Writing

© 2025 Julia Van Cleve | @meowyawn

Truths on spiders and brews
by Julia M. Van Cleve
An excerpt I wrote for a novel I’m working on. If there’s one thing that demons understand better than humans—it’s coffee. That, and spiders. It’s baffling, really, how ignorant humans can be about the dangers they face whenever they witness a spider trying to crawl… Read more: Truths on spiders and brews
Echoes of forsaken hearts
by Julia M. Van Cleve
A villanelle for Lord Strahd von Zarovich, from Escher. O my love, will you play a song for me? A sweet, sad song—to make your lovers weep. A memory of how things used to be. On the ramparts of your undying heart ‘Twas the day… Read more: Echoes of forsaken hearts
Toxic love sonnet #2
by Julia M. Van Cleve
Another declaration of undying love. Dear Lord Strahd von Zarovich, love Escher. Each word you speak makes my withered heart bleed—A bitter spirit coursing through these veins. Entombed in lies, yet seeking truth in deeds. I reach, yearning for release from these pains. But ‘tis… Read more: Toxic love sonnet #2
Frozen tears
by Julia M. Van Cleve
Noc felt a sickening twinge in his stomach, or at least, where his stomach would be if he had one. It was the feeling he’d get in his infrequent, but noticeably present bouts of worry. Like he was watching his world unravel before his eyes.… Read more: Frozen tears
Toxic love sonnet #1
by Julia M. Van Cleve
Dear Lord Strahd von Zarovich, love Escher. Would you still love me if I died today? Alas. A precious thought—but not by choice. Thus, I tread these halls, fading day by day. Lifelong agonies just to hear your voice. But darkness pulls you into her… Read more: Toxic love sonnet #1
For you
by Julia M. Van Cleve
She felt it. Everything was slipping away. They saved their city from destruction and fought gods. And yet, in a few moments, it would all be over. For her at least, but not for him. Tav’s frail form could barely lift her head as the… Read more: For you
Wake up, little rabbit
by Julia M. Van Cleve
The young girl felt the earth sag beneath her, like a soft hammock, warmed by the colorful suns above her. The sky glowed with an aurora of rose and plum, as the verdant grove around her sang. Wake up, little rabbit. Wake up. Wake up.… Read more: Wake up, little rabbit
Goodnight, sweet giant
by Julia M. Van Cleve
The sun was going to sleep. It was the only company the wanderer had for what felt like an eternity. He bent down, lanky and twisted, grabbing each boot, struggling to lift them out of the muck. The sweat on his brow had begun to… Read more: Goodnight, sweet giant
To love a dream
by Julia M. Van Cleve
Can it be possible to love a dream? And can it love me the way I love you? To drift through time, knowing you’ll never be. Just a distant memory I cling to. When I close my eyes, I feel your shadow. A face with… Read more: To love a dream
The last pawn
by Julia M. Van Cleve
Etu’s form trembled as he curled up under a burlap sack on the icy stone floor. He longed for home. And yet, this would be the closest thing to a warm moment of respite that he would feel in a long time. He closed his… Read more: The last pawn