The Realm of Rants and Ramblings

A black-and-white illustration of a woman standing in a laundry room, holding up a zine with a thoughtful expression as if examining a shirt. A laundry basket in front of her is filled with zines, short stories, and creative papers. Behind her, more artwork and small illustrations hang from a clothesline above a washing machine and dryer.

December in the laundry room

December 12, 2025

I’m in the creative laundry room this month, holding up projects like shirts and asking which ones still fit.

A soft-focus photo of a library reading area, with an empty wooden chair in the foreground and shelves of colorful picture books blurred in the background.

The Illustrators Who Raised Me

December 4, 2025

These past weeks of gratitude led me back to the illustrators whose pages first opened worlds for me. This post is a small thank-you to the hands that helped form my creative life.

Collage of four hand-drawn winter animal illustrations—bear with a bass, rabbit with a banjo, fox with a fiddle, and a Blue Ridge lettering design—surrounded by colored pencils and sketchbook tools.

Inside my winter sticker sketchbook

November 21, 2025

A quiet return to drawing this week, working on winter animals and bluegrass charm in a behind-the-scenes peek at how this year’s sticker collection begins.

Hands holding a small round mirror with a blurred face reflected inside, against a soft neutral background with warm light.

When a Story Tries to Turn Into Cinderella

November 14, 2025

A short reflection on how a simple magical-hairdresser story tried to turn into Cinderella, and what it taught me about tropes, honest endings, and staying inside a character’s heart.

A purple paint-splattered apron rests on a messy worktable beside pencils, a sketchbook, and paper scraps — the quiet evidence of my return to the studio after a long pause.

Return to the studio: dust, light and the first day back

November 6, 2025

After weeks in hospital halls, I finally made it back down the basement stairs to my studio. The dust, the light, even the quiet felt like home. Between the hum of the printer and thoughts of a real meal again, I’m learning how healing can sound like paper shuffling and smell like dinner on the stove.

Studio Second Street zine display at Johnson City Zine Fest, set against white brick wall.

Notes from the table: what I learned at Johnson City Zine Fest 9

October 30, 2025

I’d been looking forward to the Johnson City Zine Fest since June, when I first heard about it and sent in my application in July.

Whimsical watercolor illustration of a zine and a chapbook personified as friendly characters sitting beneath a tree, holding hands while autumn leaves fall around them.

When a zine isn’t a zine…

October 16, 2025

I recently discovered that some of my beloved “zines” aren’t zines at all—they’re chapbooks! What began as mild embarrassment turned into a delightful realization: I’ve accidentally been running a small press. In exploring the tangled history between zines and chapbooks, I found that their difference isn’t about rules—it’s about intent, and the shared joy of making stories personal again.

A small notepad and pen rest on a bedside table beside a glasses case and lamp, waiting to capture ideas that come before sleep or upon waking.

From No Imagination to Endless Ideas

October 10, 2025

Ten years ago, I thought I had no imagination. Now I keep pens in every room just to keep up with the ideas. Somewhere along the way, my creativity grew three sizes—like the Grinch’s heart—and started glowing like a jar of fireflies.

Golden September leaves glowing in the sunlight at the edge of autumn.

September at the threshold

September 18, 2025

September is a threshold month; still hot and humid, yet shadows stretch longer and the leaves begin to turn. I’ve been feeling its melancholy this year: mourning missed summers, grieving family losses, and noticing how time races on. Yet in that same melancholy, I’ve found fuel for reflection, writing, and creating.

A spread of handmade zines fanned out on a wooden table, with scissors, a pink pen, and a bone folder beside them.

Realmscapes at one year: forging a creative path

September 11, 2025

A year into Realmscapes, I’ve discovered that the Free Fictional Frontier isn’t just a home for old short stories—it’s become the Dispatch for my zines. Fifteen booklets later, I’m realizing that what began as an experiment has turned into the creative path I’d been searching for all along.

Hand holding a sketchbook of zine illustrations with pencils on a patio table, while a small white dog rests on a chair nearby.

Every Fall Begins Like a Story

September 4, 2025

September brings stories, mishaps, and new beginnings—lost zines, moody computers, and plans for a bard’s wagon at Zine Fest.

Digital illustration of an owl perched on a gnarled tree branch, with a large full moon rising behind it. The drawing shows dark, textured bark and simple line work outlining the owl.

A First Look at the Woodland Watchers

August 28, 2025

This week brought hospital waiting rooms, cooler autumn days, and progress on my Woodland Watchers zine. One illustration is finished, a second is underway, and the owl beneath the Hunter’s Moon has already whispered his story into the night.

