C. R. Collins

Tree-hugging indie fantasy author
Currently located in the SoCal desert
https://crcollins.org
#IndieAuthor #FantasyBooks #HopePunk

Public Key

npub1hlftkt7td4enzkd3wx6p5qarl03cwn6xt8ar5tq0j79xs5xtx54sfdqyuw

NIP-05 Address

crcollins_at_writing.exchange@mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqstl54m9l9k6ue3txchrdq6qw3lhcu8far9n7369s8e0zng2r9n22cpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0ds0dzskc

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub1hlftkt7td4enzkd3wx6p5qarl03cwn6xt8ar5tq0j79xs5xtx54sfdqyuw

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Last Notes

2024-09-06 11:38:10

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@npub12f4…c89f
Did you tell them about party lines too? 😆 (I'm just sitting here fossilizing)

2024-08-09 16:58:55

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@npub13q8…ann7
They call children "unemployed minors"?? Wow.

2024-07-23 18:12:29

KAMALA! - A Randy Rainbow Song Parody
https://youtube.com/watch?v=0RbKStEFNT8&si=sJiacY3giIFl_0Ch
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/837/155/122/232/534/original/26639cc0776f440e.jpg

2024-07-10 11:48:10

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@npub1z02…n5gr
Congratulations on publishing! 🥳

2024-07-10 11:34:03

#WritersCoffeeClub Jul 10
Do we meet any significant primary/secondary characters in the first chapter? Who are they?
We meet the MC, her boyfriend, Mac (who she doesn't call 'boyfriend,') a long-term coworker, a new coworker, & 2 other SCs. And a dog.
A weird chunky brindle dog appeared from the shadows. "The man bothering you? I’ll bite him for a treat." She nodded at Mac, the white tuft of fur on her head bouncing.
“No thanks. I’m good.”
I waited while she made a similar offer to him.

2024-07-10 11:27:06

#WordWeavers Jul 10
What stays the same in every story you write?
The world. All books take place on the improbable planet of Ardonna. Readers learn more details about it with each story.

2024-07-09 19:04:31

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@npub192d…7tgc
😳

2024-07-09 11:47:56

#PennedPossibilities 370
Does your SC prefer taking risks or having a safety net?
As a traveler, G considers herself everyone else's safety net. Travelers are a pretty arrogant order, being hard to catch & not usually weighed down by emotions, including anxiety. They are prone to taking risks, which they don't view as such.

2024-07-09 11:41:52

#WordWeavers Jul 9
What are you doing differently with your story compared to your previous work?
Fury's Gift will be the final sequel in the Tales of Ardonna series so I am attempting to tie up any loose ends, SC plotlines, etc. Basically give all characters a satisfactory ending point though, of course, their stories go on "off screen." I am planning a lovely "snapshot" final scene with most of the mains together which my editor will love. 😀

2024-07-09 11:35:58

#WritersCoffeeClub Jul 9
Is your WIP's first chapter indicative of the whole work?
Chapter 1 introduces the MC as she is at that moment, her personality, etc. It jumps the reader into her main issue. She'll change over time, as will the situation. It gives enough background on her, some main characters, their lives, their relationships, & concerns so the reader gets a sense of how things are before everything falls to shit. Some hints are given as to what might cause a problem later.

2024-07-08 17:35:23

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@npub1xzn…r5zm
I lived in TX for years. My son and family are in Austin. It's awful how things are run there.

2024-07-08 12:10:11

#WordWeavers Jul 8
Is there a person you’d love to show your writing to but are afraid to do it?
Not since I started publishing. They're all there, free for anyone to read. I've given up on fear.
There are people whose opinions I can guess & would rather not hear. I doubt they'd buy the books. My family has a few hyper-religious intolerant sorts, sadly.

2024-07-08 11:53:55

#WritersCoffeeClub Jul 8
Share the opening of your work. First line or paragraph.
“I don’t understand why—in this day and age—we have to put labels on things. Bind ourselves like some Dragon Age church couple.” I batted at the street lamp dipping into my face. “They really need to up the enchantment on these things.”

