In this episode, I critique the surprisingly layered storytelling in Stardew Valley. On the surface, it’s a cozy farming sim, but underneath the pixel art and daily routines is a quiet, emotional depth. I examine how the game’s dialogue builds character arcs, reveals personal struggles, and invites players into something more reflective than it first appears.

Read the written review here: https://word.smithing.ca/rants-and-reviews/arden-review-of-stardew-valley-dialogue-depth-and-the-art-of-pixelated-storytelling

In this episode, I read How to Launch Your Blog in 6 Steps — a practical and encouraging guide I wrote when I started my website. It covers the basics of launching a creative blog, from choosing web hosting to picking a design and using helpful tools.

If you've been thinking about starting a blog but aren’t sure where to begin, this episode offers a solid, approachable starting point.

You can find the original article here: How to Launch Your Blog in 6 Steps – Word Smithing

Thanks for tuning in.

In this episode, I read—nay, I sing—my poem “The Witch and the Blacksmith,” a lyrical story about devotion and the grind. I’m not a singer, but I wanted to share the full spirit of the piece, so I gave it a shot. Hopefully, it comes across with something of what I was feeling when I wrote it.

You can read the original post here: The Witch and the Blacksmith – Word Smithing

Thanks for listening and reading.

In this episode, I read my first blog post about returning to writing after a long creative break. If you’ve ever struggled with writer’s block, perfectionism, or just the challenge of starting again, this one’s for you.

You can read the original post here: https://word.smithing.ca/thoughts-on-writing/getting-back-into-writing-after-a-five-year-block/

Thanks for listening, and here’s to putting words on the page — one step at a time.