Signup for our FREE FIVE WEEK WRITING COURSE!

 You’re using a free account which has limited features and Ads. 

Story Symbolism: Following the Notes

There are plenty of short stories out there but few grasp what the purpose behind the short length really means. A short story should be founded upon the idea that a deep meaning can be portrayed in a few pages. A story that can get to that meaning, and leave readers pondering, even after just three pages, is worth the

Read More »
Photo of an abandoned house at night for the blog post titled:"He Wasn't Alone in the House..." by Literative.com.

He Wasn’t Alone in the House…Fiction Writing Prompt Contest Winner

Last month we challenged our readers to a writing contest and they responded! We received three amazing entries that we’d like to feature today. Each one is an example of how different people can read the same writing prompt and take it in wildly different directions. The creativity of our readers never ceases to amaze us! Check out the original

Read More »
Written Signature of Dr. Seuss for the blog post on Dr. Seuss by Literative

A free appointment with Dr. Seuss

This month we have an appointment with a very particular doctor—I mean poet. The great Dr. Seuss! Originally born Theodor Seuss Geisel, he would often say that he was saving his real name for the Great American Novel he would one day write. It might not have been true, however, since when talking to the media, he seemed to be

Read More »
Things You Should Know - Literative

Story Symbolism: Things You Should Know

A.M. Homes, straight out of Washington D.C., represents her fearless hometown with her controversial novels, and strange short stories. Known for never pulling punches, she has written for several publications, including BOMB Magazine. She currently writes for shows as well. But despite all this, despite publishing her first book back in 1989, Homes wrote one story that touched many an avid

Read More »

Story Symbolism: The Voices in My Head

This month, we’re going to talk about Jack Handey’s “The Voices In My Head.” The story is short and simple, focusing on a man who hears voices in his head (obviously) and who seems to be pushed into doing both productive things and into making common mistakes. At first glance, the story seems to be a little silly and maybe

Read More »
Reviving Pater - Literative

Story Symbolism: Reviving Pater

Halloween is surely over, but there is no inappropriate time for a creepy story. OK, maybe a wedding, or a funeral, but still. Creepy stories have a tradition behind them, being passed down through word of mouth, leading to legends and myths, folklore, and gossip. Books and movies, games and shows. Without these creepy tales, one could not express nor

Read More »
Photo of old and used hardback books.

Harpo Speaks Book Discussion

First of all, who is Harpo Marx? History seems to have left Harpo as silent as his performances—at least in the memories of most people. Everyone seems to remember his brother Groucho’s signature looks and quotes and most everyone has at least heard of the Marx Brothers, so logic would say, one would remember them all… right? Yet, what happens

Read More »
Image for Edgar Allen Poe blog post - Literative

The Poetry of Edgar Allan Poe

Feature image: The Mad Crow by Roy Peak Poe… try. I mean it. Try Poe… Make Poe’s poe-try day today!  Edgar Allan Poe (1809 – 1849) is best known for his tales of mystery and the macabre. Being part of the Romantic Movement, Poe was one of the pioneers of the short story genre in America and he is considered

Read More »
Crazy Glue - Literative

Story Symbolism: Crazy Glue

Etgar Keret‘s Crazy Glue may not be lengthy, but that doesn’t mean a thing. The story is powerfully written, as is all of Keret’s work, including short stories, graphic novels, and TV and film writing. But somehow, this one story, stands out in a way that his other work can’t, and that’s saying quite a bit. In Crazy Glue, readers

Read More »
Photo of old and used hardback books.

Ami, Child of the Stars By Enrique Barrios Book Discussion

When was the last time you had an adventure so out of the ordinary that you doubted anyone would ever believe you if you told them? You still want to tell them all about it because it was so magical and wonderful, but you know that if you try then for sure you’ll be laughed at. What about telling it

Read More »
A rose on an old book.

Mysterious Poetry: Nursery Rhymes

One of the weirdest forms of poetry, believe it or not, is the nursery rhyme. We rarely think of them or their meaning. We grew up memorizing these surreal lines of verse we heard from our grandmas. Some of us have even fallen asleep to them. There couldn’t possibly be some kind of weird, twisted history to them, could there?

Read More »

Winner of the Holiday Recipe Fiction Writing Prompt Contest!

We hope everyone enjoyed their holidays! And even though they’re over and the lights are beginning to fade, we wanted to share with you the winner of December’s Holiday Recipe poetry contest! We received several wonderful entries and we’d like to thank everyone who participated! The winning entry belongs to Erin Michaela Sweeney! We loved her descriptions of the “ingredients”

Read More »