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Everything posted by Bill W
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No, the Fitzpatricks are Rory, Jaxon, and their parents - the ones with the pool. Clint and Lonny's last name is Fowler. I hope that clears things up for you, Mr. Dog.
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A very tender and touching story about a couple so much in love that they're more concerned about the other one than they are about themselves. Great job!
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Although this has a tag for comedy, it's mostly a romance. The story is about Chris and Jerry, a gay couple that are very much in love and intent on taking care of each other, through all kinds of situations. If you enjoy a good romance, then please read the tender and touching tale.
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Yes, you mess with a skunk, or skunks, you end up stinky for a while. They haven't made any money on the baseball cards yet - it was just the quotes of what they might be worth, but I'm sure they'll do very well. Yes, the boys gave in and decided to have the wedding before they start applying for jobs, and it's only about a month away. Busy time. 😜
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You might be right about Clint. The boys will both have their dads stand with them as their Best Men.
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Yes, Preston seems to be a good guy, but he's still a bit of an enigma. Sometime I want to implicitly trust him, while at other times I want to warn the boys to be careful around him. I'm not sure which conclusion is correct, or maybe it's a little of both. And could he be psychic or possibly a mental medium? If so, either one could prove to be a problem, but they'll soon be graduating, so possibly it's a good thing they'll be getting out of Dodge. The boys won't be around that much longer, so maybe it won't make a difference if the trespasser returns or not, so we'll leave any future visits up to someone else to chase him the hell out of there or haul his ass to the hoosegow.
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If you ever wondered what it would be like if Forest Gump was a cute boy that you've fallen madly in love with, then read this hilarious story and you'll get a good idea what it might be like. Even if you've never considered a thought like that before, but need a good laugh to brighten your day, then take a few minutes to read this comical short story. I have a strong hunch that you won't regret it.
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Possibly, or possibly he could become the fly in the ointment.
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I wonder what Sigmund Freud or Carl Jung would have said about Tyler if they'd met him? Wonderfully funny story, though, and once again I couldn't stop myself from laughing out loud. I'm just glad I didn't read this at a public location, or the others there would have looked at me like Marcus looks at Tyler before he shakes his head in disbelief at the comment that just came out of his lover's mouth.
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If you've had a rough day and need a laugh to pull you out of a funk, then I highly suggest that you read this incredibly funny short story. The only question I had about this story was if the characters were fraternal or identical twins. I believe that if the author had disclosed that these two were identical twins, it would have added an additional level of humor to their conversation. Even without that, however, it was still a humorous and heartwarming read.
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I have to admit that I laughed out loud multiple times. Well done!
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A Comicality coming out story with all the hormones, teen angst, and self-doubts that you'd expect from this type of story. It also has compelling and enchanting characters that are easy to identify with and relate to, along with an intriguing storyline with its share of subtle humor and belly laughs that will bring a smile to your face. Do yourself a favor and read this marvelous short-story or regret for the rest of your life that you didn't take advantage of the opportunity to read it.
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Yes, the guys can be real stinkers, but the guy has no one to blame but himself for throwing sticks and stones at the skunks in the first place.
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Yes, I couldn't resist using the skunks on the trespasser. And Preston definitely has his positive traits, although his trait of being so damn observant can be scary.
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Subtext (noun) derives from the prefix sub- (under) and text, with roots in the Latin subtextere, meaning "to weave under". According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun subtest in English is from the 1880s, with the earliest evidence specifically dating to 1884 in the writing of J. A. Nettleton. Other sources claim it appeared earlier (1726) in a literal sense to describe text printed below other text on a page, its usage in character analysis and acting theory originated from translations of Konstantin Stanislavsky's work. The modern meaning of the term of "within a text or conversation gained prominence around this time, often associated with acting theories" appeared between 1945-1950. Subtext in writing is the implicit, underlying meaning beneath dialogue, action, or description, often described as "reading between the lines". It represents a character's true, often hidden, thoughts, emotions, or motivations, which differ from what they say or do directly, adding authenticity and tension. It is a powerful tool to "show, not tell," creating a richer, more complex narrative. Examples of Subtext in Writing: Dialogue/Direct Meaning vs. Intent: A character says "I'm fine" while slamming a door, suggesting anger, sadness, or a refusal to communicate, rather than contentment. Romantic Tension: Two characters engaged in witty banter or arguing, but the underlying message is "I love you" or "I am attracted to you". Hidden Agendas: A character offers a "generous" gift, but their underlying intent is to manipulate or buy loyalty. Metaphorical Description: In Kramer vs. Kramer, a character makes French toast while struggling to connect with their son, with the crumbling toast serving as a metaphor for their failing, chaotic life. How to Identify and Use Subtext: Focus on the "Unsaid": Look for what a character isn't saying but clearly feels or implies. Analyze Conflict: Examine scenes where characters' words contradict their body language, actions, or the situation. Use Action/Behavior: Replace emotional dialogue with actions that imply emotion (e.g., staring at an empty ring finger instead of saying "I'm lonely"). Create Ambiguity: Introduce nuance into dialogue to force the reader to infer meaning. Balance with Clarity: While essential, subtext should be balanced with direct moments for contrast, preventing the story from becoming too opaque. By utilizing subtext, authors can make scenes feel more realistic and compelling, drawing readers deeper into the characters' inner lives and motivations.
