light of the mind

My knee did not. We'll have a celebration of life for it over the labor day weekend. requiescat in pace right knee.

The students seemed to not be too bored with the utterly boring reading of the syllabus (I need the math prof's t-shirt. It's IN the syllabus!) I have athletes from everywhere including Samoa (not gonna be able to pronounce his name unless he writes it out for me phonetically. It's something I've not seen before).

One of our new hires is...confusing to me. She's taking on stuff we could get a masters or H.S. teacher to do (and only don't because of the time of the classes), coming here from the east coast to teach non major chem and human a and P (which she's not had) I like her. I'm helping her. I wish I could ask WHY do this? Her degree is in marine bio. She came to us with almost 40 turtles/tortoises. It's cool. I like watching them. The tortoises are piggish about their lettuce. But it's such a low paying job...(though given how academia is going it might be her first or second teaching job as she tries to find someplace with her actual field of study

At some point in the middle of the night it occurs to me I don't know where my check book is. I didn't remember seeing it as I unpacked. Well all I have left to unpack is my story stuff but it could be mixed in there. If not there, maybe it fell behind my dresser at home. I know I brought it here in June because it was the last week and I needed to write checks for storage and rent. It wasn't in the story stuff and I was ready to call mom to have her look behind the dresser when I see it.

It's under my computer monitor where I left it in June. THIS is the shit that has me worried about my brain. It's not that I forgot the check book here. Anyone could do that. It's that I DID NOT even realize it. That I did NOT pay my rent in fucking August. That is worrisome.

Also worrisome is why did my landlord NOT text to tell me. They did last time (when they accidentally put it in with their other business) I couldn't see my contact for my landlord in my phone. I knock on a neighbor's door. By the time she answers I find it and text him (no response) and my neighbor says they take the checks in at the end of the month (Huh?!?) Anyhow I texted him to say it 'must have gotten lost in the mail, want me to send you it all in one check for this month and September' (not going to say my dumb ass FORGOT I didn't send it in OMFG)




it's music Monday. Feel free to share with us. We're doing the alphabet and we're up to W. I'm only sharing the last 5 years but you can share whatever W songs you'd like.

( Whee for W )

How do you write funny? Damned if I know. I think funny is probably the hardest thing to do well. For one it's down to individual taste more than any other genre I can think of. Some people love fart jokes (not me). Others are into puns. Some humor is downright mean (looking at you Family Guy and Seth McFarlane). In previous decades ethnic humor was prevalent (and thankfully mostly dead) I definitely find comedies much harder to get into than dramas. You hear people talking about how Americans can't get into British humor, again highlighting the whole comedy is hard.

I don't have a lot of advice here. I don't think I do this well. I can break out some funny dialogue but I've never tried (nor really want to) write a long comedy piece. I'm thinking of this because one of the arcs I just got is another 'comedic cozy' which i didn't know when I asked for it since so many of them aren't funny to me. The author is a sit-com writer originally (that should have been a clue...) Anyhow so far the humor is the 'let's embarrass the protags' style which for me gets old fast. For example in the first three chapters we have the 30 year old protag not working a cell phone video right and accidentally sharing it and then her partner comes up with dumbass ideas to help have things to do at their new motel (she was a sit com writer turned motelier) including an electric bike (that he falls off of) a paddleboard (ditto) and sling shots (he breaks his own cabin window) and I could probably handle that embarrassment until this.

So if I said 'hey gang, I'm going to have a throw away character, a shop owner who had a virus and lost her sense of taste, and she insists of baking things that suck. But since everyone loves her they won't tell her her food sucks and the motelier is going to buy muffins from her every morning for breakfast and then throw them out while she's not looking.' what would you think of that? (I can tell you how not funny I find this)

Anyhow, if you DO write funny and want to share tips go for it.


Open Call


Into the Deep, Dark Woods Speculative Fiction set in the woods

These Dreaming Hills Stories rooted in central Appalachia dependent upon broadly defined notions of speculative fiction, written by authors with strong ties to the region

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Short Fiction Contest Stories that deal with various types of existential threats that could cause an Apocalypse, and avoiding it.

Book Worms Horror Zine Folk Horror

NonBinary Review Erased From History

90 Opportunities for Historically Underrepresented Writers

26 Respected Literary Journals



From Around the web

Book Advertising on a Budget for Self-Published Authors

A Beginner’s Guide to Outlining Chapters: Simple Techniques to Start Strong

How to Make a Custom Book Cover: Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Authors

Michelle Knudsen: Five Things I Learned Writing Into The Wild Magic.

How to Hire a Book Editor: What Writers Should Know

How to Write Killer Chapter Endings That Hook Readers.

A 5-Minute Fix for a Blah Scene

In Praise of Repetition Loops, Echoes, and the Power of Return




From Betty

I absolutely love this character development idea that she found on Pintrest. I need to do this



Six Ways Guns Change a Fantasy Setting

Six Tricks for Memorable Character Moments

Five Qualities Every Hero Needs

How Much Research Is Too Much?

