CB
@virtualsynth.bsky.social
Writer, English PhD, Sci-fi enthusiast 🚀 🏴☠️
Pinned
Reposted by CB
It's always easier not to think for oneself. Find a nice safe hierarchy and settle in. Don't make changes, don't risk disapproval, don't upset your syndics. It's always easiest to let yourself be governed.
January 11, 2026 at 7:30 PM
It's always easier not to think for oneself. Find a nice safe hierarchy and settle in. Don't make changes, don't risk disapproval, don't upset your syndics. It's always easiest to let yourself be governed.
The WRITER balks.
Why am I not allowed to use “sly” as a verb?!
(Apologies for the interrobang.)
#amwriting
Why am I not allowed to use “sly” as a verb?!
(Apologies for the interrobang.)
#amwriting
The SPEAKER implies.
The LISTENER infers.
The DUDE abides.
The LISTENER infers.
The DUDE abides.
January 11, 2026 at 5:26 PM
The WRITER balks.
Why am I not allowed to use “sly” as a verb?!
(Apologies for the interrobang.)
#amwriting
Why am I not allowed to use “sly” as a verb?!
(Apologies for the interrobang.)
#amwriting
Reposted by CB
Going to Jupiter gazing tonight.
science.nasa.gov/solar-system...
science.nasa.gov/solar-system...
January 9, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Going to Jupiter gazing tonight.
science.nasa.gov/solar-system...
science.nasa.gov/solar-system...
www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...
The Platonic development of Socratism set the foundation for Western Civ, but also the Humanism that followed.
Sure, the ghouls are going after DEI here. But the big picture?
Said ghouls follow Dataism not Humanism. You’re information and nothing more.
The Platonic development of Socratism set the foundation for Western Civ, but also the Humanism that followed.
Sure, the ghouls are going after DEI here. But the big picture?
Said ghouls follow Dataism not Humanism. You’re information and nothing more.
Plato Censored as Texas A&M Carries Out Course Review
A&M officials have also instructed English faculty not to teach books in core classes that have major plotlines concerning gay, lesbian or transgender identities.
www.insidehighered.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:24 PM
www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...
The Platonic development of Socratism set the foundation for Western Civ, but also the Humanism that followed.
Sure, the ghouls are going after DEI here. But the big picture?
Said ghouls follow Dataism not Humanism. You’re information and nothing more.
The Platonic development of Socratism set the foundation for Western Civ, but also the Humanism that followed.
Sure, the ghouls are going after DEI here. But the big picture?
Said ghouls follow Dataism not Humanism. You’re information and nothing more.
Reposted by CB
January 4, 2026 at 8:18 PM
January 4, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Reposted by CB
‘Mystic Mountain’ captured by Hubble in the Carina Nebula
January 4, 2026 at 7:29 PM
‘Mystic Mountain’ captured by Hubble in the Carina Nebula
Reposted by CB
Long term followers will know I sometimes run Q&A sessions for aspiring authors. I've been a traditionally published author for 20 years and I've written 23 books. I'm also an editor for an independent press. If you have a question, make sure you're following me and ask in the comments below.
January 4, 2026 at 5:20 PM
Long term followers will know I sometimes run Q&A sessions for aspiring authors. I've been a traditionally published author for 20 years and I've written 23 books. I'm also an editor for an independent press. If you have a question, make sure you're following me and ask in the comments below.
Reposted by CB
Every time someone says "I can't write X, editors will never buy it" an angel loses its wings
Those shining adamantine feathers, sharper than death, slice all creatures in their path to molecule-thin ribbons, blood raining down onto acres of land rendered poisonous for decades.
So maybe reconsider
Those shining adamantine feathers, sharper than death, slice all creatures in their path to molecule-thin ribbons, blood raining down onto acres of land rendered poisonous for decades.
So maybe reconsider
January 1, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Every time someone says "I can't write X, editors will never buy it" an angel loses its wings
Those shining adamantine feathers, sharper than death, slice all creatures in their path to molecule-thin ribbons, blood raining down onto acres of land rendered poisonous for decades.
