Serial Poetry
Some poems exist as part of
a series. They feature recurring
characters and/or settings, often with a common tone as well. Serial poetry therefore takes an initial idea
and expands on it over time, rather like episodes in a television show. The Poetry
Fishbowl and other projects have spawned several poetic series.
This lets participants inspire and sponsor new poems about a
favorite protagonist or venue.
These poems come about in different ways. A series may have one or more people serving as its prompter(s) and/or sponsor(s). It's also possible for donors to sponsor a series in general, by marking a donation for the series rather than a specific poem. A reference to "general fund" means that the audience voted in a poll to direct general donations toward that poem.
Each series has its own section below, listed alphabetically by series title. Within each series, poems are listed in probable order of internal chronology, so start at the top and read down. Some series also have extras such as illustrations or essays; these are linked below the list of poems.
Due to the high popularity of serial poetry among my audience, and my own high productivity, this page is getting long! Therefore I moved the big series to their own pages, just leaving their summaries here, which will make navigation easier. Click the link under the summary description to visit an individual series page with links to the posted poems and any extras.
You can also read about how to write serial poetry.
These poems come about in different ways. A series may have one or more people serving as its prompter(s) and/or sponsor(s). It's also possible for donors to sponsor a series in general, by marking a donation for the series rather than a specific poem. A reference to "general fund" means that the audience voted in a poll to direct general donations toward that poem.
Each series has its own section below, listed alphabetically by series title. Within each series, poems are listed in probable order of internal chronology, so start at the top and read down. Some series also have extras such as illustrations or essays; these are linked below the list of poems.
Due to the high popularity of serial poetry among my audience, and my own high productivity, this page is getting long! Therefore I moved the big series to their own pages, just leaving their summaries here, which will make navigation easier. Click the link under the summary description to visit an individual series page with links to the posted poems and any extras.
You can also read about how to write serial poetry.
The Adventures of Aldornia and Zenobia
During the April 6, 2010 Poetry Fishbowl I wrote a poem about a young woman who was trying -- and failing hopelessly -- to be evil. I had been reading about the dead/evil lesbian cliche, and it occurred to me that somebody ought to write a story in which the lesbian is the only survivor and/or the only non-evil character. I jotted that down and filed it away. Only on re-reading this poem did I realize that I'd written something in which all the other people are crazy-evil and it's the lesbians who go sane, become good, run off and live happily ever after. Then when the "corruption and redemption" theme appeared in the August 2, 2011 fishbowl, one of Aldornia's relatives crash-landed into their lives and sparked a whole new adventure.
"The Reluctant Villain" 4/6/10
Prompted by LJ users janetmiles and siege
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"The Accidental Hero" 8/2/11
Prompted by LJ users janetmiles, stryck, aldersprig, and ladyqkat
Sponsored by LJ users ladyqkat, zianuray, general fund, janetmiles, tuftears, the_vulture
"The Morose Mascot" 1/3/12
Prompted by LJ user the_vulture
Sponsored by LJ users the_vulture, janetmiles, westrider, general fund
Extras
See an illustration of Aldornia and Zenobia at the Temple of Golden Light by LJ user ankewehner.
"The Reluctant Villain" 4/6/10
Prompted by LJ users janetmiles and siege
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"The Accidental Hero" 8/2/11
Prompted by LJ users janetmiles, stryck, aldersprig, and ladyqkat
Sponsored by LJ users ladyqkat, zianuray, general fund, janetmiles, tuftears, the_vulture
"The Morose Mascot" 1/3/12
Prompted by LJ user the_vulture
Sponsored by LJ users the_vulture, janetmiles, westrider, general fund
Extras
See an illustration of Aldornia and Zenobia at the Temple of Golden Light by LJ user ankewehner.
Alien Ants and Butterflies
This series began with an exploration of Large Blue Butterflies in Britain., and their symbiosis with ants. It evolved into a poem about two species of sentient aliens based on the butterflies and the ants. Humans arrived and were horrified by the aliens' life cycles. The aliens explained why it still worked for them -- and how they were going to incorporate humans into their culture. They also figured out why humans are so odd.
"The Sky-Eyes and the Earth-Hearts" 7-2-09 (outside fishbowl)
Sponsored by LJ users minor_architect, nhpeacenik, browngirl, siliconshaman, haikujaguar, tuftears, janetmiles, fayanora
"The Stars Must Be Crazy" 8-4-09
Prompted by LJ user ellenmillion, sponsored by LJ user nhpeacenik
"The Twin Peoples in Love" 6-7-11
Prompted by fayanora
Published in Star*Line April-June 2012 35.2
"The Sky-Eyes and the Earth-Hearts" 7-2-09 (outside fishbowl)
Sponsored by LJ users minor_architect, nhpeacenik, browngirl, siliconshaman, haikujaguar, tuftears, janetmiles, fayanora
"The Stars Must Be Crazy" 8-4-09
Prompted by LJ user ellenmillion, sponsored by LJ user nhpeacenik
"The Twin Peoples in Love" 6-7-11
Prompted by fayanora
Published in Star*Line April-June 2012 35.2
The Arc of Joan
This series takes place in nether-Earth, along with The Steamsmith series. It gets its own space because it happens in a much earlier time (beginning around 1424 when Joan was 12) and concerns a different story arc. However, it does provide some relevant background -- for instance, why Maryam can get away with taking the social role of a man. It shares the same $1/line pricing, for similar reason of extra research work.
