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I've added a new entry to my "Writing Blog Number 2 (continued)" Open in new Window.:
         "20260109 Novel #36" Open in new Window.

The writing journey never ends...
I've added a new entry to my book, "The Bradbury" Open in new Window.:
         "Week 2, 2026 - Best Day Of My Life" Open in new Window.

Also written for "Note: 48-HOUR CHALLENGE : Media Prompt Dead..."
Not horror. Also not good.
R.A.T.!
Random Aussie Tune!

This is part of my ongoing attempt to make Australia seem like a country not just populated by wildlife out to kill you (even though it is) and always on fire or under water (only half the time, to be honest) by posting songs I like by Aussie (not Kiwi) artists.

In my regular writing gig, i recently reviewed the latest album by the Smith Street Band, a punk-pub rock band, and one comment I made was jumped on by a reader. I said the lead singer's voice was not for everyone. This reader said it wasn't a voice, it was just yelling. Opinions are like... well, you know. I think his delibery adds some emotion to the songs, and the lyrics are really strong. One of the newer bands I have got into in the past decade. I understand if they are not for everyone, but Aussie music covers a lot of ground!
Seen live? No.
Overseas success? No.

'Passiona' by The Smith Street Band (2017)

I've added a new entry to my "Writing Blog Number 2 (continued)" Open in new Window.:
         "20260107 External Writerings Dec 2025" Open in new Window.

Yep, time again for me to self-promote my writing.
         And remember, just opening each helps me as a struggling writerer.
New question over at
Question of the Day! Open in new Window. [18+]
Come answer a question, share a laugh, encourage one another, and bring me a TimTam!


And it is...
"QOTD: Tuesday 6 Jan 2026"  Open in new Window.

  •   2 comments
I remember that show during its prime-time first-runs. Facts of Life, Gimme a Break, Silver Spoons, Differ'nt Strokes. Stop makin' me feel so old, dude!
Now, the world don't move to the beat of just one drum,
What might be right for you, may not be right for some
I've added a new entry to my "Writing Blog Number 2 (continued)" Open in new Window.:
         "20260105 Shunn Formatting" Open in new Window.

A reader request...
  •   1 comment
Saving this note. Didn't even know I wanted this info until you posted, so thank you.
• Edited
R.A.T.!
Random Aussie Tune!

This is part of my ongoing attempt to make Australia seem like a country not just populated by wildlife out to kill you (even though it is) and always on fire or under water (only half the time, to be honest) by posting songs I like by Aussie (not Kiwi) artists.

Been a week, so let's go to some 1970s glam pop because... why not? William Shakespeare was a poet and playwright who lived in England in the 16th-17th centuries and... Hang on! Oh, I see. Google and AI are rubbish. William Shakespeare was the stage name of an Australian singer who hit the charts like a sledgehammer in the mid-1970s. Then his life fell apart. By the early 2000s he was homeless, and a NFP group designed to help artists managed to get him into government housing. He had a few oldies revivals over the years but the cause of his downfall kept him from making a real comeback. He was an interesting person and his life was one of continually failing to get back up. I feel for the man. So, here's my favourite of his few released singles.
Seen live? No.
Overseas success? No.

'Can't Stop Myself From Loving You' by William Shakespeare (1974)

Okay, question time, and this is more reader than writer.

1) What is the protocol when receiving an ARC and you did not like the book? I feel terrible giving a bad review because I got it for nothing, but it is badly written, and some elements of the plot make no sense.

2) In a similar vein, what is the protocol when you get an ARC and the book is perfectly fine, but clearly it has not been edited professionally, if at all?

Yes, I am currently faced with both scenarios and am wary about how to continue.
  •   3 comments
I'd say that you need to be honest while still being civil. You don't want to be seen as having an opinion that can be bought, neither do you want to be seen as snarky.
Honestly, this is why I've never been an ARC reader.
Tell the person or persons who gave you the ARCs your opinion in private and say that you will not post it anywhere online.

That way, they can make edits if still possible.

Or at least they'll know why there's no public review from you.
It's ba-ack!

FORUM
Horror Writing Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
A contest involving writing a horror story. Simple, really.
#2273172 by S🤦‍♂️ Author IconMail Icon


Prompt is simple (one word) and it and the banned items are in the forum. Give it a go!

I will say, though, I am now having to use my time better, so if this does not prove popular, it is ear-marked to be dropped.
Sorry.
  •   2 comments
I just set up an item to try my best to write for your contest. First time in over a decade that I try horror.
Annette Author Icon - Good luck! And don't rush - still 4 weeks to go.
I've added a new entry to my book, "The Bradbury" Open in new Window.:
         "Week 1, 2026 - New Key" Open in new Window.

Yes, another year of short stories.

Also written for: "The One-Line Lyric Challenge" Open in new Window., "New Me" Open in new Window.
  •   1 comment
I knew you'd be the first one to enter the challenge for 2026. *BigSmile* Thanks for the plug!
We're back, bigger and...

Okay, we're back and it's the same as always.
Question of the Day! Open in new Window. [18+]
Come answer a question, share a laugh, encourage one another, and bring me a TimTam!
by S🤦‍♂️ Author Icon


And today's question is here:
"QOTD: Friday 2 January 2026"  Open in new Window.
I've added a new entry to my "Writing Blog Number 2 (continued)" Open in new Window.:
         "20260102 Science Fiction (& Fantasy) Clichés To Be Avoided" Open in new Window.

In which I take McNulty's ideas and give them to you.
Look, I appreciate that the first task of "26 Paychecks " Open in new Window. is to advertise the activity, but I'm afraid that, for personal reasons, I will not be taking part as a participant. Feel free to use my work, ask my help, whatever, but I won't be involved directly. I wish everyone luck.
It is 9 am, January 1, 2026.

Welcome to the second half of the 2020s.

For those yet to see the year click over... still the same here!
  •   2 comments
Same shit, different year.
Oh yes, still the same. Bush fires and silly people doing silly things.
Hi there,
Since you gave me a good read some time back, here’s a nice activity for you to check out . Hope you’d join us!
"26 Paychecks " Open in new Window.
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