@elektra #writephant Self-promo time! What links, pieces of writing, art, and so forth would you like people to see in this chat?

Well, I'd like to promote that you can build anything with duct tape. Be sure to enlarge the image to examine the magnificent job this scooter's owner did. Note that there is NO duct tape on the helmet; they b smart! More in #AltText

Oh, I wrote this small tootfic, which I think might entertain you. The "prizefighter" I mentioned in my answers today is the MC.

A Spider Hiding in the Corner: https://eldritch.cafe/@sfwrtr/114544568575460151

#BoostingIsSharing

#writephant: Self-promotion time! What links, pieces of writing, art, and so forth would you like people to see in this chat? Post as many as you like within the character limit!

I've posted these before, but...

A vampire hunter's soliloquy:
https://www.thequarantinereview.ca/main/the-vaccine

A time-travel two-hander (that's really about covid):
https://journals.openedition.org/caliban/7933

#writephant Q4: If choosing between a sword and shield, what would you prefer?

In real life, a shield. I have no idea how to use a sword. But swords and shields *go together*, so I reject the premise of the question.

If you said "sword or spear," then we're having a real debate.

But the correct answer is spear.

#writephant Q3: What are some hills that you would die on in real life, related to books or stories?

Serial motherfucking commas. I suspect I might die in a bar fight against a journalist.

"We don't believe in unnecessary commas!"

"Serial commas ARE necessary, you swine!

[broken bottles, chairs smashed over backs, etc.]

#Writephant Q2: Do you have any characters that are scrapping for a large fight or a little argument?

God yes. Sim, my comic relief guy, wants to be glorious in battle so bad that he can taste it. But he's not a naturally good fighter, and he might go this whole book without getting into one, which he might just realize is *good*.

@Priyajsridhar
Trying to explain to idiots how AI works is a waste of time. I've tried. And Amazon being willing to sell books that have been stolen is no help.

After Fifty Shades of Gray, everyone is looking for an angle.

Don't get me started on book banning--I want to drop those parents down wells.

@elektra
Parents that call for book bans should have regular appointments with CPS and remedial classes on literature.
Prologues are in excess.
Publishers should not be soliciting their next bestsellers from A03.
Convention volunteers that extoll benefits of generative AI and get defensive when you tell them it’s theft should be made to pay us restitution per use.
#writephant

I'm Elektra Hammond. Find me at untilmidnight.com

See me talk about SF/F, writing, comics, TV, and Supernatural at Con-Tinual (the Con that Never Ends) on Facebook and Youtube.

Permutations, an anthology based on Jack Chalker's Well World is finally out! Order it from book sellers near you.

@crcollins
I prefer swords by far, but running is always the best option. And there are smaller, lighter shields available . . . the equipment that's right for you is really important.

@crcollins
Agreed on not censoring yourself!

@crcollins
You devil, you.
I have to skim the overly gory ones, too, for reasons.

@elektra #writephant A4. If choosing between a sword and shield, what would you prefer?

Me?

FOTFLOL.

I can't fight. I cook, so I know what a knife can do to meat, and I don't want to do that to someone else or have it happen to me. Since I write lots of fight scenes, and I go for gritty realism where the winner even ends up with sepsis, I know for an absolute fact I would not know how to use a shield effectively.

I'm taking the third alternative: I'm running. If they are waving a sword, I might even pee myself!

#BoostingIsSharing

If choosing between a sword and shield, what would I prefer?

No contest. In my youth, I was a skilled foil fencer (I competed at the Jr Olympics & the NCAAs). In the SCA (I've since GAFIAted) I learned to wear a sword with no thought. And now I'm learning to wield a katana inTangSooDo.

Swords all the way!