Joan's story begins in the poem "Listening to God," which came out of the July 3, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl. It relates her first vision of the saints and their call to arms. A sequel, "The Voyage to Vaucouleurs," covers her efforts to acquire some support for her mission. In this timeline, she supports the English rather than the French.
"Listening to God" 7-3-12
Prompted by LJ user kelkyag
Free perk
"The Voyage to Vaucouleurs" 11-6-12
Prompted by LJ user laffingkat
Free perk
Joan's story begins in the poem "Listening to God," which came out of the July 3, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl. It relates her first vision of the saints and their call to arms. A sequel, "The Voyage to Vaucouleurs," covers her efforts to acquire some support for her mission. In this timeline, she supports the English rather than the French.
"Listening to God" 7-3-12
Prompted by LJ user kelkyag
Free perk
"The Voyage to Vaucouleurs" 11-6-12
Prompted by LJ user laffingkat
Free perk
An Army of One: The Autistic Secession in Space
Once upon a time, there will be two galactic powers. One controls the Carina-Sagittarius Arm, and the other controls the Orion-Cygnus Arm. They have a war. Then they have an armistice. Then they have a peace. So they decide to decommission their secret surveillance stations and send home all their collected specialists with odd traits and useful skills.
That does not turn out well. A bunch of the autistic soldiers secede from galactic politics and form their own society. What happens, really, when neurovariant people get together? What type of culture will they build? Sometimes, an army isn't made of soldiers marching in lockstep. Sometimes, an army is made of one and one and one ... and this is their story.
See links to the posted poems in "An Army of One."
That does not turn out well. A bunch of the autistic soldiers secede from galactic politics and form their own society. What happens, really, when neurovariant people get together? What type of culture will they build? Sometimes, an army isn't made of soldiers marching in lockstep. Sometimes, an army is made of one and one and one ... and this is their story.
See links to the posted poems in "An Army of One."
The Asgard Eddas
This series takes place in my main science fiction universe, dealing with the culture of the colony planet Asgard and the Aesir who live there. From Earth to Asgard to points beyond they have spread. The first poem written was "The Forging of Brisingamen," a retelling of a myth about Freya; it recounts how a woman made diplomatic agreements with the Bonos, a race of hominid aliens. The second written was "Within the Wolf's Jaws," based on the myth about Tyr and Fenris; it deals with an emergency landing on a planet inhabited by aquatic aliens.
"Within the Wolf's Jaws" 5-1-12
Prompted by LJ users ellenmillion and rix_scaedu and Dreamwidth user avia
Sponsored by DW user jb_slasher
"The Saga of Eriksdottir" 11-6-12
Prompted by LJ user paka
60 lines, Buy It Now = $60
"The Forging of Brisingamen" 2-19-08
Prompted by LJ user tonithegreat
Sponsored by DW user jb_slasher
"Within the Wolf's Jaws" 5-1-12
Prompted by LJ users ellenmillion and rix_scaedu and Dreamwidth user avia
Sponsored by DW user jb_slasher
"The Saga of Eriksdottir" 11-6-12
Prompted by LJ user paka
60 lines, Buy It Now = $60
"The Forging of Brisingamen" 2-19-08
Prompted by LJ user tonithegreat
Sponsored by DW user jb_slasher
The Bat Vampires
This series began in the October 2010 Poetry Fishbowl with a starkly beautiful image prompt of mourners in a graveyard. From that I got the idea of vampires who were peaceful instead of violent, and hated by humans for no good reason. Then during the May 2012 Crowdfunding Creative Jam, I hit on the idea of using actual vampire bat behavior as inspiration for aspects of vampire culture, because these bats are surprisingly polite and cooperative creatures.
"The Vampire Funeral" 10-5-10
Prompted by LJ user moosl
Sponsored by LJ user xjenavivex
"A Sweet Fang" 5-27-12 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by clare_dragonfly
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"The Vampire Funeral" 10-5-10
Prompted by LJ user moosl
Sponsored by LJ user xjenavivex
"A Sweet Fang" 5-27-12 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by clare_dragonfly
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
The Clockwork War
A conversation on my LiveJournal about handicapped characters in comic books led to this series of military science fiction poetry. Special thanks to LJ user viva_la_topknot for the parts that provided the most direct inspiration. In a war of attrition, conserving resources is the route to victory. These soldiers, facing an implacable robotic enemy, refuse to retire from the battlefield despite crippling injuries. Instead, they regroup and find ways to keep fighting.
