Good morning fellow coffee and cookie lovers. Thanks for the set-up, Larry.
Guess whose birthday is in less than 24 hours?
We're not doing much for it. Ice cream cake and presents. And we're travelling up to Denver to see a concert with some friends this weekend. Other than that, just another pleasant day of writing and cat-ball and a Mets game in the evening.
I'm writing about an impossibly beautiful woman and her impossibly gorgeous dog, who hang out at the dog park, and the man who watches her from the kitchen window. We have a dog park visible from our kitchen window. There's NO beautiful woman. It's FICTION. Tell Talia. (Several gorgeous dogs though.)
Mets and Braves split the double header yesterday.
Coffee and a competition-shaped cookie please.
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Quote by PingQuote by CuriousAnnie
This comp has been a favourite of mine, the friendliness and community is so strong here and that brings out the best in us all.
Darn upload limitations. I have a funny penguin gif where one smacks the other to the ground. I wanted to juxtapose the tuxedo’d pairing. Penguins & Nuns. I sense a very hot South African catholic school story in the making or a very chilly one from Antarctica. But I don’t think there are any catholic colonies on the big berg.
Good comp. I concur. At the very least, we learned that Verbs was raised by wolves.
I'll have you know I was raised by milquetoast Southern Baptists in the middle of Iowa. I'm about as non-wolf as they come.
Now, raised by birds - that's something to aspire too. I had this idea last night: what if the birds started talking to children. All over the world. Just flew to them and whispered something. And none of the kids will tell anyone what the birds said.
It was a really strong, fun contest, I agree.
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Quote by WriterGirlQuote by verbal
Hey, when are comp results supposed to be announced?
It says August 1 in the Site news forum.
So it does! Thank you!
Hey Al Copeland, nice to meet you, I'll get to your story soon (as will others I'm sure).
Anyway, I stopped by AGAIN because I just read the Mets have a double-header today with their nemesis, Sara's Braves, AND not only that, but it's a five game series. AND not only that, but the Mets have so little pitching that they don't know who is starting 2 of the next 3 games. This series is one of the first BIG series to decide the NL East! Good luck Sara!
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Quote by Rumple_deWriter
Is it still Moanday? it is? In the immortal words of Winnie-the-Pooh, "Oh bother."
Larry thanks for the set-up and for giving WG proper recognition and greetings.
I was a bit 'off my feed' this weekend. Just felt punky and out of sourts. On the other hand, it let me stay piled up in bed knocking off a couple historical mystery novels.
Next up could be an in-depth analysis of the news that the universities of Oklahoma and Texas will probably be moving from the Big-12 conference to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) wherr teams such as Alabama, Georgia and my beloved LSU Tigers roam. Yep that could be next up except most Inspirators don't care and I'm not sure how I feel about the whole thing.
With a second mug of coffee in one hand while the other is filled to overflowing with Sarah's cookies, I'll go over to the corner table, sit in a dry confy chair, and speculate on just what in the heck-e-darn is speculative fiction.
Later, Inspirators.
Sorry you were off your feed Bill. Hope the coffee and cookies help. They help me!
I think speculative fiction just means a "what if" story: what if some aspect of the world was different than it is now. Like, what if the Russians landed on the moon first. Or what if they found giant robot monsters there? It's a huge category, and a big buzzword these days.
New story idea: any of you Canadians heard of a huge population of songbirds there changing their tune? Apparently white throated sparrows started singing a shorter song - "Oh sweet Cana, Cana, Cana" instead of "Oh sweet Canada, Canada, Canada." WHAT IF the birds had something more nefarious in mind!?
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/07/bird-song-sparrows/613768/
Anyway. Mets won. Larry's Padres got a BIG bat at second base right before the trade deadline. They're still in the hunt, and would make the playoffs if the season ended today.
Starting a new story today. Maybe the bird one, maybe one about a dog park with somewhat mysterious dogs and owners.
