of Resistance" 4-9-15 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by DW user chanter_greenie, LJ user kelkyag, and Genprompt Bingo Card 3-16-15
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
Hart's Farm
This is the first series to come out of a Crowdfunding Creative Jam, rather than a Poetry Fishbowl or private inspiration, the weekend of February 18-19, 2012.
Hart's Farm is in Sweden. It began as two small houses and has grown into a cluster of houses with a larger community house in the center. It attracts eccentric people, especially those who have a creative gift and/or unusual sexuality.
See links to the posted poems in "Hart's Farm."
Hart's Farm is in Sweden. It began as two small houses and has grown into a cluster of houses with a larger community house in the center. It attracts eccentric people, especially those who have a creative gift and/or unusual sexuality.
See links to the posted poems in "Hart's Farm."
The Inkseer
Ink scrying is a popular form of divination, in which the seer fills a bowl with ink (or a mixture of ink and water) and gazes into it for visions. This series follows a girl who scries to protect both her family and the creatures of the ocean. She begins scrying with the ink of squid and octopi, then moves on to the far more powerful ink of krakens.
"The Fisherman's Daughter" 8-3-10
Prompted by LJ user valdary, sponsored by LJ user minor_architect
"Changeling Fishes" 2-3-15
Prompted by eseme and Rites of Passage Bingo Card 12-30-14
27 lines, $15
"Atramentous Visions" posted 9-22-10 (outside fishbowl)
Inspired by LJ users janetmiles, danceswithwaves, eseme, and red_trillium
Posted free, cosponsored by LJ user synnabar
"Mightier Than the Sword" 1-5-16
Prompted by LJ user eseme and Genprompt Bingo Card 9-4-15
Sponsored by DW user technoshaman
"The Ocean of Her Eyes" 2-8-11
Prompted by LJ user eseme, cosponsored by LJ user aldersprig and general fund
"The Fisherman's Daughter" 8-3-10
Prompted by LJ user valdary, sponsored by LJ user minor_architect
"Changeling Fishes" 2-3-15
Prompted by eseme and Rites of Passage Bingo Card 12-30-14
27 lines, $15
"Atramentous Visions" posted 9-22-10 (outside fishbowl)
Inspired by LJ users janetmiles, danceswithwaves, eseme, and red_trillium
Posted free, cosponsored by LJ user synnabar
"Mightier Than the Sword" 1-5-16
Prompted by LJ user eseme and Genprompt Bingo Card 9-4-15
Sponsored by DW user technoshaman
"The Ocean of Her Eyes" 2-8-11
Prompted by LJ user eseme, cosponsored by LJ user aldersprig and general fund
Kande's Quest
I got into a discussion, beginning with an essay about evil races in speculative fiction, then my post "Always Chaotic Evil," and moving on to LJ user marina_bonomi's thoughtful reply that I used as a prompt for writing poetry. The result is this sword and soul series, which draws heavily on African cultures and mythology.
Kande is a young warrior woman of the Akaanye tribe. Her baby brother
Atsú gets kidnapped by a group of white demons. With the help of her war elephant Ivory Hammer, Kande sets off to bring Atsú back home.
"A Hole in the Blanket" 6-22-12 (outside fishbowl)
Prompted by LJ user marina_bonomi
Sponsored by LJ user marina_bonomi, Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"Mask of the White Demon" 5-19-13 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by LJ user wander_realtai and Rainbowfic Moonlight list
97 lines, Buy It Now = $47.50 (Available for posting after interim poems have been written.)
"Sankofa" 5-18-14 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by DW user alexseanchai and Origfic Bingo Card 3-6-14
"Marks of Devotion" 10-3-12
Prompted by LJ user jennyevergreen and Hurt/Comfort Bingo Card 9-30-12
142 lines, Buy It Now = $71 (Available for posting after interim poems have been written.)
