#WritersCoffeeClub (Sep) 1: Intro: Shameless Self Promotion.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 2. Half Title> When you complete your WIP, do you intend to have a Half Title (Bastard Page)? How do you feel about them?
I never heard of them before. I just looked up what they are, and I honestly don't give a damn. (Some sources speculate they're used to get the total number of pages to be a multiple of 16 when needed, for the binding process; if so, then I don't mind having or not having one based on my page count.)
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 3. Title> Do you have a title for your WIP or just a working title. Please share. How do you decide on a title?
I don't even have a working title. It's really just "the book", "the San Francisco book" or "the city shamans book" in my head.
A couple of days ago in WordWeavers, I called it TITLE_TK. (https://wandering.shop/@kagan/112712428429386445) I really don't have anything else to call it. The one thing I did come up with once, I immediately rejected as wrong.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 3. Title> Do you have a title for your WIP or just a working title. Please share. How do you decide on a title?
I don't even have a working title. It's really just "the book", "the San Francisco book" or "the city shamans book" in my head.
A couple of days ago in WordWeavers, I called it TITLE_TK. (https://wandering.shop/@kagan/112712428429386445) I really don't have anything else to call it. The one thing I did come up with once, I immediately rejected as wrong.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 4. Front Matter> Do you have standard front matter (copyright, TOC, promotion, etc.) that you'll apply to this WIP, or does it vary between projects? Share your design.
I'll leave that up to the publisher. I hope* to title the chapters, and if so, I'll recommend that there be a TOC (as long as none of the chapter titles turn out to be spoilers!). Otherwise, I'm fairly apathetic.
* Hope to. Might not be able to. Titles are tough for me. See yesterday's post.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 4. Front Matter> Do you have standard front matter (copyright, TOC, promotion, etc.) that you'll apply to this WIP, or does it vary between projects? Share your design.
I'll leave that up to the publisher. I hope* to title the chapters, and if so, I'll recommend that there be a TOC (as long as none of the chapter titles turn out to be spoilers!). Otherwise, I'm fairly apathetic.
* Hope to. Might not be able to. Titles are tough for me. See yesterday's post.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 5. Font and Format> Do you have a favourite font you'll use for the WIP? How do you format the paragraphs, chapters, scene breaks, etc?
Again, I plan to have a publisher who isn't me (because publishers can do *marketing*, which I both hate doing *and* am bad at). I assume the publisher will have fonts and formats they prefer, and I don't have strong feelings about those. (Except that it should be easy to read. For Goddess' sake, serif fonts for long, printed passages!)
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 5. Font and Format> Do you have a favourite font you'll use for the WIP? How do you format the paragraphs, chapters, scene breaks, etc?
Again, I plan to have a publisher who isn't me (because publishers can do *marketing*, which I both hate doing *and* am bad at). I assume the publisher will have fonts and formats they prefer, and I don't have strong feelings about those. (Except that it should be easy to read. For Goddess' sake, serif fonts for long, printed passages!)
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 6. Prologue> Does/will your WIP have a prologue. Share a snippet if you've written one. How do you feel about prologues?
Nope, this one starts off by getting right into... well, not *action* exactly, it's more of an internal event. But the book plunges into that without any prologue.
I don't mind them on principle, but this book doesn't want or need one.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 6. Prologue> Does/will your WIP have a prologue. Share a snippet if you've written one. How do you feel about prologues?
Nope, this one starts off by getting right into... well, not *action* exactly, it's more of an internal event. But the book plunges into that without any prologue.
I don't mind them on principle, but this book doesn't want or need one.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 7. Structure> Do you structure your WIP into chapters/sections as you write? Do you use Epigraphs?
I'm not at the writing stage yet, more outlining, but yes, I'm already structuring the story/outline into chapters. Partly because I change character POVs from chapter to chapter, so knowing whose chapter it is determines what events I can and can't tell.
This book doesn't seem to want epigraphs. I might use them in a future project; I'll see.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 7. Structure> Do you structure your WIP into chapters/sections as you write? Do you use Epigraphs?