5 Ways to Engage All 5 Senses Without Overwhelming Readers

The Fastest, Most Reliable Way to Improve Your Writing Craft

How to Use the Four Levels of Conflict to Strengthen Your Story

Colonel Mustard in the Ballroom: How Setting Shapes Mystery

Anthropic AI Class Action: Important Information for Authors

What I learned about creativity from Bob Ross

The #1 Mistake Writers Make in Plotting—and the Simple Fix

A Writer’s Guide to Living Well: Surviving and Thriving in Brokenness


How a Writer Can Turn Passive Newsletter Subscribers into a Thriving Community

Writing Better Character Conflicts With the 5 Conflict Management Styles

Time Travel for Writers

The Summoned Writer

Lessons From a 25-Year Search for the ‘Secret Sauce’

I headed to Logan OH (in the Hocking Hills) for the Medieval Fest. I didn't really know what to expect but for my 15$ to get in, I got my money's worth. It was at a medium sized county fairgrounds and they were going to have jousting (I saw horses) and other fighting displays but not until late afternoon and I knew I wouldn't be there.

Other than that it was a very nice collection of vendors. I got lots of gifts for the holidays. there was even a dude with leather flyswatters on preserved branches (that made me think of other things because I'm a perv), someone with ube cookies (forgot to go back to her) No less than 3 tea people (bought from two) In fact I was busy asking evil little dog and Betty which one of you got me on the druid Garden's email list and then I saw him today and I'm like oooooh no it was ME (and the renn fest) I got three from him. Made an error so now two of the them will be gifts. I got myself Strawberry Solstice which is fruity and caffeine free for late nights.

I did not buy any jewelry (there wasn't all that much of it other than some chain mail stuff which isn't my jam). Several pagan things though, the woman who makes the mushroom necklaces brought both of her ducks this time (one I hadn't seen before is a cross beak, poor thing), two stone people (I don't need no more rocks) no glass vendors, lots of leather vendors (was very tempted). Didn't go into the pub. DID get an apple cider slushie with homemade caramel. Did get drawn in by a wood laser carver who had star trek stuff. I was running through there basically screaming take my money.

I wore my brand new medical blue shirt from TNG which I've only worn once before to Rathacon. It went over SO well. Literally everyone complimented me on it (and one young lady was super excited by my husk and angel dust purse charms and another vendor loved the hand made purse) I wore it because I was also going to the Star Trek clothing exhibit at the Decorative Arts Center of Lancaster OH (about 20 miles away).

And there was a plant salesperson. I do not need a plant. I now own a hanging plant related to the Wandering Dude (Tradescantia Zebrina, yes the one they used to call the Wandering Jew and no longer do for the obvious antisemtic reasons). This one is tiny and pinky-purple called Baby Bunny Bellies (Tradescantia chrysophylla) Also she was super eager to come help in my university's greenhouse if we wanted her to.

Also there was a lady who had her bearded dragon girl in a crocheted neck ruff for the medieval days. So cute.

The only downside was food. There were really only three places with 'lunch' a BBQ pork truck (I don't eat pulled pork), pizza and gyro. (The other food trucks were that mini donut place I always go to, a lemonade truck and an ice cream truck) I got the gyro. I put on a napkin bib so no taziki sauce would drip on my new shirt.

Instead the foil wrapped pita leaked about a 1/4 cup of oil ALL over me (and my car's seat since I sat in there to cool down). I was stunned. Gyros generally aren't oily. I don't know why this one was. It hit my black mini skirt/skort and literally the entire belly part of my shirt is now an oil stain. I about cried. I wanted to go home but a) this is about 55 miles from me b) it's the last week for ST.

I sucked it up and drove to Lancaster. I've never been there (other than to drive by it). Found the place easily in the historic museum district. I even managed to parallel park going down a steep hill and in between two other cars (mostly because the spots were big enough for full sized trucks) The museum is free (5$ donation preferred). They went all out. They even painted the Star Trek emblem on the bathroom stalls and elevator doors and Uhura was on the door for the ladies room.

They had two floors of stuff that the docent swore was all sourced by them and wasn't part of a traveling show. 'Every three months we change exhibits and repaint even the walls' I tried explaining this to my parents and dad goes off about how much of a waste that was without letting me finish. They paint the walls to be PART of the exhibit. Whatever.

I saw a lot of stuff, some original set worn outfits (saw more of those in Indy at least from the original show) but a lot was from the later movies, including the one with Chris and Zachary. I thought it was really cool. They didn't just give out Star Trek lore but also since this was a decorative arts museum, gave a lot on the fashion designers.