Kande is a young warrior woman of the Akaanye tribe. Her baby brother
Atsú gets kidnapped by a group of white demons. With the help of her war elephant Ivory Hammer, Kande sets off to bring Atsú back home.
"A Hole in the Blanket" 6-22-12 (outside fishbowl)
Prompted by LJ user marina_bonomi
Sponsored by LJ user marina_bonomi, Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"Mask of the White Demon" 5-19-13 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by LJ user wander_realtai and Rainbowfic Moonlight list
97 lines, Buy It Now = $47.50 (Available for posting after interim poems have been written.)
"Sankofa" 5-18-14 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by DW user alexseanchai and Origfic Bingo Card 3-6-14
"Marks of Devotion" 10-3-12
Prompted by LJ user jennyevergreen and Hurt/Comfort Bingo Card 9-30-12
142 lines, Buy It Now = $71 (Available for posting after interim poems have been written.)
Kung Fu Robots
This series began in the April 3, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl with "Dragon Tiger Wind Cloud." That led to an audience discussion, requests for more, and several spillover poems. The series features a group of robots designed as soldiers and programmed with kung fu. But the martial arts are about far more than fighting, and soon the robots discovered philosophy. They fled the military and scattered across the land, sometimes helped and sometimes hunted by the humans around them. They also continued to explore the mysteries of kung fu, each in their own way. The result is a blend of science fiction and wuxia.
See links to the posted poems in "Kung Fu Robots."
See links to the posted poems in "Kung Fu Robots."
Lacquerware
This series began in the April 3, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl with "lacquerware." From the following discussion sprang more spillover poems. The series is Edopunk (genre name courtesy of LJ user siliconshaman), referring to the Edo period. It's science fiction about Japanese lacquerware evolving into computers. Later poems explore some of the specific applications of this technology. So far the series includes poetry written in haiku verses and tankas.
"lacquerware" 4-3-12
Prompted by LJ user siliconshaman
Sponsored by LJ user laffingkat
"the cup of changes" 4-6-12 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by LJ users siege and kelkyag
Sponsored by LJ user zianuray
"suànpán" 4-6-12 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by LJ users siege and kelkyag
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"chadō" 4-8-12 (outside fishbowl)
Prompted by LJ user kelkyag
Sponsored by DW user kengr
"the war engine" 7-3-12
Prompted by LJ user siege
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"tanegashima" 1-11-13 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by LJ user siege
Sponsored by general fund
"silkbag" 7-21-15 (bonus fishbowl)
Prompted by DW user rix_scaedu
Free perk
Extras
Read the story "Recovery Action" by LJ user rix_scaedu, inspired by "silkbag."
"lacquerware" 4-3-12
Prompted by LJ user siliconshaman
Sponsored by LJ user laffingkat
"the cup of changes" 4-6-12 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by LJ users siege and kelkyag
Sponsored by LJ user zianuray
"suànpán" 4-6-12 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by LJ users siege and kelkyag
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"chadō" 4-8-12 (outside fishbowl)
Prompted by LJ user kelkyag
Sponsored by DW user kengr
"the war engine" 7-3-12
Prompted by LJ user siege
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"tanegashima" 1-11-13 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by LJ user siege
Sponsored by general fund
"silkbag" 7-21-15 (bonus fishbowl)
Prompted by DW user rix_scaedu
Free perk
Extras
Read the story "Recovery Action" by LJ user rix_scaedu, inspired by "silkbag."
Monster House
This series began as a criticism of the housing crisis in 2008, when many people faced foreclosure and eviction. In the first poem, not only was a human resident put on the street, but so were various paranormal residents. Eventually, they found a new home, a Victorian fixer-upper ... along with a new human housemate, who came with some "special" roommates of her own. From there, the family and adventures have grown.
The composition order and chronological order differ; poem are listed below in chronological order, with composition dates. Various audience members have contributed inspiration and support to this the second-most-popular series. Special thanks to series sponsor, LiveJournal user ladymondegreen, as well as sponsors of individual poems. Come visit the house on Hollow Oak Drive...
