Writing
Aug. 18th, 2025 12:14 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithchina_shop has posted "Writing meta: What Middles Are For." It's an excellent essay about story structure.ysabetwordsmithchina_shop has posted "Writing meta: What Middles Are For." It's an excellent essay about story structure.
Read "For the Many" by Beepbird
Aug. 17th, 2025 11:23 pmysabetwordsmithbeepbird has written "For the Many," a book about plurality / multiplicity. It is available at this post with links to download PDF or EPUB formats. I know I have a bunch of plural people in my audience, and I write about some plural characters such as Damask in Polychrome Heroics or Bruce-and-Hulk in Love Is For Children (The Avengers), so I'm always watching for good resources on this topic. Go read the book. It is very clearly written and includes many practical descriptions of how to achieve healthy multiplicity. Many of the suggestions are good people skills for living in other communal contexts too. It's good to read if you have plural friends, so you don't hurt them, because society affords them little or no protection. If you want to know how to do something, listen to someone who's been doing it a while -- not an "expert" who has never done it.
How to not build the Torment Nexus
Aug. 17th, 2025 11:10 pmysabetwordsmithHow to not build the Torment Nexus
This week’s question comes to us from Will Hopkins:
When your job and healthcare depends on building the Torment Nexus, but you actually learned the lesson from the popular book Don't Build the Torment Nexus, how do you keep your soul intact and try to put less torment into the world?
I would add: when your survival requires a job, and most jobs involve building some form of Torment Nexus, be aware that your society is in the toilet, circling the drain. And it's not an accident for people to feel outright trapped in truly heinous jobs. That's what homeless people are for: so the boss can say, "Quit dragging your feet and build the goddamn Torment Nexus! Or do you want to be homeless?"
This week’s question comes to us from Will Hopkins:
When your job and healthcare depends on building the Torment Nexus, but you actually learned the lesson from the popular book Don't Build the Torment Nexus, how do you keep your soul intact and try to put less torment into the world?
I would add: when your survival requires a job, and most jobs involve building some form of Torment Nexus, be aware that your society is in the toilet, circling the drain. And it's not an accident for people to feel outright trapped in truly heinous jobs. That's what homeless people are for: so the boss can say, "Quit dragging your feet and build the goddamn Torment Nexus! Or do you want to be homeless?"
Affordable Housing
Aug. 17th, 2025 08:37 pmysabetwordsmithSmall Changes With Big Impacts in Dallas
On April 23, the Dallas City Council did something worth paying attention to.
They voted unanimously to approve a change to the city’s building code that allows up to eight dwelling units in three-story buildings under a modified version of the International Residential Code (IRC).
Multiplexes and small apartment buildings belong to the "missing middle" of affordable housing. They mix well with freestanding homes, particularly if you put them on the larger corner lots of a block. Imagine a block of mostly 2-3 bedroom houses with the corners holding a couple of small apartment buildings or multiplexes and a couple of bigger 4+ bedroom houses that could be for large families, sharehouses, boarding houses, etc. And some of those single-family homes could also have a garage apartment or a home business on the porch or garage. Such blocks exist in many of the towns near me, and they are awesome.
On April 23, the Dallas City Council did something worth paying attention to.
They voted unanimously to approve a change to the city’s building code that allows up to eight dwelling units in three-story buildings under a modified version of the International Residential Code (IRC).
Multiplexes and small apartment buildings belong to the "missing middle" of affordable housing. They mix well with freestanding homes, particularly if you put them on the larger corner lots of a block. Imagine a block of mostly 2-3 bedroom houses with the corners holding a couple of small apartment buildings or multiplexes and a couple of bigger 4+ bedroom houses that could be for large families, sharehouses, boarding houses, etc. And some of those single-family homes could also have a garage apartment or a home business on the porch or garage. Such blocks exist in many of the towns near me, and they are awesome.
Moment of Silence: Terence Stamp
Aug. 17th, 2025 08:12 pmysabetwordsmithFamous actor Terence Stamp has passed away. He was best known for his role in two Superman movies ("Kneel before Zod!") but performed in many other roles as well.
Carry on the Work:
Acting -- how to articles from wikiHow
The Creative Writer's Ultimate Guide to Science Fantasy
How to Study Voice Acting: A Step-by-Step Guide
Carry on the Work:
Acting -- how to articles from wikiHow
The Creative Writer's Ultimate Guide to Science Fantasy
How to Study Voice Acting: A Step-by-Step Guide
Climate Change
Aug. 17th, 2025 07:41 pmysabetwordsmithUnprecedented climate shocks are changing the Great Lakes forever
Heat waves and cold spells are now more common on the Great Lakes, according to U-M research, with implications for the region's weather, economy and ecology.