As I left I rolled past the glass museum I didn't know existed until yesterday (they do glass blowing classes) so I know where that is AND the bar I wanted to go to the 1890 Ale tavern (I didn't stop today between the parking situation and my trashed shirt) And learned this is where General William Tecumesh Sherman's home is (for the Civil War buffs) I knew it was around but didn't realize this is where it is. (I should take TH there as a thank you for that clock)

Instead of taking me home a back way it took me back to Logan first. So I looked for the other place I was going to eat lunch and should have (but didn't because it was like 1230 and I wanted to get to the museum which is only open for like 3 hours) I found 58 West distillery without issue (lots of parking) but still didn't go in (trashed shirt).

Came home and tried to get my room in Dayton. Online it showed no rooms on Friday. I called the hotel I wanted. It DID have rooms but not the price that was online. Sigh. I booked it and will look again to see if I can find a Wyndham instead of the Hilton (I'm a Wyndham member. Mom's the Hilton one) So that's next weekend planned.

And then talking to the parentals, the power goes out (I assume someone hit a transformer) I went outside. Neighbors (new ones) came to talk to me until it got dark. I sat and wrote on my fandomtrumpshate story (instead of the wipbigbang Owl house story since that one was hand written and I couldn't read it in the dark). Got 2K in 2 hours (and drained 65% of the battery, so much for a 10 hour battery) I hope the person likes this. It has more than a cameo of some other characters.

Was just regretfully opening windows (so humid) and crawled into bed at 11 since I was tired and boom. Wasn't even lying flat when I saw the power come on...and since I'm super tired now, I'll answer everyone tomorrow since I didn't have power to do so today and I'll post pictures another day, sorry.

Let's see I did get down there by 730 in the morning (wah) and the upshot is we now have over 800 student athletes (in a school of barely 2K) and our dorms are full. That's a big yay. It's also a hardship because these students will miss so much school.

I got a raise (not one that'll cover inflation but it's better than nothing). I spoke to the dean and said if they give the tests face to face yes they could teach the micro class online. She was elated then promptly told me I'd be teaching them (I will have about 20 hours of overload by the end) And we're all so overloaded with this influx of students we'll be getting paid over.

I also spoke to the dean of the other department and because the Ag major isn't getting off the ground like they thought it would they're giving me the Ag micro's autoclave. Woot.

The president spoke of fixing our labs but they didn't get the money (but were told to try again next year) I thanked him for trying and seemed to be roped into figuring out what needs to be replaced/remodeled.

I was also asked to help the new hire at a branch campus with the A&P class...she's never taught it or even HAD the class. How is she going to do the lab? I dunno but I'll be hand holding this semester.

We were told thanks to MAGA we now have three new questions on the student eval so if the students accuse of being woke we could lose a job or even trigger a federal witch hunt. I did point out I HAVE to teach about vaccines and they said that wouldn't count toward this. If I end up in prison you'll know how.


It was a long ass day and I didn't sleep well because the tumors in my neck were pressing on my air way. One of my coworker's S.O. had her thyroid masses removed this week. They kept her overnight. Interesting. I did warn my two potential transporters that this might happen with me and I would pay for a hotel.


My friend TH bought me a steampunk wall clock (from Walmart of all places) because I've been having so many hard years in a row. That was sweet.

I have no new story this week but here's the fannish 50 fan recs

The Heroic One The Amazing Digital Circus

Grounded Torchwood

Secret Fear FAKE

Hay Ride The Man From U.N.C.L.E./ Addams Family

Abducted // Freed Hazbin Hotel

Bobbing for Apples Addams Family

The Rain Maker Torchwood/Doctor Who

it's me, hi (i'm the problem it's me) The Amazing Digital Circus

just say i’ll serve you, my lord (i will sell you my soul) 时光代理人 | Link Click

Fills for Three Sentence Ficathon. multi fandom

Reciprocal Hazbin Hotel

dream in the light, dance in the dark (you fill the spaces inside of my heart) 时光代理人 | Link Click

to live the way I want
陈情令 | The Untamed (TV)魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù

Cwtch The Owl House

Party Favours Torchwood

Treating Herself Buffy the Vampire Slayer

forget it all (you caught me in a moment weak) 时光代理人 | Link Click

The Best (?) Hazbin Hotel

Forged in Fire. Stargate Atlantis/Supernatural

Why We Have Bunk Beds The Owl House

Having Each Other's Back 9-1-1

The Best (Family) Hazbin Hotel

Locker Room Chat Suikoden III

Brothers, Players, Teachers Final Fantasy XII

Dawn Lullaby Final Fantasy XII

The Mountains Tales of Rebirth (Video Game)

Watermelon Suikoden I

Something Borrowed, Something Blue.
Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika | Puella Magi Madoka Magica

open your eyes Fullmetal Alchemist

Telescope (star at its rising) Hunger Games Trilogy

Finding the Hale Pack Teen Wolf


that boy might be the worst (but damn he looks fine) 时光代理人 | Link Click