@stevendbrewer@wandering.shop

Around 230 students were affected and #UMassAmherst is also raising money to support them: https://minutefund.uma-foundation.org/project/20457

One of the students in my #writing class recently lost everything in a catastrophic fire that destroyed an apartment building in Amherst. He's started a go-fund-me to try to help recover: https://www.gofundme.com/f/tragic-fire-took-our-home-belongings-pet-help-paddy-v #WesternMass

"This is a great opportunity to practice how to #float on your back."
Kasseh looked stricken.
"It's going to be alright, my love," Cecelia laughed, holding her hand. "I'll be right here with you and I promise I won't let you sink."
She put a hand on her waist. "Now just lean back…" (3/3) #wss366

"Come see!" Cecelia said, holding out her hand.
Kasseh reluctantly stepped into the water. She shivered at first, but then as she waded further she said, marveling, "It's cold at the surface, but warmer underneath."
"That's what happens when it's calm like this," Cecelia said. (2/3) #wss366

In the early morning, Cecelia and Kasseh returned to the beach. There were hardly any waves. The ocean stretched out to the horizon almost like glass.
Cecelia dropped her towel and then waded straight out into the water.
"Isn't it too cold?" Kasseh asked, standing back on the wet sand. (1/3) #wss366

#WritersCoffeeClub What have you recently learned which will have a big impact on your work?

Yesterday, I hosted a Straw Dog Writers Guild workshop by James Cambias on worldbuilding that gave me many ideas for creating imaginative settings for stories. We talked about everything from the relationship among variables that make for realistic planets — and the kinds of life they might support — to using research to find interesting tidbits that add to the verisimilitude of settings.

I've really been enjoying the Ruri Rocks anime. It follows a JK on a journey from liking shiny things to a budding interest in mineralogy and earth science. It's also beautifully animated and teaches a lot of science. It's cool. Check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4ZmD85u6nM

At the top, he set her on her feet. Once again, he opened his mouth to say goodnight.
"May I trouble you for just another moment?" she said, forestalling him.
Her #room was right at the top of the stairs. She unlocked the door and invited him in.
He took a deep breath and followed her. (3/3) #wss366

"Would you please assist me up the stairs?" she said. "My feet are sore after the evening's festivities."
Once again, he put a hand under her arm, but when she stumbled on the first step, he swept her up in his arms and carried her lightly up the stairs. (2/3) #wss366

Curtiss escorted Serena back to the Grand Hotel. At the door to the hotel, he drew in his breath to say his goodbyes, but she put her hand on his arm.
"Just a moment of your time, Milord." She went the counter and got her key, then returned to the staircase. (1/3) #wss366