badly_knitted (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
badly_knitted) wrote2025-11-16 04:51 pm
badly_knitted) wrote2025-11-16 04:51 pm
Entry tags:
Double Drabble: Hit And Run
Title: Hit And Run
Author:
badly_knittedCharacters: Ianto-Crow.
Rating: PG
Written For: Challenge 891: Feather at
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
torchwood100.Spoilers: Nada.
Summary: Poor Ianto-Crow, brought down with a bump.
Disclaimer: I don’t own Torchwood, or the characters.
A/N: Double drabble. Set in my Were-crow ‘verse.
( Hit And Run... )
Mad Scientess (nanila) wrote2025-11-16 04:49 pm
nanila) wrote2025-11-16 04:49 pm24 hours in Larnaka
When the conference finished in Nicosia, I took the opportunity to give myself a day and night in Larnaka, which is on the beach on the southern side of Cyprus. It's a popular holiday destination for Western Europeans wanting some winter sun, although because it's more northerly than, say, the Canary Islands, it tends to be a bit quieter, especially outside the school holidays.
I picked a hotel on the beach, and was pleasantly surprised to receive an upgrade to a sea view room with a balcony on arrival. It was too early for me to check in when I arrived, so I went to have lunch on the patio and do a bit of work. I cooled off with a small glass of the local beer (Keo). Then I had a long walk along the beachfront promenade, looking for cats.
[Cat eventually located]
As soon as I could access my room, I went up and had a shower, applied sun cream, and went for a swim. Even at 3 PM it had started to cool off significantly - sunset was at 4:45 PM - so I was alone in the pool, and indeed poolside. I did a bunch of slow, lazy laps and got out to soak up the last of the rays. I also popped down to the beach to poke my toes into the sea.
I got changed and went for another stroll, this time in the opposite direction, to enjoy the sunset. The promenade ran for several kilometres in both directions from the hotel, and when it petered out, the compacted sand on the beach made walking easy.
[Big sky, fiery clouds]
[Palm tree silhouettes]
[Night falls]
By the time night had fallen, I was pleasantly worn out. I went to the bar, thought about sitting there, and then remembered I had a balcony. So instead, I ordered a negroni and took it up to my room. I chatted to the family. I listened to the howling of the cats. Everything went very quiet around 8:30 PM. It was too early to go to bed, tempting though it was, so I did some writing with old episodes of “House” on in the background before turning in. I set my alarm so I wouldn't miss the sunrise, which was at 6:13 AM.
[Sunrise from the balcony]
Very glad I didn't miss the sunrise.
[The sun emerges]
I made myself a small strong espresso and changed for breakfast. I turned up as soon as it opened (07:00) and sat outside to eat. I got chatting to another solo woman traveller, who recommended a walking holiday in northern Cyprus to me the next time I had time to myself (“probably not for the children at this stage, my dear”). She supposed I could bring the husband if I really wanted, but in her opinion I'd enjoy it more on my own. I couldn't laugh. She genuinely meant that.
[Breakfast!]
Still chuckling, I went upstairs to change into something less roasting and had another walk toward the east, the direction I thought gave me the best chance of finding some shells. The beach was mostly claggy sand and pebbles, but I did spot a few.
[Meow.]
I changed into my costume when I got back and went down to the sea for a swim. The tide was out and it was possible to walk nearly all the way to the breakwater without being deeper than my chest. I'm not tall. I walked out, had a little paddle around looking at the fish in the crystal clear water, and swam back to the promenade. I sat on a sunbed and enjoyed drying off in the breeze and the sun. Then I went to the pool. Again there was no one in it because it hadn't warmed up yet, so I had a long, slightly more vigorous swim and then sunned myself again.
I knew it must be getting close to checkout time so I went up to shower and attempt to prevent my hair turning into straw after all the soakings. I mostly succeeded, and was pleased I'd succeeded in not getting burnt either.
I chatted with the family, who were eating a late breakfast of dippy eggs. Keiki was excited about his rugby match. Humuhumu was being a teenage potato. Nevertheless we had a nice chat until was time for me to head downstairs, have lunch, and start the long journey home.