See links to the poems in "Monster House."
The composition order and chronological order differ; poem are listed below in chronological order, with composition dates. Various audience members have contributed inspiration and support to this the second-most-popular series. Special thanks to series sponsor, LiveJournal user ladymondegreen, as well as sponsors of individual poems. Come visit the house on Hollow Oak Drive...
See links to the poems in "Monster House."
The Moon Door
This series began with "Wolfsboon" during the October 6, 2015 Poetry Fishbowl. Hilla had multiple sclerosis. Then she was bitten by a werewolf, Randie. Hilla wound up with lycanthropy instead of multiple sclerosis. Her experience living with a chronic illness made it much easier for her to adapt to the new one -- which was actually far less debilitating. Then she had to consider whether to offer this exchange to other people in her chronic illness support group ...
Note: When I say "canon-typical messy medical details," bear in mind that the standard for that is considerably higher in this series than in most of my other writing. It centers around the women in a chronic pain support group. A majority of the characters therefore have some kind(s) of chronic illness that causes problems for them, and some of their discussions about that stuff get very frank.
See links to the poems in "The Moon Door."
Note: When I say "canon-typical messy medical details," bear in mind that the standard for that is considerably higher in this series than in most of my other writing. It centers around the women in a chronic pain support group. A majority of the characters therefore have some kind(s) of chronic illness that causes problems for them, and some of their discussions about that stuff get very frank.
See links to the poems in "The Moon Door."
The Ocracies
Government is the compass that guides a culture's direction. It influences the kinds of characters that develop and the stories they tell. Most fantasy settings are monarchies. I thought it would be interesting to create a setting with lots of little polities each using a different form of government.
The first to emerge (during the July 5, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl) is the Plutocracy of Aurea. So far it has two poems, showing how the culture respects wealth and financial influence but also sensibly invests in small practical magics as a foundation of sophisticated development. The Hamarchy of Helgi appeared in the August 2, 2011 session, with a government assembled from committees, small parts working together because people know how to listen. The Hipparchy of Pelip, run by horse breeders, arrived in the September 6, 2011 fishbowl. Its people tend to take the long view, appreciating both good husbandry and good horseflesh. From the November 1, 2011 fishbowl came the Bonocracy of Ophele, managed for the good of all. It's located on a coastline between Aurea and Helgi, with Pelip on the inland border.
See links to the poems in "The Ocracies."
The first to emerge (during the July 5, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl) is the Plutocracy of Aurea. So far it has two poems, showing how the culture respects wealth and financial influence but also sensibly invests in small practical magics as a foundation of sophisticated development. The Hamarchy of Helgi appeared in the August 2, 2011 session, with a government assembled from committees, small parts working together because people know how to listen. The Hipparchy of Pelip, run by horse breeders, arrived in the September 6, 2011 fishbowl. Its people tend to take the long view, appreciating both good husbandry and good horseflesh. From the November 1, 2011 fishbowl came the Bonocracy of Ophele, managed for the good of all. It's located on a coastline between Aurea and Helgi, with Pelip on the inland border.
See links to the poems in "The Ocracies."
The Odd Trio
This is the story of an unusual family, which begins as a trio of adventurers: Druga the fighter, a dwarven woman; Elan the bard, an elven man; and Hope the cleric, a human man. Druga and Elan, both preferring love outside their own kind, get involved with each other. Hope is asexual, but considers Druga and Elan part of his family. Their family life requires some compromises, but they figure it out eventually.
