Owen G. Richards

Jus' a yewman bean... is all.
#OGResquire
#writingcommunity

All original material I post is licensed as Creative Commons 4.0 CC-BY-NC. Copyright remains with the originator/creator/author. (jus' sayin' fo' dem PLAGIARISTS)

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Owen_G_Richards@writing-exchange.mostr.pub

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nprofile1qqsp4f740dkd93m8k5me8hglu4epdrekp9deh9hs4epgn30femt5wmc9jgh94

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npub1r2na27mv6trk0dfhj0w3letjz68nvz2mnwt0ptjz38z7nnkhgahsmcgpws

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Last Notes

2025-05-08 13:49:37

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@nprofile…93zc
A mixture - mostly as appropriate to the events/characters in whatever tale I am writing.
However, I do feel it is necessary to stop dumbing stuff down just to make sales. We should encourage readers to stretch themselves beyond their existing vocabulary - throw them a curve ball, if you like.

2025-05-07 14:23:29

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@nprofile…a0z2
I'm cool with the status of "hauntingly present"... 😜 ...but, yes indeed... More adventures!

2025-05-07 12:30:41

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@nprofile…a0z2
Seems we both got off the 'wrong foot', (premature and 'dead') but I have not had any experience to match your episode of 15 years ago (and I'm not complaining!).
Have a great day, with many more adventures to come!

2025-05-01 14:30:27

#technical #PhP
Any tech heads out there know how to set up GD with PhP?
If not, I guess I'll just have to build my own version of a "captcha" panel to stop the bots crawling and trawling (Meta, et al...)

2025-04-26 12:47:45

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@nprofile…a0z2
First encounter was Facebook, and that turned me cold very quickly...

2025-04-26 12:40:10

#ScribesAndMakers Apr26. Do you engage offline with other creatives? What did you/would you do if social media didn't exist?
No.
If social media didn't exist...*where to begin* -
1) For sure my writing would still be shite!
2) The world be a happier place - it stopped being "social media" and became a propaganda platform. I'd be happier too.
3) I'd still be writing, but probably less invested in the "make it presentable for public consumption" process.
I could go on... but won't!

2025-04-22 16:38:04

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@nprofile…s85r
Listening? Nah! Like most younger people (Yeah I was one once too) they already know everything they need to know - don't they?
I have a similar perspective, but serious concerns regarding the march of "AI" in education... talk about dumbing down!

2025-04-22 14:57:22

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@nprofile…s85r
That kind of colleague is rare these days. I hope that it is your company/employer that encourages such valid cooperation.
Many companies run on the "blame culture" so no one admits to needing/doing anything for which they might be blamed!

2025-04-18 19:03:50

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@nprofile…6fay
Thankfully, I'm not jealous of the "adoring followers"... but I totally understand the need to stay away from the other sites... they aren't "social" media, they're business/political platforms/data grabbing mechanisms - and that's just the good stuff!

2025-04-17 10:13:57

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@nprofile…myfn
Ah! I didn't mention that "avoidance of bestseller lists" which also afflicts me!

2025-04-15 19:36:48

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@nprofile…009v
You're welcome.
Glad you liked it!

2025-04-15 12:28:30

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@nprofile…009v
A little something to distract you (I hope).
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/114/341/975/840/103/797/original/688013fca697a440.jpg

2025-04-12 19:49:58

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@nprofile…009v
Take your time, don't let other's expectations force you to overdo things.
You have friends here, and acquaintances, who will be as supportive as they can.
I'm glad you already have some support at this time.

2025-04-12 19:36:02

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@nprofile…009v
My sincerest condolences to you, and your family.
If, at any time you feel a need to vent, cry, blister someone's ears or simply talk through anything - no matter how trivial you might think it is - you should find someone who will listen.
I'm sure there are others better suited, but if you need a (total) stranger to throw words at... you can bend/blister my ears if you need to.

