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Book Thread: [Sabrina Chase]
Allow me to present my credentials. I have written over 15 books in the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres. While these were indie published, before that I was a typical trad-pub author in that I had an agent and was offered a contract by a well known publisher. (Which was so bad that when I turned it down my agent was HAPPY, but that's a post for another time.) But I did come out of the horrors with some knowledge of the brick-and-mortar publishing industry, as much as one can and still retain one's soul. Then I went to the Dark Side and it is true, it has cookies or at least more money and lots of authors generally helping each other, plus writing lots of cool books for you, dear readers! Do not fear. I will not be going into the terrifying process of writing (but should you be interested in that topic, allow me to point out the info in the left sidebar of this very site for the AoSHQ Writers Group!) Instead, I will talk about the journey that starts once the book is written, and why some truly perplexing things can happen on the way.
There are two main systems, still fighting it out like Montagues and Capulets. Traditional publishing (TradPub) and Indie. Think of it like giant but slow dinosaurs vs. tiny scampering mammals. Strangely, some of the odd behaviors are the same!
Why does the cover make no sense? That didn't happen in the book? Yes, well. koff In TradPub, that was probably because the cover description was never seen by the author, or the editor, or anyone who had, you know, actually read the book. Instead someone in Marketing read a listicle on Instagram about how green industrial backgrounds signal Deep Thoughts and voila, your romantic robot thriller now has a picture of a green garage door on the cover. (This Really Happened.)
[This may verge too close to self-promotion but this *is* a cool cover that my artist created with creative freedom] In the Indie world, that was probably because the author was dirt poor, couldn't find anything closer in the free art bin, or is allergic to AI. Or the marketplace they want to sell on doesn't allow AI art. Also, and it pains me to admit it, authors are not artists. We use words. Pretty pictures confuse and frighten us and we don't know how to make them or tell other people how to make them. It took me YEARS to figure out the best way to get cool covers from my artist was to just hand him the book and say "go nuts." Why did my favorite author never complete Series? (TradPub) Usually, the preceding books didn't bring in the predicted buckets of cash. Note I did not say "didn't sell". Just it didn't sell well enough. Also the editor that supported the series retired/died/was replaced by someone who hates the author, series, and anything connected to them. (Indie) Oh, we have lots of reasons. Some of them are even good ones!
a) distracted by the three other series projects we have going, b) it didn't sell because we used the cheap green garage door cover and readers couldn't tell it was a cool robot romance thriller, c) author thought they would make millions with no effort and gave up when that didn't happen, d) author gave up because readers never found the book or left reviews when they did find it and won't someone think of the authors! (Sorry. It's a touchy subject.) Really? Then what the hell happened to that Very Large Author who wrote something that sounded like "Frame of Groans" that still hasn't finished? He sure didn't get any green garage door covers!
Even TradPub can't put lipstick on a nonexistant pig. And the reasons why Very Large Author (VLA) hasn't finished that series are ... writing style, and payoff. VLA is an outliner. Everything has to be planned out ahead of time. Which means if you made a plot oopsie in book 2 of a series that comes back to bite you in book 24, you're holed below the waterline because you can't go back and fix a book already published. (Indie authors are nervously glancing about right now ...) So why did the Very Young Wizard series books get progressively thicker (and possibly less good)? Because British Author(with a castle) was making the publishers cargo ships of money and no editor had the leverage to tell BA(wc) to tidy her work. And this happens to lots of authors, and lots of series, and sadly to Indie as well as TradPub. If it sells, there's less incentive to polish. More to get the next book out fast instead.
So! I hope you found these Dark Secrets entertaining. Please let me know in the comments if there are other topics you would like me to write about!
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Tolle Lege
Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2026 09:00 AM (Ia/+0)
2
(takes deep breath)
I smell the scent of metal! It’s a Sabrina Book Thread!
I smell the scent of metal! It’s a Sabrina Book Thread!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:00 AM (uQesX)
3
Mug of hot chocolate and Rick Atkinson's An Army at Dawn, a account of North African campaign in WWII
Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2026 09:01 AM (Ia/+0)
4
Booken morgen horden
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 15, 2026 09:02 AM (f/buw)
5
Good morning morons and thanks Sabrina
Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 15, 2026 09:02 AM (RIvkX)
6
Finished book 2 of Dungeon Crawler Carl last night
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 15, 2026 09:02 AM (f/buw)
7
Sabrina, awesome book thread!
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 15, 2026 09:03 AM (f/buw)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 09:04 AM (q3u5l)
9
Hiya! I will be lurking in the comments to answer any questions. And yes, I am wearing pants. The special Guest Poster pants.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 09:04 AM (KnrSi)
10
Read “From the Seas,” a longish pirate short story by J. Allan Dunn. It opens with a pirate captain and some men going to a voodoo queen to read his fortune. Captain Cypher is told no living man or woman will kill him.
The captain first appeared as the natural son of an island planter, but ravished the daughter of a neighbor, so took to the pirate life to escape punishment. A Royal Navy ship appears in the islands, tasked with capturing Cypher. They give chase, but the pirate ship escapes into a hideout cove, repairs its ship, then boldly sacks the house where the ravished woman lives. She’s taken prisoner, but through luck, gets stranded with only one pirate who agrees to change sides because he’s afraid he’ll get caught and hanged. The navy finds the two, and the buccaneer leads them to the secret cove, but jumps ship and changes sides again.
The navy ship attacks, and just before one of their number shoots Cypher, he dies, but touches off a cannon aimed at the pirate – Cypher’s death, just as the voodoo witch foretold.
If you’re interested in pulp pirate action, it’s good enough. It uses all the pirate tropes: a damsel, a straight-arrow naval officer, and a ruthless pirate.
The captain first appeared as the natural son of an island planter, but ravished the daughter of a neighbor, so took to the pirate life to escape punishment. A Royal Navy ship appears in the islands, tasked with capturing Cypher. They give chase, but the pirate ship escapes into a hideout cove, repairs its ship, then boldly sacks the house where the ravished woman lives. She’s taken prisoner, but through luck, gets stranded with only one pirate who agrees to change sides because he’s afraid he’ll get caught and hanged. The navy finds the two, and the buccaneer leads them to the secret cove, but jumps ship and changes sides again.
The navy ship attacks, and just before one of their number shoots Cypher, he dies, but touches off a cannon aimed at the pirate – Cypher’s death, just as the voodoo witch foretold.
If you’re interested in pulp pirate action, it’s good enough. It uses all the pirate tropes: a damsel, a straight-arrow naval officer, and a ruthless pirate.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:04 AM (uQesX)
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 15, 2026 09:05 AM (bXbFr)
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:05 AM (ufSfZ)
13
Thanks for pulling the curtain aside on the world of publishing.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 15, 2026 09:05 AM (RIvkX)
14
Surprise!
(I'm still here, but have reverted to lurking in the shadows during Sabrina's AWESOME DEBUT!)
(I'm still here, but have reverted to lurking in the shadows during Sabrina's AWESOME DEBUT!)
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at February 15, 2026 09:06 AM (ESVrU)
15
As far as covers are concerned, I can, fortunately, use pictures of Theda Bara and colorize them. My first book was done by someone else, but the second one was my own idea, and I am going to use that format for the third one.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:06 AM (ufSfZ)
16
From a recent Napoleonic Wars podcast, there is a fine but still distinct line between Pirates and Privateers
Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2026 09:07 AM (Ia/+0)
17
From a recent Napoleonic Wars podcast, there is a fine but still distinct line between Pirates and Privateers
Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2026 09:07 AM (Ia/+0)
They were basically the same thing. Depended on who wanted them to do what.
Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2026 09:07 AM (Ia/+0)
They were basically the same thing. Depended on who wanted them to do what.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:08 AM (uQesX)
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 15, 2026 09:08 AM (UzL96)
19
Morning, book people, and a big welcome to Sabrina as guest blogger today! As an aspiring indie author, I found your essay entertaining as well as depressing -- but I already suspected a lot of the depressing elements there, as well as in TradPub, so they did not come as much of a shock.
Anyway! On the TBR pile, which had gotten remarkably low this past week (I sensed a disturbance in the Book Force): two Graham Greenes, The End of the Affair (non-genre) and The Human Factor (1978 spy story); and two John Wyndham SF novels, The Kraken Wakes and Chocky. Also a rather academic-looking book of essays, The Bond Phenomenon.
Anyway! On the TBR pile, which had gotten remarkably low this past week (I sensed a disturbance in the Book Force): two Graham Greenes, The End of the Affair (non-genre) and The Human Factor (1978 spy story); and two John Wyndham SF novels, The Kraken Wakes and Chocky. Also a rather academic-looking book of essays, The Bond Phenomenon.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:08 AM (wzUl9)
20
They were basically the same thing. Depended on who wanted them to do what.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
_________
Indeed.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
_________
Indeed.
Posted by: Andrew Jackson at February 15, 2026 09:09 AM (XvL8K)
21
I had an agent once, before trad pub was a thing. I don't know how hard he pushed my book (the first TB novel, The Director's Cut), but we eventually parted ways, as he said no publisher wanted to put money on a silent film mystery series by an unknown. So I was basically forced into indie publishing.
And since I'm a lazy bastard, it allows me to publish at my own speed, which is basically Game of Thrones slowness. I don't make any money from it, but I never expected to.
And since I'm a lazy bastard, it allows me to publish at my own speed, which is basically Game of Thrones slowness. I don't make any money from it, but I never expected to.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:10 AM (ufSfZ)
22
Sabrina, thank you so much! This makes the foray in to writing and (attempting) to sell a book more understandable! And a very enjoyable read as well! Dang it, now I have to buy more books!!
Posted by: moki at February 15, 2026 09:10 AM (wLjpr)
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 15, 2026 09:10 AM (bXbFr)
24
Halfway through Rick Atkinson's "The Fate of the Day." Up to shadowing the Redcoats as they head NE to Sandy Hook NJ to head back to Manhattan Island.
Hard to put the book down.
Hard to put the book down.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 15, 2026 09:11 AM (UzL96)
25
Hello, fellow bibliophiliacs! And helloooooo Sabrina!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 09:11 AM (kpS4V)
26
Only same thing to opponents
And according to maritime law there is a difference.
And according to maritime law there is a difference.
Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2026 09:12 AM (Ia/+0)
27
Circumstances
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 15, 2026 09:12 AM (bXbFr)
28
All Morons need a lair.
Posted by: toby928(c) at February 15, 2026 09:13 AM (nHnQ2)
29
I haven't been doing much reading this week. A combination of boredom and lack of interest in anything I have. I have been (and will be doing today) editing on my friend's latest book - yes, the lucky friend who has an agent and has spoken to Kathleen Kennedy about a film adaptation). She trusts me, and her agent has had no problems with my work.
I've asked her to mention to him that I write as well, which she has. I doubt anything will come out of it. Unless you're Loren Estleman, nobody wants a silent film series.
I've asked her to mention to him that I write as well, which she has. I doubt anything will come out of it. Unless you're Loren Estleman, nobody wants a silent film series.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:13 AM (ufSfZ)
30
Sabrina, is there a primer somewhere to show a new indie author what exactly is needed to get one's book up on Amazon, in which formats, and suggestions on how to publicize it? An Indie Publishing for Dummies?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:13 AM (wzUl9)
31
this *is* a cool cover that my artist created with creative freedom
-
As long as you don't attract an IP theft suit from the makers of Shrek.
-
As long as you don't attract an IP theft suit from the makers of Shrek.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 15, 2026 09:14 AM (UzL96)
32
The BA(wc) bloat sounds awfully similar to what I imagine the Stephen King bloat process may have been.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 09:14 AM (q3u5l)
33
Good morning OE!!! Randy and I are meandering through the west at a senior's pace on a wheezy horse!!
Posted by: moki at February 15, 2026 09:14 AM (wLjpr)
34
Good Sunday morning, horde! Thank you for presenting, Sabrina Chase. Very interesting, thankyouverymuch!
This week I am reading The Grand Babylon Hotel, by Arnold Bennett. It was published in 1901, I think, so may appeal to those of you who don't like to read anything new.
An American millionaire and his daughter are staying at the renowned Babylon Hotel in Paris. When they refuse to serve his daughter a steak and beer, he buys the damned hotel so they'll do what he asks! And then, murder! and capers ensue. It's a delight.
Public domain version free on kindle.
This week I am reading The Grand Babylon Hotel, by Arnold Bennett. It was published in 1901, I think, so may appeal to those of you who don't like to read anything new.
An American millionaire and his daughter are staying at the renowned Babylon Hotel in Paris. When they refuse to serve his daughter a steak and beer, he buys the damned hotel so they'll do what he asks! And then, murder! and capers ensue. It's a delight.
Public domain version free on kindle.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 09:14 AM (h7ZuX)
35
Good morning, Sabrina Chase, semi-professional author and 'ette in good standing. Nice to see you hosting the book thread.
How does one become a "semi" professional? Is that like being a part-time employee?
How does one become a "semi" professional? Is that like being a part-time employee?
Posted by: mindful webworker - unprofessional unintentionally at February 15, 2026 09:15 AM (6hyzx)
36
I will not be going into the terrifying process of writing (but should you be interested in that topic, allow me to point out the info in the left sidebar of this very site for the AoSHQ Writers Group!)
Yes! And if you ARE interested in any aspect of writing or publishing, or want to be a first reader, or you have artistic skills as a book cover designer, why AREN'T you a member???
Yes! And if you ARE interested in any aspect of writing or publishing, or want to be a first reader, or you have artistic skills as a book cover designer, why AREN'T you a member???
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:15 AM (uQesX)
37
Any hear of author Cedar Sanderson? Any relation to Brandon Sanderson?
Posted by: lin-duh at February 15, 2026 09:15 AM (VCgbV)
38
19 As an aspiring indie author, I found your essay entertaining as well as depressing -- but I already suspected a lot of the depressing elements there, as well as in TradPub, so they did not come as much of a shock.
Never fear, there are good points as well! Its just easy to find (and complain) about the depressing bits. There's lots of quiet good news lurking about.
And please feel free to make requests! I will be back on a regular basis and need things to write about
Never fear, there are good points as well! Its just easy to find (and complain) about the depressing bits. There's lots of quiet good news lurking about.
And please feel free to make requests! I will be back on a regular basis and need things to write about
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 09:16 AM (KnrSi)
39
Biden's Dog- finding every Rick Atkinson's books to be that way.
Certainly more interested in the American Revolutionary War because of them, and the 250th anniversaries.
Hope to get to one or two reenactments in next couple years
Certainly more interested in the American Revolutionary War because of them, and the 250th anniversaries.
Hope to get to one or two reenactments in next couple years
Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2026 09:16 AM (Ia/+0)
40
Good morning, Sabrina, and Horde. Interesting observations.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 15, 2026 09:16 AM (8zz6B)
41
Yay Book Thread! Welcome Sabrina!
I think a lot of potential authors are intimidated by the process of finding a publisher, how to track down a decent agent, fearful of their ideas being stolen, etc. Going the Indie route pushes all that aside and lets one just get down to business.
In my experience, the more you write, the more you sell. Bulking up the catalog is a game-changer. Someone buys one of your books, likes it, buys another. We all do that. I've taken a break from my Graham Greene binge, but I will get back to it. Before that I was reading everything I could find by Waugh (and yes, I'm coming back to his more obscure works at some point).
And I'll say it again: if you want the money, write nonfiction. Long Live Death actually sells consistently. Walls of Men as well, albeit to a lesser extent as the topic is a bit more obscure. It's more work, but you can charge a much higher price and people will gladly pay it.
I think a lot of potential authors are intimidated by the process of finding a publisher, how to track down a decent agent, fearful of their ideas being stolen, etc. Going the Indie route pushes all that aside and lets one just get down to business.
In my experience, the more you write, the more you sell. Bulking up the catalog is a game-changer. Someone buys one of your books, likes it, buys another. We all do that. I've taken a break from my Graham Greene binge, but I will get back to it. Before that I was reading everything I could find by Waugh (and yes, I'm coming back to his more obscure works at some point).
And I'll say it again: if you want the money, write nonfiction. Long Live Death actually sells consistently. Walls of Men as well, albeit to a lesser extent as the topic is a bit more obscure. It's more work, but you can charge a much higher price and people will gladly pay it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 09:16 AM (ZOv7s)
42
Love this thread! I took a break from editing my next book just to see if the Book Thread was up, and it's so encouraging to hear another indie-and-also-trad author's take on things. Thanks Sabrina, and well done!
Posted by: Part-time Thinker at February 15, 2026 09:17 AM (YG+k7)
43
“Arsenal of Democracy” A.J. Baime, about Detroit and the challenges leading up to, and after Pearl Harbor to get the automotive industry and others to start making planes and trucks and guns and other implements of destruction. On a scale never before seen.
I knew the outline of the story and the issues, but like most things it’s more complicated than portrayed.
I knew the outline of the story and the issues, but like most things it’s more complicated than portrayed.
Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2026 09:17 AM (zocr6)
44
Do semi-professional authors hang out at the library?
Posted by: dantesed at February 15, 2026 09:17 AM (Oy/m2)
45
Sabrina, is there a primer somewhere to show a new indie author what exactly is needed to get one's book up on Amazon, in which formats, and suggestions on how to publicize it? An Indie Publishing for Dummies?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:13 AM (wzUl9)
Wolfus, in my experience, uploading your book to Amazon is fairly easy, and they give you thoughts on publicity, as well. Just click on their 'publish with us' link.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:13 AM (wzUl9)
Wolfus, in my experience, uploading your book to Amazon is fairly easy, and they give you thoughts on publicity, as well. Just click on their 'publish with us' link.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:17 AM (ufSfZ)
46
"Allow me to present my credentials."
I see I could have read beyond the first paragraph before commenting. 🙄
I see I could have read beyond the first paragraph before commenting. 🙄
Posted by: mindful webworker - comment first, read later at February 15, 2026 09:17 AM (6hyzx)
47
Another advantage of nonfiction: as long as you give proper citation, you can lift whole passages out of other peoples' books and not only will people not get mad, they will think it is cool. I can't wrap my brain around why anyone would plagiarize, unless they basically can't stitch a sentence together without a tutor.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 09:18 AM (ZOv7s)
48
And since I'm a lazy bastard, it allows me to publish at my own speed, which is basically Game of Thrones slowness. I don't make any money from it, but I never expected to.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:10 AM (ufSfZ)
Well, you made some money from me.
That's the rub, as someone once said. Tradpub, or Indie? Once I get my edited manuscript back, do I try to find an agent, or set it aside and scrounge for money to self pub?
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:10 AM (ufSfZ)
Well, you made some money from me.
That's the rub, as someone once said. Tradpub, or Indie? Once I get my edited manuscript back, do I try to find an agent, or set it aside and scrounge for money to self pub?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:18 AM (uQesX)
49
Wolfus and Sabrina,
I haven't put anything up on Amazon in some years now -- don't recall formatting etc being much of a real problem, but getting and staying visible in the flood of titles strikes me as being a real killer these days, especially if you're not out there on social media. I'd like to see that primer myself, as I may have some things to put up this year.
I haven't put anything up on Amazon in some years now -- don't recall formatting etc being much of a real problem, but getting and staying visible in the flood of titles strikes me as being a real killer these days, especially if you're not out there on social media. I'd like to see that primer myself, as I may have some things to put up this year.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 09:18 AM (q3u5l)
50
One of the most famous US shipwrecks occurred fifty years ago last fall. The Gales of November by John Bacon tells the story of the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
This 2025 book covers every aspect of the ship, the industry, and the region. If you have no knowledge about ships, or taconite, or the great lakes region you will find the answers in this book. It covers the history of the lakes, the process of hauling millions of tons of ore down them, and the history of the cities that were built on them to make America an industrial powerhouse. The copper that electrified America and the steel that built our modern world sailed down Lake Superior.
To this day, the exact cause of her loss is still debated. Some believe she hit Six Fathom Shoal and cracked her hull, which would have let water in, but she was in stormy 20 plus foot waves with a freeboard of only 10 feet, so her hatch covers could have failed as well. Taconite absorbs water and would add tons of weight. Her wreck was eventually found broken in half from some cause. Twenty nine men and the most famous ship on the lakes were lost that November. This book contains every bit of information available to date.
This 2025 book covers every aspect of the ship, the industry, and the region. If you have no knowledge about ships, or taconite, or the great lakes region you will find the answers in this book. It covers the history of the lakes, the process of hauling millions of tons of ore down them, and the history of the cities that were built on them to make America an industrial powerhouse. The copper that electrified America and the steel that built our modern world sailed down Lake Superior.
To this day, the exact cause of her loss is still debated. Some believe she hit Six Fathom Shoal and cracked her hull, which would have let water in, but she was in stormy 20 plus foot waves with a freeboard of only 10 feet, so her hatch covers could have failed as well. Taconite absorbs water and would add tons of weight. Her wreck was eventually found broken in half from some cause. Twenty nine men and the most famous ship on the lakes were lost that November. This book contains every bit of information available to date.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:19 AM (0U5gm)
51
Dang it, now I have to buy more books!!
Posted by: moki at February 15, 2026 09:10 AM (wLjpr)
I know a guy....
Posted by: moki at February 15, 2026 09:10 AM (wLjpr)
I know a guy....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:19 AM (uQesX)
52
Hope to get to one or two reenactments in next couple years
Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2026 09:16 AM (Ia/+0)
-
Very envious.
Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2026 09:16 AM (Ia/+0)
-
Very envious.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 15, 2026 09:20 AM (UzL96)
53
Also, thanks to whomever mentioned that The Gales of November was now available last fall. It immediately went on my wish list.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:20 AM (0U5gm)
54
The berlin babylon series arr about the silent era admittedly in germany
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 15, 2026 09:21 AM (bXbFr)
55
I knew the outline of the story and the issues, but like most things it’s more complicated than portrayed.
Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2026 09:17 AM (zocr6)
---
There's a clip by the founder of Anduril where he explains that modern military procurement is built around the idea of defense spending as make-work luxury items, not in any way intended to support wartime needs.
His big thing is that weapons development has to start like it did in WW II: look at what your factories are making, and build weapon designs around THAT. Find tanks that can run on engines made in existing plants, not some unicorn that needs pixie farts to power it. Same with munitions, but more so.
Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2026 09:17 AM (zocr6)
---
There's a clip by the founder of Anduril where he explains that modern military procurement is built around the idea of defense spending as make-work luxury items, not in any way intended to support wartime needs.
His big thing is that weapons development has to start like it did in WW II: look at what your factories are making, and build weapon designs around THAT. Find tanks that can run on engines made in existing plants, not some unicorn that needs pixie farts to power it. Same with munitions, but more so.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 09:21 AM (ZOv7s)
56
And I'll say it again: if you want the money, write nonfiction. Long Live Death actually sells consistently.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
Don't you need academic credentials for that though?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
Don't you need academic credentials for that though?
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 15, 2026 09:21 AM (f/buw)
57
What where the curcumstances of the ravishing
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 15, 2026 09:10 AM (bXbFr)
Pre-buccaneering, Cypher - then named Drayton - took the lady "sailing" (wink wink) and somehow... they had to overnight after a storm and he took "liberties." Which was his plan all along.
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 15, 2026 09:10 AM (bXbFr)
Pre-buccaneering, Cypher - then named Drayton - took the lady "sailing" (wink wink) and somehow... they had to overnight after a storm and he took "liberties." Which was his plan all along.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:22 AM (uQesX)
58
Since we seem to have a goodly gathering of indie authors present: does anyone have a good strategy for cutting through the AI slop when it comes to user engagement? It used to be that emails from the author were the way to go, but now that AI agents are writing those at ridiculous levels, I'm kind of lost as to how to distinguish myself from the noise. Any thoughts?
Posted by: Part-time Thinker at February 15, 2026 09:22 AM (YG+k7)
59
The berlin babylon series arr about the silent era admittedly in germany
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 15, 2026 09:21 AM (bXbFr)
---
Weimar holds considerable historical fascination because of Toothbrush Mustache Man. See also: "Cabaret."
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 15, 2026 09:21 AM (bXbFr)
---
Weimar holds considerable historical fascination because of Toothbrush Mustache Man. See also: "Cabaret."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 09:22 AM (ZOv7s)
60
It will help being close to many within a couple hour trips
Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2026 09:23 AM (Ia/+0)
61
Also, thanks to whomever mentioned that The Gales of November was now available last fall. It immediately went on my wish list.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:20 AM (0U5gm)
That was me. Glad you enjoyed it!
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:20 AM (0U5gm)
That was me. Glad you enjoyed it!
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:23 AM (ufSfZ)
62
Up to shadowing the Redcoats as they head NE to Sandy Hook NJ to head back to Manhattan Island.
------
"We promise you will get the fuck out of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and stay out, you snaggletoothed sodomites."
------
"We promise you will get the fuck out of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and stay out, you snaggletoothed sodomites."
Posted by: Sandy Hook Promise at February 15, 2026 09:23 AM (BI5O2)
63
Having sated my hunger for history texts for the present, I have begun a Pulpy and Predictable SF kick. The Great Online Book Seller has so many of these that it's bewildering to even scroll through the entries. Trying to find a nugget amongst the pebbles is a toughie!
Posted by: Brewingfrog at February 15, 2026 09:24 AM (FpkXG)
64
"getting and staying visible in the flood of titles strikes me as being a real killer these days"
The world is drowning in 'content' now. It just seems to me like a very dicey way to make enough money to live on. And the market seems to prefer dreck over quality. Even if it fed me, I'd hate to have to produce dreck to survive.
The world is drowning in 'content' now. It just seems to me like a very dicey way to make enough money to live on. And the market seems to prefer dreck over quality. Even if it fed me, I'd hate to have to produce dreck to survive.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 09:24 AM (N8ZBc)
Posted by: Harrumph at February 15, 2026 09:24 AM (2Ez/1)
66
Think of it like giant but slow dinosaurs vs. tiny scampering mammals. Strangely, some of the odd behaviors are the same!
Pictures giant elephant (tradpub) trying to kill mouse (indiepub) by beating Yosemite Sam on the ground.
Pictures giant elephant (tradpub) trying to kill mouse (indiepub) by beating Yosemite Sam on the ground.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:24 AM (uQesX)
67
Well, you made some money from me.
And I thank you.
That's the rub, as someone once said. Tradpub, or Indie? Once I get my edited manuscript back, do I try to find an agent, or set it aside and scrounge for money to self pub?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:18 AM (uQesX)
I'd say it depends on your subject. What are people hungry to read and is your book one they want? I write for a niche market. Sabrina doesn't.
And I thank you.
That's the rub, as someone once said. Tradpub, or Indie? Once I get my edited manuscript back, do I try to find an agent, or set it aside and scrounge for money to self pub?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:18 AM (uQesX)
I'd say it depends on your subject. What are people hungry to read and is your book one they want? I write for a niche market. Sabrina doesn't.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:25 AM (ufSfZ)
68
Well it was an era of liberty and license, amids the collapse of a culture a way of light the events of 1923 really shook thd people up
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 15, 2026 09:25 AM (bXbFr)
69
I've stepped into The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter. Just finished book one.
I like it but it is mild compared to his Disc Word series.
An interesting idea that seems very attractive is a bit of a nightmare.
I am enjoying it.
I like it but it is mild compared to his Disc Word series.
An interesting idea that seems very attractive is a bit of a nightmare.
I am enjoying it.
Posted by: pawn at February 15, 2026 09:26 AM (uvB+6)
70
MP4, I love your Theda Bara Mystery covers! To me, they are romantic and mysterious, like the lady herself.
My favorite cheesy "wow, that IS right from the story!" cover is the golden age pulp "The Green Girl", with our heroine leered at by a plant monster:
https://tinyurl.com/mr36j8s7
My favorite cheesy "wow, that IS right from the story!" cover is the golden age pulp "The Green Girl", with our heroine leered at by a plant monster:
https://tinyurl.com/mr36j8s7
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 09:27 AM (kpS4V)
71
I don't like what has happened to this site in the past week. When I click on the link to the jump portion of an Ace essay, I get a full-screen popup ad that stays too long. Not good when I'm at work, and the ad shows that titty mature brunette. No longer can I read the extra portion on the main page. Maybe this is a way of telling me to get a new computer and abandon my smartphone for reading Ace. I'll see much aggravation I get with my frequent refreshes of this thread.
Speaking of which --
I'm still following the skirmishes of tabloid runnwrs and shooters in "America's Last Great Newspaper War: The Death of Print in a Two-Tabloid Town" by Mike Jaccarino. One day the New York Daily News wins the day, and maybe The New York Post triumphs the next day. The volleying, like the news, never ceases.
Speaking of which --
I'm still following the skirmishes of tabloid runnwrs and shooters in "America's Last Great Newspaper War: The Death of Print in a Two-Tabloid Town" by Mike Jaccarino. One day the New York Daily News wins the day, and maybe The New York Post triumphs the next day. The volleying, like the news, never ceases.
Posted by: Weak Geek at February 15, 2026 09:27 AM (p/isN)
72
Don't you need academic credentials for that though?
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 15, 2026 09:21 AM (f/buw)
---
It depends on the audience. Expertise is what really matters. You could say that I'm underqualified because I only have an undergrad degree, but I also have two decades of military service, most of that as a Certified War Planner (tm). That helps as a credential, but not as much as it has changed my understanding of real-world military operations.
To some folks, I'm less qualified than a phd or a flag officer, but to those who know (and in my opinion), I know much, much more than they do about Actual Things.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 15, 2026 09:21 AM (f/buw)
---
It depends on the audience. Expertise is what really matters. You could say that I'm underqualified because I only have an undergrad degree, but I also have two decades of military service, most of that as a Certified War Planner (tm). That helps as a credential, but not as much as it has changed my understanding of real-world military operations.
To some folks, I'm less qualified than a phd or a flag officer, but to those who know (and in my opinion), I know much, much more than they do about Actual Things.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 09:28 AM (ZOv7s)
73
65 Wait.
No pants caveat?
No library pic explanation?
*grasps pearls*
*fans face*
Posted by: Harrumph at February 15, 2026 09:24 AM (2Ez/1)
----
Funnily enough, I'm actually wearing pants for today's thread.
No pants caveat?
No library pic explanation?
*grasps pearls*
*fans face*
Posted by: Harrumph at February 15, 2026 09:24 AM (2Ez/1)
----
Funnily enough, I'm actually wearing pants for today's thread.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 09:28 AM (kpS4V)
74
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:08 AM (wzUl9)
You under rate yourself, Wolfus. You've been published, that makes you an author, not an aspiring one. That designation is left for those of us who can't sell anything.
