Bill W

Damn a demon spider!

"Ache" originates from the Old English verb acan ("to suffer pain") and noun æce ("a pain"), rooted in the Proto-Germanic akanan and akiz. It is believed to stem from a Proto-Indo-European root (*ag-es-) potentially imitative of groaning, with related terms in German and Frisian referring to pain, injury, or festering. The spelling shifted from ake (verb) to ache (noun) due to a mistaken 17th-century association with the Greek akhos. Historically, the verb was spelled ake, but it adopted the noun's spelling (ache) in the 17th century, largely due to Samuel Johnson's dictionary work. Ache refers to a continuous, dull pain or, metaphorically, a yearning. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of "ache" (both as a noun and a verb) is in the Old English period, which is prior to 1150. Ache, encompassing both physical pain and deep emotional heartache, is a fundamental component of storytelling that anchors characters in reality and drives reader empathy. By incorporating ache, writers can deepen emotional stakes, create realistic character development, and make narratives more memorable and impactful. The Importance of Ache in Writing Stories: Creates Empathy and Connection: Pain is a universal human experience. When characters suffer, readers relate to that suffering, which builds a strong emotional connection to the story. Deepens Emotional Stakes: Ache (emotional pain) highlights what a character stands to lose, making their journey more significant and compelling. Enhances Realism: Realistic depictions of physical pain—including recovery time and lasting effects—prevent characters from seeming invulnerable and add a layer of truth that makes the story more believable. Drives Character Growth: Physical or emotional suffering often forces characters to change, adapt, or overcome, leading to significant character arcs. Adds Dramatic Tension: Ache can be used to raise the stakes, placing hurdles in the way of the protagonist, which increases the dramatic tension of the plot. Reveals True Character: Similar to a "pearl within a shell," pain serves as a tool to break down a character’s defenses and reveal their true nature. Key Considerations for Writing Ache: Link Pain to Emotion: Effective storytelling connects physical pain to emotional, psychological, or internal pain. Avoid "Over-doing" It: While pain is important, it should be integrated into the plot, not just used to make a scene dramatic. The intensity of the description should match the severity of the pain. Utilize Sensory Details: Describing the physical sensations of pain, rather than just stating a character is in pain, creates a more immersive experience for the reader. Use "TOMBS" for Depth: To create a fully realized character, consider the Trait (selfishness, naivety), Origin (what caused the pain), Manifestation (how it's shown), Benefits (what they get from it), and Sacrifices involved in the pain. In summary, incorporating ache allows writers to explore profound, relatable human experiences, transforming a simple plot into a deeply resonant, unforgettable story.

The crying was referring to drp's tenderizing mishap.

As the old Otis Redding song goes. "Try a little tenderness", and if that doesn't work- cry!

Ah, the classic poster of the dogs playing poker gives way to the menagerie. I'd like to say cute, but since they have the manners of animals, it's anything but cute. 😞

"Tenderness" (13th-14th century) originates from the Old French tendre (soft, delicate, young), derived from the Latin tener or tenerum (soft, delicate, young). It is rooted in the Proto-Indo-European ten- ("to stretch"), suggesting a progression from "stretched" to "thin," "weak," and ultimately "delicate" or "youthful". The suffix -ness was added to the adjective tender to denote the quality or state of being tender. In the 13th Century, tenderness was used to describe softness, fragility, and youth. In the 13th–14th Century, tenderness extended to mean "affection, loving kindness", and, in a physical sense it meant "sensitivity to pain. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the noun tenderness was first used in English during the Middle English period (1150-1500), with the earliest known evidence appearing before 1382. It was found in the Wycliffite Bible (early version). Other sources, such as the Online Etymology Dictionary, indicate it was in use by the early 14th century, meaning "delicacy, sensitivity to pain". Tenderness in writing stories is the deliberate infusion of gentle affection, warmth, and care into a narrative, acting as a vital counterweight to conflict and trauma. It is essential for creating deeply relatable characters, fostering an empathetic bond with the readers, and providing emotional depth that makes a story memorable. By focusing on vulnerability and human connection, tenderness transforms a plot-driven story into an emotional, resonant experience. Here is the importance of tenderness in writing stories: Forging Reader-Character Connection: Characters who exhibit tenderness—even amid conflict—become more three-dimensional and sympathetic. This allows readers to invest emotionally in the characters' fates, making them care more about the story's outcome. Balancing Emotional Arcs: While tension and conflict drive a plot, excessive, unrelenting negativity can lead to emotional exhaustion. Tenderness serves as a necessary "breather," providing contrast to intense moments and enhancing the overall emotional impact of the story. Enhancing Vulnerability and Realism: Writing with tenderness means showing the softer, unguarded moments of life. This creates a raw, real experience that resonates with readers because it mirrors the complexities of human emotion and relationships. Evoking Empathy and Affective Response: A tender, well-crafted scene can trigger a "gut" reaction in readers, making them feel the emotion rather than just reading about it. This emotional "holding" makes the narrative memorable. Deepening the Writer’s Voice: Approaching characters with care and, at times, vulnerability allows the writer's authentic voice to emerge. It requires the writer to "feel" the scene, bringing a layer of truth and compassion to the work. Cultivating Compassion: In a world that often prioritizes conflict, stories that include tenderness encourage understanding, compassion, and a deeper appreciation for the human condition. In essence, tenderness allows a writer to show "heart" in their work, ensuring that even in dark stories, there is a glimmer of humanity that keeps the reader attached.