I caught the sunset in the airport, sprinting across the terminal to take a photo before boarding the plane.
Due to various delays, I didn’t arrive home until well after midnight, so technically Monday morning. Nevertheless I had to get up six hour later and go to work. Astro here accurately reflects the amount of sympathy I got from the family about this.
[Astro at home amongst the carnivorous plants and prickly cacti]
I picked a hotel on the beach, and was pleasantly surprised to receive an upgrade to a sea view room with a balcony on arrival. It was too early for me to check in when I arrived, so I went to have lunch on the patio and do a bit of work. I cooled off with a small glass of the local beer (Keo). Then I had a long walk along the beachfront promenade, looking for cats.
[Cat eventually located]
As soon as I could access my room, I went up and had a shower, applied sun cream, and went for a swim. Even at 3 PM it had started to cool off significantly - sunset was at 4:45 PM - so I was alone in the pool, and indeed poolside. I did a bunch of slow, lazy laps and got out to soak up the last of the rays. I also popped down to the beach to poke my toes into the sea.
I got changed and went for another stroll, this time in the opposite direction, to enjoy the sunset. The promenade ran for several kilometres in both directions from the hotel, and when it petered out, the compacted sand on the beach made walking easy.
[Big sky, fiery clouds]
[Palm tree silhouettes]
[Night falls]
By the time night had fallen, I was pleasantly worn out. I went to the bar, thought about sitting there, and then remembered I had a balcony. So instead, I ordered a negroni and took it up to my room. I chatted to the family. I listened to the howling of the cats. Everything went very quiet around 8:30 PM. It was too early to go to bed, tempting though it was, so I did some writing with old episodes of “House” on in the background before turning in. I set my alarm so I wouldn't miss the sunrise, which was at 6:13 AM.
[Sunrise from the balcony]
Very glad I didn't miss the sunrise.
[The sun emerges]
I made myself a small strong espresso and changed for breakfast. I turned up as soon as it opened (07:00) and sat outside to eat. I got chatting to another solo woman traveller, who recommended a walking holiday in northern Cyprus to me the next time I had time to myself (“probably not for the children at this stage, my dear”). She supposed I could bring the husband if I really wanted, but in her opinion I'd enjoy it more on my own. I couldn't laugh. She genuinely meant that.
[Breakfast!]
Still chuckling, I went upstairs to change into something less roasting and had another walk toward the east, the direction I thought gave me the best chance of finding some shells. The beach was mostly claggy sand and pebbles, but I did spot a few.
[Meow.]
I changed into my costume when I got back and went down to the sea for a swim. The tide was out and it was possible to walk nearly all the way to the breakwater without being deeper than my chest. I'm not tall. I walked out, had a little paddle around looking at the fish in the crystal clear water, and swam back to the promenade. I sat on a sunbed and enjoyed drying off in the breeze and the sun. Then I went to the pool. Again there was no one in it because it hadn't warmed up yet, so I had a long, slightly more vigorous swim and then sunned myself again.
I knew it must be getting close to checkout time so I went up to shower and attempt to prevent my hair turning into straw after all the soakings. I mostly succeeded, and was pleased I'd succeeded in not getting burnt either.
I chatted with the family, who were eating a late breakfast of dippy eggs. Keiki was excited about his rugby match. Humuhumu was being a teenage potato. Nevertheless we had a nice chat until was time for me to head downstairs, have lunch, and start the long journey home.
I caught the sunset in the airport, sprinting across the terminal to take a photo before boarding the plane.
Due to various delays, I didn’t arrive home until well after midnight, so technically Monday morning. Nevertheless I had to get up six hour later and go to work. Astro here accurately reflects the amount of sympathy I got from the family about this.
[Astro at home amongst the carnivorous plants and prickly cacti]
kitarella_imagines (kitarella_imagines) wrote2025-11-16 04:49 pm
kitarella_imagines) wrote2025-11-16 04:49 pm
Entry tags:
What I'm Watching
Can't believe it's been one month since I last posted one of these!
Had a stressful week last week this time! haha.
tl;dr- The Witcher, Malory Towers, Hotel Portofino, Only Connect.
