iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

I haven't been writing, editing, or submitting much lately because of life and other annoying things, but was pleased to find out yesterday I'm a finalist for the Callo Literary Award! Now for the final bout of waiting... arguably the worst part of writing, as patience is not my strong suit 😅

Image of email congratulating me for being a finalist in the inaugural Callo Literary Award. It mentionsthe guest judge Kyle McCarthy is now reviewingthe stories and results should be in a couple weeks!

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Elle Cordova @ellecordova.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Rough Draft vs Final Draft

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The Welkin Press @welkinpress.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

So sad that the Welkin Genre Prize has come to an end. Missed any of these brilliant pieces? Or just want to read them again? So many gems to discover / re-discover here: www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-stories

mattkendrick.co.uk

Welkin-stories | MattKendrick.co.uk

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Want to read "a tense domestic story about ambition, trust, marriage, and the seductive power of believing in something too good to be true"? I got you! My third place story "Silver Dollars for Silver Tongues" in Jitney's inaugural competition is out. Read it here: jitneybooks.com/silver-dolla...

jitneybooks.com

“Silver Dollars for Silver Tongues” by Emorra Oteca: 3rd Place Winner New Voices Contest

We are very pleased to announce the third place winner of our inaugural New Voices Short Fiction contest. “Silver Dollars for Silver Tongues” by Emorra Oteca

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Dan Crawley @danbillyc.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

"...right there with the sight of something so green coming from something so blue that you break;...." My lord, this is a remarkable piece of writing by @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social in @welkinpress.bsky.social 💙💙💙 www.mattkendrick.co.uk/welkin-stori...

mattkendrick.co.uk

the day after you bury him in the garden | MattKendrick.co.uk

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Karen Baumgart @cake-girl.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

‘…you fall into him and he catches you, tendrils wrapping around you like you wanted to wrap around him except he’s in the ground and you’re not’ - I love the breathless urgency of this heartbreaking micro by @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social, shortlisted in the @welkinpress.bsky.social Firefly Prize 🌱

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Sara Hills @sarahillswrites.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

"tendrils wrapping around you like you wanted to wrap around him except he’s in the ground and you’re not" Such palpable grief in this one. I love how nature becomes the surreal embodiment, the comfort. ❤️🎉 @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social in @welkinpress.bsky.social

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Myna Chang @mynachang.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

"..and it’s there, right there with the sight of something so green..." I LOVE it when a drabble uses language in a luxurious way, as if the author has all the time (and word count) in the world. This takes skill. A gorgeous, heartbreaking piece by @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

My Welkin story is out today 💚 I am so honored and humbled to be included with all the other amazing stories on the shortlist. Thank you Matt and Myna for choosing my story, I'm so happy it found its home here.

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

I entered the inaugural competition for Jitney Books, and found out today I made the shortlist! Still getting used to my pen name and missed myself at first glance 😅 results next week wish me luck 🤞🏻

A list of eight authors on Jitney's shortlist, showing Emorra Oteca!

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Last week I got a reprint final-round R the same day this anthology came, so (insert some comment on the ups & downs of writing here). It's a selection from the last two years, and I'm thrilled they chose mine. It's my first anthology! You can read it here: www.chicagowrites.org/write_city/1...

The front cover of "The Write City Review" anthology volume 5, a Chicago Writers Association Publication. The bottom half is leafy bushes with orange, yellow and green small leaves. The Chicago skyline with a little bit of lake is in the background with a pink sunset

Table of Contents including Things Lost and Taken by Melissa Jornd (that's me before I changed my name!) on page 13

The first page of my story. You can read the entire story here if you'd like: https://www.chicagowrites.org/write_city/1175

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

I made the shortlist! After a tough week both writing-wise and personally, this was so great to hear. Now for the final bout of waiting! Congrats to the other titles as well 💜

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

*squints at her inbox crickets* So you're telling me in order to keep getting writing responses, I have to keep sending writing out? 🤯 guess I know my weekend plans, getting back into the submission game for that sweet dopamine hit, even with the Rs. Feliz Friday, friends!

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

I've finally decided on a pen name. Introducing myself, now known as Emorra Oteca! Curious how to pronounce it? "It's like ephemera, but get the eff out." - a clever poet. (EM-er-uh, FYI. I made up the name and pronunciation when I was a kid, and I'm stickin' to it!) 👋

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

My silly little story is out at Rat Bag! I hardly ever write lighthearted or comedy but one night I couldn't sleep while a storm was going, and here we are!

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

A hilarious story by a wonderful writing buddy. If you need a chuckle today, this is it!

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Changed my handle because I'm not quite sure at the moment who I am. xx

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Ah!! What an honor to be nominated! <3 thank you so much

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Got a job offer today, which means I won't have to sell my house slash lose everything. Small victories!

