@stevendbrewer@wandering.shop

Ooh! On Friday, it's supposed to get into the high 40s! At 4am. While it's raining. And by the time it stops raining, it will already be at freezing. Thanks a lot, weather lords.

Kindle’s New Gen AI-Powered “Ask This Book” Feature Raises Rights Concerns https://writerbeware.blog/2025/12/12/kindles-new-gen-ai-powered-ask-this-book-feature-raises-rights-concerns/

I read an excerpt from *A Familiar Problem* at the Second Sunday open mic for Straw Dog Writers Guild. It's fun to read for an appreciative audience. https://waterdragonpublishing.com/product/familiar-problem/

After changing clothes, he went to the front door and opened it. Dre was standing on the sidewalk waving at him. He stepped out through the door. There was a loud Pop! and he found himself stepping back inside. He tried again with the same result. Dre was in hysterics on the sidewalk. (3/3) #wss366

Roge picked up his quill and wrote a quick reply. "Good 'morrow! OMW."
Before he stood up, he addressed the empty room.
"Thank you very much, Toasterella, for the delicious breakfast!"
"I hope you choke on it and die," she said, which he chose to interpret as, "You're welcome." (2/3) #wss366

Roge was sipping his coffee when his magic tablet started making the scritch-scritch-scritch sound it made when it was receiving a message. He slid it over. The unmistakable script of his brother Dre appeared across the surface: "G'Morning! Are you ready?"
"Oh, right!" Roge thought. (1/3) #wss366

#WritersCoffeeClub Share how you tackle a first round of revisions

My first draft is usually sketchy: just the bones of the story, with dialog and the events briefly described. When I finish it, I usually get my beta readers (my brother and younger son) to read the manuscript and comment about story structure: Is there a problem? Is the pacing good? Is there rising action? Is the problem solved? Is the resolution satisfying? If there are problems, I fix the structure, then flesh out the story.

#SilentSunday

Last spring, @philipbrewer and I set up identical Synology devices to back up our home networks and then provide off-site back-ups for each other: https://stevendbrewer.com/new-backup-strategy/

It's worked very well and has provided great peace of mind.

#ScribesandMakers Is there a creative activity you used to enjoy but now feels like a chore? ...Is anything you could do to make it enjoyable again?

I had think about this one. I think the answer is, "No." That's because when something doesn't feel fresh or interesting, I don't do it until it does again. I think this is part of my assertion that my creative output is uneven and unpredictable. Part of that is never "pushing through" to work on something when I'm not feelin' it. I can wait.

#WritersCoffeeClub What have you written for another writer?

I've written a fair number of critiques and a few reviews. I had a chance to write a blurb for someone's book, but it was at the end of the semester and I couldn't find the time to get it done. I still regret that.

He took a bite of the Spew. Delicious.
She was actually a pretty good cook, but was still angry about being contracted. And there was nothing in the contract about giving the food she made an appealing name. He didn't mind — as long as it tasted good. (3/3) #wss366

Roge inspected the meal. The plate contained a skillet dish of hash-browned potatoes mixed with scrambled eggs, sausage, and bacon. He took a sip of the glass and determined that it was a mimosa.
"Thanks, Toasterella. How about some coffee?"
"Liquified bat droppings, coming up." (2/3) #wss366

Roge came down the stairs, wearing his ragged bathrobe, and trudged, yawning, into the dining room.
"What's for breakfast, Toasterella?"
His contracted sprite flittered out from the kitchen.
"Maggot's Spew and Fox #Fluid."
A plate and a glass appeared amid sparkles on the table. (1/3) #wss366

Thanks to @philipbrewer for the awesome present via @WEATHERISHAPPENING

Excerpted from *Devishire!* an unpublished Revin's Heart sequel. Subscribe to my newsletter for updates when it appears: https://author-sdbrewer.micro.blog/subscribe/

"Why did you stick your neck out for me?"
Revin looked at Terrier seriously. Then he smiled.
"I'm not sticking my neck out. There are few things in this world I'm more certain of than your loyalty."
"Thank you, Sir Revin," Terrier said, tears in his eyes. "I won't let you down again." (3/3) #wss366

Revin and Terrier exchanged glances. "We have an understanding."
After the Queen consulted with Revin on a point of policy, she went back to her chambers.
Terrier looked over at Revin.
"Why did you do it?" he asked.
"Hmm?" Revin asked, startled out of his train of thought. (2/3) #wss366

The Queen entered Revin's quarters as Terrier was helping him into his #suit coat. She looked sharply at Terrier, who carefully avoided eye contact.
"How did you secure his release?" the Queen asked.
"He's under my personal recognizance."
"Is that really wise?" she pressed. (1/3) #wss366

#WritersCoffeeClub Who is a writer whose life inspires you?

My brother, @philipbrewer — except for all of the exercise and fitfluencer stuff.