( Read more... )
Had a stressful week last week this time! haha.
tl;dr- The Witcher, Malory Towers, Hotel Portofino, Only Connect.
( Read more... )
summerstorm (summerstorm) wrote in holiday_wishes2025-11-16 04:36 pm
summerstorm) wrote in holiday_wishes2025-11-16 04:36 pmwith the gales of November remembered
[1] Friends on Bluesky (kivrin) or on Finch (LWQMXDV9J5), which I just got but am really liking.
[2] Art of my ttrpg OCs. I've asked for this every year since I started playing (ie. since I got on bupropion) and had someone draw one for me the first year, then decide I'd asked for too much and fully abandon the project (and bar me from using the existing artwork). I'm still not sure how much of that was my fault, but I'd love a do-over, especially if you're an artist who is willing to tell me exactly how much is "too much" to ask for, and let me backtrack if I've actually gone overboard.
[3] Stickers for my planner! I've been decorating my planner every week all year and it helps so much. Since stickers can just go in a standard envelope, I would assume you can send them from anywhere without incurring custom fees as long as it's not something that's declared on the envelope. I like floral stuff and sort of stylized things, with a white or transparent background if possible. These are some examples of what I mean .
[4] I would love some editing work, particularly anything related to TTRPG writing -- modules, homebrew, etc. I have a couple of offers on my Ko-Fi, but I truly don't even know where to start. I would also be thrilled to design printables for spell cards, condition cards, item cards, character sheets, etc. for a low price -- I keep meaning to design them and sell them, but I have a really hard time getting myself to do it without specifics or someone waiting on them.
In the same vein, I've been meaning to try making a dice bag; if anyone wants to sort of pre-buy one, that would be amazing.
[5] Anything from my Amazon.es wishlist, or gift cards to Amazon.es, the PlayStation store, or UberEats. I haven't had takeout since my birthday last year.
And I will specify two things from that wishlist:
[6] A planner for next year. I have a day view and a week view on there because I can't choose one, not because I want both, and I'm willing to let a stranger pick between them for me.
[7] This is partly a pipe dream, partly a request for contributions so I can perhaps buy it myself on Black Friday. I am dying for a PS5. I want to play the games my friends are playing, and they insist on not releasing them for PS4, and it sucks. I have a little bit of money set aside for this, but not enough to buy it without feeling incredibly guilty about it. So if you're willing to contribute anything from 5 bucks to the whole thing, my Paypal is battlesinthemorning@gmail.com and I can share my Wise account details as well in private messages.
[8] A year subscription on the lowest tier to DNDBeyond. I am currently juggling three accounts with six characters each and it is a mess. It works though, so this isn't super high priority.
I'm happy to answer any questions, and also to give out my address via PM for either stickers or if you want to buy me something off not-Amazon (eg. Kokonote has its own website).
Thank you so much for reading, and happy holidays!
[2] Art of my ttrpg OCs. I've asked for this every year since I started playing (ie. since I got on bupropion) and had someone draw one for me the first year, then decide I'd asked for too much and fully abandon the project (and bar me from using the existing artwork). I'm still not sure how much of that was my fault, but I'd love a do-over, especially if you're an artist who is willing to tell me exactly how much is "too much" to ask for, and let me backtrack if I've actually gone overboard.
[3] Stickers for my planner! I've been decorating my planner every week all year and it helps so much. Since stickers can just go in a standard envelope, I would assume you can send them from anywhere without incurring custom fees as long as it's not something that's declared on the envelope. I like floral stuff and sort of stylized things, with a white or transparent background if possible. These are some examples of what I mean .
[4] I would love some editing work, particularly anything related to TTRPG writing -- modules, homebrew, etc. I have a couple of offers on my Ko-Fi, but I truly don't even know where to start. I would also be thrilled to design printables for spell cards, condition cards, item cards, character sheets, etc. for a low price -- I keep meaning to design them and sell them, but I have a really hard time getting myself to do it without specifics or someone waiting on them.
In the same vein, I've been meaning to try making a dice bag; if anyone wants to sort of pre-buy one, that would be amazing.