So maybe reconsider
Those shining adamantine feathers, sharper than death, slice all creatures in their path to molecule-thin ribbons, blood raining down onto acres of land rendered poisonous for decades.
So maybe reconsider
Reposted by CB
We see what you did there, Pluribus.
December 28, 2025 at 5:40 PM
We see what you did there, Pluribus.
Reposted by CB
Carrie Fisher passed away on this day 9 years ago. Forever our princess 💜
December 27, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Carrie Fisher passed away on this day 9 years ago. Forever our princess 💜
Reposted by CB
Yes 👏 This *entire* thread. As someone who teaches English Lit, I’d argue that AI slopmongers are indeed plagiarists, however.
Presenting work that you did not write as your own is the textbook (MLA) definition of plagiarism, despite the fact that LLMs are not considered authors but tools.
Presenting work that you did not write as your own is the textbook (MLA) definition of plagiarism, despite the fact that LLMs are not considered authors but tools.
The survey is open to non-members (I am not one) and to readers (who here is not &c.) so I encourage you to share your feelings on the matter. Don't assume that everyone already understands that AI is bad or why! I mean, people *should*, but you could say that about a lot of things.
SFWA members and general SFF community:
In this press release, our Board of Directors apologizes for recent events.
Feedback from writers is strongly welcomed in the survey.
SFWA Members: Write to office@sfwa.org to support our Emerging Tech Committee.
www.sfwa.org/2025/12/22/p...
In this press release, our Board of Directors apologizes for recent events.
Feedback from writers is strongly welcomed in the survey.
SFWA Members: Write to office@sfwa.org to support our Emerging Tech Committee.
www.sfwa.org/2025/12/22/p...
December 23, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Yes 👏 This *entire* thread. As someone who teaches English Lit, I’d argue that AI slopmongers are indeed plagiarists, however.
Presenting work that you did not write as your own is the textbook (MLA) definition of plagiarism, despite the fact that LLMs are not considered authors but tools.
Presenting work that you did not write as your own is the textbook (MLA) definition of plagiarism, despite the fact that LLMs are not considered authors but tools.
Yes 👏 This *entire* thread. As someone who teaches English Lit, I’d argue that AI slopmongers are indeed plagiarists, however.
Presenting work that you did not write as your own is the textbook (MLA) definition of plagiarism, despite the fact that LLMs are not considered authors but tools.
Presenting work that you did not write as your own is the textbook (MLA) definition of plagiarism, despite the fact that LLMs are not considered authors but tools.
The survey is open to non-members (I am not one) and to readers (who here is not &c.) so I encourage you to share your feelings on the matter. Don't assume that everyone already understands that AI is bad or why! I mean, people *should*, but you could say that about a lot of things.
SFWA members and general SFF community:
In this press release, our Board of Directors apologizes for recent events.
Feedback from writers is strongly welcomed in the survey.
SFWA Members: Write to office@sfwa.org to support our Emerging Tech Committee.
www.sfwa.org/2025/12/22/p...
In this press release, our Board of Directors apologizes for recent events.
Feedback from writers is strongly welcomed in the survey.
SFWA Members: Write to office@sfwa.org to support our Emerging Tech Committee.
www.sfwa.org/2025/12/22/p...
December 23, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Yes 👏 This *entire* thread. As someone who teaches English Lit, I’d argue that AI slopmongers are indeed plagiarists, however.
Presenting work that you did not write as your own is the textbook (MLA) definition of plagiarism, despite the fact that LLMs are not considered authors but tools.
Presenting work that you did not write as your own is the textbook (MLA) definition of plagiarism, despite the fact that LLMs are not considered authors but tools.
Reposted by CB
Preview of the cover for volume 12 of Bullet Points, with stories from @bogiperson.bsky.social , @sljohnson.bsky.social , @deborahldavitt.com , @joshuamannix.bsky.social , and more. Coming January 15. Please spread the word!