Edgar Allan Poe's "The Gold Bug" can now become "The Gold Spider".

"Yearning" originates from the Middle English yerning, stemming from Old English gierning (a longing, desire) and the ver giernan (to strive, desire, beg). It traces back to the Proto-Germanic gernjaną ("to desire") and further to the PIE root *𝑔𝑒𝑟− ("to like, want, desire"). It is related to Old Norse gjarn ("desirous") and German gern ("gladly, willingly"). According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun yearning is in the Middle English period, specifically appearing around 1371-1373. The noun is formed within English through derivation (yearn v.¹ + -ing suffix²). The term, derived from the verb yearn, was used to denote a deep longing or desire, and dates back to the Old English period (before 1150). The earliest recorded use of the adjective yearning is later, appearing in the early 1500s (specifically 1522 in the writings of John Vaus). The word has evolved from signifying simple eagerness to describing a deep, emotional longing. Yearning in writing stories is a fundamental, deeply emotional, and internal force in storytelling that goes beyond simple, surface-level desires (what a character wants) to represent what they need to feel complete. It functions as a powerful, often bittersweet, motivator that drives character development, plot progression, and audience empathy. Drives Character Depth and Transformation: Root of Character: While a "want" might be external (money, fame), a "yearning" is internal (to be loved, to find belonging) and acts as the "fiery core" from which all actions, thoughts, and traits surge. Character Arcs: Yearning implies a necessary change, often mapping a journey from a state of longing to fulfillment (or poignant loss), such as moving from isolated to connected, or naive to experienced. Underlying Motivation: It explains why a character takes risks, makes sacrifices, or endures pain, making their actions more compelling than simple goal-seeking. Strength Plot and Tension: The "Engine" of Story: As writer Robert Olen Butler notes, stories are fundamentally about desire, and yearning is the deepest form of desire. It drives the narrative by creating a "gap" between what the character has and what they desire, creating tension. | Obstacles as Focus: The plot becomes the story of the character's yearning hitting obstacles, which allows the reader to see the intensity of the character’s inner world. High Stakes: Yearning transforms ordinary goals into life-or-death, "do-or-die" situations, forcing characters to face their deepest fears. Fosters Reader Empathy and Connection: Universal Relatability: Yearning taps into primal human desires—nostalgia, love, freedom, or home—that make characters feel real, flawed, and human. Emotional Resonance: A character's longing for something just out of reach creates a "bittersweet" feeling that hooks the reader, forcing them to care about the outcome. Internal Monologue: It guides internal thoughts, making them feel authentic and evocative, rather than just delivering information. Key Types of Yearning in Narrative: Romance: Characters often yearn for each other, building anticipation through longing and tension. Coming-of-Age: Deep yearning to be more—to be proud, skilled, or worthy—drives growth. Quest/Journey: A longing for change (internal or external) drives the narrative from the status quo to a new state. Existential: A search for identity or a place in the universe. Tips for Incorporating Yearning: Focus on the "Why": Ask what deep-seated, often emotional, "vacuum" needs to be filled, rather than just what the character wants. | Show, Don't Tell: Use visual cues (empty spaces, a character staring into the distance), small details (a smell or sound), and actions to demonstrate longing. Use Subplot: Use subplots to allow raw, emotional yearnings to surface and be thwarted, making the desire deeper.