[5] Anything from my Amazon.es wishlist, or gift cards to Amazon.es, the PlayStation store, or UberEats. I haven't had takeout since my birthday last year.
And I will specify two things from that wishlist:
[6] A planner for next year. I have a day view and a week view on there because I can't choose one, not because I want both, and I'm willing to let a stranger pick between them for me.
[7] This is partly a pipe dream, partly a request for contributions so I can perhaps buy it myself on Black Friday. I am dying for a PS5. I want to play the games my friends are playing, and they insist on not releasing them for PS4, and it sucks. I have a little bit of money set aside for this, but not enough to buy it without feeling incredibly guilty about it. So if you're willing to contribute anything from 5 bucks to the whole thing, my Paypal is battlesinthemorning@gmail.com and I can share my Wise account details as well in private messages.
[8] A year subscription on the lowest tier to DNDBeyond. I am currently juggling three accounts with six characters each and it is a mess. It works though, so this isn't super high priority.
I'm happy to answer any questions, and also to give out my address via PM for either stickers or if you want to buy me something off not-Amazon (eg. Kokonote has its own website).
Thank you so much for reading, and happy holidays!
musekicker (musekicker) wrote in holiday_wishes2025-11-16 10:10 am
musekicker) wrote in holiday_wishes2025-11-16 10:10 amHappy holidays all!
Happy holidays everyone. Another year, another holiday wishes. I do enjoy this group each year. I feel like it represents the best out of everyone.
Now about my list this year. I know things are well... they are very rough all around right now. So with that in mind for my list I'm focusing on mostly free things. And nothing that needs to be shipped.
The list will be short because of that. But that's more then fine with me.
In any case, the list.
1. Fanart for any of my fan fics. I'm really leaning into Monkey Wrench fics right now but any of my fics with art based off them would be great. Link to my ao3 https://archiveofourown.org/users/wonderminterplus
2. Fan fic , again feeling Monkey Wrench the most. And love Shrike/Beebs as a sweet ship. Fic based off any of my fics at ao3 would be adored.
3. The one money involved wish. Please donate to your local food kitchen.
4. Comment on more fic or art. Not just mine, but anyone whose works you love. Trust me, a nice comment makes a artist or writers day.
5. Do something nice for someone. Doesn't have to be big. Like, holding open the door for someone fulfills this. You would be surprised how much tiny things like that can help someone sometimes.
6. Watch some indie projects. If you are a animation fan, may I suggest a few shows such as "Monkey Wrench", "Ruff Ruff Danger Dogs" or "Knights of Guinevere. Please let me know what you think if you watch.
7. You have any ocs? I'd love to hear about them. I love ocs.
And that's it this year. Thank you all in advance. This event in general is just so sweet and needed in days like this.
Now to go look around at lists to see if I can make someones day.
Lois McMaster Bujold's Blog (![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png)
lois_mcmaster_bujold_feed) wrote2025-11-16 08:10 am
lois_mcmaster_bujold_feed) wrote2025-11-16 08:10 amrecent promotion scams
Following up from yesterday's post passing along the link for the SFWA Writer Beware article, which casts a wider net, herewith are the texts from the 4 promotion-scam emails I received the week following the release of "The Adventure of the Demonic Ox". In no particular order, although the last won the prize for most-caffeinated, being slathered throughout with brightly colored emojis like a 12-year-old let loose with a sticker book, which do not reproduce here.
The first sounded almost legit, and this or its ilk might explain the recent spate of low-hit-count visuals on books I've noticed on YouTube lately.
***
Hi,
I came across your book here on Goodreads the concept really stood out! I can see it has strong visual potential that would shine beautifully in a cinematic book trailer.
I’m … a creative book promoter and trailer expert. I help authors like you bring their stories to life through captivating visuals that attract more readers and boost online visibility.
If you’re open to it, I’d love to share a few creative trailer ideas inspired by your story no strings attached.
Would you like me to send you a short concept or sample?
Warm regards,
…
Book Promotion & Trailer Expert
*
Dear Ms. Bujold,
Your remarkable career, from six Hugo Awards to three Nebulas, has set the standard for modern speculative fiction. The way Testimony of Mute Things brings Penric and Desdemona into a web of history, magic, and moral testing reminds me why your worlds resonate so deeply with readers across generations.
