Eggplant.place

7d

Chapter 22 of Princess of Kurg is available to read on #RoyalRoad: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/108234/jigsaw-city

Ustrina confronts Nicole, demanding to know what she is, but she does so at full size, in dragon form.

Nicole isn't intimidated and tells the truth, which does not promote calm...

@bookstodon
#author #indieauthor #writing #fantasy #scifi #sciencefiction #sff #actionadventure #fiction #fairies #webseries

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59d

Did anyone else try out the Apple Voice Technology offered for free by Draft2Digital to produce audiobooks? I was amazed at how terrible and primitive the Apple Voice Technology actually is, considering what Apple is. Here's one clue about how terrible the technology is: I wrote a book in 2023 under the pen name N.J. Edwards. The computer-generated male voice introduced the audiobook this way: "This is an audiobook by author New Jersey Edwards. Granted, New Jersey Edwards is a fantastic pen name. I wish I'd thought of it. But that is not the author's name on the front of my book. The audiobook of my novel BEER POUR is so atrocious that there's actual computer code jibberish spoken in the middle of a dialogue scene. I could go on and on about all the flaws, but there's not enough room here. Go back to the drawing board, Apple. #Apple #audiobook #books #bookstodon #mastodon #book #novel #novel #voice #tech #technology #author #NewJersey #draft2digital #D2D #computergenerated #computer #introduction #intro #introductions #scribesAndMakers #writing #writersCoffeeClub #writer #publishing #MyWork #writersOfMastodon #writers #writersLife #indieAuthor #author #authors #audio #audiofiction #startup

I was commenting on how terrible Apple Voice Technology is for creating audiobooks. It can't even get the author's name right.

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61d

Our bi-weekly Writing Progress Review #8 is up. I know I'm massively biased on this, but I think that at least for other authors, some of this discussion might actually be interesting.

This episode, the progress part of our conversation takes on a relatively minor role as we focus more on process. I surprise Michael by producing a printed copy of my unfinished manuscript, something he would never consider doing! Last week's question was about when you kill a character off, and our answers also reflect on the huge differences between our approaches to writing.

The question for our next episode is on the use of AI in writing, and in creative pursuits in general. (Reluctantly, in my case. I'm just waiting for the hype bubble to burst so we can talk about something else instead.)

https://youtu.be/FdLyPCTf2Aw

#Writing #WritingCommunity

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1y

Just finished creating cover designs for the 12 days promo Christine and I are launching on DEC 20th. We're offering 12 days of free downloads, ranging from energy audits, mindfulness exercises, manifesting, sales/business playbooks AND MORE. The retail value of the offerings ranges from $97-$497 each.

Want to learn more? Register for free:

https://meetfutureu.com/sign-up-for-futureu-updates/

#life #selfCare #mentalHealth #ADHD #author #writing #books

Branded art for FutureU Co-Lab group coaching 12 days of Christmas offerings. Various covers of the free courses are arranged, with a person standing at the left of frame “holding” one of covers. Topics range from reframing mindset, managing uncertainty, profitability, week at a glance, intentions and creating a vision board.

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60d

The epilogue of Stone Prophet is available to read on #RoyalRoad: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/108234/jigsaw-city

The Seventh Sage presents Nicole with a choice: he can explain the nature of Olyna's deception to Kurg, teaching it about the nature of a lie, or Nicole can go her own way, staying separate from the magic city.

It isn't an easy choice for her to make...

@bookstodon
#author #indieauthor #writing #fantasy #scifi #sciencefiction #sff #actionadventure #fiction #fairies #webseries

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60d

I have been poking at writing a paper since late last year and am stuck in a "I know it won't achieve what I want it to achieve" doom loop about it, which is an effective motivation sap. This has happened to me every single time I've written something for publication and I find it very frustrating.

This is not really a call for advice--I have a thousand and one strategies, both my own and ones suggested to me by mentors and colleagues past--though I love to collect hot tips about how to write more effectively so I'm not opposed either. Mostly just venting because the other window is a blank page.

#motivation #writing #AcademicPublishing #AcademicWriting #TechnicalWriting

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1y

The Ebook of Sky Children is now available for purchase! Print copies will be available on Friday, January 3rd!

