@stevendbrewer@wandering.shop

#PennedPossibilities What is the best piece of advice that you as an author have ever received?

Finish stories, submit them for publication, then start writing the next story. When the first story gets rejected, don't give into the temptation to revise it: just send it out again and keep working on the next story.

#WritersCoffeeClub Do you write standalone stories, series, or both? Which do you prefer?

I love to write serialized fiction. *Revin's Heart* was written as a series of novelettes & I'm now working on a new series about Lady Cecelia, tentatively entitled *Cecelia's Journey*. The *Better Angels* stories are also pretty strongly serialized: the episodes, though independent, fit together in a particular order. I do write standalone stories, although even then I can often imagine follow-on stories.

"It's not possible, Curtains!" Roughneck said, shaking his fist. "We don't have enough men."
"Our defense is going to be #porous," Curtains admitted. "The trick is to leave an obvious opening Codwaller can't resist, draw him in, then spring the trap."
Curtains explained the plan. Roughneck grinned.
After making a show of force on the roads, Curtains redeployed his full force into concealed positions in the forest.
By the time Codwaller realized they were surrounded, it was far too late.

#wss366

I've received the trade-paperback copies of the collected edition of *Revin's Heart* in preparation for upcoming book sales. It's wonderful to actually have them in hand! They're beautiful! https://waterdragonpublishing.com/product/revins-heart/ #books #bookstodon

They heard yells & running footsteps approaching in the dark alley.
Kasseh pulled up a manhole cover.
"Get in!" she hissed to Cecelia.
Cecelia scrambled down the ladder into the black. Kasseh dropped in behind her, then lowered the manhole cover back over them.
Cecelia went down, then her foot dropped into cold, moving water. She squeaked & drew her foot back up.
She looked up & down the dark tunnel. At first she could see nothing, but then perceived a tiny #glimmer in the distance.

#wss366

Not everyone understands what great lap-puppies boxers are… #DogsOfMastodon

kvazaŭ festene
kun rozkoloraj konfetoj…
sakuro ĝisas

like a party, with pink confetti… sakura bids farewell

from *Premitaj Floroj* https://www.amazon.com/Premitaj-Floroj-Esperanto-Steven-Brewer/dp/1477567267

#hajko #haiku #esperanto

Starting next fall, I will begin a two-year phased retirement. https://stevendbrewer.com/phased-retirement/

"'Pedes are coming up from under *Angels' Wings*! They're coming up through tunnels!"
Zaza and Bebe ran back outside and roasted a couple of 'pedes that showed themselves, but they could see that there were more down in the tunnels.
"It would be suicide to go down in there, Top," Zaza said. "But if we don't do something fast, they'll be able to attack us at will."

#wss366

From *The Better Angels and the Military Morale Mishegoss* in *Better Angels: Tour de Force* https://truckstop.waterdragonpublishing.com/product/better-angels-tour-de-force/

The envelope was on thick, creamy paper. His full name was penned in an elegant hand with a rich, blue ink on the front. The flap bore the Contessa's seal in purple wax. Curtains broke the seal & read the letter. Roughneck watched as he read it again then folded it back up & replaced it in the envelope.
"Our contract here is null & #void," he said.
"But…"
"Round 'em up, Roughneck."
"On it!"
On the road out of the estate, Curtains addressed them, "Good work, men. I'll be in touch soon."

#wss366

If you live in #WesternMass you might be interested in the #UMassAmherst Farm Community Supported Agriculture program. They're selling shares for their fall harvest: 25lbs of produce per week for 10 weeks. Sign up by May 1st for their early bird discount! https://www.umass.edu/stockbridge/umass-farm-community-supported-agriculture-shares (The secret link to sign up is just above the graphic.)

Curtains & his men surrounded the Contessa's rented mansion. At his signal, Roughneck bashed down the door & three men charged in. After a few moments, the gas lights came on. Roughneck gestured from the door. Curtains entered.
"She's long gone," Curtains said, after inspecting the room. "All of her possessions are gone."
Roughneck cursed.
"Yes, she's as #slippery as a hagfish," Curtains agreed. His eyes lighted on a letter sitting on the table. He picked it up. It was addressed to him.

#wss366

#PennedPossibilities MC POV: What is your biggest fear?

"If you win the tournament I will free you from your familiar bond," Tseluna said.
"What if I don't win?"
"The battles in the tournament are to the death."
He felt a sense of rising panic.
"So, if I die, that's one thing. But… if I win, you'll just dump me?"
"*Baka*! What are you asking? Don't you understand?" she said. "I captured you & bound you to my will! I'm a monster!"
"No!" Rory said. "You're a goddess. And I worship you!"
*"Baka…"*

"Play dodgeball with us, David!" the Better Angels called.
Reluctantly, David joined the game. Tau, as referee, barked to start the match.
"Bebe will get you!" Bebe squealed, throwing as hard as she could. But David caught it.
One by one, Angels were eliminated until it was just David & Zaza left. They stared at one another.
Zaza tossed the ball to David who tried to not catch it, but it stuck to his hands.
"I'm out!" shrieked Zaza. "David wins!"
"Wait! Who covered the ball with glue?"

#wss366

#WordWeavers If your MC’s main skill evaporated, would they survive the story?

This question is incoherent for me. My protagonists tend not to have some particular or unique skill. I'm much more likely to have a secondary character be the one with some extraordinary skill or ability. I find ordinary protagonists more relatable.

"On the contrary," Curtains said, straightening up. "Now you're going to learn what happens when you #cross me."
Armed men appeared in balconies & rooftops surrounding the courtyard. And, when the gang looked around, they realized all of the exits to the courtyard were barred by more men holding naked swords.
They threw down their weapons.
Curtains walked up to the leader, drew a knife, & held it against the man's belly. He winced.
"Where is the Contessa hiding?"

#wss366

After leaving the tavern, nearly doubled over, Curtains stumbled down the alley. He arrived in a small courtyard that was used, in the daytime, by the city poor, to dry laundry. At night, it was abandoned & empty. His footsteps echoed & then were joined with the sounds of others as a group of men with sticks & clubs entered & closed ranks around him.
"Hey you!" the leader said, poking Curtains in the back with a stick. "Now, you're gonna learn what happens when you #cross the Contessa."

#wss366

The leaves are coming out fast and the petals are dropping. Tomorrow, it will be like pink snow falling and within just a few days all of the sakura blossoms will be gone — until next year. ❤️

Tanuki-chan was very thirsty after the visit to the first farmer's market of the year. #DogsOfMastodon

"She's angry this morning. You're late! You made her wait for a whole hour. That's like seven hours in dog years." #DogsOfMastodon