Extreme heat waves and cold spells on the Great Lakes have more than doubled since the late 1990s, coinciding with a major El Niño event. Using advanced ocean-style modeling adapted for the lakes, researchers traced temperature trends back to 1940, revealing alarming potential impacts on billion-dollar fishing industries, fragile ecosystems, and drinking water quality.
Heat waves and cold spells are now more common on the Great Lakes, according to U-M research, with implications for the region's weather, economy and ecology.
Extreme heat waves and cold spells on the Great Lakes have more than doubled since the late 1990s, coinciding with a major El Niño event. Using advanced ocean-style modeling adapted for the lakes, researchers traced temperature trends back to 1940, revealing alarming potential impacts on billion-dollar fishing industries, fragile ecosystems, and drinking water quality.
The Mazil’s Pronouncement (part 1 of 1, complete)
Aug. 17th, 2025 08:06 pmdialecticdreamerThe Mazil’s Pronouncement
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1823
[End of March 179-]
:: Victor tries to investigate and offer opportunities to speak for themselves, but both Dezideriu and his wife Lenuța create more problems than answers. He announces his judgment with no further fanfare. Part of the “Lost Son” story arc in the Frankenstein’s Family universe. ::
Despite the steady rainfall and the cold, clammy soil rapidly melting into mud, the village was busier, and more crowded, than any Sunday, but there were no wandering travelers or Căldărari bustling about setting up their marketing stalls. Victor sighed as he steered the smaller wagon toward the village square. Nandru approached, nodding seriously. He reached out to stroke the horse’s nose with absent, gentle fondness. “I can take the horse to the smithy, mazil,” he offered. “She’ll be ready when you want to go home, and Anca will inspect the mare’s hooves very carefully,” the teen promised. Laszlo was already moving, climbing down from the back of the wagon, as Igor moved more slowly from the front bench.
Victor smiled as he descended from the wagon. “Industriousness like that should be encouraged. Thank you, Nandru.” The mazil passed the teen a coin, with a tiny flourish meant to draw observer’s eyes to emphasize the show of favor.
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1823
[End of March 179-]
:: Victor tries to investigate and offer opportunities to speak for themselves, but both Dezideriu and his wife Lenuța create more problems than answers. He announces his judgment with no further fanfare. Part of the “Lost Son” story arc in the Frankenstein’s Family universe. ::
Despite the steady rainfall and the cold, clammy soil rapidly melting into mud, the village was busier, and more crowded, than any Sunday, but there were no wandering travelers or Căldărari bustling about setting up their marketing stalls. Victor sighed as he steered the smaller wagon toward the village square. Nandru approached, nodding seriously. He reached out to stroke the horse’s nose with absent, gentle fondness. “I can take the horse to the smithy, mazil,” he offered. “She’ll be ready when you want to go home, and Anca will inspect the mare’s hooves very carefully,” the teen promised. Laszlo was already moving, climbing down from the back of the wagon, as Igor moved more slowly from the front bench.
Victor smiled as he descended from the wagon. “Industriousness like that should be encouraged. Thank you, Nandru.” The mazil passed the teen a coin, with a tiny flourish meant to draw observer’s eyes to emphasize the show of favor.
( Read more... )
Birdfeeding
Aug. 17th, 2025 03:21 pmysabetwordsmithToday is partly sunny and sweltering.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 8/17/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 8/17/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 8/17/25 -- I watered the patio plants and the old picnic table garden.
I picked 4 goldenberries.
I've seen a male cardinal.
EDIT 8/17/25 -- I watered the new picnic table garden.
I picked 2 red cherry tomatoes.
.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 8/17/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 8/17/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 8/17/25 -- I watered the patio plants and the old picnic table garden.
I picked 4 goldenberries.
I've seen a male cardinal.
EDIT 8/17/25 -- I watered the new picnic table garden.
I picked 2 red cherry tomatoes.
.
Robotics
Aug. 17th, 2025 01:38 pmysabetwordsmithChina firm plans world’s first pregnancy humanoid robot using artificial womb
The innovation uses artificial amniotic fluid and nutrient delivery via hose, replicating natural gestation, now to be integrated into humanoid robots.
( Read more... )
The innovation uses artificial amniotic fluid and nutrient delivery via hose, replicating natural gestation, now to be integrated into humanoid robots.
( Read more... )
The Travels of Anadrasata Nearabhigan: Day 62
Aug. 17th, 2025 06:16 pmrix_scaeduAnadrasata is beginning to think seriously about her preparations for returning home, and she makes another excursion without the presence of another family member. There are various discussions.
This piece runs to 3,784 words and I hope that you enjoy it.
Twirsday, 12 Deichen, 1893 C.E.
Asnan, 2 Kaalen, 2157 T.M.L.