Hey, when are comp results supposed to be announced?
Coffee and a bird shaped cookie please.
Kaiju-adjacent
Quote by Violet_the_Verbose
This read like the philosophy of writing. Thank you for sharing; it's left a lot to ponder over.vP1eS09GrqgBDuDq
That well put, it's almost about living a writer's life than it is about actual writing. How to best observe the world.
And then you come across quotes like this:
"Writers don’t need tricks or gimmicks or even necessarily need to be the smartest fellows on the block. At the risk of appearing foolish, a writer sometimes needs to be able to just stand and gape at this or that thing—a sunset or an old shoe—in absolute and simple amazement."
The best gift writing has given me is the capacity for simple wonder.
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I got offered early retirement during lockdown (as a result of lockdown!) and it has brought positive changes to nearly every aspect of my life. My Dad died about 2 months before lockdown hit, and as deeply unnerving and painful as that was, I was thankful the whole world went kind of quiet for the next year, and allowed me to grieve in calm, isolated and strangely surreal surroundings.
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Quote by MendallaQuote by verbal
Talia is at the office, so today the kitties and I are going to learn to juggle, to surprise Talia on her return home.
Talia:
I DO get this look from Talia on a fairly regular basis.
Kinda gloomy day today, which I don't mind, it keeps the heat down. Talia got a raise so I may take her out in celebration tonight.
Mets won again. A five game lead, and they still don't have a full pitching rotation. If any team in the NL East decides to rise up, the division is theirs (hint hint Sara and Elizabeth).
Hey Roland, I'm going to a Cubs game next week! My son-in-law is taking me out to a Rockies/Cubs game for my birthday!
Okay off to a day of pure laziness (and intermittent editing).
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Thanks for the coffee Scott.
Happy birthday Verity! Have an excellent birthday weekend! I suspect you will.
Hey, the contest is still open! Maybe a few more entries will trickle in. It was (is) a fun comp, with some seriously strong entries. Thanks to everyone who read mine and said such kind things.
Talia is at the office, so today the kitties and I are going to learn to juggle, to surprise Talia on her return home. I'll do the juggling, they just have to stay chill and not scratch me.
We signed onto one of those crazy phone plays again, where you buy a ticket and you get a call at a pre-specified time, with some interactive story (last time we were pretending to man a hotline, and someone calls in with a demon in their house). It's about a birthday party this time. Trippy stuff. Candle House Collective - look them up if you're curious.
Let me snag a cup of coffee and one of those bat cookies of Sara's and peruse the paper before I begin to write.
Happy birthday Verity! Have an excellent birthday weekend! I suspect you will.
Hey, the contest is still open! Maybe a few more entries will trickle in. It was (is) a fun comp, with some seriously strong entries. Thanks to everyone who read mine and said such kind things.
Talia is at the office, so today the kitties and I are going to learn to juggle, to surprise Talia on her return home. I'll do the juggling, they just have to stay chill and not scratch me.
We signed onto one of those crazy phone plays again, where you buy a ticket and you get a call at a pre-specified time, with some interactive story (last time we were pretending to man a hotline, and someone calls in with a demon in their house). It's about a birthday party this time. Trippy stuff. Candle House Collective - look them up if you're curious.
Let me snag a cup of coffee and one of those bat cookies of Sara's and peruse the paper before I begin to write.
Kaiju-adjacent
Quote by TheSensualLadyQuote by verbal
I see more entries! Plus the Sensual Lady and the One True Ping. I look forward to reading and commenting. Really happy to be part of such a strong group of stories.
Thanks for posting that in here. I was seriously about to give up a time or two. But, since you posted it inspired me and I felt a duty to charge through and finish. I did it.
That’s awesome to hear, and you are most welcome. I’ll go read it now, before the contest closes!
Kaiju-adjacent
Quote by PingQuote by verbal
Last day! And I think we're still awaiting entries from the Sensual Lady and from the One True Ping. I TOLD you all we'd break 10 handily!