You can learn more at my website:
https://owentyme.us/books/sky-children/sky-children.html

Or go straight to the store links:
https://books2read.com/SkyChildren

#author #indieauthor #books #writing #fantasy #scifi #sciencefiction #actionadventure #fiction

The cover of the novel Sky Children, by Owen Tyme.

The cover shows the dark silhouette of a man against a night sky consisting of a view of the Milky Way, in more stunning detail than it's usually seen.

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57d

Ebook and paperback: https://books2read.com/SheSeeksPeace

The Hunter seeks peace and quiet to mourn the loss of her best friend in a world that seems bound and determined to make that task impossible. Enemies attack when she’d rather be alone, allies can’t take a hint and the arch-demon Wrath seeks the Hunter’s hand in marriage, even though she’d sooner kill him.

@bookstodon
#author #indieauthor #writing #fantasy #actionadventure #fiction #books

(Left) The cover of She Seeks Peace, by Owen Tyme.

The background is a snow-capped, craggy mountain with green, grassy hills at its base, which feature yellow and blue flowers.

The foreground is dominated by the round symbol for peace, in gold. Along the bottom of it are two olive branches. At the top is a dove in flight. Arranged on the lower three spokes of it are three figures based on the AIGA symbol for a woman. The figure on the right is blue. The one in the middle is a very dark gray, bordering on black, which includes a top hat. The figure on the left is red and has horns, like a demon.

(Right) The background is a view from the interior of a gun's barrel, with the rifling very apparent and the following quote over the top:

Reggie looked down the barrel of one of his own pistols, which the girl held in both hands, because the M1911 was a little large for someone so small.

There was a long, silent moment as the girl giggled and met his gaze. The murderous look was gone, replaced by something more playful, like a cat toying with a mouse.

(Bottom) https://books2read.com/SheSeeksPeace

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62d

As promised, 2026 will be different.

Due to the declining state of the writing biz and the country, I will be practicing creative privacy.

I will not be selling anymore new fiction.

https://www.patreon.com/posts/state-of-things-147897358?

#writing #zines #absurdist #absurdism #DIY #Indie

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58d

The prologue of Princess of Kurg is available to read on #RoyalRoad: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/108234/jigsaw-city

Nicole greets the Ulkun as the board Jigasw City, since there's finally room for all of them, then heads for the primary bridge, to get the city into orbit, in preparation for the next leg of their journey, which will take them all over the galaxy.

@bookstodon
#author #indieauthor #writing #fantasy #scifi #sciencefiction #sff #actionadventure #fiction #fairies #webseries

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1y

Happy #caturday!

deep sigh beside me
the cat stands up, stretches
and curls up again

Haiku: @MarjoleinRotsteeg

Handmade acrylic painting: @KarenKasparArt

--> https://karen-kaspar.pixels.com/featured/deep-relaxation-cat-haiku-english-karen-kaspar.html

#haiku #haikuart #poetry #writing #MastoArt #art #painting #FediGiftShop #MastodonArt #TraditionalArt #kunst #cats #CatsOfMastodon #CatLovers #pets #cute #animals #catstodon #WhiskersWednesday #kitten #kittens #katze #CatsOfFediverse #AnimalArt #BuyIntoArt #gingercat #ArtForSale #giftideas #handmade

deep sigh beside me
the cat stands up, stretches
and curls up again

Relaxing cat in the green is a hand-painted acrylic painting in landscape format by the artist Karen Kaspar. A red and white tabby cat sits in a meadow in lush green grass with its eyes closed. She is relaxing and enjoying the day. The reddish-brown fur with white stripes and the grass have been painted with loose and lively brushstrokes. The picture conveys a calm and peaceful mood.

This work, a combination of painting and haiku, is a joint project by Karen Kaspar (© art and artwork) and Marjolein Rotsteeg (© Haiku).
A haiku is a traditional Japanese poetry form consisting of three lines.

Here the acrylic painting was supplemented with the haiku in English.

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60d

So here's the first of the #MysteryAuthors from our #Winter issue.

Nice trees, somewhat obscured by the #BlankPage

But who could it be?

#books #reading #writing #ShortStories #fiction #comics #translation #blog #bookstodon

A desk looks out on lush foliage, with piles of books, a lamp and a computer screen showing an empty page

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58d

Ebook omnibus: https://books2read.com/AshenBladesOpenWounds

The arch-demon, Pride, leads demon-kind in an ancient plan to open a gate between worlds, so vast demon armies might march forth and conquer, but opening a portal requires both energy equivalent to a nuclear explosion and the cooperation of a half-demon, to stabilize it. However, the only half-demon available has made it her life mission to kill all demons.

