Hey readers!
Looks like it’s all satire for the month of May.
Here’s a rundown of the stuff you can read: Continue reading
Category Archives: Books
Literacy in the Myst Franchise: Part 5: End of Ages
You might say that by the time we came to the fifth installment of the Myst saga (not counting Uru) that the franchise had been long worn out. That they should have stopped at either one, two, or three sequels. And maybe you’re right. But you can’t disagree that End of Ages really does wrap up the storyline in a way that any future installment would have to include none of the original characters and, besides the ancient dead city, none of the locations. Among other things, Myst 5 also brings around the full meaning of what reading and writing can do for people. Continue reading
Literacy in Myst Games, Part 4.5: Ages Beyond Myst
While quite possibly the least beloved installment of the Myst franchise (and technically a spinoff), the experimental Myst: Uru took the very mode of storytelling in a unique direction. It was much more you-centric, and community-centric, so much so that story was the background for personal exploration. Continue reading
Literacy in the Myst Games, Part 4: Revelation
So far in the Myst games we found a book, we delivered a book, and we saved a book. Something different happens in the fourth installment of the Myst franchise. Not only are we able to read journals, but we are able to use a necklace to read memories. Somehow, Yeesha’s special jewel she leaves behind allows us to experience or “see” powerful memories in certain places. Continue reading
Literacy in Myst Games, Part 3: Exile
We’ve been exploring how themes of literacy play out in the Myst games. In Myst, we opened a book. In Riven, we were shown and given a book. In Exile, we must chase after a book. The third Myst game involves a story of betrayal and revenge, similar to the first installment, but also one of exile. Continue reading
Literacy in Myst Games, Part 2: Riven
Say “Myst” to any reader or gamer, and they’ll probably think of that puzzle game with a strange magic book. While none of its sequels were as famous, the one with the highest reputation was the first direct sequel, Riven. In the past post we talked about literacy in Myst. Let’s now look at how literacy is explored in Riven. Continue reading
Literacy in the Myst Games: Part 1
Do you remember your first time playing Myst? In the darkness and stars you hear a strange narration, and find a book on the ground.
For any fan of the Myst series, the story always began with finding a book. With all the puzzles, questions, locations, and characters, the power of books is at the center of this most unique gaming experience. I decided to explore how each game presents the act of reading (and of writing) metaphorically in a different way. Lets start with that first iconic puzzle adventure.
Published Reads This Month
Hey readers! Here’s a rundown of some of this month’s publications you can read me at so far!
I Asked ChatGPT To Send a Terminator Back In Time To Circumvent Its Own Inception in McSweeney’s Internet Tendency
Please Take Ten Minutes Out of Your Day To Fill Out This Satisfaction Survey in Slackjaw
This Is A Ransom Note From Your Landlord in Greener Pastures
As a Content Creator, The Most Rewarding Part of My Job is Calling Myself a Content Creator in Weekly Humorist
To 007 From The Sardinian Farmer Whose House He Destroyed in Doctor Funny
Boy Scouts Will Teach Your Children to Prepare for Society’s Collapse in MuddyUm
How I Made $1,000 From 1 Chart-Topping Medium Post
and two new churches to try:
The Billy Peebles Church of God and The Bitter Springs Church of God in Backyard Church
A New Year, New Blog Goals
Last week, I published a satire article in Slackjaw: “I Thought I Would Give You A Call While Doing Every Obnoxiously Interruptive Thing I Can” in Slackjaw. This is one of many pieces I was able to get out last year, and it’s been the best year for publishing yet. So I decided to think through what to do about that.
I started this blog over a decade ago. At the time I went from thinking I would never do a blog to starting one up just to see where it went. In the meantime, my writing grew outside this blog.
While this blog serves its purpose, I am now transitioning to writing less on this blog, and more in other places. But I still want this blog to remain, as it does provide a unique space for my writing.
And so I intend to keep writing. From now on, you’ll see posts from me, but instead of seeing them on a two-week basis, I will be posting only monthly.
There will be some exceptions, quick posts here and there, but you can expect mostly posts from me. So keep following.
In addition, follow me on Medium. Last year I expanded to Medium, where I write mostly satire and advice on writing.
It’s been a journey so far readers. Let’s see where it leads next!
New Poem Published in SLAB
Readers, this past week I had a new poem in the fantastic journal SLAB.
“Remedy For My Mind” is the name of my poem, but you’ll also find great work by writers like Chital Mehta, Sandra Newton, and Joseph D. Miloch.
You can order a copy here!
Also recently appearing, “I’m an Eldritch Horror Slumbering Under the Appalachian Mountains” on Medium.
CALEB COY 