2024-07-08 11:51:04

#PennedPossibilities 369
How do your characters express romantic love?
Gia is a traveler. They move to known locations in an instant--holding all places at once, even other worlds--only needing to choose. This is said to be the reason why they lack feelings--their spirit jumps in & out of them. G doesn't get "romance."
But she does like Mac. They've lived together for 3 years. And now this new person, who is really shaking things up.

2024-07-07 13:26:16

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@npub1d62…tshf
Okay you confused me. I had to go back and look "Was this question an MC POV?" 🤣 Great twist on it!

2024-07-07 13:24:13

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@npub1xn6…lyx3
Mmmm coffee!! 🤤

2024-07-07 13:23:10

#PennedPossibilities 368
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
I don't eat while writing. That's my reward after a writing session. 😆 I mostly drink water or coffee.

2024-07-07 12:06:01

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@npub1k24…26zw
Love the Legos!

2024-07-07 11:49:58

#WordWeavers July7
How did you feel after your last writing session? Why?
Accomplished. I feel like that after every session where progress is made 😆

2024-07-07 11:43:34

#WritersCoffeeClub Jul 7
Do you structure your WIP into chapters/sections as you write? Do you use Epigraphs? Share the basic structure for your WIP.
I normally write in chapters although it might take more than one day to finish one. These may be revised over the course of the story. I like to keep them no more than 10 Word doc pages, with 15 being my max, so sometimes I wind up splitting chapters & reworking. Most simply have chapter numbers except my Dragon Age books which have song lyrics.

2024-07-06 14:55:41

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@npub1rxr…8hy0
That's one I'd read and retain. Interesting and not an info dump.

2024-07-06 13:34:01

#WordWeavers Jul 6
Antagonist POV: Who do you trust with your life?
"They told me I would always have a place if I came to them in sincerity. We'll see. I'd rather die than live without them anymore."
*my favorite villain who will finally get his redemption arc

2024-07-06 13:26:52

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@npub18kv…6pnx
I can't blame them. 😆 Cherries are mmmm 🥰

2024-07-06 13:23:58

#WritersCoffeeClub Jul 6
Prologue > Does/will your WIP have a prologue. Share a snippet if you've written one. How do you feel about prologues?
I have no strong opinions about prologues except my brain cannot retain a large wall of text info dump about places & characters who are strangers to me. I keep having to go back to the front to look things up. I prefer short ones that set a mood, preferably with dialogue and/or action.
I've not had reason to use one in my books as of yet & no plans.

2024-07-06 12:13:18

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@npub1yy2…7vpm
Oh that's right 😞 That's going to be particularly hard and exhausting. Do try to take some time for yourself.

2024-07-06 01:51:28

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@npub1yy2…7vpm
Yeah I can sympathize. I never take a holiday. I like holidays cause it's usually quieter and I can get more work done. 😆 But all the writing biz stuff is fun.

2024-07-05 14:32:33

#PennedPossibilities 366
What is your SC likely to take away from a painful experience?
Horatio Joi would probably just suppress everything, as usual. 😆

2024-07-05 14:24:37

#Today dog & I are still recovering from fireworks which went on past midnight. That's when I remembered I still had some of her tranquilizing pills in her drawer. 🤪 She's usually chill about neighborhood fireworks, but one of my close neighbors went all out this year & sent her cowering under the bed.

2024-07-05 14:22:05

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@npub1mvk…ps6j
Awww. Your wife is so sweet 😀 Have a great day!

2024-07-05 14:11:05

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@npub1xcy…2zyp
*taps coffee cup to fellow .3 indenter" I thought this was just me being fussy 😆

2024-07-05 12:52:34

#WritersCoffeeClub Jul 5
Do you have a favourite font you'll use for the WIP? How do you format the paragraphs, chapters, etc?
I just use bog-standard TNR, 12 pt, double spaced. Paragraph indentations are set to .3 as it looks better in an ebook to me. All formatting is done using Word's auto features which allows easy converting through Calibre. Ebooks are much easier than paper as far as formatting/setup goes. If I ever do paper I have Atticus to try out.