"Hope of the Future" 4-8-11
Posted free as part of A Carnival of Aces theme Coming Out
"The Odd Trio" 4-7-09
Prompted by LJ user haikujaguar
Free perk
"The Underground Gardens" 11-2-10
Prompted by LJ user jenny_evergreen
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"Hope of the Future" 4-8-11
Posted free as part of A Carnival of Aces theme Coming Out
"The Odd Trio" 4-7-09
Prompted by LJ user haikujaguar
Free perk
"The Underground Gardens" 11-2-10
Prompted by LJ user jenny_evergreen
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
One God's Story of Mid-Life Crisis
This series began during the May 1, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl with the poem "Good Help Is Hard To Find." Shaeth, God of Evil, makes the alarming discovery that eventually evil gets boring. So he abandons his position, and his former followers, and goes about the world looking for something better to do. This is easier said than done. Shaeth finds a young man, Trobby, who becomes the first of his new followers as the God of Drunks. But the other gods are worried about the unfilled position for God of Evil, and they pester Shaeth to help them find a replacement.
See links to the poems in "One God's Story of Mid-Life Crisis."
See links to the poems in "One God's Story of Mid-Life Crisis."
The Origami Mage
Origami is a traditional oriental art form done by folding squares of colored paper. In this series -- the most popular so far -- the Origami Mage uses her art to work magic, as introduced in "folded wings." The related art of kirigami involves folding and then cutting the paper. A rival, the Kirigami Mage, enters the storyline in "cutting and folding." This series draws on many Asian motifs, customs, symbolism, spiritual and philosophical tenets. In particular, the storyline follows the spiral pattern popular in Eastern writing, rather than the linear pattern favored in the West. The exact sequence isn't finalized yet; poems appear in possible chronological order. The Origami Mage is also an Eastern hero of the contemplative variety, so her strategies differ from the Western heroic approach. Most of these poems use haiku-style verses. Sinologist Marina Bonomi has inspired and sponsored a majority of the series.
See links to the poems in "The Origami Mage."
See links to the poems in "The Origami Mage."
Path of the Paladins
During the July 5, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl we met the world-weary
paladin Shahana as she rode into a ruined village and picked up
a traveling companion. Although her power is diminished these
days, her determination is not, and she offers whatever help she
can to people in need. This story is not about the kind of faith
that arises from inviolate purity. It's about the kind of faith that
holds fast and true no matter what the world throws at it.
Shahana the Paladin is worn down, but never out. Follow her
and see where that path takes her. Special thanks to series sponsor morrigans_eve for lending her support to this series.
See links to the poems in "Path of the Paladins."
paladin Shahana as she rode into a ruined village and picked up
a traveling companion. Although her power is diminished these
days, her determination is not, and she offers whatever help she
can to people in need. This story is not about the kind of faith
that arises from inviolate purity. It's about the kind of faith that
holds fast and true no matter what the world throws at it.
Shahana the Paladin is worn down, but never out. Follow her
and see where that path takes her. Special thanks to series sponsor morrigans_eve for lending her support to this series.
See links to the poems in "Path of the Paladins."
P. I. E.
Meet Brenda Cochlain, Private Investigator Extraordinaire. She deals with the really weird cases. She also happens to use a wheelchair; and she can kill with guns, blades, or her bare hands if necessary. That guy kissing her is Darrel Finn, undercover cop. He thinks that smart, tough women are hot. This puts him ahead of Nate, a lawyer; and Rick, a construction boss -- the other two guys interested in her.
This series began during the July 2012 Crowdfunding Creative Jam, and has continued in the Poetry Fishbowl.
See links to the poems in "P.I.E."
This series began during the July 2012 Crowdfunding Creative Jam, and has continued in the Poetry Fishbowl.
See links to the poems in "P.I.E."
Poems About Phobic Starships
Here is something from my science fantasy universe. It all started with someone wondering what could frighten an inorganic shapeshifter, during a horror-themed fishbowl. The result is a setting in which sentient starships use a drive that can take them into hyperspace, but that realm is home to a horrific monster, so starflight is traumatic for them. Some of them keep doing it anyway. However, not everyone necessarily has the same reaction to the same situation, and there are things they do not know. All is not as it seems ...