10 Ueuekayometilistli, 17 Coatl, 6.11.2.1.8.3.18
Dear Journal,
When I woke this morning I did remember to ask Nais whether she had a chest to carry her possessions in for the trip home to Umbrial, and to tell her that we need to check whether or not I will need another chest. She asked me whether I have a cloak and gloves warm enough for the passage across the edge of the Southern Ice because she has made the journey, once and in this direction, and she does not believe that the garments I have with me, which include my winter clothes suitable for an Umbrial winter, are sufficient for the journey. She added that although she still has what she wore on the trip here, they were not truly adequate for the journey then and they are more worn now. I said that I would raise the matter with Lord Elnaith and Axolin, the first for advice and the second because he would probably have the same problem. I also suggested that she raises the matter with Axolin's manservant as he will need sufficiently warm clothing too, and he probably has some insight intothe contents of Axolin's wardrobe.
I descended the stairs in time to bid farewell to Miztli and Tekatl Umetlalliyaotl as they left the house for their morning practice and general training. I then joined my male cousins as they breakfasted and discussed their plans for the day. I took the opportunity to ask Yeiteskatl what his enquiries concerning concerts had discovered. There are, it seems, five venues in Tlemutsiko that regularly hold concerts of the type I would recognise as a concert and not a play with songs and music. One of those is currently in the middle of a season of plays with songs and music. One is under renovation, to which Cousin Ghrus commented, "It was time," while the other three have concerts scheduled between now and our planned departure but they are fully subscribed. Tickets might become available to the fully subscribed concerts, but they are highly unlikely to do so in the numbers we would need for everyone who was interested to attend the same concert. It was his intention to seek instruction from the senior ladies as to their wishes, but after everyone has finished breakfast.
( Read more... )A Long Day Ahead (part 1 of 1, complete)
Aug. 16th, 2025 07:06 pmdialecticdreamerA Long Day Ahead
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1664
[End of March 179-]
:: In the morning, Victor must decide what to do about Dezideriu and his family. Part of the “Lost Son” story arc in the Frankenstein’s Family universe. ::
Morning light, just beginning to brighten into true dawn, drifted lazily into the kitchen. Victor sat at the table with Adam in his lap, feeding the boy a mix of lightly cooked fruit chunks and mămăligă, corn porridge. “Good morning, mazil,” Laslzo greeted as soon as he stepped through the doorway. He scanned the room. “Did Dorottya and Dénes go home last night?”
Igor answered as he motioned toward the table. “Sit. You’re just in time; the tea has just finished steeping. Yes,” he added lightly, “neither wanted to leave their children for that long.”
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1664
[End of March 179-]
:: In the morning, Victor must decide what to do about Dezideriu and his family. Part of the “Lost Son” story arc in the Frankenstein’s Family universe. ::
Morning light, just beginning to brighten into true dawn, drifted lazily into the kitchen. Victor sat at the table with Adam in his lap, feeding the boy a mix of lightly cooked fruit chunks and mămăligă, corn porridge. “Good morning, mazil,” Laslzo greeted as soon as he stepped through the doorway. He scanned the room. “Did Dorottya and Dénes go home last night?”
Igor answered as he motioned toward the table. “Sit. You’re just in time; the tea has just finished steeping. Yes,” he added lightly, “neither wanted to leave their children for that long.”
( Read more... )
Genetics
Aug. 16th, 2025 02:56 pmysabetwordsmithGreat white sharks have a DNA mystery science still can’t explain
Once on the brink during the last ice age, great white sharks made a remarkable recovery globally, but their DNA reveals a baffling story. Classic migration explanations fail, leaving scientists with a mystery that defies reproductive and evolutionary logic.
The most important part of science is being willing and able to say, "I don't know."
Once on the brink during the last ice age, great white sharks made a remarkable recovery globally, but their DNA reveals a baffling story. Classic migration explanations fail, leaving scientists with a mystery that defies reproductive and evolutionary logic.
The most important part of science is being willing and able to say, "I don't know."
Birdfeeding
Aug. 16th, 2025 02:47 pmysabetwordsmithToday is partly sunny and sweltering.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, a male cardinal, and a mourning dove.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 8/16/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 8/16/25 -- I did a more work around the patio.
EDIT 8/16/25 -- I watered the patio plants and old picnic table garden.
EDIT 8/16/25 -- I watered the new picnic table garden.
I picked 5 ground cherries and a red cherry tomato. The ground cherries are related to tomatillos, with a sweet fruit inside a husk. They are about the size of a chickpea with a faint pineapple flavor. :D
EDIT 8/16/25 -- I watered the telephone pole garden and a few of the savanna seedlngs.
Cicacas and crickets are singing. Fireflies are out. I saw a bat.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a mixed flock of sparrows and house finches, a male cardinal, and a mourning dove.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 8/16/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 8/16/25 -- I did a more work around the patio.
EDIT 8/16/25 -- I watered the patio plants and old picnic table garden.