A fluffy gray cat steps boldly across a computer keyboard on a wooden desk, staring directly at the camera with playful defiance. A leather chair and warm lamp glow in the background.

In Praise of the Story-seeker’s Gremlin

August 21, 2025

A playful ode to creative chaos, mysterious glitches, and the mischievous gremlin who shows up just when you think everything’s under control.

Hand holding a folded zine titled “The Shopping List” with illustrated cover, beside a red Chico State mug, reading glasses, a pen, and a beaded necklace on a desk.

Paper, Ink, and Six Years of Becoming

August 13, 2025

Paper, Ink, and Six Years of Becoming

An older woman with short, wavy blonde hair and glasses smiles while pushing a shopping cart in a grocery store aisle. She is wearing a light blue jacket over a pink top and holds a bottle with an orange cap. The cart contains groceries, and the background shows glass-fronted freezer doors on the right.

The story behind The Shopping List

August 12, 2025

Sometimes a story begins with something as ordinary as a dropped shopping list — and a moment of wondering who it belongs to.

A tabletop scene with black-and-white composition books, handwritten notes, a glasses cord, and a post-it labeled ‘Realmscapes’ with arrows to blog, fiction, and rants. A bowl of feathers and shells, and a wooden puzzle compass complete the scene.

Mapping the Realms: How This Site is Actually Organized

August 7, 2025

Realmscapes isn’t just a blog—it’s a mapped world of creative realms. This week, I’m pulling back the curtain to show how it’s actually organized (and why I built it this way in the first place).

Making Waves

August 1, 2025

Making Waves explores life’s stages through six illustrated messages—pleas, regrets, and acceptance—drawing inspiration from Zen’s empty boat parable and the idea that we are the boats, always moving, always changing. The zine ends with a space for your own message, inviting you to join the journey and pass it along to someone else who might need it.

Artist at a cluttered drafting table, sketchbook open with simple line drawings, smiling slightly at the camera in a casual creative workspace.

The myth of the perfect creative space

July 31, 2025

This week’s zine didn’t make the deadline, but real life did. While catching my breath, I found myself pondering the YouTube myth of the perfect studio—and why creativity thrives in messy, real-life corners instead.

Laptop on a desk with a colorful abstract face design on the screen, next to a Norwegian Sky cruise souvenir coffee mug and a black wire organizer filled with papers.

When Coffee and Computers Conspire

July 24, 2025

Half‑caff mornings mean more time for journaling, art, and apparently talking to my laptop when it stages a dramatic shutdown. Between cold coffee runs to the microwave and a machine dreaming of retirement in Florida, it’s a wonder I get anything done. But hey, I call it a win. Sort of.

Young man with curly hair and mustache stands in front of a stone tavern, wearing a brown coat, wide-brimmed hat, and red scarf—evoking a historical fantasy rogue.

You Might Be a Hornblower If…

July 22, 2025

I don’t usually make fan zines—but then Mat Cauthon raised the Horn. This one’s for the reluctant heroes, the gamblers, and the ones who turn back.

Open sketchbook on a wooden desk showing grayscale dog cartoons; four Tombow gray brush markers and three black brush pens rest across the left page.

Lines, Tones, and Tiny Victories: A Quick Tour of My Zine-Making Pens and Markers

July 17, 2025

Waterproof lines, velvety tones, and a few battered marker tips—here’s the candid rundown of the brush pens, cool-gray Tombows, and papers I trust (or quarantine) while cranking out zine pages.

A hand holding a small illustrated zine titled “How to Catch a Story” in front of a larger unfinished oil pastel portrait of a male paladin in armor.

The secret power of mini-projects

July 10, 2025

Sometimes the secret to finishing creative work isn’t more time or more discipline — it’s thinking smaller. Here’s why mini projects have helped me finish more in two months than I did in the last two years.

Anni holds up her mini zine titled “Barkyard Security: Unleashed & Unqualified” while smiling. Two small, curly-haired dogs rest in the background.

Barking at monsters

July 4, 2025

Dogs bark at rabbits. I bark at Elementor. A funny look at creative chaos, Barkyard Security, and how overreaction might just be our default setting.

The Return of the Studio

June 25, 2025

Studio Second Street is back — and this time, it belongs. A story about creative integration, purpose, and how one milk glass chicken still holds magic.

Open sketchbook showing grayscale illustrations of a cat in various relaxed or disinterested poses, including watching a circus train and ignoring dramatic news.

