Termination Shock, by Neal Stevenson. Climate change sci-fi. He’s one of my absolute faves.

On deck: Megan Abbot’s The Turnout. She’s one of my absolute faves too.

Quote by AaronArcher

Unfortunately, no one seems to have much interest in discussing writing.

Dude, I will discuss writing until the cows come home! Watcha got?

Hit the snooze button only once this morning. It's a Christmas miracle!

Not much going on. No Talia Friday. Wah. We are going to a play tomorrow, one of T's faves: Cinderella. Wash the dishes, Cinderelly, mop the floor, Cinderelly! It should be fun.

A coffee and a banana chocolate cookie please.

They’re talking about rebooting Six Feet Under on HBO. Grrr. It would make irrelevant perhaps the greatest finale in television history. The show was a little uneven, but when it worked (as in the finale) it was perfect.

I gotta get that booster. We were all over the original shots, but we've been lax on the booster.

Nice day out, and my youngest's birthday! It'll be a chill but fun affair. I'm pushing for Thai food. We may well end up with pizza.

Not much else going on. Only hit the snooze button once this morning. Progress!

A giant coffee and one of those FABU cookies from Sara.

Nice cookies, Sara! (Not a euphemism.)

Hit the snooze button twice AGAIN today. I don't know what is wrong with me. Still, got my words in, got a birthday cake for my youngest, and survived the INSANE wind of earlier today.

Christmas shopping and Christmas prep is DONE. Gonna relax into the holidays from here no in.

I'll take a coffee and one of those delish cookies.

Quote by AnnaMayZing

I have submitted The Nurses. Probably not happen though. 🙄

Good luck. They mention something about providing a critique, so at the very least you might get some good feedback.

I got nothin, though.

Coffee stat! Cookies too! I can't wake up. Wah. Hit the snooze alarm TWICE!

Writing a little today, but lots of chores and lunch with youngest, so I won't get much done. And tonight listening to a video horror reading that has some friends of mine in it.

Nothing else to say, my brain isn't working. Should be a chill day. Everyone enjoy the season!

This rarely happens. The Berkley Open Submission Program (Penguin/Random House, one of the big publishing houses) is allowing writers to submit a ten-page sample of their completed manuscript, NO AGENT NEEDED. "We’re looking for commercial and genre fiction in the following areas: romance, women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, mystery/thriller, science fiction, fantasy, and horror."

Here's the link. It's a REALLY short submission window: Dec 7th, 2021 - Jan 9th, 2022

https://sites.prh.com/berkley-open-submission-program

___

Submissions must include a 1-page synopsis, the first 10 pages of the manuscript, an author bio, and a query letter with links to social media platforms, if applicable, and any other information you wish the editors to consider. A query letter is an introductory one page letter that tells an editor something about the story, something about the writer, and why Berkley should publish the book.

Got a ton of presents wrapped. Christmas prep--albeit WAY reduced from previous years--is nearly done.

It's been out a while, but The Outsider is really good (based on the Stephen King book, also good). A little slow, it feels a little padded, but it's thoughtful and grounded and takes its time to show you the characters.

It appears I have to avoid Succession season three spoilers for the foreseeable future.

Gotta work! Started late! Coffee and thirty seven cookies please!!!

Survived critique group Saturday. Two and a half hours, all spent on the first 50 pages of the new thing. They ripped it apart and suggested ways to put it back together, but in a very constructive way. As the leader-ish guy said, “We wouldn’t spend two and a half hours critiquing it if we didn’t really like it.” So I came away happy, but knowing there is a ton of work to do in the second draft.

They also all urged me to not go back and rewrite yet, but just finish the Damned Thing. So I will. Current prediction: end of May, 2022.

Chilling and wrapping presents today. Maybe watch something that doesn’t need my full attention. Hello, Lost in Space!

A coffee and a cookie please.

Quote by redwriter

Quote by verbal
This is my first Christmas with no kids in the house. Meaning, for the first time in decades, I can sleep late on Christmas morning! Also didn't have to hang lights or put up a tree.

I must be out of place in here---I still believe in Santa Claus!

