@stevendbrewer@wandering.shop

In a recent episode of Ruri Rocks, they talk about dealkylized glass that develops an iridescent sheen after being underwater for a long time. By coincidence, I ran across this bottle I found snorkeling on St Croix that shows the effect. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dealkalization

"I came across Better Angels: Tour de Force and was immediately struck by the originality of your premise, magical-girl idols turned galactic heroes? That blend of sci-fi creativity and emotional depth is something truly special. It’s clear that your background in science and language enriches your storytelling in ways that few authors can match."

It's constant and relentless…

For more examples: https://stevendbrewer.com/sycophantic-scams/

"Every so often, a story redefines what it means to be alive. Better Angels: Tour de Force does exactly that. Beneath its cosmic wonder and rhythmic pulse lies a deeply human story one about identity, freedom, and the power of purpose after creation. The Better Angels may be engineered beings, but their search for belonging, connection, and meaning makes them strikingly real. It’s the kind of story that lingers, not just for its imagination, but for its heart."

Robots, man… I hate 'em.

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

I am set up and ready to sell books at the North Amherst Mill District Holiday Market. The rain has passed through, temps are mild, and it looks to be a great day! #WesternMass

Her face had been defiant facing the bandits, delighted at meeting him, assured confronting the other nobles at the ball, and increasingly #shy as her clothes came off in the dark. This was very different than his usual experience, where Roughneck would be dragging him, hungover, out of some young man's room at dawn. He realized that he couldn't remember any of their faces — not one — and mused about this as he walked toward the stable. (2/2) #wss366

Curtiss awoke at sunrise. He quietly rolled out of bed and dressed in the dark, to avoid awakening Serena who slept on. He quietly let himself out of her room at the Grand Hotel and walked down the central staircase into the lobby. At this hour, it was empty, aside from a lone clerk and the concierge, who looked away as he slipped out.
His head was filled with warring thoughts and images. He saw her face in his mind's eye and all the varied expressions she had made the day before. (1/2) #wss366

It's the last day for early bird registration for @SFWA QUASAR: https://membership.sfwa.org/event-6301796 If you don't want to be an early bird, you can be a late bird until November 14 and then your goose is cooked. Don't be a turkey and sign up today!

The schedule is up for LOSCon 51! https://loscon.lineupr.com/loscon-51/contributor/steven-d-brewer I'm set to moderate the panel I proposed about Poetry and Songs in Speculative Fiction and will appear as a participant on two others.

This is all assuming that my flights aren't canceled due to the government shutdown. Thanks, Republicans!

Wow. @tobadzistsini and I posted our #wss366 contributions within a minute of each other today. Too bad the word wasn't #synchronicity.