Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, creativity, Em Liu, Fiction, Fireside, free fiction, genre fiction, Writers, writing on July 24, 2022| Leave a Comment »
It’s a lazy, rainy Sunday afternoon and (full transparency here) I find myself sorely lacking in motivation. Since we’ve had a mini “aliens on Earth” theme this week, let’s round it out with a short story from Fireside.
The Tourist by Em Liu
He goes to Earth alone.
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Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, inspiration, Thoughts on July 23, 2022| Leave a Comment »
“. . . what I like doing best is Nothing.”
― A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner
“How do you do Nothing?” asked Pooh, after he had wondered for a long time.
“Well, it’s when people call out at you just as you’re going off to do it, What are you going to do, Christopher Robin, and you say, Oh, nothing, and then you go and do it.”
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Posted in Science!, Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, comics, inspiration, Mars, MarsPeserverance, nonfiction, science on July 22, 2022| 1 Comment »
Yesterday’s drabble was fiction, but this article is not. There really are Martians, and they’re living among us!
NASA engineer Nagin Cox on Mars rover time
Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, Fiction, free fiction, genre fiction, Thoughts, unexpected, Writers, writing on July 21, 2022| Leave a Comment »
What do you know, some people actually did read Playboy for the articles!
Read 10 of the Best Stories Ever Published in Playboy ‹ Literary Hub
…while Hefner was indeed a man who collected and commodified women and called it “feminism,” it doesn’t change the fact that the joke about reading Playboy for the articles isn’t really a joke. The magazine has published some fantastic interviews, essays, and—most importantly for our purposes here—fiction over the years, the latter thanks in part to expert fiction editor Alice K. Turner…
Since its inception, Playboy has published work by Vladimir Nabokov, James Baldwin, Shirley Jackson, Nadine Gordimer, Doris Lessing, John Updike, John Cheever, P. G. Wodehouse, Arthur C. Clarke, John Irving, Roald Dahl, Frank Herbert, Stephen King, Norman Mailer, Joyce Carol Oates, Philip K. Dick, Ray Bradbury, Annie Proulx, and many other greats.
Almost all of the stories on this list are available to read online (via sites that will not get you in trouble at work, bonus). So enjoy the classic fiction, folks, while appreciating the venues we now have for sci-fi and other fiction.
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Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, aliens, climate change, creativity, drabble, Drabble Dabble Do, Fiction, genre fiction, Thoughts, Writers, writing on July 20, 2022| 2 Comments »
A drabble inspired by my love for science fiction. Also, the news.
Tipping Point, or, Oil Lobbyists Celebrate Over Drinks (London, UK, Earth)
Four oil lobbyists drank martinis around a mahogany table in a richly-appointed bar, celebrating. Their efforts had finally succeeded.
The lobbyist at the South end of the table grinned.
“Did you see the news? 40C! God, we’re good.”
West puffed on a Cuban cigar. “They say it’s the new normal. I’d say we’re ready.”
North shivered in the frigid air. “Agreed. Make the call.”
East opened a communicator that looked like a prop from Star Trek.
“Base? Terraforming is complete. Send the first wave of settlers.”
South looked at his fleshy fingers.
“Can’t wait to get out of these clothes.”
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Posted in Other, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, cats, home, Thoughts on July 19, 2022| Leave a Comment »
After many months, we are finally ready to start searching our local rescue for a new cat. Or two!
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Posted in Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, science, space, Thoughts on July 18, 2022| Leave a Comment »
It can be hard to measure progress. Incremental gains are often overpowered by a flood of negative, and hard to ignore, counter-programming. But every so often we take a step Up, and if we’re lucky, we can look back and see how far we’ve come.
The Webb telescope is one such step. Images from Hubble are impressive, but while the older platform has done a great job, it’s been at it for twenty years.
What does it mean for Hubble to now have a sibling out there in space? How much does Webb expand our ability to see into the cosmos?
This much: Webb Compare.
It’s wonderful to see how far we’ve come.
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Posted in Likes, Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, creativity, Fiction, free fiction, genre fiction, Parsec Ink, publications, Thoughts, Writers, writing, yay on July 17, 2022| Leave a Comment »
I am very happy to announce the publication of Parsec Ink’s latest anthology, Triangulation: Energy.
The theme is sustainable energy: can we find a way to keep up with—or exceed—our present and future energy consumption levels while keeping our space livable?
Is it science fiction? Yes. Does it showcase positive takes on our energy challenges? Yes. Was I fortunate enough to have a story in it, alongside a roster of terrific authors? Yes!
The anthology is available in Kindle and paperback formats. Curious about what’s inside? Check out the Kindle preview for a sample of the first three entries, including my own story, The Jewel of New Stoltz. I know I wrote it and all, but I’m happy to be able to share a story I love.
Hope you like it too.
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Posted in Entertainment, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, genre fiction, inspiration, movies, RyanReynoldsForTheWin, tech tools on July 16, 2022| Leave a Comment »
It’s Saturday, hooray. Thinking about streaming a movie tonight? If so, this site may be for you:
Let’s check out my options. Hmm, lots of maybes, some no thanks, but wait, what’s this? Deadpool?
Yes, please!
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Posted in Likes, Writing, tagged #365Ways, #365Ways2022, #OneDrabbleSinging, creativity, fun, inspiration, music, the interwebs, writing on July 15, 2022| Leave a Comment »
In my quest to prove that the internet is good for more than trolling, discouraging news and ridiculous conspiracy theories, I give you Typatone.
The act of writing has always been an art. Now, it can also be an act of music. Each letter you type corresponds to a specific musical note putting a new spin on your composition. Make music while you write.
Type directly or use the clipboard icon to paste text. Toggle the music icon to change styles. Click the plus sign to start anew.
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What is the sound of one drabble singing?
And here’s the opening of Pride and Prejudice while we’re at it.
Delightful!
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