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Artist Feature: Mike Biggs
During my stint as an Arts District shop owner, I realized an important thing—not all artists are born equal. Some are happy to perpetuate the stereotype of the tortured creative who can’t commit or abide by a deadline. Some, however, have an incredible work ethic and endeavor to improve their craft in any way they can. Mike Biggs is the latter. Born and raised here, in Vegas, he feels the city has a certain edge that seeped into his art via the “fun, creepy, dark themes” he enjoys “impressing on people’s eyeballs.” I’m always inspired by artists who have a unique style or point of view and pursue various mediums…
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Looking for Culture in Vegas? Dime Grinds has You Covered
A common complaint from those who move to Vegas from other cities is the lack of cultural activities. I always thought that was a load of hooey, but after attending several Dime Grinds events I know it is. Hosted by Joe Maxx Coffee in Henderson and organized by the Henderson Writers Group, Dime Grinds is a monthly event that combines: authors (aspiring and accomplished), 10 cent coffee, and three readings. Walking into Joe Maxx Coffee on the first Sunday of every month feels like visiting a friend’s house. The coffee shop itself is airy and spacious. With a variety of comfortable seating options and featuring a rotating selection of local…
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Flash Feature: Noa Sivan
You should be reading flash fiction. I’ve seen it defined a few different ways, but the one which seems most consistent is that flash fiction is fiction with a word count under 1,000. Good flash fiction packs the entire emotional journey of a short story or a novel in a tight space. But it doesn’t feel rushed or unfinished; it feels like you’ve opened a window into something unexpected and quick. We keep hearing about how our attention spans are shorter, how we’re bombarded with more content than ever before. If reading a novel is docking your ship in a friendly port after a terrible storm, then reading flash fiction…
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5 Ways to Cure Writer’s Block Blues
In A Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway writes “Do not worry. You have always written before and you will write. All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence you know.” I love these words and what they represent. But for those of us who aren’t Hemingway, there may be other, more realistic approaches to curing writer’s block blues. It took some trial and error to find what works best for me. The following are five techniques I am currently using to push through the frustration. 1. Writing Prompts The magic of writing prompts is in unlocking your unique voice and perspective, allowing you to craft…
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New in Town: Tomo Noodles and Dumplings
Currently, the weather in Las Vegas is hitting the low 100s, so naturally, I thought it was time to try a new ramen place. Last month, Village Square welcomed its newest addition: Tomo Noodles and Dumplings. My husband, Rich and I decided on a lunch visit. Eat More Ramen I’m one of those people who eat with their eyes as well as their stomach. For me, atmosphere contributes to the flavor. That’s why I was excited when we walked into Tomo. The high-ceilinged, sparsely decorated, airy space is highlighted by dramatic and dynamic murals. Spanning the whole length of the restaurant is a vast wall festooned with three separate but…
