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⤝❖⤞The Eirenic Verses ⤝❖⤞
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Hello there, and I hope you had a great week. My dog, Clark, was yet again at the vet for a suspicious lump. Thankfully, the vet immediately ruled it as a lipoma, and so we don't need to worry about his cancer coming back! That was an incredible relief and I'm so grateful to our vet for being so attentive.
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Clark has been the light of my life since 2017, but I've always been a huge dog lover. Reflecting on all the joy that dogs bring, let's look at a poem that celebrates man's best friend.
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Golden Retrievals
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Fetch? Balls and sticks capture my attention
seconds at a time. Catch? I don’t think so.
Bunny, tumbling leaf, a squirrel who’s—oh
joy—actually scared. Sniff the wind, then
I’m off again: muck, pond, ditch, residue
of any thrillingly dead thing. And you?
Either you’re sunk in the past, half our walk,
thinking of what you never can bring back,
or else you’re off in some fog concerning
—tomorrow, is that what you call it? My work:
to unsnare time’s warp (and woof!), retrieving,
my haze-headed friend, you. This shining bark,
a Zen master’s bronzy gong, calls you here,
entirely, now: bow-wow, bow-wow, bow-wow.
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⤝❖⤞
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Writing Tip of the Week
Mechanics and positioning can get a bit fishy when you're sitting alone by yourself at your computer. How are these two people fighting (or screwing)? Where are their hands?
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While I caution you from getting too specific with fight scenes or sex scenes, you need to show you have a clear idea of everyone's position. As such, consider getting an anthropomorphic item, whether that's a mannequin or a sock monkey, and positioning it as the other person would stand.
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I happen to use a five-foot-tall stuffed duck. Close enough.
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This way, you can determine which hand would strike, whether it's possible to hold a person in such a way without snapping their neck, and so on. It will feel weird the first few times, but then you'll get more comfortable with it.
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⤝❖⤞
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About the Eirenic Verses
As mentioned last week, the review campaign for Funeral of Hopes is here! This 60k novel will be released on June 23 and deals with some heavy themes, including complicated grief, estrangement, and loss. Based on my own experiences and work with my therapist, I've worked hard to make the novel cathartic and non-triggering. I promise there is no trauma porn in the story.
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I hope you will consider signing up for the review campaign using the above link. Reviews are enormously important for exposure, and every single one counts. You would have my undying appreciation!
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To entice you, let's take a look at a pivotal scene in the book.
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Whirling around, Orrinir grabbed Uileac’s despoiled jacket and hissed in his face. “I wasn’t trying to kill you. And I would never try to kill you. Maybe I’m right to think we’re not fated if you’d even question that of me.”
If anyone was watching Orrinir lifting him like a ragdoll, Uileac didn’t notice. Surely other soldiers had paused to see this argument, but they had become invisible. Nothing mattered but Orrinir’s eyes squinted in a way that suggested he was trying not to cry.
“We can talk at home, like civilized people,” he said, congratulating himself on the feigned calm. “I am not discussing this further in our mutual workplace.”
With a long snort, Orrinir released his grip a finger at a time, then turned sharply and stalked away. Straightening his uniform, Uileac watched his husband cross his arms as he went: a subtle assurance that he wouldn’t unsheathe his weapon. Not that he would once they were out of that oppressive training hall, pitted against one another like wolves.
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⤝❖⤞
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What I'm Reading This Week
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The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary does what it says on the tin. With her third book, Catherine Gray helps you recognize the beauty in everyday life through meandering meditations and interviews with experts in various fields, including psychology and neurology.
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What I appreciate about this book is that Gray does not overpromise or insist on a universal cure for ennui. Instead, she shares what she has learned through her journey toward a greater appreciation for the mundane, including some solid research listed in the back of the book.
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The chirpy tone isn't quite my style, but I'm certain it will appeal to many who are looking for a pick-me-up.
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⤝❖⤞
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Last Week's Posts
If you haven't gotten a chance to read last week's posts, they're right here for you! Thanks in advance for reading them.
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What Makes Good Queer Representation in Fiction?
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Bring pride to the LGBTQ community through nuanced and thoughtful representation, including the unique aspects of queer community.
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Read My Authoriview Interview!
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Learn more about Cameron Sidhe, author of the LGBTQ literary fantasy series The Eirenic Verses. Explore her past, inspirations, and everyday life.
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Weekly Quote
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"To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs."
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⤝❖⤞
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Share the Monday Missive with your friends!
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If you know of someone who would enjoy my newsletter, please direct them to this "Manage Your Subscription" page where they can sign up! Your support is greatly appreciated.
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⤝❖⤞
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Thanks for joining me today. I'll catch up with you again on 05/26/25!
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