Alexander Corby 🇵🇷

Writer, teacher, circus artist, and parent.
Cisgender Male (He/him)

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npub1dh3srm7dujfs5qym0wnmta8smpurmtr73laz2htdxmqa9dwwg85shq6dav

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nprofile1qqsxmccpalx7fyc2qzdhhfa47ncds7pa43lgl739t4kndswjkh8yr6gpz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumt0wd68ytnsw43qzxrhwden5te0wfjkccte9ehx7umhdpjhyefwvdhk6732rc3

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relay.mostr.pub

relay.noswhere.com

relay.nostr.band

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npub1dh3srm7dujfs5qym0wnmta8smpurmtr73laz2htdxmqa9dwwg85shq6dav

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Last Notes

2024-08-17 15:14:16

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@npub1knz…c73p Hey, It's not our fault that humanity got stuck using arbitrary units of measurement that needed these insane constants to balance out the equation.

2024-07-24 15:05:03

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@npub1eeu…4aku 😆 😆 😆

2024-07-11 21:29:42

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@npub1aqk…lprf This concept sounds amazing! Please tell us when it’s ready to read!

2024-07-03 20:34:18

“Daddy, do snakes have butts?” and other questions from a 6 year old I am absolutely not qualified to answer.

2024-07-02 14:19:38

#WritersCoffeeClub 7/1 Do you know what kind of cover you'd like for your WIP?
For B2 of Taliesin, I'm envisioning something that teases us with the idea of the giant, Bran. Maybe an image of Taliesin, now grown, maybe looking out to sea while leaning against a monumental pillar. It should take an extra glance or two before we realize the pillar is actually a leg (the calf or shin only) and Tali is riding comfortably on a giant's foot.
Let me know if anyone wants to take a stab at that.

2024-06-30 15:55:44

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@npub1k24…26zw Gracias!

2024-06-25 03:57:11

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@npub1kvw…5jv7 I got the same

2024-06-15 15:03:03

#WordWeavers 6/15 Do your characters suffer from insomnia?
No one I've written yet is a legit insomniac, but if there's something bothering the character, they might have trouble sleeping. Tali is plagued by dreams that mess with his sleep. He'll occasionally go without sleep if he needs to do something under the cover of night.
How the heck do these medieval heroes survive all that late night adventuring without a decent cup of coffee anyway?

2024-06-10 14:41:01

#WritersCoffeeClub 6/10 Do you revise and add more plot if the story is too short?
I've never once had this problem.
I tend to overwrite and have a pretty deep well of ideas I want to get out. My task is shaving down the plot because my stories tend to be longer than they need to be.
I think of it like sculpting. It's easier for me to plop down a giant block of unrefined clay and gradually carve out the story. If I try to add something after the fact, it'll just look out of place and sloppy.

2024-06-05 14:47:00

#WordWeavers 6/5 Do you have fans?
I have great, supportive readers for all my work but actually, my most ardent fans are the people who read my erotica stuff. I frequently get great compliments and feedback from people I don't know and who will never know me by my actual name.
There's something very healing about writing out my horniest fantasies that I was always taught to be ashamed of and then to have a complete stranger go out of their way to tell me how beautiful my stories are.

2024-06-04 17:56:51

#WordWeavers 6/4: Antagonist POV Apology
MATHOLWCH: What should I apologize for? Honoring the laws of Ireland? For demanding fair retribution for an unthinkable loss? A king acts on the law alone, not his own sentimentality!

2024-05-27 13:34:44

#WritersCoffeeClub 5/27 Ideal Story Length
Listen, I could drag a story out to 200K words if I wanted, and maybe that's what some stories need. But I've been trying to apply the idea of "less is more" to my writing.
Could I shorten this 120K draft to 110K? 100? I feel I tend to overwrite when left to my own devices, so aiming to cut down the word count usually helps me streamline and tidy up the story.

2024-05-24 18:26:43

#WritersCoffeeClub 5/24: A work of fiction that you could write better?
I'd take a stab at the Book of Revelations. Maybe streamline a few things, like do we need 7 of EVERYTHING? 7 trumpets, 7 bowls, 7 seals! Let's keep it to 2 trumpets and a dozen plates.
Also I'd write it from the viewpoint of the Beast with (you guessed it!) 7 heads and how the lamb of God is actually a conceited jerk.
Oh! And let's put the whole thing in a post-apocalyptic setting!
No, wait...that won't work...

