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I would like to see the arc of the moral universe bend toward justice just once.

#WritersCoffeeClub Do genre conventions provide an essential framework, or stifle original storytelling?

Neither. Genre is primarily about marketing. That is, it is descriptive, rather than prescriptive. I expect there are people who use genre prescriptively, but I doubt that, even in that case, it serves either function.

Almost everything I write transcends genre boundaries: steampunky fantasy adventure with strong romantic elements, fluffy military space opera, and now cozy, dark fantasy.

From my new dark, cozy fantasy *A Familiar Problem*, available for pre-order now from Water Dragon Publishing — and anywhere books are sold online. https://waterdragonpublishing.com/product/a-familiar-problem/ #books

Tseluna, who had proactively dropped her Mrs. T persona, caught him up in her arms.
"Now, let me give you your reward…" she said, looking up into his eyes and twirling a lock of his hair around her finger. He slipped his arms around her and pulled her to him. (3/3) #wss366

"What?"
"You're just saying that you're too busy because you don't want to go. But maybe *I* want to go! And I'll work you extra hard the next two days so you have the time!"
Rory rolled his eyes and pulled the card back out of the trash. (2/3) #wss366

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