2024-07-04 22:45:47

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@npub1cun…ve4n
All my books are in first person, if you enjoy fantasy.
https://crcollins.org

2024-07-04 13:31:42

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@npub1tfp…0mnp
OK. I don't feel bad foregoing that extra work then 🤣

2024-07-04 13:29:45

So I made this. Not sure how many of these plants will survive but I'm feeling accomplished and crafty. 🤩 #Today #Gardening #cacti #succulent
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/728/459/457/038/561/original/ad7410e433dba1d7.jpg

2024-07-04 13:20:01

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@npub1tfp…0mnp
Interesting that you add your social media channels. I just have my main two linked from my website which I point readers to in the back matter. Do you find more people seek you out this way?

2024-07-04 12:29:11

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@npub1mvk…ps6j
Yeah, I'm hoping this won't be our last independence day. 😔 And I love that movie.

2024-07-04 12:03:25

#WordWeavers Jul 4
Who among your cast could become your friend?
Fury's Gift has a lot of characters I could be friends with. But the situation is pretty dire, being the final sequel & all. I'd best stay out of their way.

2024-07-04 11:59:15

#PennedPossibilities 365
1st Anniversary: How does your MC view their mother?
Happy Anniversary! G in Fury's Gift prefers not to view her mother at all. The woman is maddening.
Light flashed at my shoulder, and I groaned.
“Giadella.” Mother looked hilariously out of place in her tailored suit dress. She glanced around. “Where in Ardonna are we?”
I turned to tinker with the fixture some more. “This is a catwalk. Why are you here?”
“You wanted to talk. Why are you lurking like a bat?”

2024-07-04 11:54:05

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@npub192d…7tgc
Ooh. Hadn't thought about adding "no AI." I do have that on my website.

2024-07-04 11:42:49

#WritersCoffeeClub July 4
Do you have standard front matter that you'll apply to this WIP, or does it vary between projects?
All my books have a title page, copyright/disclaimer page (my artist & editor credits are here,) & dedication page. These stay the same except for wording/ date changes for the specific book. I keep front matter in a separate doc, then copy & paste in & edit as one of the final steps. Word generates the Table of Contents & I pretty it up.

2024-07-03 14:18:57

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@npub1xcy…2zyp
I'm so old school with Word and Excel. But they're familiar and comfortable after years of using them for work.

2024-07-03 13:14:21

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@npub1e08…av8p
Have fun! (I hope it's for fun)

2024-07-03 13:05:04

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@npub1eue…8v04
Yep. I can't even count the number of go-throughs I do before I feel a book is "ready enough". 😅 This current one needed two more characters I need to fit in. 🤪

2024-07-03 12:04:16

#WritersCoffeeClub Jul 3
Do you have a title for your WIP or just a working title? How do you decide on a title?
My current WIP is titled Fury's Gift.
Titles usually come to me fairly early on, even before I start writing. I had one exception where I knew what I wanted the title to refer to, but it took me a while to settle on it.

2024-07-02 11:59:00

#WordWeavers Jul 2
What is the biggest sacrifice your MC is ready to make?
G risks her life more than once in the course of the story because ... spoilers. But a bigger risk, to her mind, might be getting too close.

2024-07-02 11:53:31

#WritersCoffeeClub Jul 2
When you complete your WIP, do you intend to have a Half Title (Bastard Page)? How do you feel about them?
I had to look this up so evidently I'd no use for one 😆 And, no, now that I know what this is for, I only do ebooks.

2024-06-30 15:45:08

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@npub1yy2…7vpm
Yeah, my spreadsheets constantly evolve and grow more organized. Early versions have an extensive notes tab. I worked with spreadsheets for years so am comfortable with them. Helps my brain visualize.

2024-06-30 12:25:00

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@npub1e7e…sycm
I took 30 years to finish the first book I published 🤣 I wasn't writing much during that time, as real life interfered, but, yeah, surprised myself by actually finishing.

