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Plot Twists & Deadlines: The Fun and Challenges of Writing a Novel for My MFA Thesis
The Fun Part: Living in the World You Create One of the best things about writing a novel for your thesis is the freedom to dive deep. You’re not just writing a short story or a scene—you’re building an entire world. For me, that meant: Sketching maps of imaginary towns. I tried using software to do this, but I reverted to pencil and paper. Creating magical rules, boundaries, and events that made sense (most of the time), And getting to know my characters like they were real kids I might’ve met in 1978. There’s something magical about watching your story grow from a few scribbled notes into a full manuscript.…
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How the Salem Witch Trials Still Haunt Our Stories
The Real Witch Trials In 1692, the town of Salem was gripped by fear. A group of young girls claimed to be afflicted by witches, and their accusations spiraled into one of the most infamous episodes of mass hysteria in American history. Over 200 people were accused of witchcraft. Nineteen were hanged. One man was pressed to death with stones. The trials were fueled by fear, superstition, and a strict Puritan belief system that saw the Devil lurking behind every misfortune. People believed witches could: Curse crops or livestock with a glance, Fly through the night on broomsticks or with the help of familiars, Cause illness or bad luck through…
