The Super Random Blog Of Helen M. Pugsley

This is kind of a hot-take in the fantasy world, but I want to know what you’re characters have been eating. Hot Pockets and Pepsi? Fish they had to spear themselves? Curry? Pot roast? Beans? Ye olde Studio Ghibli special where it’s just an apple and a block of cheese? I’m curious. What I think a lot of fantasy writers— particularly inner-city Americans— forget is that literally everything you…

Don’t call it a cop-out. I’ve been here for years. And therein lies the problem. I’m not quitting, I’m pulling back and focusing my energies on other things for my own wellbeing. I have been here for years. Frankly, the last time I published a fresh, singular work, traditionally or otherwise, was 2021. It’s been five years. You’ve read War and Chess, Tales from the Gishlan Wood, and The Tooth…

            It finally happened. I was at a conference, in my beloved Wyoming, and a new writer approached me and told me all about his book. Yay! New friends! “I could show you my book if you like?” Something in my brain was like “Nah, this dude is weird. Look at it by yourself when you have a chance.” So I said “Oh sure, maybe later!” I have been a published author since 2016. After ten years…

Hello friends! The title says it all! I entered to compete in Style Icon, not expecting to get in, but very much wanting to support the Elton John AIDs Foundation. Well, I got in! Now I want to see how far I can go, and if I can help drum up some funds for AIDs research. Voting is free, and available every 24 hours. If you have a little to spare, you can buy extra votes for a $1 each. I would be…

I want to make sure I’m thanking my Patreon subscribers! Thank you!!! You are the wind beneath my wings, and the food in my fridge. ❤ Because of these financial contributions I’m able to do things like pass out free bookmarks at book signings, pay for my domain name on my website, find the time to write without feeling guilty because I could be using that time to be doing more freelance work,…

Hello! It’s me! Helen M. Pugsley here to interview Helen M. Pugsley, also known as “myself”. You all left me on my own for 10 minutes and I had some big life changes. I wouldn’t want to feed my stalkers misinformation on purpose, so here we go!             Helen the interviewer: So, Helen M. Pugsley—             Helen M. Pugsley: Oh please. Just call me Helen. I’m nowhere near that formal! It’s…

Let’s all give a warm welcome to Guinea! Thank you for your support. You know, for me, Patreon isn’t just about the money. Don’t get me wrong. It is nice! But more than anything, I love that people want to read my work! My friends on Patreon will now be enjoying Saturday poetry, Wednesday series updates, and frequent Monday short stories, as well as sneak peaks into current projects, life…

“For a Student Who Used AI to Write a Paper” by Joseph FasanoNow I let it fall backin the grasses.I hear you. I knowthis life is hard now.I know your days are preciouson this earth.But what are you tryingto be free of?The living? The miraculoustask of it?Love is for the ones who love the work.             I don’t know how to tell you this, but to quote that poem at you. The creative work of…

Daily writing promptWhat’s your dream job?View all responses I do not dream of labor. However, if I had all the money in the world, I’d love to be a rich philanthropist who just does weird art things. I’d have a little shop downtown that was a gallery for all my friends’ art. I’d write, I’d volunteer, I’d go take classes on random things I was interested in, I’d solve world hunger and cure…

That’s it. That’s the post. Here’s the link.

We just added a new friend to the gang on Patreon! We’re so excited to welcome Rose to The Cool Kids Gang! (We’re still working on what to call ourselves.) Because of these financial contributions I’m able to do things like pass out free bookmarks at book signings, pay for my domain name on my website, find the time to write without feeling guilty because I could be using that time to be doing…

At the 2024 Bookmarked I finally got brave and read something. I stood up in front of roughly 20 of my contemporaries and I read a poem about running out of groceries and eating a PB&J for lunch. You know what didn’t happen? 20 of my contemporaries didn’t stand up, point, and shout “Poor! Poor! SHUN!”             My “vanity wall” (a poster frame with literally every flyer and pamphlet I’ve ever…

This is an unhinged post to tell those of ya’ll who aren’t on Facebook, Instagram, and Patreon, that I’m not doing the Tweeters anymore. Thought it’d be harder but I feel good.

Out now! 'Tales from the Gishlan Wood' on audio!

Thanks to the hard work of Lori Olsen, Tales from the Gishlan Wood is now accessible to a broader audience! Check out Tales from the Gishlan Wood on Audible and experience the story in a brand new way! Click here for purchase information.

I am so incredibly grateful to my Patreons. I was hesitant when I first created the account. But it’s been really great for my growth as a creative! There are people who want to, and actually do, read my work. That makes me want to create more! As someone who struggles to find the time to write, and work enough to live, I’m grateful this extra support has made me take my career as a writer…