#PennedPossibilities 988: Tell us about your MC’s bravest moment.
Three published novels, a fourth complete one, a fifth in progress, and I honestly can’t answer this prompt without spoiling one of them. Is anyone else finding this difficulty? Surely it must be common for an MC’s bravest moment to form (or at least appear as part of) the climax of their book?
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
mastodon
4.5.9
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form.
Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
6d ago
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
6d ago
@cstross@wandering.shop "Makes you feel so, sort of, insignificant, doesn't it?"
"Yeah... Yeah. -- Can we have your liver, then?"
" Yeah. All right. You talked me into it."
"Yeah... Yeah. -- Can we have your liver, then?"
" Yeah. All right. You talked me into it."
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 15, 2026
@rrb @cstross @mitch @lasagne @pluralistic I can’t believe I overlooked the opportunity to call him Orange Elizabeth Bott.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 15, 2026
@rrb @cstross @mitch @lasagne @pluralistic I believe the canonical version would be “thcream and thcream and thcream till I’m thick”
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 10, 2026
#ScribesAndMakers Apr 10: Our next featured creator writes #ScienceFiction. What's a feature of #SciFi that you find interesting?
You get to create your own rules in a way that you don’t outside the genre. Some say there are no rules, but there are - you can’t have someone flee peril by growing wings and flying away without setting this up beforehand, as James Blish reported finding in one particularly dreadful MS; but if you make your rules, writing within them (if you do it right) is a blast.
You get to create your own rules in a way that you don’t outside the genre. Some say there are no rules, but there are - you can’t have someone flee peril by growing wings and flying away without setting this up beforehand, as James Blish reported finding in one particularly dreadful MS; but if you make your rules, writing within them (if you do it right) is a blast.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 08, 2026
#PennedPossibilities 979: Tell us something that disgusts your SC.
Alvin Tidmarsh is grossed out by public displays of affection, particularly when kids at his school are the participants.
Liam Baxter dislikes cats, and abhors the stink of cat piss.
Harris is very much against humbug and hypocrisy, particularly where religion is concerned.
Julie Shapiro is wholly against the use of recreational drugs.
The less desperate the need to resort to a lie, the more scorn Hesko feels for the liar.
Alvin Tidmarsh is grossed out by public displays of affection, particularly when kids at his school are the participants.
Liam Baxter dislikes cats, and abhors the stink of cat piss.
Harris is very much against humbug and hypocrisy, particularly where religion is concerned.
Julie Shapiro is wholly against the use of recreational drugs.
The less desperate the need to resort to a lie, the more scorn Hesko feels for the liar.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 08, 2026
#WordWeavers Apr 8: Do your characters tell jokes? If so let them tell us a joke, please.
Most of them do. Jokes, I believe, are part of what makes us human. The prime joke-teller is Jemima, who makes a living from doing so live:
"Why did the fascist cross the road? Because he held his hand up like this" -- throws a Nazi salute -- "and all the traffic stopped, and he was too embarrassed not to go across."
...yeah, there's a reason I didn't actually depict her on stage in her novel.
Most of them do. Jokes, I believe, are part of what makes us human. The prime joke-teller is Jemima, who makes a living from doing so live:
"Why did the fascist cross the road? Because he held his hand up like this" -- throws a Nazi salute -- "and all the traffic stopped, and he was too embarrassed not to go across."
...yeah, there's a reason I didn't actually depict her on stage in her novel.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 08, 2026
#ScribesAndMakers 8 April: Victuals?
Mine or my characters'?
I can't write when I'm hungry - another reason I write late at night when my meals, as well as the rest of my daily routine, are finished.
I'll describe my characters at table when the plot requires, e.g. when Chaz invites Imogen out for a Chinese meal to place an invitation before her upon which much will depend. But I think I may assume my readers will grok that my characters eat regularly each day, whether I describe that or not.
Mine or my characters'?
I can't write when I'm hungry - another reason I write late at night when my meals, as well as the rest of my daily routine, are finished.
I'll describe my characters at table when the plot requires, e.g. when Chaz invites Imogen out for a Chinese meal to place an invitation before her upon which much will depend. But I think I may assume my readers will grok that my characters eat regularly each day, whether I describe that or not.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 08, 2026
#WritersCoffeeClub 8 Apr: Do you do warm-ups before or cool-downs after a writing session?
Not on a daily basis, unless you count the fact that I tend to write late at night and go straight to bed when I finish.
On a project basis, I like to work on a shorter piece as a transition between longer ones, as a limbering/stretching exercise. And of course, my poetry (which is shorter still) peppers my days like buckshot; I rarely plan my poetry -- it happens to me.