Just a hot chocolate, I think. No cookies--I'm slimming.

And he believes in you! He's thinks I'm a hoax, though.

I will be less Scrooge-y next year, but it's just so dang refreshing to have an easy Christmas; for years it was always so much work! The year 2021 is the year I get to finally chill and take a breath. Next year maybe I'll take a more active role.

Larry, I guess saying Break A Leg for a dance doesn't make too much sense. I hope things turn out well. How's that?

Skies are dark. Snow is imminent!

From my favorite Christmas album, the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble's Gifts

Ping, you are introducing them to foreign films but have yet to show them the original Gamera vs. Gyaos? Cretin!

I am beginning to understand all the hoopla around Succession. It's pretty frikkin good.

Break a leg, Larry!

We are finally getting some snow. Latest date of the year for first snow in history. Does that sentence make sense? Am I awake?

This is my first Christmas with no kids in the house. Meaning, for the first time in decades, I can sleep late on Christmas morning! Also didn't have to hang lights or put up a tree. We do have a Christmas Table with a few decorations on it, and presents underneath, as a sop to the Santa-Industrial Complex. But overall I'm finding the lack of Christmas screaming into my ears for a month refreshing. We'll visit my daughter for the whole Christmas dealio in mid-afternoon.

I think my cold is finally on the wane.

Okay. Time to edit. Coffee and a Christmas tree cookie please.

Quote by Rumple_deWriter
What is a 'Kreplie'?

Google reveals nothing, other than the phrase "K replies" might be somehow involved. Sorry.

Quote by Rumple_deWriter

How y'all are? I'm still aging disgracefully out here in the desert, even more baffled and confused than usual. Said 'Howdy' to Maggie this morning on FB which reminded me how much I miss all of you.

Jeff, mega-congrats on the sale.

Before I grab me some coffee and a few cookies, please tolerate me asking two question:

What is a 'Kreplie'? Now for the biggie: is there a place to gain wisdom and knowledge vis-a-vis the new software.

And in conclusion, Scott, sometimes messages do show up. I've gotten ones or two from da Bear and the Survivor and the Mandela unit who fired off one just a few days ago. Glad I am to learn he's gonna keep the venerable 'Comps and Calls for Subs' forum going. It was 'Dirty Martini's' forum and I tried to keep it going in memory of Alan.

Later, Inspirators. :glasses8:

Rumps! So glad to see you here. I'd be willing to work up a few cheat sheets for you. Would that be helpful? Spoken on text. Let me know if that would be helpful. Regardless, good to have you back. Thanks for the props - I'll hopefully be able to say more soon.

Facing a motivation problem today: I'm stopping forward motion on the novel and going back and rewriting the previous 100 pages (I'm at page 150), The problem is, seeing the thing grow a little longer every day is thrilling, and that 1000 word count is an easy effective daily goal. With no word goal, I feel less like working. Push through, i guess.

Saw the second episode of Succession last night. I may be becoming hooked.

Coffee and a...STEALS ALL THE COOKIES IN A FIT OF RECKLESS ANTI-SOCAL PIRACY!

I just started Succession too. So far, so good. I enjoyed it. It might be a little too mean spirited for Talia (despite her deep love of horror). Me, I have no soul, I can watch mean people til the cows come home.

Quote by redwriter

Quote by gypsy
Gift boxes with selections can be a good (safe) choice.

Thanks for your assist, Gypsy. Special teas would be fine, but I know our granddaughter always gets her those, also she is not a biscuit guzzler like me! I'm always in for a good (safe) choice so perhaps, if you have time, you could inform me what a gift box would contain and it could go on the list.

However, within the past two hours she has indicated a Van Gogh which has taken her fancy. Oh, yeah? Sounds grand, eh? His 'Almond Blossom.' Only it's a 76cm x 50cm print on wrapped canvas. I'm sure it will look great on our newly painted bedroom wall, and will certainly make up as a part gift. But I can't imagine her leaving it unwrapped until Christmas Day.