"The Transformations of Terror" revised version, original version 10-13-09
Prompted by LJ users janetmiles, siege, wyld_dandelyon
Sponsored by LJ users janetmiles, stonetalker, wolfbrotherjoe
"What the Starships Do Not Know" 10-19-09 (outside fishbowl)
Free perk
"Boundaries and Determinations" Part 1 and Part 2 from 2-2-10
Prompted by xjenavivex, janetmiles, siege
Posted free for workshopping, with donation button
"The Transformations of Terror" revised version, original version 10-13-09
Prompted by LJ users janetmiles, siege, wyld_dandelyon
Sponsored by LJ users janetmiles, stonetalker, wolfbrotherjoe
"What the Starships Do Not Know" 10-19-09 (outside fishbowl)
Free perk
"Boundaries and Determinations" Part 1 and Part 2 from 2-2-10
Prompted by xjenavivex, janetmiles, siege
Posted free for workshopping, with donation button
Polychrome Heroics
Terramagne is my superhero setting. The first poems focused on Damask. Since then, fans have prompted for many other superheroes and side poems about their world in general.
Maisie Walker was an ordinary college student until the supervillain Mindflare kidnapped her. Under his onslaught of telepathic assault, Maisie ceased to exist; her essence was sliced into six new personalities who became a multiple system. Eventually they developed into a superhero called Damask. Their story was the introduction to Terramagne, and it has grown from there.
See links to the poems in "Polychrome Heroics."
Maisie Walker was an ordinary college student until the supervillain Mindflare kidnapped her. Under his onslaught of telepathic assault, Maisie ceased to exist; her essence was sliced into six new personalities who became a multiple system. Eventually they developed into a superhero called Damask. Their story was the introduction to Terramagne, and it has grown from there.
See links to the poems in "Polychrome Heroics."
Practical Magics
Jenina was introduced in the July 5, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl with its
"low fantasy" theme. She founded the Brown Tower of Practical
Magics. Other wizards focus on magical theory and sophisticated
spells. Jenina creates spells for everyday needs, and has customers from every class of society.
"Wipeout" 7-5-11
Prompted by LJ user haikujaguar
"The Wizard Who Did Windows" 11-1-11
Prompted by LJ user ellenmillion
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"All the Things" 1-3-12
Prompted by DW user jjhunter and LJ user haikujaguar
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"low fantasy" theme. She founded the Brown Tower of Practical
Magics. Other wizards focus on magical theory and sophisticated
spells. Jenina creates spells for everyday needs, and has customers from every class of society.
"Wipeout" 7-5-11
Prompted by LJ user haikujaguar
"The Wizard Who Did Windows" 11-1-11
Prompted by LJ user ellenmillion
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"All the Things" 1-3-12
Prompted by DW user jjhunter and LJ user haikujaguar
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
The Psychic Photographer
This series started out with a woman taking precognitive pictures, in "Telephoto Futures." Then she gained a boyfriend, who is a time traveler, in the sequel "Flash-Frozen." Likely they are in for more adventures later. Several different prompters and sponsors have contributed to this series already.
"Telephoto Futures" 8-3-10
Prompted & sponsored by LJ user nhpeacenik
"Flash-Frozen" 2-8-11
Prompted by LJ user laffingkat
Sponsored by LJ user marina_bonomi
"The Ruby Lens" 6-5-12
Prompted by LJ user laffingkat
Sponsored by LJ user laffingkat
"Telephoto Futures" 8-3-10
Prompted & sponsored by LJ user nhpeacenik
"Flash-Frozen" 2-8-11
Prompted by LJ user laffingkat
Sponsored by LJ user marina_bonomi
"The Ruby Lens" 6-5-12
Prompted by LJ user laffingkat
Sponsored by LJ user laffingkat
Queen Choufa and the Rebel Drones
Long before the Poetry Fishbowl, I wrote a series of poems exploring the rise of sentience in a species of insectoid aliens. They drew features from honeybees, wasps, and ants. The poems highlighted how the potential for sentience must evolve first, then wait for someone to get the idea of doing things by conscious choice rather than blind instinct. The individual poems focus on the emotional impact of this journey, and the events where sentience makes a big difference in how people behave (or not). Here, are the adventures of Queen Choufa, the first female to make sentient decisions; and the Rebel Drones, who chose to grab at life instead of accepting scraps left to them by tradition.
