Acutely Amanda: Fiction, Folklore, and Fiber Arts

This week, I’m tackling my procrastinations—starting with a project I bought more than 10 years ago: a Metal Earth model of the “easy” P-51 Mustang.I’ll share what made a cozy crafter pick up a model airplane kit in the first place, then walk you through the build step-by-step. Along the way, we’ll talk about:✨ How perfectionism can interfere with creative joy🛠️ What surprised me about the Metal Earth assembly process📜 The fascinating history of model making—from 6000 BC to modern 3D printingWhether you're curious about model kits or just love watching something come together, this episode blends reflection, storytelling, and one historically inaccurate airplane.📚 Read more about modeling materials:https://www.robotimeonline.com/blogs/all-blogs/learn-about-the-materials-used-in-miniatures-and-modelsWant more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life? ➡ Read my fiction: https://opinionsofawolf.com/publications ➡ Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content: @opinionsofawolf ➡ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates straight to your inbox: https://opinionsofawolf.com/newsletter/ ➡ Support the show on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/8d2240b19703eab

Welcome to the first episode of Season 4–our crafty season! (Quick reminder: odd-numbered seasons explore fiction, while even-numbered seasons highlight fiber arts and handmade creativity.)This week, I’m upcycling a too-big for me dress into a shirred skirt. It’s a task I thought would be simple, but let’s just say tears are a rite of passage when it comes to this technique. I’ll walk you through the project step-by-step, from cutting apart the dress to the final result. Then we’ll dive into the history of shirring - from how it helped shape clothing before stretch fabrics existed to how it became a staple of modern cottagecore fashion.Whether you’re curious about upcycling or just love watching creative projects come to life, this episode blends hands-on sewing, fiber history, and one very autumnal piece of fabric.Image of shirred dress: SWANClothing on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/barbietron/3522962565/ Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life? ➡ Read my fiction: https://opinionsofawolf.com/publications ➡ Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content: @opinionsofawolf ➡ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates straight to your inbox: https://opinionsofawolf.com/newsletter/ ➡ Support the show on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/8d2240b19703eab

Whispers in the woods, a hidden trail, and a mythical voice 🌲👣🗣️In this urban fantasy short story, Bigfoot herself speaks from Leominster State Forest. But is she convincing us of what she says or of something deeper she can’t quite admit? What happens when myth, solitude, and hidden truths collide under the trees?Welcome to Episode 5 of Season 3—our fiction season, where I’m sharing original short stories from my Tova Gallagher urban fantasy universe. This week’s tale, Finding Song in Leominster State Forest, introduces a brand-new character coming up in Book 2. This story blends local legend with themes of loneliness, complexity, and the stories we tell to protect ourselves.After the story, I’ll share how my visit to Leominster State Forest and local lore research (including Monsterland by Ronny LeBlanc) shaped this character, why Bigfoot made the perfect addition to the Tova Gallagher universe, and how writing prompts can uncover hidden depth in your own fiction.Check out my full review of Monsterland: https://opinionsofawolf.com/2025/01/07/book-review-monsterland-encounters-with-ufos-bigfoot-and-orange-orbs-by-ronny-le-blanc/ Want more fiction, folklore, and fun in your life? ➡ Read my fiction: https://opinionsofawolf.com/publications ➡ Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content: @opinionsofawolf ➡ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates straight to your inbox: https://opinionsofawolf.com/newsletter/ ➡ Support the show on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/8d2240b19703eab

Craft aisles, paranoia, and one determined mom. 🛒🙏🔥In this urban fantasy short story, we step into the life of Tova Gallagher’s mother—a woman who once sowed wild oats but now sees demons in the everyday. When a trip to Walmart turns into a crusade, the battle isn’t fought with fists, but with fear, faith, and words. What happens when fundamentalism collides with fluorescent lights and craft supplies?Welcome to Episode 4 of Season 3—our fiction season, where I’m sharing original short stories from my Tova Gallagher urban fantasy universe. This week’s tale, A One-Woman Walmart Battle, explores a parent’s complicated love, the blurred line between devotion and fear, and how even Walmart can become a battleground when demons are involved.After the story, I’ll share how my own journey—growing up in an Independent Fundamentalist Baptist environment and later becoming a progressive, queer Christian focused on social justice—inspired this character. I’ll also talk about why humor can soften even the most divisive topics, and how writing from the perspective of someone you dislike can add depth and nuance to your fiction.Want more fiction, folklore, and fun in your life? ➡ Read my fiction: https://opinionsofawolf.com/publications ➡ Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content: @opinionsofawolf ➡ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates straight to your inbox: https://opinionsofawolf.com/newsletter/ ➡ Support the show on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/8d2240b19703eab