EDIT 8/16/25 -- I watered the new picnic table garden.
I picked 5 ground cherries and a red cherry tomato. The ground cherries are related to tomatillos, with a sweet fruit inside a husk. They are about the size of a chickpea with a faint pineapple flavor. :D
EDIT 8/16/25 -- I watered the telephone pole garden and a few of the savanna seedlngs.
Cicacas and crickets are singing. Fireflies are out. I saw a bat.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
Matchmaker, Matchmaker (part 1 of 1, complete
Aug. 16th, 2025 01:06 pmdialecticdreamerMatchmaker, Matchmaker
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1361
:: Officer Pink has a visitor at work, who has a very unusual request. Part of the Mercedes and Officer Pink story threads in the Polychrome Heroics universe, this story was prompted bychanter and sponsored by fuzzyred, with my great thanks. They’ll get credit for the sequel, as well. ::
The Asian boy shifted from one foot to the other, standing in the Bluehill police station waiting room, though there were at least a dozen empty seats. He waved off the polite young woman in a cadet’s uniform. “No, thanks. I’ll wait for Officer Pink.” He pulled a steno book from his teardrop bag, opened it to his current spot because a rubber band held previously used pages together with the front cover, and dipped into the bag again to retrieve a four-color pen.
He paced, only three steps in each direction, toward the empty corner, then back. His writing never slowed as he walked, nor as he turned. Only when he stopped walking did the pen stop, hovering an inch above the green-tinted paper as he thought.
( Read more... )
By Dialecticdreamer/Sarah Williams
Part 1 of 1, complete
Word count (story only): 1361
:: Officer Pink has a visitor at work, who has a very unusual request. Part of the Mercedes and Officer Pink story threads in the Polychrome Heroics universe, this story was prompted by
chanter and sponsored by fuzzyred, with my great thanks. They’ll get credit for the sequel, as well. ::The Asian boy shifted from one foot to the other, standing in the Bluehill police station waiting room, though there were at least a dozen empty seats. He waved off the polite young woman in a cadet’s uniform. “No, thanks. I’ll wait for Officer Pink.” He pulled a steno book from his teardrop bag, opened it to his current spot because a rubber band held previously used pages together with the front cover, and dipped into the bag again to retrieve a four-color pen.
He paced, only three steps in each direction, toward the empty corner, then back. His writing never slowed as he walked, nor as he turned. Only when he stopped walking did the pen stop, hovering an inch above the green-tinted paper as he thought.
( Read more... )
Magpie Monday Report for August of 2025
Aug. 16th, 2025 11:07 amdialecticdreamerDone! YAAY. After an unexpected struggle last month, I am inexpressibly relieved to be back “on track” with the prompt call! Doing this, and keeping abreast of the writing for the “Lost Son” arc has been a truly wonderful stretch. It wouldn’t have happened without my wonderful readers!
( Read more... )
( Read more... )
Climate Change
Aug. 16th, 2025 01:20 amysabetwordsmithMexican cave stalagmites reveal the deadly droughts behind the Maya collapse
Summary:
Chemical evidence from a stalagmite in Mexico has revealed that the Classic Maya civilization’s decline coincided with repeated severe wet-season droughts, including one that lasted 13 years. These prolonged droughts corresponded with halted monument construction and political disruption at key Maya sites, suggesting that climate stress played a major role in the collapse. The findings demonstrate how stalagmites offer unmatched precision for linking environmental change to historical events.
Just in case you thought climate change wasn't very important, a shift in the environmental conditions is one of the leading causes of civilization collapse.
Summary:
Chemical evidence from a stalagmite in Mexico has revealed that the Classic Maya civilization’s decline coincided with repeated severe wet-season droughts, including one that lasted 13 years. These prolonged droughts corresponded with halted monument construction and political disruption at key Maya sites, suggesting that climate stress played a major role in the collapse. The findings demonstrate how stalagmites offer unmatched precision for linking environmental change to historical events.
Just in case you thought climate change wasn't very important, a shift in the environmental conditions is one of the leading causes of civilization collapse.
Creative Jam
Aug. 16th, 2025 01:17 amysabetwordsmithThe August ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
crowdfunding Creative Jam is now up with a theme of "Inner vs. Outer Strength." Come give us prompts or claim some for your own inspiration.
What I Have Written
From My Prompts
crowdfunding Creative Jam is now up with a theme of "Inner vs. Outer Strength." Come give us prompts or claim some for your own inspiration.What I Have Written
From My Prompts
Tags:
Philosophical Questions: Diversity
Aug. 16th, 2025 12:16 amysabetwordsmithPeople have expressed interest in deep topics, so this list focuses on philosophical questions.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of diversity in society?
( Read more... )
What are the benefits and drawbacks of diversity in society?
( Read more... )