"Queen Choufa Beseeches Her Sister"
Originally published in Fantastic Worlds #1 Summer 1996
Reprinted in The Wordsmith's Forge 3-12-11
"The Leader of the Rebel Drones Addresses Queen Choufa" 8-8-95 (before fishbowl)
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"Queen Choufa Protects the Drones from the Wrath of Arash-keen"
Published in Chiaroscuro Vol. 47, Week 6, May 9-May 15, 2011
"The Grateful Drones Come to the Aid of Queen Choufa and Her Army" 8-9-95 (before fishbowl)
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"The Leader of the Rebel Drones Considers the Length of His Span" 8-8-95 (before fishbowl)
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"The Leader of the Rebel Drones Laments the Death of His Last Brother"
Published in Sci-Fi Short Story #3 3-10-11
"Queen Choufa Beseeches Her Sister"
Originally published in Fantastic Worlds #1 Summer 1996
Reprinted in The Wordsmith's Forge 3-12-11
"The Leader of the Rebel Drones Addresses Queen Choufa" 8-8-95 (before fishbowl)
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"Queen Choufa Protects the Drones from the Wrath of Arash-keen"
Published in Chiaroscuro Vol. 47, Week 6, May 9-May 15, 2011
"The Grateful Drones Come to the Aid of Queen Choufa and Her Army" 8-9-95 (before fishbowl)
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"The Leader of the Rebel Drones Considers the Length of His Span" 8-8-95 (before fishbowl)
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"The Leader of the Rebel Drones Laments the Death of His Last Brother"
Published in Sci-Fi Short Story #3 3-10-11
Seeing Hearts
Some women look like people expect women to look. Some women look like people expect men to look instead. There are transfolk in every world, and they face a lot of challenges. Annalee is one of them. But there are artifacts that can see the truth in every heart ...
"The Diadem of Dreams and Thorns" 2-10-15 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by DW user chordatesrock and Trope Bingo Card 1-3-15
Free perk
"Learning to See" 5-14-15 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by DW user librarygeek and Wellness Toolbox Bingo Card 5-2-15
Free perk
"The Diadem of Dreams and Thorns" 2-10-15 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by DW user chordatesrock and Trope Bingo Card 1-3-15
Free perk
"Learning to See" 5-14-15 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by DW user librarygeek and Wellness Toolbox Bingo Card 5-2-15
Free perk
Sort Of Heroes
Not all heroes start out heroic. Sometimes they start out on
the wrong track, and then make an abrupt detour. Nib is a
young man of peasant background. Brod is a troll. Nib and
Brod both begin as henchmen of the Master ... and a
not-very-understanding Master, at that. But he sends Nib
to get a magical sword, which turns out to be too big and
heavy to transport easily. Nib asks Brod for help carrying
the sword up the mountain, and that's where things really
get interesting. Follow Nib and Brod and the sword as they
go adventuring.
See links to the poems in "Sort Of Heroes."
the wrong track, and then make an abrupt detour. Nib is a
young man of peasant background. Brod is a troll. Nib and
Brod both begin as henchmen of the Master ... and a
not-very-understanding Master, at that. But he sends Nib
to get a magical sword, which turns out to be too big and
heavy to transport easily. Nib asks Brod for help carrying
the sword up the mountain, and that's where things really
get interesting. Follow Nib and Brod and the sword as they
go adventuring.
See links to the poems in "Sort Of Heroes."
Starfather
This series comes out of the March 5, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl, and it takes place in my main science fiction universe. It begins with a prompt from LJ user Lilfluff about the sacrifices that adoptive parents make when they accept another's child as their own. Parenting is always a hard job. When a human man picks up an alien baby -- and then can't put it down again -- that's even harder. Follow Lieutenant Adjo Mubarak as he tries to raise a child like nothing humanity has ever seen before.