Not on a daily basis, unless you count the fact that I tend to write late at night and go straight to bed when I finish.
On a project basis, I like to work on a shorter piece as a transition between longer ones, as a limbering/stretching exercise. And of course, my poetry (which is shorter still) peppers my days like buckshot; I rarely plan my poetry -- it happens to me.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 07, 2026
#TimeTravelAuthors 7 Apr: How seriously do they take time travel?
"They"? Only Darroll and Horsehead know it exists. Darroll takes it seriously, because he has to -- he has little or no control over when he time-jumps. And as for Horsehead, trying to figure out how seriously he takes anything, or what his actual opinions are about anything, is a task which completely defeats Darroll.
"They"? Only Darroll and Horsehead know it exists. Darroll takes it seriously, because he has to -- he has little or no control over when he time-jumps. And as for Horsehead, trying to figure out how seriously he takes anything, or what his actual opinions are about anything, is a task which completely defeats Darroll.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 07, 2026
#WordWeavers Apr 7: Look around and describe an object as if it were a mysterious item (no name, no idea of its purpose).
It must be intended to serve as some means of communication, because it has writing on it as well as art. It's too small to hold a very long message, though. Some of the writing is repeated, as though the creator wanted to emphasise that part above all the rest. It is far from pristine, and seems pretty elderly, as though it's been knocked about over the years.
It must be intended to serve as some means of communication, because it has writing on it as well as art. It's too small to hold a very long message, though. Some of the writing is repeated, as though the creator wanted to emphasise that part above all the rest. It is far from pristine, and seems pretty elderly, as though it's been knocked about over the years.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 07, 2026
#ScribesAndMakers Apr 7: Would your current creative project make a good game?
Absolutely not. It's a novel which might, conceivably, make a film or TV show, but I truly can't imagine a game based upon it.
Absolutely not. It's a novel which might, conceivably, make a film or TV show, but I truly can't imagine a game based upon it.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 07, 2026
#WritersCoffeeClub Apr 7: Do you combine poetic fragments and prose paragraphs in your work?
Fragments? Fragments??? I'll have you know, damn it, that my poems are POEMS, whole and complete and pure like a beam of light.
My prose does come in paragraphs, I will concede.
Fragments? Fragments??? I'll have you know, damn it, that my poems are POEMS, whole and complete and pure like a beam of light.
My prose does come in paragraphs, I will concede.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 07, 2026
#PennedPossibilities 978. MC POV: Write about three realistic goals you would like to achieve in your lifetime.
Imogen: "I'd like to start a family but at the same time I'd like to keep working as Jemima's PA. At the moment these are almost incompatible, but realistically, there *must* be a way to achieve both.
Also I'd like to be able to afford to get on the housing ladder in London."
Imogen: "I'd like to start a family but at the same time I'd like to keep working as Jemima's PA. At the moment these are almost incompatible, but realistically, there *must* be a way to achieve both.
Also I'd like to be able to afford to get on the housing ladder in London."
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 06, 2026
#WritersCoffeeClub Apr 6: Do the plots or characters in your work converge towards a single point?
Usually there comes a point toward the close of the book where the plots and characters all converge in a high point of spectacular light and sound that makes the reader blink and shade their eyes.
When they look again, they find that some plots and characters have vanished, while have merged, and still others have gone bouncing off in another, unexpected direction.
That's the theory, anyhoo...
Usually there comes a point toward the close of the book where the plots and characters all converge in a high point of spectacular light and sound that makes the reader blink and shade their eyes.
When they look again, they find that some plots and characters have vanished, while have merged, and still others have gone bouncing off in another, unexpected direction.
That's the theory, anyhoo...
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 06, 2026
#ScribesAndMakers 6 Apr: Some people have creative work inspired by their dreams. Have you ever had dreams inspired by your creative work?
Yes, though mainly after the work involving the character in the dream has been completed. I don't think I have ever rewritten or replotted a work in progress due to a dream, but there's always a first time.
Yes, though mainly after the work involving the character in the dream has been completed. I don't think I have ever rewritten or replotted a work in progress due to a dream, but there's always a first time.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 06, 2026
#PennedPossibilities 977: Have your characters ever travelled outside their country of birth? If so, when and where did they go, and why did they go there?
(This prompt presupposes that "country" has a fixed meaning, which ain't always so.)
Definitely true of J., Jemima, and Chaz, who will have gigged abroad on tour; J. as an author, Jemima as a comedian, Chaz (most extensively) as a musician.