I'm not at the writing stage yet, more outlining, but yes, I'm already structuring the story/outline into chapters. Partly because I change character POVs from chapter to chapter, so knowing whose chapter it is determines what events I can and can't tell.
This book doesn't seem to want epigraphs. I might use them in a future project; I'll see.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 8. First Line> Share the opening of your work. First line or paragraph, Your choice.
I don't have the specific prose yet (still outlining, as per yesterday), but it will start with the bells of the San Francisco Ferry Building chiming the half-hour. The sound rolls over various Downtown landmarks, and also over Jessie Nakamura, one of my MCs.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 8. First Line> Share the opening of your work. First line or paragraph, Your choice.
I don't have the specific prose yet (still outlining, as per yesterday), but it will start with the bells of the San Francisco Ferry Building chiming the half-hour. The sound rolls over various Downtown landmarks, and also over Jessie Nakamura, one of my MCs.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 9. Chapter 1: Setting the Scene> Is your WIP's first chapter or section indicative of the whole work?
I think the first chapter's indicative of one of the strands of the work. The second chapter is a definite shift in tone and style, introducing a few other characters in a way that complements what happened in the first chapter. Chapter 3 then introduces *other* characters, and lays down a third strand of the whole. 1/2
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 9. Chapter 1: Setting the Scene> Is your WIP's first chapter or section indicative of the whole work?
I think the first chapter's indicative of one of the strands of the work. The second chapter is a definite shift in tone and style, introducing a few other characters in a way that complements what happened in the first chapter. Chapter 3 then introduces *other* characters, and lays down a third strand of the whole. 1/2
That stuff builds up the first section — the book seems to be arranging itself into a three-act structure, and I'm not fighting it. There is going to be a definite tonal shift at the end of act 1, but that's kind of the nature of three-act stories, right? So, "the whole work" is constantly shifting in tone, but I think — and truly hope — it's in ways that grow logically from what's gone before, and that won't confuse my readers. 2/2
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That stuff builds up the first section — the book seems to be arranging itself into a three-act structure, and I'm not fighting it. There is going to be a definite tonal shift at the end of act 1, but that's kind of the nature of three-act stories, right? So, "the whole work" is constantly shifting in tone, but I think — and truly hope — it's in ways that grow logically from what's gone before, and that won't confuse my readers. 2/2
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 10. Chapter 1: Characters> Do we meet any significant primary or secondary characters in the first chapter of your WIP. Who are they?
Yes, the book opens with Jessie Nakamura being introduced in either the second or third paragraph. Then her mentor, Ángel Castillo, shows up maybe a page later. Those are two of the central 5 MCs.
Also, the very first paragraph "introduces" San Francisco, who is a critically important character. I'm not remotely joking about that.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 10. Chapter 1: Characters> Do we meet any significant primary or secondary characters in the first chapter of your WIP. Who are they?
Yes, the book opens with Jessie Nakamura being introduced in either the second or third paragraph. Then her mentor, Ángel Castillo, shows up maybe a page later. Those are two of the central 5 MCs.
Also, the very first paragraph "introduces" San Francisco, who is a critically important character. I'm not remotely joking about that.
Addendum: We also "meet" Jessie's mom, sort of; Jessie has a phone conversation with her. That counts, right? Anyway, she's a side character of middling importance, despite having fairly little "screen time".
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Addendum: We also "meet" Jessie's mom, sort of; Jessie has a phone conversation with her. That counts, right? Anyway, she's a side character of middling importance, despite having fairly little "screen time".
Holy crap, I completely forgot to post my #WritersCoffeeClub entry yesterday! 🤦🏻 I'll take care of that, and then today's. Ugh, I feel so stupid.
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Holy crap, I completely forgot to post my #WritersCoffeeClub entry yesterday! 🤦🏻 I'll take care of that, and then today's. Ugh, I feel so stupid.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 11. The Main Cast> Introduce your main cast of characters with just a short line for each. For example, Sam is a test pilot who fears heights.
