February 2026

  • Welcome To L.D. Burke’s World

    Tales From Burkeland: Tale Zero I’m glad you’re joining me on my journey! For readers wanting to get to know the author behind the page, Tales from Burkeland is the place to be. Here you’ll find personal stories as well as publishing news and other writing-related content. Why Am I a Writer? The short answer:…

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  • Creative Goals: An Exercise in Self-Honesty

    Tales From Burkeland: Tale 9 I had a nasty habit of lying to myself. Could I write a short story for that submission call and progress on my novels? Absolutely, I said. Sure, I could take on leadership in my writing guild and have time for all the classes and projects on my list for…

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  • My Way To Understanding

    Tales from Burkeland: Tale Eight Author’s Note: This Tales from Burkeland began as an essay for a creative writing class in college. Our professor asked us to explore why we write. I remembered the piece after an Instagram follower asked the same question during a recent get-to-know-you series.  I dug through my many external hard…

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  • “The Dragon, the Dog, and the Mountain Man” is here!

    Happy Publication Day Here There Be Dragons. A Tales From Burkeland Special Edition When a dragon moves into the abandoned mine in the mountains around Coric’s secluded cabin, his hunting skills are pitted against the beast’s. As wild game dwindles and winter creeps in, Coric digs in his heels for lean times. But his hunting…

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  • About the Author: Favorite Music

    Tales from Burkeland: Tale Seven I stood, eyes closed, among a crowd of thousands, at the Disturbed concert. Pounding drums and electric guitar shook the floor beneath my feet, and David Draiman’s deep, clear voice cut through my thoughts as the metal band performed “The Light.” A glow penetrated the darkness behind my eyelids. I…

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  • Circe: A Myths and Magic Special

    Tales from Burkeland: Tale Six “Circe was never meant to be a goddess or divine. She was something else entirely, dancing between the mortal and immortal as a witch, able to create and defend herself powerfully, using her power to make the most of her circumstances.” – Imogen Dalton, “Ancient and Modern: Introducing Circe”, Circe…

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  • Unleashing My Creativity

    Tales from Burkeland: Tale five When I told my husband I titled my blog and newsletter “Tales from Burkeland,” he raised an eyebrow and pursed his lips in the look I’ve learned means, “I have an opinion that’s probably going to make her mad, so I’m not going to say it.” Cue 30 seconds of…

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  • Detours on the Journey to Achievement: Quarterly Goals Check-in

    Tales From Burkeland: Tale Four A wave of excitement propelled me out of my chair after I hit submit. After a year of talking about it, I’d made my first submission to Writers of the Future, six months earlier than I’d planned. Check one goal off the 2025 list. Destination reached. But where one goal…

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  • Knight Your Genius: Attending Life, the Universe, and Everything 43

    Tales From Burkeland: Tale Three Savvy knights set out on their quests well trained and supported by a band of other well-trained fighters and mages. Themed “Knight Your Genius,” last month’s Life, the Universe, and Everything Symposium 43 equipped attendees with everything needed for our creative quests. I returned to the symposium for my second…

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