Imogen comes from the kind of family who took skiing holidays, so she probably has, too.
(This prompt presupposes that "country" has a fixed meaning, which ain't always so.)
Definitely true of J., Jemima, and Chaz, who will have gigged abroad on tour; J. as an author, Jemima as a comedian, Chaz (most extensively) as a musician.
Imogen comes from the kind of family who took skiing holidays, so she probably has, too.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 06, 2026
I completely failed to toot here about #Eastercon, did I not? What a clot I am!
I had a very good one socially, my mental and physical health remained out of the gutter, and (given that I didn’t have a new book out to lure punters) my dealer sales were healthy, too.
I hope I can afford to attend next year in Glasgow.
I had a very good one socially, my mental and physical health remained out of the gutter, and (given that I didn’t have a new book out to lure punters) my dealer sales were healthy, too.
I hope I can afford to attend next year in Glasgow.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 06, 2026
#WordWeavers Apr 6: Can you create a character/place/storyhook/device on the spot, if you need to? If so, share an example.
Graeme kicked pebbles as he walked along the beach. Jan didn’t. She’d noticed that; men kicked pebbles, women didn’t.
Graeme suddenly paused, and stooped.
“Will you look at that?”
Jan looked at that, on the palm of his hand. “That” was a pebble like any other, except that one quarter of its spheroid was missing, and where that part was gone, it bore a clear bite mark.
Graeme kicked pebbles as he walked along the beach. Jan didn’t. She’d noticed that; men kicked pebbles, women didn’t.
Graeme suddenly paused, and stooped.
“Will you look at that?”
Jan looked at that, on the palm of his hand. “That” was a pebble like any other, except that one quarter of its spheroid was missing, and where that part was gone, it bore a clear bite mark.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 05, 2026
#TimeTravelAuthors 5 Apr: Games in your story?
Darroll, Chuck and Joe play Halo against one another. A crucial tipping point in the power-balance between Darroll and Chuck comes during a session.
Chuck and Rowdy play D&D regularly. Darroll scorns that as a pastime of nerds.
If sports count, another important revelation comes to Darroll from Kirk Mondschein during a baseball practise session. Darroll would be a good baseball pitcher if he practised more, but he’s too cynical to value sport.
Darroll, Chuck and Joe play Halo against one another. A crucial tipping point in the power-balance between Darroll and Chuck comes during a session.
Chuck and Rowdy play D&D regularly. Darroll scorns that as a pastime of nerds.
If sports count, another important revelation comes to Darroll from Kirk Mondschein during a baseball practise session. Darroll would be a good baseball pitcher if he practised more, but he’s too cynical to value sport.
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Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 05, 2026
#PennedPossibilities 976: What aspect of your SC’s personality are they most insecure about?
Vaendras is by nature a secretive man with a dangerous addiction to hatching complex, risky plots. He is fully aware of this and keeps it well hidden behind a wall of persiflage, wit, and affected, wry world-weariness.
Vanessa wishes she were thinner even though she knows all the feminist theory about unrealistic societal beauty standards and fat-shaming.
Vaendras is by nature a secretive man with a dangerous addiction to hatching complex, risky plots. He is fully aware of this and keeps it well hidden behind a wall of persiflage, wit, and affected, wry world-weariness.
Vanessa wishes she were thinner even though she knows all the feminist theory about unrealistic societal beauty standards and fat-shaming.
2
0
0
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 05, 2026
#WordWeavers 5 Apr: How would the character from question 4 react to being invited?
Jemima went even though she disliked the party-giver. She is all too aware of how important it is for a professional entertainer to keep their social profile high, and their performance persona polished. She also decided to go because she hoped to be able to plant a few witty insults on her rival before an audience. (She received as many as she delivered, in the event. Very entertaining for those watching.)
Jemima went even though she disliked the party-giver. She is all too aware of how important it is for a professional entertainer to keep their social profile high, and their performance persona polished. She also decided to go because she hoped to be able to plant a few witty insults on her rival before an audience. (She received as many as she delivered, in the event. Very entertaining for those watching.)
5
0
1
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 05, 2026
#WritersCoffeeClub 5 April: How can the physical form of the writing become part of the storytelling?
Another prompt I struggle to parse. Does “form” mean handwriting/typing? Book format? Narrative style, like Riddley Walker or Gentlemen Prefer Blondes?
I tend to be unadventurous in such matters and stick to plain English narrative and to routine book format.
Another prompt I struggle to parse. Does “form” mean handwriting/typing? Book format? Narrative style, like Riddley Walker or Gentlemen Prefer Blondes?
