Thank you, Cole! That was a really great story. I think these stories about women's bodies and transformation are so so powerful. I don't know if you're familiar with Joanna Newsom, but she has a song called Monkey and Bear that just came to mind. It's a metaphor for an abusive/combative relationship, and in the end the Bear has to transcend its form to escape. I love all of these images so much. I actually wrote a play a while ago where a young woman may or may not have turned into a whale.
1. I read that book too! And yes, there was something in there that made me long for the physical manifestation of the power that women possess, but always seem to hold back.
2. My very favorite poem in the world is Ordeal, by Nina Cassian, and there's a line in there I use as inspiration all the time "and your shoulder blades will hurt from the imperative of wings." I can't tell you how many times I've written about women and wings. A lot.
3. I resent the fact that women do not have predatory vaginal teeth to protect them from their natural predators.
4. Menopause is fucking magic. I know why they think we're witches now.
Oh I am going to read that poem. I am always on the lookout for good poems (and have challenged myself to start writing them again, that was how I started out).
If you need something to listen to while divining your witchy powers, cannot recommend Tori's album enough. And yes, I understand why people think older women are witches. Because they have SIGHT. THEY SEE.
I was talking to a friend the other day, reminding them that trauma doesn't heal itself, it has to be processed. We have SO much to process. Cheers for this, Kari. xo
I think the cool thing about "In Times of Dragons," too, is that it's fantasy based on reality. People hear dragons and think high fantasy ala Tolkien, GoT, etc. but ITOD is not that; it's not Zelda. It's probably more akin to FINAL FANTASY or SaGa or Akira (i.e. Japanese fiction from the 80s) in that it pairs modern world with both archaic and futuristic elements to paint an exaggerated reflection (allegory!) of modern times.
I was nodding and saying yes, yes, yes all through reading this piece. Never much of a fantasy person (except in the ways you seem to be--Charlotte's Web forever) and I loved Barnhill's book when I read it a few years ago. (I knew of her from children's lit--I was a school librarian--and because of her writing about having a TBI, which I was healing from.) Have you read her "The Crane Husband"? So good.
This part particularly hit home: "The process of accepting that I am moving into this phase of my life and having to accept my limits has been agony. Going through this while watching the world I know become unrecognizable is more disorienting than anything I’ve ever experienced." I'm further ahead of you, at least chronologically, but because of an early hysterectomy and HRT I haven't had the menopause journey. So, even though I'm 61, I feel as if I'm only now getting the memo that I'm in a different demographic now. (Body changes + retirement from my career have done that.) And a different country. Betrayal trauma causes us to reconsider and rewrite our history, and if that isn't what's happened collectively to so many of us, I don't know what has. The intersection of so much identity change is exhausting. So appreciate writers like you naming what's happening and keeping me company in it.
Love this, Kari! And I agree DRAGON > CRONE.
As I read your post, I kept reflecting on a piece of short fiction I read a couple days ago and thought you might enjoy. Hopefully the link will take you there without hitting a paywall: https://therumpus.net/2026/06/21/sunday-scaries-the-body-monstrous/
Thank you, Cole! That was a really great story. I think these stories about women's bodies and transformation are so so powerful. I don't know if you're familiar with Joanna Newsom, but she has a song called Monkey and Bear that just came to mind. It's a metaphor for an abusive/combative relationship, and in the end the Bear has to transcend its form to escape. I love all of these images so much. I actually wrote a play a while ago where a young woman may or may not have turned into a whale.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I will definitely check out your song recommendation!
I have so many things to say!!!
1. I read that book too! And yes, there was something in there that made me long for the physical manifestation of the power that women possess, but always seem to hold back.
2. My very favorite poem in the world is Ordeal, by Nina Cassian, and there's a line in there I use as inspiration all the time "and your shoulder blades will hurt from the imperative of wings." I can't tell you how many times I've written about women and wings. A lot.
3. I resent the fact that women do not have predatory vaginal teeth to protect them from their natural predators.
4. Menopause is fucking magic. I know why they think we're witches now.
Oh I am going to read that poem. I am always on the lookout for good poems (and have challenged myself to start writing them again, that was how I started out).
If you need something to listen to while divining your witchy powers, cannot recommend Tori's album enough. And yes, I understand why people think older women are witches. Because they have SIGHT. THEY SEE.
I was talking to a friend the other day, reminding them that trauma doesn't heal itself, it has to be processed. We have SO much to process. Cheers for this, Kari. xo
So so so much. Almost too much. ❤️
Way. xo
I think the cool thing about "In Times of Dragons," too, is that it's fantasy based on reality. People hear dragons and think high fantasy ala Tolkien, GoT, etc. but ITOD is not that; it's not Zelda. It's probably more akin to FINAL FANTASY or SaGa or Akira (i.e. Japanese fiction from the 80s) in that it pairs modern world with both archaic and futuristic elements to paint an exaggerated reflection (allegory!) of modern times.
This is very true (explains a lot about my taste too lol)
I have never placed a library hold on a book so quickly before! What a beautifully threaded piece you've written here.
That's so kind - thank you Jackie! I'm glad it resonated.
It's really a great read. I hope you enjoy it.
I was nodding and saying yes, yes, yes all through reading this piece. Never much of a fantasy person (except in the ways you seem to be--Charlotte's Web forever) and I loved Barnhill's book when I read it a few years ago. (I knew of her from children's lit--I was a school librarian--and because of her writing about having a TBI, which I was healing from.) Have you read her "The Crane Husband"? So good.
This part particularly hit home: "The process of accepting that I am moving into this phase of my life and having to accept my limits has been agony. Going through this while watching the world I know become unrecognizable is more disorienting than anything I’ve ever experienced." I'm further ahead of you, at least chronologically, but because of an early hysterectomy and HRT I haven't had the menopause journey. So, even though I'm 61, I feel as if I'm only now getting the memo that I'm in a different demographic now. (Body changes + retirement from my career have done that.) And a different country. Betrayal trauma causes us to reconsider and rewrite our history, and if that isn't what's happened collectively to so many of us, I don't know what has. The intersection of so much identity change is exhausting. So appreciate writers like you naming what's happening and keeping me company in it.