You under rate yourself, Wolfus. You've been published, that makes you an author, not an aspiring one. That designation is left for those of us who can't sell anything.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:29 AM (uQesX)
75
Having sated my hunger for history texts for the present, I have begun a Pulpy and Predictable SF kick. The Great Online Book Seller has so many of these that it's bewildering to even scroll through the entries. Trying to find a nugget amongst the pebbles is a toughie!
Posted by: Brewingfrog at February 15, 2026
***
Murray Leinster was an old-time pulp author who grew with the times. He started with the old Amazing Stories and shifted to Astounding in the John Campbell days. His 1950s novelette "Exploration Team" is a solid high adventure, and was a Hugo winner back when that meant something.
You could also look for stuff by Clifford D. Simak. He followed a similar path, I think.
Posted by: Brewingfrog at February 15, 2026
***
Murray Leinster was an old-time pulp author who grew with the times. He started with the old Amazing Stories and shifted to Astounding in the John Campbell days. His 1950s novelette "Exploration Team" is a solid high adventure, and was a Hugo winner back when that meant something.
You could also look for stuff by Clifford D. Simak. He followed a similar path, I think.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:29 AM (wzUl9)
76
You mighf be clicking in the wrong place
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 15, 2026 09:29 AM (bXbFr)
77
You under rate yourself, Wolfus. You've been published, that makes you an author, not an aspiring one. That designation is left for those of us who can't sell anything.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026
***
Thanks, OE. I meant "aspiring to be an indie author," but you're right.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026
***
Thanks, OE. I meant "aspiring to be an indie author," but you're right.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:30 AM (wzUl9)
78
Posted by: Weak Geek at February 15, 2026 09:27 AM (p/isN)
That's been happening to me, too. I find it very annoying.
That's been happening to me, too. I find it very annoying.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:30 AM (ufSfZ)
79
Oooh, we have questions already!
1) I call myself semi-professional because I do not make the majority of my income from writing, but I *do* make money. I even have my own publishing company! (which is just me ...)
b) When I started publishing Indie, I used this formatting guide ( https://tinyurl.com/e38st3tm ). Please note this is an old guide, and some things have simplified. I will make a list for a future post if people are interested.
iii) ALL writers hate the necessity of promotion. Yes, even the Tradpub writers because one way the big corps save money is having their writers do their own. Nobody knows the secret. It varies by genre, the phase of the moon, and pure dumb luck.
I rant about covers ... and one guy I know used very simple photoshop and PHOTOS of castles for his fantasy series. And it sells better than mine. Totally not fair...
1) I call myself semi-professional because I do not make the majority of my income from writing, but I *do* make money. I even have my own publishing company! (which is just me ...)
b) When I started publishing Indie, I used this formatting guide ( https://tinyurl.com/e38st3tm ). Please note this is an old guide, and some things have simplified. I will make a list for a future post if people are interested.
iii) ALL writers hate the necessity of promotion. Yes, even the Tradpub writers because one way the big corps save money is having their writers do their own. Nobody knows the secret. It varies by genre, the phase of the moon, and pure dumb luck.
I rant about covers ... and one guy I know used very simple photoshop and PHOTOS of castles for his fantasy series. And it sells better than mine. Totally not fair...
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 09:30 AM (KnrSi)
80
Well it was an era of liberty and license, amids the collapse of a culture a way of light the events of 1923 really shook thd people up
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 15, 2026 09:25 AM (bXbFr)
---
Many months ago the Perfesser did a thread on the theme of books set at the end of an era. Gone with the Wind, The Winds of War, From Here to Eternity, etc. Even Lord of the Rings starts on the edge of peace and counts down to the start of war.
Weimar Germany is very much a part of that vibe.
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 15, 2026 09:25 AM (bXbFr)
---
Many months ago the Perfesser did a thread on the theme of books set at the end of an era. Gone with the Wind, The Winds of War, From Here to Eternity, etc. Even Lord of the Rings starts on the edge of peace and counts down to the start of war.
Weimar Germany is very much a part of that vibe.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 09:31 AM (ZOv7s)
81
Having sated my hunger for history texts for the present, I have begun a Pulpy and Predictable SF kick. The Great Online Book Seller has so many of these that it's bewildering to even scroll through the entries. Trying to find a nugget amongst the pebbles is a toughie!
Posted by: Brewingfrog at February 15, 2026
***
Eris's comment reminded me about Jack Williamson, too.
Posted by: Brewingfrog at February 15, 2026
***
Eris's comment reminded me about Jack Williamson, too.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:32 AM (wzUl9)
82
Funnily enough, I'm actually wearing pants for today's thread.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 09:28 AM (kpS4V)
Way to ruin the fantasy, Eris.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 09:28 AM (kpS4V)
Way to ruin the fantasy, Eris.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:32 AM (ufSfZ)
83
"How does one become a "semi" professional? Is that like being a part-time employee?"
###
Alcohol.
###
Alcohol.
Posted by: Something Dorothy Parker would say at February 15, 2026 09:32 AM (2Ez/1)
84
Speaking of Books, I have been trying to find a nice hardback version of Don Quixote in English, there are lots of Spanish versions to choose from with nice covers and exquisite bindings, but none in English.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at February 15, 2026 09:33 AM (XV/Pl)
85
Posted by: Weak Geek at February 15, 2026 09:27 AM (p/isN)
That's been happening to me, too. I find it very annoying.
Posted by: Mary Poppins
If you click directly on the comments button, it reveals the entire post and comments. That has always been my habit, and I have not encountered the pop up ad issue.
That's been happening to me, too. I find it very annoying.
Posted by: Mary Poppins
If you click directly on the comments button, it reveals the entire post and comments. That has always been my habit, and I have not encountered the pop up ad issue.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:33 AM (0U5gm)
86
"I get a full-screen popup ad that stays too long."
I use Firefox, strict protection enabled, with uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger extensions, running on Debian. I see none of the ads that are hitting you guys. I hope this helps.
FWIW, you need strong protection from the adware on AoSHQ. When I first switched to this new Firefox browsing platform last year, it alerted me to an ad that was trying to open my cam! There's bad stuff being served here.
Also: Brave is not bulletproof! I dropped it when it caught a browser infector last Sep. Do not trust browsers derived from the Chromium codebase.
I use Firefox, strict protection enabled, with uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger extensions, running on Debian. I see none of the ads that are hitting you guys. I hope this helps.
FWIW, you need strong protection from the adware on AoSHQ. When I first switched to this new Firefox browsing platform last year, it alerted me to an ad that was trying to open my cam! There's bad stuff being served here.
Also: Brave is not bulletproof! I dropped it when it caught a browser infector last Sep. Do not trust browsers derived from the Chromium codebase.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 09:33 AM (N8ZBc)
87
"Detour" by Jeff Rake and Bob Hart is a caseinacious but enjoyable space thriller about a near future manned mission to Saturn's moon Titan, bankrolled by a billionaire with political aspirations. It's crewed by three NASA astronauts, an astrophysicist, a young man who won a slot by lottery, and a cop who happened to foil a plot to assassinate the billionaire and his entourage.
The cop is reluctant to leave his family for the two-year trip, but the billionaire tempts him with 20 million dollars and a promise of medical care for his disabled son.
The trip goes according to plan until they circle back from Titan, and the ship is rocked by explosions(?) and the guidance goes haywire. They get the spacecraft back on track and return home safely, welcomed as heroes. But things back on Earth seem...different. Some minor changes are good, some bad, but it's all rather disconcerting. Where are they? As they try to figure out what happened, they are being tailed and monitored at every turn.
It's a fun read, but I learned partway through that it's first in a series. Grrr. I noticed that the core characters ticked all the identity boxes should this be made into a streaming series.
The cop is reluctant to leave his family for the two-year trip, but the billionaire tempts him with 20 million dollars and a promise of medical care for his disabled son.
The trip goes according to plan until they circle back from Titan, and the ship is rocked by explosions(?) and the guidance goes haywire. They get the spacecraft back on track and return home safely, welcomed as heroes. But things back on Earth seem...different. Some minor changes are good, some bad, but it's all rather disconcerting. Where are they? As they try to figure out what happened, they are being tailed and monitored at every turn.
It's a fun read, but I learned partway through that it's first in a series. Grrr. I noticed that the core characters ticked all the identity boxes should this be made into a streaming series.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 09:34 AM (kpS4V)
88
Thanks for pulling the curtain aside on the world of publishing.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 15, 2026 09:05 AM (RIvkX)
Eeek!
(quickly puts on a cover)
Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 15, 2026 09:05 AM (RIvkX)
Eeek!
(quickly puts on a cover)
Posted by: Unfinished Novel at February 15, 2026 09:34 AM (uQesX)
89
Who was asking about that series of books the other week that most of us thought was Time-Life's This Fabulous Century? Did he / she ever figure it out?
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:35 AM (ufSfZ)
90
OrangeEnt & Wolfus --
Just my two cents here, but if you've put anything up yourself rather than having it taken by a magazine or book publisher, and strangers have paid for it, you're in the club. Maybe not a high-ranking member, but a member.
Just my two cents here, but if you've put anything up yourself rather than having it taken by a magazine or book publisher, and strangers have paid for it, you're in the club. Maybe not a high-ranking member, but a member.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 09:36 AM (q3u5l)
91
Just finished rereading Clark’s Ignition. The chemistry stuff is great, but, the physics has to much jargon.
Almost done with Morison’s Who MovedThe Stone. I need to find work stuff like that.
Almost done with Morison’s Who MovedThe Stone. I need to find work stuff like that.
Posted by: Accomack at February 15, 2026 09:37 AM (/Chlc)
92
Speaking of Books, I have been trying to find a nice hardback version of Don Quixote in English, there are lots of Spanish versions to choose from with nice covers and exquisite bindings, but none in English.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at February 15, 2026 09:33 AM (XV/Pl)
Have you checked Barnes & Noble? They very often put out their own hardcover versions of the classics.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at February 15, 2026 09:33 AM (XV/Pl)
Have you checked Barnes & Noble? They very often put out their own hardcover versions of the classics.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:37 AM (ufSfZ)
93
Only a writer would turn me into an adverb.
Posted by: Funny at February 15, 2026 09:38 AM (2Ez/1)
94
Sabrina, is there a primer somewhere to show a new indie author what exactly is needed to get one's book up on Amazon, in which formats, and suggestions on how to publicize it? An Indie Publishing for Dummies?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:13 AM (wzUl9)
Wolfus, there are plenty of YTers who will tell you exactly how to do it! That's their bread and butter, because most of them only have one or two published books with low sales....
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:13 AM (wzUl9)
Wolfus, there are plenty of YTers who will tell you exactly how to do it! That's their bread and butter, because most of them only have one or two published books with low sales....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:38 AM (uQesX)
95
As far as reader engagement, the current consensus among indie writers is you *have* to have a mailing list. This makes sure your newsletters/alerts go to people who actually want them. Then I put things like surveys in my newsletter. Building the mailing list, though, takes work.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 09:39 AM (KnrSi)
96
"How does one become a "semi" professional? Is that like being a part-time employee?"
###
Alcohol.
Posted by: Something Dorothy Parker would say at February 15, 2026
***
"My doctor has ordered me on the wagon for a month, or get ready for a new set of organs. Personally I'd prefer the new set of organs."
( -- Dottie's pal Robert Benchley)
###
Alcohol.
Posted by: Something Dorothy Parker would say at February 15, 2026
***
"My doctor has ordered me on the wagon for a month, or get ready for a new set of organs. Personally I'd prefer the new set of organs."
( -- Dottie's pal Robert Benchley)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:39 AM (wzUl9)
97
Almost done with Morison’s Who MovedThe Stone. I need to find work stuff like that.
Posted by: Accomack
So, that would be like Who Moved my Cheese, except aimed at Neanderthals?
Posted by: Accomack
So, that would be like Who Moved my Cheese, except aimed at Neanderthals?
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:39 AM (0U5gm)
98
1) I call myself semi-professional because I do not make the majority of my income from writing, but I *do* make money.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 09:30 AM (KnrSi)
---
If one is getting paid, that makes them professional. I prefer the term "part time."
Of course, thanks to the Moron Horde's immense size and purchasing power, both Long Live Death and Walls of Men shot to the top of the charts in their respective categories, so in my blurbs I can call myself a "best-selling" author.
Ace's (bemused? back-handed? accidental? ironic?) endorsement is still my proudest achievement.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 09:30 AM (KnrSi)
---
If one is getting paid, that makes them professional. I prefer the term "part time."
Of course, thanks to the Moron Horde's immense size and purchasing power, both Long Live Death and Walls of Men shot to the top of the charts in their respective categories, so in my blurbs I can call myself a "best-selling" author.
Ace's (bemused? back-handed? accidental? ironic?) endorsement is still my proudest achievement.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 09:40 AM (ZOv7s)
99
Good morning OE!!! Randy and I are meandering through the west at a senior's pace on a wheezy horse!!
Posted by: moki at February 15, 2026 09:14 AM (wLjpr)
Old Pal will get you through!
Posted by: moki at February 15, 2026 09:14 AM (wLjpr)
Old Pal will get you through!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:40 AM (uQesX)
100
One of the funny things about the battle of Monmouth is that the Gay Army under Clinton tried to claim it was a victory because Washington failed to destroy it.
But the only reason it happened was that the Gays were evacuating Philadelphia, and Washington smelled an opportunity to harass them and possibly inflict heavy damage.
The heavy damage part didn't materialize, but only a vain flag officer can spin a harrowing retreat from his most important position in the theater of battle as a "victory."
But the only reason it happened was that the Gays were evacuating Philadelphia, and Washington smelled an opportunity to harass them and possibly inflict heavy damage.
The heavy damage part didn't materialize, but only a vain flag officer can spin a harrowing retreat from his most important position in the theater of battle as a "victory."
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 15, 2026 09:40 AM (BI5O2)
101
This past week I read "Yor: The Hunter From the Future." It's an Argentinian comic book from the 70's and it's....not very good. It's trying to be way to pretentions. The author wants the main character to be philosophical, and ponder the nature of fate, and gods, and the destiny of man...But the main character is bland and usually comes off as dumb, and we are simply told that he thinks things, it never comes through in actions or dialog. Also, the author (via translation, granted) is blunter than a hammer. An actual line from the comic is "Listen stranger, I am going to tell you your origin."
Somehow, the comic was able to inspire a movie of the same name. The movie cleans up the story some, but is also not very good. The story needed more fixing that the movie could do, and the movie did not have enough budget to portray the setting. (At one point, the main character is represented on-screen by an action figure.) The movie is a staple of the lets-laugh-at-bad-movies genre, having appeared on both RiffTrax and Red Letter Media...
Somehow, the comic was able to inspire a movie of the same name. The movie cleans up the story some, but is also not very good. The story needed more fixing that the movie could do, and the movie did not have enough budget to portray the setting. (At one point, the main character is represented on-screen by an action figure.) The movie is a staple of the lets-laugh-at-bad-movies genre, having appeared on both RiffTrax and Red Letter Media...
Posted by: Castle Guy at February 15, 2026 09:40 AM (Lhaco)
102
Who Moved The Stone sounds more like a book about Jesus.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:40 AM (ufSfZ)
103
look at what your factories are making, and build weapon designs around THAT
———
Right, but after 50 years of steady decline at least there’s a guy in the White House who is willing to point out that almost total de-industrialization and “outsourcing” has profound national security implications.
Both in Europe and Japan, war planners focused on things like Rumanian oil refineries and ball bearing plants, aircraft factories. Remove the ability for those nations to make war.
Kind of like, you know, what has been happening with America. I doubt there is a single ball bearing manufacturer left in the USA. Maybe fighting the last war, or several wars ago isn’t the answer, but it’s cause for concern. America can’t even make its own Aspirin. Never mind say, drones. Or anti-drones.
I’ve never been one to consider “isolationism” a valid strategy but clearly the government has looked the other way at best, or purposefully made critical industries and materials go bye-bye.
It’s almost as if the globalists saw what America did in World War 2 and decided “let’s make sure they can’t ever, ever do that again”.
———
Right, but after 50 years of steady decline at least there’s a guy in the White House who is willing to point out that almost total de-industrialization and “outsourcing” has profound national security implications.
Both in Europe and Japan, war planners focused on things like Rumanian oil refineries and ball bearing plants, aircraft factories. Remove the ability for those nations to make war.
Kind of like, you know, what has been happening with America. I doubt there is a single ball bearing manufacturer left in the USA. Maybe fighting the last war, or several wars ago isn’t the answer, but it’s cause for concern. America can’t even make its own Aspirin. Never mind say, drones. Or anti-drones.
I’ve never been one to consider “isolationism” a valid strategy but clearly the government has looked the other way at best, or purposefully made critical industries and materials go bye-bye.
It’s almost as if the globalists saw what America did in World War 2 and decided “let’s make sure they can’t ever, ever do that again”.
Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2026 09:41 AM (zocr6)
104
Greetings Horde
Hello Perfessor
Welcome Sabrina
Indirectly book related, our local library started a program called Zip books - they claim to be able to get any book on a program similar to an inter-library loan. I haven't investigated further but I think one feature is the book comes to me. I'm not sure how long I can keep it or what the renewal provisions are but it looks interesting.
When I'm done with the book I just drop it off at any local branch.
Hello Perfessor
Welcome Sabrina
Indirectly book related, our local library started a program called Zip books - they claim to be able to get any book on a program similar to an inter-library loan. I haven't investigated further but I think one feature is the book comes to me. I'm not sure how long I can keep it or what the renewal provisions are but it looks interesting.
When I'm done with the book I just drop it off at any local branch.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at February 15, 2026 09:41 AM (QGaXH)
105
Who was asking about that series of books the other week that most of us thought was Time-Life's This Fabulous Century? Did he / she ever figure it out?
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:35 AM (ufSfZ)
---
That was me. Multiple folks found the correct answer. Behold the power of the Moron Horde!
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:35 AM (ufSfZ)
---
That was me. Multiple folks found the correct answer. Behold the power of the Moron Horde!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 09:41 AM (ZOv7s)
106
I thought the cover artist always read the book. The Rex Stout Library reprints included his personal papers. One was by his publisher, who mentioned that a copy of the latest manuscript had gone to the artist.
On the other hand, the McGuiness (sp?) covers on the Perry Mason paperbbacks were all simply drawings of a woman. Those could be interchangable.
On the other hand, the McGuiness (sp?) covers on the Perry Mason paperbbacks were all simply drawings of a woman. Those could be interchangable.
Posted by: Weak Geek at February 15, 2026 09:42 AM (p/isN)
107
If you are an investor in customized motorcycles, your portfolio just crashed and ate the pavement:
https://tinyurl.com/mw4ebryw
https://tinyurl.com/mw4ebryw
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 09:42 AM (N8ZBc)
108
"Well it was an era of liberty and license, amids the collapse of a culture..."
But enough about the Bad Bunny halftime show.
But enough about the Bad Bunny halftime show.
Posted by: Gentlemen this is a Book Thread at February 15, 2026 09:43 AM (2Ez/1)
109
Finished book 2 of Dungeon Crawler Carl last night
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 15, 2026 09:02 AM (f/buw)
One of the kiddos and their fiancé are addicted to that series they plowed through all 9(?) in just a few weeks.
It sounds like a very savvy adventure series for those who are gamers and anime fans and like to laugh.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 15, 2026 09:02 AM (f/buw)
One of the kiddos and their fiancé are addicted to that series they plowed through all 9(?) in just a few weeks.
It sounds like a very savvy adventure series for those who are gamers and anime fans and like to laugh.
Posted by: naturalfake at February 15, 2026 09:43 AM (iJfKG)
110
Any hear of author Cedar Sanderson? Any relation to Brandon Sanderson?
Posted by: lin-duh at February 15, 2026 09:15 AM (VCgbV)
If so, she doesn't say anything about him as far as I know. I've only emailed her once or twice. She's affiliated with RacPress and Sarah Hoyt's Mad Genius Club.
Posted by: lin-duh at February 15, 2026 09:15 AM (VCgbV)
If so, she doesn't say anything about him as far as I know. I've only emailed her once or twice. She's affiliated with RacPress and Sarah Hoyt's Mad Genius Club.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:44 AM (uQesX)
111
Oh sure, a fantastic Book Thread drops right before I have to round up the family for church. Le sigh....
Posted by: pookysgirl, Sabrina Chase fan at February 15, 2026 09:44 AM (Wt5PA)
112
Indirectly book related, our local library started a program called Zip books - they claim to be able to get any book on a program similar to an inter-library loan. I haven't investigated further but I think one feature is the book comes to me. I'm not sure how long I can keep it or what the renewal provisions are but it looks interesting.
When I'm done with the book I just drop it off at any local branch.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue
Hopefully, it isn't a way to reduce the number of copies they circulate. Imagine a wait list in months.
When I'm done with the book I just drop it off at any local branch.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue
Hopefully, it isn't a way to reduce the number of copies they circulate. Imagine a wait list in months.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:44 AM (0U5gm)
113
I'd say it depends on your subject. What are people hungry to read and is your book one they want? I write for a niche market. Sabrina doesn't.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:25 AM (ufSfZ)
I almost hate to suggest this, but I'm gonna. You know who adores glamorous Hollywood stars? Gay boys. That's right. Make some small flyers of your cover art with a link to the ebooks, and plaster them near the gay bars and library and grocery store bulletin boards in the gay neighborhoods. See if you get an uptick.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:25 AM (ufSfZ)
I almost hate to suggest this, but I'm gonna. You know who adores glamorous Hollywood stars? Gay boys. That's right. Make some small flyers of your cover art with a link to the ebooks, and plaster them near the gay bars and library and grocery store bulletin boards in the gay neighborhoods. See if you get an uptick.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 09:45 AM (h7ZuX)
114
It’s almost as if the globalists saw what America did in World War 2 and decided “let’s make sure they can’t ever, ever do that again”.
Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2026 09:41 AM (zocr6)
---
No, it was deliberate. It's called "Dependency Theory" and the idea is that if the world is completely dependent on foreign trade for everything, there can be no wars. This is one reason for the irrational and completely illogical hatred of tariffs, and why Smoot-Hawley is so smeared by historians.
Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2026 09:41 AM (zocr6)
---
No, it was deliberate. It's called "Dependency Theory" and the idea is that if the world is completely dependent on foreign trade for everything, there can be no wars. This is one reason for the irrational and completely illogical hatred of tariffs, and why Smoot-Hawley is so smeared by historians.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 09:45 AM (ZOv7s)
115
10 Read “From the Seas,” a longish pirate short story by J. Allan Dunn.
...
If you’re interested in pulp pirate action, it’s good enough. It uses all the pirate tropes: a damsel, a straight-arrow naval officer, and a ruthless pirate.
Pirate themed pulp stories. You have piqued my interest...
...
If you’re interested in pulp pirate action, it’s good enough. It uses all the pirate tropes: a damsel, a straight-arrow naval officer, and a ruthless pirate.
Pirate themed pulp stories. You have piqued my interest...
Posted by: Castle Guy at February 15, 2026 09:46 AM (Lhaco)
116
On the other hand, the McGuiness (sp?) covers on the Perry Mason paperbbacks were all simply drawings of a woman. Those could be interchangable.
I keep meaning to mention that in addition to the Mason series, Gardner also wrote one based on the adventures of a PI named Donald Lamb and his boss, Bertha Cool. I only read one of them, Traps Need Fresh Bait, but liked it a lot. Lamb is your stereotypical wisecracking shamus and Cool his more hesitant partner.
I keep meaning to mention that in addition to the Mason series, Gardner also wrote one based on the adventures of a PI named Donald Lamb and his boss, Bertha Cool. I only read one of them, Traps Need Fresh Bait, but liked it a lot. Lamb is your stereotypical wisecracking shamus and Cool his more hesitant partner.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:46 AM (ufSfZ)
117
I oretend that didnt happen like galactica 1980
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 15, 2026 09:46 AM (bXbFr)
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 09:46 AM (KnrSi)
119
Also this week I finished a (semi-)SF work called Psalm for the Wild-Built by one Becky Chambers. Wiki calls it a "solarpunk" novella. (Don't ask me what that is, I haven't looked it up.) It features a monk, gender unspecified (though he/she does say "they" [the pronoun Chambers uses throughout] have no gender), on a Earthlike moon of a larger planet. The story is about "their" trek through wild lands with a pleasant and talkative robot. There is no real danger, there is no real conflict. Dangerous animals are mentioned, but one, a sort of bear, appears only once and is not much of a threat. The story is terribly talky and relentlessly PC, with constant references to "sustainable" this and "sustainable" that.
Thank goodness it was short. I'd have known what I was getting into if I'd read the author bio, which states that Chambers lives with "her wife."
Thank goodness it was short. I'd have known what I was getting into if I'd read the author bio, which states that Chambers lives with "her wife."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:47 AM (wzUl9)
120
I don't like what has happened to this site in the past week. When I click on the link to the jump portion of an Ace essay, I get a full-screen popup ad that stays too long. Not good when I'm at work, and the ad shows that titty mature brunette. No longer can I read the extra portion on the main page. Maybe this is a way of telling me to get a new computer and abandon my smartphone for reading Ace. I'll see much aggravation I get with my frequent refreshes of this thread.
Posted by: Weak Geek at February 15, 2026 09:27 AM (p/isN)
OK: #1. Never use the "continue reading" link. Just go direct to "comments". You will get the entire thread, plus the comments.
#2. Definitely get a computer. Not new computer. Get a 10 year old laptop, with now obsolete Windows version on it. Get on line with it long enough to download a bootable image of the latest version of Linux Mint to a thumb drive. Detailed and comprehensible instructions for doing it can be found at numerous sites online,
Posted by: Weak Geek at February 15, 2026 09:27 AM (p/isN)
OK: #1. Never use the "continue reading" link. Just go direct to "comments". You will get the entire thread, plus the comments.
#2. Definitely get a computer. Not new computer. Get a 10 year old laptop, with now obsolete Windows version on it. Get on line with it long enough to download a bootable image of the latest version of Linux Mint to a thumb drive. Detailed and comprehensible instructions for doing it can be found at numerous sites online,
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 15, 2026 09:47 AM (8zz6B)
121
"Allow me to present my credentials."
I see I could have read beyond the first paragraph before commenting. 🙄
Posted by: mindful webworker - comment first, read later at February 15, 2026 09:17 AM (6hyzx)
I'm sure someone has already said this, but Are you new here?
I see I could have read beyond the first paragraph before commenting. 🙄
Posted by: mindful webworker - comment first, read later at February 15, 2026 09:17 AM (6hyzx)
I'm sure someone has already said this, but Are you new here?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:47 AM (uQesX)
122
Over a few decades, a group of general aviation enthusiasts built up a small residential town around a popular GA airport. Downside: planes sometimes crash into their homes. I wonder what home insurance costs there:
https://tinyurl.com/pj2xkr4c
https://tinyurl.com/pj2xkr4c
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 09:48 AM (N8ZBc)
123
I keep meaning to mention that in addition to the Mason series, Gardner also wrote one based on the adventures of a PI named Donald Lamb and his boss, Bertha Cool. I only read one of them, Traps Need Fresh Bait, but liked it a lot. Lamb is your stereotypical wisecracking shamus and Cool his more hesitant partner.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026
***
Hesitant? Hesitant to spend money, I'd say. Bertha is about as cuddly as a roll of barbed wire. It makes for an interesting dynamic.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026
***
Hesitant? Hesitant to spend money, I'd say. Bertha is about as cuddly as a roll of barbed wire. It makes for an interesting dynamic.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:48 AM (wzUl9)
124
Thanks for the Book Thread, Sabrina Chase!
Interesting and fascinating glimpse into the world of authors and publishing.
Interesting and fascinating glimpse into the world of authors and publishing.
Posted by: Legally Sufficient at February 15, 2026 09:50 AM (kB9dk)
125
It is.
Posted by: Accomack at February 15, 2026 09:51 AM (8jVAy)
126
Sabrina, I would like to get your take on difficulty of overcoming the wokeness in publishing. Even as a reader, many recent books cram in garbage that detracts from the plot at best.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:51 AM (0U5gm)
127
I saved some of my political science textbooks from college and so much of the stuff happening now was very much discussed in the early 1990s.
The idea that "soft power" could replace "hard power" (boy, that really worked in Ukraine, didn't it!) and that having every country import its food from the Third World would mean no more wars, hollowing out the industrial base - all of these things were The Future and Good.
Turns out, not so much. Much of the howling is because Trump is breaking a great many rice bowls. Lots of code needing to be learned in certain circles.
The idea that "soft power" could replace "hard power" (boy, that really worked in Ukraine, didn't it!) and that having every country import its food from the Third World would mean no more wars, hollowing out the industrial base - all of these things were The Future and Good.
Turns out, not so much. Much of the howling is because Trump is breaking a great many rice bowls. Lots of code needing to be learned in certain circles.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 09:52 AM (ZOv7s)
Posted by: Weak Geek at February 15, 2026 09:53 AM (p/isN)
129
I thought the cover artist always read the book. The Rex Stout Library reprints included his personal papers. One was by his publisher, who mentioned that a copy of the latest manuscript had gone to the artist.
On the other hand, the McGuiness (sp?) covers on the Perry Mason paperbbacks were all simply drawings of a woman. Those could be interchangable.
Posted by: Weak Geek at February 15, 2026
***
Robert McGinnis? One of my favorite artists. His artwork for the Travis McGee Gold Medal original paperbacks in the '60s always picked up on a scene in the story, and the woman often closely resembled Travis's girl in the book too.
Gold Medal was good about illustrating the story on the cover; see the Matt Helms from the same time. I think the Masons were issued by Pocket Books, and they did not have the same attitude.
On the other hand, the McGuiness (sp?) covers on the Perry Mason paperbbacks were all simply drawings of a woman. Those could be interchangable.
Posted by: Weak Geek at February 15, 2026
***
Robert McGinnis? One of my favorite artists. His artwork for the Travis McGee Gold Medal original paperbacks in the '60s always picked up on a scene in the story, and the woman often closely resembled Travis's girl in the book too.
