In Finno-Ugric paganism, the bear’s true name was too sacred to speak aloud, lest you attract it. It was replaced with euphemistic, respectful names instead. Finnish euphemisms for “bear” Because speaking the true name of the bear was taboo to ancient Finno-Ugric people, they used terms of endearment and euphemisms like mesikämmen (“honey-paw”,) metsän omena […]
The bear spirit in Finnish paganism Read More »
For my spring Undone Rituals Mixtape on Patreon, I made a zine! That sentence got an exclamation mark because I haven’t made a zine since I was 24. That’s over 20 years ago! Making a zine in 2025 was different in two main ways: 1) No longer having an office job where I could sneak
My first zine in over 20 years! Read More »
This month I had the honour of guest-editing the March edition of Katie Li’s incredible zine The Beautiful Worst, which shares thoughts on a different aspect of creativity along with prompts and ideas for readers to use in their own creative practice. My theme was “Creativity + Convergence,” and it was fun to examine the
Patreon giveaway w/author Katie Li Read More »
I came of age on the late ‘90s internet, a very small world of DIY creativity and un-algorithmed self-expression. I’ve always loved exploring ideas and putting them out there, rough edges and all. So in 2025 I’m creating the Undone Rituals Mixtape project, a year-long creative experiment outside of my traditionally-published work, outside of algorithms
Introducing: the Undone Rituals Mixtape project on Patreon Read More »
Why do I write historically-inspired SF/F set in societies that disregard personal autonomy? I admit, when I first noticed it I got a little concerned. Shouldn’t I be writing about dragons or something lighthearted and fun? Then I took a step back and looked at the broad strokes history of my parents’ countries of
Historical inspiration for my fantasy novel: foreign rule in Finland & the Philippines Read More »
I’m honoured to be the inaugural Captured Phantoms “Pay It Forward” Scholarship Award Recipient. The fund was established by the wonderful book coach and editor Karen A. Parker, and I’m excited to work with Karen on developing Seeker of the Lost Song! The fund helps subsidize the cost of coaching, consultation, critique, and editorial services
Join Farah Heron, Rebecca Mardon, and me at the Word on the Street’s “Creating Time and Space to Write” free (!) virtual workshop. We’ll share how we manage creative projects alongside children, households, day jobs, and more. You’ll learn tips, tricks, rituals, and mindsets to help you make time and space for your very own
Event alert! “Creating Time and Space to Write” workshop at the Word on the Street Read More »
I’m excited to talk about this: I wrote a short story for the first time in years! Stone Grown is set in the greater world of a couple of works in progress. It’s historically-inspired, character-driven, and draws on Finnish and Filipino folklore and customs. Note: A slightly more detailed version of this post first appeared
How I wrote my first short story in years Read More »
At my recent “World-building and Cultural Research for Storytelling” panel at the Filipino-Canadian Book Festival, one question asked where we start our respective worldbuilding processes. Here I’ll go into more detail about how I start worldbuilding as a sci-fi/fantasy author. /// Note: A slightly more detailed version of this post first appeared in my monthly
How I start my worldbuilding process as an SF/F author Read More »
I’m excited to be appearing (virtually!) on a panel at the first Filipino-Canadian Book Festival next month. My event is on Saturday, July 13 at 10.15 am PT. Here are the details: World-building and Cultural Research for Storytelling Join us for this insightful author panel on creating immersive worlds, grounding them in reality, and ensuring
Event alert! Filipino-Canadian Book Festival on July 13 Read More »