"Starfather" 3-6-12
Prompted by LJ user lilfluff
Free perk
"Alien In-Laws" 6-16-12 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by LJ user siege
Free perk
"Sucked In" 11-5-13
Prompted by LJ user janetmiles and Origfic Bingo Card 10-6-13
Free perk
"Starfather" 3-6-12
Prompted by LJ user lilfluff
Free perk
"Alien In-Laws" 6-16-12 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by LJ user siege
Free perk
"Sucked In" 11-5-13
Prompted by LJ user janetmiles and Origfic Bingo Card 10-6-13
Free perk
The Steamsmith
During the November 1, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl, Marina Bonomi introduced me to the character of Maryam Smith. This steampunk engineer is black and British, with a sharp mind and a good sense of humor. She forced her way into the (white, male) Steamsmith guild with sheer professional competence. She moved into an ordinary middle-class neighborhood and quietly made a place for herself there too. Come visit London by gaslight, in a world where the scientific principles remain the same, but much of the information differs.
Steampunk ... it's not just for white blokes anymore!
See links to the posted poems in "The Steamsmith."
Steampunk ... it's not just for white blokes anymore!
See links to the posted poems in "The Steamsmith."
Submerged Nebraska
Back in January 2009, I wrote a set of four poems set in the distant future. They feature two sentient species: cockroaches and manta rays. Discover their different ways.
Read about "The Great Nebraska Sea" which contributed to the inspiration for this series, and here it is online. Much of central North America once lay underwater, like this map, as described in Oceans of Kansas. Another map shows the Western Interior Seaway dividing the lands of Laramidia and Appalachia. I have been to the Sand Hills in Nebraska, whose history relates to this ancient sea.
"The Sugar Sea"
Prompted by LJ user whuffle
Sponsored by general fund
"Swallowtide" 1-6-09
Prompted by LJ users whuffle and haikujaguar
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"The Songs That Know" 1-6-09
Prompted by LJ users whuffle, haikujaguar, ladyqkat, and wyld_dandelyon
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"On Wings of Hope"
Prompted by LJ users whuffle, haikujaguar, and janetmiles
Sponsored by janetmiles
Extras
There's a filk song based on the old science fiction story, "The Great Nebraska Sea," which is just lovely.
Read about "The Great Nebraska Sea" which contributed to the inspiration for this series, and here it is online. Much of central North America once lay underwater, like this map, as described in Oceans of Kansas. Another map shows the Western Interior Seaway dividing the lands of Laramidia and Appalachia. I have been to the Sand Hills in Nebraska, whose history relates to this ancient sea.
"The Sugar Sea"
Prompted by LJ user whuffle
Sponsored by general fund
"Swallowtide" 1-6-09
Prompted by LJ users whuffle and haikujaguar
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"The Songs That Know" 1-6-09
Prompted by LJ users whuffle, haikujaguar, ladyqkat, and wyld_dandelyon
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"On Wings of Hope"
Prompted by LJ users whuffle, haikujaguar, and janetmiles
Sponsored by janetmiles
Extras
There's a filk song based on the old science fiction story, "The Great Nebraska Sea," which is just lovely.
The Time Towers
This series began with the premise that there is no such thing as a "fixed point in time." Instead, events exert pressure on each other, like the pieces in a stacking-block game. In order to change an event, it must be free of surrounding pressure so that it can move. The more significant an event, the more it affects other events, and the greater the pressure that holds it in place. So a time traveler wishing to make a single change must first identify what pins that moment in place, then alter the other events to release the pressure, and finally make the desired change. This is the opposite from most time-travel fiction in which either events cannot be changed regardless of the character's efforts, or the character tries not to change anything for fear of wreaking havoc.