Gold Medal was good about illustrating the story on the cover; see the Matt Helms from the same time. I think the Masons were issued by Pocket Books, and they did not have the same attitude.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:53 AM (wzUl9)
130
126 How to overcome wokeness in publishing: read stuff that was written before the Woke Era. There's a lot of good stuff that was written back then, that you haven't read yet.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 09:53 AM (N8ZBc)
131
Thirty years ago next month I posted my first web page. At first, I advertised my mini-comics. Then I scanned and colorized a comic and put it online. That's when it hit me that instead of printing and advertising hardcopy, I could just post directly to a world wide audience. Any medium short of sculpture could be web-ized. Webworks.
In my yout', I collected rejection slips from various publications and syndicates. There were reasons I gave up trying to get published. My oeuvre was too varied and eclectic for anything mainstream, my output was too irregular for anything sustained, so I had only myself for an agent, editor, and publisher.
Which explains why my hundreds of webpages are available only at mindfulwebworks.com.
And why, despite having a donation link on every page, I've received, oh, maybe ten dollars in all that time.
My output has been reduced in the past several years, for technical and personal reasons. I try to add something on occasion, still.
I've wondered what would become of my website after I've left this life. Good news on this morning's Tech Thread: "Meta has received a patent on an AI tool that continues posting for you online after you are dead."
In my yout', I collected rejection slips from various publications and syndicates. There were reasons I gave up trying to get published. My oeuvre was too varied and eclectic for anything mainstream, my output was too irregular for anything sustained, so I had only myself for an agent, editor, and publisher.
Which explains why my hundreds of webpages are available only at mindfulwebworks.com.
And why, despite having a donation link on every page, I've received, oh, maybe ten dollars in all that time.
My output has been reduced in the past several years, for technical and personal reasons. I try to add something on occasion, still.
I've wondered what would become of my website after I've left this life. Good news on this morning's Tech Thread: "Meta has received a patent on an AI tool that continues posting for you online after you are dead."
Posted by: mindful webworker - unintentiona amateur at February 15, 2026 09:54 AM (6hyzx)
132
I would love to hang around longer, but I must get to editing my friend's book if I hope to have any chance of having the rest of the day to myself.
Thanks for the thread, Sabrina, and hope you all have a wonderful day!
Thanks for the thread, Sabrina, and hope you all have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:54 AM (ufSfZ)
133
Since we seem to have a goodly gathering of indie authors present: does anyone have a good strategy for cutting through the AI slop when it comes to user engagement?
Posted by: Part-time Thinker at February 15, 2026 09:22 AM (YG+k7)
Do you mean marketing? There's a few YTers who talk about that. I'm only at the writing and editing phase, nowhere near pub. I'm looking to follow A.H.'s advice and build a catalog before putting anything on the market.
Some say you need extensive social media, others say no. If Indie, join groups, review other writers, send out notices - but be careful to avoid being called a spammer - hire someone to publicize your writing, etc.
Posted by: Part-time Thinker at February 15, 2026 09:22 AM (YG+k7)
Do you mean marketing? There's a few YTers who talk about that. I'm only at the writing and editing phase, nowhere near pub. I'm looking to follow A.H.'s advice and build a catalog before putting anything on the market.
Some say you need extensive social media, others say no. If Indie, join groups, review other writers, send out notices - but be careful to avoid being called a spammer - hire someone to publicize your writing, etc.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 09:55 AM (uQesX)
134
I don’t think much about my faith because it would become an ideology. But, Morison talks about what can be inferred about The Passion from reading the text. I always just read it, never imagined it.
Posted by: Accomack at February 15, 2026 09:55 AM (8jVAy)
135
How to overcome wokeness in publishing: read stuff that was written before the Woke Era. There's a lot of good stuff that was written back then, that you haven't read yet.
Posted by: gp
That is what I do as a reader, I was wondering how writers can overcome it.
Posted by: gp
That is what I do as a reader, I was wondering how writers can overcome it.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:56 AM (0U5gm)
136
It's called "Dependency Theory" and the idea is that if the world is completely dependent on foreign trade for everything, there can be no wars
That’s retarded. That’s a nice cover story I suppose, or some sort of pseudo-intellectual twaddle from the rarified air of academe, that sort of looks reasonable from 20,000 feet, if you squint.
They just want to make sure America is fooked, that’s all. And they’ve been doing a bang up job of it for sure. Even before the first experimental atomic weapon was tested in the desert, before they were certain it would be a weapon that could be fielded, planners were certain that wars were a thing of the past, and it was up to international agencies to oversee the new world order.
That’s retarded. That’s a nice cover story I suppose, or some sort of pseudo-intellectual twaddle from the rarified air of academe, that sort of looks reasonable from 20,000 feet, if you squint.
They just want to make sure America is fooked, that’s all. And they’ve been doing a bang up job of it for sure. Even before the first experimental atomic weapon was tested in the desert, before they were certain it would be a weapon that could be fielded, planners were certain that wars were a thing of the past, and it was up to international agencies to oversee the new world order.
Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2026 09:57 AM (zocr6)
137
After reading that alt history space race series which took place around 1983-1984, I dug out my "Armies of World War 3" by Charles Messenger (1984), which I rescued from the trash years ago at work. A good reminder to me of the omnipresent tension of the era: conventional warfare erupting into nuclear exchange. Will it be targeted nukes or Armageddon II: electric boogaloo?
Interesting stuff comparing the top down control of the Communist side versus the messy consensus of NATO. Minus the French, who are Les Assholes.
Interesting stuff comparing the top down control of the Communist side versus the messy consensus of NATO. Minus the French, who are Les Assholes.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 09:57 AM (kpS4V)
138
Good news on this morning's Tech Thread: "Meta has received a patent on an AI tool that continues posting for you online after you are dead."
Posted by: mindful webworker
I can only imagine how AI can update my preferences after I'm dead.
Posted by: mindful webworker
I can only imagine how AI can update my preferences after I'm dead.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:59 AM (0U5gm)
139
That is what I do as a reader, I was wondering how writers can overcome it.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:56 AM (0U5gm)
---
I ignore it.
Seems to work just fine.
A big part of any creative endeavor is to know your audience. Some of my books were nothing more than an exercise in scratching a creative itch, and sales are in the low single digits for those books. That's fine, because I liked writing them and they still build out the catalog.
But I did write stuff with a specific audience in mind, and those are the ones that actually sell. Funny how that works.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:56 AM (0U5gm)
---
I ignore it.
Seems to work just fine.
A big part of any creative endeavor is to know your audience. Some of my books were nothing more than an exercise in scratching a creative itch, and sales are in the low single digits for those books. That's fine, because I liked writing them and they still build out the catalog.
But I did write stuff with a specific audience in mind, and those are the ones that actually sell. Funny how that works.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 09:59 AM (ZOv7s)
140
Stupid people try to come up with ways to end war, which is an obviously stupid objective only stupid people would undertake to pursue.
So they come up with stupid ideas like the League of Nations or the Kellog-Briand Pact or the UN or the newfangled dependency theory AH Lloyd mentioned above, and they invariably fail to work and just make everything worse.
When I was a youngster this dependency theory was the hot new accepted retarded wisdom, because America's stupid, venal ruling class were hanging out at cocktail parties and waving around copies of the End of History with one hand while beating off with the other.
Even as a mere stripling, I could tell this was all very, very stupid, but only because I had encountered human beings during my theretofore short stay on the planet Earth.
I hadn't yet read the Gods of the Copybook Headings, but I *had* read Fukuyama's initial essay in Foreign Affairs Magazine, and saw Bill Clinton waving that stupid book around, so I instinctively understood they'd be coming to rip our heads off and shit down our necks soon enough.
So they come up with stupid ideas like the League of Nations or the Kellog-Briand Pact or the UN or the newfangled dependency theory AH Lloyd mentioned above, and they invariably fail to work and just make everything worse.
When I was a youngster this dependency theory was the hot new accepted retarded wisdom, because America's stupid, venal ruling class were hanging out at cocktail parties and waving around copies of the End of History with one hand while beating off with the other.
Even as a mere stripling, I could tell this was all very, very stupid, but only because I had encountered human beings during my theretofore short stay on the planet Earth.
I hadn't yet read the Gods of the Copybook Headings, but I *had* read Fukuyama's initial essay in Foreign Affairs Magazine, and saw Bill Clinton waving that stupid book around, so I instinctively understood they'd be coming to rip our heads off and shit down our necks soon enough.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 15, 2026 09:59 AM (BI5O2)
141
I'd say it depends on your subject. What are people hungry to read and is your book one they want? I write for a niche market. Sabrina doesn't.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:25 AM (ufSfZ)
My subject, MP4?! Until I try to sell, or check the market - which is constantly changing - I'm open to more than one. I've written SF, Western, Mystery and sold nothing so far. TBF, the novels aren't getting out until edited, but the short stories keep getting thanksbut. Maybe I'm not good enough at it.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 09:25 AM (ufSfZ)
My subject, MP4?! Until I try to sell, or check the market - which is constantly changing - I'm open to more than one. I've written SF, Western, Mystery and sold nothing so far. TBF, the novels aren't getting out until edited, but the short stories keep getting thanksbut. Maybe I'm not good enough at it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:00 AM (uQesX)
142
Sabrina, how long does it take to write a book or a story? Days or weeks?
Posted by: dantesed at February 15, 2026 10:01 AM (Oy/m2)
143
My favorite cheesy "wow, that IS right from the story!" cover is the golden age pulp "The Green Girl", with our heroine leered at by a plant monster:
https://tinyurl.com/mr36j8s7
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 09:27 AM (kpS4V)
Stay in your lane, monster!
https://tinyurl.com/mr36j8s7
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 09:27 AM (kpS4V)
Stay in your lane, monster!
Posted by: James T. Kirk at February 15, 2026 10:02 AM (uQesX)
144
I don't like what has happened to this site in the past week. When I click on the link to the jump portion of an Ace essay, I get a full-screen popup ad that stays too long.
Posted by: Weak Geek
In lieu of doing what AOP said about new computer, you might consider downloading the Brave browser on your phone, and get the AdBlock app with it as well. There is some ad layer that is screwing things up.
Posted by: Weak Geek
In lieu of doing what AOP said about new computer, you might consider downloading the Brave browser on your phone, and get the AdBlock app with it as well. There is some ad layer that is screwing things up.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 15, 2026 10:02 AM (diia5)
145
Dependency theory sounds like something that could conceivably work if the whole world is seen as just one huge commune where everybody can be trusted to do their part. That everybody in fact can't be trusted to do their part doesn't seem to occur to the boosters of said theory.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 10:03 AM (q3u5l)
146
87 "Detour" by Jeff Rake and Bob Hart
....
It's a fun read, but I learned partway through that it's first in a series. Grrr. I noticed that the core characters ticked all the identity boxes should this be made into a streaming series.
Posted by All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes
Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I lost all interest the moment I read 'ticked all the identity boxes.'
....
It's a fun read, but I learned partway through that it's first in a series. Grrr. I noticed that the core characters ticked all the identity boxes should this be made into a streaming series.
Posted by All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes
Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I lost all interest the moment I read 'ticked all the identity boxes.'
Posted by: Castle Guy at February 15, 2026 10:04 AM (Lhaco)
147
Mindful, how do we know that's you and not your avatar. Is there a codeword?
Posted by: fd at February 15, 2026 10:04 AM (vFG9F)
148
That’s retarded. That’s a nice cover story I suppose, or some sort of pseudo-intellectual twaddle from the rarified air of academe, that sort of looks reasonable from 20,000 feet, if you squint.
uary 15, 2026 09:57 AM (zocr6)
---
The people who came up with it are absolutely not smart enough to generate some multi-decade strategic plan. I've talked to them, I know.
This goes waaay back, by the way. In 1913 there was a best-selling book about how global trade had made a Great Power conflict impossible.
The same hope was raised in the 1920s. Again, Smoot-Hawley is constantly cited in academic circles as THE catalyst for WW II, and also the cause of the Great Depression's duration. The New Deal was of course a work of pure genius and succeeded brilliantly.
I mentioned my old texts, and what is crazy about going back to them is how "Realism" as a school of international relations has been completely corrupted. It's like people don't even know what it describes. All these globalists proclaiming themselves Realists was insane, but that's where we are in academia these days.
uary 15, 2026 09:57 AM (zocr6)
---
The people who came up with it are absolutely not smart enough to generate some multi-decade strategic plan. I've talked to them, I know.
This goes waaay back, by the way. In 1913 there was a best-selling book about how global trade had made a Great Power conflict impossible.
The same hope was raised in the 1920s. Again, Smoot-Hawley is constantly cited in academic circles as THE catalyst for WW II, and also the cause of the Great Depression's duration. The New Deal was of course a work of pure genius and succeeded brilliantly.
I mentioned my old texts, and what is crazy about going back to them is how "Realism" as a school of international relations has been completely corrupted. It's like people don't even know what it describes. All these globalists proclaiming themselves Realists was insane, but that's where we are in academia these days.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 10:04 AM (ZOv7s)
149
Finally reading John Steakley's classic "Armor." Liking it so far.
Posted by: Sharkman at February 15, 2026 10:05 AM (/RHNq)
150
In lieu of doing what AOP said about new computer, you might consider downloading the Brave browser on your phone, and get the AdBlock app with it as well. There is some ad layer that is screwing things up.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 15, 2026 10
That will work - but if you take that approach, then HIT THE TIP JAR.
Ace ain't running a charity here.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 15, 2026 10
That will work - but if you take that approach, then HIT THE TIP JAR.
Ace ain't running a charity here.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 15, 2026 10:05 AM (BI5O2)
151
It's called "Dependency Theory" and the idea is that if the world is completely dependent on foreign trade for everything, there can be no wars. This is one reason for the irrational and completely illogical hatred of tariffs, and why Smoot-Hawley is so smeared by historians.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
They completely overlooked the fact that hard power was still in place during the cold war. It was not interdependence that maintained the peace, it was mutually assured destruction.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
They completely overlooked the fact that hard power was still in place during the cold war. It was not interdependence that maintained the peace, it was mutually assured destruction.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 10:05 AM (0U5gm)
152
"I was wondering how writers can overcome it."
How to thrive as a content-producer in a world awash with too much bad content, in a market that prefers dreck? Pick a different product to create, for a different market that values scarce quality product. That's all I can think of.
I write lots of stuff, not because I want to sell it, but simply to sate the irresistible compulsion to write. I think its good, but I expect nobody would read it, and I don't want to bash my head against a wall fighting the supersaturated market.
How to thrive as a content-producer in a world awash with too much bad content, in a market that prefers dreck? Pick a different product to create, for a different market that values scarce quality product. That's all I can think of.
I write lots of stuff, not because I want to sell it, but simply to sate the irresistible compulsion to write. I think its good, but I expect nobody would read it, and I don't want to bash my head against a wall fighting the supersaturated market.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:05 AM (N8ZBc)
153
I have been loading ace.mu.nu and going straight to comments on posts that interest me from the get go. I assumed everyone does it as it is the ad free method.
Posted by: Accomack at February 15, 2026 10:05 AM (T8bqm)
154
Do you mean marketing? There's a few YTers who talk about that. I'm only at the writing and editing phase, nowhere near pub. I'm looking to follow A.H.'s advice and build a catalog before putting anything on the market.
That's one of the most consistent pieces of advice out there. For the past several years we've been told to build a mailing list, but I'm a little worried that mailing lists in the future will increasingly be made up of AI agents, not actual readers. I get multiple spam emails a week from "readers" who want to help connect me with "reading groups",but not a single email in that vein has actually been from a human. I have no doubt that if I took one of them up on the offer my"reading group" would also turn out to be a collection of AI agents.
That's one of the most consistent pieces of advice out there. For the past several years we've been told to build a mailing list, but I'm a little worried that mailing lists in the future will increasingly be made up of AI agents, not actual readers. I get multiple spam emails a week from "readers" who want to help connect me with "reading groups",but not a single email in that vein has actually been from a human. I have no doubt that if I took one of them up on the offer my"reading group" would also turn out to be a collection of AI agents.
Posted by: Part-time Thinker at February 15, 2026 10:05 AM (YG+k7)
155
Sabrina, how long does it take to write a book or a story? Days or weeks?
Posted by: dantesed at February 15, 2026
***
In my experience, dantesed, a short story might take about two weeks if you know where you're going with it (and I hate to write something without knowing that). A novel can take some months. Depends on the length you envision, or what it grows into. The old advice, "Write a page a day and in a year you'll have a manuscript," is simplified, but essentially true.
This is assuming someone who is writing in his spare time and dealing with a job. I'd think it could go much faster if one is retired or otherwise free of a job.
Posted by: dantesed at February 15, 2026
***
In my experience, dantesed, a short story might take about two weeks if you know where you're going with it (and I hate to write something without knowing that). A novel can take some months. Depends on the length you envision, or what it grows into. The old advice, "Write a page a day and in a year you'll have a manuscript," is simplified, but essentially true.
This is assuming someone who is writing in his spare time and dealing with a job. I'd think it could go much faster if one is retired or otherwise free of a job.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 10:07 AM (wzUl9)
156
They completely overlooked the fact that hard power was still in place during the cold war. It was not interdependence that maintained the peace, it was mutually assured destruction.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 10:05 AM (0U5gm)
---
These are the same people who unironically said: "Better Red than dead." They wanted to surrender in the Cold War. Unilateral nuclear disarmament was an actual position.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 10:05 AM (0U5gm)
---
These are the same people who unironically said: "Better Red than dead." They wanted to surrender in the Cold War. Unilateral nuclear disarmament was an actual position.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 10:07 AM (ZOv7s)
157
The same hope was raised in the 1920s. Again, Smoot-Hawley is constantly cited in academic circles as THE catalyst for WW II, and also the cause of the Great Depression's duration. The New Deal was of course a work of pure genius and succeeded brilliantly.
Oddly, both are cases of government intervention that failed to bring about the desired results. But academia can’t figure that one out of course.
Oddly, both are cases of government intervention that failed to bring about the desired results. But academia can’t figure that one out of course.
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 10:07 AM (hJH5n)
158
Started Shakespeare the Man Who Pays the Rent by Judy Dench. I’m not a huge fan of celebrity memoirs but so far this is great. Lots of inside analysis of how the plays and players work. I’m pretty sure it was recommended by you morons and, as usual, you were right. I also finished Chesterton’s The Man Who Knew Too Much mystery stories and Cornwall’s The Last Kingdom. Not a fan of Chesterton’s mysteries but loved The Last Kingdom and will be looking for the rest of the series
Posted by: Who Knew at February 15, 2026 10:07 AM (0QMbS)
159
b) When I started publishing Indie, I used this formatting guide ( https://tinyurl.com/e38st3tm ). Please note this is an old guide, and some things have simplified. I will make a list for a future post if people are interested.
Choice "B" please Sabrina. I only have Libre Office to try to format.
Choice "B" please Sabrina. I only have Libre Office to try to format.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:07 AM (uQesX)
160
"Ace ain't running a charity here."
I fully understand why AoSHQ has to run ads. Commenting is dwindling; I assume page views are too. The site and the fanbase are 23 years old. Ace has to eat.
As to how to avoid malicious adware, please see 86 above.
I fully understand why AoSHQ has to run ads. Commenting is dwindling; I assume page views are too. The site and the fanbase are 23 years old. Ace has to eat.
As to how to avoid malicious adware, please see 86 above.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:09 AM (N8ZBc)
161
These are the same people who unironically said: "Better Red than dead." They wanted to surrender in the Cold War. Unilateral nuclear disarmament was an actual position.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 10:07 AM (ZOv7s)
I love the thinking behind this one. We unilaterally disarm our nukes, and the Soviet Politburo were all going to look at each other, and say, “Oh OK” and disarm just because we did.
Some people love to go way out of their way to ignore or disregard human nature.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 10:07 AM (ZOv7s)
I love the thinking behind this one. We unilaterally disarm our nukes, and the Soviet Politburo were all going to look at each other, and say, “Oh OK” and disarm just because we did.
Some people love to go way out of their way to ignore or disregard human nature.
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 10:09 AM (hJH5n)
162
Welcome, Sabrina Chase. Your arrival fulfills a prophesy.
My many book cases can not hold more books, which are the Darwinian Survivors of years of buying, mostly SF, but lots of military history also. The loses go to library book sales.
So I bought a iPad to read a Kindle book. So far I am up to 62 books, 38 of them read.
I go for the bargain Megapacks of SF authors put out by Wildside Press. Plus books I did not hold, like the Penric and Desdemona novellas of 5-God fantasy by Lois McMasters Bujold.
My many book cases can not hold more books, which are the Darwinian Survivors of years of buying, mostly SF, but lots of military history also. The loses go to library book sales.
So I bought a iPad to read a Kindle book. So far I am up to 62 books, 38 of them read.
I go for the bargain Megapacks of SF authors put out by Wildside Press. Plus books I did not hold, like the Penric and Desdemona novellas of 5-God fantasy by Lois McMasters Bujold.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at February 15, 2026 10:09 AM (u82oZ)
163
Why does the cover make no sense? That didn't happen in the book?
-
Similarly, I hate that YouTube thumbnails depict stuff not in the videos.
-
Similarly, I hate that YouTube thumbnails depict stuff not in the videos.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Damn It Feels Good to Be a Trumpster! at February 15, 2026 10:10 AM (J+Psw)
164
OrangeEnt, I've done all my formatting with LibreOffice. The first book took me around 50 hours of work.... But the second took around 10, and the third was even faster. Mostly I just had to go through Libre menus until I find the setting that matched Amazon's requirements.
Posted by: Part-time Thinker at February 15, 2026 10:10 AM (YG+k7)
165
Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I lost all interest the moment I read 'ticked all the identity boxes.'
Posted by: Castle Guy at February 15, 2026 10:04 AM (Lhaco)
----
I've noticed this more and more, and I don't know if authors have to do it to get published, or if they're self-correcting in anticipation of a movie or streaming series with its required diversity. One of the authors wrote the series "Manifest", so he would know the drill.
Doesn't mean the characters aren't well-written and engaging, but once you notice patterns...
Posted by: Castle Guy at February 15, 2026 10:04 AM (Lhaco)
----
I've noticed this more and more, and I don't know if authors have to do it to get published, or if they're self-correcting in anticipation of a movie or streaming series with its required diversity. One of the authors wrote the series "Manifest", so he would know the drill.
Doesn't mean the characters aren't well-written and engaging, but once you notice patterns...
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 10:11 AM (kpS4V)
166
It's a fun read, but I learned partway through that it's first in a series. Grrr. I noticed that the core characters ticked all the identity boxes should this be made into a streaming series.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 09:34 AM (kpS4V)
That stuff don't happen in my cra... writings. Of course, they'll probably never see the light of day.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 09:34 AM (kpS4V)
That stuff don't happen in my cra... writings. Of course, they'll probably never see the light of day.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:11 AM (uQesX)
167
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 15, 2026 09:59 AM (BI5O2)
The foolishness of "The End of History" was one of the major themes roiling around hidden beneath the laughs and shenanigans of my novel, "Wearing the Cat".
But, hey, it was right there at the beginning, in the blurry little forward before the novel proper starts:
In 1988, with America near the height of her power, prestige, and influence, history was ending.
Or, so it seemed...
The foolishness of "The End of History" was one of the major themes roiling around hidden beneath the laughs and shenanigans of my novel, "Wearing the Cat".
But, hey, it was right there at the beginning, in the blurry little forward before the novel proper starts:
In 1988, with America near the height of her power, prestige, and influence, history was ending.
Or, so it seemed...
Posted by: naturalfake at February 15, 2026 10:11 AM (iJfKG)
168
160 "Ace ain't running a charity here."
I fully understand why AoSHQ has to run ads. Commenting is dwindling; I assume page views are too. The site and the fanbase are 23 years old. Ace has to eat.
As to how to avoid malicious adware, please see 86 above.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:09 AM (N8ZBc)
I get the need for advertising. I just hate the ads. Is all computer advertising just c
Idk bait scam ads and quack clickbait scam ads? Nothing legitimate?
I fully understand why AoSHQ has to run ads. Commenting is dwindling; I assume page views are too. The site and the fanbase are 23 years old. Ace has to eat.
As to how to avoid malicious adware, please see 86 above.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:09 AM (N8ZBc)
I get the need for advertising. I just hate the ads. Is all computer advertising just c
Idk bait scam ads and quack clickbait scam ads? Nothing legitimate?
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 10:11 AM (hJH5n)
169
112 Hopefully, it isn't a way to reduce the number of copies they circulate. Imagine a wait list in months.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:44 AM (0U5gm)
Wait lists are already pretty long for popular titles...
I am hoping it is a way around what I suspect is a bias in book acquisitions - meaning plenty of books on trans and race and women's studies and so forth but no books from authors on the right....
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:44 AM (0U5gm)
Wait lists are already pretty long for popular titles...
I am hoping it is a way around what I suspect is a bias in book acquisitions - meaning plenty of books on trans and race and women's studies and so forth but no books from authors on the right....
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at February 15, 2026 10:12 AM (QGaXH)
170
Fenton Wood, who wrote a great alt-history novel "Pirates of the Electromagnetic Spectrum," has a Kickstarter to fund his new book "Dwellers in the Deep." He's already reached his goal, but if anyone is interested, here's the link:
https://tinyurl.com/298d4tca
https://tinyurl.com/298d4tca
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at February 15, 2026 10:12 AM (8XeQo)
171
OrangeEnt & Wolfus --
Just my two cents here, but if you've put anything up yourself rather than having it taken by a magazine or book publisher, and strangers have paid for it, you're in the club. Maybe not a high-ranking member, but a member.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 09:36 AM (q3u5l)
(creaking sound as coinpurse opens; moths fly out)
Nope. Nuthin'
Just my two cents here, but if you've put anything up yourself rather than having it taken by a magazine or book publisher, and strangers have paid for it, you're in the club. Maybe not a high-ranking member, but a member.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 09:36 AM (q3u5l)
(creaking sound as coinpurse opens; moths fly out)
Nope. Nuthin'
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:12 AM (uQesX)
172
In lieu of doing what AOP said about new computer, you might consider downloading the Brave browser on your phone, and get the AdBlock app with it as well. There is some ad layer that is screwing things up.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 15, 2026 10:02 AM (diia5)
Well, this site is much more enjoyable when you have a full-size screen and keyboard and mouse at hand, too.
I should note that the offending adware is linked to ace.mu.nu (the main page), and not acecomments.mu.nu (this page). Even running Brave, this computer will briefly lockup on the main page for a few seconds as the adblocker wrestles with the demons.
I firmly believe that Ace could make more money by selling and displaying flat ads for a number of non-woke corporations.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 15, 2026 10:02 AM (diia5)
Well, this site is much more enjoyable when you have a full-size screen and keyboard and mouse at hand, too.
I should note that the offending adware is linked to ace.mu.nu (the main page), and not acecomments.mu.nu (this page). Even running Brave, this computer will briefly lockup on the main page for a few seconds as the adblocker wrestles with the demons.
I firmly believe that Ace could make more money by selling and displaying flat ads for a number of non-woke corporations.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 15, 2026 10:12 AM (8zz6B)
173
Unilateral nuclear disarmament was an actual position.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026
TBF, it was basically a fake idea. Every last organization pushing that particular bit of twaddle was a KGB cutout.
But you can convince liberal women and their dickless male hangers-on of just about anything.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026
TBF, it was basically a fake idea. Every last organization pushing that particular bit of twaddle was a KGB cutout.
But you can convince liberal women and their dickless male hangers-on of just about anything.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 15, 2026 10:13 AM (BI5O2)
174
Re: Very Large Author and Very Young Wizard issues:
1. I for one don't give a dang about VLA's truncated epic. What I want to know is: What's become of Monster Hunter International, stranded at book 8 for what, 4 or 5 years now?! We all know that Larry Correia knows how to finish a series; he's done it multiple times already!
2. British Author (w/castle) has moved on from VYW to Cool Private Investigator (and not a moment too soon). Of the 8-to-date CPI novels, most are pushing 1000 pages, but only #6 and #7 were any longer than they needed to be. Just saying.
1. I for one don't give a dang about VLA's truncated epic. What I want to know is: What's become of Monster Hunter International, stranded at book 8 for what, 4 or 5 years now?! We all know that Larry Correia knows how to finish a series; he's done it multiple times already!
2. British Author (w/castle) has moved on from VYW to Cool Private Investigator (and not a moment too soon). Of the 8-to-date CPI novels, most are pushing 1000 pages, but only #6 and #7 were any longer than they needed to be. Just saying.
Posted by: werewife at February 15, 2026 10:13 AM (5ayY3)
175
but only a vain flag officer can spin a harrowing retreat from his most important position in the theater of battle as a "victory."
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 15, 2026 09:40 AM (BI5O2)
-
What's with everyone named Clinton?!?!?!
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 15, 2026 09:40 AM (BI5O2)
-
What's with everyone named Clinton?!?!?!
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 15, 2026 10:14 AM (UzL96)
176
The most profound book from my Kindle library was Before the Dawn: Recovering the Lost History of Our Ancestors by Nicholas Wade. This is a popular science retelling of mankind's genetic progress. The period covered starts 4 million years ago, but focusses on the last 50,000 years. Pulls together lots of insights into humanity.
I highly recommend it. The science told has not been overthrown in the last 14 years since this was published.
I highly recommend it. The science told has not been overthrown in the last 14 years since this was published.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at February 15, 2026 10:14 AM (u82oZ)
177
"Is all computer advertising just c
Idk bait scam ads and quack clickbait scam ads? Nothing legitimate?"
To begin with, ALL marketing and advertising is LIES. Do all you can to avoid it. Don't let it into your home or into your head.
Idk bait scam ads and quack clickbait scam ads? Nothing legitimate?"
To begin with, ALL marketing and advertising is LIES. Do all you can to avoid it. Don't let it into your home or into your head.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:14 AM (N8ZBc)
178
I firmly believe that Ace could make more money by selling and displaying flat ads for a number of non-woke corporations.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 15, 2026 10:12 AM (8zz6B)
----
Tyrell and Weyland-Yutani.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 15, 2026 10:12 AM (8zz6B)
----
Tyrell and Weyland-Yutani.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 10:15 AM (kpS4V)
179
I am hoping it is a way around what I suspect is a bias in book acquisitions - meaning plenty of books on trans and race and women's studies and so forth but no books from authors on the right....