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Chapter 33– Much Going On During the following weeks, our visits to the dog park and the hunting camp went pretty much without incident. Preston and I would chat while we were together, but the conversations were fairly mundane, although one day he asked me a question that led to some interesting follow-up. “How is the project you’re working on to earn a little extra money?” he asked, since that was how I described my work on the baseball cards with him. “It’s going much bett
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precision - Word of the Day - Mon Jan 19, 2026
Bill W commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
Precision in writing is the use of accurate, specific language to convey exact meaning, eliminating ambiguity and enhancing clarity for the reader. It ensures that what is written is precisely what the author intends, commonly utilizing technical terms and concrete details to avoid confusion. Key characteristics include clarity, conciseness, and accuracy. Key Aspects of Precision in Writing: Using Active Voice: Employing active voice to make sentences direct, concise, and easier to follow. Contextual Application: Essential in technical reports, scientific papers, and professional communication for accurate,, actionable information. Accuracy in Word Choice: Selecting words that precisely reflect thoughts (e.g., using "dollars" instead of "money"). Clarity and Conciseness: Using the minimum number of words necessary to convey information, removing unnecessary filler. Eliminating Ambiguity: Avoiding vague terms and ensuring that sentences cannot be misinterpreted. Tips for Improving Precision: Revise for Specificity: Replace general,, abstract, or vague words with concrete, specific, or descriptive language. Use Active Voice: Opt for active voice for stronger, more direct sentences. Eliminate Redundancy: Remove words that do not add meaning to the sentence. Define Terms: Define technical, jargon, or specialized terms to ensure audience understanding. Structure for Clarity: Use clear headings, paragraphs, and lists to organize information logically. Achieving precision is often a key part of the revision process,, where writers, after the initial draft, refine their language to make it more direct and accurate. -
Intent in writing, often called authorial intent, is the specific purpose, aim, or reason an author has for creating a piece of work, acting as the driving force behind their choices in tone, structure, and content. It serves to persuade, inform, entertain, or instruct the reader. Writing with intent means making conscious, deliberate decisions to convey a clear, meaningful message. Key Aspects of Writing with Intent: The "PIE" Method: The three primary purposes are to Persuade, Inform, or Entertain. Defining the "Engine": Identifying the core question or reason for writing, which helps structure the narrative and keeps it focused. Targeting the Audience: Tailoring the language, tone, and content to connect specifically with the intended reader. Strategic Choices: Using specific word choices, character developments, and settings that serve the overall message rather than arbitrary elements. Contextual Understanding: Considering the historical or cultural context that influences the message. Writing with intent transforms writing from a passive exercise into a focused, purposeful, and, ultimately, more effective act of communication.
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Cadence in writing refers to the rhythmic flow, pace, and musicality of prose or poetry, determined by sentence length, structure, and word choices. By manipulating cadence, writers create mood, enhance emotional impact, and prevent monotony. Effective cadence keeps readers engaged by alternating between fast and slow, or simple and complex, sentence structures. Key Aspects and Types of Cadence: Punctuation as Direction: Commas, periods, and dashes dictate pauses, allowing the writer to control the "falling" or "rising" of the reader's voice. Rhythm & Flow: The "beat" of the prose that determines how fast or slow a passage is read. Sentence Variation: Mixing short, punchy sentences with longer, complex ones controls the tempo, often speeding up during action scenes or slowing down for reflection. Parallelism: Using similar grammatical structures (e.g., "I came, I saw, I conquered") creates a lyrical, balanced cadence. Examples of Cadence: Staccato (Fast/Tense): "She looked at him. He turned away. She frowned. He didn't speak". Lyrical/Descriptive: "I was also a shrimper's son in love with the shape of boats". Dramatic Shift: Using a very short sentence after a long one for emphasis (e.g., "...and yet, they failed."). Improving Cadence in Writing: Read Aloud: This is the most effective way to hear if the rhythm sounds natural or jarring. Vary Sentence Length: Avoid using consecutive sentences with the same word count or structure. Match Tempo to Tone: Use shorter sentences for action or high emotion, and longer, fluid sentences for description or introspection. Difference Between Cadence and Rhythm: While often used interchangeably, rhythm is the underlying, repeating beat, whereas cadence refers to the overall, larger-scale modulation of that flow—the "rise and fall" of the language. Common Mistakes to Avoid: Monotony: Using the same sentence structure throughout (e.g., all Subject-Verb-Object) makes writing feel dull. Ignoring Punctuation: Failing to use commas or periods to break up long, exhausting sentences. Overuse of Conjunctions: Too many "and"s or "but"s can ruin the flow, making it sluggish.