👩🏽 Jessie Nakamura is facing 30 and flailing to try to find her place in the world, when San Francisco shows her that magic is real.
🧑🏽 Ángel Castillo, Jessie's magical mentor, is a fashionable wizard who knows nearly everyone in San Francisco's magical world. 1/2
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 11. The Main Cast> Introduce your main cast of characters with just a short line for each. For example, Sam is a test pilot who fears heights.
👩🏽 Jessie Nakamura is facing 30 and flailing to try to find her place in the world, when San Francisco shows her that magic is real.
🧑🏽 Ángel Castillo, Jessie's magical mentor, is a fashionable wizard who knows nearly everyone in San Francisco's magical world. 1/2
👩🏽 Their friend Margot Chu, a noir-loving martial artist, knows the City's tiniest alleys like a Hammett character.
👱🏻♂️ David Hartmann is newly arrived in the City, a programmer enjoying the hottest clubs — and guys — of the Castro as he learns magic from Margot.
🧔🏻 And Carlos Velázquez, the scholar who can research any mystery, dreams of being a more physical hero. 2/2
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👩🏽 Their friend Margot Chu, a noir-loving martial artist, knows the City's tiniest alleys like a Hammett character.
👱🏻♂️ David Hartmann is newly arrived in the City, a programmer enjoying the hottest clubs — and guys — of the Castro as he learns magic from Margot.
🧔🏻 And Carlos Velázquez, the scholar who can research any mystery, dreams of being a more physical hero. 2/2
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 12. Main Plot> (Learn early, or unfolds gradually? Snippet?)
It unfolds gradually, as the MCs (and the readers) slowly learn more and more about the villains' plans.
One very quick plot snippet: when three MCs raid the Big Bad's lair in chapter 2, they expect to find a magical artifact he's created, one that they're sure would allow him to control the minds of the Board of Supervisors and probably the Mayor. 1/2
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 12. Main Plot> (Learn early, or unfolds gradually? Snippet?)
It unfolds gradually, as the MCs (and the readers) slowly learn more and more about the villains' plans.
One very quick plot snippet: when three MCs raid the Big Bad's lair in chapter 2, they expect to find a magical artifact he's created, one that they're sure would allow him to control the minds of the Board of Supervisors and probably the Mayor. 1/2
But they don't find that. It appears to be elsewhere. Instead, they *do* find a magical tome of great power, and so they have to try to figure out what he's planning with that. (As well as the aforementioned artifact, which they still have good reason to believe exists... but where?) 2/2
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But they don't find that. It appears to be elsewhere. Instead, they *do* find a magical tome of great power, and so they have to try to figure out what he's planning with that. (As well as the aforementioned artifact, which they still have good reason to believe exists... but where?) 2/2
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 13. Story Inspiration> What inspired you to tell the story in your WIP.
Living in San Francisco, and loving city life and the way cities feel so alive, and poking my nose into all the magical, secret little places in San Francisco.
And seeing how much San Francisco is at a crossroads right now.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 13. Story Inspiration> What inspired you to tell the story in your WIP.
Living in San Francisco, and loving city life and the way cities feel so alive, and poking my nose into all the magical, secret little places in San Francisco.
And seeing how much San Francisco is at a crossroads right now.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 14. Setting> Where is your WIP set? Why did you choose this setting? Describe your world-building.
San Francisco, present day — except with the addition of people who can talk to the living City, and of magic that it can teach them.
I chose it because I lived there and loved it. The world-building was simply adding the magic system, and the society of people who can do it, and slipping all those things into the cracks so it blends in with our own world.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 14. Setting> Where is your WIP set? Why did you choose this setting? Describe your world-building.
San Francisco, present day — except with the addition of people who can talk to the living City, and of magic that it can teach them.