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at February 15, 2026
***
Exactly. I suspect that the merest hint that the main character is a male who values self-reliance and actually deals with danger is enough to get a manuscript dropped into the reject pile.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at February 15, 2026
***
Exactly. I suspect that the merest hint that the main character is a male who values self-reliance and actually deals with danger is enough to get a manuscript dropped into the reject pile.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 10:15 AM (wzUl9)
180
One of my Junior High teachers, who was also a coach, was really really into bad mouthing the Gilded Age. All those insanely wealthy guys like Carnegie and Rockefeller, he really had it in for those guys. I’m not sure why. I mean, he was a leftist obviously.
Interestingly enough, hating on rich guys is a perennial favorite, but it should be noted that the US saw its unprecedented growth in material wealth and standard of living in that era, and became an industrial world power, with myriad inventions that made everyone’s lives much less fatigueing.
I ran i to the guy briefly 30 years later, and as an experiment mentioned the “robber barons” as a kind of test. His eyes glowed, he still had the fires of hatred, LOL.
Interestingly enough, hating on rich guys is a perennial favorite, but it should be noted that the US saw its unprecedented growth in material wealth and standard of living in that era, and became an industrial world power, with myriad inventions that made everyone’s lives much less fatigueing.
I ran i to the guy briefly 30 years later, and as an experiment mentioned the “robber barons” as a kind of test. His eyes glowed, he still had the fires of hatred, LOL.
Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2026 10:15 AM (Jvwhn)
181
Thanks for putting together this weeks book thread Sabrina.
I'm currently reading Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman.
'A man must fight for his planet against impossible odds when gamers from Earth attempt to remotely annihilate it in this epic, fast-paced novel'. It's got drones, mechs, AI and more. Mix of very advanced tech and many more things much closer to our time.
Although I long stopped gaming, I do spawn camp the library app on Tuesday for new acquisitions. Description was appealing and I'd heard of his previous book. It quickly grew a long wait-list on both library systems I belong to.
I'm currently reading Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman.
'A man must fight for his planet against impossible odds when gamers from Earth attempt to remotely annihilate it in this epic, fast-paced novel'. It's got drones, mechs, AI and more. Mix of very advanced tech and many more things much closer to our time.
Although I long stopped gaming, I do spawn camp the library app on Tuesday for new acquisitions. Description was appealing and I'd heard of his previous book. It quickly grew a long wait-list on both library systems I belong to.
Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at February 15, 2026 10:15 AM (KaHlS)
182
Speaking of Books, I have been trying to find a nice hardback version of Don Quixote in English, there are lots of Spanish versions to choose from with nice covers and exquisite bindings, but none in English.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at February 15, 2026 09:33 AM (XV/Pl)
$48 for a cloth bound here:
https://hackettpublishing.com/don-quixote
Posted by: Thomas Bender at February 15, 2026 09:33 AM (XV/Pl)
$48 for a cloth bound here:
https://hackettpublishing.com/don-quixote
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:16 AM (uQesX)
183
"I firmly believe that Ace could make more money by selling and displaying flat ads for a number of non-woke corporations."
If Ace could get ads from trustworthy adnets, I'm sure he would. But this is a niche site with niche views that major advertisers won't touch, I'm guessing.
If Ace could get ads from trustworthy adnets, I'm sure he would. But this is a niche site with niche views that major advertisers won't touch, I'm guessing.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:16 AM (N8ZBc)
184
Sabrina Chase sounds like the name of a spy who loves Spandex.
Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at February 15, 2026 10:18 AM (ySUIq)
185
As far as reader engagement, the current consensus among indie writers is you *have* to have a mailing list. This makes sure your newsletters/alerts go to people who actually want them. Then I put things like surveys in my newsletter. Building the mailing list, though, takes work.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 09:39 AM (KnrSi)
How to start from nothing is my question.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 09:39 AM (KnrSi)
How to start from nothing is my question.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:18 AM (uQesX)
186
"Democracies don't start wars with other democracies."
https://tinyurl.com/3be6tk4n
The stability of global markets depends on free trade and freedom of navigation in places like the Straits of Malacca.
Think having a Navy is expensive? Try not having one.
https://tinyurl.com/3be6tk4n
The stability of global markets depends on free trade and freedom of navigation in places like the Straits of Malacca.
Think having a Navy is expensive? Try not having one.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at February 15, 2026 10:18 AM (2Ez/1)
187
126 Sabrina, I would like to get your take on difficulty of overcoming the wokeness in publishing. Even as a reader, many recent books cram in garbage that detracts from the plot at best.
And this is the glory of Indie publishing! Nobody tells us what to do. I pay no attention to wokeness in my books, (except maybe making fun of it when it fits the story. ) The really funny thing about Indie is, it is actually more diverse than Tradpub. The people making the decisions there are, for the most part, woke white women who are quite convinced your skin tone should dictate what you write about. Sarah Hoyt was nagged because she was writing Shakespearean fantasy instead of whatever Hispanic nonsense the publishers *thought* she should write. So when Indie started really going big and someone added up all the numbers, surprise! More black themed books in Indie than any tradpub offered.
And this is the glory of Indie publishing! Nobody tells us what to do. I pay no attention to wokeness in my books, (except maybe making fun of it when it fits the story. ) The really funny thing about Indie is, it is actually more diverse than Tradpub. The people making the decisions there are, for the most part, woke white women who are quite convinced your skin tone should dictate what you write about. Sarah Hoyt was nagged because she was writing Shakespearean fantasy instead of whatever Hispanic nonsense the publishers *thought* she should write. So when Indie started really going big and someone added up all the numbers, surprise! More black themed books in Indie than any tradpub offered.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 10:18 AM (KnrSi)
188
Ms. Chase, thanks for running the book thread. My Sunday mornings are not complete without it. As a committed non-author your info was of no practical use but I found it highly amusing and interesting. More! More! Plus, after years reading the book thread I’ve grown to feel like I’ve gotten to know some of the writers who are hear and I hope your advice leads to more success for them. And I, for one, want more silent movie mysteries!
Posted by: Who Knew at February 15, 2026 10:19 AM (0QMbS)
189
Common Tater,
I guess Carnegie didn't buy his way into your teacher's good graces by scattering those libraries all over the country?
I guess Carnegie didn't buy his way into your teacher's good graces by scattering those libraries all over the country?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 10:19 AM (q3u5l)
190
To begin with, ALL marketing and advertising is LIES. Do all you can to avoid it. Don't let it into your home or into your head.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:14 AM (N8ZBc)
Oh, I know. That’s why I buy so much store brand.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:14 AM (N8ZBc)
Oh, I know. That’s why I buy so much store brand.
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 10:20 AM (hJH5n)
191
I firmly believe that Ace could make more money by selling and displaying flat ads for a number of non-woke corporations.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon
I did buy affiliate stuff when he had an Amazon affiliate link. Something like that is easier to support.
Did the book thread have a 'book fair' type Amazon affiliate addendum before?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon
I did buy affiliate stuff when he had an Amazon affiliate link. Something like that is easier to support.
Did the book thread have a 'book fair' type Amazon affiliate addendum before?
Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 15, 2026 10:20 AM (diia5)
192
For fiction, I really liked the complete Bullard of the Space Patrol by Malcom Jameson and The Final Folly of Captain Dancy and Other Tall Tales by Lawrence Watt-Evans.
Watt-Evans writes some entertaining short stories in that Kindle selection, to go with his better known series, like the four The Lords of Dus novels and his Legend of Ethshar books.
Watt-Evans writes some entertaining short stories in that Kindle selection, to go with his better known series, like the four The Lords of Dus novels and his Legend of Ethshar books.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at February 15, 2026 10:20 AM (u82oZ)
193
"What's with everyone named Clinton?!?!?!
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey"
Funk dat!
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey"
Funk dat!
Posted by: George Clinton at February 15, 2026 10:20 AM (vFG9F)
194
No updates from Sabrina to her webpage since April 2024?
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 10:20 AM (hJH5n)
195
(At one point, the main character is represented on-screen by an action figure.) The movie is a staple of the lets-laugh-at-bad-movies genre, having appeared on both RiffTrax and Red Letter Media...
Posted by: Castle Guy at February 15, 2026 09:40 AM (Lhaco)
That made me laugh. Good golly, how cheesy!
Posted by: Castle Guy at February 15, 2026 09:40 AM (Lhaco)
That made me laugh. Good golly, how cheesy!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:20 AM (uQesX)
196
200.
Posted by: Eromero at February 15, 2026 10:21 AM (DXbAa)
197
Late to the thread. Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading.
And welcome to Sabrina as the host. If you haven't read her books, you should. They are fun reads. And she has a wicked sense of humor. Her "The Bureau of Substandards Annual Report" is a hoot.
And welcome to Sabrina as the host. If you haven't read her books, you should. They are fun reads. And she has a wicked sense of humor. Her "The Bureau of Substandards Annual Report" is a hoot.
Posted by: JTB at February 15, 2026 10:22 AM (yTvNw)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 10:22 AM (q3u5l)
199
180 One of my Junior High teachers, who was also a coach, was really really into bad mouthing the Gilded Age. All those insanely wealthy guys like Carnegie and Rockefeller, he really had it in for those guys. I’m not sure why. I mean, he was a leftist obviously.
Interestingly enough, hating on rich guys is a perennial favorite, but it should be noted that the US saw its unprecedented growth in material wealth and standard of living in that era, and became an industrial world power, with myriad inventions that made everyone’s lives much less fatigueing.
I ran i to the guy briefly 30 years later, and as an experiment mentioned the “robber barons” as a kind of test. His eyes glowed, he still had the fires of hatred, LOL.
Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2026 10:15 AM (Jvwhn)
Some people are just that consumed by envy, hatred and resentment. He sounds like an incredibly evil man.
Interestingly enough, hating on rich guys is a perennial favorite, but it should be noted that the US saw its unprecedented growth in material wealth and standard of living in that era, and became an industrial world power, with myriad inventions that made everyone’s lives much less fatigueing.
I ran i to the guy briefly 30 years later, and as an experiment mentioned the “robber barons” as a kind of test. His eyes glowed, he still had the fires of hatred, LOL.
Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2026 10:15 AM (Jvwhn)
Some people are just that consumed by envy, hatred and resentment. He sounds like an incredibly evil man.
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 10:22 AM (hJH5n)
200
182 Speaking of Books, I have been trying to find a nice hardback version of Don Quixote in English, there are lots of Spanish versions to choose from with nice covers and exquisite bindings, but none in English.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at February 15, 2026 09:33 AM (XV/Pl)
$48 for a cloth bound here:
https://hackettpublishing.com/don-quixote
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:16 AM
****
Allow me to recommend the 2003 translation by Edith Grossman, from Echo Publishing.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at February 15, 2026 09:33 AM (XV/Pl)
$48 for a cloth bound here:
https://hackettpublishing.com/don-quixote
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:16 AM
****
Allow me to recommend the 2003 translation by Edith Grossman, from Echo Publishing.
Posted by: werewife at February 15, 2026 10:22 AM (5ayY3)
201
Coffee and donuts. Now there’s a book and a movie in there somewhere.
Posted by: Eromero at February 15, 2026 10:22 AM (DXbAa)
202
Unilateral nuclear disarmament was an actual position.
——-
The Soviets agreed to this in principle, but they were insistent that the US disarm first, totally. This was before they had demonstrated their own atomic weapon in 1949.
Even prior to the Trinity test from the boys at Los Alamos, Ed Teller was bored with the theoretical engineering and was working on the “Super”, that is the hydrogen bomb. He kept derailing discussions about the atomic bomb, which hadn’t been built yet much less tested. Oppenheimer had to keep him away from everyone else, basically. Physicists can get easily sidetracked if not kept in line, apparently.
——-
The Soviets agreed to this in principle, but they were insistent that the US disarm first, totally. This was before they had demonstrated their own atomic weapon in 1949.
Even prior to the Trinity test from the boys at Los Alamos, Ed Teller was bored with the theoretical engineering and was working on the “Super”, that is the hydrogen bomb. He kept derailing discussions about the atomic bomb, which hadn’t been built yet much less tested. Oppenheimer had to keep him away from everyone else, basically. Physicists can get easily sidetracked if not kept in line, apparently.
Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2026 10:22 AM (Jvwhn)
203
2. British Author (w/castle) has moved on from VYW to Cool Private Investigator (and not a moment too soon). Of the 8-to-date CPI novels, most are pushing 1000 pages, but only #6 and #7 were any longer than they needed to be. Just saying.
Posted by: werewife at February 15, 2026 10:13 AM (5ayY3)
I concur. VYW aged out of the category, so she'd have to create entirely different characters, or an entirely different setting. It concluded naturally. CPI has been great, but I expect it's about to conclude naturally, also. Wonder what she'll do next?
Posted by: werewife at February 15, 2026 10:13 AM (5ayY3)
I concur. VYW aged out of the category, so she'd have to create entirely different characters, or an entirely different setting. It concluded naturally. CPI has been great, but I expect it's about to conclude naturally, also. Wonder what she'll do next?
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 10:23 AM (h7ZuX)
204
Good morning
Great post Sabrina. I especially enjoyed your put down of the author I hate the most, who failed to complete a single story line after I bought and read five of his books and continues to be famous to my great disgust.
I have been having the same problem with the site and figured out how to eliminate the ad by clicking on comments but I have to reenter my nic in order to comment. This is incredibly annoying.
Great post Sabrina. I especially enjoyed your put down of the author I hate the most, who failed to complete a single story line after I bought and read five of his books and continues to be famous to my great disgust.
I have been having the same problem with the site and figured out how to eliminate the ad by clicking on comments but I have to reenter my nic in order to comment. This is incredibly annoying.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 15, 2026 10:23 AM (t/2Uw)
205
Tyrell and Weyland-Yutani.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 10:15 AM (kpS4V)
Heh!
If Ace could get ads from trustworthy adnets, I'm sure he would. But this is a niche site with niche views that major advertisers won't touch, I'm guessing.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:16 AM (N8ZBc)
Well, King Harv's Coffee was here for a long time. What about some of the gun and ammo dealers, like Palmetto State Armories? Non-woke publishing companies? Other non-woke companies that live by Internet sales? There is a market out there. The deal is, don't use adnets; they are evil in principle. Just publish "flat" ads, simple images or text files that name the sponsor, and showcase their product, with a clickable link to their site. Just like the King Harv ads were.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 10:15 AM (kpS4V)
Heh!
If Ace could get ads from trustworthy adnets, I'm sure he would. But this is a niche site with niche views that major advertisers won't touch, I'm guessing.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:16 AM (N8ZBc)
Well, King Harv's Coffee was here for a long time. What about some of the gun and ammo dealers, like Palmetto State Armories? Non-woke publishing companies? Other non-woke companies that live by Internet sales? There is a market out there. The deal is, don't use adnets; they are evil in principle. Just publish "flat" ads, simple images or text files that name the sponsor, and showcase their product, with a clickable link to their site. Just like the King Harv ads were.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 15, 2026 10:24 AM (8zz6B)
206
198 Romero at 196
Close but no cigar.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 10:22 AM (q3u5l)
I touched the gas a bit too much.
Close but no cigar.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 10:22 AM (q3u5l)
I touched the gas a bit too much.
Posted by: Eromero at February 15, 2026 10:24 AM (DXbAa)
207
Time to dust off my atlas of imaginary places. I checked out "The Game Master's Guide to Fantasy Map Making" by Cody James King and now I'm itching to draw maps again.
I learned my technique as a teen from Tolkien's maps, Pauline Bayne's maps, and all the maps in "An Atlas of Fantasy".
I learned my technique as a teen from Tolkien's maps, Pauline Bayne's maps, and all the maps in "An Atlas of Fantasy".
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 10:25 AM (kpS4V)
208
I once had the desire to write many stories and become a well-known author, but it didn’t happen because I lack the necessary drive, and I’m too easily distracted. But I love reading about the travails of the writer’s life, and learning new things I will never use.
As for the VLH, judging by his last book in the series, it’s probably a good thing he hasn’t gone any further.
As for the VLH, judging by his last book in the series, it’s probably a good thing he hasn’t gone any further.
Posted by: RebeccaH at February 15, 2026 10:25 AM (VFung)
209
I almost hate to suggest this, but I'm gonna. You know who adores glamorous Hollywood stars? Gay boys. That's right. Make some small flyers of your cover art with a link to the ebooks, and plaster them near the gay bars and library and grocery store bulletin boards in the gay neighborhoods. See if you get an uptick.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 09:45 AM (h7ZuX)
(shocked face)
But, I thought MP4 lived in Boston? Surely, blue-blooded Boston has no gays! He won't sell a thing there.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 09:45 AM (h7ZuX)
(shocked face)
But, I thought MP4 lived in Boston? Surely, blue-blooded Boston has no gays! He won't sell a thing there.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:26 AM (uQesX)
210
Pirate themed pulp stories. You have piqued my interest...
Posted by: Castle Guy at February 15, 2026 09:46 AM (Lhaco)
Ought to be able to find them on archive sites.
Posted by: Castle Guy at February 15, 2026 09:46 AM (Lhaco)
Ought to be able to find them on archive sites.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:27 AM (uQesX)
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at February 15, 2026 10:27 AM (UzL96)
212
@122 --
My neighborhood was once a small airport on the edge of town. We have a straight street that is wider than the others. That was the runway.
My neighborhood was once a small airport on the edge of town. We have a straight street that is wider than the others. That was the runway.
Posted by: Weak Geek at February 15, 2026 10:29 AM (p/isN)
213
Thank goodness it was short. I'd have known what I was getting into if I'd read the author bio, which states that Chambers lives with "her wife."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:47 AM (wzUl9)
So, in other words, a self-insert wish fulfillment boring non-story.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:47 AM (wzUl9)
So, in other words, a self-insert wish fulfillment boring non-story.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:29 AM (uQesX)
214
"What's with everyone named Clinton?!?!?!
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey"
Funk dat!
Posted by: George Clinton
---
Back in the days of The Onion, in their alternate universe news, President George Clinton dropped "Da Bomb" on Saddam, in a flagrant violation of the funk accords.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey"
Funk dat!
Posted by: George Clinton
---
Back in the days of The Onion, in their alternate universe news, President George Clinton dropped "Da Bomb" on Saddam, in a flagrant violation of the funk accords.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 10:30 AM (kpS4V)
215
Oh, come on. I'm harmless.
Posted by: TEMU at February 15, 2026 10:30 AM (2Ez/1)
216
Never got into VLA's 'Frame of Groans' series, but I recall quite a bit of his pre-series stuff (short stories and some novels) as being pretty decent. I suspect that tradpub is happier with the semi-guaranteed sales for the next book than the author may be with getting locked into a long-running series?
If memory serves, David Janssen once said of having a popular series, "It's like dancing with an 800 pound gorilla. You don't stop when you want to stop, you stop when the gorilla wants to stop."
If memory serves, David Janssen once said of having a popular series, "It's like dancing with an 800 pound gorilla. You don't stop when you want to stop, you stop when the gorilla wants to stop."
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 10:30 AM (q3u5l)
217
Sabrina, how long does it take to write a book or a story? Days or weeks?
Posted by: dantesed at February 15, 2026
Oh, what a painful question ... Sometimes a year or more for a book, especially when working around a day job. I try to write faster but sometimes that just doesn't happen. I can write a short story in about a week. For me, short stories are harder since you have to get all the bits in but in less space ...
Posted by: dantesed at February 15, 2026
Oh, what a painful question ... Sometimes a year or more for a book, especially when working around a day job. I try to write faster but sometimes that just doesn't happen. I can write a short story in about a week. For me, short stories are harder since you have to get all the bits in but in less space ...
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 10:31 AM (KnrSi)
218
“ I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:9-10
John 10:9-10
Posted by: Marcus T at February 15, 2026 10:31 AM (ittVa)
219
Read___ Barnaby Rudge. Usually with Dickens, I slog through the beginning a bit and then I get hooked. Rudge was a longer slog than most, but finally I got drawn in. Dickens is quite good at describing how ordinary people get caught up in mobs - in this case, the anti-Catholic Gordon riots of 1780. The cause barely mattered - stir up fear and anger among the discontented and give them a hate object and they'll bite. The Gordom anti-papist ringleaders would be antifa todsy.
Posted by: Donna&&&&&&v at February 15, 2026 10:31 AM (JuSDn)
220
One of my Junior High teachers, who was also a coach, was really really into bad mouthing the Gilded Age. All those insanely wealthy guys like Carnegie and Rockefeller, he really had it in for those guys. I’m not sure why. I mean, he was a leftist obviously.
-----
Yeah my AP history teacher was one of those. Whatever. I used to extol the virtues of the American Hero Henry Clay Frick to get under her skin.
He was so cool. After being stabbed and shot and fighting off Berkman, he went to the hospital - but not before leaving a bloody note on his ledger saying "I do not think I will die, but if I do, it will not change the position of Carnegie Steel toward the Amalgated Association, and we will win!"
What a hardass.
-----
Yeah my AP history teacher was one of those. Whatever. I used to extol the virtues of the American Hero Henry Clay Frick to get under her skin.
He was so cool. After being stabbed and shot and fighting off Berkman, he went to the hospital - but not before leaving a bloody note on his ledger saying "I do not think I will die, but if I do, it will not change the position of Carnegie Steel toward the Amalgated Association, and we will win!"
What a hardass.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 15, 2026 10:31 AM (BI5O2)
221
I can only imagine how AI can update my preferences after I'm dead.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:59 AM
You will become pro-carrots-in-chili, pro-Zuck, and pro-penguin.
(Although the latter two are redundant.)
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 09:59 AM
You will become pro-carrots-in-chili, pro-Zuck, and pro-penguin.
(Although the latter two are redundant.)
Posted by: Meta AI at February 15, 2026 10:31 AM (0sNs1)
222
207 Time to dust off my atlas of imaginary places. I checked out "The Game Master's Guide to Fantasy Map Making" by Cody James King and now I'm itching to draw maps again.
I learned my technique as a teen from Tolkien's maps, Pauline Bayne's maps, and all the maps in "An Atlas of Fantasy".
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 10:25 AM
****
The Dictionary of Imaginary Places is one of the prime treasures of my personal library. Alan Moore plagiarized it flagrantly for the appendix to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Volume II, but apparently got away with on account of being Alan Moore. Feh.
I learned my technique as a teen from Tolkien's maps, Pauline Bayne's maps, and all the maps in "An Atlas of Fantasy".
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 10:25 AM
****
The Dictionary of Imaginary Places is one of the prime treasures of my personal library. Alan Moore plagiarized it flagrantly for the appendix to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Volume II, but apparently got away with on account of being Alan Moore. Feh.
Posted by: werewife at February 15, 2026 10:32 AM (5ayY3)
223
I’m not a writer but I still plan to read Stephen Pressfield’s book just for the title.
Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t ( why that is and what you can do about it)
His other self help book I did actually read was pretty good. The War of Art.
It gives advice on creative roadblocks and procrastination and how to be a professional instead of an amateur.
Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t ( why that is and what you can do about it)
His other self help book I did actually read was pretty good. The War of Art.
It gives advice on creative roadblocks and procrastination and how to be a professional instead of an amateur.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 10:32 AM (cwGMH)
224
For me, short stories are harder since you have to get all the bits in but in less space ...
Posted by: Sabrina Chase
Kind of like posting a book review here. You only have a certain number of characters.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase
Kind of like posting a book review here. You only have a certain number of characters.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at February 15, 2026 10:33 AM (0U5gm)
225
"Oh, I know. That’s why I buy so much store brand."
It's a real shame that content producers you want to trust have no choice but to flack crap products with lies to do it. Worst are the 'personal endorsements' that the creators do for their advertisers.
"Sure, I eat these supplements myself every day, and they've made me superhuman! I've got my whole family eating them! And right now, you can get them for 50% off with coupon code SUCKER."
It's a real shame that content producers you want to trust have no choice but to flack crap products with lies to do it. Worst are the 'personal endorsements' that the creators do for their advertisers.
"Sure, I eat these supplements myself every day, and they've made me superhuman! I've got my whole family eating them! And right now, you can get them for 50% off with coupon code SUCKER."
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:33 AM (N8ZBc)
226
Thank you, Sabrina! That was great.
Well, fiddle.
Got willowed last week and Ace's Super New And Annoying Ad Thingie will not let me back into the comments. I tried all ways-nada.
So, briefly, two good new books read recently:
A Bloody Habit by Eleanor Bourg Nicholson. In 1900, a London barrister encounters vampires, which he fights with the help of a bunch of Dominican Friars. Some interesting twists on the folklore, a love story and well-done period atmosphere. Creepy, but not terribly dark.
The Eighth Arrow- Odysseus in the Underworld by J. Augustine Wetta, OSB
Odysseus and his best friend Diomedes pray to Athena to spring them from Hades after three thousand years.
She (or someone) appears, gives them their gear and tell them if they make it down to the bottom of the Circles, there's a way out.
An adventure story with lessons learned. Excellent use of mythology, but less theology than you would expect from a monk ("It's just a story" he says in the afterword.)
Older YAs who like LotR would enjoy this and might be encouraged to read more mythology. Maybe even some Homer.
Well, fiddle.
Got willowed last week and Ace's Super New And Annoying Ad Thingie will not let me back into the comments. I tried all ways-nada.
So, briefly, two good new books read recently:
A Bloody Habit by Eleanor Bourg Nicholson. In 1900, a London barrister encounters vampires, which he fights with the help of a bunch of Dominican Friars. Some interesting twists on the folklore, a love story and well-done period atmosphere. Creepy, but not terribly dark.
The Eighth Arrow- Odysseus in the Underworld by J. Augustine Wetta, OSB
Odysseus and his best friend Diomedes pray to Athena to spring them from Hades after three thousand years.
She (or someone) appears, gives them their gear and tell them if they make it down to the bottom of the Circles, there's a way out.
An adventure story with lessons learned. Excellent use of mythology, but less theology than you would expect from a monk ("It's just a story" he says in the afterword.)
Older YAs who like LotR would enjoy this and might be encouraged to read more mythology. Maybe even some Homer.
Posted by: sal at February 15, 2026 10:33 AM (f+FmA)
227
One of my Junior High teachers, who was also a coach, was really really into bad mouthing the Gilded Age. All those insanely wealthy guys like Carnegie and Rockefeller, he really had it in for those guys. I’m not sure why. I mean, he was a leftist obviously.
The Men Who Built America was a pretty good series.
The Men Who Built America was a pretty good series.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 10:34 AM (cwGMH)
228
Thank goodness it was short. I'd have known what I was getting into if I'd read the author bio, which states that Chambers lives with "her wife."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026
*
So, in other words, a self-insert wish fulfillment boring non-story.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026
***
Pretty much. A poster child-book for modern woke.
If there are dangerous animals mentioned, she could have had her characters encounter one or more. But the one bear who shows up is more like Yogi Bear, snuffling around, eating some burned food, and leaving.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026
*
So, in other words, a self-insert wish fulfillment boring non-story.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026
***
Pretty much. A poster child-book for modern woke.
If there are dangerous animals mentioned, she could have had her characters encounter one or more. But the one bear who shows up is more like Yogi Bear, snuffling around, eating some burned food, and leaving.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 10:34 AM (wzUl9)
229
Sabrina, how long does it take to write a book or a story? Days or weeks?
Posted by: dantesed at February 15, 2026
Just a quick pop-in, as I saw the bit about "write a page a day" and "what if you have a job?"
Check out Robert Ray's The Weekend Novelist, which tells you how to budget your time and get a book out. I used his The Weekend Novelist Writes A Mystery when I started out, and it helped a lot.
Posted by: dantesed at February 15, 2026
Just a quick pop-in, as I saw the bit about "write a page a day" and "what if you have a job?"
Check out Robert Ray's The Weekend Novelist, which tells you how to budget your time and get a book out. I used his The Weekend Novelist Writes A Mystery when I started out, and it helped a lot.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at February 15, 2026 10:34 AM (ufSfZ)
230
The Frick Collection in Manhattan is also one of my favorite museums in the world. He had impeccable taste in addition to being a total badass.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 15, 2026 10:35 AM (BI5O2)
231
205 AOP, that makes sense to me. Email Ace and suggest it. Maybe he'll get back to us. I suspect what he'll say is 'yeah, I tried that.'
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:35 AM (N8ZBc)
232
Oh, what a painful question ... Sometimes a year or more for a book, especially when working around a day job. I try to write faster but sometimes that just doesn't happen. I can write a short story in about a week. For me, short stories are harder since you have to get all the bits in but in less space ...
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026
***
Short stories are harder, yes . . . but you have the gratification of finishing in much less time!
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026
***
Short stories are harder, yes . . . but you have the gratification of finishing in much less time!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 10:36 AM (wzUl9)
233
That Ray book looks interesting, MP4. Thanks for the rec.
Posted by: Part-time Thinker at February 15, 2026 10:36 AM (YG+k7)
234
212 @122 --
My neighborhood was once a small airport on the edge of town. We have a straight street that is wider than the others. That was the runway.
Posted by: Weak Geek at February 15, 2026 10:29 AM (p/isN)
There’s old geezers who remember going to see the airplanes. It was a big deal.
My neighborhood was once a small airport on the edge of town. We have a straight street that is wider than the others. That was the runway.
Posted by: Weak Geek at February 15, 2026 10:29 AM (p/isN)
There’s old geezers who remember going to see the airplanes. It was a big deal.
Posted by: Eromero at February 15, 2026 10:37 AM (DXbAa)
235
There are over 1000 HC Don Quixote books on ebay as we speak
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 10:37 AM (kJmLc)
236
Sabrina, how long does it take to write a book or a story? Days or weeks?
Posted by: dantesed at February 15, 2026 10:01 AM (Oy/m2)
Depends on the writing style of the author. Months for most, unless you write for someone's deadline. I take a couple of days for a short story, but months for a novel because I write in fits and starts. I can do days without writing, and also write every day for a couple weeks. I have no pressure to publish anything at this point except the inevitable end.
Posted by: dantesed at February 15, 2026 10:01 AM (Oy/m2)
Depends on the writing style of the author. Months for most, unless you write for someone's deadline. I take a couple of days for a short story, but months for a novel because I write in fits and starts. I can do days without writing, and also write every day for a couple weeks. I have no pressure to publish anything at this point except the inevitable end.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:37 AM (uQesX)
237
205 AOP, that makes sense to me. Email Ace and suggest it. Maybe he'll get back to us. I suspect what he'll say is 'yeah, I tried that.'
