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I've been getting a lot of new sign-ups for the January 7 Straw Dog Writes Zoom writing session: https://strawdogwriters.org/event/straw-dog-writes/2026-01-07
A lot of people are making New Year's resolutions to do more #writing. If you're one of them, you're also welcome to join us!

Wandering Shop Stories turns three! We made a modest change to #wss366 this year. https://stevendbrewer.com/wandering-shop-stories-for-2026/ Thanks to all of our participants and curators. Here's to another great year!

A delightful little essay about snails (gift link): https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/magazine/moving-abroad-snails.html?unlocked_article_code=1.BFA.vmzs.uR9NX3GIA0wQ&smid=url-share

"What'cha writin'?"
"I'm writing my first Wandering Shop Story for 2026."
"But where's the hashtag?"
"What?"
"The hashtag! You tagged #champagne, the word for today. But you didn't tag #wss366. If you don't tag that, it's not a Wandering Shop Story, it's just sparkling #microfiction!"

I made some feijoada for the new year. The sausage is local smoked kielbasa from Pekarski's in South Deerfield. #WesternMass

She took a sip. The bitters balanced against the sugar and contrasted nicely with the rye. She nodded her thanks, then looked at his glass.
"What are you having?"
He grimaced. "Just water. When someone passes… Well… It makes you think."
She raised her glass to him and took another sip. (3/3) #wss366

He pushed his way through the crowd to the counter where rows of bottles stood. Helen watched and winced when she saw he was making hers a double. He returned more carefully, mindful of the #drink.
"Here you go," he said. "An old-fashioned. Cheers!" He held up his glass to clink. (2/3) #wss366

"Hey, cousin! Let me fix you a #drink!" Mike said.
A stout man with a thick beard and a big scar on his face, Helen knew he worked as a bartender. And, as everyone knew, was a serious alcoholic. He looked unhealthy, face flushed.
"Sure, Mike," Helen said. "Just make it a small one." (1/3) #wss366

I had never realized how cringey it is when Theoden says to Eowyn, "C'mon baby, smile. You look so pretty when you smile." #LoTR

I fixed breakfast-in-bed for my waifu at 4pm today, AS ONE DOES DURING THE HOLLERDAYS.

She started to edge past Clara, looking for a place to eat.
"Here," Clara said, stepping out of the corner. "Here's a good spot."
Helen looked up surprised.
"Thanks for taking care of mom," Clara said. "We all know how much work it was."
"Thanks," Helen said. Maybe people did change. (3/3) #wss366

Well. Almost everyone. Aunt Clara stood glowering in the corner. People just didn't change.
Helen worked her way to the #buffet that had been laid on the sideboard. It was a nice spread. She picked up a few little wedges of cheese, some squares of bread, and a handful of olives. (2/3) #wss366

Helen stood by the fireplace as relatives chattered all around her. The wake was cheerful. Uncle William was telling the funny stories that always got laughs. Tomorrow, the funeral would be time enough for tears. For now, everyone still living was just happy to see kin. (1/3) #wss366

#WordWeavers How has your writing been this year? Achievement to celebrate?

As I usually do, I've written a "Year in Writing" for this year where I talk about that stuff. It was a good year for writing — not so good for publishing. But I do have a new book that just came out. https://stevendbrewer.com/year-in-writing-2025/

I've been struggling with reader's block… https://stevendbrewer.com/overcoming-readers-block/

She pulled on it and it slid out on a short metal shaft, releasing the lid.
Inside the chest, she found a bundle of old aerogrammes: letters on very fine, blue paper. Each was written in an elegant, bold, cursive hand. They were signed, "Love, Margaret." (4/4) #wss366

In the jewelry drawer was a tiny wooden #chest, covered with stitched horsehide. She went to open it, but it was seemingly locked. There was, however, no lock or keyhole. She turned it over in her hands looking for a button or latch. Eventually, she noticed a rivet that was loose. (3/4) #wss366

She took a deep breath and turned to the chest-of-drawers to the left of the door. She briefly inventoried the items on top and then opened each drawer to look inside. Socks. Panties. Sewing supplies. Costume jewelry. A lifetime's accumulation of stuff. (2/4) #wss366

In the morning, Helen went into her grandmother's bedroom. It was strange the see the bed, unmade, without grandma in it. She felt a momentary pang of loss and started to tear up, but stopped herself. Grandma had lived a full life and had been ready to go. (1/4) #wss366

#WritersCoffeeClub What’s something you’d like to see future generations of writers discard?

The myth that writing is a solitary occupation. Although you are the one putting pen to paper, or touching the keys, your writing draws it's meaning through every human experience you've ever had. Every conversation and interaction with others throughout your life has contributed to who you are now and what ideas you can bring to your craft. Be present in your communities to keep the dialog going.