Bruce Byfield
@byfield.bsky.social
Some time writer about free software and open source and would-be novelist. Companion to parrots, collector of First Nations art, and ergonomic keyboard advocate. Now actively querying my novel "The Bone Ransom," a post-colonial fantasy.
Pinned
Bruce Byfield
@byfield.bsky.social
· Jan 13
Billy Bishop Goes to War
YouTube video by Aramazd Stepanian
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:46 AM
An info dump is more likely to work if
1. the pov character is the sort who would think about the subject
2. the info dump is relevant to the moment in the plot
#writing
1. the pov character is the sort who would think about the subject
2. the info dump is relevant to the moment in the plot
#writing
November 10, 2025 at 10:08 PM
An info dump is more likely to work if
1. the pov character is the sort who would think about the subject
2. the info dump is relevant to the moment in the plot
#writing
1. the pov character is the sort who would think about the subject
2. the info dump is relevant to the moment in the plot
#writing
I think that the best reason for an approximate standard chapter length is that it helps readers decide whether to read one more chapter before they turn off the lights. #writing
November 8, 2025 at 6:23 AM
I think that the best reason for an approximate standard chapter length is that it helps readers decide whether to read one more chapter before they turn off the lights. #writing
If you think that clear, simple language is dumbing down or selling out, consider that many young adult novels are as moving for adults as they are for the target audience. #writing
November 8, 2025 at 6:16 AM
If you think that clear, simple language is dumbing down or selling out, consider that many young adult novels are as moving for adults as they are for the target audience. #writing
I would rather fail as a fiction writer than succeed using AI. At last I would enjoy my efforts.
November 8, 2025 at 6:03 AM
I would rather fail as a fiction writer than succeed using AI. At last I would enjoy my efforts.
Two things can be true at the same time. Yes, Nineteen Eighty-Four is misogynistic by my modern standards. But it is also true that Orwell is politically astute. #Orwell #1984
November 8, 2025 at 5:52 AM
Two things can be true at the same time. Yes, Nineteen Eighty-Four is misogynistic by my modern standards. But it is also true that Orwell is politically astute. #Orwell #1984
My keyboard would puzzle many users. It sets up home row mods, in which home row keys double as Shift, Ctrl, and Alt. This customization reduces finger movement, increases typing speed, and frees keys for other customizations.
#keyboards
#keyboards
November 8, 2025 at 5:47 AM
My keyboard would puzzle many users. It sets up home row mods, in which home row keys double as Shift, Ctrl, and Alt. This customization reduces finger movement, increases typing speed, and frees keys for other customizations.
#keyboards
#keyboards
Today, I was reminded of the need to make multiple backups at different times. One corrupted file was not in two older backups, but mercifully was in a third. My next step would have been to see if my critique partner had saved a copy.
November 8, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Today, I was reminded of the need to make multiple backups at different times. One corrupted file was not in two older backups, but mercifully was in a third. My next step would have been to see if my critique partner had saved a copy.
I must be old. I remember when buying a new phone was exciting.
November 5, 2025 at 1:12 AM
I must be old. I remember when buying a new phone was exciting.
To streamline queries:
* prepare .docx & .txt files for every sample length
* subscribe to QueryTracker to automatically fill forms
* use macros or autotext to automate other forms
* quote agents' wish lists and save common replies
Soon a query can be readied in 5 minutes. #writing #queries
* prepare .docx & .txt files for every sample length
* subscribe to QueryTracker to automatically fill forms
* use macros or autotext to automate other forms
* quote agents' wish lists and save common replies
Soon a query can be readied in 5 minutes. #writing #queries
November 3, 2025 at 11:55 PM
"Get a steady job & write on the side," young writers are often told, & following that advice can lead to a low stress life. However, a time can come when a low stress life is no longer enough, & an aspiring writer gambles their future, tired of being sensible & seeking fulfillment. #writing
November 2, 2025 at 6:43 PM
"Get a steady job & write on the side," young writers are often told, & following that advice can lead to a low stress life. However, a time can come when a low stress life is no longer enough, & an aspiring writer gambles their future, tired of being sensible & seeking fulfillment. #writing
"Luddite" is often an insult, implying someone is anti-progress, these days often someone who is anti-AI. However, historical Luddites were a major part of the long fight for better working conditions and fairer wages. So please go ahead and call me a Luddite.
October 31, 2025 at 5:26 AM
"Luddite" is often an insult, implying someone is anti-progress, these days often someone who is anti-AI. However, historical Luddites were a major part of the long fight for better working conditions and fairer wages. So please go ahead and call me a Luddite.
They keep
a wolf's haunt, a hidden land,
a wild way of wind-bluffs
that writhes in mires where a rise's stream
hurls down cliffs into hill-dark
to seep-holes. Beside here,
by a tale of miles, the tarn lies,
overloomed by roots lean & reach,
frost-grasped trees that gape on the water.
- Beowulf
a wolf's haunt, a hidden land,
a wild way of wind-bluffs
that writhes in mires where a rise's stream
hurls down cliffs into hill-dark
to seep-holes. Beside here,
by a tale of miles, the tarn lies,
overloomed by roots lean & reach,
frost-grasped trees that gape on the water.
- Beowulf
October 31, 2025 at 4:38 AM
They keep
a wolf's haunt, a hidden land,
a wild way of wind-bluffs
that writhes in mires where a rise's stream
hurls down cliffs into hill-dark
to seep-holes. Beside here,
by a tale of miles, the tarn lies,
overloomed by roots lean & reach,
frost-grasped trees that gape on the water.
- Beowulf
a wolf's haunt, a hidden land,
a wild way of wind-bluffs
that writhes in mires where a rise's stream
hurls down cliffs into hill-dark
to seep-holes. Beside here,
by a tale of miles, the tarn lies,
overloomed by roots lean & reach,
frost-grasped trees that gape on the water.
- Beowulf
"Luddite" is often an insult, implying someone is anti-progress, these days often someone who is anti-AI. However, historical Luddites were a major part of the long fight for better working conditions and fairer conditions. So please go ahead and call me a Luddite.
October 31, 2025 at 4:23 AM
"Luddite" is often an insult, implying someone is anti-progress, these days often someone who is anti-AI. However, historical Luddites were a major part of the long fight for better working conditions and fairer conditions. So please go ahead and call me a Luddite.
A favorite boast of CEOs: "I feed X number of families."
Right. You run a charity, and get nothing back in return.
Right. You run a charity, and get nothing back in return.
October 31, 2025 at 4:10 AM
A favorite boast of CEOs: "I feed X number of families."
Right. You run a charity, and get nothing back in return.
Right. You run a charity, and get nothing back in return.