I'm all caught up with reading them, until the last few come in.
When are results announced?
Ugh. I did it. OTP's story is in the house.
Sorry for the delay. Just such a busy time right now. I'll start reading the remaining stories tonight.
Yay! Looking forward to reading it. And it's horror!!!
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Quote by gillianleeza
Canada seems set to lift its border restrictions in August so I can visit my son in Vancouver without having to quarantine. My husband could go before since he is Canadian, but I would need to quarantine, which wouldn't work. Then after that visit, we can hopefully go to Newfoundland to see my husband's extended family. This time we'll fly. Not sure I want to make that car trip to Newfoundland again. It's rather long.
Cheers!
Vancouver in August sounds lovely. Talia and I were actually re-opening the idea of a honeymoon train trip over the Rockies and up the left coast into Canada, but Covid is starting to raise is hellish head, and I fear we missed our window. Of course we still have to get married first. But that's just a fast trip downtown.
The Youtube reading went really well last night. Best ever, a few folks said (including the Mom who got offended by my use of the word nipple last year).
Anyway. Three new entries for me to read and comment on, including one by our resident Cookie Goddess and Braves Fan. Plus editing a little erotica - trying to find the actual story inside the mess I wrote a few weeks ago.
Coffee and competition-shaped cookies please!
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Thanks for setting things up Larry.
I have Youtube reading tonight at 7 - if anyone is interested, I can throw you a link. Ping is even there sometimes, hoping against hope I will use the word nipple again (the last time I used it someone's mom was offended) (really). Hell, if anyone wants to READ I think she just had a cancellation.
Anyway. It's Wednesday, so Talia is working away from home. The cats and I are going to play a spirited game of cat-ball. Rules to be determined was we go along. I think there's a day game today too.
Rewriting all day today. The one about the coyotes and the one about the robotic geese.
A coffee and a small stack of Sara's cookies please. Time to get moving.
I have Youtube reading tonight at 7 - if anyone is interested, I can throw you a link. Ping is even there sometimes, hoping against hope I will use the word nipple again (the last time I used it someone's mom was offended) (really). Hell, if anyone wants to READ I think she just had a cancellation.
Anyway. It's Wednesday, so Talia is working away from home. The cats and I are going to play a spirited game of cat-ball. Rules to be determined was we go along. I think there's a day game today too.
Rewriting all day today. The one about the coyotes and the one about the robotic geese.
A coffee and a small stack of Sara's cookies please. Time to get moving.
Kaiju-adjacent
Quote by Violet_the_Verbose
What a cozy space you all have here.
I'll just have a cuppa while I try and get a feel for this place. I made an account recently after hearing about the almost closure of the site. I was really moved by everyone's passion to keep Stories Space going. Hopefully, I will be able to contribute to the survivor contest if I stop procrastinating long enough to finish my draft. I got a late start. The few stories I've read so far have been outstanding.
For those that think they know me from the dark side, I will say there's absolutely nothing filthy or obscene about me. I don't even know what the dark side is.Here, I keep it clean.
Yeah, it’s a very calm, chill vibe here. And the cookies rock! (Thank Sara for those.)
It would be awesome if you entered! This comp is attracting quite the pool of talent! Here’s to late starts.
Mets lost, ho hum. A tea (and a COOKIE!) and I’m off to bed. Pet the monkey for me if you see her.
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I once again watched a baseball game til 2 in the morning. A crazy extra-inning Mets/Reds tilt that the Mets had no right to win (4 errors in the first two innings) but won anyway. Anyway, a bit bleary this morning.
Writing critique group went really well. This is the first one I’ve ever really been in, and I really like these guys. Supportive, but interested in the story, and how to improve it. No one gets offended or offensive. I really like it. And they liked my story!
I see more entries! Plus the Sensual Lady and the One True Ping. I look forward to reading and commenting. Really happy to be part of such a strong group of stories.