2025-04-12 11:57:18

#ScribesAndMakers
April 12. Shameless self-promotion day. Show us what you're proud of. Let's boost away.
Almost everything I've written... but I suppose I should mention a few I've published...
"A Fool's Errand" - Medieval Fantasy - An entertainer is entrusted with a mission; one that is expected to fail.
"Neither Here, Nor There" - 'A fast-paced, supernatural action-adventure'.
"Blue Moon" - A wolf's eye view of survival against the encroachment of mankind in their hunting grounds.

2025-04-10 12:17:09

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@nprofile…a0z2
Sad for them... yes, I think I am, but what worries me is this person is still successfully marketing their books!
The eternal question - "Who is buying all this cr*p?"
As for not buying mine, that's not an issue, as I don't market the damned things!

2025-04-10 12:08:58

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@nprofile…a0z2
We had a very comfortable exchange and it absolutely was the cover that made her read the story... she encouraged me to improve the cover, nonetheless!
Like you, I rarely trust covers.
I have also read (and in one case bought) books with reasonable covers, but the story lost me on page one...! I had to read, and re-read so much that I totally lost interest. (Yes. I did try to move on and give the story a chance, but I just couldn't...)

2025-04-10 11:59:45

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@nprofile…a0z2
I had a cover (gently) torn to shreds because it was of such poor quality... but the reviewer of the cover also read the book and produced the following text...
I took the knocks so very easily after reading this!
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/114/313/540/192/317/164/original/2e74a4cb1a91f16c.png

2025-04-08 19:34:26

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@nprofile…a0z2
So much of their music was worthy of time/effort and sometimes the expense of hearing it...

2025-04-08 19:20:21

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@nprofile…a0z2
Even as I read this... "The Chain" is playing through my headphones!
I fell in love with Albatross, and never looked back...

2025-04-08 13:33:51

#ScribesAndMakers 4/8. Share a song lyric you've written or heard that resonates with you. (Give credit if it's not your song.)
"The Chain - Fleetwood Mac"
Listen to the wind blow
Watch the sun rise
Run in the shadows
Damn your love, damn your lies
And if you don't love me now
You will never love me again
"Towards the Sun - Rihanna"
Turn your face towards the sun
Let the shadows fall behind you
Don't look back, just carry on
And the shadows will never find you

2025-04-01 07:33:16

#ScribesAndMakers 1 Analyze this out of context quote from obscure influencer/author SA Poscat and tell us how you feel about it. "If I wanted to do something people liked, I would post videos of someone kicking me in the nethers. Instead, I write."
The author writes (as they should) to produce their product, for themselves and decries the production of material specifically to satisfy the 'needs/wants/cravings' of others.
Yeah... me too! Social media style productivity just grates...

2025-03-23 14:06:39

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@nprofile…tzh3
If I hadn't had my friends photo, this might have inspired the story instead - as it is I used her photo as the backdrop for the cover of the "Blue Moon" story (About wolves from their perspective).
Keep on taking those photos... they may have the same effect on you and inspire a story.

2025-03-23 10:27:28

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@nprofile…tzh3
A friend produced a similar picture but with the moon, which inspired a novel! (Blue Moon - from the coloration of the moon behind the clouds).

2025-03-23 09:30:24

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@nprofile…tzh3
Nice, dramatic picture(s)! Thanks for sharing.
Saw this one first... oops!

2025-03-19 08:26:12

#WritersCoffeeClub 19/3: What’s your narrator’s sense of humour like?
William "Billy" Geraint Mortimer, is a prematurely deceased young man, but he's not bitter about it. In fact he still manages to have fun, despite being an enforcer for the Adjudicator - the one who maintains the peace between those above, and those below!
Oh, and did I mention his sidekick is a dog? (Or rather he is the sidekick for the dog!)

2025-03-18 10:09:24

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@nprofile…kftc
Hi Sophie, I've tried contacting you via email (website), and I can't tell if you've seen my message, so I'll repeat the question here (apologies for hijacking this thread a bit).
You coded an epicyclic clock (html/css/javascript) which I think is way above my level of comprehension, but I would like to know if you would be amenable to me asking if (at a future date/time) I could include it on my website?
**ALL FULLY ACCREDITED TO YOU**
If you'd rather I didn't - I won't!

