Writing Rural With Alley

How do you choose the perfect rural home—especially when the stakes are fictional but the realism matters? This episode is a goldmine for fiction writers crafting off-grid, survivalist, or post-apocalyptic settings. We break down the gritty essentials: building materials, natural disaster risks, wildlife encounters, food sources from game fish to foraged greens, and how to scout the ideal garden spot. Plus, we dive into trade route...

🌀 5 Pond Creatures Every Fiction Writer Should Know World-Building with Fish, Frogs, Crayfish, Birds & Dragonflies

Ready to dive beneath the lily pads and stir up your story’s ecosystem? In this episode, we spotlight five pond-dwelling characters that do way more than swim and squawk—they hold the power to elevate your world-building, deepen your symbolism, and even inspire plot twists no one saw coming.

Whether you're craf...

What fireproof building material has been used since roughly 7500 BC? What challenges might your character face when learning to make bricks? Could these ancient skills prove useful in the zombie apocalypse? Will I throw a brick at a zombie? Find out on this episode! Stick around to the end to find out what could go wrong.

You can connect with Elizabeth at the following.
Website: https://headdeskliz.com/
Instagra...

Fiction thrives on the gritty details—and when your story hinges on survival or rural living, it’s not just meat on the table that matters. In this episode, we explore the top five animals—cows, pigs, rabbits, chickens, and bees—that do far more than fill the stew pot. From raw honey to rich manure, and dairy that goes the extra churn, we unpack the overlooked ways these creatures sustain communities, nourish characters, and powerf...

What if your next character didn’t just "survive" off-grid—they thrived? In this episode, we explore the real-life benefits of off-grid living that can infuse your fiction with depth and realism. From your characters growing their own food to eliminating dependency on the power grid, we’ll unpack how self-sufficiency leads to healthier lifestyles, sharper survival instincts, and helps your stories brim with authenticity. ...

The Harsh Realities of Off-Grid Living: A Fiction Writer’s Guide

Living off the grid sounds like the ultimate freedom—no utility bills, no nosy neighbors—but reality paints a different picture. In this episode, we’re exposing the hidden struggles that fiction writers must consider for realistic storytelling. How do characters handle medical emergencies when the nearest doctor is miles away? What happens when insulin needs refrigerat...

Romanticized visions of off-grid living often overlook the brutal hardships—hauling water for miles, battling extreme temperatures without modern climate control, and surviving isolation when medical help is hours away.

In this episode, we break down the gritty details of off-grid survival that will elevate your storytelling—from historical dramas to dystopian fiction, Amish romance, and modern homestead tales.

🔥 What you’ll learn: ...

 Silent, odorless, and deadly—carbon dioxide poisoning is an often-overlooked but chilling threat in fiction. Whether you're crafting suspenseful mysteries, survival thrillers, hard-hitting sci-fi, or anything else, understanding how CO₂ exposure works can add tension and authenticity to your storytelling.

In this episode, we break down the science of carbon dioxide poisoning, uncover little-known causes of carbon dioxide build...

Unleash the power of survival lore in your storytelling! Dive into this episode as we explore the Swedish fire torch—a fascinating survival tool that can double as your story's game-changer. Learn how to craft these ingenious log fires, their practical uses, and the pros and cons that make them both a versatile tool and a compelling plot device. Discover how long they burn and why their unique properties could elevate tension,...

Imagine a creature so unassuming, yet so vital, that its very existence shapes the foundation of life as we know it. I give you the earthworm. Often overlooked and underestimated, these tiny characters in the soil hold immense potential for captivating fiction. From their ecological significance as silent heroes of nature to survival, earthworms can add unexpected layers to storytelling. In this episode, we’ll dive into how these h...

Discover how to incorporate animals into your fiction to captivate readers and bring your stories to life. In this episode, I’ll share creative tips on using animals as plot points, comedic relief, and vivid scene enhancers. Whether you’re writing fantasy, drama, or comedy, learn how these unique characters can add depth and charm to your stories. Perfect for fiction writers looking to craft unforgettable stories with the help of a...

Ever wondered how dehydration could be the silent antagonist in your story? Dive with us into the depths of dehydration and discover how this often-overlooked condition can dramatically transform your characters and plot. From the initial thirst that gnaws at the edges of their sanity to the life-threatening consequences that raise the stakes, we’ll explore how to wield dehydration as a powerful tool in your storytelling arsenal. T...

Welcome to another insightful episode of Writing Rural With Alley! In this episode we uncover common survival tips that could mislead your fictional characters into danger.

Join us as we delve into five misguided survival advice:

Don’t Eat Insects - Discover why this advice could deprive your characters of a vital food source.

Finding a River Means You Found Help - Learn the risks of relying on rivers as a guarantee for rescue.

Followi...

Are you a fiction writer seeking inspiration for survival scenarios in your stories? Dive into this episode where we debunk long-held beliefs about staying alive. From rubbing hypothermic skin to the misguided use of gunpowder on wounds, we’ll explore the history and myth behind these outdated tips.

Join us as we uncover five outdated survival advice:

1. Rubbing Hypothermic Skin - Discover why this common advice can be harmful.
2...

Welcome to another intriguing episode of the Writing Rural With Alley! In this episode, we explore common survival advice that, while often practical, could spell danger for your fictional characters in certain situations.

Join us as we explore five critical survival scenarios:

1. Eating Snow for Hydration - Learn why this could be a fatal mistake in freezing conditions.

2. Sheltering in Your Car During Winter - Discover the risks inv...

Welcome to another thrilling episode of Writing Rural With Alley! In this episode we debunk common survival myths that could spell doom for your fictional characters.

Join us as we explore five dangerous survival tips:

1. All Berries Are Safe to Eat- Discover the dangers of trusting every berry you come across.
2. You Can Drink Seawater to Survive- Learn why this can lead to a quicker demise.
3. Climb a Tree to Escape Wild An...