I tend to be unadventurous in such matters and stick to plain English narrative and to routine book format.
5
0
0
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Apr 05, 2026
#ScribesAndMakers 5 Apr: Could you do a scrapbook accompanying your current creative process?
Sure, I could. But I’m not going to. It sounds to me like one more distraction from actual writing, one more excuse to procrastinate.
Of course, were I a bestselling author, such an effort would be an excellent way of squeezing the last drops of income out of a project. Look how many Making of Star Trek/Wars books there have been over the years. Oh well. Pretty sure those grapes were sour.
Sure, I could. But I’m not going to. It sounds to me like one more distraction from actual writing, one more excuse to procrastinate.
Of course, were I a bestselling author, such an effort would be an excellent way of squeezing the last drops of income out of a project. Look how many Making of Star Trek/Wars books there have been over the years. Oh well. Pretty sure those grapes were sour.
10
0
2
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Mar 30, 2026
@catgirlfingies I'm one.
0
0
0
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Mar 24, 2026
@cstross@wandering.shop It means they want your money.
0
0
0
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Mar 22, 2026
#ScribesAndMakers March 22: Create a micro-story in six words.
Just thought of another, better, one:
Man touches grass. Grass sues man.
Just thought of another, better, one:
Man touches grass. Grass sues man.
14
0
1
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Feb 10, 2026
Still no working PC, and it is likely to be another week before it’s fixed. This is not only driving me up the wall but halfway across the ceiling, like an unusually plump spider.
But I *shall* return.
But I *shall* return.
0
0
0
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Feb 06, 2026
After more than a week with the repair man man my computer has been pronounced beyond economic repair.
I shouldn’t have lost any writing or data as I have meticulous backups, but without a reliable machine to use them with I’m not much better off in the short term.
Not looking forward to the ordeal of getting a replacement; my technophobia as regards computers is little short of legendary.
But I still hope to have the new novel out for the end of the year.
Prompts will resume… sometime.
I shouldn’t have lost any writing or data as I have meticulous backups, but without a reliable machine to use them with I’m not much better off in the short term.
Not looking forward to the ordeal of getting a replacement; my technophobia as regards computers is little short of legendary.
But I still hope to have the new novel out for the end of the year.
Prompts will resume… sometime.
1
0
0
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Jan 29, 2026
Computer went into repair place this morning. Told it might need a reinstall of Windows. Nothing heard since. Squeaky bum on edge of seat time.
1
0
0
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Jan 28, 2026
Yes, looks like my desktop machine is thoroughly borked. Everything should be backed up, but until it’s been taken in to the repair tech guru tomorrow, don’t expect to see my usual prompt responses on Mastodon. Sorry, folks.
0
0
0
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Jan 28, 2026
In a truly ironic development given my reply to yesterday’s #WritersCoffeeClub prompt, my computer has bsod’d and gone into a cycle of trying to reboot and failing. I have no idea what to do, other than climb the walls making panicky monkey noises…
6
0
2
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Jan 27, 2026
#TimeTravelAuthors 27 Jan: Medical care in your story
Darroll spends some months in hospital after his car accident, and after release, still attends regular therapy sessions with Louis Vickery. Fortunately for him, his father's insurance pays for the bulk of his medical fees.
Darroll spends some months in hospital after his car accident, and after release, still attends regular therapy sessions with Louis Vickery. Fortunately for him, his father's insurance pays for the bulk of his medical fees.
2
0
0
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Jan 27, 2026
#WritersCoffeeClub Jan 27: What's a technical skill you think should be more widespread?
I don't know if it counts as "more widespread" but I'd be very happy if I weren't clueless at (and terrified of) anything technological or mechanical. I'd like to be able to fix my own car and my own computer.
I don't know if it counts as "more widespread" but I'd be very happy if I weren't clueless at (and terrified of) anything technological or mechanical. I'd like to be able to fix my own car and my own computer.
10
0
2
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Jan 27, 2026
#PennedPossibilities 914: Does your antagonist have any redeeming qualities?
Ed Crowe protects his friends from physical harm.
Alvin Tidmarsh keeps order at his school, after a fashion.
General Ulberch is a whiz at the art of war.
Thousands of people read Liam Baxter's website eagerly for their gossip.
As for Eddie Drygalski, Jemima accuses him of being a bastard. He points out that he worked like a bastard for her, made deals like a bastard, and fought her corner like a bastard.
Ed Crowe protects his friends from physical harm.
Alvin Tidmarsh keeps order at his school, after a fashion.