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:35 AM (N8ZBc)
I suggested it to him directly in comments. He was not enthused. Perhaps it would compromise his OpSec.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:35 AM (N8ZBc)
I suggested it to him directly in comments. He was not enthused. Perhaps it would compromise his OpSec.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 15, 2026 10:38 AM (8zz6B)
238
I am about 100 pts into a new Nalini Singh titled Such a Perfect Family. It is a stand alone work set in New Zealand and is a murder mystery. I read and like her paranormal books but this is completely different. Book opens with a guy driving to his new wife's family home with test bites of cake for a wedding for family even though they are already wed. Quiet, normal. As he approaches, he sees a raging fire. As the story progresses, this main character, Tavish, gets more and more complex as his past history is revealed. You begin to see you had no idea who he actually is and yet you like him. But is he hero or villain? I can't wait to delve deeper.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 15, 2026 10:38 AM (t/2Uw)
239
The Men Who Built America was a pretty good series.
-
Without them we'd all be scrounging in the dirt but at least we'd all be equal.
-
Without them we'd all be scrounging in the dirt but at least we'd all be equal.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Damn It Feels Good to Be a Trumpster! at February 15, 2026 10:39 AM (J+Psw)
240
But, I thought MP4 lived in Boston? Surely, blue-blooded Boston has no gays! He won't sell a thing there.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:26 AM (uQesX)
Heh. Big potential problem is he could get the audience, but then they would start demanding gay characters and action. I didn't really think this through.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:26 AM (uQesX)
Heh. Big potential problem is he could get the audience, but then they would start demanding gay characters and action. I didn't really think this through.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 10:39 AM (h7ZuX)
241
Oh, come on. I'm harmless.
Posted by: TEMU
Aside from the CCP propaganda and economic warfare, of course.
Posted by: TEMU
Aside from the CCP propaganda and economic warfare, of course.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 15, 2026 10:39 AM (diia5)
242
"For me, short stories are harder since you have to get all the bits in but in less space ...
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 10:31 AM"
****
Allegedly I wrote this somewhere along the way:
“I didn’t have time to write you a short letter, so I wrote you a long one.”
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 10:31 AM"
****
Allegedly I wrote this somewhere along the way:
“I didn’t have time to write you a short letter, so I wrote you a long one.”
Posted by: The ghost of Mark Twain at February 15, 2026 10:39 AM (2Ez/1)
243
No updates from Sabrina to her webpage since April 2024?
Posted by: Cow Demon
*Hangs head in shame* Would you believe I have a post-it note on my desk telling me to update my webpage?
The book I have been struggling to finish has put a crimp in things. And I got laid off. But I have a job again!
*makes another note to update webpage before Cow Demon pokes me with a stick*
Posted by: Cow Demon
*Hangs head in shame* Would you believe I have a post-it note on my desk telling me to update my webpage?
The book I have been struggling to finish has put a crimp in things. And I got laid off. But I have a job again!
*makes another note to update webpage before Cow Demon pokes me with a stick*
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 10:40 AM (KnrSi)
244
I have no doubt that if I took one of them up on the offer my"reading group" would also turn out to be a collection of AI agents.
Posted by: Part-time Thinker at February 15, 2026 10:05 AM (YG+k7)
No AI here!
Posted by: Part-time Thinker at February 15, 2026 10:05 AM (YG+k7)
No AI here!
Posted by: A Literary Horde - see main page sidebar at February 15, 2026 10:41 AM (uQesX)
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at February 15, 2026 10:41 AM (xcxpd)
246
Some people are just that consumed by envy, hatred and resentment. He sounds like an incredibly evil man.
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 10:22 AM (hJH5n)
---
Marxism is not new, it's just a repackaging of a heresy that seeks to make virtues of envy, pride and wrath.
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 10:22 AM (hJH5n)
---
Marxism is not new, it's just a repackaging of a heresy that seeks to make virtues of envy, pride and wrath.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 10:42 AM (ZOv7s)
247
213 Thank goodness it was short. I'd have known what I was getting into if I'd read the author bio, which states that Chambers lives with "her wife."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:47 AM (wzUl9)
So, in other words, a self-insert wish fulfillment boring non-story.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:29 AM (uQesX)
That was ( was ) on my TBR list, because it was recommended by Patrick Chiles. Meh, nobody's perfect.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 09:47 AM (wzUl9)
So, in other words, a self-insert wish fulfillment boring non-story.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:29 AM (uQesX)
That was ( was ) on my TBR list, because it was recommended by Patrick Chiles. Meh, nobody's perfect.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at February 15, 2026 10:43 AM (8XeQo)
248
225 Bongino got so desperate that he actually flacked dedeuterated drinking water for a while. "I feel 200% stronger, healthier and smarter drinking this stuff! Paula loves it too; she bathes in it!"
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:43 AM (N8ZBc)
249
This is assuming someone who is writing in his spare time and dealing with a job. I'd think it could go much faster if one is retired or otherwise free of a job.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 10:07 AM (wzUl9)
Pro tip: It doesn't.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 10:07 AM (wzUl9)
Pro tip: It doesn't.
Posted by: Retired Narrator at February 15, 2026 10:43 AM (uQesX)
250
Loved Sabrina's "Sequoyah" and "Argonauts of Space" series.
Posted by: Tuna at February 15, 2026 10:43 AM (lJ0H4)
251
241 Oh, come on. I'm harmless.
Posted by: TEMU
Aside from the CCP propaganda and economic warfare, of course.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 15, 2026 10:39 AM (diia5)
Temu is a disaster. More than a few people got severe skin rashes from their shirts, way over the limit with formaldehyde and other shit chemicals. I think some medical drama even did an episode on the dangers.
Posted by: TEMU
Aside from the CCP propaganda and economic warfare, of course.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 15, 2026 10:39 AM (diia5)
Temu is a disaster. More than a few people got severe skin rashes from their shirts, way over the limit with formaldehyde and other shit chemicals. I think some medical drama even did an episode on the dangers.
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 10:43 AM (kJmLc)
252
There’s old geezers who remember going to see the airplanes. It was a big deal.
Posted by: Eromero
My dad used to take us to our small rural airport to watch the planes take off and land. Usually we'd just sit in the car but on really big days we'd go in and ride the escalators up and down.
Posted by: Eromero
My dad used to take us to our small rural airport to watch the planes take off and land. Usually we'd just sit in the car but on really big days we'd go in and ride the escalators up and down.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Damn It Feels Good to Be a Trumpster! at February 15, 2026 10:43 AM (J+Psw)
253
I'm coming closer to believing AI will negatively affect professional art work. I thought it was a wash because it was just creating a new market instead of infringing on the traditional market .
Now I see it making the traditional market worse because the traditional art world will embrace even crappier art than it does now to separate itself from AI.
Now I see it making the traditional market worse because the traditional art world will embrace even crappier art than it does now to separate itself from AI.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 10:44 AM (cwGMH)
254
The Frick Collection in Manhattan is also one of my favorite museums in the world.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 15, 2026 10:35 AM (BI5O2)
Oh yes!
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 15, 2026 10:35 AM (BI5O2)
Oh yes!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 15, 2026 10:44 AM (n9ltV)
255
I'll beat the Sabrina drum, her books are good.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at February 15, 2026 10:45 AM (xcxpd)
256
The stability of global markets depends on free trade and freedom of navigation in places like the Straits of Malacca.
Think having a Navy is expensive? Try not having one.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at February 15, 2026 10:18 AM (2Ez/1)
---
One gets the Tragedy of the Commons with sea routes, but the same people who don't understand that also don't understand global trade.
A lot of it is ignorance cloaked in academic jargon.
Think having a Navy is expensive? Try not having one.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at February 15, 2026 10:18 AM (2Ez/1)
---
One gets the Tragedy of the Commons with sea routes, but the same people who don't understand that also don't understand global trade.
A lot of it is ignorance cloaked in academic jargon.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 10:45 AM (ZOv7s)
257
248 225 Bongino got so desperate that he actually flacked dedeuterated drinking water for a while. "I feel 200% stronger, healthier and smarter drinking this stuff! Paula loves it too; she bathes in it!"
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:43 AM
+++++++
I don't get no respect.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:43 AM
+++++++
I don't get no respect.
Posted by: Snake oil at February 15, 2026 10:46 AM (2Ez/1)
258
The good news: I found the Waco Barnes and Nobles on Friday.
The bad news: Regency Lesbian Fiction is now a thing.
There was a 'Reading Journal' in the Lifestyle magazine section. I glanced inside- a mistake. It has a log for how many days per month reading, minutes read per day,
book report spaces with not enough room to write, up coming books you should read lists...
A plan to take all the fun out of reading, basically.
The bad news: Regency Lesbian Fiction is now a thing.
There was a 'Reading Journal' in the Lifestyle magazine section. I glanced inside- a mistake. It has a log for how many days per month reading, minutes read per day,
book report spaces with not enough room to write, up coming books you should read lists...
A plan to take all the fun out of reading, basically.
Posted by: sal at February 15, 2026 10:46 AM (f+FmA)
259
Werewife, thanks for the recommendation for "The Dictionary of Imaginary Places". It's now in my library queue.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 10:46 AM (kpS4V)
260
I was looking at the top AI image when I wrote my comment.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 10:46 AM (cwGMH)
261
249 This is assuming someone who is writing in his spare time and dealing with a job. I'd think it could go much faster if one is retired or otherwise free of a job.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 10:07 AM (wzUl9)
Pro tip: It doesn't.
Posted by: Retired Narrator at February 15, 2026 10:43 AM (uQesX)
Literally true. I personally need the structure of a day job. When I was unemployed, I completed zero novels. Doesn't make sense but there it is.
Sadly, I discovered having a wife and a dog was far harder on my writing desire than having a job was/is.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 10:07 AM (wzUl9)
Pro tip: It doesn't.
Posted by: Retired Narrator at February 15, 2026 10:43 AM (uQesX)
Literally true. I personally need the structure of a day job. When I was unemployed, I completed zero novels. Doesn't make sense but there it is.
Sadly, I discovered having a wife and a dog was far harder on my writing desire than having a job was/is.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at February 15, 2026 10:46 AM (xcxpd)
262
Bill Frick from Long Island built some real nice cars...
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 15, 2026 10:46 AM (8zz6B)
263
OrangeEnt, I've done all my formatting with LibreOffice. The first book took me around 50 hours of work.... But the second took around 10, and the third was even faster. Mostly I just had to go through Libre menus until I find the setting that matched Amazon's requirements.
Posted by: Part-time Thinker at February 15, 2026 10:10 AM (YG+k7)
I've been noodling around with it myself. Reedsy's format program isn't good. It won't let me do what I want. It does take a while trying to figure out the trim of each book format.
Posted by: Part-time Thinker at February 15, 2026 10:10 AM (YG+k7)
I've been noodling around with it myself. Reedsy's format program isn't good. It won't let me do what I want. It does take a while trying to figure out the trim of each book format.
Posted by: Retired Narrator at February 15, 2026 10:47 AM (uQesX)
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at February 15, 2026 10:47 AM (xcxpd)
265
A few other writing tips: write what you know. You can know something by careful research and/or personal experience.
Have something to say. It doesn't have to be profound or funny, just entertaining.
And know the audience. Professional writers often crank out endless versions of the same stuff for the simple reason that it sells. Nothing at all wrong with that.
Have something to say. It doesn't have to be profound or funny, just entertaining.
And know the audience. Professional writers often crank out endless versions of the same stuff for the simple reason that it sells. Nothing at all wrong with that.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 10:47 AM (ZOv7s)
266
Even TradPub can't put lipstick on a nonexistant pig. And the reasons why Very Large Author (VLA) hasn't finished that series are ... writing style, and payoff. VLA is an outliner. Everything has to be planned out ahead of time. Which means if you made a plot oopsie in book 2 of a series that comes back to bite you in book 24, you're holed below the waterline because you can't go back and fix a book already published. (Indie authors are nervously glancing about right now ...)
Posted by: Open Blogger at 09:00 AM
I think Vox Day had the best analysis, that there are two critical problems.
One, the series simply has too many viewpoint characters. The VLA's earlier lack of discipline in introducing VCs means that now he would have to kill off most of them, just to be able to write a coherent book that wraps things up. Even if he hasn't shied away from killing characters before, the mass slaughter necessary could hit attachments that he can't let go of.
Two, he's far too grim of a die-hard nihilist to allow the natural ending to flow out, where the least worst couple finds love and imposes justice. And everyone would hate a forced Evil Wins and Nothing Matters kind of ending.
Posted by: Open Blogger at 09:00 AM
I think Vox Day had the best analysis, that there are two critical problems.
One, the series simply has too many viewpoint characters. The VLA's earlier lack of discipline in introducing VCs means that now he would have to kill off most of them, just to be able to write a coherent book that wraps things up. Even if he hasn't shied away from killing characters before, the mass slaughter necessary could hit attachments that he can't let go of.
Two, he's far too grim of a die-hard nihilist to allow the natural ending to flow out, where the least worst couple finds love and imposes justice. And everyone would hate a forced Evil Wins and Nothing Matters kind of ending.
Posted by: SciVo at February 15, 2026 10:47 AM (Sy6m/)
267
Hey! What are you doing about those bags under your eyes?
Better get Carshield, like me!
Better get Carshield, like me!
Posted by: Mark Levin at February 15, 2026 10:48 AM (vFG9F)
268
I don't get no respect.
Posted by: Snake oil at February 15, 2026 10:46 AM (2Ez/1)
It must work. I have never heard a snake squeak.
Posted by: Snake oil at February 15, 2026 10:46 AM (2Ez/1)
It must work. I have never heard a snake squeak.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 15, 2026 10:48 AM (8zz6B)
269
I am now within the last 33% of the last book of the Sun Eater series and it makes me sad. I don't want it to end. I want to keep reading but I don't want the story to end.
I think that's the tell tale sign of a good book (series). Im about a 5 minute drive right now from the bookstore where the author launched his career in Raleigh.
I think that's the tell tale sign of a good book (series). Im about a 5 minute drive right now from the bookstore where the author launched his career in Raleigh.
Posted by: Defenestratus at February 15, 2026 10:49 AM (D0fIV)
Posted by: NaCly Dog at February 15, 2026 10:49 AM (u82oZ)
271
Now I see it making the traditional market worse because the traditional art world will embrace even crappier art than it does now to separate itself from AI.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 10:44 AM (cwGMH)
Probably, but at the same time AI is coming up with "artforms" that paper and hands cannot produce. The latest craze per M'lady is recreating and animating celebs from the past. Lots of women go wild for watching Audrey Hepburn walk around the grounds of a chateau with Mel Ferrer, followed by Gable and Lombard.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 10:44 AM (cwGMH)
Probably, but at the same time AI is coming up with "artforms" that paper and hands cannot produce. The latest craze per M'lady is recreating and animating celebs from the past. Lots of women go wild for watching Audrey Hepburn walk around the grounds of a chateau with Mel Ferrer, followed by Gable and Lombard.
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 10:49 AM (kJmLc)
272
Temu is a disaster. More than a few people got severe skin rashes from their shirts, way over the limit with formaldehyde and other shit chemicals. I think some medical drama even did an episode on the dangers.
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 10:43 AM (kJmLc)
I can pick up a garment to be tagged at my volunteer job and instantly tell if it's either Temu or Shein.
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 10:43 AM (kJmLc)
I can pick up a garment to be tagged at my volunteer job and instantly tell if it's either Temu or Shein.
Posted by: sal at February 15, 2026 10:50 AM (f+FmA)
273
"I don't get no respect.
Posted by: Snake oil at February 15, 2026 10:46 AM (2Ez/1) "
He pushed 'Field of Greens' so often, I actually looked at their site. It doesn't look harmful to me, but it's insanely expensive, surely not worth whatever dubious benefits it might offer.
Posted by: Snake oil at February 15, 2026 10:46 AM (2Ez/1) "
He pushed 'Field of Greens' so often, I actually looked at their site. It doesn't look harmful to me, but it's insanely expensive, surely not worth whatever dubious benefits it might offer.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:51 AM (N8ZBc)
274
@107 -- Orange Co. Choppers were always barely functional crap. Why anyone would want one is beyond me.
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at February 15, 2026 10:51 AM (XMwZJ)
275
Do writers want people to recognize immediately that it is their work like artists strive to get their own style that is immediately recognized?
And in my opinion for art it lends to repetitive subject matter which is not good. Again just imo.
And in my opinion for art it lends to repetitive subject matter which is not good. Again just imo.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 10:52 AM (cwGMH)
276
Sabrina. Very cool and thanxs for the thread.
Posted by: Diogenes at February 15, 2026 10:52 AM (2WIwB)
277
I can pick up a garment to be tagged at my volunteer job and instantly tell if it's either Temu or Shein.
Posted by: sal at February 15, 2026 10:50 AM (f+FmA)
Yep and in the meantime "pre-owned" American made garments are expensive.
Posted by: sal at February 15, 2026 10:50 AM (f+FmA)
Yep and in the meantime "pre-owned" American made garments are expensive.
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 10:52 AM (kJmLc)
278
For people having issues with pop-ups on the site...use Brave. I've not had a single issue on either desktop or mobile.
Posted by: Defenestratus at February 15, 2026 10:52 AM (D0fIV)
279
How much of an AI written piece of fiction is owned by the platform and how much is owned by the person who typed in a vague idea and a list of characters?
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 10:54 AM (kJmLc)
280
Sabrina, how long does it take to write a book or a story? Days or weeks?
Posted by: dantesed at February 15, 2026 10:01 AM (Oy/m2)
Depends on the writing style of the author.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:37 AM (uQesX)
---
My approach to writing is to think in terms of "sessions." A session should produce 2,000 words over the course of an evening. If I don't feel I have that much material, I don't bother. However, once I hit upon an idea, I can move with considerable speed. The first draft of A Man of Destiny was 20,000 words and I wrote it over a weekend.
It more than doubled in length before publication, but that was mostly adding description and sub-plots. The core of the story was done.
The fastest book I ever wrote was Long Live Death, which I spent years researching (going back to college) and serious work began six months before I typed a word. However, once I had my sources organized, I wrote the first draft in six weeks. Editing and feedback took another two months and it I published it shortly thereafter, albeit with a lot of typos that required a second full-scale edit. I was much more deliberate about Walls of Men.
Speed is overrated.
Posted by: dantesed at February 15, 2026 10:01 AM (Oy/m2)
Depends on the writing style of the author.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 10:37 AM (uQesX)
---
My approach to writing is to think in terms of "sessions." A session should produce 2,000 words over the course of an evening. If I don't feel I have that much material, I don't bother. However, once I hit upon an idea, I can move with considerable speed. The first draft of A Man of Destiny was 20,000 words and I wrote it over a weekend.
It more than doubled in length before publication, but that was mostly adding description and sub-plots. The core of the story was done.
The fastest book I ever wrote was Long Live Death, which I spent years researching (going back to college) and serious work began six months before I typed a word. However, once I had my sources organized, I wrote the first draft in six weeks. Editing and feedback took another two months and it I published it shortly thereafter, albeit with a lot of typos that required a second full-scale edit. I was much more deliberate about Walls of Men.
Speed is overrated.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 10:54 AM (ZOv7s)
281
What creeps me out is the AI enhanced images on Utoob thumbnails. Tim Walz' face already looks like Don Rickles, but geez, enough with the exaggerated eyes and grimace.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at February 15, 2026 10:55 AM (2Ez/1)
282
Speed is overrated.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 10:54 AM (ZOv7s)
Probably so, unless you write formulaic romances where all that changes is the names and the setting.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 10:54 AM (ZOv7s)
Probably so, unless you write formulaic romances where all that changes is the names and the setting.
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 10:56 AM (kJmLc)
283
Weak Geek at February 15, 2026 09:27 AM
To get around the ad, do not click on Continue reading, go straight to Comments and click on that. Then you do not get the ads.
Lots of people here have been complaining about this all week.
To get around the ad, do not click on Continue reading, go straight to Comments and click on that. Then you do not get the ads.
Lots of people here have been complaining about this all week.
Posted by: TecumsehTea at February 15, 2026 10:56 AM (nz1sK)
284
274 @107 -- Orange Co. Choppers were always barely functional crap. Why anyone would want one is beyond me.
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at February 15, 2026 10:51 AM (XMwZJ)
Same reason people pay hundreds of thousands of dollars at a particular customization shop for my beloved hummers, only to find out they are charlatans.
People assume that because they are on TV they are legit. That they are for real..that they have skill and competence that others don't.
The truth of the matter is that they are better at being on camera than they are turning a wrench. This is why they're on TV...
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at February 15, 2026 10:51 AM (XMwZJ)
Same reason people pay hundreds of thousands of dollars at a particular customization shop for my beloved hummers, only to find out they are charlatans.
People assume that because they are on TV they are legit. That they are for real..that they have skill and competence that others don't.
The truth of the matter is that they are better at being on camera than they are turning a wrench. This is why they're on TV...
Posted by: Defenestratus at February 15, 2026 10:56 AM (D0fIV)
Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at February 15, 2026 10:58 AM (Kt19C)
286
Wolfus, I read Psalm for the Wild Built! I know it as the "robot and monk" series.
I liked it. I don't know what pretentious slop the genre of "solar punk" is supposed to be, but it's really "cozy sci-fi." The world building and the characters are unique, I enjoyed spending time in them. And her prose is vivid but not purple.
The problem I have is the author has no actual courage. Introduces wild predators and not once does the robot have to save the monk from a wolf or bear. That is a chekov's gun fail. And they get all the way to the big city and never go in! That's like ending the wizard of Oz before they get to Oz.
It's cozy, she is avoiding hard things. If she had stones she'd finish the series as a trilogy, with the final book they go into the city. But if she's lazy/wimpy she won't do it. Still, despite these fatal flaws, I liked it. Haven't read her main sci-fi series that is her bread and butter.
I liked it. I don't know what pretentious slop the genre of "solar punk" is supposed to be, but it's really "cozy sci-fi." The world building and the characters are unique, I enjoyed spending time in them. And her prose is vivid but not purple.
The problem I have is the author has no actual courage. Introduces wild predators and not once does the robot have to save the monk from a wolf or bear. That is a chekov's gun fail. And they get all the way to the big city and never go in! That's like ending the wizard of Oz before they get to Oz.
It's cozy, she is avoiding hard things. If she had stones she'd finish the series as a trilogy, with the final book they go into the city. But if she's lazy/wimpy she won't do it. Still, despite these fatal flaws, I liked it. Haven't read her main sci-fi series that is her bread and butter.
Posted by: LizLem at February 15, 2026 10:58 AM (gWBY1)
287
283 Weak Geek at February 15, 2026 09:27 AM
To get around the ad, do not click on Continue reading, go straight to Comments and click on that. Then you do not get the ads.
Lots of people here have been complaining about this all week.
Posted by: TecumsehTea at February 15, 2026 10:56 AM (nz1sK)
Or have an adblocker. This is what I have on my iPad.
To get around the ad, do not click on Continue reading, go straight to Comments and click on that. Then you do not get the ads.
Lots of people here have been complaining about this all week.
Posted by: TecumsehTea at February 15, 2026 10:56 AM (nz1sK)
Or have an adblocker. This is what I have on my iPad.
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 10:59 AM (hJH5n)
288
People don't remember how fast you did a job. They remember how well you did a job.
Posted by: Stuff your grandfather used to say at February 15, 2026 10:59 AM (2Ez/1)
289
"What creeps me out is the AI enhanced images on Utoob thumbnails."
Me too. It's blatant misrepresentation. I wish it would stop.
I'm so old, I remember when media would caption 'file photo' when they use a pic for illustration that is not from the actual event.
In news media now, I see a story about a plane crash, and they use a file photo of a completely different aircraft type, without saying 'file photo,' or even 'we think a plane looks like this.'
Me too. It's blatant misrepresentation. I wish it would stop.
I'm so old, I remember when media would caption 'file photo' when they use a pic for illustration that is not from the actual event.
In news media now, I see a story about a plane crash, and they use a file photo of a completely different aircraft type, without saying 'file photo,' or even 'we think a plane looks like this.'
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 10:59 AM (N8ZBc)
290
If there are dangerous animals mentioned, she could have had her characters encounter one or more. But the one bear who shows up is more like Yogi Bear, snuffling around, eating some burned food, and leaving.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 10:34 AM (wzUl9)
And that crap gets publishing deals.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 10:34 AM (wzUl9)
And that crap gets publishing deals.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:00 AM (uQesX)
291
Sabrina, thank you for your time and your willingness to post on this topic! I'm in the want to be published, not sure how to get there section of my life. Thanks for encouraging us. Hopefully there is more to this topic you can post on in the future!
Posted by: LizLem at February 15, 2026 11:00 AM (gWBY1)
292
Same reason people pay hundreds of thousands of dollars at a particular customization shop for my beloved hummers, only to find out they are charlatans.
Posted by: Defenestratus at February 15, 2026 10:56 AM (D0fIV)
---
All collecting hobbies are demand-driven. Supply is irrelevant. If demand drops, they become worthless, and usually never recover.
If one collects, it should be based on a personal sense of value, not potential market worth, which is completely unknowable.
Posted by: Defenestratus at February 15, 2026 10:56 AM (D0fIV)
---
All collecting hobbies are demand-driven. Supply is irrelevant. If demand drops, they become worthless, and usually never recover.
If one collects, it should be based on a personal sense of value, not potential market worth, which is completely unknowable.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:01 AM (ZOv7s)
293
Speed may be overrated, but I've always been in awe of people like Robert Silverberg, Barry Malzberg, and others who seemed to be able to put out high-quality stuff in record time. Silverberg has said that the writing of Thorns took him something like 10 days. Malzberg expanded a short story into his novel Tactics of Conquest in four. They did this many a time in their careers. Cornell Woolrich was another speed demon in his day if memory serves. Of Simenon we will not speak. Inhuman speeds over long periods and so much of it very good indeed. Wonders, all of 'em.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 11:01 AM (q3u5l)
294
"@107 -- Orange Co. Choppers were always barely functional crap. Why anyone would want one is beyond me."
Are they worth even $5K for the parts only?
Are they worth even $5K for the parts only?
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:01 AM (N8ZBc)
295
274 @107 -- Orange Co. Choppers were always barely functional crap. Why anyone would want one is beyond me.
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at February 15, 2026 10:51 AM (XMwZJ)
Maybe if they stopped screaming at each other and did actual work they’d churn out a better product.
(Yes, I am aware things are played up for cameras. This is why I have vehently argued there IS NO reality TV. The reality stops when the camera is turned on.
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at February 15, 2026 10:51 AM (XMwZJ)
Maybe if they stopped screaming at each other and did actual work they’d churn out a better product.
(Yes, I am aware things are played up for cameras. This is why I have vehently argued there IS NO reality TV. The reality stops when the camera is turned on.
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 11:01 AM (hJH5n)
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:01 AM (cDcjR)
297
There’s old geezers who remember going to see the airplanes. It was a big deal.
Posted by: Eromero at February 15, 2026 10:37 AM (DXbAa)
Taking the kids to the airport to watch the planes arrive and depart. From inside the terminal! Nobody gets to do that anymore.
Posted by: Eromero at February 15, 2026 10:37 AM (DXbAa)
Taking the kids to the airport to watch the planes arrive and depart. From inside the terminal! Nobody gets to do that anymore.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 11:01 AM (h7ZuX)
298
"...The book I have been struggling to finish has put a crimp in things. And I got laid
off. But I have a job again!"
*makes another note to update webpage before Cow Demon pokes me with a stick*
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 10:40 AM (KnrSi)
I'm so sorry, but if my formatting above is correct, it shows the line break I saw when I first read it- so what I saw was Sabrina saying not only was her latest book preventing her from updating her site, but also, OMG I got laid!
Again, sorry, it was just such a jolt and so funny I had to mention it.
off. But I have a job again!"
*makes another note to update webpage before Cow Demon pokes me with a stick*
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 10:40 AM (KnrSi)
I'm so sorry, but if my formatting above is correct, it shows the line break I saw when I first read it- so what I saw was Sabrina saying not only was her latest book preventing her from updating her site, but also, OMG I got laid!
Again, sorry, it was just such a jolt and so funny I had to mention it.
Posted by: Denny Crane - Books are fun at February 15, 2026 11:02 AM (i49OE)
299
Are they worth even $5K for the parts only?"
Generally, no. Most (not all) materials are low grade.
Generally, no. Most (not all) materials are low grade.
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:03 AM (cDcjR)
300
Wonderful news from my perspective. We have a great nephew who just turned seven. His dad describes him as 'a reading machine', well ahead of the average reading level. And he likes books he can hold!!
Oh, the possibilities for future gifts and suggestions. (Have to figure out if The Hobbit is too advanced for a 7 or 8 year old.)
Oh, the possibilities for future gifts and suggestions. (Have to figure out if The Hobbit is too advanced for a 7 or 8 year old.)
Posted by: JTB at February 15, 2026 11:03 AM (yTvNw)
301
People don't remember how fast you did a job. They remember how well you did a job.
Posted by: Stuff your grandfather used to say at February 15, 2026 10:59 AM (2Ez/1)
---
The key part in that is finishing the job, and that's about the only good thing about working fast.
I still like to push the tempo, lest I run out of steam and add yet another unfinished manuscript to the virtual pile.
But post-writing is something that needs to be slow-walked. Going forward, I'm going to generate an audiobook of all future titles if for no other reason that having it read aloud to me is a great way of finding mistakes.
Posted by: Stuff your grandfather used to say at February 15, 2026 10:59 AM (2Ez/1)
---
The key part in that is finishing the job, and that's about the only good thing about working fast.
I still like to push the tempo, lest I run out of steam and add yet another unfinished manuscript to the virtual pile.
But post-writing is something that needs to be slow-walked. Going forward, I'm going to generate an audiobook of all future titles if for no other reason that having it read aloud to me is a great way of finding mistakes.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:03 AM (ZOv7s)
302
Are they worth even $5K for the parts only?
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:01 AM (N8ZBc)
Berserker is our resident expert on all things Harley Davidson. I think he would tell that 5 grand could buy you a nice older stock bike with low miles on it.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:01 AM (N8ZBc)
Berserker is our resident expert on all things Harley Davidson. I think he would tell that 5 grand could buy you a nice older stock bike with low miles on it.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (8zz6B)
303
If one collects, it should be based on a personal sense of value, not potential market worth, which is completely unknowable.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:01 AM (ZOv7s)
I agree. Remember the beanie baby craze?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:01 AM (ZOv7s)
I agree. Remember the beanie baby craze?