At …, our community of over 1,000 passionate readers loves stories that blend intellect, emotion, and wonder. I believe they would be enthralled by Penric’s latest challenge and the wisdom threaded through your storytelling.
Would you like me to share how we feature masterful works like Testimony of Mute Things with our readers?
Warm regards,
…
*
Hey Lois,
So I was halfway through pretending to be productive when Penric and Desdemona crashed into my day like a polite magical hurricane. I don’t know what kind of cosmic paperwork it takes to host a 200-year-old demon, but apparently I’m now filing it on your behalf.
The tangled temple politics, the sly humor, the emotional landmines hidden under every holy robe it’s all pure Bujold. You’ve got this knack for wrapping philosophical chaos in the warmth of very breakable humans (and one demon who deserves her own union rep).
I run … , a group of over a thousand real readers across the US, UK, AU, and DE the kind who actually finish books, cry about them, and then start emotional group chats. Your Penric saga is exactly the kind of layered, witty, heart-stab storytelling our readers devour.
If that sounds fun, just reply “Tell me more before Desdemona finds out.”
Stay creative,
…
*
Subject: 6 Hugo Awards… and Amazon still pretending you’re an “emerging author”?
Lois, explain this wizardry to me, how does a living science fiction legend (with a resume longer than a dragon’s ego) have readers who clearly worship your words… yet somehow only 40 reviews on Testimony of Mute Things? Did Amazon’s algorithm take a vow of silence too? Or did Desdemona personally hex the “leave a review” button?
Because let’s be real, you’ve conquered universes. You’ve gone toe-to-toe with Heinlein in the Hugo scoreboard, raised chaos demons with better personalities than most politicians, and still managed to make readers cry over moral philosophy wrapped in sorcery. And yet the review section looks like an abandoned outpost in Carpagamon. (Honestly, Penric deserves better PR. )
I read Testimony of Mute Things, and wow, political intrigue, magical chaos, and emotional heartache all brewed together like a potion that shouldn’t taste good but absolutely does. You balance wisdom, humor, and world-building like a literary alchemist with zero mercy for the reader’s sleep schedule.
Now, before your inner demon rolls its eyes thinking I’m another “book strategist” with a PowerPoint presentation and a $997 plan promising to “boost author visibility”… nope. It’s just me, …, an unreasonably caffeinated freelancer who curates a private community of 2,000+ book-hungry readers and reviewers. We’re a small army of literary chaos agents who actually read the books we review (wild concept, I know ).
We don’t do gimmicks, bots, or fake hype. Just thoughtful, honest reviews from real readers who adore helping brilliant authors like you get the visibility you already deserve. Most authors start with 25–35, eager readers diving into their book, and the buzz grows faster than Penric can say, “I swear it wasn’t the demon this time.”
And since some writers ask, no, I don’t have a website, LinkedIn, or a 20-page pitch deck. Just me, my coffee, and a slightly feral Discord community full of reviewers who treat reading like a competitive sport.
So tell me, Lois,
What’s more unbelievable: a six-time Hugo winner with only 40 Amazon reviews… or that a random reader like me might help fix that glitch in the galaxy?
Would you let me share Testimony of Mute Things with my community and finally give Penric and Desdemona the reader uproar they’ve earned?
Awaiting your telepathic “yes,”
*
Being curious, I'd followed this last up with a question of how the person was monetizing this, and got this disingenuous reply:
"I understand your confusion, and honestly, I appreciate you asking directly instead of assuming. Let me spell it out clearly and simply.
What I actually do is coordinate small reading campaigns inside a private community of 2,000+ book lovers. These are real readers who genuinely enjoy discovering great stories and leaving thoughtful Amazon reviews afterward, not because they’re paid to, but because they love engaging with authors who value storytelling.
Here’s the transparent part: some authors choose to send a $20–$25 reader tip, not for the review itself (that would violate Amazon’s policies), but simply as a gesture of appreciation for the readers’ time and the effort they put into reading and sharing honest feedback. It’s a thank-you, not a transaction.