General Ulberch is a whiz at the art of war.
Thousands of people read Liam Baxter's website eagerly for their gossip.
As for Eddie Drygalski, Jemima accuses him of being a bastard. He points out that he worked like a bastard for her, made deals like a bastard, and fought her corner like a bastard.
5
0
0
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Jan 27, 2026
#scribesandmakers Jan 27: Are you good at threading needles?
Between my innate clumsiness and my deteriorating vision, absolutely not.
Between my innate clumsiness and my deteriorating vision, absolutely not.
10
0
2
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Jan 27, 2026
#WordWeavers Jan 27: Is it difficult for you if your partner or closest friends don’t enjoy books?
They don't, but they tolerate me writing them anyway, so it's all good.
They don't, but they tolerate me writing them anyway, so it's all good.
6
0
2
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Jan 26, 2026
#PennedPossibilities 913: How could someone locate your MC in a crowd?
All of my MCs are either outwardly unremarkable while being inwardly unusual, or else they've had a lot of practice at passing unseen in a crowd. Or both.
All of my MCs are either outwardly unremarkable while being inwardly unusual, or else they've had a lot of practice at passing unseen in a crowd. Or both.
2
0
0
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Jan 26, 2026
#ScribesAndMakers Jan 26: Tell us about a memorable live music experience.
When I was dating an American guy, and spending as much time there with him as the rules allowed, we went to see Weezer play live. While waiting for the gig to start, I wrote a song, and had a fraught time trying to keep it in my head while Weezer performed.
I managed it, and it became the title song of my band's only EP.
(Shortly after, Weezer's coach crashed, Rivers Cuomo broke an arm, rest of tour was cancelled.)
When I was dating an American guy, and spending as much time there with him as the rules allowed, we went to see Weezer play live. While waiting for the gig to start, I wrote a song, and had a fraught time trying to keep it in my head while Weezer performed.
I managed it, and it became the title song of my band's only EP.
(Shortly after, Weezer's coach crashed, Rivers Cuomo broke an arm, rest of tour was cancelled.)
8
0
1
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Jan 26, 2026
#WordWeavers Jan 26: What is your current project teaching you, craft-wise or personally?
That a passage which doesn't work when read aloud probably doesn't work on the page, either. (I knew this already, really, but sometimes I need to be told obvious things multiple times.)
That a passage which doesn't work when read aloud probably doesn't work on the page, either. (I knew this already, really, but sometimes I need to be told obvious things multiple times.)
10
0
1
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Jan 26, 2026
#WritersCoffeeClub 26 Jan: Do you include things you personally find repellent in your work?
Yes. I don't think I could get away with a novel full of nothing but fluffy little kittens jumping over rainbows.
Yes. I don't think I could get away with a novel full of nothing but fluffy little kittens jumping over rainbows.
8
0
1
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Jan 25, 2026
I mentioned Ed McBain’s 87th Precinct books the other day. Today I found this 87th Precinct bingo card I made several years ago.
#PoliceProcedural #EdMcBain #writing
#PoliceProcedural #EdMcBain #writing
1
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2
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Jan 25, 2026
#TimeTravelAuthors 25: Problem/difficulty you had with time travel?
I got out of it violating the laws of entropy (and other physical and plot issues) by making it sideways-only rather than forward or backward. And even so, I had to introduce the character of Horsehead and hint strongly that he is pulling the strings when Darroll moves between timelines; this allows me to handwave various issues, like how come Darroll's clothes travel with him when he dimension-hops.
I got out of it violating the laws of entropy (and other physical and plot issues) by making it sideways-only rather than forward or backward. And even so, I had to introduce the character of Horsehead and hint strongly that he is pulling the strings when Darroll moves between timelines; this allows me to handwave various issues, like how come Darroll's clothes travel with him when he dimension-hops.
3
0
0
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Dec 30, 2025
@cstross@wandering.shop "Audio transcription is impossible for prose fiction".
Tell Lionel Fanthorpe that!
Tell Lionel Fanthorpe that!
0
0
0
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
Sandra Bond
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
Indie author, poet, and wrangler of words in every form. Author of the novels THE PSYCHOPATH CLUB, THE DEVIL'S FINGER and THREE MEN IN ORBIT (all from The Canal Press); also poetry collections POETRY SLUM and (now available!) THE GOBLIN MUSE.
wandering.shop
@klepsydra@wandering.shop
·
Dec 16, 2025
@cstross@wandering.shop voting #3 because it’s so quintessentially and plausibly you that it must be the ringer.
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