Writing can be such a lonely endeavor. I remember feeling isolated when working on my first novel because a.) no one else knows what I’m thinking,b.) no one besides me knows who these characters are, and c.) no one can see how the plot will unfold. I felt like I was annoying my friends who … Continue reading Solo Writing Retreat: Making the Most of the Time
You know how they say getting a dog is what you do once you’re married, but not quite ready for kids? It’s like, you get a dog, and suddenly all of the married people you know begin to exchange knowing smiles and sidelong glances. Uh huh, we know what's coming next! Well, my husband, Jason, … Continue reading Queen Sheba’s Reign: A Tale of Cat vs. Dog
Candlelight flickers, casting a halo of light Into the darkness around me. I shiver lightly, goosebumps forming on my skin. What memory will I stumble upon next? I wander through the mystical realm of my imagination A wide open land of endless opportunities I peer into the distance and see a snow-capped mountain peak, The … Continue reading Paint Chip Poetry #3: A Big Mistake
In 2019, I began researching for my next book, a historical fiction novel inspired by the fascinating life of Alice Martin. Alice was born in 1881 in Derby, Indiana, which is about an hour from my house. She lived on her family’s farm until she left for college, and then she traveled the world (literally) … Continue reading Road Tripping and Novel Researching
I remember the first poem I ever wrote. In fact, I still have the original copy, 36 years later. I don’t remember the details, of course, but what I do remember is how much I adored my third grade teacher, Ms. Hawes. I would do anything within my power to impress her. When she once … Continue reading Remembering My First Poem: A Tribute to Ms. Hawes
April 13, 1936 The coffin rested on the kitchen table in the center of the room. She turned and stared at the walls, up at the ceiling, down at the floor, anything to avoid looking at the smooth pine box that seemed to swallow the air in this room, seemed to draw the very breath … Continue reading Waverly: A Novel (Excerpt)
I sucked air between my teeth in a hiss, not wanting to wake my husband, but wanting the pain to stop. I had been in the midst of a dream, but I couldn’t remember it. I grabbed my wrist and felt it was hot and slick with what could only be blood. I jumped out … Continue reading The Scar
I love reading historical fiction. Getting lost in the world of a great story inspired by true events is the ultimate escape for me. I’ve always admired authors who are able to describe a world from long ago so clearly that I can put myself right there in the midst of the action. Through the … Continue reading The Trouble with Historical Fiction
Listen I have something to say Sometimes the words are easy I don’t have to drag them out Today The words are hiding Refusing to come into the light Empty pages stare blankly The words just won’t come The voices inside whisper No one’s listening anyway Even though I write (Now read from the bottom … Continue reading Listen: A Reverse Poem About Writing
Today I did something I wasn’t sure I’d ever do again. I crossed the finish line of a 5K race. Admittedly, I walked the whole thing, but I was still overwhelmed with gratitude to God for walking beside me on this journey of recovery for the past 5 years. Less than 24 hours before my … Continue reading Learning to Walk Again
Amy Bellamy, Author 