Goal Post: A Week of Cold and Treading Water

Posted on January 20, 2024 by Charles Yallowitz

Heard this song on Pandora yesterday morning during my shower.  Really caught my attention.  Been a while since a new song grabbed me like this.

Anyway, this week didn’t see much in the way of writing or editing.  Might have found time to get a few pages of Darwin & the Fate Bracelet taken care of.  Hoping to fix that this weekend with a binge.  Next week might work out too since it’s midterms week.  Students go home at 12:30, which means I have 2 hours of sitting around.  I can get a little editing done if I’m not doing anything else.  Fingers crossed, but I believe I’ve made my decision to edit the first 5 Darwin books before I start writing the 6th.  Too much is going on and I may need a refresher.  Should help with series continuity too.

I had my son last weekend, so there was a lot of Pokémon Go and Super Smash Bros.  He has taken to playing the latter with us taking random characters.  We team up against the computer.  He says he’s loving this because I tend to get characters I’m not very good with and I’m fairly vocal when I play.  So, the two of us start yelling at the computer and making exaggerated noises when things go wrong.  With the weather being freezing and a little snowy, it was a nice way to get some energy going.  Of course, I now how to do this whenever we have free time between homework and him going to his mother’s place.  It might die down for a bit since he has midterms next week.

On the other side of things, I hadn’t been sleeping well due to stress.  The ‘life event’ took up a lot of my time even when I wasn’t in scheduled meetings about it.  This stressed me out to the point where my CPAP machine wasn’t making much of a dent in my apnea a few nights.  The numbers are back to normal, but I’m clearly still off.  Going to take the whole weekend to reset myself, but it won’t last for long.  The ‘life event’ hits the final stage (at least I hope so) this coming week and then a lot of stuff changes.  Some for the good and some for the not so good.  When dealing a situation that requires negotiation, you can’t get everything that you want.  It still stings even though it’s necessary.  Doesn’t help that other situations have cropped up around the ‘life event’, which has my head spinning a bit.  Just can’t catch a friggin’ break.

Nothing else really happened this week.  It took me 3 days to watch an anime episode that was 23 minutes long.  Exhaustion and distractions were the flavor of the week.  I’m genuinely surprised I didn’t collapse and need a day off like last week.  Friday was definitely touch and go for a while.  A 2-hour delay on Wednesday might have helped me a bit since I could rest up after dropping my son off at school.  Got to bike and run errands in the morning instead of doing it late after the final ‘life event’ meeting.  Not that I wasn’t bombarded by texts nearly every day too.  Will next week be different?  No clue, but I’m hoping it is.

Wish there was more to talk about it, but this feels like another week absorbed by the ‘life event’.  That should end soon, but I don’t know how long it will take me to recover.  I feel like every time I drop my guard, my imagination goes into doom spiraling about my life instead of writing stories.  I miss the version of myself that could sit down and escape reality with my writing.  Haven’t been that way in years because things always seem to be dire and stressful.  The fact that I’m struggling to edit isn’t a good sign.  My plan is to fix that this weekend though.  I say that all the time though.  Not an author of my word since I falter all the time.  Maybe I’ll get back to what I was one day.

Goals of the week?

  1. Edit Darwin & the Fate Bracelet
  2. Help son study for midterms when he is here.
  3. ‘Life event’!
  4. Finish watching ‘Flame of Recca’ and start the old ‘Highlander’ series.
  5. Do more or complete the March blog posts.
  6. Relax?
  7. Replace CPAP parts without breaking the machine or getting it stuck to my face.
  8. Order boneless wings for lunch today because it’s been a while.
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Questions 3: Fondness of the Past

Posted on January 19, 2024 by Charles Yallowitz

I have a feeling that I woke up today and chose violence with this post.  We all have connections to the past that we remember fondly.  Items and styles that we wish were still popular.  Unsure of the things that replaced them.  Sadly, we all hit that point one day and can only take solace in the fact that the youngsters will meet the same fate.  In other words:

Grandpa Simpson

Now for the questions.

  1. What is a piece of technology that you miss from the past?
  2. What is your favorite song from the past?
  3. If you could bring any tangible object back from the past, what would it be?
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What’s Happening in the Literary World–January Edition

Posted on January 19, 2024 by Charles Yallowitz

Jacqui here with my first posting to Story Empire. I’m so excited to be part of this amazing group of authors. I have long read their posts, followed…

What’s Happening in the Literary World–January Edition
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Poetry Day: Here We Are Again

Posted on January 18, 2024 by Charles Yallowitz

Bullet Train

(I don’t remember the specific events, but that’s probably because it happened a lot in the past.  You start making headway and think you’re about to gain stability.  Then, you get one unforeseen accident and you’re back to the starting line.  This is why I sometimes think true stability of life is impossible.  Most people will always be living under the threat of that one big disaster.)