"A Turning Point in the Clockwork War" 7/11/11 (outside fishbowl)
Sponsored by LJ user viva_la_topknot
"An Arm and a Leg" 7/11/11 (outside fishbowl)
Free perk
"With Mortal Flesh and Iron Will" 7/11/11 (outside fishbowl)
Free perk
"Confusion to the Enemy" 7/11/11 (outside fishbowl)
Free Perk
"In the Line of Duty" 10/14/11 (outside fishbowl)
Free Perk
"A Turning Point in the Clockwork War" 7/11/11 (outside fishbowl)
Sponsored by LJ user viva_la_topknot
"An Arm and a Leg" 7/11/11 (outside fishbowl)
Free perk
"With Mortal Flesh and Iron Will" 7/11/11 (outside fishbowl)
Free perk
"Confusion to the Enemy" 7/11/11 (outside fishbowl)
Free Perk
"In the Line of Duty" 10/14/11 (outside fishbowl)
Free Perk
A Conflagration of Dragons
This series began outside of any regular event, when I made a post about "The Macroeconomics of Middle-Earth" with regards to Smaug, and my audience discussed the implications. I wound up posting an outline of events in which several dragons attacked different cities and a refugee camp. Then I realized, nobody has really written about a fantasy world devastated by a sudden cluster of dragon attacks. The focus is usually a single attack and the response of heroic characters. But what happens if there are many attacks, and all the heroes die?
See links to the posted poems in "A Conflagration of Dragons."
See links to the posted poems in "A Conflagration of Dragons."
Los Conquistados
In our history, the conquistadores came from Spain to raid the Americas. In other timelines ... that doesn't always work out so well for them. Los Conquistados means The Conquered. This is what happens when the American empires -- the Mayans, the Aztecs, and the Incans -- hit back harder than the Spaniards expected. Sometimes, the gods and the magic are real, and really not happy with interlopers ...
"Todo lo que Brilla" 4-2-13
Prompted by LJ users kelkyag and moonwolf1988 and Trope Bingo Card 1-3-13
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"En Boca del Mentiroso" 4-2-13
Prompted by LJ user kelkyag
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"Todo lo que Brilla" 4-2-13
Prompted by LJ users kelkyag and moonwolf1988 and Trope Bingo Card 1-3-13
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"En Boca del Mentiroso" 4-2-13
Prompted by LJ user kelkyag
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
Fiorenza the Wisewoman
This series began with "Can She Bake a Scary Pie?" in the October 5, 2010 Poetry Fishbowl, although "A Knot of Thyme" is chronologically earlier. Fiorenza is a young woman living in a village not far from Fermo in Italy, around 1600 CE. She is skilled in herbalism, gardening, and baking ... and dealing with paranormal problems, such as vampires. Most of the villagers look up to her most of the time, but sometimes authority figures get testy about her level of influence. But even Don Candido the priest knows that they need her!
See links to the posted poems in "Fiorenza the Wisewoman."
See links to the posted poems in "Fiorenza the Wisewoman."
Fledgling Grace
The roots of this series appeared during the September 2012 Crowdfunding Creative Jam with a prompt from DW user jjhunter about how, in a world where people had wings, somebody would be providing professional care for them. "The Wingdresser's Kitchen" takes place some time after people have suddenly acquired wings.
Then the October 2-3, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl had a theme of "Horror: Demons." That inspired several more poems with wings, feathers, and grace. Some of the characters are different, the styles are different, but something about the underlying tembre resonates the same way. So
I've collected these into a series.
See links to the posted poems in "Fledgling Grace."
Then the October 2-3, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl had a theme of "Horror: Demons." That inspired several more poems with wings, feathers, and grace. Some of the characters are different, the styles are different, but something about the underlying tembre resonates the same way. So
I've collected these into a series.
See links to the posted poems in "Fledgling Grace."
Glimpses of Minoa
The island of Crete once held the Minoan civilization, known for its sophisticated society and beautiful architecture. Some painted walls, pottery, and other artifacts remain. So we know of the Minoan bull dancers, the snake goddesses, and other tidbits of culture. LiveJournal user browngirl inspired and sponsored several poems based on ancient Minoa.
"Bull-Dancers" 6-13-08
Prompted & sponsored by LJ user browngirl
"The Goddess and the Bull" 9-10-08
Prompted & sponsored by LJ user browngirl
"The Snake Goddess" 9-22-08 (outside fishbowl)
Sponsored by LJ user browngirl
"Bull-Dancers" 6-13-08
Prompted & sponsored by LJ user browngirl
"The Goddess and the Bull" 9-10-08
Prompted & sponsored by LJ user browngirl
"The Snake Goddess" 9-22-08 (outside fishbowl)
Sponsored by LJ user browngirl
Gloryroad Crossing
In every campaign, there lies a village where the adventurers go
to heal up after a quest, restock their supplies, and get roaring drunk.
This is the story of that village. Despite catering to adventurers, it's
a fairly quiet little hamlet at a crossroad. The people who live there
tend to be tough, practical folks with a wry sense of humor. The
excitement began in the July 5, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl with the
introduction of Dron the barkeeper and Brilla the baker. Come
take a walk through the village of Gloryroad Crossing...