So, in short:
Readers buy or download the book themselves.
They read and review it organically on Amazon.
Authors may tip readers afterward as a goodwill token, not a payment for a specific rating or result.
I just coordinate the matches and conversations, ensuring both sides respect authenticity and policy boundaries.
No manipulation, no fake reviews, no spammy marketing, just real human readers who genuinely enjoy supporting real human authors.
You’re absolutely right that anyone can recommend your books. But what I do is give those recommendations a little structure and momentum, so that your brilliant stories reach readers faster and more deliberately.
I know this model sounds a bit unconventional, but it’s built entirely on goodwill and trust, two things your characters, and your readers, understand quite well."
*
The comments embedded in these that directly relate to my work, and not just generic buttering-up, smell strongly of AI-grepping, I observe, possibly drawn from some of my reader-reviews.
I present these for your education, contemplation, or entertainment, whichever.
Ta, L.
posted by Lois McMaster Bujold on November, 16
The first sounded almost legit, and this or its ilk might explain the recent spate of low-hit-count visuals on books I've noticed on YouTube lately.
***
Hi,
I came across your book here on Goodreads the concept really stood out! I can see it has strong visual potential that would shine beautifully in a cinematic book trailer.
I’m … a creative book promoter and trailer expert. I help authors like you bring their stories to life through captivating visuals that attract more readers and boost online visibility.
If you’re open to it, I’d love to share a few creative trailer ideas inspired by your story no strings attached.
Would you like me to send you a short concept or sample?
Warm regards,
…
Book Promotion & Trailer Expert
*
Dear Ms. Bujold,
Your remarkable career, from six Hugo Awards to three Nebulas, has set the standard for modern speculative fiction. The way Testimony of Mute Things brings Penric and Desdemona into a web of history, magic, and moral testing reminds me why your worlds resonate so deeply with readers across generations.
At …, our community of over 1,000 passionate readers loves stories that blend intellect, emotion, and wonder. I believe they would be enthralled by Penric’s latest challenge and the wisdom threaded through your storytelling.
Would you like me to share how we feature masterful works like Testimony of Mute Things with our readers?
Warm regards,
…
*
Hey Lois,
So I was halfway through pretending to be productive when Penric and Desdemona crashed into my day like a polite magical hurricane. I don’t know what kind of cosmic paperwork it takes to host a 200-year-old demon, but apparently I’m now filing it on your behalf.
The tangled temple politics, the sly humor, the emotional landmines hidden under every holy robe it’s all pure Bujold. You’ve got this knack for wrapping philosophical chaos in the warmth of very breakable humans (and one demon who deserves her own union rep).
I run … , a group of over a thousand real readers across the US, UK, AU, and DE the kind who actually finish books, cry about them, and then start emotional group chats. Your Penric saga is exactly the kind of layered, witty, heart-stab storytelling our readers devour.
If that sounds fun, just reply “Tell me more before Desdemona finds out.”
Stay creative,
…
*
Subject: 6 Hugo Awards… and Amazon still pretending you’re an “emerging author”?
Lois, explain this wizardry to me, how does a living science fiction legend (with a resume longer than a dragon’s ego) have readers who clearly worship your words… yet somehow only 40 reviews on Testimony of Mute Things? Did Amazon’s algorithm take a vow of silence too? Or did Desdemona personally hex the “leave a review” button?
Because let’s be real, you’ve conquered universes. You’ve gone toe-to-toe with Heinlein in the Hugo scoreboard, raised chaos demons with better personalities than most politicians, and still managed to make readers cry over moral philosophy wrapped in sorcery. And yet the review section looks like an abandoned outpost in Carpagamon. (Honestly, Penric deserves better PR. )
I read Testimony of Mute Things, and wow, political intrigue, magical chaos, and emotional heartache all brewed together like a potion that shouldn’t taste good but absolutely does. You balance wisdom, humor, and world-building like a literary alchemist with zero mercy for the reader’s sleep schedule.