And I'm stuck for a surprise for her. Cruises and holiday specials are out these days. But thanks for your ideas, they have set the old brainbox buzzing. Glad to hear if any one else has ideas.

Oh, go on, I'll have another hot chocolate and choc cookie!

You could write her a story. Buy her a nice teacup and tea and a story that involves it.

What do I know? I give my wife Pez.

This cold is still malingering. Grrr. It's No Talia Wednesday, and the cats are clearly nervous. They may have noticed my internet searches involving trebuchets and low earth orbit.

Time to caffeine up and get this day started! Coffee and a Christmas-y cookie.

Quote by gypsy

Time to get things rolling in here, for those just waking up. 🙃

Those're very funny. Thanks.

Cold is beginning to fade. Yay! Nothing to do today but write. Amazon is supposed to drop off a million packages today for Christmas. Talia got my daughter a better present than I did. I'll take to bullet to preserve family harmony.

Very soon, on a clear night, I am goin to set the alarm for 5 a.m., grab the telescope, drive a short ways into the country, and go find Comet Leonard. I LOVE comet hunting. I used to do it a lot, back in the day.

Okay. Time to get to work.

A coffee and a monkey cookie please.

Okay, okay. The Great Talia-Verbal Compromise of 2021 is that I am going to watch one episode of Succession after she goes to sleep. If I think she'll like it I have to stop watching. If I think she won't I am free to add it to my mix of Anthony Bourdain and old Larry Sanders shows.

Man, marriage is WORK!

Quote by Molly

Quote by Ping
Squid Game.

I cried twice. I watched it because people kept telling me to so I didn't expect to get emotionally involved.

I finished season 3 of Lost In Space last night. I really like this series. There are a few people that annoy me to death, but there are enough positives that I can deal with the nonsense.

Has anyone seen Fleabag? I was thinking of watching it.

I just finished season 2 of Lost in Space. It's stupid fun, kind of in the feel of the original. I'll try season 3.

Fleabag is frikkin brilliant. Very funny, occasionally biting.

I keep trying to get Talia to watch Succession. She is luke-warm on watching it. I will give up and try it on my own soon.

Newest fave is The Shrink Next Door. Fascinating and disturbing. Ferrell is good and Rudd is other-worldly good. Strong recommend.

Oh, and yet one more note on the Beatles Get Back Project. One of the many reasons I am so taken by it is the friendship at its center: John and Paul. You can see the irritation and the fierce devotion, often in the same moment.

Ho. Ho. Ho. Now I have a machine gun shaped cookie.

Sorry Elyse. I was thinking of changing my avatar to Hans Gruber, but I didn't want to freak you out.

Still trying to wake up. The cold is much better, but it's lingering. And I have to write my way out of a corner I've ended up in today. Right now it's like my characters are wandering around aimlessly, checking their watches, waiting for the plot to start up.

Anyone watching The Shrink Next Door? It's really good. And really disturbing, considering the cast is two very likable actors. I never thought Paul Rudd could act before, but he really disappears into this role. Excellent show.

Time to pretend I know what I'm doing. A coffee and a cookie please.

Feeling a little better. Coughing and tired, but I'm on the mend.

Quiet day. Write and rest. I'm building a really crazy conspiracy theory involving Ring doorbells scanning people's brains surreptitiously. It's pretty fun.

I see the owners have locked out the players in American baseball. Grrr. Mets now have Sherzer, so of course they're gonna cancel the season.

I'd love a coffee and one of those cute lil monkey cookies.

Quote by Verity

Hello everyone, just popped in to say hello and goodbye for a while. I have one last story for SS and assuming it passes the mods will be posted in time for Christmas. It’s a Christmas ghost story. I just wanted to say a big thank you to all the nice people who took the time to read and vote on my stories. It has been fun and I have learned a lot. I will pop back from time to time to say hello. In the meantime, have a very happy Christmas and god bless. Kindest regards, Verity

Back atcha Verity. I have been lazy about reading of late, but I will definitely check it out.

Made a very cool short story sale yesterday - made my day, and put the wind back in my virus-ravaged sails. They told me not to say anything just yet, but I will eventually - it's a really good market for the horror writers on the site. I'm pretty excited.