How to make a zine habit: four in and still rolling

June 19, 2025

Online zine-making seems to have gotten easier after only four issues, maybe because I’ve streamlined the process (or at least stopped reinventing the wheel each

Artist smiling while holding up a watercolor flower painting and a landscape sketch in a cozy, art-filled studio

Sometimes It’s Just a Good Week (and That’s Enough)

June 12, 2025

A quiet week of porch-sitting, birdsong, and unexpected studio satisfaction. Zines are blooming, pastels are cooperating, and the dust layer has been vanquished (with a dish rag from the 1980s, no less). Sometimes, it’s good to pause and celebrate the small, quiet victories.

A smiling artist in a light shirt and blue tee paints a glowing firefly jar illustration in a sketchbook, seated at a desk with a paintbrush and a ceramic mug nearby.

June Studio Dispatch

June 5, 2025

A June update from the Realmscapes studio: a new zine, a new Realm, and a glimpse behind the scenes as sticker kits and tiny books come to life.

Collage-style image featuring illustrated pages from a black-and-white zine titled Why Did We Let It Get Like This?, with large teal text overlay reading “My First Zine!”

The Birth of a Zine Habit

May 29, 2025

A behind-the-scenes look at creating my first illustrated Substack zine — why I made it, what I learned, and why this might be the start of a new creative habit.

Sketchbook held open in Plaza de la Virgen de los Reyes, Seville, showing fountain sketch with cathedral in background

Back from Break: Notes from the Sun, Salt, and Story Fog

May 23, 2025

After a long-awaited creative break, I’m rethinking how I use Substack and WordPress—and reflecting on how artists can adapt in the age of AI. Less polish, more play. More zines. More voice. A travel sketch and a quiet shift in direction.

A worn, open laptop shows an editing program in progress.

Aliki Book 1 – Editing update

May 2, 2025

I’m still laughing at the draft of Aliki Martin and the Chocolate Cartel. It turns out a lot of the story was still in my head when I wrote this. I’m connecting the dots now, one edit at a time.

Paintings of mason jars and fireflies clutter a table

The Only Way Out Is Through: Zen, Art, and Doing It Yourself

April 25, 2025

A personal reflection on how Zen philosophy influences my creative process. I explore beginner’s mind, letting go of perfection, and why doing your own work—your own way—is the only real path to growth in art, writing, and life.

A STrathmore drawing book, black sketchbook, pencil, kneaded eraser, red acetate and masking tape

New Masters Academy Drawing Foundations 1: weeks 2–5 progress notes

April 21, 2025

In my last post Why I Joined New Masters Academy and chose the Illustration Track, I covered Week 1 of Drawing Foundations 1. This update

The scene portrays an artist's studio at golden hour, where a young artist sketches a female figure at an easel, bathed in warm sunlight streaming through a paneled window. Classic busts, wooden furniture, and soft lighting convey a sense of depth and serenity, with attention to textures and light creating a peaceful, earthy atmosphere

Why I joined New Masters Academy and chose the Illustration Track

March 27, 2025

Curious about New Masters Academy? Here’s why I joined, how I chose the illustration track, and what Week 1 of their structured art program is really like.

Two girls sit at a table for a lab experiment

Interviewing characters for my new series

March 7, 2025

Ever wondered how authors discover their characters? Join me behind the scenes as I use playful AI-powered interviews to bring Core and Nova—two hilarious, heartfelt characters—to life for my new sci-fi series, Realmspire.

a young girl sits on a sofa reading a book

The books that shaped how I see the world

March 4, 2025

Books shape us. If I could If I could sit down with all the younger versions of me, and give her the books that would change her life, all in one worn-out backpack, I would. Because the truth is, each one holds a piece of who I am. Today, I’m sending letters to my younger self with all the reasons why her book choices were good ones.

Can AI replace creators? Not anytime soon.

February 27, 2025

AI has sparked fears of replacing human creativity, but true artistry stems from personal experience and metaphor—something AI can’t genuinely grasp. While AI is a useful tool for brainstorming and simplifying tasks, it lacks the depth of human perspective, ensuring that writers and artists remain irreplaceable in the creative process.

Behind the Scenes: Writing and Posting My First Novel Draft

February 25, 2025

Finishing a novel feels like stepping through one door and reaching for the next—equal parts triumph and anticipation. Sharing my draft online pushed me to keep going, even when the words wouldn’t come. Now, with Aliki Martin and the Chocolate Cartel complete, a new adventure is just beyond the door.

An underwater transition zone between shore and ocean

Thriving in the backwater of the online creator ecosystem

February 20, 2025

Feel like you’re drifting in the backwater of the digital creator ecosystem? You’re not alone. Join me in the backchannel—a space where creativity flows freely, beyond the noise of algorithms. Let’s set our lanterns adrift and see where the current takes us.