"Where the Action Is, and Was, and Ever More Shall Be" 7/5/11
Prompted and sponsored by LJ user the_vulture
"Half-Baked Ideas" 7/5/11
Prompted by LJ users eseme and the_vulture
Sponsored by general fund
"Crossing the Line" 3/6/12
Prompted by LJ users the_vulture, lilfluff, meeksp, marina_bonomi, aldersprig, siege, and eseme
Free perk
to heal up after a quest, restock their supplies, and get roaring drunk.
This is the story of that village. Despite catering to adventurers, it's
a fairly quiet little hamlet at a crossroad. The people who live there
tend to be tough, practical folks with a wry sense of humor. The
excitement began in the July 5, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl with the
introduction of Dron the barkeeper and Brilla the baker. Come
take a walk through the village of Gloryroad Crossing...
"Where the Action Is, and Was, and Ever More Shall Be" 7/5/11
Prompted and sponsored by LJ user the_vulture
"Half-Baked Ideas" 7/5/11
Prompted by LJ users eseme and the_vulture
Sponsored by general fund
"Crossing the Line" 3/6/12
Prompted by LJ users the_vulture, lilfluff, meeksp, marina_bonomi, aldersprig, siege, and eseme
Free perk
Hart's Farm
This is the first series to come out of a Crowdfunding Creative Jam, rather than a Poetry Fishbowl or private inspiration, the weekend of February 18-19, 2012.
Hart's Farm is in Sweden. It began as two small houses and has grown into a cluster of houses with a larger community house in the center. It attracts eccentric people, especially those who have a creative gift and/or unusual sexuality.
See links to the posted poems in "Hart's Farm."
Hart's Farm is in Sweden. It began as two small houses and has grown into a cluster of houses with a larger community house in the center. It attracts eccentric people, especially those who have a creative gift and/or unusual sexuality.
See links to the posted poems in "Hart's Farm."
The Inkseer
Ink scrying is a popular form of divination, in which the seer fills a bowl with ink (or a mixture of ink and water) and gazes into it for visions. This series follows a girl who scries to protect both her family and the creatures of the ocean. She begins scrying with the ink of squid and octopi, then moves on to the far more powerful ink of krakens.
"The Fisherman's Daughter" 8-3-10
Prompted by LJ user valdary, sponsored by LJ user minor_architect
"Atramentous Visions" posted 9-22-10 (outside fishbowl)
Inspired by LJ users janetmiles, danceswithwaves, eseme, and red_trillium
Posted free, cosponsored by LJ user synnabar
"The Ocean of Her Eyes" 2-8-11
Prompted by LJ user eseme, cosponsored by LJ user aldersprig and general fund
"The Fisherman's Daughter" 8-3-10
Prompted by LJ user valdary, sponsored by LJ user minor_architect
"Atramentous Visions" posted 9-22-10 (outside fishbowl)
Inspired by LJ users janetmiles, danceswithwaves, eseme, and red_trillium
Posted free, cosponsored by LJ user synnabar
"The Ocean of Her Eyes" 2-8-11
Prompted by LJ user eseme, cosponsored by LJ user aldersprig and general fund
Kande's Quest
I got into a discussion, beginning with an essay about evil races in speculative fiction, then my post "Always Chaotic Evil," and moving on to LJ user marina_bonomi's thoughtful reply that I used as a prompt for writing poetry. The result is this sword and soul series, which draws heavily on African cultures and mythology.
Kande is a young warrior woman of the Akaanye tribe. Her baby brother
Atsú gets kidnapped by a group of white demons. With the help of her war elephant Ivory Hammer, Kande sets off to bring Atsú back home.
"A Hole in the Blanket" 6-22-12 (outside fishbowl)
Prompted by LJ user marina_bonomi
Sponsored by LJ user marina_bonomi, Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"Marks of Devotion" 10-3-12
Prompted by LJ user jennyevergreen and Hurt/Comfort Bingo Card 9-30-12
Not for sale yet.
Kande is a young warrior woman of the Akaanye tribe. Her baby brother
Atsú gets kidnapped by a group of white demons. With the help of her war elephant Ivory Hammer, Kande sets off to bring Atsú back home.
"A Hole in the Blanket" 6-22-12 (outside fishbowl)
Prompted by LJ user marina_bonomi
Sponsored by LJ user marina_bonomi, Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"Marks of Devotion" 10-3-12
Prompted by LJ user jennyevergreen and Hurt/Comfort Bingo Card 9-30-12
Not for sale yet.
Kung Fu Robots
This series began in the April 3, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl with "Dragon Tiger Wind Cloud." That led to an audience discussion, requests for more, and several spillover poems. The series features a group of robots designed as soldiers and programmed with kung fu. But the martial arts are about far more than fighting, and soon the robots discovered philosophy. They fled the military and scattered across the land, sometimes helped and sometimes hunted by the humans around them. They also continued to explore the mysteries of kung fu, each in their own way. The result is a blend of science fiction and wuxia.