@bookstodon
#author #indieauthor #writing #fantasy #actionadventure #fiction #books

$(Background) A fractal pattern of red and orange that resembles a demonic portal. (Center) Pride needs a half-demon to stabilize the portal between worlds. There’s just one hitch: she hates him. One stubborn half-demon vs. all of demon-kind? It could go either way... (Top Left) The cover of She Hunts Demons, by Owen Tyme, illustrated by Ryan Johnson. Sitting on the roof of a building in New York City is a teenage girl with a Japanese short sword. The image is black and white, aside from a few details in blue. (Bottom Left) The cover of She Goes to War, by Owen Tyme, illustrated by Ryan Johnson. Three people in tiger-stripe camouflage crouch in the jungle, including a teen girl, a soldier and a huge cat-man with black fur. (Bottom Right) The cover of the novel, Demon for President!, by Owen Tyme, illustrated by Ryan Johnson. Two politicians (Democrat and Republican) shake hands, as if for a photo-op, while a city burns behind them and the flag of the United States waves in the smoke. (Top Right) The cover of the book bundle, Ashen Blades: Open Wounds, by Owen Tyme, which includes a Japanese sword, a pistol and a pineapple grenade on a wooden surface.$

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58d

The Society of Authors offers, and has always offered, far more than invaluable advice on publishing contracts. See this article for a start.

"Talking about your author brand may feel "icky" but in a competitive market it's crucial to stand out. In an article first published in our quarterly journal, The Author, Rishi Dastidar makes the case for the value of branding, and explains that it all starts with defining what you do, and what it might stand for. "

https://societyofauthors.org/2026/01/15/the-ultimate-writing-machine/

#writing

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56d

Chapter 1 of Princess of Kurg is available to read on #RoyalRoad: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/108234/jigsaw-city

The Seelie Queen, Minerva Lovelysky, and the Unseelie Queen, Thistle Treelash, form a truce, because their world is dying and a powerful being is on his way, to consume their entire galaxy.

They face The Void as a unified front, despite how much it outclasses their queenly magic...

@bookstodon
#author #indieauthor #writing #fantasy #scifi #sciencefiction #sff #actionadventure #fiction #fairies #webseries

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56d

Ebook and paperback: https://books2read.com/TrollSong

Having an abusive assassin for a sister was bad enough, but when Lyra’s older sister, Nicole, becomes obsessed with killing the teenage troll, her life becomes a special kind of nightmare. Will she escape, or become just another victim of the unstoppable woman?

@bookstodon
#author #indieauthor #writing #fantasy #scifi #sciencefiction #sff #sciencefantasy #scifi #actionadventure #fiction #books

(Left) The cover of Troll Song, by Owen Tyme, Illustrated by Ryan Johnson.

There's a woman in mud spattered white, leather armor crossing a pair of short swords against the neck of a terrified, shirtless dwarf.

The woman has white hair and a darker skin tone on the left side of her face. Her left eye is green and her right eye is blue.

The dwarf's hair and beard are blond.

The background is a green forest, with some flowers among the tall grass.

(Right) The background is a snow-covered forest, with a pair of dark silhouettes in it, one small and the other large, like a giant. The smaller silhouette is of a young woman walking away and the interior is filled with musical symbols, in green, white and two shades of blue. The larger silhouette is a woman wielding two swords and the interior is full of blood spatter. The larger one appears to be chasing the smaller one.

The following text is laid over the scene:

“I can’t die until Lyra takes her last breath! She’ll regret betraying her sisters!”

“There’s no price I won’t pay to see that happen, no pain I won’t endure and I’d sacrifice the whole world to seal her fate!”

(Bottom) https://books2read.com/TrollSong

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62d

Let me explain:
I have two accounts on the #fediverse

1. This one: @shojiwax On which I post links to my website articles PLUS a general stream of consciousness remarks links, boosts and comments.

2. https://mastodon.au/@shojiwax.com@shojiwax.com this is a direct feed from my website and includes full text of my writings. Sorta like subscribing to my #blog’s RSS feed.