Our position has not changed

We are back to where we were

Stress barking at our heels

Evolving into terror

That we are forever trapped

A year of working hard

Dashed by misfortune and despair

One holding to a basic job

The other back at home

All hopes and goals are paused

As the newest pieces crumbling

Revealing the tattered tapestry

That we fought so hard to mend

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Best of 2023 #3: 7 Tips to Writing About Blunt Weapons

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Charles Yallowitz

(This was originally posted on March 8th, 2023.  Seems I started 2023 strong.)

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Since these kinds of weapons differ from swords and spears, you can’t always use the same tactics.  Swinging a club will not have the same effect as slashing with a cutlass.  So, what are some things that will help you with this type of weapon?

  1. Nobody who masters a mace or hammer will have stabs as their main strategy.  It may help to push enemies away to get space, but these weapons are most effective when being swing.  This is because a lunge or jab is a quick burst, but doesn’t have the same power as a full swing.
  2. Due to the goal being to break bones and organs, a person using these weapons will aim for specific spots.  Heads and ribs are fairly popular in fiction because they make for one-hit kills.  Yet, an adventurer with a mace might start off by aiming for other areas.  For example, hitting joints, even if they are armored, can weaken an enemy enough to make the rest of the fighter easier.  You have more opportunities to hit wrists and elbows than heads and torsos.
  3. Blunt weapons have no edge, so the area that needs to hit is smaller than that of a sword.  Striking with the side of the long handle can hurt, but that’s not going to do much damage.  Similar to stabbing, a blunt weapon has a small spot that needs to make contact with when compared to its size.  Glancing blows might not have the same affect as well.  You need a direct hit to deliver the full power of the attack.  So, warriors who use this weapon will use tactics to make sure they increase their chances of a direct hit.
  4. The really big blunt weapons need two hands unless the warrior possesses superhuman strength.  This goes for all weapons, but you really need to consider the size of the warrior when compared to the size of what they’re swinging.  Outside of magical enhancement, a halfling can’t go swinging a maul made for an orc like it’s a wooden toy sword.
  5. Yes, blunt weapons make a lot of sense against undead.  There’s nothing wrong with following this trope.
  6. Spikes on blunt weapons can add a stabbing affect, but it can come at a price.  The additions don’t turn these weapons into swords or spears.  They increase the chance of breaking the skin and puncturing armor.  This also means there is a chance that they get stuck.  A spiked club getting through platemail can result in the enemy getting stuck on the weapon.  If it’s a deathblow, the warrior has to dislodge his weapon from a limp body.  If the other person is still alive, they’re now stuck within swinging range.
  7. While anything can be used as a club, blunt weapons do have some designs that make them different from improvised weapons.  There is a weight and balance to each one that allows for effective blows.  If this is off then the weapon can break or not strike with enough impact.  You don’t really have to consider this too much outside of writing barfights where random objects are being swung.
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Outlining Finesse, Part 1

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Charles Yallowitz

by Stephen Geez Greetings, Story Empire mavens! I’m starting the year with a series of posts about how to make outlining work for you. Beem Weeks and…

Outlining Finesse, Part 1
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Guest Author Gwen M. Plano #newbook The Soul Whisperer’s Decision

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Charles Yallowitz

I am pleased to have Gwen Plano visiting today. She is out and about talking about her new book, The Soul Whisperer’s Decision. Please welcome Gwen. …

Guest Author Gwen M. Plano #newbook The Soul Whisperer’s Decision
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The Life & Times of Ichabod Brooks Available on Amazon!

Posted on January 16, 2024 by Charles Yallowitz

Cover Art by Circecorp

The Life & Times of Ichabod Brooks is a fun, popular, and interesting addition to my library.  It stands as the only short story collection I’ve written, but the odd thing is that middle adjective.  People really enjoy Ichabod’s adventures.  He’s an experienced adventurer who takes jobs to put food on the table.  There’s no grand quest beyond making sure his family is supported.  So, I got to write him like an average person who goes on adventures with magical gear.  People really liked his personality and how he treated his adventures like 9-5 jobs.  Yet, the collection never seems to move.

Feel free to change that by getting the paperback for $12 or the eBook for $2.99.  That’s 11 adventures for those prices.  Check out the teaser to get a taste of what’s going to happen.

*****

It is a faint grunt that causes Ichabod to walk toward the remains of an ancient wall, the only parts standing being kept up by three large mirrors. Readying his bow, the adventurer inches around the corner and prepares to fire at whatever jumps out at him. He finds nothing more than an empty patch of dirt, which shows signs of being recently disturbed. Broken roots are exposed and bent upwards as if someone attempted to yank them free and failed. Picking up a fallen branch, Ichabod pokes at the overturned soil and finds a few rocks hidden an inch below the surface. Stepping a little closer, he jabs the stick into the middle of the dirt and nearly falls into the hole that is revealed by the small cave in. It is only the balance belt that saves him, the muscular adventurer standing on his toes at the edge of a ring of stones. Gazing into the gap, he can see the bottom where a darker soil swallows any light that touches it.

