As anti-LGBT rhetoric intensifies, the queer community needs stories of political engagement — and triumph — more than ever. C.J. Janovy’s 2018 book “No Place Like Home: Lessons in Activism from LGBT Kansas” is full of such accounts. A newly released version is arriving at just the right time. The University Press of Kansas reached... Continue Reading →
Each creative family is creative in its own way, and it’s that uniqueness of artistic expression that Derby Arts Council offers for consideration in their “Art in the Family” exhibition on display through June 24 at the Derby Public Library. The library sits just off the bustle of Rock Road, yet the building is quiet,... Continue Reading →
Wichita's roller derby league has grown to more than 40 skaters. For the first time in more than 15 years, Wicked City will field two home teams. Wheels, boots, plates, trucks, elbow pads and mouth guards: These are the tools of the trade for the skaters of Wicked City Roller Derby. Founded in 2006 as... Continue Reading →
The view from the front row at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships was so much different than the one from my couch. For one, I was struck by the depth of the fans' commitment — I met more than one person who’s been to the championships every year for over a decade. And being rink-side... Continue Reading →
Here's a fun, new segment: archived book reviews! I'll post these for funsies as they pique my interest (and as long as they don't embarrass me too terribly much). Many of these first appeared in newsletters for Watermark Books and Cafe, a local, independent bookstore where I worked as a bookseller (and for a five-year... Continue Reading →
Django walked past me this morning, gave me a harsh look, and kept moving until he stationed himself resolutely on the dining room rug. And glared at me. Intuitively, I knew. He shit in the back room. The turd. (Please note: I cleaned the litter box yesterday.) I got a text from Mallory: the furnace... Continue Reading →
If it's possible for the Winds of Change to knock about the chimes of my heart, boy have they! I'm itching for change. I can feel it in my bones. Deep within me. It's resonating through every. single. thing. I contemplate: moving furniture, organizing clothes and dishes and what's in the fridge, trying and trying... Continue Reading →
I made it through the weekend, even submitted my final short story for the first ever (!) 48-Hour Short Story Race three hours ahead (!) of the deadline. With anticipation, I refreshed my inbox repeatedly, waiting for the directions and my assigned prompts. I'd read the welcome email a number of times, but the prompts... Continue Reading →
I entered a writing competition, a 48-hour short story race. Maybe I'm making it into more than it actually is, but because I'll be judged and I'll receive feedback, I'm putting some serious level pressure on myself. "No pressure, no diamonds" So. From 7:00 p.m. tonight until 7:00 p.m. Sunday, I'll be plot diagramming, drafting,... Continue Reading →
I just ordered a book from the Big A - not because I like giving Jeff Bezos my money, but because the book is by a student and I want to support her. The slim volume arrived at my door, clad in the blue and white packaging, and I ripped it open; I marveled at her creation.... Continue Reading →
shelly. walston. writes. 