Rachel Reddick / RZ Nicolet
@rr4idic.bsky.social
Sci-fi/fantasy writer by night, data scientist by day, astrophysicist by training, Star Trek fan all the time. See the ol' blog at rznicolet.com
#WordWeavers Nov 10: MC POV: Name one thing you’ve never done but really want to.
Gery: There's an original copy of the Charter. I'd love a close look at that.
Serte: Really? That's it? You could go see that any time!
Gery: I've been busy!
Serte: ...truth.
#amwriting
Gery: There's an original copy of the Charter. I'd love a close look at that.
Serte: Really? That's it? You could go see that any time!
Gery: I've been busy!
Serte: ...truth.
#amwriting
November 10, 2025 at 1:55 PM
#WordWeavers Nov 10: MC POV: Name one thing you’ve never done but really want to.
Gery: There's an original copy of the Charter. I'd love a close look at that.
Serte: Really? That's it? You could go see that any time!
Gery: I've been busy!
Serte: ...truth.
#amwriting
Gery: There's an original copy of the Charter. I'd love a close look at that.
Serte: Really? That's it? You could go see that any time!
Gery: I've been busy!
Serte: ...truth.
#amwriting
Reposted by Rachel Reddick / RZ Nicolet
My books cartoon for this week’s @theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 4:04 PM
My books cartoon for this week’s @theguardian.com
#WordWeavers Nov 9: Which community/group (from questions 5&7) is stronger? Why?
Depends on where you are.
In the country the story is set, Investigations has the most overt power -- but again, it's Enforcement that can actually arrest people.
#amwriting
Depends on where you are.
In the country the story is set, Investigations has the most overt power -- but again, it's Enforcement that can actually arrest people.
#amwriting
November 9, 2025 at 1:18 PM
#WordWeavers Nov 9: Which community/group (from questions 5&7) is stronger? Why?
Depends on where you are.
In the country the story is set, Investigations has the most overt power -- but again, it's Enforcement that can actually arrest people.
#amwriting
Depends on where you are.
In the country the story is set, Investigations has the most overt power -- but again, it's Enforcement that can actually arrest people.
#amwriting
Reposted by Rachel Reddick / RZ Nicolet
(1) This is creepy as fuck and guarantees I will _never_ again set foot in a Target
(2) As @tnh.nielsenhayden.com points out, this sets up Target employees to be gamed up the wazoo by all kinds of bad actors
(2) As @tnh.nielsenhayden.com points out, this sets up Target employees to be gamed up the wazoo by all kinds of bad actors
"Store employees are now required to smile if they are within 10 feet of a shopper.
They also must make eye contact with and wave to or greet the customer.
If they’re within four feet, the employee should ask how the customer’s day is going or if they need help."
🙄 Won't stop the boycott, y'all.
They also must make eye contact with and wave to or greet the customer.
If they’re within four feet, the employee should ask how the customer’s day is going or if they need help."
🙄 Won't stop the boycott, y'all.
Target is now requiring its employees to smile more
As the holiday season fast approaches, Target is urging its employees to add a little more “jolly” to their work routine.
www.wilx.com
November 8, 2025 at 5:43 PM
(1) This is creepy as fuck and guarantees I will _never_ again set foot in a Target
(2) As @tnh.nielsenhayden.com points out, this sets up Target employees to be gamed up the wazoo by all kinds of bad actors
(2) As @tnh.nielsenhayden.com points out, this sets up Target employees to be gamed up the wazoo by all kinds of bad actors
And now, the intersection of #books I've been reading and #gardening: The Enchanted Greenhouse! Absolutely delightful book, very cozy. The sentient plants are so much fun. Also a master class in how to write an enthralling plot _without_ a bad guy.
#amreading #fantasy #romantasy , I guess? 📚🪐 💙📚
#amreading #fantasy #romantasy , I guess? 📚🪐 💙📚
November 8, 2025 at 4:32 PM
And now, the intersection of #books I've been reading and #gardening: The Enchanted Greenhouse! Absolutely delightful book, very cozy. The sentient plants are so much fun. Also a master class in how to write an enthralling plot _without_ a bad guy.
#amreading #fantasy #romantasy , I guess? 📚🪐 💙📚
#amreading #fantasy #romantasy , I guess? 📚🪐 💙📚
#WordWeavers Nov 8: How is the MC’s community/group perceived by the people in your world?
The Seekers, as a schism from the main religion of the Sects, have been persecuted historically for heresy. These days, though, they have something of model minority status...
#amwriting
The Seekers, as a schism from the main religion of the Sects, have been persecuted historically for heresy. These days, though, they have something of model minority status...
#amwriting
November 8, 2025 at 1:29 PM
#WordWeavers Nov 8: How is the MC’s community/group perceived by the people in your world?
The Seekers, as a schism from the main religion of the Sects, have been persecuted historically for heresy. These days, though, they have something of model minority status...
#amwriting
The Seekers, as a schism from the main religion of the Sects, have been persecuted historically for heresy. These days, though, they have something of model minority status...