Feeling a little better. Gonna try and write today, but I'm still pretty coughy and snorky. Thank God Talia is here today. I don't see myself as one of those guys who need to be babied when they're sick, but Talia would probsbly be the best one to answer that question.

Okay. Limited amount of energy - let's use it wisely.

A coffee and one of the Beatles cookies please.

Thanks for all the cool Beatles cookies, Sara! Those're cool.

Wah! I'm sick. And it's No Talia Wednesday, so she isn't here to take care of me. And the stupid cats are staying away from me, probably afraid of getting cat colds. Snowflakes!

So, I'm gonna stay in bed and listen to history being made today in the Supreme Court, regardless of how they decide. Fascinating stuff. Sotomayer was kicking ass and taking names earlier.

When I first moved to NYC a friend was showing me around, we were near Central Park, and we turned a corner and he pointed to a spot and said stand over there. I did, and he said That's where John Lennon was shot. Chilling. That's another thing about the Get Back doc, Lennon seems so happy and helpful and lively after things get rolling, kinda busting the myth. And Yoko seems pretty chill.

A coffee and that Strawberry Fields cookie please.

Quote by Ping

Quote by verbal

Quote by Ping

Quote by verbal

Thanks for figuring out the coffee maker Sara! I'd love a cup.

So I made mashed potatoes in the crock pot for the first time ever. They came out tasty, and with good texture, but they are...grey. They look like ectoplasm. So I'm getting a lot of crap about it this weekend. Any hints from the cooks out there?

Critiquing all day today, so no writing. I have a whole book to finish critiquing by the 1st. Yikes.

Coffee and a procrastination-shaped cookie please.

Dude, by far the best way to creamy mashed potatoes is a pressure cooker first, but boiling with lots of salt, more than you’d expect, it okay. Pressure cooker is way better. Only russet potatoes. Thems best for mashed. The pressure cooker actually dries the potatoes too. Now the fun part.

Use a ricer, you know, that metal contraption that squishes things into long, narrow noodle like strands. No more lumps. Then, add a warmed mixture of melted, unsalted butter and milk, not cream, but milk. 2% or whole is best. This mix returns the moisture back to the tators. If dine right, the potatoes will be a thick, soupy mess, but that’s what you want. You then use a electric hand beater for about two minutes. It not only whips those bastards to fluffy glory, but they are creamy AF. Add some salt and pepper to taste. Best. Mashed. Potatoes. Ever. You can add some garlic to this mix too, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Best. Ever. My daughters favourite. Never seen a kid savour anything not ice cream like her and this.

Off to make some Peña Coladas. Just cuz I can and I’ve got the ingredients.

Bring on the next comp! Well, a hint, at least. Chances are, we’ll need to wait until January.

Don't own a pressure cooker or a ricer or a masher. I mash my potatoes with STICKS, like in the olden days! Gonna go back to just cubing and boiling them next year.

Mets made some big moves - got Sterling Marte for center field, and looks like they're on the cusp of signing Sherzer too. There's acting like the Yankees of old (or the Dodgers of now).

I have a tiny cold, but I also have nothing planned, so I will push through and try to get a full chapter done today. It's action, how hard can it be?

The Get Back Beatles' doc is frikkin superb. I'll no doubt fanboy out on a TV thread somewhere about it. Just a great document about the creative process and artistic collaboration. And the music is timeless.

Coffee and a cookie would be a dream come true.

In the olden days, we’d put a pad of our homestead-made butter in our mouth, add some freshly-boiled potatoes, and chew, chew, chew, until we could squish the mush threw our gap-toothed smile into the awaiting serving bowl. After we did this a few times, we’d have about five pounds of mushy madness for the dindin table. Later, I bought the pressure cooker and ricer, but in a pinch, a little between the cheek and gums…

He uses sticks. Please. 🙄

I just heard someone call the cream filling of a dessert, fecal nut instead of hazelnut. I surely hope they misspoke. Regardless, I passed on their pasties today. PASTRIES! Darn autocorrect. I’d never pass on their pasties, unless of course, that’s the only thing Verbs wears when he’s sticking’ it to his potatoes. Wow. I got more image of that than I expected. Lots to unfold and innuendo-ize there. Now I got shivers too. I should write a story about that image. It might rival the story about a hand puppet in a church basement during a group session for addiction. You can tell a lot about a man and which direction he twirls his pasties. If Verbs is a right hand Dom, then they twirl to his clockwise.