2024-06-30 12:17:57

#WritersCoffeeClub June 30
If you’re a pantser, have you tried plotting and vice versa?
I've gotten to be more of a plotter over time, yet have never generated a full, rigid outline. These days I have a spreadsheet to organize everything. It tends to evolve along with the story so is more of a guideline for future edits than for the first draft. I will make notations for changes in the chapter section.

2024-06-30 12:14:02

#WordWeavers June 30
Is your current book turning out the way you expected it to?
My books tend to evolve from the original plan although usually still have the same core plot I envisioned.

2024-06-29 15:40:28

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@npub10mw…xxep
Poor cows never get a break

2024-06-29 15:29:48

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@npub1yj3…cmfd
Hey now, no barging into our fantasies with your real-life wisdom about how things actually work 🤣

2024-06-29 12:48:43

#PennedPossibilities 360
Where did your MC's core personality traits come from?
My head 🤣
Jade probably gets her fighting independent spirit from her mage grand matron who founded Sharren. She received both a religious & secular education but was most influenced by her lore master, Master Zagon, who slipped in mage teachings along with science. And also her bird ally, Shar, who's been with her since she was six. Both encouraged free thinking.

2024-06-29 12:41:16

#WritersCoffeeClub June 29
If Netflix were to make your WIP into a series, what would the soundtrack sound like?
For Song of Jade: Red Wolf it could be something like Monty Python's Holy Grail. The book is serious, yet not, as it pokes gentle fun at the classic heroic tales, starting with her "song" which embellishes the true story with its over the top praise. In reality, our hero fumbles a lot & often feels clueless.

2024-06-29 12:36:17

#WordWeavers June 29
What does your SC find most annoying about your MC?
Queen Mariam hates her daughter's attitude.
“The Code derives from our human heritage,” she continued. “This is the tradition we should cling to. Not the practices of an alien race, with morals strange to us. I explained this to your lore master many times before he was dismissed. He filled your head with superstitions. While in seclusion, you should consider the fate of your eternal soul. Study our texts.”

2024-06-29 12:22:16

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@npub192d…7tgc
I am completely done with the mainstream news media.

2024-06-29 02:03:46

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@npub183r…jdnk
So sorry for your loss.

2024-06-28 15:00:19

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@npub1hy4…fw8v
I sometimes feel like they (whoever "they" are) are purposely trying to keep us angry and exhausted. That's not the person I want to be. Your evening sounds lovely. We need more fun and kindness.

2024-06-28 13:45:50

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@npub18kv…6pnx
*Pictures a seance* "Tell us what happens next"

2024-06-28 13:44:44

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@npub1j8d…5lak
I love it! 😆

2024-06-28 13:43:28

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@npub18r2…4slu
I get this. I always feel like I am straying toward sappy. Emotional scenes tend to get more rewrites.

2024-06-28 13:42:16

#PennedPossibilities 359
What part of a story do you have the hardest time writing?
The timeline. Is that a part? 🤔 I have to go back and make sure the time of day corresponds to the pace of the story. For example, during my editing of the most recent book I realized "Crap! This scene should take place at night!" Had to tweak all the scenery references.
Also spatial references. I'm bad at picturing movement in my head. One character would have needed 3 hands for what I had her doing. 🤪

2024-06-28 13:33:32

#WordWeavers June 28
Do you include inside jokes for friends or fan groups in your stories?
I have a few joke cultural references and references to other books here and there, which a reader may or may not pick up on.

2024-06-28 13:29:38

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@npub1vmn…r9uz
Sense8? Okay, your book was already on my "to be read once I get my head out of my own books" list but now it's moved to the top. 😍

2024-06-28 13:28:06

#WritersCoffeeClub June 28
What audio/visual artistic work (TV, movie, play, painting etc.) has been the biggest influence on your writing?
Hmm. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer show had the best banter which I have aspired to emulate.
I do think of my work in terms of a painting, where I add more details over time, with each pass through.