#amwriting
#WordWeavers Nov 7: What community or group does your MC belong to?
Gery: He's a member of the Seekers of the Abstract, a schismatic Sect that believes there are other High Concepts that have been forgotten (called Lost Concepts). He's also affiliated with the Retainers political party.
#amwriting
Gery: He's a member of the Seekers of the Abstract, a schismatic Sect that believes there are other High Concepts that have been forgotten (called Lost Concepts). He's also affiliated with the Retainers political party.
#amwriting
November 8, 2025 at 12:27 AM
#WordWeavers Nov 7: What community or group does your MC belong to?
Gery: He's a member of the Seekers of the Abstract, a schismatic Sect that believes there are other High Concepts that have been forgotten (called Lost Concepts). He's also affiliated with the Retainers political party.
#amwriting
Gery: He's a member of the Seekers of the Abstract, a schismatic Sect that believes there are other High Concepts that have been forgotten (called Lost Concepts). He's also affiliated with the Retainers political party.
#amwriting
#WordWeavers Nov 6: How is the antagonist’s community/group perceived by the people in your world?
Perception of the Weavers (a minority religion in our primary country) varies widely, both geographically and from person to person.
#amwriting
Perception of the Weavers (a minority religion in our primary country) varies widely, both geographically and from person to person.
#amwriting
November 6, 2025 at 3:14 PM
#WordWeavers Nov 6: How is the antagonist’s community/group perceived by the people in your world?
Perception of the Weavers (a minority religion in our primary country) varies widely, both geographically and from person to person.
#amwriting
Perception of the Weavers (a minority religion in our primary country) varies widely, both geographically and from person to person.
#amwriting
Also, a blog post about when a magic talking sword counts as an AI (a _real_ AI, not the LLM generative nonsense kind), mostly for my own amusement:
rznicolet.com/2025/11/05/w...
rznicolet.com/2025/11/05/w...
When Is Your Talking Sword an AI?
Is your magic talking sword an AI? (An essay) Considering that I’ve written a book lately involving sentient objects (in which the magic sword is a minor character; the eponymous cloak i…
rznicolet.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Also, a blog post about when a magic talking sword counts as an AI (a _real_ AI, not the LLM generative nonsense kind), mostly for my own amusement:
rznicolet.com/2025/11/05/w...
rznicolet.com/2025/11/05/w...
#WordWeavers Nov 5: What community or group does your antagonist belong to?
To avoid spoilers, let's go with the early antagonist...
He's a Weaver, which means he's part of a minority religious group that follows the precepts of the Twice-Sworn Prophet.
#amwriting
To avoid spoilers, let's go with the early antagonist...
He's a Weaver, which means he's part of a minority religious group that follows the precepts of the Twice-Sworn Prophet.
#amwriting
November 5, 2025 at 3:12 PM
#WordWeavers Nov 5: What community or group does your antagonist belong to?
To avoid spoilers, let's go with the early antagonist...
He's a Weaver, which means he's part of a minority religious group that follows the precepts of the Twice-Sworn Prophet.
#amwriting
To avoid spoilers, let's go with the early antagonist...
He's a Weaver, which means he's part of a minority religious group that follows the precepts of the Twice-Sworn Prophet.
#amwriting
#WordWeavers Nov 4: Are you working on one or several projects? What’s your preference?
Two at present: Fantasy democracy and let's-kill-the-gods. I (theoretically) prefer to only have one ball in the air at once, but... too many ideas. At least they're at different stages...
#amwriting
Two at present: Fantasy democracy and let's-kill-the-gods. I (theoretically) prefer to only have one ball in the air at once, but... too many ideas. At least they're at different stages...
#amwriting
November 4, 2025 at 2:14 PM
#WordWeavers Nov 4: Are you working on one or several projects? What’s your preference?
Two at present: Fantasy democracy and let's-kill-the-gods. I (theoretically) prefer to only have one ball in the air at once, but... too many ideas. At least they're at different stages...
#amwriting
Two at present: Fantasy democracy and let's-kill-the-gods. I (theoretically) prefer to only have one ball in the air at once, but... too many ideas. At least they're at different stages...
#amwriting
#WordWeavers Nov 3: What was your MC’s childhood like?
Gery: The quiet, bookworm childhood you'd expect for a future academic.
Serte: She tested out as a high-tier mage (~age 8), so there was early training with her dad to make sure she didn't (e.g.) accidentally blow up any lamps.
#amwriting
Gery: The quiet, bookworm childhood you'd expect for a future academic.
Serte: She tested out as a high-tier mage (~age 8), so there was early training with her dad to make sure she didn't (e.g.) accidentally blow up any lamps.
#amwriting
November 3, 2025 at 1:59 PM
#WordWeavers Nov 3: What was your MC’s childhood like?
Gery: The quiet, bookworm childhood you'd expect for a future academic.
Serte: She tested out as a high-tier mage (~age 8), so there was early training with her dad to make sure she didn't (e.g.) accidentally blow up any lamps.