Okay. Time to put the words on the blank page.
Coffee and a banana cookie would hit the spot.
Writing critique group went really well. This is the first one I’ve ever really been in, and I really like these guys. Supportive, but interested in the story, and how to improve it. No one gets offended or offensive. I really like it. And they liked my story!
I see more entries! Plus the Sensual Lady and the One True Ping. I look forward to reading and commenting. Really happy to be part of such a strong group of stories.
Okay. Time to put the words on the blank page.
Coffee and a banana cookie would hit the spot.
Kaiju-adjacent
Quote by gillianleeza
The Nat/Padre game thing was very upsetting. My brother and his family were at the game. They didn't hear much where they were, but it was frightening for them.
It's good to see a few more comp entries on the front page.
I'm tired but can't sleep. Family issues again, sigh, no surprise there, but some things exhaust me more than others.
I'll grab a handful of cookies to go.
I hope Monday is kind to everyone.
Cheers!
Did you see Tatis gathering up fans attending the game and ushering them into the dugout for safety? What a class act!
The comp is shaping up. Some really strong contenders - it's a little intimidating. And Tam entered! Yay! Looking forward to reading that one. And we all nervously await the twisted imaginings inside the brain of the One True Ping.
When do they announce winners?
Writer's critique tonight, and they are doing one of my stories. I'll try to stave off the feeling of Imposter Syndrome one more time.
Talia says hi. So do the cats.
Coffee and a cookie sounds perfect.
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Quote by Mendalla
My entry has moved from Google Docs to a saved draft on here. Just want to take another go at it before I pull the trigger. However, have to finish some yard work first.
Drop that rake right now and submit! I finally finished mine! Now I get to enjoy my Sunday.
Fling that bottle over here. I’ll add some to my coffee to celebrate. God that sounds awful. Moscato and coffee. I take it back.
Off to read the Sunday paper, then ShyThespian’s entry.
Where, oh where, is the comp entry of the One True Ping?
Kaiju-adjacent
Quote by Survivor
Looks like the coffee is ready. I'll have a cuppa.
It just occurred to me that the folks that we get to judge our contest may not be members and perhaps they will become a few new members after this competition.
It was a shame about the Nationals and the Padres game last night in Washington. Just a sad sign of the times in America.
That Nat/Padres shooting at the game made me sad. Talia actually had a friend at the game - she was uninjured and saw little.
Makes the Mets inability to buy a win seem a little unimportant.
Ugly game last night.It was, however, nice to wake up to so many nice comments on the comp entry. I've read all but one, which I'll read today. Gonna be a tough choice. And two big gund will still enter - the Ape and the One True Ping. Good luck all.
Hit with with a big cup of coffee and a cookie - off to read the Sunday paper.
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Quote by Molly
CuriousAnnie has just added her story to the list.
Verity: We’ll Be Home By Christmas
Survivor: The Little Survivor
AnnaMayZing: Over The Top
KatarinaTechgoddess: I'm Still alive
CuriousAnnie: Broken Banns
I am anxiously waiting for more, but not at 11:59 PM. Yes, Verbal, I'm looking at you.
Hee hee. I’ll be ready Sunday morning. I have to get rid of 10 words after the last rewrite.
SO PSYCHED to see Curious Annie entering. She’s a top notch writer. Ping is entering too I think. And Scott. Molly, how about you?
EDIT: I've read the other entries so far. Really strong field. Where are you Scott and Pingly?
I'm ready to enter, but will still hold off until tomorrow so I can give the doc one last swoop.
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Quote by KatarinaTechgoddessQuote by MendallaQuote by KatarinaTechgoddess
Well, only if it comes with a glass of Moscato!
If it gets that bad, the glass is yours. I'll already have drunk the rest of the bottle.
Sounds like I might need to bring my own bottle and share with you! Lol!
4989 words! I'm ready to enter! At 23:59:59 on July 18, of course.
Pour me a glass!