See links to the posted poems in "Kung Fu Robots."
See links to the posted poems in "Kung Fu Robots."
Lacquerware
This series began in the April 3, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl with "lacquerware." From the following discussion sprang more spillover poems. The series is Edopunk (genre name courtesy of LJ user siliconshaman), referring to the Edo period. It's science fiction about Japanese lacquerware evolving into computers. Later poems explore some of the specific applications of this technology. So far the series includes poetry written in haiku verses and tankas.
"lacquerware" 4-3-12
Prompted by LJ user siliconshaman
Sponsored by LJ user laffingkat
"the cup of changes" 4-6-12 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by LJ users siege and kelkyag
Sponsored by LJ user zianuray
"suànpán" 4-6-12 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by LJ users siege and kelkyag
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"chadō" 4-8-12 (outside fishbowl)
Prompted by LJ user kelkyag
5 lines, Buy It Now = $5
"the war engine" 7-3-12
Prompted by LJ user siege
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"tanegashima" 1-11-13 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by LJ user siege
Sponsored by general fund
"lacquerware" 4-3-12
Prompted by LJ user siliconshaman
Sponsored by LJ user laffingkat
"the cup of changes" 4-6-12 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by LJ users siege and kelkyag
Sponsored by LJ user zianuray
"suànpán" 4-6-12 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by LJ users siege and kelkyag
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"chadō" 4-8-12 (outside fishbowl)
Prompted by LJ user kelkyag
5 lines, Buy It Now = $5
"the war engine" 7-3-12
Prompted by LJ user siege
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"tanegashima" 1-11-13 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by LJ user siege
Sponsored by general fund
Monster House
This series began as a criticism of the housing crisis in 2008, when many people faced foreclosure and eviction. In the first poem, not only was a human resident put on the street, but so were various paranormal residents. Eventually, they found a new home, a Victorian fixer-upper ... along with a new human housemate, who came with some "special" roommates of her own. From there, the family and adventures have grown.
The composition order and chronological order differ; poem are listed below in chronological order, with composition dates. Various audience members have contributed inspiration and support to this the second-most-popular series. Special thanks to series sponsor, LiveJournal user ladymondegreen, as well as sponsors of individual poems. Come visit the house on Hollow Oak Drive...
See links to the poems in "Monster House."
The composition order and chronological order differ; poem are listed below in chronological order, with composition dates. Various audience members have contributed inspiration and support to this the second-most-popular series. Special thanks to series sponsor, LiveJournal user ladymondegreen, as well as sponsors of individual poems. Come visit the house on Hollow Oak Drive...
See links to the poems in "Monster House."
The Ocracies
Government is the compass that guides a culture's direction. It influences the kinds of characters that develop and the stories they tell. Most fantasy settings are monarchies. I thought it would be interesting to create a setting with lots of little polities each using a different form of government.
The first to emerge (during the July 5, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl) is the Plutocracy of Aurea. So far it has two poems, showing how the culture respects wealth and financial influence but also sensibly invests in small practical magics as a foundation of sophisticated development. The Hamarchy of Helgi appeared in the August 2, 2011 session, with a government assembled from committees, small parts working together because people know how to listen. The Hipparchy of Pelip, run by horse breeders, arrived in the September 6, 2011 fishbowl. Its people tend to take the long view, appreciating both good husbandry and good horseflesh. From the November 1, 2011 fishbowl came the Bonocracy of Ophele, managed for the good of all. It's located on a coastline between Aurea and Helgi, with Pelip on the inland border.
See links to the poems in "The Ocracies."
The first to emerge (during the July 5, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl) is the Plutocracy of Aurea. So far it has two poems, showing how the culture respects wealth and financial influence but also sensibly invests in small practical magics as a foundation of sophisticated development. The Hamarchy of Helgi appeared in the August 2, 2011 session, with a government assembled from committees, small parts working together because people know how to listen. The Hipparchy of Pelip, run by horse breeders, arrived in the September 6, 2011 fishbowl. Its people tend to take the long view, appreciating both good husbandry and good horseflesh. From the November 1, 2011 fishbowl came the Bonocracy of Ophele, managed for the good of all. It's located on a coastline between Aurea and Helgi, with Pelip on the inland border.
See links to the poems in "The Ocracies."
The Odd Trio
This is the story of an unusual family, which begins as a trio of adventurers: Druga the fighter, a dwarven woman; Elan the bard, an elven man; and Hope the cleric, a human man. Druga and Elan, both preferring love outside their own kind, get involved with each other. Hope is asexual, but considers Druga and Elan part of his family. Their family life requires some compromises, but they figure it out eventually.