The word "execution" originated in the late 14th century from the Latin executionem (nominative executio), meaning "an accomplishing" or "a performing". it came to English via the Anglo-French execucioun and Old French execucion. It is closely related to the verb execute (14th century) and the noun executor (13th century), both sharing the root meaning of carrying out or following through. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun execution in English is from around 1360. The word appeared in the Middle English period (1150–1500) with meanings related to "a carrying out, a putting into effect; enforcement; performance (of a law, statute, etc.)". While it meant "carrying out" generally, the specific sense of "act of putting to death" (capital punishment) originated in the mid-14th century, often from phrases like don execution of deth ("carry out a sentence of death"). The related verb execute is recorded slightly later, in 1387. Execution is arguably the most critical component in storytelling, often outweighing the originality of the idea itself. While a unique premise can attract initial attention, it is the execution—the voice, pacing, character development, and prose—that determines whether a story is engaging, memorable, or successful. Good execution can elevate a cliché premise, while poor execution can ruin a brilliant, original idea. Why Execution Matters in Writing Stories: Transforms Ideas into Reality: Ideas are intangible "seeds," but execution is the soil and care that allows them to grow into a complete, readable, and emotional story. Dictates Reader Engagement: A well-executed story grabs a reader's attention and maintains it through polished prose and effective structure. Poor execution often leads to disinterest, even if the premise is interesting. Builds Credibility and Immersion: Good execution justifies character actions and plot points, making the world believable rather than "cheap" or immersion-breaking. Distinguishes the Writer's Voice: The uniqueness of a story often lies not in the plot itself, but in the specific rhythm, style, and emotional depth the author brings to it. Saves Weak Premises: A common adage in writing is that there are no bad ideas, only bad executions. A well-executed story can make a clichéd or mundane concept feel fresh and interesting. | Separates Amateurs from Professionals: In the industry, "execution-dependent" scripts are common. A solid, well-executed script is often more valued than a brilliant, unrefined idea. Core Components of Good Execution: Character and Plot Development: Ensuring characters act in-character, and that plots follow a logical, engaging, cause-and-effect structure. Technical Proficiency: Strong, clean writing, proper pacing, and effective dialogue. Editing and Refinement: The willingness to revise, cut, and polish scenes for the sake of the overall narrative. How to Improve Execution: Finish What You Start: Consistently completing stories is the fastest way to improve execution. Study Craft and Theory: Reading extensively and studying the techniques other authors use to build scenes and tension. Seek Feedback: Having work critiqued to identify where the story breaks down. In summary, Execution is the hardest part of writing stories, because once the authors create a concept for a story, they then have to bring it to life in a way that will be interesting, believable, and relatable.

The scholarship was one idea they were kicking around, but it will depend on how much money they get. We'll see what happens. As far as the wedding and who is included in the wedding party, I will leave that up to Mac and Devin. 😜

A whimsical story about two young gay men, Ryan and Aaron, who met quite by accident, and after a cautious beginning, eventually build a mutual attraction. This marvelous short story is filled with humor, a budding relationship, sex, and many surprises. It also has very likeable and believable characters, so if you're a sucker for romantic stories that are refreshing and fun, then this should be right in your wheelhouse, so check it out!

Another wonderful story, @Paladin. I loved the concept ot the time machine, and that you named it Eric and made it invisible. I'd love for someone with a time machine to drop into my car when I'm out for a drive, so I'll send you my address so Aaron can pass it along to one of his contacts in the future.

Ok, @Paladin. You've got me hooked, now reel me in. When Aaron first appeared in Ryan's car, and I read about Ryan's reaction, my first thought was that Ryan was a ghost. I like the idea of him being a time traveler even better. I love their banter, I love that Ryan wants to be cautious, yet eagerly participates. I love Ryan's family dynamics, and I can't wait to read chapter 2. I think I said the same thing with the last story of yours that i read. 😜

A funny and quirky short story that I considered to be a mating between Star Trek and Lost in Space. There are so many things about this story that will bring a crooked smile to your face, from the computerized navigation system, the gay members of the crew, the name of the spaceship, and to the name of a planet the ship went to after getting lost. It is also a celebration of the U.S. version of Thanksgiving and the typical American Thanksgiving dinner, and it also points out how Thanksgiving brings a family together (although not always in a good way) - and this last theme plays a key role in an unexpected fashion. Do yourself a favor and read this short story. I promise it will bring a few delightful smiles to your face, and it will most likely elicit a few healthy guffaws from deep in your core.

Wonderfully funny story that I could definitely relate to. When I went to visit my mom after i got married and moved about 40 miles away, she would always take us to Denny's, and it didn't make a difference if it was for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. That was her go to place. I did momentarily question how the ship had both frozen and live turkey onboard, but they kept telling the crew there were no turkey on the ship. hmmmm. Oh, and when I saw Heisenberg, I thought of Walter White from Breaking Bad - his drug lord persona. Thanks for the great read.

That was in reference to Scotty, the Chief Engineer from the original Star Trek.