The final stretch of Aliki Martin and the Chocolate Cartel

February 18, 2025

After a lot of writing, rewriting, and balancing key moments across Chapters 11, 12, and 13, I’m happy to say the final act is nearly complete. Chapter 14 is in progress, which means the first full draft of the book is almost finished. That’s a big milestone.

My adventure writing a sci-fi murder mystery

January 8, 2025

Turning spaceships and chocolate into a murder mystery has been a wild ride—but Aliki’s adventure is just getting started.

Aliki’s Next Mess: Chapter 4 is up!

November 23, 2024

Aliki thought managing a used spaceship dealership would be straightforward—at least as straightforward as it gets on Earth. In this chapter, she finds out otherwise.

Chapter 3 of Aliki Martin and the Chocolate Cartel is LIVE

November 19, 2024

The third chapter (in draft form) is posted on the web site. Please let me know what you think of the story so far!

How Storyteller Tools by M. Harold Page makes plotting addictive

November 13, 2024

Lost in the messy middle of your story? Storyteller Tools by M. Harold Page transforms planning into play. With conflict diagrams and clever QABNs, it’s like story sculpting on steroids. Fair warning: once you start, you might not want to stop plotting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

The draft of Chapter 2 is finished and posted!

October 30, 2024

The plot is thickening! Writing it felt like piecing together an intergalactic puzzle, but it’s all starting to click.

The power of observation for artists and writers

October 25, 2024

On a recent trip to Japan, I left my laptop behind to focus on something different: pure observation. By immersing myself in unfamiliar sights, sounds, and routines, I discovered how these experiences can deepen creative work, enriching the worlds we build with authentic details and fresh inspiration.

Chapter 1 (draft) is completed!

October 1, 2024

As a plotter, I love creating outlines that start as faint ideas and gradually grow into detailed scenes. However, the real challenge comes when it’s

Navigating the future of illustration (and my own)

September 29, 2024

I fell off the illustration bandwagon this week while working on a novel. But I did manage some drawing practice, learning “Weight Drawing,” and had a realization while reading Heller’s The Education of an Illustrator about how AI is just another evolution in the industry, much like photography and digital tools were.

How the Loomis method makes me a better artist but steals my soul

September 22, 2024

In this week’s SketchAwesome challenge, I explored the Loomis method for sketching heads. It improved my technical skills, but I found the sketches lacked expressiveness.

Overcoming little struggles and rediscovering how tech can be good

September 22, 2024

This week’s progress in my Illustration Quest came with some challenges, like tackling flash pose drawing and rethinking my routine.

How to layer gouache: my third week with SketchAwesome

September 15, 2024

This week, I faced my challenges with gouache in the SketchAwesome program, navigating tricky color mixes and layering techniques. Though it’s not my favorite medium, these exercises offered a welcome break from structured practice and helped me find joy in creative exploration, complementing my ongoing Illustration Quest.

Exciting beginnings: my self-taught art journey, week 1

September 14, 2024

My first week on a self-taught art journey has been filled with unexpected challenges, inspiring discoveries, and a renewed sense of creative freedom. Join me as I explore foundational skills, face new trials, and uncover what it means to truly learn the art of illustration.

Sketching scary sea life for SketchAwesome week 2

September 8, 2024

Check out this fun sketching session of a scary looking shark and a goldfish that looks like it’s been spooked!

Creating a flexible ‘map’ for my illustration quest

September 6, 2024

Check out my plan to boost illustration skills: improve drawing, composition, and storytelling. Learning at my own pace with no pressure!

The start of a new journey

September 5, 2024

When I retired, I thought I’d finally dive into art, but despite tutorials and new supplies, I felt stuck. I realized I needed guidance, not just inspiration. So, I’m creating a self-taught course to grow my skills. Follow along as I document my journey and share insights for fellow creatives!

Can soluble graphite be used like watercolor? SketchAwesome week 1

September 1, 2024

SketchAwesome has started, and week 1 is all about experimenting with watersoluble graphite. It’s an interesting media that has a learning curve.

SketchAwesome: a new sketchbook habit?

August 15, 2024

I’ve given up on an online business. But there’s one thing I’d like to do: make sketching a daily habit. SketchAwesome might help with that!

How to make a good art composition: start the right way!

February 18, 2024

Before making thumbnails, even before making decisions about what you want to include in your drawing, the most important thing a beginner can do to improve a composition is to ensure that the drawing will be made in the same proportion as the reference or view that’s being drawn. A viewcatcher makes this easy.

Art is wine: metaphors, AI and a book review

February 10, 2024

Do artists have an advantage over AI? In this post I look at metaphorical communication and try an experiment with an AI image generator.

15 tips for staying safe while urban sketching

August 15, 2023

One of the best ways to learn is by making mistakes. In this post, I talk about how I self-critique when my art fails.