"Hope of the Future" 4-8-11
Posted free as part of A Carnival of Aces theme Coming Out
"The Odd Trio" 4-7-09
Prompted by LJ user haikujaguar
Free perk
"The Underground Gardens" 11-2-10
Prompted by LJ user jenny_evergreen
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"Hope of the Future" 4-8-11
Posted free as part of A Carnival of Aces theme Coming Out
"The Odd Trio" 4-7-09
Prompted by LJ user haikujaguar
Free perk
"The Underground Gardens" 11-2-10
Prompted by LJ user jenny_evergreen
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
One God's Story of Mid-Life Crisis
This series began during the May 1, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl with the poem "Good Help Is Hard To Find." Shaeth, God of Evil, makes the alarming discovery that eventually evil gets boring. So he abandons his position, and his former followers, and goes about the world looking for something better to do. This is easier said than done. Shaeth finds a young man, Trobby, who becomes the first of his new followers as the God of Drunks. But the other gods are worried about the unfilled position for God of Evil, and they pester Shaeth to help them find a replacement.
See links to the poems in "One God's Story of Mid-Life Crisis."
See links to the poems in "One God's Story of Mid-Life Crisis."
The Origami Mage
Origami is a traditional oriental art form done by folding squares of colored paper. In this series -- the most popular so far -- the Origami Mage uses her art to work magic, as introduced in "folded wings." The related art of kirigami involves folding and then cutting the paper. A rival, the Kirigami Mage, enters the storyline in "cutting and folding." This series draws on many Asian motifs, customs, symbolism, spiritual and philosophical tenets. In particular, the storyline follows the spiral pattern popular in Eastern writing, rather than the linear pattern favored in the West. The exact sequence isn't finalized yet; poems appear in possible chronological order. The Origami Mage is also an Eastern hero of the contemplative variety, so her strategies differ from the Western heroic approach. Most of these poems use haiku-style verses. Sinologist Marina Bonomi has inspired and sponsored a majority of the series.
See links to the poems in "The Origami Mage."
See links to the poems in "The Origami Mage."
Path of the Paladins
During the July 5, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl we met the world-weary
paladin Shahana as she rode into a ruined village and picked up
a traveling companion. Although her power is diminished these
days, her determination is not, and she offers whatever help she
can to people in need. This story is not about the kind of faith
that arises from inviolate purity. It's about the kind of faith that
holds fast and true no matter what the world throws at it.
Shahana the Paladin is worn down, but never out. Follow her
and see where that path takes her. Special thanks to series sponsor morrigans_eve for lending her support to this series.
See links to the poems in "Path of the Paladins."
paladin Shahana as she rode into a ruined village and picked up
a traveling companion. Although her power is diminished these
days, her determination is not, and she offers whatever help she
can to people in need. This story is not about the kind of faith
that arises from inviolate purity. It's about the kind of faith that
holds fast and true no matter what the world throws at it.
Shahana the Paladin is worn down, but never out. Follow her
and see where that path takes her. Special thanks to series sponsor morrigans_eve for lending her support to this series.
See links to the poems in "Path of the Paladins."
P.I.E.
Meet Brenda Cochlain, Private Investigator Extraordinaire. She deals with the really weird cases. She also happens to use a wheelchair; and she can kill with guns, blades, or her bare hands if necessary. That guy kissing her is Darrel Finn, undercover cop. He thinks that smart, tough women are hot. This puts him ahead of Nate, a lawyer; and Rick, a construction boss -- the other two guys interested in her.
This series began during the July 2012 Crowdfunding Creative Jam, and has continued in the Poetry Fishbowl.
"An Eyeful of Fire" 7-21-12
Prompted by LJ user clare_dragonfly
Free perk
"A Bug on the Wing" 8-7-12
Prompted by LJ users kelkyag and ankewehner
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles, general fund, and Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"The Demon in the Clockwork" 10-2-12
Prompted by LJ users e_scapism101, janetmiles, and Hurt/Comfort Bingo Card 9-30-12
Free perk
"Shiny New Toys" 12-5-12 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by LJ users aoife and technoshaman
Sponsored by LJ user technoshaman
"Opening Doors" 12-22-12 (outside fishbowl)
Prompted by Cottoncandy Bingo Card 10-1-12
Free perk
"Living on the Edges" 2-13-13 (outside fishbowl)
Free perk
"Because I Can" 3-5-13
Prompted by LJ user siege
Sponsored by Shirley Barrette
This series began during the July 2012 Crowdfunding Creative Jam, and has continued in the Poetry Fishbowl.
"An Eyeful of Fire" 7-21-12
Prompted by LJ user clare_dragonfly
Free perk
"A Bug on the Wing" 8-7-12
Prompted by LJ users kelkyag and ankewehner
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles, general fund, and Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"The Demon in the Clockwork" 10-2-12
Prompted by LJ users e_scapism101, janetmiles, and Hurt/Comfort Bingo Card 9-30-12
Free perk
"Shiny New Toys" 12-5-12 (fishbowl spillover)
Prompted by LJ users aoife and technoshaman
Sponsored by LJ user technoshaman
"Opening Doors" 12-22-12 (outside fishbowl)
Prompted by Cottoncandy Bingo Card 10-1-12
Free perk
"Living on the Edges" 2-13-13 (outside fishbowl)
Free perk
"Because I Can" 3-5-13
Prompted by LJ user siege
Sponsored by Shirley Barrette
Poems About Phobic Starships
Here is something from my science fantasy universe. It all started with someone wondering what could frighten an inorganic shapeshifter, during a horror-themed fishbowl. The result is a setting in which sentient starships use a drive that can take them into hyperspace, but that realm is home to a horrific monster, so starflight is traumatic for them. Some of them keep doing it anyway. However, not everyone necessarily has the same reaction to the same situation, and there are things they do not know. All is not as it seems ...
