mhthaung

mhthaung, 5 days ago to random

... I admit, that's not an association that would have occurred to me.

#PredatoryPublishing #AcMed #MedMastodon

mhthaung, 13 days ago to random

"A challenge? Very well, mortal." The hooded figure snaps skeletal fingers.

Two chairs appear, then a table, then a bone-and-ebony board. Pair by pair, assorted pieces march to take their places.

The spirit stammers, "I only know how to play #draughts."

Death sighs. "I don't have time to learn that. Come back when you're proficient at chess."

Phew.

#MastoPrompt #MicroFiction

lilithsaintcrow, 16 days ago to random

Shot: "He goes on to say that Instagram’s varied content — including photos of “art, fashion, culture, and also just images of people” — is what makes it a useful tool for building AI image generators." https://petapixel.com/2024/05/14/meta-is-using-your-instagram-photos-to-train-its-amazing-ai-image-generator/
1/2

mhthaung, 23 days ago to girlyposting

Whistling, the detective strolled in. "Morning!"

The rookie gulped his coffee. Hopefully his hangover would abate. "Enjoy last night, sir?"

"I did. Learned something interesting."

"Oh?" He cringed. Even if they'd all been plastered, they surely wouldn't have blabbed—

"My nickname."

"Er, I can explain..."

"I'm not offended. In fact, I'm flattered. After all, panthers are sleek, elegant, lethal at times..."

The rookie sighed with relief. No mention of #Pink.

#MastoPrompt #MicroFiction

grammargirl, 26 days ago to random

We're the best!!! Grammar Girl just made the Writer's Digest list of 101 Best Websites for Writers! 🎉🎉🎉

We've been on the list before for the website, but this year is special because it's the first time we're on the list for the PODCAST. (Yes, the list of websites has a category for podcasts and YouTube channels.)

It means so much to me to know that people love and appreciate the show. Thank you to Writer's Digest and to all the people who listen! 1/2

sue, 28 days ago to random

If you don't have access to a sauna, an easy alternative is popping along to your local pensioner's cafe on a warm day, bonus points if you order a hot drink which will be served at 300 °C

mhthaung, 1 month ago to random

A meaty arm barred my way into the club. "Sorry, you're not allowed in tonight."

I furrowed my brow. "How come?"
"Special party. Only people on the guest #list allowed."

"Wow, celebrities and all?"

"That's right." He winked. "Can't say who, though."

"That's a shame. Maybe I'll come back tomorrow."

I walked away then pulled out my phone. "Reporting in. Event confirmed. Forensics, I'll need you here in the morning."

#MastoPrompt #MicroFiction

mhthaung, 1 month ago to random

Today's the FINAL DAY of the Narratess Indie Sale! Nearly 300 SF, fantasy and horror books on deep discount or free. Catch them while you can!

https://indiebook.sale

#BookDeals #Bookstodon #IndieApril

thisismyglasgow, 1 month ago to glasgow

Someone clearly got fed up with kids ringing their doorbell and then running away! This is on a rather grand townhouse in the West End of Glasgow.

#glasgow #doorbell #glasgowestend #doorfurniture #oldglasgow #glasgowhistory

paezha, 1 month ago to random

They have genuinely emailed me quite a lot.

mhthaung, 2 months ago to random

"Well done, lad!" The detective slapped the rookie on the back. "How did you know he was a burglar?"

"I was inside when he approached. I saw him #fumble with the door—"

"And deduced he wasn't familiar with the property?"

"It's a bit simpler than that, sir. It's my house."

#MastoPrompt #MicroFiction

TarkabarkaHolgy, 2 months ago to books

It is surprising how often, when I say "Hey, I'm reading this really interesting book..." people immediately respond with "Oh, you have TIME to read?! I don't even..."

Like... what is that?
What makes people jump right to that?

It bugs me for a bunch of reasons.

