Words matter

Thoughts nobody asked for, flash fiction, poetry and micro news

Jun 30, 2024

Words can lift you up into heaven or put you down, lower than hell. In the light of recent events, I have once again realized the power of words, and the responsibility that comes with it. People say “those are just words”. No. Words are more, always more. Words matter. A harsh word once said, can turn a whole lifetime bitter. Or it can pour into the other’s soul like sweet and healing honey. Again and again I return to the thought of the importance of words that we often overlook. Sure, actions may speak louder than words, but I dare to say - words are actions. If something has the power to crush someone else’s confidence or the opposite - give someone a sense of purpose, I’d say that’s a powerful tool. Words are the in-between, the substance between non-existence and physical actions. Words matter. And I am frightened to realize the responsibility that my words bear. What if I spread a foul message? As writers or storytellers we must remember the power and the responsibility that comes with sharing our words in public. As readers we have to be careful to which words we open our minds to. Words never leave once let in. They may be forgiven, but not forgotten. Choose wisely! What you spread in public cannot be fully deleted. What you let into your head might not ever get erased. Words matter.

Since I spent this week visiting relatives in the countryside, I have written a lot less than I normally do. (The heat, the ice-cream and cold beer diet didn’t help!) Except for the Nightstalker and my usual serials, which I already shared as posts, I haven’t written any new flash fiction. BUT, I don’t know if I should share this, I did a live-stream podcast on youtube. I overcame one of my biggest fears. So, here it is. I hope you won’t hate me after it. I was all over the place and I am more focused when writing… bah, here goes!

https://youtube.com/live/qD1oKyKozdk?si=qR1qXp6edc74YFLL

I did write a poem this week.

***

I want to get lost.

Turn my back to

The heavy hours.

Your love devours

Every second of me.

I can’t be both -

The bird and the tree.

I want to get lost.

No guilt, no remorse.

I’ll fly away on

The wings of summer.

My nevermore lover,

Keep your heavy hours.

Your sickly sweet flowers

Won’t make me stay.

Call me whatever you may;

An irresponsable runner.

A pathetic excuse for a mother.

I don’t care. I’m gone.

A bird on the run.

Now for some micro news about what I’m planning to stuff your mailboxes with next week.

On Monday, July 1, I’m sharing the next chapter of my urban fantasy Cirque du Macabre 2: Cabaret Sauvage.
On Thursday, July 4, I’m sharing the next flash fiction installment of the romantic fantasy To seduce a scribe.
On Friday, July 5, I’ll share the next Sci-fi drabble from The Gravediggers of Orpheus series.
Also on Friday I might be sharing a short story for a Substack writing event. A very unusual task - we exchanged 300 word memories from something we’ve left behind, and the other writers had to expand those into a short story. My take on someone else’s memories will be called “Untangled”.
Drrrrrumroll! On Saturday July 6, I’ll begin sharing the chapters of my dark fantasy from the Lake trilogy. It’s called The Lord of the Lake. I’ll be sharing fantasy on Saturdays, instead of Wednesdays.
*the thumbnail might change
On Sundays I usually share some random thoughts and new poetry or flash fiction. I might share a surprise post during the week.

Thank you for reading my stories and rants. To the new subscribers - I mostly write fiction. I hope you will find it entertaining. I do drop a non-fiction rant/essay once a week, if you’re more interested in non-fiction.

Love,

Kathrine 🩶