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Gotta say, depression is a vicious little hamster wheel. It takes a break, makes you think maybe things are okay, or going to be, and then all of a sudden it starts its creaky stupid run again and won't shut up. Sigh.

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

That's me submitted! My thanks to the anonymous benefactor who allowed me enter NQW since I still don't have a job. Quite like my story, so here's hoping🤞 Go Team Amanda! (With my respects to Ed, I also wrote him a story but it was too big for 500 words) Time to wait impatiently for the vague posts!

A banner that says "Not Quite Write" and a 'Submitted!' sticker under it. An image of a gold coin that says "TEAM AMANDA" and an outline of a sheriff's star badge, since her team's kicker was 'law.'

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

In the last week I've written a new drabble and sent out 5 submissions. Small accomplishments overall, but considering I was so depressed and blank at the end of last year I didn't know if I'd do anything at all this year, I'm actually quite proud. Little sparks of creativity are coming back!

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Procrastinated cleaning inside my house by shoveling 5 driveways in the neighborhood, and now the sun is organically melting everything. I can't decide if this is a win or not. At least it got me outside and moving a bit? Now off to vacuum and figure out this writing test for a possible job...

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

"We spend a lifetime looking for the stairs that go nowhere, but hope they actually go everywhere." A beautiful piece by a talented writer and wonderful human being.

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

I have some specific and lengthy resolutions for next year, but what they really boil down to is creating just to create (and try new mediums!), and being nicer to myself (physically and mentally). Happy New Year and see y'all in 2026 💜 be kind, be safe

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Anna Vangala Jones @anniejowrites.bsky.social · 27/12/2025

babe are you ok you’ve barely touched last year’s resolutions & now you’re making more ambitious new ones

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

This came out a few days ago, but the second issue of Twist Magazine dropped with a ton of wonderful stories, including my second-place 500 story. It's great to be among such talented company. Download the issue here: aiwl.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/TWIST+MAGAZI...

Cover of Twist Magazine volume 2. It's titled "Twisted Tournament" with Cherryhoof, a pink unicorn mascot, wearing a blue boxing outfit.

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Quill Hollow @quillhollow.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

"She didn’t know why, beyond the fact that she felt sad and alone in the body-breaking kind of way, where it was all too big to fit, and the next moment was impossible and inevitable and deeply, deeply dangerous." Read the rest of @lyss-b.bsky.social's story here:

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

My first Pushcart nomination! I am beyond grateful and honored. Thank you so much @paranoidxtree.bsky.social for loving my story as much as I did 💚

Screenshot of five story and author names that have been nominated by Paranoid Tree Press for the Pushcart prize. The fourth story says "The Culling of the Forest, in Three Parts" with the author name "Melissa Jornd." There is an arrow pointing to the story name to clarify which one is mine.

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Alas, no placement for me BUT this vague tweet was my story and that's honestly just as exciting 😊

A vague tweet from Amanda, a Not Quite Write judge, that says, "another Yes! A story that was simple and sweet, with a confident "naming emotions" approach to the anti-prompt that delivered emotional resonance."
For context, the anti-prompt was "show, don't tell" and I started each section of the story as a "Today I Feel: (emotion name)" because it centered around those "How do you feel today" charts.

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

One of my favorite stories by one of my favorite people. So happy Loxley found its home ❤🦇 @beingcam.bsky.social

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Final Twist results, came in 22nd overall. My main goal was not to DNF any rounds so I'm pleased. My scores were higher than I expected and I'm very grateful for the 4 extremely thoughtful feedbacks in my 250, which needed more words. Enjoyed this comp-- hope I find a job soon so I can play again!

Final Twist score under my username Emorra. Cumulative total was 25.65. First round score was 9.64; second round score was 7.75; third round score was 8.26

This competition was close! First place in my group was only 3 points ahead and every person on the leaderboard was right there.

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Couple contest results are trickling in. Surprised and pleased that I placed 2nd in the first round of Twist (500 words)! Tbh this was my strongest story by far and I don't expect to keep this pace, but I'm still quite happy my story was well-received. Planning to expand and submit this one out 🤞🏻

Leaderboard screenshot of Group 2 in the Twisted Teams contest. Emorra (me) is listed second, with a score of 9.64.

A roundup of all story awards I received from the peer judges. It includes one (1) Best Title, three (3) Best Prose, one (1) Most Original Take, and one (1) Best Opening Line.