1. Yes, I am busy too. I make time because it relaxes me.

2. No, I don't care how much you read and I'm not judging you. You don't need to defend yourself.

3. I wanted to share something I found fun, geez.

#reading

cstross, 2 months ago to random

OK, now I need to go find these and video a blind taste test!

https://mastodon.social/

mhthaung, 2 months ago to random

Last day to get all my books half-price in the #Smashwords Read an Ebook Week Sale!

See https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/M._H.Thaung for my listing,

or https://www.smashwords.com/shelves/promos for the full range

#EbookWeek24 #BookDeals

mhthaung, 2 months ago to random

The bard took a seat. "Anything new?"

"Lotsa people asking after you." The barman filled a tankard.

The bard grinned. "Must be my #preternatural good looks."

"Mebbe. Though I reckon... they're all people you borrowed from." He held out a hand. "Pay up."

#MastoPrompt #MicroFiction

mhthaung, 3 months ago to random

"What d'you call this slop?" The diner glared.

The waiter bowed slightly. "You ordered our signature dish, k'hak'ror'uhguhg."

"I didn't expect—"

"Perhaps you could #redirect feedback to our chef." His arm swept to the side, indicating the kitchen door, currently occupied by a hulking ogre. His voice lowered. "Like other artists, he can be temperamental."

"Ah." The diner grinned madly. "Delicious!"

#MastoPrompt #MicroFiction

mhthaung, 3 months ago to random

Attention, #AcademicMastodon #AcademicChatter folks!

Helen Kara is offering one free copy of her recently published (and expensive!) Bloomsbury Handbook of Creative Research Methods. If this is your field, have a look at: https://helenkara.com/2024/03/05/why-did-i-edit-such-an-expensive-book/ for details.

Boosts appreciated 🙏🏽

mhthaung, 3 months ago to random

Dangling upside-down over the choppy sea, the captive yelled, "I #propose a deal!"

"Too late for that." The pirate sneered.

"I wasn't talking to—"

The water rose. A tentacle broke the surface, grabbed the captive and gently replaced him on deck.

"—you." He patted a barrel. "There we go. Captain's finest brandy."

#MastoPrompt #MicroFiction

cstross, 3 months ago (edited 3 months ago) to random

LOLWUT—

Police called to Willy Wonka event after refunds demanded

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czrlr3dw2x3o

mhthaung, 3 months ago to random

#WritersCoffeeClub 27. How do you find beta readers? Would you beta read yourself?

I've workshopped all my novels via Scribophile, and also gone through their beta read swaps. I haven't tried to find beta readers "in the wild" so far, whether paid or otherwise. If I did, I'd suggest an initial ~3 chapter trial before committing both of us to an agreement.

mhthaung, 3 months ago to random

He burst into the shack and stopped short.

"After something, son?" quavered the crone.

He shuffled his feet. "Sorry, ma'am. Hunting a spider." As she looked upwards, he clarified, "A giant spider. Rumours even say a were-spider."

"Oh, my. Nowt like that's been by. Why not rest here for a bit?"

"Thanks." Laying his axe down, he sat by the fire.

"Cold?" She tossed her #shawl over him.

"Uh..." He tried to move. Why were the strands so sticky?

#MastoPrompt #MicroFiction

sue, 3 months ago to random

Something I'm finding instructive in understanding coercion as I read about cults is the role of cognitive dissonance.

When folk become aware of an inconsistency between what they're being told and their own lived experience, it makes them want to change one of the conflicting views to make the discomfort go away.

But if they've invested themselves in the cult, the potential embarrassment at admitting it was a mistake is powerful enough that they instead double down on the commitment.

mhthaung, 3 months ago to random

Interested in eye pathology? I'm hosting the British Association for Ophthalmic Pathology meeting in London UK on 21-22 March. Challenging cases, peer discussion and a special joint session with Bowman Club, the corneal specialist society. Attended by pathologists, ophthalmologists and scientists.

Further details at: https://www.baop.org.uk/

Boosts appreciated! #EyePath #MedMastodon @pathology