Moonlight, tiger lilies, and political intrigue. 🌙🌸🩸In this urban fantasy short story, a centuries-old vampire tends her midnight garden. Only it’s not about beauty. When invasive roots tangle with power struggles, the real battle begins. What happens when horticulture and politics collide under the cover of darkness?Welcome to Episode 3 of Season 3—our fiction season, where I’m sharing original short stories from my urban fantasy universe. This week’s tale, What Happens When a Vampire Gardens at Midnight?, uses invasive plant removal as a metaphor for corruption, control, and the darker sides of human (and vampire) society.After the story, I’ll share how my own battle with tiger lilies inspired this scene, why vampires in my world reflect the worst parts of human politics, and how fantasy gives us the distance to see real-world truths more clearly.Want more fiction, folklore, and fun in your life? ➡ Read my fiction: https://opinionsofawolf.com/publications ➡ Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content: @opinionsofawolf ➡ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates straight to your inbox: https://opinionsofawolf.com/newsletter/ ➡ Support the show on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/8d2240b19703eab

Spilling secrets, crushed coffee cups, and nervous glances. ☕🐺🌕In this urban fantasy short story, Shelby attends a peer support group with a twist. But no one wants to admit to the secret they all share. What happens when personal struggles and supernatural secrets collide in the same circle of chairs?Welcome to Episode 2 of Season 3—our fiction season, where I’m sharing original short stories from my urban fantasy universe. This week’s tale, A Weekly Group for a Monthly Problem, explores werewolfism as a metaphor for chronic illness, blending real-world support group dynamics with supernatural tension.After the story, I’ll share how this scene grew from a character backstory exercise, why peer groups are so powerful, and how metaphors in fantasy can illuminate real-life experiences.If you’re looking for peer support like I discussed in this episode, please check out intherooms.com (all genders) or sherecovers.org (women and nonbinary people).Want more fiction, folklore, and fun in your life? ➡ Read my fiction: https://opinionsofawolf.com/publications ➡ Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content: @opinionsofawolf ➡ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates straight to your inbox: https://opinionsofawolf.com/newsletter/ ➡ Support the show on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/8d2240b19703eab

Bartleby’s demon training day on the Charles River? Total chaos. 🛶👹In this paranormally spooky (and slightly silly) short story, a nephilim (half-demon/half-human) and his demon mentor attempt to disrupt peaceful boat rentals in Boston. What could possibly go wrong?Welcome to Episode 1 of Season 3—our fiction season, where I share original short stories from my paranormal romance universe. This week’s tale, Demon Training 101, brings a mix of urban fantasy mayhem, sardonic humor, and supernatural trouble on the Charles River.After the story, I’ll share behind-the-scenes insight into how I balanced creepy atmosphere with playful absurdity while expanding the Tova Gallagher universe.Want more fiction, folklore, and fun in your life?➡ Read my fiction: https://opinionsofawolf.com/publications ➡ Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content: @opinionsofawolf ➡ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates straight to your inbox: https://opinionsofawolf.com/newsletter/ ➡ Support the show on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/8d2240b19703eab

Welcome to Episode 5 of Season 2—the final episode of our first-ever fiber arts season! (Quick reminder: odd-numbered seasons explore fiction, while even-numbered seasons highlight fiber arts and handmade creativity. Don’t worry—crafts return in Season 4.)This week, I’m macraméing a fish keychain… and unexpectedly tying myself into centuries of history. I’ll walk you through the project step-by-step, from knotting the cord to tea-dyeing the final result. Then we’ll dive into the surprisingly radical story of macramé—from sailors passing time at sea to 1960s artists using it to reject industrial capitalism.Whether you’re curious about making your own macramé keychain or just love handmade things with a backstory, this episode blends hands-on creativity, fiber history, and one very charming fish.Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life? ➡ The macrame fish tutorial from Macrame Art Tutorial (not sponsored): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNpB-zblROc ➡ Read my fiction: https://opinionsofawolf.com/publications ➡ Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content: @opinionsofawolf ➡ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates straight to your inbox: https://opinionsofawolf.com/newsletter/ ➡ Support the show on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/8d2240b19703eab

