#WritersCoffeeClub (Sep) 1: Intro: Shameless Self Promotion.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 8: What's your favourite food and drink combo when writing?
A Manhattan with a shot of Tullamore Dew, and some kind of cheddar nibbles — possibly just small bites of cheddar cheese, possibly on crackers. There's this lovely spreadable pub cheese in a sharp cheddar flavor that I quite enjoy.
[Edit: Might've been unclear, that's a Manhattan, plus the Tully shot is a separate thing. Not a Manhattan made with Tully.]
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 9: What motivates you to keep going when sales are low?
🤣 I don't have any sales! All that motivates me is the desire to finish writing this thing. Then I'll worry about maybe trying to *get* some sales.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 9: What motivates you to keep going when sales are low?
🤣 I don't have any sales! All that motivates me is the desire to finish writing this thing. Then I'll worry about maybe trying to *get* some sales.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 10: How do you research and plan your stories?
Research: basically, "on the internet". Since my WIP is set in the modern world, this includes lots of Google Maps and Street View, plus things like checking Yelp reviews to see when businesses opened (and verify they haven't closed!). Plus, of course, all the usual weird questions writers do research on.
Plan? I'll have to say "increasingly loosely as the story progresses." 1/2
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 10: How do you research and plan your stories?
Research: basically, "on the internet". Since my WIP is set in the modern world, this includes lots of Google Maps and Street View, plus things like checking Yelp reviews to see when businesses opened (and verify they haven't closed!). Plus, of course, all the usual weird questions writers do research on.
Plan? I'll have to say "increasingly loosely as the story progresses." 1/2
The first few chapters (and increasingly, some stuff that happened in the few months before them) are pretty tightly plotted. Chapters 4 and 5, more loosely so. And after that? I have a few ideas of, "Thing X should happen around ⅓ of the way through the book" or "Thing Y, some time as the climax is approaching," but I'm mostly going to set all these things in motion in the first 5 chapters and then see how they interact with each other. 2/2
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The first few chapters (and increasingly, some stuff that happened in the few months before them) are pretty tightly plotted. Chapters 4 and 5, more loosely so. And after that? I have a few ideas of, "Thing X should happen around ⅓ of the way through the book" or "Thing Y, some time as the climax is approaching," but I'm mostly going to set all these things in motion in the first 5 chapters and then see how they interact with each other. 2/2
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 11: Do you have a favourite phrase or word that crops up in most of your work? What is it?
Nothing I've discovered or noticed (or implemented) yet. Maybe once I've written more.
(I've noticed in "my non-'writing' writing", i.e., texts and emails, I tend to use "kind of", "actually", and "really" a lot, probably more than I should, but I don't think that's come up in "my _writing_ writing"... yet. I'm keeping an eye out for them.)
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 11: Do you have a favourite phrase or word that crops up in most of your work? What is it?
Nothing I've discovered or noticed (or implemented) yet. Maybe once I've written more.
(I've noticed in "my non-'writing' writing", i.e., texts and emails, I tend to use "kind of", "actually", and "really" a lot, probably more than I should, but I don't think that's come up in "my _writing_ writing"... yet. I'm keeping an eye out for them.)
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 12: Do you prefer euphemisms or technical terms to refer to genitalia in your writing? Why?
I haven't had to refer to any yet, but when it happens, it'll depend on the situation. Who's doing the referring, and in what context?
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 12: Do you prefer euphemisms or technical terms to refer to genitalia in your writing? Why?
I haven't had to refer to any yet, but when it happens, it'll depend on the situation. Who's doing the referring, and in what context?
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 13: Has anything you've written made you cry, either when writing it or on a re-read?
Not yet. I truly hope something does at some point.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 13: Has anything you've written made you cry, either when writing it or on a re-read?
Not yet. I truly hope something does at some point.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 14: How does your plot structure grow? Linearly as you go? Or does it grow out from one or more ideas?
I'm afraid I don't understand this question. I feel like my answer is something like, "Yes, and..."
(I guess the "and" is that it grows out of the actions the characters take.)
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 14: How does your plot structure grow? Linearly as you go? Or does it grow out from one or more ideas?
I'm afraid I don't understand this question. I feel like my answer is something like, "Yes, and..."
(I guess the "and" is that it grows out of the actions the characters take.)
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 15: Which of the different marketing tactics you may have tried has been the most successful?
I haven't tried any marketing tactics yet; it's way too early for me to try to market something that I haven't even started the first draft of yet.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 15: Which of the different marketing tactics you may have tried has been the most successful?
