Kayla Bloom
Bio
Teacher by day, fantasy worldbuilder by night. I write about books, burnout, and the strange comfort of morally questionable characters. If I’m not plotting a novel, I’m probably drinking iced coffee and pretending it’s a coping strategy.
Stories (50)
Filter by community
The Pencil-Eating Classroom Goblin
Most people assume classroom chaos comes from students. Not true. I am the real culprit. I am the pencil-eating classroom goblin. Small, elusive, and terrifyingly precise, I lurk in the corners, the pencil cups, and sometimes between pages of worksheets, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
By Kayla Bloom5 months ago in Education
Why I Always Start with a Map
There’s something about a blank page and a pencil that feels impossibly powerful. But before I write a single word of dialogue, sketch a character, or even name a city, I start with a map. Maps aren’t just decorative; they are the spine of a story, the geography of imagination, and, frankly, my personal coping mechanism. Somewhere between plotting rivers, mountains, and roads, I find clarity that no outline or spreadsheet could ever provide.
By Kayla Bloom5 months ago in Writers
Fantasy Worldbuilding as a Coping Mechanism
There’s something about building a world from scratch that feels safer than navigating the one I actually live in. As a teacher, I spend my days tethered to schedules, grading, meetings, and the constant push and pull of other people’s expectations. By night—or whenever I can steal a quiet moment—I retreat into my own imaginary realms, drafting maps, naming cities, and deciding which laws of physics I’m allowed to break. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a coping mechanism, a small rebellion against chaos.
By Kayla Bloom5 months ago in Writers
Pooh’s Guide to Problem Solving
Problem solving can feel like one of life’s great mysteries. Some people approach it with logic, spreadsheets, and careful planning. Others tackle it with lists, apps, or hours of research. Me? I’ve recently discovered a better method: Winnie the Pooh. That’s right—the honey-loving, thoughtful bear from the Hundred Acre Wood has more to teach about navigating life’s little (and big) problems than I ever expected.
By Kayla Bloom5 months ago in Motivation
The Life Lessons of the Jedi Code
The Jedi Code is often seen as a set of rules for intergalactic warriors, a guide for navigating the battles between light and dark across the galaxy. But for those of us living on Earth, far from lightsabers and starships, the Jedi Code can be surprisingly relevant. Its principles—patience, mindfulness, compassion, and self-discipline—offer guidance not just in combat, but in the quieter, daily struggles of human life.
By Kayla Bloom5 months ago in Fiction
Why Teaching Abroad Feels Both Like Running Away and Running Toward Something
There’s a peculiar tension that comes with the idea of teaching abroad. On one hand, it feels like a leap into the unknown, a way to escape routines, expectations, or even the invisible weight of a life that’s become too familiar. On the other hand, it feels like chasing something — growth, adventure, understanding, connection — a deliberate step toward a future that is bigger than ourselves. For me, imagining that life is both a thrill and a quiet terror.
By Kayla Bloom5 months ago in Education
What Teachers Can Learn from Ted Lasso
When Ted Lasso first showed up on screens, many viewers expected a goofy comedy about a clueless American coaching soccer in England. And yes, there’s plenty of comedy. But what has made the show truly beloved is Ted himself: his kindness, optimism, and belief in people, even when circumstances look grim.
By Kayla Bloom5 months ago in Education
Start of the School Year Tips
The start of the school year is both exhilarating and exhausting. Students arrive with fresh pencils, new sneakers, and an extra dose of nervous excitement. Teachers juggle lesson planning, classroom decorating, and last-minute roster changes. And then there’s me—the teacher assistant who can’t resist a good color-coded folder or a neatly labeled drawer.
By Kayla Bloom5 months ago in Education
Freakier Friday: Why a Body-Swap Between a Divorcing Couple Would’ve Been Way More Powerful
When people talk about the ultimate body-swap movie, Freaky Friday usually tops the list. A mother and daughter switch bodies, hilarity and healing ensue. Communication improves, empathy grows, family is saved. It’s charming and tender — but it’s also safe.
By Kayla Bloom5 months ago in Fiction
How Being a Teacher Made Me Hate the Inner Circle More than a Little Bit
Let me start with a confession: I used to adore the Inner Circle from A Court of Thorns and Roses. They were the “dream friend group.” Loyal, powerful, hilarious, ride-or-die types who always had dramatic entrances and deep trauma bonds. But the more I re-read the series—as a teacher, an adult, someone who deals with real-life power, protection, favoritism, and actual care—the more I realized something pretty alarming:
By Kayla Bloom5 months ago in Fiction
Aelin Galathynius is WAY better than Feyre Archeron!
- SPOILER ALERT! - You probably already figured that, but just in case you haven’t read every Sarah J Maas book under the sun yet and want to, you have been warned. This article will largely focus on the A Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne of Glass series.
By Kayla Bloom5 months ago in Fiction