Welcome to Episode 4 of Season 2—our first-ever fiber arts season! (Quick reminder: odd-numbered seasons explore fiction, while even-numbered seasons highlight fiber arts and handmade creativity.)This week, I’m trying my hand at 2D needle felting—what some call painting with wool, and what I call a little cathartic stabbing in the name of art. I’ll walk you through the cactus-themed kit I used (a wool anniversary gift I finally finished after three years), what went well, what didn’t, and how I problem-solved along the way.Then we’ll dig into the surprisingly modern history of needle felting—a craft that didn’t take off until the 1980s, despite felting itself being thousands of years old.Whether you’re a fiber arts newbie or a fellow felting fan, this episode blends hands-on creativity, fiber history, and a few unexpected discoveries.Image of wool slippers - Sarah CC BY-SA 2.0 https://www.flickr.com/photos/lessshushmorelush/3215069519 Image of Martha’ Vineyard - NormanEinstein CC BY-SA 3.0https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Martha%27s_Vineyard_map.png Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life? ➡ Read my fiction: https://opinionsofawolf.com/publications ➡ Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content: @opinionsofawolf ➡ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates straight to your inbox: https://opinionsofawolf.com/newsletter/ ➡ Support the show on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/8d2240b19703eab

Season 2 Episode 3: Crocheting a Donut Snake, Thinking of Kirby: Why Handmade Gifts MatterWelcome to Episode 3 of Season 2—our first-ever fiber arts season! (Quick reminder: odd-numbered seasons explore fiction, while even-numbered seasons highlight fiber arts and handmade creativity.)This week, I’m crocheting one of the weirdest—and cutest—projects I’ve ever tried: an amigurumi donut snake. I’ll share why I chose this pattern, how the process actually went (including the parts that didn’t go smoothly), and the new crochet technique I learned along the way.Then we’ll dive into the surprising history of amigurumi, from samurai-era Japan to kawaii culture to today’s global crafting boom. Plus, I’ll reveal the unexpected connection this quirky little project sparked for me—with none other than Kirby.It’s a playful project with a time-honored backstory.Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life? ➡ Get the donut snake pattern from today’s episode (not sponsored): https://www.etsy.com/listing/1837079672/donut-snake-crochet-pattern-food-animal ➡ Read my fiction: https://opinionsofawolf.com/publications ➡ Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content: @opinionsofawolf ➡ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates straight to your inbox: https://opinionsofawolf.com/newsletter/ ➡ Support the show on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/8d2240b19703eab

Welcome to Episode 2 of Season 2—our first-ever fiber arts season! (Quick reminder: odd-numbered seasons explore fiction, while even-numbered seasons highlight fiber arts and handmade creativity.)This week, I’m tackling a cold, gloomy New England entryway by DIY-ing an accent wall with Tempaper peel-and-stick wallpaper—a renter-friendly option with bold Miami Art Deco flair. I’ll share why I chose this wallpaper, how the process actually went (mistakes and all), and whether I’d recommend it—especially for beginners.Then we’ll take a peek at the wild—and sometimes deadly—history of wallpaper, from ancient China to arsenic-laced Victorian prints to today’s eco-conscious, removable designs. Plus, I’ll reveal one of my favorite funky wallpaper facts!It’s a one-day project with a centuries-long backstory.Image of Chinese wallpaper - Rafa Esteve, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsImage of 1960s wallpaper - Domincspics, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsWant more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life? ➡ Get the wallpaper from today’s episode (not sponsored): https://tempaper.com/products/gold-royal-palm-peel-and-stick-wallpaper ➡ Read my longer-form fiction: https://opinionsofawolf.com/publications ➡ Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content: @opinionsofawolf ➡ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates and stories straight to your inbox: https://opinionsofawolf.com/newsletter/ ➡ Support the show on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/8d2240b19703eab