2024-06-28 02:30:56

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@npub1d62…tshf
I couldn't watch any of it

2024-06-28 00:25:09

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@npub1exd…zltk
Anything else. I can't stand the sight or sound of that treasonous felon. It disgusts me he is still allowed to be a candidate.

2024-06-28 00:20:12

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@npub1cy3…ra4a
Yay! 🥳 I love that color! 🤩

2024-06-27 21:55:43

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@npub1cy3…ra4a
Loved that show! (And the book)

2024-06-27 21:26:26

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@npub1aq2…4nfw
Do they even know what's in the bible? I can see them losing their minds over kids learning the "woke" teachings of Jesus. Will they go chapter by chapter? No, I'm sure they'll cherry pick.

2024-06-27 16:18:13

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@npub1mvk…ps6j
Hope you feel better!

2024-06-27 15:05:10

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@npub18kv…6pnx
Reminds me of that Buffy line: "Dawn's in trouble, must be Tuesday." 🤣

2024-06-27 14:37:19

Nominations for stupidest scam email? Here's my candidate: "Your social security number has been temporarily suspended." Uh, no, that's not a thing. That number follows US Americans around from birth to death & beyond. #Today

2024-06-27 13:48:38

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@npub1sws…94xh
I honestly didn't expect to ever get my book written. It was a surprise when it turned into a trilogy and a greater shock when I had more books to write after that. I'll be publishing book 9 in September.

2024-06-27 13:46:53

#PennedPossibilities 358
How would your characters react to an apocalypse?
My characters regularly deal with events that could bring about the end of their societies & maybe even the world so they'd just keep doing what they do, fighting evil while complaining about it. 😆

2024-06-27 13:37:04

#WordWeavers June 27
Do you have any sort of marginalized group representation?
Yes & no. 😀 My books have plenty of characters from groups marginalized in our world, but these are not marginalized on Ardonna. The familiar inane hatred & bigotry exists but is applied to other groups.
Two exceptions: there's one theocracy that is horrible to women. And my final sequel has a trans character who suffers from intolerance, but her circumstances are very different from here.

2024-06-27 13:28:10

#WritersCoffeeClub June 27
What's the longest period of writer's block you've suffered, or do you not suffer?
30 years, I guess you could say. Although I didn't actively try to write during most of that time, my creativity had petered out for a while at the beginning of that period. I had a lot of other things going on, including college where I had to write a lot of non-fiction. Once I got back into fiction writing 7 years ago, I didn't stop.

2024-06-26 14:07:20

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@npub1nuw…pzfl
We had an unusual amount of rain from last fall through winter. I miss it!

2024-06-26 12:31:36

We have reached that time of year where it's just hot all the time, from before sunup to after sundown, and over 100 degrees (F) at its hottest in the afternoons. Yesterday was 104, today they're predicting 108, with the rest of the week worse (112 on Sunday.) My garden plants must view me as a goddess with a hose. 😆 Hope everyone is staying cool, wherever you are. #Today

2024-06-26 12:27:32

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@npub192d…7tgc
Rain would be SO nice. We had more than our share since last fall but I don't expect anymore for a while. 😔

2024-06-26 12:23:29

#WritersCoffeeClub June 26
How much time elapses between your WIP's first and last chapter?
The main story of Song of Jade: Red Wolf covers a little over a year, but there's a 5 year fast forward at the end. So, basically, 6 years from first to last chapter. Jade starts out at age 18 & ends up 24.

2024-06-26 12:19:43

#WordWeavers June 26
Does your MC truly fix stuff, or are they a duct tape type of fixer?
Jade is a princess. She had "people" to fix things. On her own, she's been mainly on the run so this problem hasn't come up. She would likely give it a try though.

2024-06-25 23:11:25

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@npub1mfg…zv6k
Ouch. Thought pretty highly of herself.

2024-06-25 13:06:53

#PennedPossibilities 356: Share an excerpt from your WIP that either shows your villain's true colors or perfectly describes them as a person or being.
Hmm. This shows her true form, which no one in the north knew until this moment. I guess it fits.
The Red Wolf shivered, and the air around her blurred.
When it cleared, I faced a woman. She looked nearer to my mother’s age than mine, and just as regal. Her human form had the same copper hair and stern green eyes.