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

Still on a break, but got some exciting news for my first time entering @notquitewrite.com! Thanks babes, this podcast is so fun ❤️

Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction, October 2025 Longlist award image. "How Do You Feel Today?" by Melissa Jornd

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

going on a little break. take care of yourselves <3

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

My story "Pink Witches" is out today! A sweet, simple story about a grandmother and granddaughter, and one of the first times I've written spec. I'm so happy this found such a great home <3

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Love this description--Alluma is absolutely a powerful badass. Check out why below! and Happy Halloween to all who celebrate 🎃🦇🐈‍⬛

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

My horror story "The Martyr" is out today at Suddenly, and Without Warning! This was from the 1st round of last year's NYCM500. The object was 'trail mix' and I immediately thought of a literal trail. I enjoyed writing this and I'm glad it has a home! www.suddenlyandwithoutwarning.com/the-martyr/

suddenlyandwithoutwarning.com

The Martyr – Suddenly, And Without Warning

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

Caturday, duo edition! My cats get along for the most part but are not bonded, so it's rare to get pictures of them together, unless you count ones where there's a blur of black as Minnie leaves 😂. But here at a few peaceful moments I've caught over the years!

Two cats in a hammock. Long-haired white & grey cat named Charlie and long-haired black cat named Minnie are both laying in a small circle hammock. They both have green eyes and are looking at the camera. Charlie's tail is draped over the edge.

Two cats looking up. Long-haired white & grey cat named Charlie is sitting on the floor, and long-haired black named Minnie is sitting in a small circle hammock with her neck extended. They are both looking up fascinated because I put bird videos on the TV, which is not pictured.

Two cats looking throughat a balcony through a screen door at night. Long-haired black cat named Minnie is laying down and closer to the wall where the door closes, and long-haired white & grey cat named Charlie is sitting to her right. Both of their tails are curled towards each other and the tips are touching, which I think is really cute.

Cat tree with two cats. Long-haired white & grey cat named Charlie is on laying on the top platform, and long-haired black cat named Minnie is in a circle hammock attached to the cat tree just below Charlie's platform.

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

Went to "Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns" at the Botanic Gardens. I'm always impressed with any art, and this was no different. Very cool to see some carvings in progress as well. Too bad I can only show a couple pictures.

Giant pumpkin with the cover of R.L. Stine's "Say Cheese and Die! " carved into it and lit from within.

Giant carved pumpkin with Snoopy in his pilot helmet and goggles, on top of his house that has "Snoopy vs the Red Baron" written on it.

Giant carved pumpkin of a female with Dia de Los Muertos Catrina skeleton face, long wavy hair and a hat with flowers.

Photo of a man working on a giant pumpkin carving; one carved pumpkin sits on top of an uncarved pumpkin and the carver is making spider-looking legs to go between the two.

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

Back to TBT/making an archive. "Baking Memories" was published earlier this year in Bright Flash Literary Review. Originally written for last year's NYCM's 500 contest, 2nd round. Since this year's 2nd round was last weekend, it felt apt to post this one today. brightflash1000.com/2025/04/03/b...

brightflash1000.com

Baking Memories

By Melissa Jornd Frank stands inside the dispensary while a scruffy man with a ginger beard and pin-filled lanyard explains the different options, from oils and resin to drinks and cookies— “Cookie…

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Today I was surprised with Eeyore crocs (Eeyore is my fave; my feelings about crocs are more complicated) and an acceptance from one of my fave places for one of my fave stories! As long as I don't focus on my lack of job/interview requests and other real life scaries, I'm a very happy Melissa!

Front/top design of theEeyore crocs. Blue base, with plastic eyes. There are fuzzy ears and a bit of black hair for the mane. They are on my feet and I'm standing on sand-colored tiles.

Back strap of the Eeyore crocs that include a small bit of black hair and a pink bow for the tail.

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

Hooray! First round and first place! Wasn't sure how it would fare since it leaned more drama than romance, but that kinda seems to be a sweet spot for me? Well that's two contests coming up this weekend, and debating a third. Decisions decisions...

Screenshot of NYCMidnight contest results, showing Melissa's story in first.

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

Read my little story online here! I'm still so happy this found such a perfect home. One of the few stories that I wrote without prompts and/or a deadline, just a growing appreciation of nature coupled with a growing heartbreak over how we treat it. Go hug a tree today 💚

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

It's hereee! It was an absolute dream working with @paranoidxtree.bsky.social and I could not be more excited to see it all come together. It's possible my entire neighborhood heard me squeal when it showed up today. Such a huge thank you to everyone who worked on this. I hope readers enjoy!

The front cover of a zine with the piece title, writer and artist names, and artwork with a tree, mushrooms, and a bug

Inside of the zine including a writing snippet and information on submitting to Paranoid Tree

The unfolded zine with the entire story and artwork

A poorly-lit image of the writer's bio that talks about her cats, and behind the zine is one of the cats, Charlie.

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

Currently taking suggestions for messy stories you love, or craft essays/books/podcasts/what-have-you on writing stories that don't get wrapped up in a nice little bow. Thanks!

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Emorra (EM-er-uh) @wordsfromemorra.bsky.social · 14/09/2025

Happy Gotcha Day to my kittens! Five years ago I made the best decision ever. They hid behind the storage bins (or under the drawer) for about a day before they started coming out to play. After about a week I opened the room to the rest of the house, and now here we are! 🤍🖤💗

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