Season 2, Episode 1: Stitch & Zip and the Joy of Finishing Something HandmadeWelcome to the first episode of Season 2—our first-ever fiber arts season! (Quick reminder: odd-numbered seasons focus on fiction, while even-numbered ones highlight fiber arts and handmade creativity.)This week, I’m diving into a Stitch & Zip eyeglasses case kit I found at a thrift store for just $3. I share what it was like to stitch this cheerful sunflower design, how it compares to other needlecrafts I’ve done, and whether I'd recommend it—especially if you're a beginner.Then we’ll explore the surprisingly rich history of the Alice Peterson Company, the woman-owned, US-based brand behind the kit. It’s the perfect start to this season’s theme: finishing what I start—one handmade project at a time.Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life? ➡ Read my longer-form fiction: https://opinionsofawolf.com/publications ➡ Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content: @opinionsofawolf ➡ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates and stories straight to your inbox: https://opinionsofawolf.com/newsletter/ ➡ Support the show on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/8d2240b19703eab

Season 1, Episode 10: Landlord or Be Landlorded? Talking Animals, Housing, & Capitalism in FictionIn this episode, we step into a cozy coffee shop—where the customers just happen to be a bunny, a squirrel, and a barista with strong opinions. Our final drabble of the season explores gentrification, capitalism, and housing struggles—all through the lens of anthropomorphized animals.Then, we dive into the power of animal characters in adult fiction. Non-human protagonists have long been used to reveal deeper human truths. Talking animals let us examine war, oppression, grief, and power struggles in ways that feel both familiar and just distant enough to hit harder. I also share the personal inspiration behind this story—my own housing upheavals and the phrase I kept seeing: “Either landlord or be landlorded.”As we wrap up Season 1, I invite you to sign up for my newsletter for an exclusive sneak peek at Season 3 (our next odd-numbered season!), featuring more fiction and writing discussions. Remember, Season 2 is an even-numbered season, so we'll be diving into the fiber part of the show with explorations of my various craft projects and the history behind the art of crafting. Stay tuned!Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life? →⁠ Visit my publications page to find my longer-form fiction.⁠ → ⁠Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content.⁠ → ⁠Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates and stories straight to your inbox. ⁠ → ⁠Support me on ko-fi. ⁠Thanks for joining me, and I’ll see you next season!

Season 1, Episode 9: Dystopian Futures & the Reality of Aging – The Stories We Need to TellIn this episode, we begin with a 100-word dystopian drabble about an elderly person who must take part in a scientific study for money. From there, we dive into the portrayal of older characters in fiction—why they’re often sidelined, the depth and complexity they bring to storytelling, and why we need more narratives that embrace aging rather than solely glorifying youth.We also explore the real-life struggles of aging, from financial insecurity to the ethical dilemmas of scientific studies that often recruit those in need of money. I share the inspiration behind the story—my retired friend who volunteered for a research study—and discuss how speculative fiction allows us to take real-world issues and push them to their most extreme ‘what ifs.’ With my background in CITI certification for social sciences, I also touch on the ethics of research design and how informed consent can become complicated when financial need is involved.Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life? →⁠ Visit my publications page to find my longer-form fiction.⁠ → ⁠Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content.⁠ → ⁠Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates and stories straight to your inbox. ⁠ → ⁠Support me on ko-fi. ⁠

Season 1, Episode 8: The Magic Microwave & How Fantasy Fiction Transforms UsIn this week’s episode, I read a fantasy story about a microwave with a surprising ability—it turns anything you put into it into food that helps its owner start to overcome her eating disorder. Then, we dive into how fantasy fiction uses metaphor and escapism to help us process difficult emotions and experiences. Finally, I share the inspiration behind the story, from a real microwave in my apartment that declared “Food Ready” regardless of what I put inside, to my own experiences with disordered eating, and the nonfiction book Dead Weight by Emmeline Clein.Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life? →⁠ Visit my publications page to find my longer-form fiction.⁠ → ⁠Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content.⁠ → ⁠Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates and stories straight to your inbox. ⁠ → ⁠Support me on ko-fi. ⁠→Get Dead Weight by Emmeline Clein on Amazon (or Bookshop.org

Season 1, Episode 7: Mouse Mischief, Memory, and the Power of FictionIn this episode, we follow a house mouse on a tiny but determined quest for dinner. Then, we explore how fiction—especially stories about non-human characters—helps build empathy in unexpected ways. How does stepping into the paws of a mouse (or any creature) shift our perspective? Finally, I share the real-world inspiration behind this piece: my time living in Boston’s Allston-Brighton neighborhood, also known as “Rat City,” and how the locals’ attitudes toward house mice were shaped by their own experiences.Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life? →⁠ Visit my publications page to find my longer-form fiction.⁠ → ⁠Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content.⁠ → ⁠Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates and stories straight to your inbox. ⁠ → ⁠Support me on ko-fi. ⁠