2024-06-25 12:33:22

#Today Good Morning from the desert! It's my oldest's birthday today. 😀 48! 😳 How did this happen?
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/677/276/969/879/078/original/12eec2f0e45977fd.jpg

2024-06-25 12:29:28

#WordWeavers June 25
When in danger, does your MC fight, flee, or fawn?
Jade prefers to fight. However she can. Her sword isn't always a match for magery but she tries.
It irks her that she was forced to flee her country to save it from danger & intends to go back when it's possible.

2024-06-24 21:23:51

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@npub1xmc…pjd8
We've got plenty of far right people here. Angrier than in red states since they're not in charge.

2024-06-24 20:16:44

#PennedPossibilities 355
If your MC desires friends, do they see every meeting as an opportunity to make a new friend?
Jade, as heir to the throne, tends to think more in terms of *allies* than friends, though she is happy when the former turns into the latter.

2024-06-24 18:08:25

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@npub10d5…vvxa
I actually avoid doctors after some past bad experiences.

2024-06-24 16:34:08

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@npub10d5…vvxa
That's horrible 😔

2024-06-24 14:05:32

#WritersCoffeeClub June 24
What does your narrator sound like in your mind?
I write in 1st person so the narrator sounds like the MC of whatever book I'm working on. Oddly enough, though they are speaking in my head, their voices all sound distinct. Rowena is different from Jade, who differs from Cali, or Beau, etc & so forth. Older Jade sounds different from younger Jade. If I weren't a writer I'd probably need to seek psychological help 🤣

2024-06-24 13:51:10

#WordWeavers June 24
What would it take for you to give up writing your current book?
Which one? 🤣 I'm currently editing my Sept release which goes to its copy edit July 1. I also currently have 3 other books in various stages of completion--one nearly done, one recently started/ still plotting, & the last in note-jotting stage. These will all be finished unless I die first.

2024-06-23 18:21:44

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@npub1dtg…a874
This must be for trad books? If a library buys my book through Overdrive I get $5.99

2024-06-23 12:57:02

#PennedPossibilities 354
Describe your SC or MC’s relationship with their birthplace or homeland.
Jade is next in line for the throne & cares very much about her country. Sadly, the only way she found to save it was to run away.

2024-06-23 12:52:55

#WritersCoffeeClub June 23
Some people can't access literature due to social factors. Are we doing anything to break down these barriers?
"Social factors" seems pretty broad. Poverty? Book bans? Industry stronghold preventing certain books from publishing?
I'm indie so write with no constraints beyond proper editing. My ebooks are affordable & available at regular vendors, my direct buy store which is always cheaper, & libraries. I support other indies any way I can. And vote against fascists.

2024-06-23 12:03:29

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@npub18hq…znkd
We have a bunch of these around here. I like them. I used to live near oil pumps and refineries. These are much uglier, truly ruin the landscapes, and the refineries stink.

2024-06-22 11:59:57

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@npub1sej…p32v
I wish they were more affordable. I'd love to have one. I keep thinking they'll drop prices at some point? Or at least more used ones will be available, I suppose.

2024-06-22 11:48:26

#WordWeavers June 22
Could your MCs manage keeping plants alive?
I have another MC who'd be much better at it, but Jade might do okay. She learned botany, plant identification, & mageric collection techniques as part of her studies with Master Z, & worked as a specimen procurer during the time she had to live anonymously. She never learned to grow them but could give it a good try. Her main problem might be having the time to care for them day-to-day.

2024-06-22 11:40:38

#WritersCoffeeClub June 22
Do you have a writer's totem, such as an old toy or a certain cup?
I have a Tolkien map mousepad I can barely read anymore. Maybe that qualifies?

2024-06-21 20:47:27

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@npub1xmc…pjd8
Hard to say how everyone did 😀 Maybe they messed other things up that you got right.