"The Transformations of Terror" revised version, original version 10-13-09
Prompted by LJ users janetmiles, siege, wyld_dandelyon
Sponsored by LJ users janetmiles, stonetalker, wolfbrotherjoe
"What the Starships Do Not Know" 10-19-09 (outside fishbowl)
Free perk
"Boundaries and Determinations" Part 1 and Part 2 from 2-2-10
Prompted by xjenavivex, janetmiles, siege
Posted free for workshopping, with donation button
"The Transformations of Terror" revised version, original version 10-13-09
Prompted by LJ users janetmiles, siege, wyld_dandelyon
Sponsored by LJ users janetmiles, stonetalker, wolfbrotherjoe
"What the Starships Do Not Know" 10-19-09 (outside fishbowl)
Free perk
"Boundaries and Determinations" Part 1 and Part 2 from 2-2-10
Prompted by xjenavivex, janetmiles, siege
Posted free for workshopping, with donation button
Practical Magics
Jenina was introduced in the July 5, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl with its
"low fantasy" theme. She founded the Brown Tower of Practical
Magics. Other wizards focus on magical theory and sophisticated
spells. Jenina creates spells for everyday needs, and has customers from every class of society.
"Wipeout" 7/5/11
Prompted by LJ user haikujaguar
"The Wizard Who Did Windows" 11/1/11
Prompted by LJ user ellenmillion
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"All the Things" 1/3/12
Prompted by DW user jjhunter and LJ user haikujaguar
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"low fantasy" theme. She founded the Brown Tower of Practical
Magics. Other wizards focus on magical theory and sophisticated
spells. Jenina creates spells for everyday needs, and has customers from every class of society.
"Wipeout" 7/5/11
Prompted by LJ user haikujaguar
"The Wizard Who Did Windows" 11/1/11
Prompted by LJ user ellenmillion
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
"All the Things" 1/3/12
Prompted by DW user jjhunter and LJ user haikujaguar
Sponsored by LJ user janetmiles
The Psychic Photographer
This series started out with a woman taking precognitive pictures, in "Telephoto Futures." Then she gained a boyfriend, who is a time traveler, in the sequel "Flash-Frozen." Likely they are in for more adventures later. Several different prompters and sponsors have contributed to this series already.
"Telephoto Futures" 8-3-10
Prompted & sponsored by LJ user nhpeacenik
"Flash-Frozen" 2-8-11
Prompted by LJ user laffingkat
Sponsored by LJ user marina_bonomi
"The Ruby Lens" 6-5-12
Prompted by LJ user laffingkat
Sponsored by LJ user laffingkat
"Telephoto Futures" 8-3-10
Prompted & sponsored by LJ user nhpeacenik
"Flash-Frozen" 2-8-11
Prompted by LJ user laffingkat
Sponsored by LJ user marina_bonomi
"The Ruby Lens" 6-5-12
Prompted by LJ user laffingkat
Sponsored by LJ user laffingkat
Queen Choufa and the Rebel Drones
Long before the Poetry Fishbowl, I wrote a series of poems exploring the rise of sentience in a species of insectoid aliens. They drew features from honeybees, wasps, and ants. The poems highlighted how the potential for sentience must evolve first, then wait for someone to get the idea of doing things by conscious choice rather than blind instinct. The individual poems focus on the emotional impact of this journey, and the events where sentience makes a big difference in how people behave (or not). Here, are the adventures of Queen Choufa, the first female to make sentient decisions; and the Rebel Drones, who chose to grab at life instead of accepting scraps left to them by tradition.
"Queen Choufa Beseeches Her Sister"
Originally published in Fantastic Worlds #1 Summer 1996
Reprinted in The Wordsmith's Forge 3-12-11
"The Leader of the Rebel Drones Addresses Queen Choufa"
72 lines, $36
"Queen Choufa Protects the Drones from the Wrath of Arash-keen"
Published in Chiaroscuro Vol. 47, Week 6, May 9-May 15, 2011
"The Grateful Drones Come to the Aid of Queen Choufa and Her Army"
73 lines, $36.50
"The Leader of the Rebel Drones Considers the Length of His Span"
17 lines, $10
"The Leader of the Rebel Drones Laments the Death of His Last Brother"
Published in Sci-Fi Short Story #3 3-10-11
"Queen Choufa Beseeches Her Sister"
Originally published in Fantastic Worlds #1 Summer 1996
Reprinted in The Wordsmith's Forge 3-12-11
"The Leader of the Rebel Drones Addresses Queen Choufa"
72 lines, $36
"Queen Choufa Protects the Drones from the Wrath of Arash-keen"
Published in Chiaroscuro Vol. 47, Week 6, May 9-May 15, 2011
"The Grateful Drones Come to the Aid of Queen Choufa and Her Army"
73 lines, $36.50
"The Leader of the Rebel Drones Considers the Length of His Span"
17 lines, $10
"The Leader of the Rebel Drones Laments the Death of His Last Brother"
Published in Sci-Fi Short Story #3 3-10-11
Sort Of Heroes
Not all heroes start out heroic. Sometimes they start out on
the wrong track, and then make an abrupt detour. Nib is a
young man of peasant background. Brod is a troll. Nib and
Brod both begin as henchmen of the Master ... and a
not-very-understanding Master, at that. But he sends Nib
to get a magical sword, which turns out to be too big and
heavy to transport easily. Nib asks Brod for help carrying
the sword up the mountain, and that's where things really
get interesting. Follow Nib and Brod and the sword as they
go adventuring.