December 23, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Preview of the cover for volume 12 of Bullet Points, with stories from @bogiperson.bsky.social , @sljohnson.bsky.social , @deborahldavitt.com , @joshuamannix.bsky.social , and more. Coming January 15. Please spread the word!
Reposted by CB
Character of the Day: Mace Windu
December 21, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Character of the Day: Mace Windu
Was I prepped to write a character who gives Plato the business?
You bet your shiny.
#amwriting #sci-fi
You bet your shiny.
#amwriting #sci-fi
December 14, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Was I prepped to write a character who gives Plato the business?
You bet your shiny.
#amwriting #sci-fi
You bet your shiny.
#amwriting #sci-fi
Reposted by CB
I’ve been using the portmanteau “faschole” in the current WIP, and I think it’s gonna stick.
#amwriting #sci-fi 🚀
#amwriting #sci-fi 🚀
December 12, 2025 at 7:41 PM
I’ve been using the portmanteau “faschole” in the current WIP, and I think it’s gonna stick.
#amwriting #sci-fi 🚀
#amwriting #sci-fi 🚀
Reposted by CB
From NASA: A new NASA study shows that the Sun has been waking up from a period of low activity. ☀️
Scientists track solar activity because it can affect spacecraft, astronaut safety, radio communications, GPS, and even power grids on Earth. go.nasa.gov/4gnZQyc
Scientists track solar activity because it can affect spacecraft, astronaut safety, radio communications, GPS, and even power grids on Earth. go.nasa.gov/4gnZQyc
NASA Analysis Shows Sun’s Activity Ramping Up
It looked like the Sun was heading toward a historic lull in activity. That trend flipped in 2008, according to new research.
go.nasa.gov
December 8, 2025 at 5:37 PM
From NASA: A new NASA study shows that the Sun has been waking up from a period of low activity. ☀️
Scientists track solar activity because it can affect spacecraft, astronaut safety, radio communications, GPS, and even power grids on Earth. go.nasa.gov/4gnZQyc
Scientists track solar activity because it can affect spacecraft, astronaut safety, radio communications, GPS, and even power grids on Earth. go.nasa.gov/4gnZQyc
Reposted by CB
'Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords' was released 21 years ago today
December 6, 2025 at 8:48 PM
'Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords' was released 21 years ago today
Okay okay, using a generator for a ship name is fine. But y’all are missing out on the best part of creating a ship. As soon as I can aptly name a sentient baddie the Killer Riff, I will do so 😎🎶
Inasmuch as I explicitly model my starship names in the Interdependency series on what Iain Banks was doing in The Culture, my presence in this headline is superfluous; nevertheless I will take it
www.geeknative.com/216328/a-spa...
www.geeknative.com/216328/a-spa...
A Spaceship Name Generator inspired by The Culture and John Scalzi
Need a starship name with a personality? Our generator creates names inspired by Iain M. Banks and John Scalzi, moving beyond standard military tropes.
www.geeknative.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Okay okay, using a generator for a ship name is fine. But y’all are missing out on the best part of creating a ship. As soon as I can aptly name a sentient baddie the Killer Riff, I will do so 😎🎶
Reposted by CB
Ugh, self-determination sucks sometimes.
December 1, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Ugh, self-determination sucks sometimes.
Just finished a new #sci-fi novel called Titanium & Bone, which follows an escaped synth and a survivalist trekking across a climate-ravaged Northern Appalachia.
Once I finish editing, I’ll truly miss the stray they picked up on the road. Writing her was a treat. 🐕
#amediting #writingcommunity
Once I finish editing, I’ll truly miss the stray they picked up on the road. Writing her was a treat. 🐕
#amediting #writingcommunity
November 28, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Just finished a new #sci-fi novel called Titanium & Bone, which follows an escaped synth and a survivalist trekking across a climate-ravaged Northern Appalachia.
Once I finish editing, I’ll truly miss the stray they picked up on the road. Writing her was a treat. 🐕
#amediting #writingcommunity
Once I finish editing, I’ll truly miss the stray they picked up on the road. Writing her was a treat. 🐕
#amediting #writingcommunity