The first two poems came out of the February 3, 2015 Poetry Fishbowl, "The Baghdad Debacle" and "The Uruk Uncertainty." Based on the fishbowl theme, they deal with gender issues.
"The Open Secret" 11-3-15
Prompted by DW user shiori_makiba and Stephen Laird
Free perk
"The Baghdad Debacle" 2-3-15
Prompted by DW user helgatwb, Ladies Bingo Card 9-1-14, and Trope Bingo Card 1-3-15
Free perk
"The Uruk Uncertainty" 2-9-15
Prompted by DW user chordatesrock and Trope Bingo Card 1-3-15
Free perk
"The Rosetta Code" 4-7-15
Prompted by DW user rix_scaedu and Ladies Bingo Card 9-1-14
Sponsored by DW user janetmiles
"Watershed Down" 9-3-16
Prompted by Worldbuilding 4x4x4 Festival Cards 9-2-16
To be sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
The first two poems came out of the February 3, 2015 Poetry Fishbowl, "The Baghdad Debacle" and "The Uruk Uncertainty." Based on the fishbowl theme, they deal with gender issues.
"The Open Secret" 11-3-15
Prompted by DW user shiori_makiba and Stephen Laird
Free perk
"The Baghdad Debacle" 2-3-15
Prompted by DW user helgatwb, Ladies Bingo Card 9-1-14, and Trope Bingo Card 1-3-15
Free perk
"The Uruk Uncertainty" 2-9-15
Prompted by DW user chordatesrock and Trope Bingo Card 1-3-15
Free perk
"The Rosetta Code" 4-7-15
Prompted by DW user rix_scaedu and Ladies Bingo Card 9-1-14
Sponsored by DW user janetmiles
"Watershed Down" 9-3-16
Prompted by Worldbuilding 4x4x4 Festival Cards 9-2-16
To be sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
Tripping into the Future
The January 8, 2013 Poetry Fishbowl spawned the poem "A One-Way Trip," about how time travel can be a weapon. Then Dreamwidth user Chordatesrock wrote the haunting fanfic "After." In the future after a devastating war and a brutal victory, life ... somehow ... goes on.
See links to the poems in "Tripping into the Future."
See links to the poems in "Tripping into the Future."
Walking the Beat
This series began with a request for a lesbian couple, one of whom is Deaf and the other walks with a cane, fighting crime together. I figured they would need a creative approach to that goal, so what they do is neighborhood improvement and activism. Kelly and Dale live in Jamaica Plain, in Boston. One poem became two, and so it goes ...
See links to the poems in "Walking the Beat."
See links to the poems in "Walking the Beat."
Pricing
These are standard prices for my poems:
0-10 lines: $5
11-25 lines: $10
26-40 lines: $15
41-60 lines: $20
61+ lines: $.50/line
Poems with very intricate structure or other exceptions may fall into custom pricing.
0-10 lines: $5
11-25 lines: $10
26-40 lines: $15
41-60 lines: $20
61+ lines: $.50/line
Poems with very intricate structure or other exceptions may fall into custom pricing.
Links
"Donor Perk: What Patronage Can Do" 9-10-08 (locked, for donors only)
"Donor Perk-Post: Serial Poetry" 2-10-11 (locked, for donors only)
See also the "Crowdfunding" section; the page on "Functions" lists how crowdfunding can help patrons and activists. It covers some of the same material as the perk posts, in a public venue.
Feed the Bard! Contributing funds toward any project can increase its contents and priority. You may use the permanent PayPal button on the LiveJournal profile page, or ask about other arrangements.
"Donor Perk-Post: Serial Poetry" 2-10-11 (locked, for donors only)
See also the "Crowdfunding" section; the page on "Functions" lists how crowdfunding can help patrons and activists. It covers some of the same material as the perk posts, in a public venue.
Feed the Bard! Contributing funds toward any project can increase its contents and priority. You may use the permanent PayPal button on the LiveJournal profile page, or ask about other arrangements.