2025-03-02 06:58:16

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@nprofile…k7vf
It's probably because of the continuing campaign of mis/disinformation by governments (and not limited to the US).
What???? Tell the truth???? NO way!!!

2025-01-11 21:00:08

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@nprofile…8an8
Exchanges, of necessity, require a topic of interest that intrigues/interests both parties, and even though we are all "artists" (writers / photographers / painters / drawers, etc) it does not automatically follow that we have common ground.
If I can stir up interest, I may reintroduce a "newspaper" for all artists... perhaps that might create some common ground.

2025-01-11 15:02:55

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@nprofile…8an8
I have noticed the lack of interaction - much of the time I see monologues, rarely do I see a conversation.
Perhaps it's the people - mostly introverts - who have retreated to Mastodon to avoid the hustle-bustle and aggravation of the other social media platforms. I'm one, but I do - occasionally - interact whenever there is something of interest, or worthy of comment.
Even hashtags seem to evoke few responses.

2025-01-11 15:02:55

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2024-12-24 17:42:53

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@nprofile…a0z2
I love it... may use it for inspiration!

2024-12-24 15:56:20

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@nprofile…a0z2
Is this an actual photograph?

2024-11-30 22:05:23

#writerscoffeeclub Nov 30 - As of now, how many stories have you written? How many more do you have planned?
Uhm... dunno without rummaging around to do a count... a few published (approx 10)... a few others completed (approx 5)... a few in progress (I'm guessing around a dozen)... and concepts? There's a list...
But I haven't counted for a while...

2024-11-03 21:50:20

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@npub1fgl…4jl4
The challenge is not to avoid saying anything negative - we all make mistakes and must learn from them - but... BUT(!) be gentle, be as constructive as you can. Try to start positively, indicate the issues (not too many at once), and try to end positively too.
It's an acquired skill, needs practice and patience (as I learned).
Hope this helps.

2024-09-24 18:01:03

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@npub10d5…vvxa
Awesome picture!
(No, not asking this time.)

2024-07-12 16:31:53

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@npub1w9a…04m0
Perhaps they seek the truth instead of relying on corporate/government sponsored propaganda?

2024-02-29 07:31:28

#PennedPossibilities 239 — How does your MC feel about babies, children, and teenagers?
He hasn't given it much thought, but he is about to be confronted by the concept of parenthood!

2024-02-17 14:18:39

#WordWeavers 2.16 — What is your antagonist’s pet peeve?
Witnesses? Nah... they just spread the word...
Witnesses who intercede on behalf of the victim and insist on fair play - Aw come on!!!

2024-02-17 14:13:51

#WritersCoffeeClub 17. How much of yourself is in your MC, or do you never write this way?
There are aspects of my hopes for humanity as well my despairing of the folly of the species.
There are some of my views of the assholes who work so hard to make life difficult for as many others as they can reach.
That said, it's still fiction... it's what could/may be if only...
(Caveat : not all stories have a HEA ending).

2024-02-02 11:47:21

#WritersCoffeeClub 2 - Do you agree with Jodi Picoult who says you should finish writing a book even if you think it might be garbage?
Not really... perhaps for the pure discipline of perseverance, it could serve a purpose.
However, if my heart's not in the telling of a tale, it will be reflected in the writing making it even less desirable to finish the story.
What the author feels tends to be reflected in their writing. Weak will results in weak efforts.

2024-01-31 08:03:39

#WritersCoffeeClub 31/1. Where do you write?
Mostly at home, between my breadwinning labours. Desktop, laptop, phone and I've even scribbled on napkins on occasions... so pretty much anywhere inspiration strikes.

2024-01-25 08:05:43

#WordWeavers 25/1: What's the least likely relationship between characters in your WIP?
Man and wolf living in harmony, walking the same land, sharing prey and chillin' together.

2024-01-18 10:52:05

#WritersCoffeeClub 18Jan- Does your work feature on BookTok? How do you feel about that platform?
Meh! and Meh!

