Death, Daughters & Kiddie Rides: A Lesson

When they were young, my kids really loved the kiddie rides at Funland in Rehoboth Beach DE. It’s extra special there because many of the rides have been maintained for several generations. As a kid, I rode and loved some of the same rides my daughters did. One of our favorites was one we called The Cars. It’s the typical kiddie ride set-up; glittery-painted sports … Continue reading Death, Daughters & Kiddie Rides: A Lesson

On Writing Down Your Goals

Hello my fellow bloggers and blog-lovers! If you’re new here, welcome, and if you’ve been around for awhile, welcome back. You can call me Elle, or by my pen name E.L. Jayne, and I’m one of the writers here on the talented team at Pointless Overthinking. This winter I was accepted into my top choice for a graduate program to study Philosophy & Economics in … Continue reading On Writing Down Your Goals

Balkan Literature: Where brilliant writers flourished despite the dissolution of a nation

To set the stage, the term “Balkan” references the geographical area that stretches from Slovenia to Greece in southeast Europe. It was formerly known as Yugoslavia, the country which was composed of present day Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, and Kosovo (still disputed). The passing of Josip Broz Tito, the former President of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, marked the … Continue reading Balkan Literature: Where brilliant writers flourished despite the dissolution of a nation

Recommendations for Translated Literature: A window into another world

Zdrasti to my fellow bloggers and blog-lovers. Today I’m writing to you from Sofia, Bulgaria, where I’ve been taking this week to do my own DIY writer’s workshop. The beautiful mountains have been a peaceful backdrop to inspire my days of creative writing. You might’ve read my most post last week titled, Translated Literature: A plea to bolster your reading palate, where I advocate for … Continue reading Recommendations for Translated Literature: A window into another world

Translated Literature: A plea to bolster your reading palate

Hello my fellow bloggers and blog-lovers. Today I am writing this entry from a sleepy town in Montenegro, Bijela, to be specific. Not much happens in this provincial, coastal town, which means I’ve been doing more reading than touristing here. Particularly, enter today’s topic, translated literature. Over the past year, I’ve developed quite an affinity for translated literature. Authors around the world pour their life’s … Continue reading Translated Literature: A plea to bolster your reading palate

Egyptian Literature: Ancient dreams influence modern writers

Papyrus scrolls. Elaborate tombs. Unparalleled prosperity. Ancient Egyptians spent much of their time day dreaming about the after life. This, no doubt, influenced their literature; writing is a reflection of the times. The restless streets of Cairo have a beguiling charm. The vast history of the country unravels itself to newcomers through their unique hieroglyphics, sweet hibiscus tea, bustling traffic, refreshing wafts from the Nile … Continue reading Egyptian Literature: Ancient dreams influence modern writers

On The Different Reasons People Travel

Hello to my fellow bloggers and blog-lovers! I’m Elle, or E.L. Jayne as my pen name states, and I’ve embarked my own rendition of an Eat, Pray, Love trip this summer, albeit, without the dramatic divorce and existential crisis at the onset, luckily. Deciding to travel for 4 months made me reflect on the catalyst that drives people to travel in the first place. Some … Continue reading On The Different Reasons People Travel

Turkish Literature: Where diverse culture meets unique literature

Disclaimer: Previously known by the Anglicized spelling of Turkey, President Erdoğan has asked the international community to recognize the nation by its Turkish spelling, Türkiye, on June 28th, 2022. Türkiye is a country distinguished by it’s blend of European and Asian culture. Although after speaking with some locals, they consider themselves not to be European, Asian, or Middle eastern, but to be Turkish is to … Continue reading Turkish Literature: Where diverse culture meets unique literature

Books for Writers: 6 books every writer should read this summer

Great writers are great readers. The more you read, the more you allow yourself to dive into a free-flowing headspace to unlock your inner creative genius. If you’re looking for encouraging books for writers, here’s a handpicked list I’ve crafted that has helped me keep the apathetic idling—what some call writer’s block—at bay. That’s if you believe in the whimsical not-so-whimsical force that calls us … Continue reading Books for Writers: 6 books every writer should read this summer

woman in brown dress holding white plastic bottle painting

Conscientiousness: The Ruthless Pursuit of Order

The Benefits of Conscientiousness Conscientiousness can be broken down into the following two aspects: Industriousness and Orderliness.  Those who score high in Industriousness are driven, focused and determined. They finish what they start. I’m sure you’ve all heard of the buzzword known as Grit? Well, it’s the same thing. Those high is Orderliness want everything to be in its place, every detail taken care of. … Continue reading Conscientiousness: The Ruthless Pursuit of Order

grayscale photography of human skull

Neuroticism: The Cost of Consciousness

The Cost of Consciousness Neuroticism is the trait associated with negative emotions. It can be broken down into the following two aspects: Volatility and Withdrawal.  Those high in withdrawal may be described as anxious, self-conscious, depressive and easily overwhelmed. Whereas those high in volatility may be described as touchy, irritable and unstable. In contrast, those low in both may be described as calm, happy, easy-going … Continue reading Neuroticism: The Cost of Consciousness

men s white button up dress shirt

Extraversion: The Price of Now

What Is Extraversion? Extraversion breaks down into the following two fundamental aspects: assertiveness and enthusiasm.  Those high in assertiveness are the take-charge types. The so-called natural-born leaders. The game-changing alphas. (It’s a valuable trait for a pilot, I might add.) Those high in enthusiasm are talkative and charismatic. They’re the life of the party. The ones who make friends with enviable ease. (Don’t you just love to … Continue reading Extraversion: The Price of Now