“I’m rethinking my decision to do this alone!” Jet shouts, his voice startling Ichabod. The chaos elf is nowhere to be seen, but the sound of him struggling comes from high within the canopy. “Seems the plants and animals here are rather hostile. Not sure if you ran into anything on the coast, but I swung back this way when I met a really nasty critter. Must have been at least twelve feet tall with fur the color of a beautiful sky complete with a few clouds. I’d say it was gorgeous, but the teeth, claws, and horns were rather daunting. Poison doesn’t seem to slow it down either. Have you found me yet because I’m getting tired of talking? You’re just standing there, aren’t you?”

“Had to tie my boots and then take some time to revel in the moment,” Ichabod replies with a wide grin. Peering into the trees, he can barely make out a cobalt-colored ear on the other side of a wall of leaves. “Pretty lucky that I gave up searching the shore after finding enough supplies for a campfire and torches. Give me a minute to climb up there and cut you down. What happened to you anyway?”

“Oh, I was doing my makeup in a mirror when these vines grabbed me. What do you think happened, old man?” Jet snaps, his usual calm broken by the blood rushing to his head. The assassin grunts as he tries to swing himself into the open, but the thorny vines refuse to budge no more than an inch. “Sorry. I haven’t eaten in hours, I’m dizzy, and I’m getting frustrated. This plant looked like a patch of grass and it caught me when I stepped on it. Dragged me up here and is waiting for its poison to melt my innards. Won’t work thanks to my ring, but this cocoon is too tight for me to wriggle out of. Shoot me down and I’ll consider us even for the time I didn’t kill you.”

“Pretty sure that was already settled when I let you escape a year ago,” the adventurer mutters as he moves into the trees. Looking up, he tries not to laugh at how Jet is wrapped from neck to ankles by fluorescent yellow vines. “Please tell me the grass wasn’t that color. A newborn could avoid a trap like that. Utter one insult and I’ll leave you there. Those vines need to have an anchor down here somewhere.”

“I don’t want to land on my head.”

“Don’t worry. Pretty sure you’ll land on your face.”

“You’re really enjoying this.”

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Paul’s Pensive Pen Shop: All Purchases Come with Laundromat Coupons

Posted on January 15, 2024 by Charles Yallowitz

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Welcome to our little shop where you can buy any of our special pens.  They’re special because they all do something magical.  We make sure that what you purchase only functions in your hands too.  So, there is no fear of someone using it to finish a crossword puzzle or make a grocery list.  They will also return to their case if left untouched for an hour, so don’t worry about it getting thrown out.  Now, here is our list-

  • Ballpoint– Our standard pen, which is able to write on its own for a minute in case your fingers need a short break.  All you need to do is focus on the pen with what you want it to write.  It might pick up on subconscious thoughts if you aren’t careful.
  • Quill– Made from one of our many feather types, it will take the form of whatever bird it came from.  This is a magical beast that will obey nearly all of your commands.  It will not attack your enemies unless it feels like it.  None of these quills have been housebroken.
  • Fountain– By twisting the tip, you can have the pen release a cup of any drink of your choice.  There is a four use per day limit, but that can be raised to seven for coffee and twelve for water.
  • Qalam– A lesser known pen for Islamic calligraphy, it can only be used to write nonfiction.  Any attempt at writing fiction will cause the pen to stop working until you do what it wants.
  • Transparent– Being able to see the inner workings of the pen means they are easy to fix.  The only power they have is granting x-ray vision, but only with clothing.  Not recommended for use in public or around mirrors.
  • Highlighter– Turn on when writing and it will react to any typos immediately.  It cannot be stopped and will continue to highlight area until issue is fixed.
  • Dip Pen– Can be dipped into any liquid and turn it into ink.  If used with blood, it will become vampiric for 24 hours and need to be locked in a holy safe.
  • Multi-Pen– Can range from 3 to 7 colors, which cannot be used at the same time.  Each color can be used to rewrite another.  This can help erase typos or redo entire sections of text.  If one does manage to get multiple nibs out, they will open a tear in reality and get sucked into oblivion.  No refunds upon death by void.
  • Skin Pen– Used to write on skin, they are only sold to artists who provide a portfolio and pass inspection.  All images created by this pen are able to move about the person’s body.  Under lunar eclipses, the images may leave the skin to do whatever their real versions would do.  For example, an image of Godzilla will attempt to reach Tokyo and destroy it.
  • Space Pen– Able to write in zero gravity, you can use this in your own home.  It simply eliminates all gravity in the room until it is put away.  Please make sure important and fragile items are protected.
  • Gel Pens–  No magic.  They’re just so cool to use.
Posted in Olde Shoppe Stories | Tagged , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Designing eye-catching book covers – Fiction

Posted on January 15, 2024 by Charles Yallowitz

Hi everyone, I’m Robbie Cheadle and this is my first post as part of the Story Empire team. I am a poet, writer of children’s books and paranormal …

Designing eye-catching book covers – Fiction
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