When I first came across the term discovery writer, it didn’t particularly resonate with me. I don’t start with a blank page and see where the story takes me. I start with an outline. That doesn’t mean I know everything before I begin, of course. My outlines can contain gaps, questions, alternatives and notes likeContinue reading “I’m Not a Discovery Writer — So Where Does Discovery Happen?”
Author Archives: moonlakeku
Moonlake’s Writing Updates- September 2026
Of my two novel projects, the twin sisters story has a complete outline now but between outline and actual drafting, I need some intermediary steps that I’m still exploring on how to broach in order to get to drafting. Meanwhile, the novel that came about from my live campaign, this is still being outlined andContinue reading “Moonlake’s Writing Updates- September 2026”
Moonlake’s Book Discoveries- September 2026
Fantasy The Orphan King by Sigmund Brouwer It is interesting if you are into a fantasy adventure type story with a premise that feels like Mission Impossible with a weak protagonist plus motley associates and they win the day through wit. I did pick up book 2 to read but then decided that I wantedContinue reading “Moonlake’s Book Discoveries- September 2026”
Chinese vs. Western Fantasy: What Questions Does the Afterlife Ask?
Chinese and Western fantasy often portray very different afterlives. One may emphasise divine judgment, another an elaborate underworld bureaucracy. But as I looked at these worlds, I realised they weren’t simply offering different answers—they were asking different questions. Once you notice that, you begin to see afterlife systems in an entirely new way. Question 1:Continue reading “Chinese vs. Western Fantasy: What Questions Does the Afterlife Ask? “
So many plans have unraveled…
The jump-off line comes from Insha’allah by Danusha Lameris. So many plans have unraveled. In grade 6, when went on our school to the same place we went each year because the only other place we could go were prone to kite accidents where the strings from kites snagged people’s necks, I thought I wouldContinue reading “So many plans have unraveled…”
I would not have been a writer except that…
The jump off line came from V11 by Wendell Berry. This was a piece from a couple years ago that talked about how I became a writer. It was never my intention back when I was in high school and that’s the lens I presented, at least in the opening paragraphs. I would not haveContinue reading “I would not have been a writer except that… “
When a Story Stops Belonging to Its Premise
I recently noticed something strange while comparing two novels I’m outlining. One began as a completely original idea.The other grew out of a virtual tabletop RPG campaign. I expected them to feel fundamentally different. Instead, after months of outlining, they were starting to ask remarkably similar questions. There is a whole school of writing adviceContinue reading “When a Story Stops Belonging to Its Premise”
My name is…
The jump off line is actually from an introduction by Patrick O’Tauma and this is actually written 5 years ago. My name is Moonlake Ku. I am not born with this name, as a star was born into the sky. Rather, I chose it. I chose as a cloak, to pursue what I love, whatContinue reading “My name is… “
Changing Stance on Comfort Authors
I think I did mention obliquely before that I had changed my stance on comfort authors over the years. And I’m blogging about this now because I’ve run out of other topics about reading. Digression but I’ve always had trouble with one of the 4 topics I blogged under at different times, the recent candidateContinue reading “Changing Stance on Comfort Authors”
Remarkable Women in ancient China (29)- Zhang Xiugu
Who is she? The first person in Chinese history to dissect a diseased human body Notable life events: Born in the Northern and Southern Dynasty period and rumoured to be born to a father who is a wandering village doctor Married to a wandering village doctor by the name Tang Ci In 450 AD, aContinue reading “Remarkable Women in ancient China (29)- Zhang Xiugu”