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (kJmLc)
304
Heh. Big potential problem is he could get the audience, but then they would start demanding gay characters and action. I didn't really think this through.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 10:39 AM (h7ZuX)
Right, because you'd feel obligated to do fan service. Except for one, all the characters I've ever created are normal and sex does not enter into the story.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 10:39 AM (h7ZuX)
Right, because you'd feel obligated to do fan service. Except for one, all the characters I've ever created are normal and sex does not enter into the story.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (uQesX)
305
"there IS NO reality TV"
Police bodycams and interrogation vids are the only almost real thing I can find. They truly reveal how people react under stress.
Police bodycams and interrogation vids are the only almost real thing I can find. They truly reveal how people react under stress.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (N8ZBc)
306
Taking the kids to the airport to watch the planes arrive and depart. From inside the terminal"
*remembers the lounge @ Dulles. Now offamylawn*
*remembers the lounge @ Dulles. Now offamylawn*
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (cDcjR)
307
People don't remember how fast you did a job. They remember how well you did a job.
Posted by: Stuff your grandfather used to say at February 15, 2026 10:59 AM (2Ez/1)
Some professions judge on both.
Posted by: Stuff your grandfather used to say at February 15, 2026 10:59 AM (2Ez/1)
Some professions judge on both.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at February 15, 2026 11:05 AM (g8Ew8)
308
299 Cripes.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:05 AM (N8ZBc)
309
Taking the kids to the airport to watch the planes arrive and depart. From inside the terminal! Nobody gets to do that anymore.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 11:01 AM (h7ZuX)
---
In one of his letters home, my great-grandfather commented that from his trench he could see lots of planes in the sky, had never seen that many before. This was in World War I.
He died in 1975 and couldn't accept that the moon landing was real. I think being able to recall the Wright Brothers made it just too much for him to take in.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 11:01 AM (h7ZuX)
---
In one of his letters home, my great-grandfather commented that from his trench he could see lots of planes in the sky, had never seen that many before. This was in World War I.
He died in 1975 and couldn't accept that the moon landing was real. I think being able to recall the Wright Brothers made it just too much for him to take in.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:07 AM (ZOv7s)
310
I remember seeing my dad off to Viet Nam from the little green glassed terminal at the Albany Ga airport, and him returning to the same a year later.
Posted by: fd at February 15, 2026 11:07 AM (vFG9F)
311
>>>In news media now, I see a story about a plane crash, and they use a file photo of a completely different aircraft type, without saying 'file photo,' or even 'we think a plane looks like this.'
I think it was Daily Mail the other day with a story about the Lolita Express, which was a B727-100, and the photo posted in the article was some old Falcon-50.
It's like their attitude was that any old 3-engine jet will do.
I think it was Daily Mail the other day with a story about the Lolita Express, which was a B727-100, and the photo posted in the article was some old Falcon-50.
It's like their attitude was that any old 3-engine jet will do.
Posted by: one hour sober at February 15, 2026 11:07 AM (Y1sOo)
312
(Yes, I am aware things are played up for cameras. This is why I have vehently argued there IS NO reality TV. The reality stops when the camera is turned on.
Posted by: Cow Demon
All reality tv is 'written' by the directors and their ADs. They goose everything, giving suggestions and hints to the personalities, to the point where they outline plots entirely.
Posted by: Cow Demon
All reality tv is 'written' by the directors and their ADs. They goose everything, giving suggestions and hints to the personalities, to the point where they outline plots entirely.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 15, 2026 11:07 AM (diia5)
313
Except for one, all the characters I've ever created are normal and sex does not enter into the story.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (uQesX)
Then they aren't normal.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (uQesX)
Then they aren't normal.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at February 15, 2026 11:07 AM (g8Ew8)
314
It's cozy, [Chambers] is avoiding hard things. If she had stones she'd finish the series as a trilogy, with the final book they go into the city. But if she's lazy/wimpy she won't do it. Still, despite these fatal flaws, I liked it. Haven't read her main sci-fi series that is her bread and butter.
Posted by: LizLem at February 15, 2026
***
Yes; it's clear and readable, and rather charming in spots, but there's no real crisis or conflict.
Posted by: LizLem at February 15, 2026
***
Yes; it's clear and readable, and rather charming in spots, but there's no real crisis or conflict.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:08 AM (wzUl9)
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:08 AM (cDcjR)
316
Denny Crane, that is hilarious.
And is an excellent illustration of why formatting is KEY for books! I do my own, and you would not believe how deep in the weeds I have to get sometimes in the HTML to prevent such *koff* issues from appearing...
And is an excellent illustration of why formatting is KEY for books! I do my own, and you would not believe how deep in the weeds I have to get sometimes in the HTML to prevent such *koff* issues from appearing...
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 11:08 AM (KnrSi)
317
Oh, the possibilities for future gifts and suggestions. (Have to figure out if The Hobbit is too advanced for a 7 or 8 year old.)
Posted by: JTB
You're joking, right? It was written for his kids. It is a kid's book.
Posted by: JTB
You're joking, right? It was written for his kids. It is a kid's book.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 15, 2026 11:08 AM (diia5)
318
It's like their attitude was that any old 3-engine jet will do.
Posted by: one hour sober at February 15, 2026 11:07 AM (Y1sOo)
Your point?
Posted by: one hour sober at February 15, 2026 11:07 AM (Y1sOo)
Your point?
Posted by: MSM gub "expert" who thinks all gubs are Glocks at February 15, 2026 11:09 AM (8XeQo)
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:09 AM (cDcjR)
320
307 People don't remember how fast you did a job. They remember how well you did a job.
Posted by: Stuff your grandfather used to say at February 15, 2026 10:59 AM (2Ez/1)
Note this doesn't apply to GRRM who simply refuses to work on his series that desperately needs an ending.
Posted by: Stuff your grandfather used to say at February 15, 2026 10:59 AM (2Ez/1)
Note this doesn't apply to GRRM who simply refuses to work on his series that desperately needs an ending.
Posted by: Defenestratus at February 15, 2026 11:09 AM (D0fIV)
321
"I think it was Daily Mail the other day with a story about the Lolita Express, which was a B727-100, and the photo posted in the article was some old Falcon-50.
It's like their attitude was that any old 3-engine jet will do."
To today's media, it's not a news photo; it's mere decorative clip-art. It sucks.
It's like their attitude was that any old 3-engine jet will do."
To today's media, it's not a news photo; it's mere decorative clip-art. It sucks.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:09 AM (N8ZBc)
322
>>> I concur. VYW aged out of the category, so she'd have to create entirely different characters, or an entirely different setting.
Wizard series ended where it needed to. The problem I have is she naturally understands the British school system and British culture and life, and built an amazing fantasy world from that. When she switched to doing a movie prequel set in America, she was too lazy/confident to properly research our of her genre.
Also, she is not a screenwriter and she insisted on being involved with the screenplay. Without doing the work to actually learn how to write them.
Brandon Sanderson is working on a screenplay of Mistborn...he doesn't trust Hollywood to do it properly, smart man. But he's realized and been open about how humbling it is to write a screenplay when you write novels. And then realize you have a lot to learn to do it properly.
Wizard author has a fun modern detective series, good for her.
She famously got several dozen rejections before trad publishers took a chance. Which shows they really know nothing. It's scary as someone wanting to write. How many amazing books never saw the light of day because of rejections?
Wizard series ended where it needed to. The problem I have is she naturally understands the British school system and British culture and life, and built an amazing fantasy world from that. When she switched to doing a movie prequel set in America, she was too lazy/confident to properly research our of her genre.
Also, she is not a screenwriter and she insisted on being involved with the screenplay. Without doing the work to actually learn how to write them.
Brandon Sanderson is working on a screenplay of Mistborn...he doesn't trust Hollywood to do it properly, smart man. But he's realized and been open about how humbling it is to write a screenplay when you write novels. And then realize you have a lot to learn to do it properly.
Wizard author has a fun modern detective series, good for her.
She famously got several dozen rejections before trad publishers took a chance. Which shows they really know nothing. It's scary as someone wanting to write. How many amazing books never saw the light of day because of rejections?
Posted by: LizLem at February 15, 2026 11:10 AM (gWBY1)
323
I agree. Remember the beanie baby craze?
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (kJmLc)
---
And comic books before that. Firearms are a great example because things wax and wane all the time. Guns don't become worthless per se, but they can drop in value a lot when public interest fades, and it has nothing to do with supply.
How many million M1 Garands are out there? Now compare that number with one of the few Chinese-made rifles that somehow got into the country before 1968, likely as a bring-back from Korea or Vietnam. Very few. I spent a few months doing weekly web sweeps and the number for sale at any time never exceeded 2, and was often zero. Thousands of Garands for sale, most two or three times as much because demand is what matters, not scarcity.
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (kJmLc)
---
And comic books before that. Firearms are a great example because things wax and wane all the time. Guns don't become worthless per se, but they can drop in value a lot when public interest fades, and it has nothing to do with supply.
How many million M1 Garands are out there? Now compare that number with one of the few Chinese-made rifles that somehow got into the country before 1968, likely as a bring-back from Korea or Vietnam. Very few. I spent a few months doing weekly web sweeps and the number for sale at any time never exceeded 2, and was often zero. Thousands of Garands for sale, most two or three times as much because demand is what matters, not scarcity.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:10 AM (ZOv7s)
324
Probably, but at the same time AI is coming up with "artforms" that paper and hands cannot produce. The latest craze per M'lady is recreating and animating celebs from the past. Lots of women go wild for watching Audrey Hepburn walk around the grounds of a chateau with Mel Ferrer, followed by Gable and Lombard.
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 10:49 AM (kJmLc)
I hate that stuff. But watch a few anyway. Depends on who it is.
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 10:49 AM (kJmLc)
I hate that stuff. But watch a few anyway. Depends on who it is.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:11 AM (uQesX)
325
That last one happens to all the well-known popular authors. King and Clancy were really bit by the "got no one who can/will tell them NO."
Posted by: Jeff Weimer at February 15, 2026 11:12 AM (gUs21)
326
Silverberg has said that the writing of Thorns took him something like 10 days. Malzberg expanded a short story into his novel Tactics of Conquest in four. They did this many a time in their careers. Cornell Woolrich was another speed demon in his day if memory serves. Of Simenon we will not speak. Inhuman speeds over long periods and so much of it very good indeed. Wonders, all of 'em.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026
***
Rex Stout, once he got going on the Nero Wolfes, was not quite that fast. But he would turn out ready-to-print copy -- first draft was final draft. And while he was not the greatest *mystery* plotter in the field, his stories were always gripping and entertaining, and you were never left feeling like you read something lightly tossed off. (He did have a couple of very late entries in the series which were weaker. But mostly he kept the quality up until the end.)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026
***
Rex Stout, once he got going on the Nero Wolfes, was not quite that fast. But he would turn out ready-to-print copy -- first draft was final draft. And while he was not the greatest *mystery* plotter in the field, his stories were always gripping and entertaining, and you were never left feeling like you read something lightly tossed off. (He did have a couple of very late entries in the series which were weaker. But mostly he kept the quality up until the end.)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:12 AM (wzUl9)
327
"...The book I have been struggling to finish has put a crimp in things."
'Cause I got high
Because I got high
Because I got high
'Cause I got high
Because I got high
Because I got high
Posted by: Afroman lyrics at February 15, 2026 11:13 AM (2Ez/1)
328
I got a nice car battery charger at a discount. It has a fancy LCD screen. So why is it that when the charging cycle is done, it says "FLO," instead of "Charging cycle successfully completed?" What the heck does FLO mean? Why don't the use the full capabilities of the damn fancy screen they put on the front?
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:13 AM (N8ZBc)
329
being able to recall the Wright Brothers made it just too much for him to take in."
That's an interesting observation. My great grandmother would talk about the Galveston Hurricane - but she never traveled beyond Ohio - it was because she saw a newsreel sometime later with "moving pictures" and left such an impression on her...
That's an interesting observation. My great grandmother would talk about the Galveston Hurricane - but she never traveled beyond Ohio - it was because she saw a newsreel sometime later with "moving pictures" and left such an impression on her...
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:14 AM (cDcjR)
330
All reality tv is 'written' by the directors and their ADs. They goose everything, giving suggestions and hints to the personalities, to the point where they outline plots entirely.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 15, 2026 11:07 AM (diia5)
---
The shows became big during a writers' strike and they use a loophole about being "unscripted" to avoid giving a writing credit, but they are absolutely set-piece setup stories.
They just use non-union actors.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 15, 2026 11:07 AM (diia5)
---
The shows became big during a writers' strike and they use a loophole about being "unscripted" to avoid giving a writing credit, but they are absolutely set-piece setup stories.
They just use non-union actors.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:14 AM (ZOv7s)
331
Probably so, unless you write formulaic romances where all that changes is the names and the setting.
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 10:56 AM (kJmLc)
Write one good book and you're set for life!
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 10:56 AM (kJmLc)
Write one good book and you're set for life!
Posted by: Prolific Romance Author at February 15, 2026 11:14 AM (uQesX)
332
I hate that stuff. But watch a few anyway. Depends on who it is.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:11 AM (uQesX)
Women love the dresses. She was particularly fascinated by the ones that listed the designers as well as the deceased celebs. I wonder if the celebs have to be gone wo have their images used and altered for AI. The only still alive celeb I saw in the video I was asked to watch was Ann Margret
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:11 AM (uQesX)
Women love the dresses. She was particularly fascinated by the ones that listed the designers as well as the deceased celebs. I wonder if the celebs have to be gone wo have their images used and altered for AI. The only still alive celeb I saw in the video I was asked to watch was Ann Margret
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 11:14 AM (kJmLc)
333
Big size difference between a B727 and a Falcon 50 bizzjet. Less than a minute on Google images could've given them a clue. It's like they couldn't be bothered.
Posted by: one hour sober at February 15, 2026 11:14 AM (Y1sOo)
334
I agree. Remember the beanie baby craze?
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (kJmLc)
---
We used to be a thing.
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (kJmLc)
---
We used to be a thing.
Posted by: Tulip bulbs at February 15, 2026 11:14 AM (2Ez/1)
335
That last one happens to all the well-known popular authors. King and Clancy were really bit by the "got no one who can/will tell them NO."
Posted by: Jeff Weimer at February 15, 2026
***
Alastair Maclean was another, I understand. His early thrillers -- and his first, a naval WWII story called H.M.S. Ulysses -- were all tight and well done. He began to slip in attention to detail later and to overwrite.
Posted by: Jeff Weimer at February 15, 2026
***
Alastair Maclean was another, I understand. His early thrillers -- and his first, a naval WWII story called H.M.S. Ulysses -- were all tight and well done. He began to slip in attention to detail later and to overwrite.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:15 AM (wzUl9)
336
Except for one, all the characters I've ever created are normal and sex does not enter into the story.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (uQesX)
This is the way.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (uQesX)
This is the way.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 11:15 AM (h7ZuX)
337
>>> Oh, the possibilities for future gifts and suggestions. (Have to figure out if The Hobbit is too advanced for a 7 or 8 year old.)
Yay for a budding reading machine! Pete the Cat and Dogman might be good choices for that age. Amulet when they get a little older is a fun graphic novel series. And you can always buy them Narnia, Wrinkle in Time or Hobbit as a "we read this together" series they can reread when they're older. They will treasure the memories of you reading to them!
Yay for a budding reading machine! Pete the Cat and Dogman might be good choices for that age. Amulet when they get a little older is a fun graphic novel series. And you can always buy them Narnia, Wrinkle in Time or Hobbit as a "we read this together" series they can reread when they're older. They will treasure the memories of you reading to them!
Posted by: LizLem at February 15, 2026 11:15 AM (gWBY1)
338
Write one good book and you're set for life!
Posted by: Prolific Romance Author at February 15, 2026 11:14 AM (uQesX)
I suppose it's true as sequels will do the rest and you can sell the rights to TV
Posted by: Prolific Romance Author at February 15, 2026 11:14 AM (uQesX)
I suppose it's true as sequels will do the rest and you can sell the rights to TV
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 11:15 AM (kJmLc)
339
Sabrina, thank you for your time and your willingness to post on this topic! I'm in the want to be published, not sure how to get there section of my life. Thanks for encouraging us. Hopefully there is more to this topic you can post on in the future!
Posted by: LizLem at February 15, 2026 11:00 AM (gWBY1)
(points to sidebar)
Posted by: LizLem at February 15, 2026 11:00 AM (gWBY1)
(points to sidebar)
Posted by: A Literary Horde at February 15, 2026 11:17 AM (uQesX)
340
I think it was Daily Mail the other day with a story about the Lolita Express, which was a B727-100, and the photo posted in the article was some old Falcon-50.
It's like their attitude was that any old 3-engine jet will do.
Posted by: one hour sober at February 15, 2026 11:07 AM (Y1sOo)
There is an ad currently running on TV sports channels for some scummy gambling site, inviting you to gamble againsts "impossible" odds. One of the "impossibles" they cite is the Wright brothers getting their plane off the ground. The video clip purports to show one of the brothers looking on in awe as the other zooms off into the wild blue yonder in a plane that could be a Curtiss Jenny, or some other 1920-ish model. The real Wright Flyer looked like a piece of Japanese origami, and manage to fly a whole 120 feet at maybe 6 to 12 feet above the ground. But it was a controlled flight, and landed in one piece.
It's like their attitude was that any old 3-engine jet will do.
Posted by: one hour sober at February 15, 2026 11:07 AM (Y1sOo)
There is an ad currently running on TV sports channels for some scummy gambling site, inviting you to gamble againsts "impossible" odds. One of the "impossibles" they cite is the Wright brothers getting their plane off the ground. The video clip purports to show one of the brothers looking on in awe as the other zooms off into the wild blue yonder in a plane that could be a Curtiss Jenny, or some other 1920-ish model. The real Wright Flyer looked like a piece of Japanese origami, and manage to fly a whole 120 feet at maybe 6 to 12 feet above the ground. But it was a controlled flight, and landed in one piece.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 15, 2026 11:17 AM (8zz6B)
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:17 AM (N8ZBc)
342
The latest craze per M'lady is recreating and animating celebs from the past. Lots of women go wild for watching Audrey Hepburn walk around the grounds of a chateau with Mel Ferrer, followed by Gable and Lombard.
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026
***
I'd love to see the young Rod Taylor as Lazarus Long. Or Robert Vaughn as Ellery Queen.
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026
***
I'd love to see the young Rod Taylor as Lazarus Long. Or Robert Vaughn as Ellery Queen.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:17 AM (wzUl9)
343
VLA needs to start the final book by having everything from the latter half of the first book be a dream in Ned Stark's head.
Posted by: The Writers of "Dallas" and "St. Elsewhere" at February 15, 2026 11:17 AM (ZOv7s)
344
That's an interesting observation. My great grandmother would talk about the Galveston Hurricane - but she never traveled beyond Ohio - it was because she saw a newsreel sometime later with "moving pictures" and left such an impression on her...
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:14 AM (cDcjR)
I am here today because my maternal grandparents survived "Isaac's Storm".
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:14 AM (cDcjR)
I am here today because my maternal grandparents survived "Isaac's Storm".
Posted by: sal at February 15, 2026 11:17 AM (f+FmA)
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:18 AM (cDcjR)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Damn It Feels Good to Be a Trumpster! at February 15, 2026 11:18 AM (J+Psw)
347
Good morning, Horde!
To Ms. Chase: TY for the insights into Trad Pub. As a reader, I find it very irritating whe the cover doesn’t match the story. A well-respective sf mag I subscribe to has gone the route of using Shutterstock images, which may—or may not— reflect one of the stories the issue contains.
To Ms. Chase: TY for the insights into Trad Pub. As a reader, I find it very irritating whe the cover doesn’t match the story. A well-respective sf mag I subscribe to has gone the route of using Shutterstock images, which may—or may not— reflect one of the stories the issue contains.
Posted by: March Hare at February 15, 2026 11:18 AM (O/GSq)
348
Nice synopsis of 21st century book publishing, Sabrina. Educational and entertaining.
I just finished beta-reading a fantasy story that one of our AOS writers sent me, and found it thoroughly entertaining. He's looking for a few more readers, so if any are interested, feel free to hit me up here, and I'll set up an email exchange..
I just finished beta-reading a fantasy story that one of our AOS writers sent me, and found it thoroughly entertaining. He's looking for a few more readers, so if any are interested, feel free to hit me up here, and I'll set up an email exchange..
Posted by: Joe Kidd at February 15, 2026 11:19 AM (nbLIj)
349
If one collects, it should be based on a personal sense of value, not potential market worth, which is completely unknowable.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:01 AM (ZOv7s)
Ever look on Ebay motors? Are these guys asking for $200k for a car modified to their taste really looking to sell it, or getting oohs and ahhs from wannabe classic owners?
PS: those mods look like shit, totally ruining a classic
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:01 AM (ZOv7s)
Ever look on Ebay motors? Are these guys asking for $200k for a car modified to their taste really looking to sell it, or getting oohs and ahhs from wannabe classic owners?
PS: those mods look like shit, totally ruining a classic
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (uQesX)
350
"Float level. Your battery is at 100%... give or take"
Yes. I lost the manual, so I had to go online to download it. Just a First-World Problem gripe.
Yes. I lost the manual, so I had to go online to download it. Just a First-World Problem gripe.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (N8ZBc)
351
I agree. Remember the beanie baby craze?
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (kJmLc)
Beanie Babies, HA! They can suck our cotton-filled asses.
-------Cabbage Patch Cabal
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (kJmLc)
Beanie Babies, HA! They can suck our cotton-filled asses.
-------Cabbage Patch Cabal
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (g8Ew8)
352
Except for one, all the characters I've ever created are normal and sex does not enter into the story.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (uQesX)
*
This is the way.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026
***
Regarding normal, I love mixing a little abnormal psych into my stuff. Sociopaths make great villains, or at least antagonists, and paranoiacs are chilling to read about.
As for sex, it depends on the story.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM (uQesX)
*
This is the way.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026
***
Regarding normal, I love mixing a little abnormal psych into my stuff. Sociopaths make great villains, or at least antagonists, and paranoiacs are chilling to read about.
As for sex, it depends on the story.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (wzUl9)
353
The science is settled. Obama says space aliens are real.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Damn It Feels Good to Be a Trumpster! at February 15, 2026 11:18 AM (J+Psw)
---
But bringing back domestic manufacturing jobs is unpossible.
Sure, Barry.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Damn It Feels Good to Be a Trumpster! at February 15, 2026 11:18 AM (J+Psw)
---
But bringing back domestic manufacturing jobs is unpossible.
Sure, Barry.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (ZOv7s)
354
I'd love to see the young Rod Taylor as Lazarus Long. Or Robert Vaughn as Ellery Queen.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:17 AM (wzUl9)
Re-make movies with your dream cast? Now that would be fun.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:17 AM (wzUl9)
Re-make movies with your dream cast? Now that would be fun.
Posted by: sal at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (f+FmA)
355
306 Taking the kids to the airport to watch the planes arrive and depart. From inside the terminal"
*remembers the lounge @ Dulles. Now offamylawn*
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM
*****
Gravelly Point by DCA.
*remembers the lounge @ Dulles. Now offamylawn*
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:04 AM
*****
Gravelly Point by DCA.
Posted by: Ask me how I know at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (2Ez/1)
356
“I’ve never been one to consider “isolationism” a valid strategy but clearly the government has looked the other way at best, or purposefully made critical industries and materials go bye-bye.”
It would be nice if people stopped electing politicians who are utterly hostile to business. Cut red tape and taxes in this country and encourage capital formation and watch what happens. You will have plenty of work, including The Only Jobs That Matter.
That, and The Only Jobs That Matter(manufacturing) in this country are high-end, for which we need an educated workforce, which means critical thinkers and people who can do arithmetic, not people who specialize in naming all45 genders and will only fight and die for homosexuality because There Is Nothing More Important Than Being Gay.
It would be nice if people stopped electing politicians who are utterly hostile to business. Cut red tape and taxes in this country and encourage capital formation and watch what happens. You will have plenty of work, including The Only Jobs That Matter.
That, and The Only Jobs That Matter(manufacturing) in this country are high-end, for which we need an educated workforce, which means critical thinkers and people who can do arithmetic, not people who specialize in naming all45 genders and will only fight and die for homosexuality because There Is Nothing More Important Than Being Gay.
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 11:21 AM (hJH5n)
357
Ever look on Ebay motors? Are these guys asking for $200k for a car modified to their taste really looking to sell it, or getting oohs and ahhs from wannabe classic owners?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (uQesX)
---
No. Ebay is good for used gun parts from time to time. Also selling them.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (uQesX)
---
No. Ebay is good for used gun parts from time to time. Also selling them.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:22 AM (ZOv7s)
358
Gravelly Point by DCA.
Posted by: Ask me how I know at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (2Ez/1)
Been there many times. : )
Posted by: Ask me how I know at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (2Ez/1)
Been there many times. : )
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 11:22 AM (hJH5n)
359
I collected antique uranium glass. It's pretty, lots of different colors, and it makes my geiger counter click. But it ain't worth what I paid for it.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:22 AM (N8ZBc)
360
Less than a minute on Google images could've given them a clue. It's like they couldn't be bothered."
Minor scandal - late 90s Lotus was trying (again) to be a thing in the US, debut at the Chicago Auto Show, and their name on screen was.... the "lotus" from lotus 123. We laughed and laughed...
Minor scandal - late 90s Lotus was trying (again) to be a thing in the US, debut at the Chicago Auto Show, and their name on screen was.... the "lotus" from lotus 123. We laughed and laughed...
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:22 AM (cDcjR)
361
317 ... "Have to figure out if The Hobbit is too advanced for a 7 or 8 year old.)
Posted by: JTB
You're joking, right? It was written for his kids. It is a kid's book."
Yeah, that was a joke. My hope is he would enjoy it and want to read it to his little brother who is four. His parents and aunt are Tolkien fans so that might further inspire him. I wish they lived nearby. I would love to read it with him.
Posted by: JTB
You're joking, right? It was written for his kids. It is a kid's book."
Yeah, that was a joke. My hope is he would enjoy it and want to read it to his little brother who is four. His parents and aunt are Tolkien fans so that might further inspire him. I wish they lived nearby. I would love to read it with him.
Posted by: JTB at February 15, 2026 11:23 AM (yTvNw)
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:23 AM (cDcjR)
363
Meanwhile, I finished listening to The Last Bookshop in London[/j] which takes place during the Blitz. Quite entertaining during long drives and gym workout, especially as I am a sucker for novels set in WWII.
I am now listening to Anatomy of a Murder on the recommendation of the Moron Horde. I loved the writer’s autobiographical introduction, which was quite droll!
I am now listening to Anatomy of a Murder on the recommendation of the Moron Horde. I loved the writer’s autobiographical introduction, which was quite droll!
Posted by: March Hare at February 15, 2026 11:23 AM (O/GSq)
364
I'd love to see the young Rod Taylor as Lazarus Long. Or Robert Vaughn as Ellery Queen.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:17 AM (wzUl9)
Re-make movies with your dream cast? Now that would be fun.
Posted by: sal at February 15, 2026
***
I can just picture Taylor saying Lazarus's line, when Libby tells him his, Libby's, super-math-wizard skill can be taught to anyone: "Sure, and you can teach a snake to tap dance once you get shoes on him."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:17 AM (wzUl9)
Re-make movies with your dream cast? Now that would be fun.
Posted by: sal at February 15, 2026
***
I can just picture Taylor saying Lazarus's line, when Libby tells him his, Libby's, super-math-wizard skill can be taught to anyone: "Sure, and you can teach a snake to tap dance once you get shoes on him."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:23 AM (wzUl9)
365
Then they aren't normal.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at February 15, 2026 11:07 AM (g8Ew
OK, normal for the olde tymes. I don't use profanity in my stuff or graphic sex, just hint at it. I want my stuff to be friendly for just about anyone above young kid age.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at February 15, 2026 11:07 AM (g8Ew
OK, normal for the olde tymes. I don't use profanity in my stuff or graphic sex, just hint at it. I want my stuff to be friendly for just about anyone above young kid age.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:24 AM (uQesX)
366
I am now listening to Anatomy of a Murder on the recommendation of the Moron Horde. I loved the writer’s autobiographical introduction, which was quite droll!
Posted by: March Hare at February 15, 2026
***
Anatomy has flashes of real and unexpected humor both in the novel, and in the James Stewart film.
Posted by: March Hare at February 15, 2026
***
Anatomy has flashes of real and unexpected humor both in the novel, and in the James Stewart film.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:24 AM (wzUl9)
Posted by: TheCatAttackedMyFoot at February 15, 2026 11:25 AM (jrgJz)
368
"Are these guys asking for $200k for a car modified to their taste"
This is one reason I dislike 'sporterizing' of classic milsurp firearms. It's defacing history, and once you've 'customized' a thing to your taste and needs, it is no longer of use to anybody else who doesn't share your taste or needs.
This is one reason I dislike 'sporterizing' of classic milsurp firearms. It's defacing history, and once you've 'customized' a thing to your taste and needs, it is no longer of use to anybody else who doesn't share your taste or needs.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:25 AM (N8ZBc)
369
Regarding normal, I love mixing a little abnormal psych into my stuff. Sociopaths make great villains, or at least antagonists, and paranoiacs are chilling to read about.
As for sex, it depends on the story.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (wzUl9)
---
Yeah, you need some variation, though how far out you go depends on the genre/story.
Sometimes sex is a necessary part of the story, but should never be described in lurid detail. Yeah, it's pornographic but mainly boring. It's sufficient to know that it happens and characterize it relative to the plot.
The Hayes Code was great in that respect.
As for sex, it depends on the story.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (wzUl9)
---
Yeah, you need some variation, though how far out you go depends on the genre/story.
Sometimes sex is a necessary part of the story, but should never be described in lurid detail. Yeah, it's pornographic but mainly boring. It's sufficient to know that it happens and characterize it relative to the plot.
The Hayes Code was great in that respect.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:25 AM (ZOv7s)
370
Thanks, all, for another great Book Thread.
Taking Lent off, so will see you after Easter.
Taking Lent off, so will see you after Easter.
Posted by: sal at February 15, 2026 11:25 AM (f+FmA)
371
Damn—sorry for not closing the italics properly. If only there was an Edit Button!
Posted by: March Hare at February 15, 2026 11:25 AM (O/GSq)
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:25 AM (cDcjR)
373
Give them the vote!