2024-05-16 13:46:35

#WritersCoffeeClub: 5/16 Target audience?
Taliesin is histfic/mythology. I'm not sure that pertains to a particular age group. Most younger readers (10-13 yrs) I've tried the book on don't connect with it. Anyone who left me reviews is at least over 30, so I guess I attract a more mature crowd.
At the end of the day, my target audience is anyone with the patience to read long, undecipherable Welsh names.
(I GAVE YOU A PRONUNCIATION GUIDE, PEOPLE!)

2024-05-15 14:03:02

#WordWeavers 5/15: Most and least gullible characters?
Bran is no fool, but he has a trusting nature that allows him to be deceived sometimes. When the Irish pull their own "Trojan Horse" stunt, and offer to build Bran a house he can actually fit in, he takes it at face value.
Taliesin can literally see lies as they are spoken, so it's really hard to pull one over on him. He's certainly not infallible, however, and he does make some key lapses in judgement.

2024-05-11 16:18:53

“Did you like the pancakes, honey?”
“I dunno. I they were a little too thin. They tasted kinda crepey.”

2024-04-13 14:50:53

#wordweavers22
Quick aside
The more I research, the more parallels I see between the 2nd branch of the Mabinogion and Homer's Illiad.
Rival nation (Ireland/Troy) marries/absconds with a woman from (Wales/Greece).
Misgivings over marriage unites (Welsh/Greeks) and launches army across the sea.
Legendary battle ensues with various heroes and dramas.
After years of catastrophic battle, heroes (Welsh/Greeks) take decades to come back home.
In conclusion, Homer the Greek plagiarized my work!!

2024-04-12 18:53:17

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@npub15ax…lqq5 Thank you! I'm so glad you are enjoying it. Take all the time you need!
(When you do finish, even a very brief review would mean a lot! Many Thanks!)

2024-04-11 17:32:20

#WordWeavers 4/11 How powerful is your antagonist?
Matholwch is high king of Ireland, so that's pretty powerful. He's the first to unite the five corners of Ireland under one ruler, but that didn't come without a price. He's ever playing politics with the different lords, specifically Lord Eioch of Ulster, his most powerful rival. Matholwch's marriage to a Welsh princess and his bid to strike an alliance with the Welsh is ruffling a lot of feathers.

2024-04-09 14:52:24

#WordWeavers 4/9 What powers influence your characters?
For most of the population, political, economic, and religious forces control their lives. Mererid is driven to Catnre'r Gwaelod after losing her family in a Saxon raid and seeks economic opportunity.
For the main characters (Gwyddno and Taliesin mostly) there is the world of Annwn to deal with. Gwyddno built his incredible sunken city with help from the lord of Annwn, Arawn who is now looking to collect on the favor.

2024-04-06 20:20:12

#WordWeavers 4/6 “Cuz I’m just a soul who’s intentions are good …”
Taliesin doesn’t feel understood but it doesn’t bother him. Most people don’t connect with him since it’s a little unnerving to be around someone who knows you better than you do yourself.
The cruel irony is that the one person Tali doesn’t understand is himself. His clairvoyance allows him to see the hearts and minds of others but mortals cannot look into their own souls. It’s a self reference problem

2024-03-31 12:42:36

#WordWeavers 3/31: What kind of swag would you offer with your book?
Never considered it, but some ideas are:
-a bookmark
- a print of original art by the cover artist Anna Semizhonova
- a foot tall bust of my head carved from marble. Perfect to put on the fireplace mantle or in your personal study. Add class and panache to your home with my studious face constantly glaring at you from the walls.
Add glow-in-the-dark paint to the eyes to really freak out guests in the middle of the night!

2024-03-22 12:37:48

#WritersCoffeeClub 3/22 Should a book ever be banned?
I agree with others here that literacy and education are better safeguards against hate and misinformation that trying to erase it. Banning a book just labels it as forbidden knowledge, and we all know how that story turned out.
On that note, I'd like to alert all Christian fundamentalists that Taliesin, Chief of Bards, challenges Christian morals and exposes readers to Pagan ideas. You should ban it immediately.
I could use the sales.

2024-03-16 14:46:36

#WordWeavers 3/16 How is spring celebrated in your world?
In 6th century Wales, the big date was Calan Mai (May 1st) Bonfires were lit, people put up Hawthorn boughs around their houses, and there was the typical drinking and revelry.
Taliesin always celebrated Calan Mai differently in Cantre'r Gwaelod and later in Rheged, mostly because Calan Mai is his birthday.
Well, more like his getting-found-at-sea-in-a-bag day.

2024-03-15 16:37:11

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2/2
When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017 we hosted our niece and nephew for four months in El Paso while their schools were shutdown. It was the first time my own family became climate refugees. The hurricane eventually caused the deaths of 5,465 people. The current storm in Indonesia has killed 27 people in addition to my friend.
How long will it be until it is my house buried in a landslide, or my brother's destroyed by sea level rise? How long until we demand justice?
#Climate #Bali
https://storage.googleapis.com/indieauthors/media_attachments/files/112/100/423/356/578/856/original/6a555b53bf028cfe.jpg

2024-03-15 16:23:23

My friend was killed by the Climate Catastrophe this morning.
I had the honor of traveling with Angelina on a social circus tour in Peru and knew her as one of the sweetest, most caring people in my life.
I am heartbroken today and furious. I am furious at our society that treats the planet as an afterthought, I am furious at the criminal industrialists that lie and kill for profit. I am furious at myself, for not doing more to speak up.
https://balidiscovery.com/two-foreign-tourists-killed-in-landslide/
1/2

2024-03-15 13:18:11

#WritersCoffeeClub What would one of your stories be like in an AU?
Hmm, which one? Infinity is a big number after all.
AU4078b: Taliesin wields his power like a dark tyrant, expands the Welsh empire to rival Rome.
AU215X: Walrus Taliesin, armed with his enchanted tusks,
must battle an army of Yetis
AU1953: Beatnik Taliesin
AUCheeseball3: Taliesin teams up with Baba Yaga and Anansi spider as the trio discovers the true meaning of Canada Day

2024-03-15 12:56:46

#WordWeavers 3/15: Are any of your MC's a minority ethnicity in their world?
The ethnicities in Jib's world are loosely defined. You have tree people (wealthy, highly stratified society), ground dwellers (simpler, more egalitarian communities) and field nomads (mostly ground dwelling, but mobile)
Jib is a ground dweller from the Ivy Patch, a heavily oppressed, colonized territory. Hardly any tree nation has seen anyone from the Ivy patch, so Jib is a sort of minority.

2024-03-14 16:14:01

#WordWeavers 3.19 What role does ethnicity play in your world?
I’m pretty sure there were isolated instances of people south of the Mediterranean traveling to Wales and Ireland, but the whole region was ver homogeneous by our standards in the 6th century. The big ethnic tension in B2 of Taliesin is between the Irish and the Welsh. The Welsh hate the Irish because of their raids on the Welsh coast, and the Irish believe the Welsh are dark magic workers in a land full of monsters and giants.

2024-03-13 22:58:31

#WordWeavers 3/12 What would the MC hate the most in our world?
We might make some enemies on this one, but Taliesin would hate what he'd call "the proliferation of the written word"
In Tali's world, knowledge was told orally and thus resonated more with the audience. Tali does see the value in books and preserved knowledge, but sees it as second tier to living the experience of a well told/sung story.
"Why can't these fools tell if it's raining or not unless their cursed phone tells them?!"

2024-03-10 14:52:19

#WordWeavers 3/10 What annoys the antagonist about the world?
Arawn, the lord of Annwn, is fed up with these self-righteous groups of humans that tromp all over his island every other century. There were the Celts, then then Gaels, then the Romans, then the Saxons, it never bleeding ends!
And they build the stupidest shit out of flimsy rocks, it's a miracle if those 'henges' will last two millennia, at best.
It's really making him consider certain forms of pest control.

2024-03-01 19:17:55

#WritersCoffeeClub 3/1 What inspired you to write?
Just being a voracious reader as a kid. I also had an active imagination so I was constantly creating stories and worlds in my head.
The push to actually finish a project came from the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman. The idea of a Library of Unwritten books really spoke to me and helped me think of the final draft as already finished, just waiting to be typed up.
https://storage.googleapis.com/indieauthors/media_attachments/files/112/021/784/202/520/831/original/234fafdc75543b19.webp

2024-02-15 15:17:53

#WordWeavers 2/15: What does your MC think their greatest achievement is?
For Avelyn, probably that time she helped turn Pete Grayson into a donkey. He wasn't going to put that donkey charm on himself, obviously, so she had to get up way early in the morning to sew the charm into the fabric of his boot before he woke up. Was it fair to Pete? Probably not, but that guy took 3 charms off Habby and hasn't paid up for over a year. Now he can work off his debt as a pack mule.

2024-02-02 13:34:30

#WordWeavers 2/2 Happy Psychic Rodent Day!
What room in your place would be your MC's favorite?
I have a lovely terrace balcony that overlooks the Caguas valley below. I'm positive that Avelyn would adore it. Beautiful expansive views, lots of little critters. We have lizards, birds, coquis, snakes, and mice darting around. Avelyn could spend hours just watching and observing. She's a collector by nature, so any stray snail shell or fascinating rock is gold for her.

2024-01-24 17:37:46

#WritersCoffeeClub 1/24 Do you ignore your editor/proofreader?
I paid for one editor who scammed me, so yes I very proactively ignore that person.
My proofreader turned out to be a good friend of mine from HS. I griped online once about writing a novel and she responded that she really wanted to read it. She's why I made the push to finally finish the book. She read every draft and gave me invaluable feedback each time. I don't ignore that person, she was my savior!

2023-12-13 20:24:12

#WordWeavers 12/13 Share a review/compliment you're proud of.
I don't have a ton of reviews but all so far have been sparkling, such as the lovely review left by @npub16uc…k62q on Goodreads (Thank you!!)
My most satisfying 'victory' was getting a rating by a random person on Goodreads. When I checked their profile, I saw that this was one heavy-reader and had rated hundreds of books ranging from 2-4 stars with only a select few earning 5. My book was one of those select few 😎

2023-12-07 19:43:46

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@npub16uc…k62q Thank you so very much for the review! So glad you enjoyed it! I'm working hard to get the sequel out ASAP

2023-10-31 15:16:37

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@npub15wt…7rek I don't suppose you're living in Australia? The green ants they have there are a true horror

2023-10-31 14:55:47

#WritersCoffeeClub 10/31: Horror
There are horror elements in Taliesin and I wrote a few horror shorts that never got picked up. In one, a swarm of ants attack a train after everyone takes of their K95's prematurely.
In another, a group of islanders are lured to a sandbar filled with delicious sea eggs and are 'caught' by underwater fishers.
Here's a link to my one 'horror' story that got published, though it's more post-apacolytpic than real horror
https://corbystories.wordpress.com/dispersal-by-sea/

2023-10-27 15:37:17

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@npub16uc…k62q Thank you so very much! I'm so glad you enjoyed! I didn't even realize that Amazon only allows consistent customers to leave reviews, but I'm certainly not surprised. I believe the book should be on Goodreads. Really appreciate it!

2023-10-27 15:13:57

#WordWeavers 10/27: reading or writing in your stories?
In Taliesin, we're still in the dark ages. Most people were illiterate and stories kept orally. Some characters learn to read/write Latin from the monks. Tali knows how to read/write, but still prefers the oral tradition.
In my SciFi circus story, reading is obsolete thanks to Stream rings that interpret QR codes for their wearer, except for Behrvon's circus troupe. He won't let anyone onstage to perform until they learn to read.

2023-10-09 16:43:46

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@npub1gvl…8ag7 I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's accident. I also lost my dad when I was three in a car accident. It definitely colors your perspective on death and life.

2023-10-08 18:17:03

#WordWeavers 10/8 What will the MC hear if they open the window?
Well, I don't think they had glass windows in the mid 500's, not in Britain. But outside Taliesin's house in Cantre'r Gwaelod, he would hear the bustle of merchants and clanging of blacksmiths. From farther away he'd hear the call of gulls and the laughter from the fishing boats in the harbor. And then, echoing across the walls and stone towers would be the dull roar of waves crashing against the metal sea gates.
#Mythology

2023-10-03 15:54:25

#WordWeavers 10/3: How do you convey characters' emotions.
This is the crux of all great writing, isn't it? You could have a crap plot, but if your readers connect emotionally with the characters, you're gold!
With that in mind, Yes, generally it's better to show and not tell, but if I need to spell it out plain and simple sometimes, then that's what I'll do. I also like to use personification for emotions.
i.e. his rage scorched the assembly, burning the face of any who dared meet his eyes.

2023-09-30 13:52:36

#WritersCoffeeClub 9/30 : Dumb things people say when they hear you're a writer?
This is more from people who read my book or attempted to. The chief complaint is "I liked it, but I couldn't get past all those crazy names!"
I know, I know, some people have difficulty with names, but c'mon people! These are 6th century Welsh characters! Did you want me to call the book "Tom, boss of songs, against King Kyle of Wales-ville?"
I GAVE you all a pronunciation guide!!

2023-09-27 21:02:25

#WritersCoffeeClub 9/27 Weirdest research.
Some notable past searches include the following:
1. How hot is bombardier beetle butt juice?
2. How did the medieval Welsh go to the bathroom?
3. How quickly does gangrene set in?
4. What gets you drunk quicker, wine or mead?
5. Places to buy mead near me?
6. What cures a mead hangover?
Full disclaimer, I never said all of these were for my writing.

2023-09-17 16:33:06

#WritersCoffeeClub 9/17 How do you promote your writing?
That depends on its annual performance review. If the story has been pulling its weight, I offer it a supervising position, maybe assistant manager.
That’s what we’re talking about, right?
Ok, my promotion game is bad/non-existent. However, I did just finish my author’s website! There are some shorts on there you can read for free, constructive criticism welcome!
https://corbystories.wordpress.com/
#Writing #ShortStory

2023-08-31 17:44:44

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@npub16uc…k62q I'm using the Mabinogion as a basis for the story, but I add a lot of my own elements and other British legends for something I hope is original

2023-08-31 17:43:09

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@npub16uc…k62q My family is Welsh and I became fascinated with the psuedo-historical figure of Taliesin. My first book, Taliesin, Chief of Bards, tells about Taliesin's origin based off the last bit of the Mabinogion. I wanted to write a sequel so I tried tho think what other things Taliesin does in his life that would make a great book. Turns out he's a named character in the second part of the Mabinogion filled with war, magic, and betrayal, so that's what I'm doing for book 2!

2023-08-31 17:32:45

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@npub16uc…k62q I'm writing my version of her, but ultimately that's not my character creation. Most of the characters I'm using for this book come straight out of the Mabinogion.

2023-08-31 17:21:24

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@npub1k74…dmux It certainly was an understatement!😆

2023-08-31 17:15:34

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@npub1k74…dmux Don't blame yourself. Dude should have tried therapy before jumping into a marriage.

2023-08-31 17:01:11

#WritingWonders 8/31: Has the MC ever approved of what the antagonist does and vice versa?
Taliesin and Matholwch actually have a great deal of respect for each other. Taliesin, initially, sees Matholwch as a benevolent, neighborly king, and he is until things go sour with Branwen.
Matholwch both respects and fears Taliesin. When somebody can see every one of your past deeds and deepest nightmares, you'd probably treat them with fearful respect too!
#Mythology

2023-08-12 13:47:18

#WritingWonders 8/12: Does the MC have any prejudices?
Taliesin does not! Thing is he can peer into a person’s past and future and see their soul, so there’s nothing pre-judged about it. If he doesn’t like you it’s because you are truly a bad person.
Plenty of other characters are prejudiced. Bryn hates the Christians, Tudno hates the Pagans, the Welsh kings hate the Irish, the Irish lords hate the Welsh, and everyone hates Efnysien.
#mythology

2023-08-11 17:11:54

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@npub1nxt…055a I tried a basic three month campaign and didn’t see a huge uptick, but it’s hard to say for certain. I should probably give it another try or two before giving up on it.

2023-08-09 18:52:55

Yeesh! It looks like I pissed off a den of nazis lurking around here. Getting a small bombardment of some seriously messed up shit. I'm tempted to return the vitriol in kind, by why argue with intellectual toddlers? Now, I'm just wishing them luck in dealing with their insecurity issues, conveying my hopes that they find their way out of hate and blocking them and their instances one-by-one.

2023-08-09 18:02:44

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@npub13r2…tqc5 I am sorry you are dealing with these issues of insecurity and teen angst. I hope that you get the help you need and find happiness in the future. Sadly I do not have the tools to effectively help you. All the best in your journey away from hate. 😔

2023-08-09 16:51:42

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@npub1e8v…s7yy @npub1edk…7seg People of color are not your fucking livestock, there is no such thing as an innocent Nazi, Jews are my friends and family, and you need to grow up and get your head out of your racist, ignorant ass.
Stay well away from me and mine.

2023-08-08 15:48:02

#WritingWonders 8/8: MC's bedtime routine.
As a kid, Taliesin was forced to say prayers before bed by his mother and never really complained about it. After his awakening, Taliesin is less concerned about prayers and spends his time before bed practicing his songs mostly for fun (he's not the least worried about freezing during a performance). Taliesin still respects the church but now feels better celebrating his spirituality in his own way.
#Mythology

2023-08-08 15:39:17

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@npub1edk…7seg That's excellent! I can only imagine the memes concerning giant people snacking on Nazis.

2023-08-07 19:05:53

Making some DIY classroom decorations this year. I was especially pleased with this one.
#Educator #Physics
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