I wish the snow and cold would go away. I can’t believe we have another four to five months of this. Time to relocate.

Fecal nut pastries. Hard pass.

Actually, we just throw the potatoes against the wall until they're soft. Snowflake. I've never had good luck with taking an electric mixer to the spuds. They get all gluey. I smoosh them with a masher, lotsa butter, milk.

Allergies are bad yesterday/today. Fighting out of a Benadryl daze this morning after I took one last night. Those things hit me hard.

Time to write. More action today! The Greyboys are breaking into the house!

Coffee and a John Lennon shaped cookie would be swell.

Quote by Ping

Quote by verbal

Thanks for figuring out the coffee maker Sara! I'd love a cup.

So I made mashed potatoes in the crock pot for the first time ever. They came out tasty, and with good texture, but they are...grey. They look like ectoplasm. So I'm getting a lot of crap about it this weekend. Any hints from the cooks out there?

Critiquing all day today, so no writing. I have a whole book to finish critiquing by the 1st. Yikes.

Coffee and a procrastination-shaped cookie please.

Dude, by far the best way to creamy mashed potatoes is a pressure cooker first, but boiling with lots of salt, more than you’d expect, it okay. Pressure cooker is way better. Only russet potatoes. Thems best for mashed. The pressure cooker actually dries the potatoes too. Now the fun part.

Use a ricer, you know, that metal contraption that squishes things into long, narrow noodle like strands. No more lumps. Then, add a warmed mixture of melted, unsalted butter and milk, not cream, but milk. 2% or whole is best. This mix returns the moisture back to the tators. If dine right, the potatoes will be a thick, soupy mess, but that’s what you want. You then use a electric hand beater for about two minutes. It not only whips those bastards to fluffy glory, but they are creamy AF. Add some salt and pepper to taste. Best. Mashed. Potatoes. Ever. You can add some garlic to this mix too, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Best. Ever. My daughters favourite. Never seen a kid savour anything not ice cream like her and this.

Off to make some Peña Coladas. Just cuz I can and I’ve got the ingredients.

Bring on the next comp! Well, a hint, at least. Chances are, we’ll need to wait until January.

Don't own a pressure cooker or a ricer or a masher. I mash my potatoes with STICKS, like in the olden days! Gonna go back to just cubing and boiling them next year.

Mets made some big moves - got Sterling Marte for center field, and looks like they're on the cusp of signing Sherzer too. There's acting like the Yankees of old (or the Dodgers of now).

I have a tiny cold, but I also have nothing planned, so I will push through and try to get a full chapter done today. It's action, how hard can it be?

The Get Back Beatles' doc is frikkin superb. I'll no doubt fanboy out on a TV thread somewhere about it. Just a great document about the creative process and artistic collaboration. And the music is timeless.

Coffee and a cookie would be a dream come true.

Thanks for figuring out the coffee maker Sara! I'd love a cup.

So I made mashed potatoes in the crock pot for the first time ever. They came out tasty, and with good texture, but they are...grey. They look like ectoplasm. So I'm getting a lot of crap about it this weekend. Any hints from the cooks out there?

Critiquing all day today, so no writing. I have a whole book to finish critiquing by the 1st. Yikes.

Coffee and a procrastination-shaped cookie please.

The 6 hour Beatles Get Back sessions doc is fascinating. It's like you're in the room. I love how they can all be sitting around cranky and argumentative and suddenly a song takes root and for a few fleeting seconds everything is the pure joy of creativity. I love watching John and George CONNECT and just get lost in the music. And then they all go back to being miserable again.

It's also cool how you see famous songs literally appear from nowhere, at the instant of creation. Gives me goosebumps.