2026 just keeps getting better: "Parasitic screwworm" on its way to the U.S.
https://is.gd/UFb7fc
2026 just keeps getting better: "Parasitic screwworm" on its way to the U.S.
https://is.gd/UFb7fc
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Damn It Feels Good to Be a Trumpster! at February 15, 2026 11:26 AM (J+Psw)
374
Damn—sorry for not closing the italics properly. If only there was an Edit Button!
Posted by: March Hare at February 15, 2026
***
If you put those close tags in your signature line, they'll take over if you forget in your comment text.
Posted by: March Hare at February 15, 2026
***
If you put those close tags in your signature line, they'll take over if you forget in your comment text.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:27 AM (wzUl9)
375
And is an excellent illustration of why formatting is KEY for books! I do my own, and you would not believe how deep in the weeds I have to get sometimes in the HTML to prevent such *koff* issues from appearing...
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 11:08 AM (KnrSi)
I've found issues in moron's books. I won't say whose, but I've seen the type face change mid page and cut off text. That's one of the things to consider when self publishing. You'd hope a Big Five house would avoid that, but....
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 11:08 AM (KnrSi)
I've found issues in moron's books. I won't say whose, but I've seen the type face change mid page and cut off text. That's one of the things to consider when self publishing. You'd hope a Big Five house would avoid that, but....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:27 AM (uQesX)
376
One guy who wrote only two completely different novels in his life and they were both great was John Steakley. I don't know if it was because he did it only part time but I wish he would have written more.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 11:27 AM (cwGMH)
377
This is one reason I dislike 'sporterizing' of classic milsurp firearms. It's defacing history, and once you've 'customized' a thing to your taste and needs, it is no longer of use to anybody else who doesn't share your taste or needs.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:25 AM (N8ZBc)
---
Sporterizing made sense when they were essentially free and ammo was unobtainable. At this late date, there are enough out there that it's a waste of money. Sporterized guns are selling for less than the optics on them are worth. Talk about loss of value!
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:25 AM (N8ZBc)
---
Sporterizing made sense when they were essentially free and ammo was unobtainable. At this late date, there are enough out there that it's a waste of money. Sporterized guns are selling for less than the optics on them are worth. Talk about loss of value!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:27 AM (ZOv7s)
378
Hi, Sabrina. I am pleased to see you here. I bought books from you back in the day when you emailed links (IIRC).
Posted by: Charles R Harris at February 15, 2026 11:28 AM (vGemC)
379
I collected antique uranium glass. It's pretty, lots of different colors, and it makes my geiger counter click. But it ain't worth what I paid for it.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:22 AM (N8ZBc)
I did too. Also collected flow-blue China. The antique/collectibles market has very short ups and downs. Like the stock market. Next year you might make a nice profit off those items that disappointed you this year.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:22 AM (N8ZBc)
I did too. Also collected flow-blue China. The antique/collectibles market has very short ups and downs. Like the stock market. Next year you might make a nice profit off those items that disappointed you this year.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at February 15, 2026 11:28 AM (g8Ew8)
380
Regarding normal, I love mixing a little abnormal psych into my stuff. Sociopaths make great villains, or at least antagonists, and paranoiacs are chilling to read about.
As for sex, it depends on the story.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (wzUl9)
I just meant keeping the sex out of the story. I'm no prude, but I get really annoyed with graphic sex scenes in an otherwise good story. Unless you're specifically writing erotica, I don't see a need for it.
As for sex, it depends on the story.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (wzUl9)
I just meant keeping the sex out of the story. I'm no prude, but I get really annoyed with graphic sex scenes in an otherwise good story. Unless you're specifically writing erotica, I don't see a need for it.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 11:29 AM (h7ZuX)
381
Then they aren't normal."
Whew. So I wasn't the only one to think that...
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:09 AM (cDcjR)
I guess to clarify: my male characters like female characters and vice versa. I've only had one gay character and he was non-sexual in the story and will never be seen again.
Whew. So I wasn't the only one to think that...
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:09 AM (cDcjR)
I guess to clarify: my male characters like female characters and vice versa. I've only had one gay character and he was non-sexual in the story and will never be seen again.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:29 AM (uQesX)
382
368 I sold a really nice Garand, and because it ended up in the hands of an old veteran who trained with them, I was happy he'd be able to relive the experience of shooting it.
I don't think he ever put even eight rounds through it, but he 'customized' the shit out of. Different strokes for different folks.
I don't think he ever put even eight rounds through it, but he 'customized' the shit out of. Different strokes for different folks.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:29 AM (N8ZBc)
383
I have started reading "The Last Centurion".
Posted by: mrp at February 15, 2026 11:29 AM (rj6Yv)
384
The sex part was totally unnecessary in the book Jaws. The movie proved that.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 11:29 AM (cwGMH)
385
I am reasonably confident that GRRRRRMartin did have the ending for his inexplicably overpraised Song of Fire and Ice series, and gave the notes he had for that to the series producers. Who followed them and gave us all something that even the biggest fans of the series hated, something so stupid and obnoxious it infuriated them and turned them against the storyline.
So now he's got his end but nobody likes it and he can't figure out how to wrap it up. Plus he's too busy going to conventions and sleeping with confused young cosplayers
So now he's got his end but nobody likes it and he can't figure out how to wrap it up. Plus he's too busy going to conventions and sleeping with confused young cosplayers
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:30 AM (PYyV9)
386
I don't remember whether I got this author from the Book Thread: Harry Stephen Keeler. His books are from the 1920s-30s but I think he wrote into the 1950s. A mystery writer, whose books are unbelievably complicated; but I like them. Right now I'm reading "The Marceau Case." It's quite amusing even if I'm confused half the time.
Posted by: microcosme at February 15, 2026 11:30 AM (Xx9uC)
387
I don't think he ever put even eight rounds through it, but he 'customized' the shit out of. Different strokes for different folks.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:29 AM (N8ZBc)
---
Garands are so ubiquitous and the parts so widespread that they seem to exist in a fluid state, moving back and forth between customization and restoration. A lot of Ship of Theseus stuff going on with them.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:29 AM (N8ZBc)
---
Garands are so ubiquitous and the parts so widespread that they seem to exist in a fluid state, moving back and forth between customization and restoration. A lot of Ship of Theseus stuff going on with them.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:31 AM (ZOv7s)
388
I just meant keeping the sex out of the story. I'm no prude, but I get really annoyed with graphic sex scenes in an otherwise good story.
Sex scenes almost never are useful or meaningful because they are just there to be titillating and server prurient interests. Everything should serve the story, advance the plot, build character, establish the setting and/or create or resolve conflict. Instead its just bumping uglies. Its like having the characters carefully described having a bowel movement or sleeping.
Sex scenes almost never are useful or meaningful because they are just there to be titillating and server prurient interests. Everything should serve the story, advance the plot, build character, establish the setting and/or create or resolve conflict. Instead its just bumping uglies. Its like having the characters carefully described having a bowel movement or sleeping.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:32 AM (PYyV9)
389
Sporterized guns are selling for less than the optics on them are worth. Talk about loss of value!"
Tough call. So many of the surplus gear is... not good. Really. (I know, what a heretic)
I've handled so many with ill fitting bits, damaged furniture, and in such condition that I wouldn't risk firing them... "but it's a classic and I know what I have"
That's when I laugh and walk on
Tough call. So many of the surplus gear is... not good. Really. (I know, what a heretic)
I've handled so many with ill fitting bits, damaged furniture, and in such condition that I wouldn't risk firing them... "but it's a classic and I know what I have"
That's when I laugh and walk on
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:32 AM (cDcjR)
390
>>> Re-make movies with your dream cast? Now that would be fun.
Posted by: sal at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (f+FmA)
Anna May Wong was tragically denied the main role in The Good Earth, she would have killed it. And while I adore Audrey as Eliza Doolittle, it probably should have gone to Julie Andrews since she originated the part. And Marilyn was Capote's actual choice for Holly in Breakfast at Tiffany's. (Again, Audrey got that role.)
It looks fun to use AI to create these "what might have been" movie roles. At the same time, a lot of classic iconic movie bits aren't scripted. It would be cool but not the same. Not really those actors making choices or improv or flubs in the moment. I'm torn on if I actually want this to be a real thing that AI does.
Posted by: sal at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (f+FmA)
Anna May Wong was tragically denied the main role in The Good Earth, she would have killed it. And while I adore Audrey as Eliza Doolittle, it probably should have gone to Julie Andrews since she originated the part. And Marilyn was Capote's actual choice for Holly in Breakfast at Tiffany's. (Again, Audrey got that role.)
It looks fun to use AI to create these "what might have been" movie roles. At the same time, a lot of classic iconic movie bits aren't scripted. It would be cool but not the same. Not really those actors making choices or improv or flubs in the moment. I'm torn on if I actually want this to be a real thing that AI does.
Posted by: LizLem at February 15, 2026 11:32 AM (gWBY1)
391
The sex part was totally unnecessary in the book Jaws. The movie proved that.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 11:29 AM (cwGMH)
---
It wasn't just the sex, it was the whole subplot. Maybe it was included to boost the word count.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 11:29 AM (cwGMH)
---
It wasn't just the sex, it was the whole subplot. Maybe it was included to boost the word count.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:33 AM (ZOv7s)
392
Hi, Sabrina. I am pleased to see you here. I bought books from you back in the day when you emailed links (IIRC).
Posted by: Charles R Harris
Oh wow, that was a while ago! Thank you for your business! Yeah, I used to have my own online store. Then Washington state went insane and wanted digital services (like ebooks) to pay sales tax based on the *purchaser's* location. Meaning I had to collect that info THEN figure out the tax AND report it and ... People rag on Amazon all the time and the cut they take for ebook sales but in my opinion? Worth it. They deal with the tax nonsense and the credit card security and sweet little old ladies who don't know how to load ebooks.
Posted by: Charles R Harris
Oh wow, that was a while ago! Thank you for your business! Yeah, I used to have my own online store. Then Washington state went insane and wanted digital services (like ebooks) to pay sales tax based on the *purchaser's* location. Meaning I had to collect that info THEN figure out the tax AND report it and ... People rag on Amazon all the time and the cut they take for ebook sales but in my opinion? Worth it. They deal with the tax nonsense and the credit card security and sweet little old ladies who don't know how to load ebooks.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 11:33 AM (KnrSi)
393
an excellent illustration of why formatting is KEY for books! I do my own, and you would not believe how deep in the weeds I have to get sometimes in the HTML to prevent such *koff* issues from appearing
I found a terrific guide online on how to format your book using Java and HTML, and its very detailed. I had to do some very in depth and curious things to get Life Unworthy properly formatted because of the various German and Polish words.
I found a terrific guide online on how to format your book using Java and HTML, and its very detailed. I had to do some very in depth and curious things to get Life Unworthy properly formatted because of the various German and Polish words.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:34 AM (PYyV9)
394
Damn racist!
Barack Obama Says Most Voters Want “Orderly Immigration System” That Differentiates Between Illegal and Legal
Barack Obama Says Most Voters Want “Orderly Immigration System” That Differentiates Between Illegal and Legal
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Damn It Feels Good to Be a Trumpster! at February 15, 2026 11:34 AM (J+Psw)
395
Sex scenes almost never are useful or meaningful because they are just there to be titillating and server prurient interests. Everything should serve the story, advance the plot, build character, establish the setting and/or create or resolve conflict. Instead its just bumping uglies. Its like having the characters carefully described having a bowel movement or sleeping.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:32 AM (PYyV9)
I have always taken them as a sign that the author has spent too much time writing at one sitting and is allowing his/her primal instincts to seep in.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:32 AM (PYyV9)
I have always taken them as a sign that the author has spent too much time writing at one sitting and is allowing his/her primal instincts to seep in.
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 11:34 AM (hJH5n)
396
I'd love to see the young Rod Taylor as Lazarus Long. Or Robert Vaughn as Ellery Queen.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:17 AM (wzUl9)
Whaa? Peter Lawford was too old??
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:17 AM (wzUl9)
Whaa? Peter Lawford was too old??
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:34 AM (uQesX)
397
The cat has found her favorite late morning sunbeam. Think I'll go back to reading.
Sabrina, thanks for an enlightening and entertaining Book Thread!
Sabrina, thanks for an enlightening and entertaining Book Thread!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at February 15, 2026 11:34 AM (kpS4V)
Posted by: Abe Lincoln's axe at February 15, 2026 11:35 AM (cDcjR)
399
I guess to clarify: my male characters like female characters and vice versa. I've only had one gay character and he was non-sexual in the story and will never be seen again.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026
***
My one major gay character was set that way in part so that there would never be a romance, fulfilled or not, between him and his female assistant, who narrates the story. It gave me the chance to have her write, when she sees him eyeing a man she likes, "Great. Now I was going to have to compete for guys with my boss."
I make no big fuss about it. He happens to be gay the same way he happens to have brown hair and is diabetic, and that's an end to it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026
***
My one major gay character was set that way in part so that there would never be a romance, fulfilled or not, between him and his female assistant, who narrates the story. It gave me the chance to have her write, when she sees him eyeing a man she likes, "Great. Now I was going to have to compete for guys with my boss."
I make no big fuss about it. He happens to be gay the same way he happens to have brown hair and is diabetic, and that's an end to it.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:35 AM (wzUl9)
400
Additional reasons for not completing a series:
The Author Died
Jack Chalker, Robert Asprin, Robert Adams, and Joel Rosenberg all left series I was hoping to read more of when they passed away.
The Rest of Life Sucks
Robert Asprin (again), and more recently Jim Butcher had significant real-life issues that caused multi-year hiatuses in their output. Fortunately, they both came back, but some series can disappear entirely because of that.
Fans With Issues
Mercedes Lackey stopped writing one series because some fans got a little too caught up in it. That is, they became convinced it was not fiction but was really happening and some went stalker-level trying to get her to admit it.
The Author Died
Jack Chalker, Robert Asprin, Robert Adams, and Joel Rosenberg all left series I was hoping to read more of when they passed away.
The Rest of Life Sucks
Robert Asprin (again), and more recently Jim Butcher had significant real-life issues that caused multi-year hiatuses in their output. Fortunately, they both came back, but some series can disappear entirely because of that.
Fans With Issues
Mercedes Lackey stopped writing one series because some fans got a little too caught up in it. That is, they became convinced it was not fiction but was really happening and some went stalker-level trying to get her to admit it.
Posted by: Sam at February 15, 2026 11:35 AM (7jMef)
401
*suddenly starts scrounging for print version of Jaws*
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:36 AM (cDcjR)
402
VLA needs to start the final book by having everything from the latter half of the first book be a dream in Ned Stark's head.
Posted by: The Writers of "Dallas" and "St. Elsewhere" at February 15, 2026 11:17 AM (ZOv7s)
Hey!
Posted by: The Writers of "Dallas" and "St. Elsewhere" at February 15, 2026 11:17 AM (ZOv7s)
Hey!
Posted by: Newhart at February 15, 2026 11:36 AM (uQesX)
403
"The cat has found her favorite late morning sunbeam."
Either side of the winter solstice, there's a short period when the bathroom sink gets full sun for a couple hours a day. Tom knows the schedule, and he takes full advantage.
Either side of the winter solstice, there's a short period when the bathroom sink gets full sun for a couple hours a day. Tom knows the schedule, and he takes full advantage.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:36 AM (N8ZBc)
404
346 The science is settled. Obama says space aliens are real.
https://is.gd/4YGbiR
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Damn It Feels Good to Be a Trumpster! at February 15, 2026 11:18 AM (J+Psw)
He didn't say 'space'. No details, just aliens are real, he hasn't seen them, and there's no underground facility keeping them anywhere. I'm not the first to note that he might as well be talking about demons, for all we know.
https://is.gd/4YGbiR
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Damn It Feels Good to Be a Trumpster! at February 15, 2026 11:18 AM (J+Psw)
He didn't say 'space'. No details, just aliens are real, he hasn't seen them, and there's no underground facility keeping them anywhere. I'm not the first to note that he might as well be talking about demons, for all we know.
Posted by: SciVo at February 15, 2026 11:36 AM (Sy6m/)
405
It wasn't just the sex, it was the whole subplot. Maybe it was included to boost the word count.
Godfather had the same thing. In that case, Mario Puzo had written several books that just weren't selling all that well. So he figured "fine I'll lard it up with sex stuff and see if that helps." So we got this long and involved subplot involving Sonny Corleone and a girl with anatomical issues and her dealing with it, in graphic detail.
And the book sold despite that, the films leaving it out entirely.
Godfather had the same thing. In that case, Mario Puzo had written several books that just weren't selling all that well. So he figured "fine I'll lard it up with sex stuff and see if that helps." So we got this long and involved subplot involving Sonny Corleone and a girl with anatomical issues and her dealing with it, in graphic detail.
And the book sold despite that, the films leaving it out entirely.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:36 AM (PYyV9)
406
I'd love to see the young Rod Taylor as Lazarus Long. Or Robert Vaughn as Ellery Queen.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026
*
Whaa? Peter Lawford was too old??
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026
***
Very, and too British.
I'd love to see Alexis Denisof, "Wesley" on Angel, play EQ. Despite doing the British dialect in that show, he is not English himself, and I think he could do it well.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026
*
Whaa? Peter Lawford was too old??
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026
***
Very, and too British.
I'd love to see Alexis Denisof, "Wesley" on Angel, play EQ. Despite doing the British dialect in that show, he is not English himself, and I think he could do it well.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:37 AM (wzUl9)
407
I regretted reading Steve Pieczenik’s “Maximum Vigilance”. Looked like a techno thriller (as much as I hate that phrase) but was basically pornography. I’m no pride, but by page 100 there were 4 lurid sex scenes and things only got worse from there.
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 11:37 AM (hJH5n)
408
>>I'd love to see the young Rod Taylor as Lazarus Long.
I thought Spencer Tracy in his prime could have done it, not that he would have. Was Taylor a ginger?
I thought Spencer Tracy in his prime could have done it, not that he would have. Was Taylor a ginger?
Posted by: Nazdar at February 15, 2026 11:37 AM (NcvvS)
409
To Ms. Chase: TY for the insights into Trad Pub. As a reader, I find it very irritating whe the cover doesn’t match the story. A well-respective sf mag I subscribe to has gone the route of using Shutterstock images, which may—or may not— reflect one of the stories the issue contains.
Posted by: March Hare at February 15, 2026 11:18 AM (O/GSq)
I'd prefer using Moron artists for covers than stock or AI.
Posted by: March Hare at February 15, 2026 11:18 AM (O/GSq)
I'd prefer using Moron artists for covers than stock or AI.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:38 AM (uQesX)
410
>>> Beanie Babies, HA! They can suck our cotton-filled asses.
-------Cabbage Patch Cabal
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (g8Ew
From what I understand Labubus are the new beanie baby craze. But originals are so expensive! At least when troll dolls were huge, you could get super cheap troll dolls as well as the expensive ones.
-------Cabbage Patch Cabal
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (g8Ew
From what I understand Labubus are the new beanie baby craze. But originals are so expensive! At least when troll dolls were huge, you could get super cheap troll dolls as well as the expensive ones.
Posted by: LizLem at February 15, 2026 11:38 AM (gWBY1)
411
I guess to clarify: my male characters like female characters and vice versa. I've only had one gay character and he was non-sexual in the story and will never be seen again.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:29 AM (uQesX)
---
I've included gay characters in a couple of novels, and did so deliberately. They even had sex, but it was not described.
Why? Because they were necessary to the story and the concept of the character.
One of the silly contentions about Brideshead Revisited is that Sebastian and Charles had a homosexual relationship. They clearly did not, and we know this because Waugh did not flinch from putting homosexuals in his books, even in that very book, so if they were gay, he'd say so explicitly.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:29 AM (uQesX)
---
I've included gay characters in a couple of novels, and did so deliberately. They even had sex, but it was not described.
Why? Because they were necessary to the story and the concept of the character.
One of the silly contentions about Brideshead Revisited is that Sebastian and Charles had a homosexual relationship. They clearly did not, and we know this because Waugh did not flinch from putting homosexuals in his books, even in that very book, so if they were gay, he'd say so explicitly.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:38 AM (ZOv7s)
412
Tough call. So many of the surplus gear is... not good. Really. (I know, what a heretic)
I've handled so many with ill fitting bits, damaged furniture, and in such condition that I wouldn't risk firing them... "but it's a classic and I know what I have"
That's when I laugh and walk on
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:32 AM (cDcjR)
I don't care what or how old a gun/rifle is, if it can't be fired it's useless to me. Don't want.
I've handled so many with ill fitting bits, damaged furniture, and in such condition that I wouldn't risk firing them... "but it's a classic and I know what I have"
That's when I laugh and walk on
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:32 AM (cDcjR)
I don't care what or how old a gun/rifle is, if it can't be fired it's useless to me. Don't want.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at February 15, 2026 11:38 AM (g8Ew8)
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:38 AM (cDcjR)
414
Sabrina, I think an interesting topic for this discussion spot is Schoedinger's Story and the author's perspective. After writing my own books I believe that the author and reader can never relate to a story in the same way. The author may not even be sure of the details of a story after having revised and discarded so many ideas through rewrites. An author has a fuzzy recollection of myriad possibilities. Whereas a reader of a popular book might read a story countless time and memorize entire elements with religious fervor.
Posted by: Setsoru at February 15, 2026 11:39 AM (WTpW+)
415
391 The sex part was totally unnecessary in the book Jaws. The movie proved that.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 11:29 AM (cwGMH)
---
It wasn't just the sex, it was the whole subplot. Maybe it was included to boost the word count.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:33 AM
+++
I know this isn't a Movie Thread..but there were many things I liked about The Brutalist, and yet the sexual aspects of it kind of ruined it for me.
391 The sex part was totally unnecessary in the book Jaws. The movie proved that.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 11:29 AM (cwGMH)
---
It wasn't just the sex, it was the whole subplot. Maybe it was included to boost the word count.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:33 AM
+++
I know this isn't a Movie Thread..but there were many things I liked about The Brutalist, and yet the sexual aspects of it kind of ruined it for me.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at February 15, 2026 11:39 AM (2Ez/1)
416
I'd love to see the young Rod Taylor as Lazarus Long.
*
I thought Spencer Tracy in his prime could have done it, not that he would have. Was Taylor a ginger?
Posted by: Nazdar at February 15, 2026
***
I don't know. His hair always seemed in color movies like Time Machine to have a reddish hint to its brown.
*
I thought Spencer Tracy in his prime could have done it, not that he would have. Was Taylor a ginger?
Posted by: Nazdar at February 15, 2026
***
I don't know. His hair always seemed in color movies like Time Machine to have a reddish hint to its brown.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:39 AM (wzUl9)
417
As for sex, it depends on the story.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (wzUl9)
There are consummated relationships in my stuff, but all straight. Wouldn't know how to do it any other way.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:20 AM (wzUl9)
There are consummated relationships in my stuff, but all straight. Wouldn't know how to do it any other way.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:39 AM (uQesX)
418
JTB if you are still around, my 7 yr old granddaughter is on the 3 rd Harry Potter. Might be easier path. 😉
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 15, 2026 11:39 AM (t/2Uw)
419
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
Came across something this morning.
You should go to Finance Buzz website, click on their article, "15 Quaint Southern Cities Where You Can Retire on $1,850 a Month (Or Less)" and see what city came in as #1.
Came across something this morning.
You should go to Finance Buzz website, click on their article, "15 Quaint Southern Cities Where You Can Retire on $1,850 a Month (Or Less)" and see what city came in as #1.
Posted by: one hour sober at February 15, 2026 11:39 AM (Y1sOo)
420
Posted by: LizLem at February 15, 2026 11:32 AM (gWBY1)
Marilyn would have made more sense. I can see her marrying Doc, but Hepburn is reportedly "iconic"
Marilyn would have made more sense. I can see her marrying Doc, but Hepburn is reportedly "iconic"
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 11:39 AM (kJmLc)
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:40 AM (cDcjR)
422
"there were many things I liked about The Brutalist"
I think I might like it. It's on my list for when I get the attention span to appreciate it.
I think I might like it. It's on my list for when I get the attention span to appreciate it.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:40 AM (N8ZBc)
423
I guess to clarify: my male characters like female characters and vice versa. I've only had one gay character and he was non-sexual in the story and will never be seen again.
I had a lesbian character show up in Old Habits, she's prominent but dead at the time of the story. It just created a conflict and explained why the rooms of the two characters in question were so far apart, but connected.
The only thing close to a sex scene in my books happens off screen, happens for plot reasons, and helps give background on one of the characters. There is a scene in Snowberry's Veil where my editor thought I might have been heading to something spicy but I had no intention at all and didn't read it that way when I was writing it.
I had a lesbian character show up in Old Habits, she's prominent but dead at the time of the story. It just created a conflict and explained why the rooms of the two characters in question were so far apart, but connected.
The only thing close to a sex scene in my books happens off screen, happens for plot reasons, and helps give background on one of the characters. There is a scene in Snowberry's Veil where my editor thought I might have been heading to something spicy but I had no intention at all and didn't read it that way when I was writing it.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:40 AM (PYyV9)
424
For Lazarus Long, you need somebody who can say, and carry it off, "If anybody objects, I'll gag him with his own teeth -- is my ruling sustained?"
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:41 AM (wzUl9)
425
Thank you all for being such a lovely audience, and for the kind comments! I must go off and write now (and, um, update my webpage ....) I will be writing more Guest Posts too, and will come back and take note of all the questions and ideas for future postings.
Thanks again, and Happy Reading!
Thanks again, and Happy Reading!
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 11:41 AM (KnrSi)
426
This is one reason I dislike 'sporterizing' of classic milsurp firearms. It's defacing history, and once you've 'customized' a thing to your taste and needs, it is no longer of use to anybody else who doesn't share your taste or needs.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:25 AM (N8ZBc)
Correct.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:25 AM (N8ZBc)
Correct.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:41 AM (uQesX)
427
Quit that. Now.
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:40 AM (cDcjR)
Haven’t read a page in 30 years. A horrible book.
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:40 AM (cDcjR)
Haven’t read a page in 30 years. A horrible book.
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 11:42 AM (hJH5n)
428
Its like having the characters carefully described having a bowel movement or sleeping.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:32 AM (PYyV9)
'Zackly. It always seems like a non sequitur to me.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:32 AM (PYyV9)
'Zackly. It always seems like a non sequitur to me.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 11:42 AM (h7ZuX)
429
That was an interesting post. I hadn't thought of the issue of plot issues in an early part of a series coming back to bite the author in later books. That would take an awful lot of planning and discipline to figure out the intricacies of several books in advance.
My reading this week: I finished "The Plague and I" and really enjoyed it. Recommend.
My reading this week: I finished "The Plague and I" and really enjoyed it. Recommend.
Posted by: LASue at February 15, 2026 11:43 AM (lCppi)
430
There are consummated relationships in my stuff, but all straight. Wouldn't know how to do it any other way.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026
***
Same here. My gay professor had a long-time "partner" who died in an accident, making my character a widower of sorts. No details of their relationship are offered or need to be, and I would have a hard time dealing with such things anyway.
There are consummated relationships in my stuff, but all straight. Wouldn't know how to do it any other way.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026
***
Same here. My gay professor had a long-time "partner" who died in an accident, making my character a widower of sorts. No details of their relationship are offered or need to be, and I would have a hard time dealing with such things anyway.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:43 AM (wzUl9)
431
Those unnecessary subplots --
Have publishers in fact been insisting on word counts that almost amount to planning to sell a book by the pound?
When I started buying paperbacks, a lot of the novels I read (almost all sf, some mystery & suspense) ran 50 or 60 thousand words and I don't recall feeling cheated at the time and still don't on rereading them decades later. I believe SFWA still regards 40 thousand as the low word count to make the novel classification. But it seems like half of what I see in bookstores are doorstops. Sure, some stories may need that length, but so many? Really?
Have publishers in fact been insisting on word counts that almost amount to planning to sell a book by the pound?
When I started buying paperbacks, a lot of the novels I read (almost all sf, some mystery & suspense) ran 50 or 60 thousand words and I don't recall feeling cheated at the time and still don't on rereading them decades later. I believe SFWA still regards 40 thousand as the low word count to make the novel classification. But it seems like half of what I see in bookstores are doorstops. Sure, some stories may need that length, but so many? Really?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 11:43 AM (q3u5l)
432
Stephen Hunter's Dirty White Boys sex undertones is one book where it was applicable to the storyline IMO. Or at least flowed with the story .
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 11:44 AM (cwGMH)
433
As a reader, I find it very irritating when the cover doesn’t match the story.
Supposedly this is very common in romance novels, with the characters bearing no resemblance to the cover depiction.
I published Snowberry's Veil through a (very) small publishing company and they provided the cover. I requested a scene of mounted knights charging on a cloud (a very cinematic scene in the story) and they gave me a few lancers furtively riding through a forest.
Supposedly this is very common in romance novels, with the characters bearing no resemblance to the cover depiction.
I published Snowberry's Veil through a (very) small publishing company and they provided the cover. I requested a scene of mounted knights charging on a cloud (a very cinematic scene in the story) and they gave me a few lancers furtively riding through a forest.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:44 AM (PYyV9)
434
I started writing Vampires of Michigan in the late 90s and it was quite racy because I'd grown up reading a lot of sex scenes and figured that was what you put in a book, especially about vampires. I never finished it, stalling out at 20,000 words.
When I picked the project back up, I ended up deleting half of it, including all the sex scenes as I'd gotten beyond that and had a deeper understanding of morality. So sex happens, but not in any great detail.
When I picked the project back up, I ended up deleting half of it, including all the sex scenes as I'd gotten beyond that and had a deeper understanding of morality. So sex happens, but not in any great detail.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:44 AM (ZOv7s)
435
Thanks, Sabrina! Hope to see you again. Time for Mass. Until next week.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:45 AM (ZOv7s)
436
Came across something this morning.
You should go to Finance Buzz website, click on their article, "15 Quaint Southern Cities Where You Can Retire on $1,850 a Month (Or Less)" and see what city came in as #1.
Posted by: one hour sober at February 15, 2026
***
Ding, ding, ding! I thought you were going to say Nawlins, and I know better than to think this place is affordable. I see Lafayette is on their list, though.
Sierra Vista, AZ, sounds nice.
