by Kristin A. Oakley | Nov 20, 2025 | Creativity & Craft, For Readers, For Writers, Newsletter
Picture a world with no moral evil—no wars, no terrorists, no mass shootings, rapes, kidnappings, burglaries, etc. This world wouldn’t need a Department of Defense, a criminal justice system with its jails and prisons, a police force, or even security systems...
by Kristin A. Oakley | Mar 2, 2025 | Creativity & Craft, For Readers, For Writers, Newsletter
Imagine you’re working in an office, dressed in a suit and tie or a blouse and skirt, seated at a cubicle, staring at numbers on an outdated computer screen, selecting the ones that are “scary”, and moving them to a trash bin. You don’t know...
by Kristin A. Oakley | Feb 2, 2025 | Creativity & Craft, For Readers, For Writers, Newsletter
How we sound, what we say, whether we joke or take everything seriously, gives people insight into who we are. For instance, when my sister and I realized people couldn’t tell our voices apart on the phone, we had a blast pranking boyfriends. People who are good...
by Kristin A. Oakley | Jun 15, 2024 | Creativity & Craft, For Readers, For Writers, Newsletter
Last month, I sent a polished draft of The Runner – The Devil Particle Series Book Three to six critical readers for their feedback. I assumed they’d suggest only a few scene tweaks, and I’d be good to go with the planned release date of November 20,...
by Kristin A. Oakley | May 17, 2024 | Creativity & Craft, For Readers, For Writers, Newsletter
Wait, what? Hasn’t Carpe Diem, Illinois been out for a while? Yes, it has. Ten years, in fact! To celebrate, I’m releasing a tenth-anniversary edition with a new cover and an author’s note. I’m also writing a short (ten-page or so) prequel to...
by Kristin A. Oakley | Apr 18, 2024 | Creativity & Craft, For Readers, For Writers, Newsletter
Do you have an idea for a story even if you’re not a writer? Is there a tale stuck in your head you’re just dying to tell? Where did that idea come from? Last week I spoke about writing at Oakwood Village Retirement Center in Madison, Wisconsin, for their...