Season 1, Episode 6: Detroit-Style Pizza, the Ocean, & Contemporary Women's FictionIn this week’s episode, I read a slice-of-life story about a woman who moved from the Midwest to Massachusetts, drawn by the ocean but missing the comfort of Detroit-style pizza. When she finally finds a pizzeria serving her favorite style, she’s faced with an unexpected disappointment—one that goes beyond just the food.Then, we dive into contemporary women’s fiction: what defines the genre, how it captures the complexities of everyday life, and why food and place are often so deeply tied to storytelling. I also talk about my personal connection to the Midwest and, of course, explain exactly what makes Detroit-style pizza so special.Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life? →⁠ Visit my publications page to find my longer-form fiction.⁠ → ⁠Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content.⁠ → ⁠Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates and stories straight to your inbox. ⁠ → ⁠Support me on ko-fi. ⁠

Season 1, Episode 5: When a Ghastly Gourd Forces You to Face Your GriefIn this episode, I read a flash fiction story told in second person POV—about a ghastly gourd that’s not really about a gourd at all. It’s a metaphor for grief and the difficult, inescapable things we face after losing a loved one. Then, we dive into the unique power of second-person POV: how it forces us into another’s shoes, making it a compelling tool for exploring emotions we might not otherwise fully understand. Finally, I share the real-life inspiration behind the story—a farmstand pumpkin and my own experience navigating grief.Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life? →⁠ Visit my publications page to find my longer-form fiction.⁠ → ⁠Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content.⁠ → ⁠Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates and stories straight to your inbox. ⁠ → ⁠Support me on ko-fi. ⁠

Season 1, Episode 4: Frederico the Frog Faces Mortality: How Talking Animals Help Us Make Sense of LifeIn this week’s episode, I share my longest story yet—a 755-word flash fiction piece about a talkative frog, his animal companions, and the unexpected truth about his home. Then, we dive into anthropomorphized animals in fiction. Finally, I discuss the real-life setting that inspired this story: a beautiful pond in a place called Mount Auburn—teeming with wildlife and history.Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life?→ See the notebook that inspired Frederico the Frog.→⁠ Visit my publications page to find my longer-form fiction.⁠ → ⁠Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content.⁠ → ⁠Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates and stories straight to your inbox. ⁠ → ⁠Support me on ko-fi. ⁠

Season 1, Episode 3: A Monster Lurks on the Mudflat & Writing Horror in 100 WordsIn this week’s episode, we dive into a chilling piece of microfiction set on Cape Cod, where an evil mermaid lurks in the tidal flats. Then, we discuss why writing drabbles is such a unique challenge, why they make great writing exercises, and how other microfiction formats like double drabbles and dribbles compare. Finally, I share the real-world inspiration behind this story—the eerie beauty of the Brewster Flats, my experiences on the Cape, and how Provincetown’s rich LGBTQ+ history influenced the story’s themes.Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life?→ Visit my publications page to find my longer-form fiction. → Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content.→ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates and stories straight to your inbox. → Support me on ko-fi.

Season 1, Episode 2: Pumas, Coffee, and Writing About GriefIn this week’s episode, we explore a piece of microfiction about a puma and a coffee shop—but beneath the surface, it’s really a story about grief. Then, we dive into the writing exercise that inspired it, drawn from Steering the Craft by Ursula K. Le Guin. We’ll talk about how emotions shape storytelling, the challenge of writing about grief, and a bit about pumas in the U.S. I also share a personal story about the loss of my father to alcoholism and how writing helps us process what words alone can’t always express.Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life?➡ Visit my publications page to find my longer-form fiction.➡ Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content.➡ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates and stories straight to your inbox.➡ Support me on ko-fi. ➡ Get a copy of Steering the Craft through Amazon or Bookshop.org ➡ Get help from Al-Anon.

Season 1 Episode 1: A Duck, A Drabble, and a Bit of Literary HistoryIn this week’s episode, we kick things off with a tiny but mighty piece of microfiction—about a duck. Then, we dive into the world of drabble fiction: what it is, where it comes from, and why it’s such a fascinating storytelling challenge. Finally, I share a personal story about one very special duck that left a lasting impression.Want more fiction, folklore, and fiber arts in your life?➡ Read my longer-form fiction.➡ Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content. ➡ Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive updates and stories straight to your inbox.➡ Support me on ko-fi.