I haven't tried any marketing tactics yet; it's way too early for me to try to market something that I haven't even started the first draft of yet.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 16: Have you ever tried to write something set in a culture other than your own? How did it go?
Yes, I once wrote a sort of ongoing _roman à clef_ about web development cast as a tale of ninja derring-do in feudal Japan, in the later part of the _Sengoku Jidai_.
I think it went pretty well, but I did eventually get tired of it and move on to other things.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 16: Have you ever tried to write something set in a culture other than your own? How did it go?
Yes, I once wrote a sort of ongoing _roman à clef_ about web development cast as a tale of ninja derring-do in feudal Japan, in the later part of the _Sengoku Jidai_.
I think it went pretty well, but I did eventually get tired of it and move on to other things.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 17: What's the body count in your WIP? Is this typical for your work?
It will be at least 2, probably 3. Maybe a few more.
I'm a fan of the Anyone Can Die trope¹, as it keeps readers from getting complacent or figuring that main characters must have Plot Armor², so yeah, this will probably be a typical rate for my work, once I produce more of it.
1. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AnyoneCanDie, usual TV Tropes link warnings apply, this will suck hours of your time
2. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/PlotArmor -
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 17: What's the body count in your WIP? Is this typical for your work?
It will be at least 2, probably 3. Maybe a few more.
I'm a fan of the Anyone Can Die trope¹, as it keeps readers from getting complacent or figuring that main characters must have Plot Armor², so yeah, this will probably be a typical rate for my work, once I produce more of it.
1. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AnyoneCanDie, usual TV Tropes link warnings apply, this will suck hours of your time
2. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/PlotArmorAddendum: I think it's really cool that some folks have tried taking this as the sexy kind of body count instead of the murdery kind, but I'm like, how would one even begin to count that?
Do established liaisons count, or only new connections? Do the established ones only count if we see them having sex (or at least see them making overtures and then give them privacy), or... 1/2
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Addendum: I think it's really cool that some folks have tried taking this as the sexy kind of body count instead of the murdery kind, but I'm like, how would one even begin to count that?
Do established liaisons count, or only new connections? Do the established ones only count if we see them having sex (or at least see them making overtures and then give them privacy), or... 1/2
...can we just assume that over a 6-month time span (for my WIP), they obviously must find the time at least once or twice?
Depending on those criteria, and on how many side characters I depict in certain groups, my count could be anywhere from 1-2 all the way up to 3 digits. 2/2
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...can we just assume that over a 6-month time span (for my WIP), they obviously must find the time at least once or twice?
Depending on those criteria, and on how many side characters I depict in certain groups, my count could be anywhere from 1-2 all the way up to 3 digits. 2/2
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 18: Do you read scripts? Would you try writing a script or screenplay?
Do I habitually read scripts? No. Am I willing to read scripts, or things written in script form? Sure.
I actually have vague dreams of trying to write scripts or screenplays, but I know I should first work on the various novels that I have ideas for.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 18: Do you read scripts? Would you try writing a script or screenplay?
Do I habitually read scripts? No. Am I willing to read scripts, or things written in script form? Sure.
I actually have vague dreams of trying to write scripts or screenplays, but I know I should first work on the various novels that I have ideas for.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 19: Do you go to fan conventions or similar?
I've been going to sci-fi cons since I was about 15 or so. I look forward to eventually going as a guest rather than fan, someday.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 19: Do you go to fan conventions or similar?
I've been going to sci-fi cons since I was about 15 or so. I look forward to eventually going as a guest rather than fan, someday.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 20: Do you agree with Terry Pratchett, who said, "There's no such thing as writer's block. That was invented by people in California who couldn't write."
WTF?
I generally have a good impression of Sir Pterry (despite not having read anything of his except whichever is the half of _Good Omens_ that he wrote), so I'm wondering if maybe this was just a line that one of his character said, and he doesn't believe it himself? 1/2
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 20: Do you agree with Terry Pratchett, who said, "There's no such thing as writer's block. That was invented by people in California who couldn't write."
WTF?
I generally have a good impression of Sir Pterry (despite not having read anything of his except whichever is the half of _Good Omens_ that he wrote), so I'm wondering if maybe this was just a line that one of his character said, and he doesn't believe it himself? 1/2
Or is it misleadingly out-of-context in some other way, as so many of these quotes have been?
Whatever. Basically, the slur against California isn't landing very well over here, in this San Franciscan's mind and heart. 2/2
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Or is it misleadingly out-of-context in some other way, as so many of these quotes have been?