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Clarity in writing ensures the reader instantly understands the intended message, characterized by precise language, logical flow, and conciseness. It is achieved by using active voice, simple language, and direct, concise sentences that avoid jargon and ambiguity. Effective writing requires audience awareness, structuring for easy comprehension, and reducing unnecessary words. Key Strategies in Clear Writing: Be Specific and Precise: Use concrete, precise language instead of abstract or vague terms. Define technical terms for a general audience. Structure for Flow: Use topic sentences to guide the reader and ensure logical connections between paragraphs. Avoid Complex Constructions: Minimize noun strings, multiple negatives, and "it is/there are" sentence openings, which can obscure meaning. Edit Ruthlessly: Focus on clarity during the editing phase, reviewing the work specifically to remove ambiguity and improve precision. Prioritize Conciseness: Remove filler words and unnecessary phrases. Shorter sentences are generally easier to digest. Use Active Voice: Use the active voice to make writing more direct, lively, and engaging (e.g., "She wrote the report" vs. "The report was written by her") Why Clarity Matters: Clear writing is essential for effective communication, making arguments more persuasive and engaging. It ensures the reader does not have to struggle to understand the core message.
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Just like all of Comicality's stories, the characters in this one are charming, fragile (at first), adorable, and irresistible. If you're smart, and no matter what time of year it is, you'll be certain to read this wonderful and enchanting story. Comicality could have used an editor to catch the typos and misspellings, but other than that, this is a gem that you won't want to miss out on reading.
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In that case, if I were you I'd worry about what it might be pecking next! 😧
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Deja vu. I've seen this somewhere before. 🤣
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Ahhh, peace at last!
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consistency - Word of the Day - Mon Jan 26, 2026
Bill W commented on Myr's blog entry in Writing World
The noun consistency originated in the 1590s from the Medieval Latin consistentia, meaning "a standing together", "staying in place", or "firmness of matter". It derives from the Latin consistere ("to stand firm, take a standing position, halt"), combining com- ("together") and sistere ("to place, stand"), rooted in PIE *sta- ("to stand, make or be firm"). The evolution of the meaning of consistency began in the 1590s as the "firmness of matter" or thickness (e.g., density of a liquid). In the 1650s it developed into the sense of "agreement or harmony" between things. Then, in 1716 it adopted the meaning of "steady adherence to principles or patterns". According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun consistency in English is from 1594. It appeared in the writing of H. Plat, referring to the "firmness of matter" or the physical, consistent state of a substance. Consistency in writing stories involves maintaining a uniform, logical, and coherent approach to character behavior, tone, plot, and world-building throughout the narrative. It ensures that character motivations, abilities, and story rules remain stable, fostering reader immersion and trust. Key examples include maintaining a consistent narrative voice, consistent, logical character behavior, and a unified, steady, and clear writing style. Key Aspects of Consistency in Storytelling: Character Consistency: Characters should act in accordance with their established personalities, motivations, and circumstances. If a character is scared, they should not suddenly act brave without a reason. World-Building Consistency: The internal logic of the world must remain stable. Rules established early on regarding magic, technology, or geography should not be broken without explanation. Plot and Timeline Consistency: The sequence of events must make sense. The timeline should be followed, with careful attention to when events happen to avoid contradictions. Tone and Style Consistency: The story's mood, tense, and perspective (first, third person) should remain, for the most part, consistent to maintain the intended atmosphere. Examples of Consistency in Writing: Character Behavior: A character known to be meticulous does not suddenly become reckless without a plot-driven reason. Physical Rules: If characters cannot survive without oxygen, they cannot walk on the moon without gear. Formatting: Consistent use of quotation marks for dialogue or font styles for emphasis. Dialogue/Tone: A dark, gritty detective novel should not suddenly adopt a lighthearted, comedic tone for a single chapter. Tips for Maintaining Consistency: Create a Style Guide/Story Bible: Document character details, world rules, and plot points to reference. | Write Regularly: Consistent writing sessions keep the story fresh in the writer's mind, making it easier to maintain continuity. Edit in Passes: Dedicated passes for checking specific elements like character, timeline, or tone.