2024-01-17 17:08:59

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@npub1yse…jaay
I recently recruited a third alpha reader who is more selective with her reading, and even she's enjoying my latest WIP.
Which boosts my energy, sharpens my focus, etc.

2024-01-17 14:12:49

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@npub1fgl…4jl4
Just write it - let the words fall as they will and see what happens - unless there's a reason you can't/don't want to write it... 😇

2024-01-17 13:12:02

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@npub1yse…jaay
Perhaps it might be useful if you get (as I have got) a couple of alpha readers - chapter-by-chapter reading and feedback which motivates me to keep going.
Just thinking aloud (It works for me is all)

2024-01-04 10:10:43

#WritersCoffeeClub 1/4
What aspects of your current or former profession do you bring into your writing?
All of life's experiences are a source for various aspects of my writing, whether experienced directly, or by proxy.

2023-12-22 16:57:40

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@npub10d5…vvxa
That's objective number one. I have to enjoy writing it, or it gets abandoned.
If anyone else enjoys my demented scribblings... that's good too!

2023-12-22 16:05:39

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@npub10d5…vvxa
Our stories are reversed - from a progressive school with brilliant staff to an exam factory.
I'm not complaining too loud. Got readers harassing me for the next chapter of my current WIP, so it ain't all heartbreak!

2023-12-22 14:48:39

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@npub10d5…vvxa
For me there were some great teachers before moving on to secondary school, but there the quality failed miserably... numbers and examination results were all they cared about.
As for the praise from a teacher - I can relate to that! At ten years of age, in an art project I produced a "cave painting" on an old hessian sack, using brick, chalk, sandstone and coal for my colours - and a teacher bought it! 😳

2023-12-22 14:14:55

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@npub10d5…vvxa
I wish I'd had your teachers!
I would have failed English altogether if I hadn't had an inspired English Literature teacher who lit the flame that took hold such that I self-improved and became a certified TEFL teacher. (and writer, of course).

2023-12-20 13:05:51

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@npub1yyx…qa5g
I'm sorry, but you're thinking of when "Customer care"* actually meant what it says - and quality, not obsolescence, was integral to the product.
*the current version "You're a customer, we don't care!"

2023-11-30 13:25:56

#WordWeavers Nov 30
How would your protagonist and antagonist describe you to their bestie?
The protagonist would probably describe me as an "arsewipe" - it's his favourite expression, which is usually a good thing (but not always).
The antagonist would say nothing - he/she/it is unknown other than through their persona as a soul-destroying, life-wrecking, slave-making Warlord.
That said - I'd probably be attacked by a bunch of their drug-crazed zombies with only one objective - my demise.

2023-09-26 21:08:03

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@npub1cz0…wk5s
Interaction from "the Algorithm"...?
I prefer the peace and quiet of occasional exchanges, which may ( or may not) extend into full-blown conversations.
Follows are nice, boosts too... but necessary/essential/mind-altering?
Nope!

2023-09-03 20:44:27

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@npub1nxt…055a
**Narrows eyes**
Are you sure...?

2023-09-03 20:32:56

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@npub1nxt…055a
It pays out? 😱

2023-09-03 15:33:01

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@npub1nxt…055a
That's not to say I don't 100% support your original observations... AI designed work? Far exceeds my abilities, but I'd rather retrain than buy in to it replacing talent (no matter if my skills are crap).

2023-09-03 15:18:06

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@npub1nxt…055a
You can, if you are prepared to spend the time, make the effort and develop the skill necessary to produce your own cover! 😇

2023-08-25 20:07:31

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@npub1nxt…055a
I would, if I could... but I can't, so I shan't
My schedule's full of things to do to avoid doing the things you need to do. So...

2023-08-25 19:51:46

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@npub1nxt…055a
Slowly, deliberately, nods head a few times whilst publicly declaring "NO!"... 😜

2023-08-24 08:20:56

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@npub1yse…jaay
Thanks for the follow, and the good wishes.
May the spider who writes your works be FAR more sober than mine. (My handwriting is terrible - hence I blame a drunken spider which fell in an inkwell then crawled across the paper!).