You should go to Finance Buzz website, click on their article, "15 Quaint Southern Cities Where You Can Retire on $1,850 a Month (Or Less)" and see what city came in as #1.
Posted by: one hour sober at February 15, 2026
***
Ding, ding, ding! I thought you were going to say Nawlins, and I know better than to think this place is affordable. I see Lafayette is on their list, though.
Sierra Vista, AZ, sounds nice.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:46 AM (wzUl9)
437
I watch Hulu's Predator-The Badlands last night.
Third favorite Predator movie though all three are only minimally separated.
Third favorite Predator movie though all three are only minimally separated.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 11:47 AM (cwGMH)
438
I make no big fuss about it. He happens to be gay the same way he happens to have brown hair and is diabetic, and that's an end to it.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:35 AM (wzUl9)
Lawrence Block is good at that with his Matthew Scudder series. In his investigations, he drops into a gay bar, and the bar owner is a good character. Scudder is non-judgmental about it, it adds texture to the story without proclaiming that GAY IS GOOD and you must accept that! He's just part of the New York demographic.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:35 AM (wzUl9)
Lawrence Block is good at that with his Matthew Scudder series. In his investigations, he drops into a gay bar, and the bar owner is a good character. Scudder is non-judgmental about it, it adds texture to the story without proclaiming that GAY IS GOOD and you must accept that! He's just part of the New York demographic.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026 11:47 AM (h7ZuX)
439
Have publishers in fact been insisting on word counts that almost amount to planning to sell a book by the pound?
When writers were serializing in magazines or writing pulp, they literally were paid by the word, so guys like Charles Dickens had significant motivation to make things as long and wordy as possible. Plus, back then, you had more time to read and saw a book as a way to pass time more than entertainment.
Pulp writers were forced to keep their writing within specific limits so they made up for it by being massively prolific, firing off several stories a month.
When writers were serializing in magazines or writing pulp, they literally were paid by the word, so guys like Charles Dickens had significant motivation to make things as long and wordy as possible. Plus, back then, you had more time to read and saw a book as a way to pass time more than entertainment.
Pulp writers were forced to keep their writing within specific limits so they made up for it by being massively prolific, firing off several stories a month.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:47 AM (PYyV9)
440
Thanks to the lovely Miss Chase for the thread. Still dying to learn how much one owns if AI provides the prose. I hope it's zero, and I'm happy Horde authors don't use it to speed the process.
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 11:48 AM (kJmLc)
441
377 This is one reason I dislike 'sporterizing' of classic milsurp firearms. It's defacing history, and once you've 'customized' a thing to your taste and needs, it is no longer of use to anybody else who doesn't share your taste or needs.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:25 AM (N8ZBc)
---
Sporterizing made sense when they were essentially free and ammo was unobtainable. At this late date, there are enough out there that it's a waste of money. Sporterized guns are selling for less than the optics on them are worth. Talk about loss of value!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
-----
Eh, having unsporterized a bunch, the main issue is a cut barrel and drilling a bunch of useless holes in the receiver. The smarter ones put peep sights on them, a lot of others tried to put scope mounts on the rifles and did a piss poor job of it. A few would mess with trigger guards and such.
The really dumb ones messed with the triggers and sears. Military rifle triggers were designed that way for a reason, a) to be drop safe, b) to keep raw recruits from jerking the trigger by using a very long trigger pull in two stages, long light takeup and then the relatively short firing pull.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:25 AM (N8ZBc)
---
Sporterizing made sense when they were essentially free and ammo was unobtainable. At this late date, there are enough out there that it's a waste of money. Sporterized guns are selling for less than the optics on them are worth. Talk about loss of value!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
-----
Eh, having unsporterized a bunch, the main issue is a cut barrel and drilling a bunch of useless holes in the receiver. The smarter ones put peep sights on them, a lot of others tried to put scope mounts on the rifles and did a piss poor job of it. A few would mess with trigger guards and such.
The really dumb ones messed with the triggers and sears. Military rifle triggers were designed that way for a reason, a) to be drop safe, b) to keep raw recruits from jerking the trigger by using a very long trigger pull in two stages, long light takeup and then the relatively short firing pull.
Posted by: whig at February 15, 2026 11:48 AM (2swu2)
442
I make no big fuss about it. He happens to be gay the same way he happens to have brown hair and is diabetic, and that's an end to it.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:35 AM (wzUl9)
And the potential publisher says....?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:35 AM (wzUl9)
And the potential publisher says....?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:48 AM (uQesX)
443
Best cover mismatch I remember was late 70s or early 80s. Signet(?) started a paperback series called Adventures in Romance -- romance novels with a suspense angle to them -- and one of the selections was Janet Caird's The Loch. Typical Harlequin Romance cover on a novel that had a spot in Stephen King's Danse Macabre horror 1950-80 book list.
Wonder what the purchasers thought when they read it...
Wonder what the purchasers thought when they read it...
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 11:48 AM (q3u5l)
444
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:44 AM (ZOv7s)
To be fair to yourself Vampires are about sexual conquest.
To be fair to yourself Vampires are about sexual conquest.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 11:48 AM (cwGMH)
445
Tough call. So many of the surplus gear is... not good. Really. (I know, what a heretic)
I've handled so many with ill fitting bits, damaged furniture, and in such condition that I wouldn't risk firing them... "but it's a classic and I know what I have"
That's when I laugh and walk on
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:32 AM (cDcjR)
===
When the M96 Swedish Mausers hit the surplus market, I really wanted one to sporterize. Alas, I'm left-handed, so I passed. I did manage to shoot one at the club I belonged to. It had a very nice action and it was a tack driver.
I've handled so many with ill fitting bits, damaged furniture, and in such condition that I wouldn't risk firing them... "but it's a classic and I know what I have"
That's when I laugh and walk on
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:32 AM (cDcjR)
===
When the M96 Swedish Mausers hit the surplus market, I really wanted one to sporterize. Alas, I'm left-handed, so I passed. I did manage to shoot one at the club I belonged to. It had a very nice action and it was a tack driver.
Posted by: mrp at February 15, 2026 11:49 AM (rj6Yv)
446
>>I don't know. His hair always seemed in color movies like Time Machine to have a reddish hint to its brown.
Thinking that was mostly lighting, though a quick glance says light brown. Couldn't possibly have done Time Enough for Love before this century, but picturing Tracy telling the story of the twins that weren't would have been a highlight.
Thinking that was mostly lighting, though a quick glance says light brown. Couldn't possibly have done Time Enough for Love before this century, but picturing Tracy telling the story of the twins that weren't would have been a highlight.
Posted by: Nazdar at February 15, 2026 11:49 AM (NcvvS)
447
Plus, back then, you had more time to read and saw a book as a way to pass time more than entertainment.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:47 AM (PYyV9)
I'd have though the opposite was true. Victorians couldn't call instacart and didn't have hoovers and food processors
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:47 AM (PYyV9)
I'd have though the opposite was true. Victorians couldn't call instacart and didn't have hoovers and food processors
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 11:50 AM (kJmLc)
448
Lawrence Block is good at that with his Matthew Scudder series. In his investigations, he drops into a gay bar, and the bar owner is a good character. Scudder is non-judgmental about it, it adds texture to the story without proclaiming that GAY IS GOOD and you must accept that! He's just part of the New York demographic.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026
***
Block is one of my heroes. And he suggests the gay character in one book through dialog, sentence rhythms, and word choices, as I recall. Matt, and the reader, draw the conclusion without having to be told outright.
Lawrence Block is good at that with his Matthew Scudder series. In his investigations, he drops into a gay bar, and the bar owner is a good character. Scudder is non-judgmental about it, it adds texture to the story without proclaiming that GAY IS GOOD and you must accept that! He's just part of the New York demographic.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at February 15, 2026
***
Block is one of my heroes. And he suggests the gay character in one book through dialog, sentence rhythms, and word choices, as I recall. Matt, and the reader, draw the conclusion without having to be told outright.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:50 AM (wzUl9)
449
So we got this long and involved subplot involving Sonny Corleone and a girl with anatomical issues and her dealing with it, in graphic detail.
__________
Long, involved and useless. It didn't move the plot at all. It could have been left out completely and nothing would have been lost.
So we got this long and involved subplot involving Sonny Corleone and a girl with anatomical issues and her dealing with it, in graphic detail.
__________
Long, involved and useless. It didn't move the plot at all. It could have been left out completely and nothing would have been lost.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 15, 2026 11:50 AM (tgvbd)
450
You should go to Finance Buzz website, click on their article, "15 Quaint Southern Cities Where You Can Retire on $1,850 a Month (Or Less)" and see what city came in as #1.
According to national cost of living data online, Arkansas is the cheapest place to live in America. Of course, that means you have to live in Arkansas, but there's always a price to pay.
According to national cost of living data online, Arkansas is the cheapest place to live in America. Of course, that means you have to live in Arkansas, but there's always a price to pay.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:50 AM (PYyV9)
451
418 ... "my 7 yr old granddaughter is on the 3 rd Harry Potter. Might be easier path."
Sharon,
Thanks for that suggestion. I hadn't thought of suggesting the Harry Potter books. The first one would be a good start and he could continue the tougher ones that followed as he got older. Have to ask his folks what they think.
Sharon,
Thanks for that suggestion. I hadn't thought of suggesting the Harry Potter books. The first one would be a good start and he could continue the tougher ones that followed as he got older. Have to ask his folks what they think.
Posted by: JTB at February 15, 2026 11:51 AM (yTvNw)
452
LOL Sabrina that you are the only one to reference that "koff" typo in your post- which was excellent, by the way.
As far as sex in books, whether it's "He jammed his cock in me.", or "I jammed my cock in her.", I have never given a single shit about what the characters in a story I am otherwise enjoying is doing sexually. Just like I wouldn't want to hear any details about any real-life friends sexual activity from last weekend... keep it to yourself, if I want to know I'll ask.
As far as sex in books, whether it's "He jammed his cock in me.", or "I jammed my cock in her.", I have never given a single shit about what the characters in a story I am otherwise enjoying is doing sexually. Just like I wouldn't want to hear any details about any real-life friends sexual activity from last weekend... keep it to yourself, if I want to know I'll ask.
Posted by: Denny Crane - Sex is fun at February 15, 2026 11:51 AM (i49OE)
453
One of my M1917s was sporterized around 1935. Back then, the new hotness was rechambering for .300 H&H. Because of that, I got it super cheap, and I have to admit that it was quite accurate. I handloaded for all my 30 cal milsurps. .300 H&H is so expensive and rare these days, you pretty much have to handload it, and police all your highly precious brass at the range.
Believe me, first shooting session I had with it, I hid under the bench while pulling the trigger. Had no idea if it might blow up.
Believe me, first shooting session I had with it, I hid under the bench while pulling the trigger. Had no idea if it might blow up.
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:52 AM (N8ZBc)
454
442 I make no big fuss about it. He happens to be gay the same way he happens to have brown hair and is diabetic, and that's an end to it.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026
*
And the potential publisher says....?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026
***
You know the story. They liked it until they didn't.
The editor you and Sarah steered me to says he is refreshingly non-cliche, so there's that.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026
*
And the potential publisher says....?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026
***
You know the story. They liked it until they didn't.
The editor you and Sarah steered me to says he is refreshingly non-cliche, so there's that.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:52 AM (wzUl9)
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 15, 2026 11:52 AM (tgvbd)
456
Arkansas was on my list along with West Virginia. When it came down to it, Remaining in Texas still came up as my best choice .
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 11:52 AM (cwGMH)
457
Arkansas was on my list along with West Virginia. When it came down to it, Remaining in Texas still came up as my best choice .
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026
***
I like the idea of W. VA; it has mountains. But various other details have sidelined that idea for me.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026
***
I like the idea of W. VA; it has mountains. But various other details have sidelined that idea for me.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:54 AM (wzUl9)
458
Thanks again, and Happy Reading!
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 11:41 AM (KnrSi)
Thanks for the thread, Sabrina. Will wait for more. Gotta go teach the wife to drive, but there are so many good comments today I'll come back later to finish reading them.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at February 15, 2026 11:41 AM (KnrSi)
Thanks for the thread, Sabrina. Will wait for more. Gotta go teach the wife to drive, but there are so many good comments today I'll come back later to finish reading them.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:54 AM (uQesX)
459
'Bout time I headed off to do some chores. Good reading, all, and a tip of the chapeau to Sabrina for doing such a great job on the thread today!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:54 AM (wzUl9)
460
So we got this long and involved subplot involving Sonny Corleone and a girl with anatomical issues and her dealing with it, in graphic detail.
__________
Long, involved and useless. It didn't move the plot at all. It could have been left out completely and nothing would have been lost.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 15, 2026 11:50 AM (tgvbd)
Page 49 or so -- I still remember those pages being passed around in about 8th grade. Steamy stuff.
__________
Long, involved and useless. It didn't move the plot at all. It could have been left out completely and nothing would have been lost.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 15, 2026 11:50 AM (tgvbd)
Page 49 or so -- I still remember those pages being passed around in about 8th grade. Steamy stuff.
Posted by: LASue at February 15, 2026 11:55 AM (lCppi)
461
Thanks for the thread, Sabrina. Will wait for more. Gotta go teach the wife to drive, but there are so many good comments today I'll come back later to finish reading them.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:54 AM (uQesX)
Don't envy you that task. Sounds like peak misery
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:54 AM (uQesX)
Don't envy you that task. Sounds like peak misery
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 11:55 AM (kJmLc)
462
I'd have though the opposite was true. Victorians couldn't call instacart and didn't have hoovers and food processors
They had people for that. Or were bored cowboys in a line shack spending most of their time doing nothing but playing solitaire in the winter. Lots of down time because of weather, etc.
They had people for that. Or were bored cowboys in a line shack spending most of their time doing nothing but playing solitaire in the winter. Lots of down time because of weather, etc.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:55 AM (PYyV9)
463
I like the idea of W. VA; it has mountains. But various other details have sidelined that idea for me."
So, not a fan of burning couches?
So, not a fan of burning couches?
Posted by: man at February 15, 2026 11:56 AM (gh32g)
464
And time to deal with annoying meatspace (is that still a word? was it ever?) stuff here at Casa Some Guy.
Sabrina, thanks for the thread.
Have a good one, gang.
Sabrina, thanks for the thread.
Have a good one, gang.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 11:56 AM (q3u5l)
465
My NYC raised mom didn't learn to drive until she was in her 40's. She walked to work when I was a kid.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 11:56 AM (cwGMH)
466
But it seems like half of what I see in bookstores are doorstops. Sure, some stories may need that length, but so many? Really?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 11:43 AM (q3u5l)
Ok, wait. The book cost increases for extra pages. Seems they'd be trying to get authors back to lower word counts to save money. Hard to keep interest in books that long for me anymore. My longest work is 90k, every other one is shorter.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 11:43 AM (q3u5l)
Ok, wait. The book cost increases for extra pages. Seems they'd be trying to get authors back to lower word counts to save money. Hard to keep interest in books that long for me anymore. My longest work is 90k, every other one is shorter.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 11:57 AM (uQesX)
467
When the M96 Swedish Mausers hit the surplus market, I really wanted one to sporterize. Alas, I'm left-handed, so I passed. I did manage to shoot one at the club I belonged to. It had a very nice action and it was a tack driver.
Posted by: mrp
======
The 96 is a bit long for my tastes but I have one. The unique thing about the Swedes is that even now, you can get new in box parts for key things like the sear and trigger or extractors. They must have made a huge amount of spares. The m38 shortened the barrel to about 23-24 inches and you will see some Husqvarna receivers on them. These are of good WWII era steel (not that the older steel was bad particularly) and a fair amount of the Swede sniper models used these receivers.
Due to the meteorite origins of Swedish Mauser steel, I think it is superior by far to most of the run of the mill carbon steel in European firearms. Goodies like vanadium, chrome, copper, were already in the iron ores in trace amounts before modern metallurgy knew what to do with them. Even our Krags, used Swedish steel barrels to begin with.
Posted by: mrp
======
The 96 is a bit long for my tastes but I have one. The unique thing about the Swedes is that even now, you can get new in box parts for key things like the sear and trigger or extractors. They must have made a huge amount of spares. The m38 shortened the barrel to about 23-24 inches and you will see some Husqvarna receivers on them. These are of good WWII era steel (not that the older steel was bad particularly) and a fair amount of the Swede sniper models used these receivers.
Due to the meteorite origins of Swedish Mauser steel, I think it is superior by far to most of the run of the mill carbon steel in European firearms. Goodies like vanadium, chrome, copper, were already in the iron ores in trace amounts before modern metallurgy knew what to do with them. Even our Krags, used Swedish steel barrels to begin with.
Posted by: whig at February 15, 2026 11:57 AM (2swu2)
468
Page 49 or so -- I still remember those pages being passed around in about 8th grade. Steamy stuff.
Posted by: LASue at February 15, 2026 11:55 AM (lCppi)
And doesn't her kid take over the family. The MAncini boy?
Posted by: LASue at February 15, 2026 11:55 AM (lCppi)
And doesn't her kid take over the family. The MAncini boy?
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 11:57 AM (kJmLc)
469
I own two pistols:
1. Wilson Combat Professional (commander length) in .45ACP
2. My custom build 1911 in .45ACP with internals by Wilson Combat and Ed Brown on a Norinco slide and frame.
The Wilson is my everyday carry. The custom is my BBQ run (nowhere near worth what I put into it, but that wasn't the point).
1. Wilson Combat Professional (commander length) in .45ACP
2. My custom build 1911 in .45ACP with internals by Wilson Combat and Ed Brown on a Norinco slide and frame.
The Wilson is my everyday carry. The custom is my BBQ run (nowhere near worth what I put into it, but that wasn't the point).
Posted by: one hour sober at February 15, 2026 11:57 AM (Y1sOo)
470
I like the idea of W. VA; it has mountains. But various other details have sidelined that idea for me.
I wanted to move to Wyoming but its really expensive there
Not as expensive as Oregon but... not cheap.
I wanted to move to Wyoming but its really expensive there
Not as expensive as Oregon but... not cheap.Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 11:57 AM (PYyV9)
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 11:58 AM (N8ZBc)
472
But it seems like half of what I see in bookstores are doorstops. Sure, some stories may need that length, but so many? Really?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 11:43 AM (q3u5l)
______________
"The covers of this book are too far apart."
But it seems like half of what I see in bookstores are doorstops. Sure, some stories may need that length, but so many? Really?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 15, 2026 11:43 AM (q3u5l)
______________
"The covers of this book are too far apart."
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at February 15, 2026 11:59 AM (tgvbd)
473
>>Don't envy you that task. Sounds like peak misery
It's possible: Dad taught Mom how to drive with 4 kids in the back (and, as we called it, the 'back-back') of a station wagon when Mom was in her early 30s.
On the other hand, been said that teaching a spouse to drive is a fast-track to divorce.
Thank you, Miss Chase for a delightful Book Thread. TTFN, Horde.
It's possible: Dad taught Mom how to drive with 4 kids in the back (and, as we called it, the 'back-back') of a station wagon when Mom was in her early 30s.
On the other hand, been said that teaching a spouse to drive is a fast-track to divorce.
Thank you, Miss Chase for a delightful Book Thread. TTFN, Horde.
Posted by: Nazdar at February 15, 2026 12:00 PM (NcvvS)
474
140
'So they come up with stupid ideas like the League of Nations or the Kellog-Briand Pact or the UN'
The only route to peace is either complete domination by a single power or a balance between 2 (sane) powers. I don't see any examples otherwise.
'So they come up with stupid ideas like the League of Nations or the Kellog-Briand Pact or the UN'
The only route to peace is either complete domination by a single power or a balance between 2 (sane) powers. I don't see any examples otherwise.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at February 15, 2026 12:00 PM (fd80v)
475
But it seems like half of what I see in bookstores are doorstops. Sure, some stories may need that length, but so many? Really?
I can't read those any more, its just too much. The worst example of the expanding book length effect I've ever encountered is the Sword of Truth series. I just gave up after 3 books each one was almost exponentially longer and more involved and about characters I cared nothing about.
I can't read those any more, its just too much. The worst example of the expanding book length effect I've ever encountered is the Sword of Truth series. I just gave up after 3 books each one was almost exponentially longer and more involved and about characters I cared nothing about.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 12:01 PM (PYyV9)
476
For sentimental reasons I looked into retiring to South Dakota also. It was quickly ruled out because of real estate prices.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 12:01 PM (cwGMH)
477
You know the story. They liked it until they didn't.
The editor you and Sarah steered me to says he is refreshingly non-cliche, so there's that.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:52 AM (wzUl9)
Ok, now leaving, won't see the response. Post on ALH. Have they taken a pass on it?
The editor you and Sarah steered me to says he is refreshingly non-cliche, so there's that.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 11:52 AM (wzUl9)
Ok, now leaving, won't see the response. Post on ALH. Have they taken a pass on it?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at February 15, 2026 12:01 PM (uQesX)
478
nood
Posted by: gp at February 15, 2026 12:01 PM (N8ZBc)
479
Just here to say Thanks Sabrina and Welcome!
I have enjoyed some of your books enough to read them at least twice.
I have enjoyed some of your books enough to read them at least twice.
Posted by: Kafiroon at February 15, 2026 12:01 PM (GHn5H)
480
Biden's Dog invites you upstairs for a Nood
Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2026 12:01 PM (Ia/+0)
481
444 Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2026 11:44 AM (ZOv7s)
To be fair to yourself Vampires are about sexual conquest.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 11:48 AM (cwGMH)
I subscribe to the fairly conventional opinion that as vampires and zombies are metaphors for sexual deviants and socialists, respectively. They literally depict a nigh-alien subspecies with unnatural reproduction, so that is what they are natural metaphors for: the former reproducing by molestation trauma, and the latter reproducing by spreading their mind virus through mere contact.
To be fair to yourself Vampires are about sexual conquest.
Posted by: Opinion fact at February 15, 2026 11:48 AM (cwGMH)
I subscribe to the fairly conventional opinion that as vampires and zombies are metaphors for sexual deviants and socialists, respectively. They literally depict a nigh-alien subspecies with unnatural reproduction, so that is what they are natural metaphors for: the former reproducing by molestation trauma, and the latter reproducing by spreading their mind virus through mere contact.
Posted by: SciVo at February 15, 2026 12:02 PM (Sy6m/)
482
On the other hand, been said that teaching a spouse to drive is a fast-track to divorce.
Thank you, Miss Chase for a delightful Book Thread. TTFN, Horde.
Posted by: Nazdar at February 15, 2026
***
I taught the then-Mrs. Wolfus No. 2 to drive before we got married, and we were together (happily, thought I) for more than five years afterward. She was pretty bright and well-coordinated, though.
Thank you, Miss Chase for a delightful Book Thread. TTFN, Horde.
Posted by: Nazdar at February 15, 2026
***
I taught the then-Mrs. Wolfus No. 2 to drive before we got married, and we were together (happily, thought I) for more than five years afterward. She was pretty bright and well-coordinated, though.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at February 15, 2026 12:02 PM (wzUl9)
483
Sexualizing monsters is tedious to me. Vampires are monsters that prey on human life to survive. They are predators, demonic creatures, not sexy Edwardian princes and hawt Thots that happen to bite in sex. ANd zombies are just rotting meat.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 12:04 PM (PYyV9)
484
209
'But, I thought MP4 lived in Boston? Surely, blue-blooded Boston has no gays! He won't sell a thing there.'
Certainly not on Cape Cod.
'But, I thought MP4 lived in Boston? Surely, blue-blooded Boston has no gays! He won't sell a thing there.'
Certainly not on Cape Cod.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at February 15, 2026 12:04 PM (fd80v)
485
JTB, my son's first foray into fantasy as a child was C.S. Lewis so I bought The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for the 9 yr old when she was 7 but it did not appeal. At age 9 she just asked for a detective novel from an Australian author I'd never heard of which ran about 400 pages. She does still read about fairies and unicorns though but never got into C.S. Lewis. I just keep buying them books because that is what grandparents are for.❤️
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 15, 2026 12:07 PM (t/2Uw)
486
483 Sexualizing monsters is tedious to me. Vampires are monsters that prey on human life to survive. They are predators, demonic creatures, not sexy Edwardian princes and hawt Thots that happen to bite in sex. ANd zombies are just rotting meat.
But incredibly popular, even sometimes getting the audience on their side (George Hamilton has entered the chat)
But incredibly popular, even sometimes getting the audience on their side (George Hamilton has entered the chat)
Posted by: night lifted at February 15, 2026 12:09 PM (kJmLc)
487
I know I am about to be (or are already) willowed, but I just have to say this comment thread really encapsulates the whole AoS site for me. Started off with a great post from who to me is a new author (gonna get a couple of her books), then the comments from smart morons and really talented moron authors (I believe I have read at least one from all of you).
But then around comment 150-ish, new threads develop. There's the weapons sub, the movie/acting sub, and of course the sex sub (yum!)
All of that to just say, this place is great. I've been here for a great number of years, under many nics, and I can honestly say this joint is the best. You morons are the best.
But then around comment 150-ish, new threads develop. There's the weapons sub, the movie/acting sub, and of course the sex sub (yum!)
All of that to just say, this place is great. I've been here for a great number of years, under many nics, and I can honestly say this joint is the best. You morons are the best.
Posted by: Denny Crane - Comments are fun at February 15, 2026 12:11 PM (i49OE)
488
But incredibly popular
Yeah I played up the sexiness of the werewolf in Life Unworthy because I wanted him to be an alpha, ALL THAT IS MAN, totally dominant wolf, that women are overwhelmed by. It fit the concept of the ultimate alpha wolf in my mind. But I tried to emphasize what a horrifying monster he was as well.
Yeah I played up the sexiness of the werewolf in Life Unworthy because I wanted him to be an alpha, ALL THAT IS MAN, totally dominant wolf, that women are overwhelmed by. It fit the concept of the ultimate alpha wolf in my mind. But I tried to emphasize what a horrifying monster he was as well.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 12:11 PM (PYyV9)
489
I think gratuitous sex is as misplaced as gratuitous violence. But both can be essential to the story. I also think both can be funny and scary and fierce and many other things, all at the same time.
Perhaps worth its own essay one day.
Perhaps worth its own essay one day.
Posted by: Wenda at February 15, 2026 12:14 PM (v9ee3)
490
The real Wright Flyer looked like a piece of Japanese origami
Yes, I saw it and complained loudly -- enough to bother the wife.
IIRC other aspects of the ad were just as outrageous. Bet on it.
My kid is currently living a spirited bike ride from the back gate of W-P; as far as we can determine, his back yard touches what used to be Huffman Prairie. One day he was just driving home, looked up, and there was the Wright Replica, huffing and chugging along right over his house. It really does fly.
Yes, I saw it and complained loudly -- enough to bother the wife.
IIRC other aspects of the ad were just as outrageous. Bet on it.
My kid is currently living a spirited bike ride from the back gate of W-P; as far as we can determine, his back yard touches what used to be Huffman Prairie. One day he was just driving home, looked up, and there was the Wright Replica, huffing and chugging along right over his house. It really does fly.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at February 15, 2026 12:16 PM (zdLoL)
491
486
'Sexualizing monsters is tedious to me. Vampires are monsters that prey on human life to survive.'
Chicks dig the danger.
But they also support migrants. So I wouldn't go by those women.
'Sexualizing monsters is tedious to me. Vampires are monsters that prey on human life to survive.'
Chicks dig the danger.
But they also support migrants. So I wouldn't go by those women.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at February 15, 2026 12:18 PM (fd80v)
492
485 JTB, my son's first foray into fantasy as a child was C.S. Lewis so I bought The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for the 9 yr old when she was 7 but it did not appeal. At age 9 she just asked for a detective novel from an Australian author I'd never heard of which ran about 400 pages. She does still read about fairies and unicorns though but never got into C.S. Lewis. I just keep buying them books because that is what grandparents are for.❤️
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 15, 2026 12:07 PM (t/2Uw)
My fourth grade teacher, who was otherwise one of the most awesome teachers I ever had, read to us the Chronicles of Narnia. It did absolutely nothing for me.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at February 15, 2026 12:07 PM (t/2Uw)
My fourth grade teacher, who was otherwise one of the most awesome teachers I ever had, read to us the Chronicles of Narnia. It did absolutely nothing for me.
Posted by: Cow Demon at February 15, 2026 12:18 PM (hJH5n)
493
Man, I loved (and still do) the Narnia books. They were just wonderful to me and took me somewhere incredible in my mind.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2026 12:21 PM (PYyV9)
494
The late Edward Gorey addressed the perennial problem of cover art in his "The Unstrung Harp, or Mr. Earbrass Writes A Novel" (1953). One picture shows Mr. Earbrass glaring at a sketch of the proposed cover are for his new novel sent to him by his publishers, Scuffle and Dustcough. Text reads:
"Mr. Earbrass has received the sketch for the dust wrapper for TUH. Even after staring at it continuously for twenty minutes, he really cannot believe it. Whatever were they thinking of? On any book it would be ugly, vulgar and illegible. On his book it would be these, and also disastrously wrong. Mr. Earbrass looks forward to an exhilarating hour of conveying these sentiments to Scuffle and Dustcough."
And later images of the published book show that is nevertheless the cover art the publishers went with.
This comic look at "...the unspeakable horror of the literary life." can be found in Gorey's collection "Amphigorey".
"Mr. Earbrass has received the sketch for the dust wrapper for TUH. Even after staring at it continuously for twenty minutes, he really cannot believe it. Whatever were they thinking of? On any book it would be ugly, vulgar and illegible. On his book it would be these, and also disastrously wrong. Mr. Earbrass looks forward to an exhilarating hour of conveying these sentiments to Scuffle and Dustcough."
And later images of the published book show that is nevertheless the cover art the publishers went with.
This comic look at "...the unspeakable horror of the literary life." can be found in Gorey's collection "Amphigorey".
Posted by: John F. MacMichael at February 15, 2026 12:28 PM (aYnHS)
495
You have to talk to the kids to find out what they are reading. There is a whole new genre called Chapter books. It took so,e time before I adjusted my expectations of what they would enjoy. But that is the key. They have to see books as entertainment as well as learning. They have to want to read, not have to read.
And I again had to enter my name and email even though I never closed this tab. Is it Safari's fault or the blog?
And I again had to enter my name and email even though I never closed this tab. Is it Safari's fault or the blog?
Posted by: Shron(willow's apprentice) at February 15, 2026 12:35 PM (t/2Uw)
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