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The good news is that there is a publisher for every type of book. Each one comes with its own expectations, opportunities, and trade-offs. None of them are inherently “better” than the others; they simply serve different goals and writers.

Idiopathic, empathetic— Hyperventilating, still poetic. Scratching, Stripping, Clawing walls; Muted texts, unanswered calls. Echoes in a crowded room “I am trying,” never soon.

What a conversation  Little trading cards of Who we are  Passed like middle school notes, Small laughter across a table. A flicker, A passing recognition, I think I knew you once Or maybe I was just waiting to.

Treading, Heading on a course south of north gnawing on the marrow of a harrowing rebirth

The Women Who Raised Me 1. My grandmother is a half of a woman I love both halves, the one she is allowed and the one I will never know Think my grandparents love each other, or must have once...

Grab a cup of cocoa and get cozy while we take a stroll down candy cane lane to the intoxicating tune of carols and stop under an opportunely-placed sprig of mistletoe to discuss the finer points of Christmas story crafting.

Author K. Cardella took the time to answer Ink & Oak’s questions about her work via email recently. She writes dark romance and can be found at many local venues for readings and book signings. Let’s get into it with the author of The Blue Rose and The Black Lotus.

No matter where you are in your writing journey, resources, and free ones at that, are essential. They help you connect with other writers, join peer review groups, find free workshops near you, or even learn the ins and outs of submitting and publishing your work. Let’s explore some great resources both locally in the Triangle and beyond.

Generative AI platforms like ChatGPT are a hot-button issue for writers. There are many ethical reasons for this, but it has also brought writing craft and style debates. One question I have seen a lot in online forums is whether generative AI has ruined the em dash for writers because of how often (and how incorrectly) it’s used by these tools. Let’s take a deeper look at this debate and some potential considerations for future em dash use.

Over the years, many grammatical conventions have been hotly debated. Despite being called rules, some of them are really preferences, suggestions, or even misconceptions. Let’s break down some of the biggest grammar debates and their origins so you can decide what’s “right” for your writing.

Writers know how important it is to use language to show the reader what a character is feeling and thinking in a story. Beyond dialogue and outright exposition, writers have other literary tools to achieve this goal. Let’s zoom in on one of those tools: stream of consciousness.

Take a brief small bookstore tour around North Carolina with us and find some niche new (and old) places to meet your next favorite book. Be sure to check individual store websites and socials for the most up to date information on inventory, events, and offerings.

Elsie Jones did not belong here. Despite the soft sunlight that filtered in through her large windows, the lush pillows surrounding her, the gorgeous silk scarf holding her dark curls aloft as she slept, and the inviting platter of tea sitting on the table beside her door, the entirety of Southerby Plantation seemed to constantly ooze a sense of foreboding. It was as if the very structure itself whispered obscenities to her through the walls each night...

Kid crashed his car into the River at 2:03. It was just as the sun came into his eyes and flared that he’d swerved. Or didn’t realize he’d swerved. Not that it mattered.

He comes in those moments before sleep sweeps across my brow, sinks me into nothingness. His words mere whispers. In my ear? My mind? I can never tell. They encoil my heart and steal my breath as terror surges through me, awareness of my mortality palpable. His presence a shroud embracing me. Portending that which lies beyond my end.

Pickles the Clown was calmer than he remembered being in his entire life. Leaning forward in the vanity chair toward the mirror, he carefully drew a rag across his cheek. The thick white makeup and red freckling transferred from his face onto the cloth. He’d been with the traveling carnival for three seasons. During that time, he’d aged from runaway teenager to legal adult. The other members of the troupe had treated him like a grown-up from the beginning.

There’s something special about Halloween reading. A flickering candle, a cool October night, and the right story can turn the ordinary into something unforgettable. Some tales creep in quietly, others jump out at you, but all of them capture the strange beauty of fear. We’ve dropped the horror stories and books we’ve reached for over the years below so you can have a frightful night to remember.

Who doesn’t love a dark and ominous mix of horror and romance in a story? From the scenery and imagery to the most important themes and how to craft them, we are looking at gothic horror from a writer’s point of view. Dive in with us to discover the finer details of what your story should feature to join the greats like Poe, Bronte, and Stoker.

When you are writing a short story intended to scare your reader into the next decade, there are some key elements to include and a few pitfalls you will want to avoid. We will cover the best ways to ensure you craft your narrative with the right dose of suspense to keep readers engaged all the way though.

Author Samantha Dunaway Bryant recently took the time to answer Ink & Oak’s burning questions via email. Keep reading for more on her forthcoming titles and bookish events you can find her at over the next few weeks.