Introducing Intrepidlode at Intrepidus Ink

Many authors try to match a magazine’s creative vision only to face rejection. But an acceptance is a combination of brand matching and great storytelling.

Still, we understand the challenge of constantly adjusting your creative lens from one magazine to another. That’s why we want to be exceptionally clear about who we are.

We also want you to have fun and feel inspired when you write and submit stories to us!

Intrepid culture is our brand. It sets us apart. It is our creative vision.

Welcome to intrepidlode.

Born from intrepid culture, intrepidlode names our brand of storytelling.

Intrepidlode is our name for fiction centered on an alarmingly individual’s courageous pursuit of a meaningful goal. We might say, “That’s an intrepidlode story, or that’s intrepidlode!”

We seek intrepidlode genre and literary tales; see our newly redesigned website for details.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Intrepidlode defines situations and people who step forward immediately when stepping back would be easier—no resistance in the moment.

Supporting characters are present, sure, but it’s the alarmingly individual character who carries the weight of decisions, consequences, and outcomes.

No soft stories. No metaphors for intrepid. These are stories of challenge and earned outcomes.

Intrepidlode rejects cynicism, criminal glorification, nihilism, and despair for its own sake.

At its core, it is fearless, purposeful storytelling—fiction that entertains while affirming courage, accountability, and integrity.

Intrepidlode: Our name for intrepid culture stories.

Names matter. Intrepidlode fits.

INTREPIDLODE MASHUP

Intrepid = brave & fierce + lode = digging for a story’s gold.

What does that look like in practice?

We’re excited to point to Ben Daggers as a writer whose work exemplifies intrepidlode. We invited him to write a story to help us launch, and we’re also republishing one of his standout stories from last fall.

By the way, Ben is fantastic to work with. We can’t say enough about his professionalism, patience, and creative spirit. Thank you, Ben!

“Extractors” is Ben’s intrepidlode short story about a teen on Mars forced to work in a dangerous mine. When his decision moment arrives, he doesn’t hesitate; he battles his environment in the service of another. Ben tells the story through a narrator whose goal is dangerous, yet he acts with fearless resolve to achieve it.

While themes of oppression, criminality, and even hints of drug abuse appear, they never overshadow the story’s true focus: determined action in pursuit of a worthy goal. The narrator’s perseverance reminds us what courage looks like.

“A Place in the Skies” is another of Ben’s stories and this year’s Intrepid Award winner. This intrepidlode tale follows Freya, a scrappy engineer who is determined to gain entry into the Cadet Academy despite her limited resources. The story shines with themes of perseverance, ingenuity, and overcoming adversity. Inequality and bullying appear, but they never overshadow or define Freya. She is no victim: She makes a way for herself and for others. The tale is as entertaining as it is inspiring.

Laura McCorry’s intrepidlode tale “Out Past the Breakers” features Eva, a young girl whose goal of discovering her true self comes at a cost. She perseveres despite an overly protective father and an abusive stepmother. Yet Eva’s situation doesn’t break her; she is more determined than ever to find what awaits in the surf, in the sea. Eva’s journey is emotional and inspiring.

Intrepidlode stories celebrate characters who take the hard path in pursuit of something worthwhile—utinam succedant.  

CHECK US OUT

Speaking of encouraging authors, we’re introducing THREE NEW! services for YOU. Check us out on our remodeled site, intrepidusink.com.

NEW! Introducing LodeLift

Think your story was the perfect fit—but it still got the dreaded “no”?

Every writer hits that wall. The real question is: will you stop there—or come back stronger?

If you’ve ever wondered what went wrong or how to improve your next intrepidlode submission, you don’t need a long course or a critique marathon.

You need clarity. Fast.

We’ll help you.

LodeLift is specific, actionable, bite-sized (and budget friendly) feedback that reveals why we didn’t choose your story for publication.

NEW! Try LodeMap to Write Intrepidlode!

LodeMap isn’t like standard prompts that give you specific genres, characters, settings, or actions to incorporate into your story.  

LodeMap digs deeper, testing characters of agency, consequence, and decision. Check it out. (You don’t need to use LodeMap to submit a story to us.)

NEW! Literary and Genre-specific Editorial Services

The typical editorial approach is generalist, aiming to serve every writer and style.

We’re different.

We unashamedly build our services around the genre or literary expertise of our editors, providing the serious editorial attention you want.

Compare us with other magazines—our rates, our turnaround times, and what people say about us. Let us serve you!

Until next time, thank you for following the intrepidlode launch and our latest updates.

Thank you most of all for reading the magazine, sharing our stories, and submitting your own intrepidlode tales. We look forward to reading many more.