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#PennedPossibilities If your MC was given an opportunity to redeem or vindicate themselves, would they take it?

I guess you'll just have to read *A Familiar Problem* to find out.

#WordWeavers What’s something your MC can’t accomplish their goal without?

In *A Familiar Problem* Rory wants to find a strong familiar that can be an ally and fight alongside him. But then he gets captured and turned into the familiar of a demon that has their own agenda. At first, he doesn't know what to make of this. But what changes is his own perception of his goal: he realizes that being the subordinate member of a powerful team is just as good — or better — than leading a weaker team.

#WritersCoffeeClub The Hero's Journey is garbage. Discuss.

It's possible to write a story that conforms with the hero's journey, but why? I certainly don't believe that it's some kind of ur story or the only kind of story to tell. It's not the story I've ever wanted to tell. But, honestly, I've never studied literature and don't really know much about it. I just write what I feel like.

It was the commercial that put the #seed of the idea in his mind. All the way home the jingle was running through his mind.
When he got home, his mom asked, "What would you like for lunch?"
"I need a little TLC…" he said, with a pout.
"A little?"
"Okay. A big one!" he said, grinning.
She tousled his hair and went off into the kitchen. Five minutes later, she returned.
"Here's your turkey-lettuce-cheddar!"
Salivating, he took a big bite.
"Thanks, mom," he mumbled, with his mouth full.

#wss366

Raaaaaaaaaaain…

A trip to the farmer's market means a chocolate croissant…

Tanuki-chan finds these squeaky fightin' balls to be extremely disturbing. #DogsOfMastodon

#WritersCoffeeClub What genre are you least likely to write? Why?

Probably norskaine. I've written fantasy, horror, science fiction, and literary fiction. I could imagine writing a thriller or mystery. But I don't think I'd ever write norskaine.

Marley took a huge hit on the pipe and held his breath. Exhaling finally, he breathed out a cloud of smoke.
"Whoa," he said, passing the pipe to me. "That was totally crusher on my throat."
I looked at him. "Crusher?"
"Ya, know. Like 'harsh.' It's what all the twisty bois are saying these days."
I took a long hit from the pipe. The smoke burned as I inhaled it. I held it in my lungs, feeling the effects of the drug begin to take hold.
"Crusher," I agreed, passing the pipe back.

#wss366

#PennedPossibilities Do any of your characters believe in luck?

"Are you ready?" the demon asked.
"For what?" 
"Direwolves always hunt in packs, Sugar," she said. As if on cue, a chorus of howls broke out all around them. 
Rory saw three pairs of eyes closing in from two sides.
"You take the one on the left. I'll take the two on the right."
Then, before he could move, she grabbed his face between her hands and gave him a long, deep kiss, thrusting her rough tongue into his mouth.
"For luck!"

Read more about Tau and other NeoBoxers in *Better Angels: Tour de Force* at The Truck Stop at the Center of the Galaxy! https://truckstop.waterdragonpublishing.com/product/better-angels-tour-de-force/

Tau and Ol' Grizzler circled each other warily, looking for an opening. Then Tau struck first.
He sprang forward and hit the MegaMastiff in the shoulder, but his fightin' ball emitted a loud squeak. Tau leapt back and looked back at his cornerman with surprise.
"Oh, sorry," he said. "They was outta the usual kind o' fightin' ball, so I had to get another."
Tau bit down and it squeaked again. With disgust, he spat out the defective fightin' ball and, abandoning the match, left the ring.

#wss366

Tau arrived at the training facility right on time.
"Arright," growled his cornerman. "Your sparrin' #partner today is Ol' Grizzler. He's a MegaMastiff from Volpex. He's big, but moves slow. With your agility, you gotta strike and jump back. Don't let 'im close wit' ya! Ya got it?"
Tau barked affirmatively.
"Now, here's your fightin' ball!"
Tau took the ball in his jaws and sprang into the ring.
The MegaMastiff was brindled with scars across his face. He growled threateningly.

#wss366

#WordWeaversIf you could write a story in any fictional world, what would you choose?

I have enjoyed writing my Better Angels stories set in the Truck Stop at the Center of the Galaxy. The Truck Stop is a shared universe that has stories by a number of authors at Water Dragon Publishing. The Truck Stop, a rotating space station orbiting a black hole at the center of the galaxy, is like the intersection of otherwise incommensurate multiverses. It's been a fun experience. https://truckstop.waterdragonpublishing.com/product/better-angels-tour-de-force/

#WritersCoffeeClub Where is your book listed?

My publisher, Water Dragon Publishing, generally offers a "universal buy page" with links to all of the places my books can be purchased. For print (trade paperback and hardback) copies, they include Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and the publisher directly (for signed editions). For digital versions, Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, Nook, Smashwords, and Google Play.

I have been vaccinated for COVID and flu. I predict sore arms tomorrow.

Facebook said I should turn this post into an "event" to "reach more readers"…

"Hey, Melody. Hey!" I chased after her and caught her arm, careful to not snag her with my claws.
She stopped and turned, eyes flashing.
I dropped her arm and looked down. "Did… Did I do something wrong?"
She sighed.
"No," she said. "It's me. I was… I'm…" She paused while she tried to find the words to continue. "I'm not #mad at you. I'm mad at myself."
"But…" I started to say, looking up. Then I saw the tears in her eyes. I threw myself on her and hugged her. She clung to me, sobbing.

#wss366

At the conclusion of the recital, the warrior & wizard stood and clapped. The little blond girl took a bow & scampered off down the stairs of the #tower.
"Where is she going?" the warrior asked.
"She has schoolwork," the wizard said. "You know how it is."
"Well, no. Not really. I never went to school."
"Really? That's so sad."
"I was training at arms."
"But education is broadening."
The warrior stood and flexed his enormous muscles.
"Okay," the wizard said. "Exercise is broadening too."

#wss366

#WordWeavers MC POV: if you could spend an hour with anyone, who would it be?

"If Bebe could spend an hour with anyone," Bebe said, blushing, "Bebe would like to spend it with Tau." She made squishing motions with her hands. "His muppies are so soft and velvety. Bebe just loves to cuddle with him!
"On the other hand," she continued. "Bebe loves Sssindy too! When it's hot, it's fun to hold onto her to cool off."
"But, most of all, Bebe loves David!" she gushed, wrapping her arms around herself.