Now, before your inner demon rolls its eyes thinking I’m another “book strategist” with a PowerPoint presentation and a $997 plan promising to “boost author visibility”… nope. It’s just me, …, an unreasonably caffeinated freelancer who curates a private community of 2,000+ book-hungry readers and reviewers. We’re a small army of literary chaos agents who actually read the books we review (wild concept, I know ).
We don’t do gimmicks, bots, or fake hype. Just thoughtful, honest reviews from real readers who adore helping brilliant authors like you get the visibility you already deserve. Most authors start with 25–35, eager readers diving into their book, and the buzz grows faster than Penric can say, “I swear it wasn’t the demon this time.”
And since some writers ask, no, I don’t have a website, LinkedIn, or a 20-page pitch deck. Just me, my coffee, and a slightly feral Discord community full of reviewers who treat reading like a competitive sport.
So tell me, Lois,
What’s more unbelievable: a six-time Hugo winner with only 40 Amazon reviews… or that a random reader like me might help fix that glitch in the galaxy?
Would you let me share Testimony of Mute Things with my community and finally give Penric and Desdemona the reader uproar they’ve earned?
Awaiting your telepathic “yes,”
*
Being curious, I'd followed this last up with a question of how the person was monetizing this, and got this disingenuous reply:
"I understand your confusion, and honestly, I appreciate you asking directly instead of assuming. Let me spell it out clearly and simply.
What I actually do is coordinate small reading campaigns inside a private community of 2,000+ book lovers. These are real readers who genuinely enjoy discovering great stories and leaving thoughtful Amazon reviews afterward, not because they’re paid to, but because they love engaging with authors who value storytelling.
Here’s the transparent part: some authors choose to send a $20–$25 reader tip, not for the review itself (that would violate Amazon’s policies), but simply as a gesture of appreciation for the readers’ time and the effort they put into reading and sharing honest feedback. It’s a thank-you, not a transaction.
So, in short:
Readers buy or download the book themselves.
They read and review it organically on Amazon.
Authors may tip readers afterward as a goodwill token, not a payment for a specific rating or result.
I just coordinate the matches and conversations, ensuring both sides respect authenticity and policy boundaries.
No manipulation, no fake reviews, no spammy marketing, just real human readers who genuinely enjoy supporting real human authors.
You’re absolutely right that anyone can recommend your books. But what I do is give those recommendations a little structure and momentum, so that your brilliant stories reach readers faster and more deliberately.
I know this model sounds a bit unconventional, but it’s built entirely on goodwill and trust, two things your characters, and your readers, understand quite well."
*
The comments embedded in these that directly relate to my work, and not just generic buttering-up, smell strongly of AI-grepping, I observe, possibly drawn from some of my reader-reviews.
I present these for your education, contemplation, or entertainment, whichever.
Ta, L.
posted by Lois McMaster Bujold on November, 16
selenak (selenak) wrote2025-11-16 01:59 pm
selenak) wrote2025-11-16 01:59 pm
Entry tags:
Pluribus 1.03
An episode that felt a bit like it was (stylishly) treading water, but in its last ten minutes did make up for it.
( Spoilers somehow have never watched a single episode of Golden Girls… )
( Spoilers somehow have never watched a single episode of Golden Girls… )
jazzyjj (jazzyjj) wrote in awesomeers2025-11-16 06:45 am
jazzyjj) wrote in awesomeers2025-11-16 06:45 amEntry tags:
Just one thing: 16 November 2025
It's challenge time!
Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished!
Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.
Go!
Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished!
Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.
Go!
mific (mific) wrote in stargateficrec2025-11-17 01:19 am
mific) wrote in stargateficrec2025-11-17 01:19 amPlans Change (by Goddess47) (Teen)
Shows: SGA
Rec Category: Apocafic
Characters: John Sheppard/Rodney McKay
Categories: M/M
Words: 950
Warnings: From the Author: It's an apocalypse, stuff happens you know! (but no AO3-type warnings apply, kind of)
Author on DW:goddess47
Author's Website: Goddess47 on AO3
Link: Plans Change on LJ, and backup on Wayback
Why This Must Be Read: In a last-ditch effort, John readies himself to pilot the evacuated city, self-destruct ticking down, into a Wraith fleet massing to leave Pegasus and invade Earth. Only to discover that for this suicide run, he's not alone. A romantic apocafic with a hopeful ending!