I chose it because I lived there and loved it. The world-building was simply adding the magic system, and the society of people who can do it, and slipping all those things into the cracks so it blends in with our own world.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 15. Antagonist> Does your WIP include an antagonist? If so, who is it? What's their relationship with the MC? Share a snippet.
My WIP includes 5 antagonists, whose relationships with the 5 MCs vary quite a bit. The 3 MCs who are established magicians all know the villains at least a little, having been introduced around the community when they awoke. The 2 "newbie" MCs might or might not get the usual intros to all of the villains, as... 1/2
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 15. Antagonist> Does your WIP include an antagonist? If so, who is it? What's their relationship with the MC? Share a snippet.
My WIP includes 5 antagonists, whose relationships with the 5 MCs vary quite a bit. The 3 MCs who are established magicians all know the villains at least a little, having been introduced around the community when they awoke. The 2 "newbie" MCs might or might not get the usual intros to all of the villains, as... 1/2
...some of the villains are retreating from the community, becoming less accessible. But not all; at least one of the newbies, upon being introduced to a particular villain, will realize he's seen him perform before.
Furthermore, one of the villains was the mentor to one of the MCs. So that relationship is increasingly fraught as the book progresses. 2/2
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...some of the villains are retreating from the community, becoming less accessible. But not all; at least one of the newbies, upon being introduced to a particular villain, will realize he's seen him perform before.
Furthermore, one of the villains was the mentor to one of the MCs. So that relationship is increasingly fraught as the book progresses. 2/2
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 16. Theme> Is there an overriding theme to your WIP? What is it?
We all help shape the future, in every moment and every choice we make. It's up to all of us to make a better world. There aren't "good people" and "bad people"; there are people who *do good and bad things*.
Be the change you want to see in the world. Be a change for the better.
Gli ultimi otto messaggi ricevuti dalla Federazione
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Un numero, a mio parere, spaventoso. E che io 56enne capisco solo superficialmente. In Italia 200mila #hikikomori, impatto maggiore su ragazze tra i 13-15 anni https://www.rainews.it/articoli/2026/03/in-italia-200mila-hikikomori-impatto-maggiore-su-ragazze-tra-i-13-15-anni-la-ricerca-e913dc31-50f6-4d0d-8f2d-46fdf36d91c2.html
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@timbray my previous job was building greenhouse gas inventories.
Data centres are responsible for about 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. AI is responsible for about 15% of the data centre emissions, or about 0.15% of global emissions.
People who talk about AI burning up the planet don't spend a lot of time thinking about what's really burning up the planet: fossil fuels for transportation and heating, deforestation, and cattle.
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> do not take a lot of power
@raphael ... any more...
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@timbray When a new data centre is built it will take resources from the utility or add its own new generation. In the Bad Place (and many other places) this means it's likely adding new fossil fuel consumption infrastructure and increasing carbon emissions. Until recently that country was matching growth in utility generation with renewables: growth was 'green'. That has changed due to their stupidity and due to unregulated new generation like Musk's data centre(s) etc.
It's a bit dumb to say cars are worse because while yes they are, in sane countries we are starting to manage that problem well with electrification, changes to the fleet.
New data centres are generally bad, because they are designed to generate slop for the enrichment of the already very harmfully wealthy class and because they require new power generation that is almost certainly not coming from renewables.
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@timbray Is it just me, or do the guys doing the calculations on "entire energy consumption for an LLM programmer versus a human programmer" seem worryingly close to declaring that entire subsections of the population aren't worth the energy consumption, could be replaced by "AI", and would happily suggest culling them as if the only value of a person is lines of code generated 😐
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@timbray That number for LLM energy is bullshit, and the source in that thread appears to be something Sam Altman blogged, who as we know is someone who never just makes stuff up. (His post reads like ChatGPT voice, which of course it is) There is some severe weaseling be off by at least an order of magnitude—maybe the average query is "What day is it". Non-trivial queries light up 5-10kW of rack and that runs for significantly longer than seconds. This is roughly the same as a moving EV car.
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Nichilismo schizoide: quando politica e media cancellano la logica