See links to the poems in "Sort Of Heroes."
the wrong track, and then make an abrupt detour. Nib is a
young man of peasant background. Brod is a troll. Nib and
Brod both begin as henchmen of the Master ... and a
not-very-understanding Master, at that. But he sends Nib
to get a magical sword, which turns out to be too big and
heavy to transport easily. Nib asks Brod for help carrying
the sword up the mountain, and that's where things really
get interesting. Follow Nib and Brod and the sword as they
go adventuring.
See links to the poems in "Sort Of Heroes."
Starfather
This series comes out of the March 5, 2012 Poetry Fishbowl, and it takes place in my main science fiction universe. It begins with a prompt from LJ user Lilfluff about the sacrifices that adoptive parents make when they accept another's child as their own. Parenting is always a hard job. When a human man picks up an alien baby -- and then can't put it down again -- that's even harder. Follow Lieutenant Adjo Mubarak as he tries to raise a child like nothing humanity has ever seen before.
"Starfather" 3/6/12
Prompted by LJ user lilfluff
Free perk
"Alien In-Laws" 6/16/12 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by LJ user siege
Free perk
"Starfather" 3/6/12
Prompted by LJ user lilfluff
Free perk
"Alien In-Laws" 6/16/12 (Creative Jam)
Prompted by LJ user siege
Free perk
The Steamsmith
During the November 1, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl, Marina Bonomi introduced me to the character of Maryam Smith. This steampunk engineer is black and British, with a sharp mind and a good sense of humor. She forced her way into the (white, male) Steamsmith guild with sheer professional competence. She moved into an ordinary middle-class neighborhood and quietly made a place for herself there too. Come visit London by gaslight, in a world where the scientific principles remain the same, but much of the information differs.
Steampunk ... it's not just for white blokes anymore!
See links to the posted poems in "The Steamsmith."
Steampunk ... it's not just for white blokes anymore!
See links to the posted poems in "The Steamsmith."
Tripping into the Future
The January 8, 2013 Poetry Fishbowl spawned the poem "A One-Way Trip," about how time travel can be a weapon. Then Dreamwidth user Chordatesrock wrote the haunting fanfic "After." In the future after a devastating war and a brutal victory, life ... somehow ... goes on.
"A One-Way Trip" 1-8-13
Prompted by LJ user rix_scaedu and DW user primeideal
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"A Leaf Falls" 2-5-13
Prompted by Shirley Barrette
Free perk
"A Recollection of Smells"
Prompted by LJ user Zianuray and Rainbowfic Vellum list
68 lines, Buy It Now = $34
Extras
Read the fanfic "After" by Dreamwidth user Chordatesrock.
"A One-Way Trip" 1-8-13
Prompted by LJ user rix_scaedu and DW user primeideal
Sponsored by Anthony & Shirley Barrette
"A Leaf Falls" 2-5-13
Prompted by Shirley Barrette
Free perk
"A Recollection of Smells"
Prompted by LJ user Zianuray and Rainbowfic Vellum list
68 lines, Buy It Now = $34
Extras
Read the fanfic "After" by Dreamwidth user Chordatesrock.
Links
"Donor Perk: What
Patronage Can Do" 9-10-08 (locked, for donors only)
"Donor Perk-Post: Serial Poetry" 2-10-11 (locked, for donors only)
See also the "Crowdfunding" section; the page on "Functions" lists how crowdfunding can help patrons and activists. It covers some of the same material as the perk posts, in a public venue.
Feed the Bard! Contributing funds toward any project can increase its contents and priority. You may use the permanent PayPal button on the LiveJournal profile page, or ask about other arrangements.
"Donor Perk-Post: Serial Poetry" 2-10-11 (locked, for donors only)
See also the "Crowdfunding" section; the page on "Functions" lists how crowdfunding can help patrons and activists. It covers some of the same material as the perk posts, in a public venue.
Feed the Bard! Contributing funds toward any project can increase its contents and priority. You may use the permanent PayPal button on the LiveJournal profile page, or ask about other arrangements.