The word "foundation" originates from the late 14th century Middle English foundacioun, deriving from Old French fondacion and the Late Latin fundationem ("a founding"). It is rooted in the Latin fundare ("to lay a bottom or foundation") and fundus ("bottom, base"). The noun refers to the action of establishing (14c.), the physical base of a structure (early 15c.), and later, specialized senses like charitable funds or cosmetics (early 20th century). According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun foundation is in the Middle English period, with the earliest evidence dating to around 1385. The word appears in the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer. The verb form foundation is recorded much later, with the only known usage in the mid-1600s (specifically 1661). A strong foundation in writing—encompassing grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and mechanics—is essential because it automates basic skills, such as clear, coherent, and concise language, ensure effective communication, professionalism, and better engagement with the reader. Key Aspects of a Strong Writing Foundation: Automaticity: Mastering mechanics like spelling, punctuation, and handwriting reduces cognitive load, preventing the disruption of thought flow. Structure and Coherence: A solid base provides a framework for organizing ideas, making the writing process less daunting. Communication Accuracy: Proper grammar and structure ensure that ideas are conveyed clearly and effectively, preventing misunderstanding. Developmental Progression: Early literacy skills—including phonological awareness, phonics, and vocabulary—are critical for later writing success. Professionalism: Attention to detail in the basics, such as grammar and spelling, demonstrates professionalism and credibility. Benefits of a Strong Writing Foundation: Improved Writing Quality: It enables the creation of more polished and persuasive content. Increased Confidence: Mastery of the basics helps writers feel more capable and prepared to tackle complex writing tasks. Enhanced Thinking: Writing acts as a tool for organizing thoughts, and a strong foundation allows for deeper exploration of ideas. Building this foundation requires consistent practice and, in an academic context, a strong grounding in the subject matter and research.

What does an Aussie know about Denny's anyway? It could have been worse - an Outback Planet with Bloomin' Onions! 😜 Like the others, I got a kick out of the changing moods of the UniNavGuy. Oh, by the way, does Randy the Chief Enginess have a Scottish accent? And which character was Billy Mumy? My foolishness aside, I enjoyed this chapterr and can't wait to read Chapter 2.

A unique look at the Christmas holiday from the perspective of the tree. A fun and interesting look at a mildly dysfunctional family as observed by Bruce - their tree!

An interesting take on Christmas, Northie. Disco Christmas lights followed by Goth Christmas light threw me and I wondered where, but the story turned out nicely.

Resonance originates from the Latin wore resonantia, meaning "echo" or "a resounding". It is derived from the verb resonare ("to sound again, sound back, or echo"), formed by the prefix re- ("again") and sonare ("to sound"). The term entered English in the 15th century, ultimately stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root *swen- ("to sound"). The term was historically related to acoustics and sound reverberation. While rooted in sound, it evolved to describe the physical phenomenon of amplified vibrations (1660s) and metaphorical, emotional, or social connections (as in the work of Hartmut Rosa). According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the noun resonance was first used in English during the Middle English period (1150-1500), with the earliest evidence dating to before 1460. The OED cites the use of the term in Knyghthode and Bataile, a 15th-century English poem. Resonance in writing is the ability to evoke deep emotional or intellectual echoes in the reader, transforming a story from a mere sequence of events into a lasting, personal experience. It acts as an empathetic bridge, allowing readers to connect with characters and themes, making the text feel authentic, profound, and memorable. Key Factors of the Importance of Resonance in Writing Include: Emotional Connection: It moves writing beyond surface-level plot (what happens) to deeper, emotional impact (what it feels like), ensuring the reader feels something rather than just understanding the narrative. Creating Empathy and Recognition: Resonant writing often articulates experiences the reader has lived but could not express, allowing them to feel understood. Lasting Impact: Similar to the lingering notes of a symphony, resonant writing stays with the reader, creating a, poignant effect that lasts after the text is finished. Authenticity and Trust: It establishes the author's voice, fostering a sense of genuineness that helps the reader believe in the story. Depth and Meaning: It adds layers to the narrative, using imagery and theme to create a fuller, more profound experience that avoids being flat or simplistic. Techniques to build resonance include utilizing, sensory details, exploring characters' deep, motivations, and using emotional, evocative language.

Don't worry. That was my oversight, not Mac and Devin's error. Lonny and Clint will be invited.

She only invited if we're having a pig roast - as the honored guest! 😧

An interesting look at the relationship between Marcus and Jacob. Marcus is divorced from his former wife and had a daughter, who adores Jacob. However, Marcus' Ex in not overjoyed at their relationship. Take a gander at this unusual and dysfunctional blended family.

I have now added Lonny and Clint to that list.