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On the way in, Rory collected the mail and, among the usual bills, found a postcard addressed to him. It was an invitation to a class party down by the river for Tuesday.
"It's too bad we're so busy," he said, tossing it in the trash.
"We're not that busy," said Tseluna. "But nice try." (1/3) #wss366

I may not write well, but I don't write like an AI — except maybe with respect to em-dashes. But you'll have to pry the em-dashes from my cold, unpowered keyboard. (gift link) https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/03/magazine/chatbot-writing-style.html?unlocked_article_code=1.508.jzAv.2gEThPTtMK5r&smid=url-share

She walked toward him.
"Can you…" she started to say.
"Here!" he said, handing her a pair of nippers. "Do you see this?" He pointed toward a branch that was starting to wilt.
Cecelia nodded.
"Cut off every branch that looks like that!" (3/3) #wss366

Everyone from the household seemed to have been pressed into service. Some were carrying smudge pots, while others were using shears to #prune the vines.
"Excuse me," she called. "Who is in charge here?"
Several people pointed toward an older gentleman with white hair and a goatee. (2/3) #wss366

Cecelia smelled it even before she arrived at the vineyard. A strong acrid smell of smoke hung like a pall over the whole region.
The coach drew up by the country house. She jumped down and, when no-one met her, she walked around it toward the vineyard. (1/3) #wss366

But what if you find CWs triggering…

Yesterday, my 92-year-old mom was reading a pre-release copy of A Familiar Problem that I brought home from LOSCon.

I asked, "It is weird?" and she said, "Yes!"

You can pre-order your copy today! https://waterdragonpublishing.com/product/a-familiar-problem/

tra la fenestro, la frumatena suno… ruĝigas vangojn / through the window, the early morning sun… reddens cheeks #hajko #haiku #esperanto

Who was Eigen and why were his vectors so important?

A few quick reflections about LOSCon dashed off at LAX: https://stevendbrewer.com/my-loscon-experience/

LAX -> CLT -> BDL

Woohoo! I finally have a copy of *A Familiar Problem* I can hold in my hands! It's been a long journey for this one. It will be in the dealer room today at #LOSCon and will soon be available for purchase anywhere books are sold online. https://waterdragonpublishing.com/product/a-familiar-problem/

"We've heard enough, Gail. That was perfect. Thank you." Then he looked over at Mr. Stokes, who was shaking and turning white. "Bob, you can pack up your desk. You're done here."
Gail smiled, for once, as she turned and left the office. (4/4) #wss366

"No. This isn't an error. You're skimming money. I can't #overlook this. Unless…"
"Yes?"
He pointed down. "Come around the desk and explain why I should."
He smiled broadly, looking forward to the delicious sight of the Ice Queen on her knees. Then the door opened and a man stepped in. (3/4) #wss366

She walked into his office, expression composed — as always. The Ice Queen, everyone called her.
"Close the door, Gail."
She shut the door and then stood in front of his desk.
"I was looking over your report and I noticed an inconsistency…"
"An inconsistency? You mean an error?" (2/4) #wss366

Bob looked over Gail's report and noticed an inconsistency. He turned back a few pages and confirmed. This was it. He finally had her. He leaned back, unzipped his trousers, and began to anticipate what was to come. He pressed the intercom button.
"Yes, Mr. Stokes?"
"Please come in here, Gail." (1/4) #wss366

There are some nice courtyard gardens at the hotel, though they're a bit generic. https://stevendbrewer.com/generic-gardens/

Perhaps in compensation for the lack of a view, there was a nice mirror. She glanced at her cloak. It was old, and weather stained. Maybe a new one was warranted. She didn't need to impress anyone, but it didn't hurt to be presentable. She resolved to go window shopping. Tomorrow. (3/3) #wss366

She didn't really feel comfortable in fancier settings. Her needs were simple and she didn't need to impress anyone.
There was a single window, too high to look out of. Nearby, a hooked stick could be used to open it. When she did, fresh air and sounds from the noisy plaza wafted in. (2/3) #wss366

Heather closed the door after her familiar and inspected her surroundings. The small, stuffy room was sparsely furnished, with a narrow bed and a battered wardrobe. Her recent windfall would have allowed her to #rent something nicer. But she was naturally conservative with her funds. (1/3) #wss366