#blogging #writing #photography #consciousness #zen #creativity #poetry #blackAndWhite

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53d

Chapter 2 of Princess of Kurg is available to read on #RoyalRoad: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/108234/jigsaw-city

Nicole discusses her plans for the future with Scar and makes some small adjustments to them, based on what he says.

@bookstodon
#author #indieauthor #writing #fantasy #scifi #sciencefiction #sff #actionadventure #fiction #fairies #webseries

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54d

Creative Conversations: Rachelle Atalla
20 January, University of Glasgow & online – free

Rachelle Atalla is a Scottish-Egyptian novelist, short story writer & screenwriter. Her first novel, THE PHARMACIST, is now in development for film with Compact Pictures & the BFI. THIRSTY ANIMALS is her second novel & has been optioned by STV. Her most recent book is THE SALT FLATS

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-conversations-rachelle-atalla-tickets-1977613863301

#Scottish #literature #writing #screenwriting #dystopia #dystopianfiction

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1y

Wrath of the Sky, the second volume of Sky Children, is available for preorder! The release date is set for February 7, 2025.

You can learn more at my website:
https://owentyme.us/books/sky-children/wrath-of-the-sky.html

Or go straight to the store links:
https://books2read.com/WrathOfTheSky

#author #indieauthor #books #writing #fantasy #scifi #sciencefiction #actionadventure #fiction

The cover of Wrath of the Sky, by Owen Tyme.

The background is black and the foreground features a flaming planet that resembles Earth.

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1y

every now and then i mistype girlfriend as girlfried

It makes me chuckle whenever I find this in an editing pass.

#writing

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53d

How Fanfiction is Literary Resistance https://sightlessscribbles.com/how-fanfiction-is-literary-resistance/ #Fanfiction #Writing #Reading

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42d

Chapter 7 of Princess of Kurg is available to read on #RoyalRoad: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/108234/jigsaw-city

Nicole and a dwarf technician work on a new magi-tech device, because they have a need to translate never before seen languages, to speak with strangers from the many worlds they visit.

@bookstodon
#author #indieauthor #writing #fantasy #scifi #sciencefiction #sff #actionadventure #fiction #fairies #webseries

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1y

Here is my #introduction because I’m #newhere.

Like so many others, I’m a refugee from Meta/X. Mastodon is giving me some hope that I might find a #community in social media. Happily married. Resident of Florida but currently on slow travel in Costa Rica. My passions are: #writing – my web site (link in profile) has info on my novels and occasional #popculture essays - #movies , #reading #fiction and #nonfiction , and #photography

I look forward to connecting with the Mastodon community!

Laptop computer with a giant pretzel and a glass of kombucha

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53d

Ebook and paperback: https://books2read.com/TheThirdWish

Spies, aliens, trolls, wizards and a disowned prince use a time machine, to improve their place in history, but Levi Jacobs stands in their way, despite having just lost his parents in war. Will he stop them or will the time travelers kill his father at a pivotal moment, on which the fate of the galaxy hangs?

@bookstodon
#author #indieauthor #writing #fantasy #scifi #sciencefiction #sff #sciencefantasy #scifi #actionadventure #fiction #books

(Left) The cover of The Third Wish, by Owen Tyme, illustrated by Ryan Johnson.

A wizard in a black robe that glitters with hints of gold stands on a mountain and looks down at a city of sky scrapers covered in greenery. In his shadow lurks a creature with glowing red eyes.

In the background, the sun is setting and stars are becoming visible.

(Right Background) Four images separated by black lines, with the silhouette of a woman wielding two swords laid over them. She's outlined in black and her interior is yellow clock-based imagery that spirals outward from the center.

The upper left quarter is a queen in a red, furred robe, wearing a gold and diamond crown. She has dark eyebrows and blond hair.

Upper right is a planet seen from orbit.

Lower left is a symbolic wire frame representation of the view inside a wormhole, in green and yellow.

Lower right is dandelions among grass.

The angle of the planet, one of the woman's swords, the yellow highlights of the wormhole and some of the dandelions form a line that draws the eye along a sweeping curve.

(Right Foreground) The following quote:

He admired the flawless beauty of the insane swordswoman’s fluid movements as Ida took desperate step after step, backwards!

He felt waves of mental energy pour off the panic-stricken troll, but the energy bounced right off of Nicole’s mind, as though she’d shut herself inside a solid, red-hot, steel box of rage!

(Bottom) https://books2read.com/TheThirdWish

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