Last Week’s Gems: Four Inspiring Stories from Alchemy Publications
Exploring the diverse storytelling of Alchemy authors
As we embark on a new week following Alchemy Publications’ debut on September 8, we’re thrilled to commemorate the talented authors who have contributed their remarkable stories to our growing writing consortium.
Today, we’re handpicking one story published last week in each of our rosters.
Engage
Her Future Self is Helping Her Through Early Challenges
A yearlong solo teaching adventure overseas begins now
This heartfelt story follows Joy DeSomber's daughter Quinlynn, a young woman filled with determination and wanderlust, as she takes on the vibrant and bustling city of Madrid, Spain, to pursue her passion for teaching and her love for adventure.
Joyfully, Joy delves into Quinlynn’s initial experiences in Madrid, as she adjusts to life in a foreign city. This is how a mother’s story captures a daughter’s moments of both excitement and uncertainty.
Quinlynn’s pursuit of language fluency, combined with her newfound independence, creates a poignant narrative thread throughout the story. The challenges she faces and the encounters she experiences become relatable and inspiring, reflecting the universal theme of personal growth.
Through the lens of Quinlynn’s resilience and determination, readers witness her transformation and the gradual formation of friendships in an unfamiliar city.
Join Quinlynn as she embraces the unknown, faces life’s obstacles head-on, and discovers the beauty of Madrid, one step at a time. Don’t miss this touching story of a young woman in a city that holds the promise of adventure and self-discovery.
Read the full story here on Engage.
Rock n’Heavy
Springsteen’s Hidden Diamonds 1
A journey through each of Bruce’s earlier studio albums for one forgotten masterpiece from each
Discover the hidden gems in Bruce Springsteen’s legendary discography in this story by Alex Markham. As a devoted Bruce superfan, Alex takes you on a personal journey through The Boss’s earlier studio albums.
In a world where we often overlook the treasures hidden in plain sight, Alex’s keen ear and deep appreciation for Bruce’s music shine through.
Join the author as he shares his passion and knowledge of Bruce Springsteen’s catalog, revealing tracks like “For You,” “Wild Billy’s Circus Story,” “She’s The One,” and more that may have eluded even the most die-hard fans.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a lifelong Springsteen enthusiast or not; this story promises to be a compelling exploration of the hidden treasures within one of rock and roll’s greatest discographies.
Dive into the world of Bruce Springsteen’s lesser-known gems, and let the music transport you to a place where every note matters. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the heart and soul of The Boss’s music.
Read the full story here on Rock n’ Heavy, and let the magic of Springsteen’s Hidden Diamonds sweep you away.
Beloved
The Secret Language of Gay Dating: An Insider’s Guide
Unlocking the vault to decode the “unspoken rules” and “coded lingo” of gay dating in a swipe-right world.
Nathan Chen takes us through the intricacies of LGBTQ+ dating, offering a glimpse into the world of unspoken rules and coded lingo that shape this unique and diverse community
Nathan deciphers the coded language, subtle hints, and acronyms that define this community. Ever wondered about terms like “Masc4Masc” or “DDF”? Nathan provides clarity, ensuring you don’t find yourself trailing behind.
Navigating dating apps like Grindr and Tinder comes with its own set of politics, where even a simple “Hi” message can set the tone for a connection. Nathan humorously underscores the significance of emojis, cautioning against the pitfalls of misinterpretation. And much more!
In essence, Nathan Chen’s story provides both clarity and humor in the journey through the secret language of gay dating, emphasizing the importance of being oneself while navigating the complexities of the modern dating world. It’s a heartfelt exploration of the challenges and joys of LGBTQ+ dating, inviting readers to share their thoughts and stories in a conversation that brings us all a little closer together.
Read the full story here on Beloved.
Zenite
Surprisingly, I Have a Complicated Relationship with Writing
A digital overload consumes me as I desperately chase the elusive promise of Inbox Zero
Reading Henya Drescher's story felt like peering into a mirror, reflecting my intricate connection with the written word. The author weaves a creative thread of the struggle to balance the demands of the digital age with the creative longing to share stories.
The story’s exploration of time and its passage struck a chord, reminding me that every moment spent in the digital whirlwind is a moment lost in the pursuit of creativity. The story captures the essence of the writer’s plight, where words that should flow effortlessly often become sluggish and hesitant.
The poignant description of feeling and experiencing the world intensely resonated deeply. The writer’s ability to convey the sights, sounds, and emotions of life in such vivid detail reminds me of the power of the written word. The desire to synchronize the separate elements of life, much like the rhythm in music, is a universal yearning shared by those who seek to balance creativity and reality.
Ultimately, Henya Drescher’s story encourages us to seize the day, embrace the complexity of our relationship with writing, and continue navigating the labyrinth of time in pursuit of creative fulfillment.
Read the full story here on Engage.
Join our writing challenges
Throughout September, Alchemy is running several creative writing challenges across its publications:
Publication: Beloved — Prompt: “Silly Season Love”
Publication: Engage — Prompt: “Fears Kill Dreams”
Publication: Rock n’Heavy — Prompt: “Riffs and Scripts”
Publication: Zenite— Prompt: “Zenite Dreamcatcher”
I’d like you to accept the challenges and join us. I look forward to reading and sharing your stories with the world.
Please refer to the stories below on how to submit to each of our publications:
