Dave Dawkins (D. Harrigon)

Rich, fascinating stories, board game designs, and random thoughts, graciously provided by David Dawkins.
#Writer #Writing #BoardGames #Fantasy #SciFi #Authodon

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npub1ygx0mc0nd3ad89yckffvdffl37w3zv894wwatavja8j54d6lt3fqdqkh6j

NIP-05 Address

[email protected]

Profile Code

nprofile1qqszyr8au8ekc7knjjvty5kx55lcl8g3xrj6h8w47kfwne22ka04c5spz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dsfap7q8

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub1ygx0mc0nd3ad89yckffvdffl37w3zv894wwatavja8j54d6lt3fqdqkh6j

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Last Notes

2024-08-19 23:28:21

Things are getting a little stressful, right now. I have several big things coming up, a major edit of my next book with a new editor, a big trip to Europe, a board game design to show at PAX Australia. I'm sure I can fit it all in if I can just stop my brain self sabotaging.
#WritersLife #BoardGames #travel
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/990/794/437/737/595/original/129185e64065ce78.jpg

2024-08-14 01:37:28

#PennedPossibilities
404: Prompt not found.
Okay, that's just funny.

2024-08-09 01:52:03

Looks like the new foot bridge over the river in Deloraine will have a gentle on and off ramp, making it more wheelchair friendly.
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/929/086/934/268/349/original/fb7f755778782256.jpg

2024-08-08 01:04:20

#WritersCoffeeClub
What is the best thing you've done (or might do) to a reader's state of mind?
#WritingCommunity #humanity
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/923/231/923/450/309/original/403a2f0fdbd0525f.jpg

2024-08-05 05:26:48

Bronze medal for rifle. Gold medal for bling.
(I still haven't watched any sports, yet.)
#Olympics #sports #funny
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/907/267/566/196/277/original/a1cf030a6e99f95c.jpg
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/907/268/953/243/506/original/7f953a9d5b1911a3.jpg

2024-08-03 10:26:58

Sunset and we're still playing #boardgames! A great play of Rajas of the Ganges, some perfectly acceptable games of High Society, and a few rounds of King Domino before dinner. Next up Five Tribes!
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/897/128/059/869/462/original/8f7beaad1547d40d.jpg

2024-08-03 02:12:46

In a fantasy world, it's useful to remember that your church is the thing that replaces social media as a source of community, information and ... other things.
#WorldBuilding #WritingTips #AmWriting #writing #ttrpg #dnd #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/895/120/163/598/332/original/a1b52f0759d216ea.jpg

2024-08-02 01:58:43

Study Finds Consumers Are Actively Turned Off by Products That Use AI
"When AI is mentioned, it tends to lower emotional trust, which in turn decreases purchase intentions."
https://futurism.com/the-byte/study-consumers-turned-off-products-ai
#ai #collapse
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/889/472/126/274/905/original/b2e2f18ab20375c3.jpg

2024-08-01 01:15:46

Do you create original monsters for your stories, or rely on the old standards but with a twist?
#AmWriting #writing #fantasy #horror #ttrpg #dnd #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/883/631/927/450/597/original/10ad81084ab7145f.jpg

2024-07-29 05:27:47

If you do go and see #DeadpoolAndWolverine which you should, make sure you sit all the way through the credits and watch the after credit scene. The one right at the end.
#movies #fun

2024-07-28 10:14:32

Is magic a trivial thing on your world, or something more serious? Who might see it the opposite way?
#magic #fantasy #AmWriting #writing #GameDev #ttrpg #dnd
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/863/103/235/165/232/original/b5e847695a521c44.jpg

2024-07-26 07:21:22

#WritersCoffeeClub
Favourite Scene> Share a snippet of a favourite scene in your WIP.
My character in Desolation is great at making friends.
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #writing #Desolation
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/851/100/661/740/372/original/bc936a1f295cef6c.jpg

2024-07-24 02:01:52

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@npub1jzd…lx92 First you have to write the room.

2024-07-19 02:27:09

Your characters have a patron that sends them out on missions. How much more are they benefitting?
#WritingTips #AmWriting #writing #ttrpg #dnd #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/810/306/716/733/224/original/2e705c141a7fdade.jpg

2024-07-04 02:34:51

Sometime I get hung up on random bits of lore in my #WorldBuilding that are not even going to make it into the book.
#AmWriting #Writing #ttrpg #dnd #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/725/390/400/254/763/original/cb98d4d1374dcc74.webp

2024-06-29 12:25:43

My new character does like to express herself colourfully. I can barely keep up.
Have you ever had a character speak in a way you didn't plan?
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #writing #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/699/415/026/827/317/original/37cc22a5dd93d6e6.jpg

2024-06-25 15:22:51

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@npub1xpc…3t05 Because then they have to pay you medical, sick-leave, holiday pay, etc, etc.

2024-06-25 03:52:48

#PennedPossibilities
Share an excerpt from your WIP that either shows your villain's true colors or perfectly describes them as a person or being.
Here's Terrance taking comfort from one of the pleasure robots he reprogrammed to help him take over the colony.
#AmWriting #writing #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/674/754/566/184/636/original/ff7f4f4e8c7faacc.png

2024-06-25 01:10:53

Perhaps that loveable rogue is not as loveable as they make out.
#WritingPrompt #AmWriting #writing #authodons #UK #UKPol
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/674/103/333/295/311/original/aee54349b0704e1e.jpg

2024-06-23 03:48:11

I think my biggest goal as a writer will be achieved when someone draws fan art from one of my stories.
That'll be fun.
#WritingCommunity

2024-06-23 00:23:57

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@npub18fk…yjzv And in any case, I prefer cake.

2024-06-23 00:11:28

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@npub16qa…7a4r Alt Text:
An overweight man painted and dressed like Ronald McDonald, carrying a machine gun.

2024-06-21 15:03:22

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@npub1e08…av8p An argument is a connected series of statements intended to establish a definite proposition. So, yes.

2024-06-21 03:57:49

Using figures from Greek Mythology (or other ancient works) doesn't disguise the lack of originality in your work.
Discuss.
#WritingTips #AmWriting #writing #WritingCommunity #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/652/118/180/870/423/original/9b904ede5a2728c2.jpg

2024-06-21 03:02:54

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@npub12j3…y6qj But they spent all that money on buying office buildings during the pandemic. You have to go back or they'll loose money!

2024-06-21 02:47:57

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@npub1xpc…3t05 Nobody deserves what the far-right is currently doing to world politics.

2024-06-21 02:47:14

New book, coming soon!
Sign up to be kept in the loop, and get a free short story!
https://subscribepage.io/ptTdBS
#Books #AmReading #reading @npub1kt3…5004 #DHarrigon #writing
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/651/841/776/796/793/original/e5f71b8e4fca387b.jpg

2024-06-20 01:46:49

Do you understand how evil most social structures are?
#WorldBuilding #AmWriting #ttrpg #writing #dnd #authodons #WritingCommunity
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/645/913/600/960/055/original/c98fc20457d84063.jpg

2024-06-19 08:28:59

A new addition to the household is monopolising all my time.
#guitar #music #AmWriting #NotWriting
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/641/864/025/137/392/original/780b96671dc9a48a.jpg

2024-06-18 10:25:50

Your character knows a blind spot in the camera network.
#WritingPrompt #AmWriting #writing
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/636/614/327/565/662/original/2bd68dac0451a3a9.png

2024-06-18 10:10:01

#WritersCoffeeClub
Do you consciously apply show rather than tell in your writing or do the cards land where they may?
Chekov never did much worldbuilding. His stuff was all set within common eras and social norms. Showing everything in a sci-fi or fantasy setting would bore the living shit out of readers. But there are some authors who do that. And they bore shit out of me.
But if you are going to just tell, make sure it's at least relevant to the immediate scene or action.
#writing

2024-06-17 00:50:20

What's the greatest cultural insight you've had when creating your world?
#WorldBuilding #GameDev #writing #ttrpg #AmWriting #gaming #WritingCommunity #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/628/692/406/407/997/original/03e29a14817c40ce.jpg

2024-06-17 00:34:38

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@npub1v5y…7a3f
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/628/676/312/193/315/original/de1f3399b03bc05b.png

2024-06-16 05:44:26

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@npub14q4…2kk6 Isn't that Fiasco? Or, whatever scenario you create with Fiasco? Or just vanilla Gumshoe, without the Cthulhu bit.

2024-06-16 01:32:25

I'm a romanceable NPC, but you will have to do my side quest.

2024-06-15 03:02:56

Having a playtest for Land of Gold, my tile collecting game. Let's see if the points are as balanced as I hope. (spoiler: probably not)
#BoardGames #TabletopGames #GameDev #PlayTesting
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/617/926/880/594/286/original/26c134a30b7da2a6.jpg

2024-06-14 13:15:05

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@npub1cvv…mv8d It's available, as far as I'm aware.

2024-06-13 07:58:24

That time when I was flying on a saintly aircraft.
#Halo #travel #flying #Australia
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/607/772/154/795/505/original/bbd4d0dc2f93e0b4.mp4

2024-06-12 01:23:52

Water frost detected on Mars' volcanoes in 'significant' first discovery: Study
https://abcnews.go.com/US/water-frost-detected-mars-volcanoes-significant-discovery-study/story?id=110993572
#Science #mars
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/600/551/616/671/566/original/b915fa6f74c79ce8.webp

2024-06-11 15:18:01

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@npub1rk3…4ulp An ocarina, yes.

2024-06-11 00:33:58

Are your heroes helping everyone, or just the people they work for?
#WritingTips #AmWriting #writing #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/594/692/582/990/383/original/3d54e270838f5020.jpg

2024-06-10 00:22:40

#WritersCoffeeClub
How do you select ideas from all the ones floating around?
My stories usually come when some person, or an image of them, an action they're doing, a location they're in, etc, gets stuck in my head. Usually there's a strong emotional feel attached. My new book, for instance, started when I was dozing away one morning and in my head a woman woke up next to a dead body and said, "Oh, no. Not again." That made me sit up.
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #writing

2024-06-10 00:13:40

Historically speaking, there are many different methods by which countries were run. Why is your fantasy setting a Monarchy? (or not?)
#WritingTips #AmWriting #writing #authodons #fantasy
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/588/948/371/447/295/original/394516cbdb147516.jpg

2024-06-09 01:50:55

When your character is about to get fucking boisterous.
#boisterous #swearing #writing
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/583/674/655/580/972/original/c6d5ea450ae4359f.jpg

2024-06-06 04:54:02

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@npub1ew9…qf5p Shame this wasn't in New York.

2024-06-06 04:53:26

Oof. Just had my first major Google search snafu. I'm definitely switching to another search engine. Any suggestions?
#SearchEngine #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #misinformation
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/567/403/571/763/061/original/47958beee6514467.jpg

2024-06-05 01:58:11

Have you ever had to change anything because you felt it was no longer relevant?
I wrote a story a few years ago and I'm polishing it up now for publication and noticing how a few references have dated soooo quickly.
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #writing #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/561/036/164/787/457/original/e9ba16ed802cd95c.jpg

2024-06-05 00:47:32

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@npub1ge8…euc5 So many legs to scratch with.

2024-06-04 01:44:10

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@npub17tp…rpkm
Convince yourself there is some task that needs to get done, then procrastinate against doing it by making some art.
That always works for me.

2024-06-02 04:57:00

How much detail do you go into when thinking about your character? What might they have in their junk drawer, for instance?
#WritingTips #AmWriting #writing #WritingCommunity #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/544/088/089/428/848/original/5fb4ae250642da24.jpg

2024-06-02 01:02:59

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@npub1x57…nnsy Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, basically the program that you would be replacing.

2024-06-01 03:47:59

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@npub1zsw…73vl Yes, things have degraded that much that they understand THEIR SUPPORTERS want to hear this, and that is all they care about. Securing their own future in power, even if not in government.

2024-05-31 09:03:50

It's not usually the man who gets fucked by the porn star, but hey. Such is the world we live in.
#Trump

2024-05-31 00:02:33

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@npub1j66…krh0 Apparently. I haven't really been following things.

2024-05-30 23:55:28

Y'know, I have a major announcement to make regarding my novel, but I think I'm going to give it a day.
#Trump #WritingCommunity #writing

2024-05-29 14:16:24

Remember, if you're inventing a religion it should have an aspect that is completely absurd and ridiculous. And, quite possibly, the only part that is true.
#WorldBuilding #AmWriiting #writing #ttrpg #dnd #GameDev #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/524/317/547/300/280/original/0f645dab344ac76f.jpg

2024-05-29 07:25:56

Goth lasagne, anyone?
#food #NomNomNom #cake
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/522/710/352/047/987/original/ccd1fc7d602f5e93.jpg

2024-05-28 11:59:52

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@npub1t9e…3zdp
So it's going well.
Not for them, but for everyone else.

2024-05-28 11:35:13

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@npub10r3…24e9 I was having fun while playing a bunch of other games at the retreat, but I enjoyed dropping in and seeing it all develop over the course of the game. Big drama when the War Sun had to leave Mecatol Rex.

2024-05-28 03:50:39

Is Furiosa any good? Ask me again in a couple of hours.
#movies #Furiosa

2024-05-28 02:03:00

Who benefits from this dire situation? What are they doing to sustain it?
#WorldBuilding #WritingTips #AmWriting #writing #ttrpg #dnd #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/515/775/439/255/612/original/f2ac687a594f4818.jpg

2024-05-27 11:58:56

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@npub17l2…rzml
Of course. So obvious when you think about it.

2024-05-27 05:53:54

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@npub12c5…3tch
I collected up until about 104, but mostly just because if Momentum. I still miss Thrud.

2024-05-27 05:06:26

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@npub1n0u…z5jr Fortunately it was not me playing, but I shall pass on your sympathies to the relevant parties.

2024-05-27 05:01:36

Yes. That's a seven player game of Twilight Imperium.
#boardgames #Tabletop
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/510/813/252/390/384/original/de6ce067a53eb718.jpg

2024-05-27 01:27:42

Seriously, Apple? Again?
#Password #Apple #tech
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/509/976/541/711/842/original/0dc12290985f5e27.jpg

2024-05-27 00:50:00

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@npub18xe…6pcl The Github is a little more up to date:
https://github.com/KenneyNL/Adobe-Alternatives

2024-05-26 13:34:14

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@npub10yw…9zm7 Bop that head.

2024-05-26 01:38:37

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@npub15js…j8nj Timmy's down the well? Gee, I'd better get help!

2024-05-26 01:31:12

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@npub1v5y…7a3f Vacuum cleaners are awesome at this game.

2024-05-25 04:32:35

This is not all the games.
#boardgames #Tabletop
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/499/376/750/385/608/original/1e470c72ebbf4f9e.mp4

2024-05-24 02:46:57

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@npub1v62…j9c9 Oh, look. A bear.

2024-05-24 02:39:39

What is your character bad at? Obviously we should celebrate our characters best traits, but what is something they fail at consistently?
#WritingTips #AmWriting #writing #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/493/266/869/361/655/original/02ba4a96163848c4.jpg

2024-05-23 03:52:03

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@npub16mz…uzxf First off, I'd have to fly my grandmother to Argentina...

2024-05-23 03:50:23

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@npub15vw…l008 Did you drive them before you and hear the lamentations of their women?
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/487/886/703/406/302/original/79d126d3e3d27887.jpg

2024-05-23 03:16:57

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@npub1s6j…k6rz And what is it with Christmas Pudding?

2024-05-23 03:03:07

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@npub1upj…2c6m It's an older List, but it still (mostly) checks out.
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/487/704/420/411/960/original/13ac354f9f180576.png

2024-05-23 02:54:10

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@npub1aqa…gatm Penguin is Linux.

2024-05-22 01:54:19

Someone reminded me it's time to post some alternatives to Adobe software:
#Adobe #Software #productivity #OpenSource #Free
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/481/604/009/208/455/original/ddf280f39fbc7ad7.jpg

2024-05-22 00:40:57

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@npub152x…mcek
Lightning Punk is the term I use.

2024-05-21 00:36:31

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@npub10ys…9jsj
Ah, sweet schadenfreude.

2024-05-20 02:31:19

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@npub1fjx…apsn Alt Text:
A very cute kitten in a pink bow says, "Fuck what they think."

2024-05-20 02:21:13

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@npub1nvu…q6xh
Ooo! Metre vs Meter. Nightmare fuel.

2024-05-20 02:02:20

I've been writing for so many years and I still get caught up on Discrete vs Discreet. Do any of you have words you struggle with?
https://www.dictionary.com/e/discreet-vs-discrete/
#WritingCommunity #writing #AmWriting #authodons

2024-05-19 23:57:05

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@npub1wwr…xwey Yep! That's the one. Nice coffee.

2024-05-19 14:47:03

Great coffee and catch up with George this morning. Then it was back to #c16Reboot for some interesting panels. A good weekend.
#books #bookstodon #writing #WritersLife
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/467/814/829/668/874/original/13aeecdb5c2fb1cf.jpg

2024-05-19 00:54:02

Does your character have a pet? What is the pet's secret?
#WritingPrompt #AmWriting #writing #authodons #dogs #DogsOfMastodon
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/464/533/545/995/823/original/238ebe9430701e7e.jpg

2024-05-18 13:22:40

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@npub1wwr…xwey Without any downside? There feels like there should be a downside.

2024-05-18 13:13:49

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@npub1wwr…xwey Ooo! A future-set RPG that deals with nanites. I've always wondered how that plays. What did you think?

2024-05-18 11:09:33

When you're Johnny Depp but the other guy is Iggy Pop.
#fame #funny
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/461/301/795/527/265/original/e1348cda4ddca89a.jpg

2024-05-18 09:52:17

Yes, I'm at the same Japanese restaurant as yesterday. Because it's good.
#travelling #Melbourne
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/460/995/856/868/475/original/6a7703806272a6d5.jpg

2024-05-18 00:22:03

A monster on your world displays surprisingly intelligent activity. Has the monster gained some sense, or is someone steering them?
#WorldBuilding #AmWriting #WritingPrompt #writing #ttrpg #dnd #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/458/719/537/120/767/original/0332deeea4cb6ea9.jpg

2024-05-17 05:06:50

Does your character have a favourite place to eat?
#writing #travelling #Melbourne
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/454/216/042/600/093/original/a3a4a1ef4c1d404a.jpg

2024-05-17 00:58:08

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@npub10yw…9zm7
I must get a copy of this! How do I order one from Australia?

2024-05-17 00:16:45

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@npub15js…j8nj
Don't eat the electric fence.
Good advice.

2024-05-15 09:12:13

#WritersCoffeeClub
Have you ever attended a writer's fair / festival to promote your work? Would you?
I'm just about to. I'll be at Continuum in Melbourne, Australia, this weekend. Mostly just to see what's what, but also walking around with a sign and a few books. I do want to give away some review copies, if I can find a good fit.
#WritingCommunity #writing
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/443/856/407/724/241/original/deaa8cfe55523ed5.jpg

2024-05-15 08:59:33

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@npub152x…mcek Yeah. Those COVID bouts are no fun at all.

2024-05-14 13:10:21

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@npub1aqz…mkkw Most of them are Chinese, which is why governments are all looking for excuses to raise tariffs on imports of luxury goods from China.

2024-05-14 09:32:46

Nearly all major car companies are sabotaging EV transition, and Japan is worst, study finds
https://thedriven.io/2024/05/14/nearly-all-major-car-companies-are-sabotaging-ev-transition-and-japan-is-worst-study-finds/ #ElectricVehicles #transport #Climate #climateChange
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/438/272/726/839/989/original/c317507a8cc8c928.webp

2024-05-14 01:05:15

The workers in your world go on strike, or are unable to perform their duties for some other reason. How well does your society hold together?
#WorldBuilding #WritingPrompt #AmWriting #writing #ttrpg #dnd #authodons
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/436/274/262/511/272/original/769c52683514957b.jpg