( snippet of the fic under here )
Rec Category: Apocafic
Characters: John Sheppard/Rodney McKay
Categories: M/M
Words: 950
Warnings: From the Author: It's an apocalypse, stuff happens you know! (but no AO3-type warnings apply, kind of)
Author on DW:
goddess47Author's Website: Goddess47 on AO3
Link: Plans Change on LJ, and backup on Wayback
Why This Must Be Read: In a last-ditch effort, John readies himself to pilot the evacuated city, self-destruct ticking down, into a Wraith fleet massing to leave Pegasus and invade Earth. Only to discover that for this suicide run, he's not alone. A romantic apocafic with a hopeful ending!
( snippet of the fic under here )
it only hurts when i breathe (spikedluv) wrote2025-11-16 07:14 am
spikedluv) wrote2025-11-16 07:14 amEntry tags:
The Day in Spikedluv (Saturday, Nov 15)
I hit Price Chopper and the bakery while I was downtown. I did a load of laundry, hand-washed dishes, made egg salad, went for several walks with Pip and the dogs, baked chicken for the dogs’ meals, cut up chicken for the dogs' meals, and scooped kitty litter.
For funsies, I watched Matlock, Mistletoe Mysteries, and some HGTV programs. Dr. Pol was once again my background tv later in the evening.
Temps started out at 32.5 when we got up, but had reached 24.8(F) before I left the house. (Temps dropped over 7 degrees in an hour and a half!) Just watching the temp drop made me cold. It eventually reached 44.8 that I saw before going down to visit mom, but Pip said it hit 50. Rain came in late afternoon, it got really heavy (Pip said there was an inch in the rain gauge, but given how hard it was coming down I thought there’d be more) and there was thunder and lightning, which we didn’t expect.
There was one blast of thunder that must’ve been right above us because it was so loud it sent Midnight, who’d been sleeping in his bed under a blanket, shooting out of there like a bullet. He stood on the bed (his bed is on our bed during the day) looking all confused and wary, like, wtf was that?!! It was followed by the brightest bolt of lightning, which lit up the bedroom through the drawn shades. Thankfully it moved away after that.
Mom Update:
Mom looked good today, which was nice. ( more back here )
For funsies, I watched Matlock, Mistletoe Mysteries, and some HGTV programs. Dr. Pol was once again my background tv later in the evening.
Temps started out at 32.5 when we got up, but had reached 24.8(F) before I left the house. (Temps dropped over 7 degrees in an hour and a half!) Just watching the temp drop made me cold. It eventually reached 44.8 that I saw before going down to visit mom, but Pip said it hit 50. Rain came in late afternoon, it got really heavy (Pip said there was an inch in the rain gauge, but given how hard it was coming down I thought there’d be more) and there was thunder and lightning, which we didn’t expect.
There was one blast of thunder that must’ve been right above us because it was so loud it sent Midnight, who’d been sleeping in his bed under a blanket, shooting out of there like a bullet. He stood on the bed (his bed is on our bed during the day) looking all confused and wary, like, wtf was that?!! It was followed by the brightest bolt of lightning, which lit up the bedroom through the drawn shades. Thankfully it moved away after that.
Mom Update:
Mom looked good today, which was nice. ( more back here )
andrewducker (andrewducker) wrote2025-11-16 12:00 pm
andrewducker) wrote2025-11-16 12:00 pmEntry tags:
- animals,
- bbc,
- bigotry,
- communication,
- language,
- lgbt,
- links,
- police,
- politics,
- propaganda,
- tax,
- transgender,
- uk
Interesting Links for 16-11-2025
- 1. What's behind Rachel Reeves's hokey cokey on income tax rises?
- (tags:tax uk politics )
- 2. US police propagandists get paid to oppose views of the actual polled police
- (tags:police propaganda )
- 3. Alastair Campbell says senior BBC staff 'in the JK Rowling camp'
- (tags:LGBT transgender BBC bigotry )
- 4. Are Dogs and Cats on TikTok Really "Talking" with Buttons?
- (tags:animals language communication )