2023-08-23 22:51:11

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@npub1yse…jaay
Breaking my own rules... followed!
I mumble occasionally, but mostly about current projects...
Published some, completed others and many WIPs to "wip" into shape... currently lagging behind website/blog design & coding.
Oh, and sometimes I comment of the poetry of @npub13ze…4rp7 - 'cause it reaches inside and touches the soul.
Otherwise, just a bean!

2023-08-17 07:18:19

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@npub1fgl…4jl4
Perhaps I am lucky in that I don't mind/care/worry over other people's opinions of me?
I do know that - whilst I'm not anti-social as such - I am free of the need for approval.
You might call it the "Popeye" approach inasmuch as I simply state "IyamwhatIyam", and that is a yewman bean - maybe not the best I can be, but certainly not the worst, for sure!
I hope the writing hasn't stalled altogether - make notes of any whimsies that cross your mind - just in case...

2023-08-16 19:03:05

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@npub1fgl…4jl4
Not really the best person to advise you, but I'll throw my coin in the fountain and make my wish...
I rarely interact with people as I am a person who doesn't need interaction. Most people are courteous when I pass comment in direct response to something they've said and I get a response in whatever form.
When I post for myself (without hashtags. flags or bunting) I generally get ignored. But meh to that... it really doesn't matter.

2023-08-07 17:51:26

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@npub1nxt…055a
If it's OCD (for me?) it's the "security" aspect. I'm trying to incorporate sign-in/sign-up for contact screen/blog comment permissions - I hate spam! (Not the tinned meat - I'm a Monty Python fan in that respect.)

2023-08-07 17:48:30

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@npub1nxt…055a
Please don't sound so organised... it hurts my teeny-weeny ego... (**grits teeth**) but, I'm not stopping until it's done!

2023-08-07 17:45:29

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@npub1nxt…055a
I recognise and second that motion - more snacks/naps as necessary!
server/client, client/server, or is it...?

2023-08-07 17:45:29

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@npub1nxt…055a
I recognise and second that motion - more snacks/naps as necessary!
server/client, client/server, or is it...?

2023-07-18 17:10:45

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@npub1nxt…055a
Will be CMSing myself later but using PhP/html/Css and maybe even a bit of javascript (if necessary).
All self-taught with all the associated flaws, but more than matched by enthusiasm.
Built a "library" with 5 reading rooms (30 books per), am building an archive of a newspaper I once ran on the bird site - and which I may resuscitate (undecided).
May go live before the CMS is ready...

2023-07-18 17:01:41

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@npub1nxt…055a
I resemble that remark!
I'm fiddling with widgets, myself!

2023-07-13 19:09:19

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@npub1nxt…055a
Uhhh... TV? What is that?
Oh! That box thing with a CRT, what changed to a flat thing, very wide, sort of gizmo a while back?
Can't switch it off.
Don't have one!

2023-06-10 14:01:55

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@npub10d5…vvxa
Oh, indeed it does.
But I'm a little masochistic in THAT respect... "You don't have to bully me to make me write, but it helps!" 🤣 😂 🤣

2023-06-10 13:59:01

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@npub10d5…vvxa
Oh, I don't resuscitate my characters (breathe life into them) they tap me on the shoulder and insist that I write - usually immediately! 😜

2023-06-10 13:55:07

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@npub10d5…vvxa
When the muse drives, enjoyment is automatic... and the respite is nominal.
It's weird, but sometimes I like the feeling that I am merely the one who is putting the words on the paper, and it is the cast of characters (or the MC in most cases) who are telling the tale.

2023-06-10 12:19:35

#WritingWonders Jun 10
How would you describe your story: fun, epic, dark, sad, etc. Why?
Overall : it's a tale of hope, but... it's got "life" threaded in the very fabric of the tale. Love, hatred, friends, lovers, enemies, betrayal, confusion, clarity... the list goes on.
It's made me laugh, and cry (almost like I'm not writing it - it's writing itself) and it's even surprised me in places.
...the uncertainty continues!

2023-05-23 09:22:29

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@npub1nxt…055a
Patience! The faceless corporate "they" are working on making appear soooooo appealing.