Today, I launched a side project blog called The Neighborhood Beast. It’s a blog all about living with (and loving) a reactive dog. It’ll detail me and Mando’s progress on his reconditioning training as he learns how to handle strangers in public places, neighbors generally, and maybe (eventually) people in our house. It’s something that’s been a HUGE part of my life since we brought him home back in September 2022, but I haven’t really had a way to process what it’s like living with a dog who hates other people. The Neighborhood Beast is all about doing just that: documenting progress, being open about the struggles (and joys) of dog ownership, and hopefully providing some insight for others who might be going through the same thing.
I decided to do it as a separate blog, because it’s completely unrelated to my writing activities, and I’d like to keep this blog as writing-focused as I can. I’ve got some ideas for freshening up this space, too, so keep your eyes open!
It’s been a crazy week as the kids have April Vacation, so there hasn’t been much work done. I did play around with a zine, though, and have finished one to bring with me to Mo*Con next week (eek! How’d that come up so fast?!). If you’re going to be in Indianapolis over the weekend of May 2-5th, come say hi and get a free zine!
In the meantime, if you’re feeling like a bit of fiction, my weird short story about doing what you love for a living–“The Showerlier”–is up at Redivider!
EDIT: Also, if you need a lovely flash horror story that equates bodily aches and pains with ghosts in the most fascinating and delightful way, check out Lynne Sargent’s new story, “Your Body as a Haunted House, or When the Ghost Moves In” up at The Cosmic Background!