Whatever. Basically, the slur against California isn't landing very well over here, in this San Franciscan's mind and heart. 2/2
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 21: If you write adult fiction, would you consider children's stories and vice versa? Do you write both? How's it going?
I don't have any real desire to write children's stories. I think I'd be okay at it if an idea hit me that would work well in that genre, but... that's not the kind of thing I usually think about and care about, so that seems unlikely.
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 21: If you write adult fiction, would you consider children's stories and vice versa? Do you write both? How's it going?
I don't have any real desire to write children's stories. I think I'd be okay at it if an idea hit me that would work well in that genre, but... that's not the kind of thing I usually think about and care about, so that seems unlikely.
#WritersCoffeeClub Day 22: What's your favourite writing convention to eschew?
"Writing *convention*" doesn't sound to me like "faux, overly-prescriptive grammar 'rule'", so I don't need to mention things like splitting infinitives or the fact that prepositions are perfectly legitimate things to end sentences with. So let me see, what are some writing conventions? 🤔 1/3
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#WritersCoffeeClub Day 22: What's your favourite writing convention to eschew?
"Writing *convention*" doesn't sound to me like "faux, overly-prescriptive grammar 'rule'", so I don't need to mention things like splitting infinitives or the fact that prepositions are perfectly legitimate things to end sentences with. So let me see, what are some writing conventions? 🤔 1/3
To a fair degree, I'm *not* writing what I know. I am writing from the POVs of a lot of people who have lived experiences that are very different from my own. Women, enbies, Black people, Asian-Americans and Hispanics, people who grew up poor... Okay, also a few rich and powerful people.
I'm kind of diving into the deep end here, but there's no way I can tell the story without doing that. I'm being as careful and conscientious about it as I can. I'm doing my best. 2/3
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To a fair degree, I'm *not* writing what I know. I am writing from the POVs of a lot of people who have lived experiences that are very different from my own. Women, enbies, Black people, Asian-Americans and Hispanics, people who grew up poor... Okay, also a few rich and powerful people.
I'm kind of diving into the deep end here, but there's no way I can tell the story without doing that. I'm being as careful and conscientious about it as I can. I'm doing my best. 2/3
Additionally, I'm writing a multi-POV, ensemble story as my first book. I think most people would have advised me to start with a single MC. But again, this story requires multiple POVs and MCs.
A few months ago, I'd have added that I'm starting with a full novel, when there's lots of (good!) advice to write shorter things first. But I've recently realized that's what my vignettes are for. So, yay, I'm at least doing one thing that's not utterly foolish! 😄 3/3
Gli ultimi otto messaggi ricevuti dalla Federazione
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Legnano intitola la sala consiliare a Giacomo Matteotti. Un gesto che parla alla democrazia italiana
@giornalismo
articolo21.org/2026/03/legnano…
Il consiglio comunale di Legnano ha deciso di intitolare la sala
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Priceless – di Jenna G. Banks
@giornalismo
articolo21.org/2026/03/pricele…
Un Dark Romance puro e crudo, dove il potere, l’ossessione e il denaro sono gli unici motori del mondo. Un tuffo in un’atmosfera torbida e magnetica, capace di tenere il lettore incollato alle pagine grazie a una tensione erotica e psicologica costante. Dimenticate le sfumature di grigio e
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Ho provato a pagare un'offerta su HumbleBundle con carta ma la transazione è stata negata... Anche voi avete avuto problemi di questo genere?
(Mi viene detto per ragioni di sicurezza)
La cosa è scocciante, ma non mi sembra un sito pirata...
#fediaiuto
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I'm just amazed my tree generator can also make bushes easily
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Apocalypse no
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Eating too many high fats? It could cause your gut bacteria to invade your brain
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/gut-bacteria-high-fat-diet-brain-b2938301.html?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypubPosted into health @health-Independent
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Le più grandi storie di intelligenza artificiale dell'anno (finora)
Il settore della #IntelligenzaArtificiale sforna costantemente notizie, come importanti acquisizioni, successi di sviluppatori indipendenti, proteste pubbliche contro prodotti sospetti ed esistenzialmente pericolosi trattative contrattuali.
C'è molto da districare, quindi ecco dove siamo e dove siamo stati finora quest'anno.https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/13/the-biggest-ai-stories-of-the-year-so-far/
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Referendum. Bonfietti: “Al referendum voto no, la riforma non risolve i problemi della giustizia”
@giornalismo
articolo21.org/2026/03/referen…
“Le norme per l’autonomia e l’indipendenza della magistratura, credo che siano ancora