#amwriting
Gery: The quiet, bookworm childhood you'd expect for a future academic.
Serte: She tested out as a high-tier mage (~age 8), so there was early training with her dad to make sure she didn't (e.g.) accidentally blow up any lamps.
#amwriting
#WordWeavers Nov 2: Share something unusual about one of your characters’ lives.
Gery seriously considered taking the Oath of Knowledge -- to the point of learning the shorthand -- but ultimately decided he wanted too many other things out of life.
#amwriting
Gery seriously considered taking the Oath of Knowledge -- to the point of learning the shorthand -- but ultimately decided he wanted too many other things out of life.
#amwriting
November 2, 2025 at 12:27 PM
#WordWeavers Nov 2: Share something unusual about one of your characters’ lives.
Gery seriously considered taking the Oath of Knowledge -- to the point of learning the shorthand -- but ultimately decided he wanted too many other things out of life.
#amwriting
Gery seriously considered taking the Oath of Knowledge -- to the point of learning the shorthand -- but ultimately decided he wanted too many other things out of life.
#amwriting
Well, I said that if the Mariners weren't in the World Series, I'd root for the Blue Jays... and for a close, exciting series.
Looks like I got the second half of that wish! Congrats to the Dodgers, and well-played to the Blue Jays, they were this >< close. (Extra innings Game 7, wow.)
Looks like I got the second half of that wish! Congrats to the Dodgers, and well-played to the Blue Jays, they were this >< close. (Extra innings Game 7, wow.)
November 2, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Well, I said that if the Mariners weren't in the World Series, I'd root for the Blue Jays... and for a close, exciting series.
Looks like I got the second half of that wish! Congrats to the Dodgers, and well-played to the Blue Jays, they were this >< close. (Extra innings Game 7, wow.)
Looks like I got the second half of that wish! Congrats to the Dodgers, and well-played to the Blue Jays, they were this >< close. (Extra innings Game 7, wow.)
Reposted by Rachel Reddick / RZ Nicolet
You know, people who think baseball is boring haven’t been paying attention
November 2, 2025 at 2:50 AM
You know, people who think baseball is boring haven’t been paying attention
Having finally gotten around to watching #Superman from 2025, I have two main reactions:
1. The folks who made this movie understood the assignment (and Superman), thanks for that, and
2. I would like a Mr. Terrific movie with Superman as a supporting character
1. The folks who made this movie understood the assignment (and Superman), thanks for that, and
2. I would like a Mr. Terrific movie with Superman as a supporting character
November 1, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Having finally gotten around to watching #Superman from 2025, I have two main reactions:
1. The folks who made this movie understood the assignment (and Superman), thanks for that, and
2. I would like a Mr. Terrific movie with Superman as a supporting character
1. The folks who made this movie understood the assignment (and Superman), thanks for that, and
2. I would like a Mr. Terrific movie with Superman as a supporting character
#WordWeavers Nov 1: Describe a perfect reader for your story (i.e. who is the story for?)
For the current #WIP (edit in progress):
- Anybody who's tired of all the fantasy countries being monarchies
- Or who would like a cold war era-ish thriller, but, like, with wizards
#amwriting #amediting
For the current #WIP (edit in progress):
- Anybody who's tired of all the fantasy countries being monarchies
- Or who would like a cold war era-ish thriller, but, like, with wizards
#amwriting #amediting
November 1, 2025 at 5:41 PM
#WordWeavers Nov 1: Describe a perfect reader for your story (i.e. who is the story for?)
For the current #WIP (edit in progress):
- Anybody who's tired of all the fantasy countries being monarchies
- Or who would like a cold war era-ish thriller, but, like, with wizards
#amwriting #amediting
For the current #WIP (edit in progress):
- Anybody who's tired of all the fantasy countries being monarchies
- Or who would like a cold war era-ish thriller, but, like, with wizards
#amwriting #amediting
#WordWeavers for November, for anybody who'd like to join in: mastodon.online/@AlinaLeonov...
Mastodon
mastodon.online
November 1, 2025 at 5:34 PM
#WordWeavers for November, for anybody who'd like to join in: mastodon.online/@AlinaLeonov...
#WordWeavers Oct 31: What was your antagonist’s favorite childhood game?
For the two biggest antagonists:
[Redacted 1]: Truth or Dare
[Redacted 2]: Capture the Flag
#amwriting
For the two biggest antagonists:
[Redacted 1]: Truth or Dare
[Redacted 2]: Capture the Flag
#amwriting
October 31, 2025 at 11:53 AM
#WordWeavers Oct 31: What was your antagonist’s favorite childhood game?
For the two biggest antagonists:
[Redacted 1]: Truth or Dare
[Redacted 2]: Capture the Flag
#amwriting
For the two biggest antagonists:
[Redacted 1]: Truth or Dare
[Redacted 2]: Capture the Flag
#amwriting
#WordWeavers Oct 30: What sort of emotional therapy pet would your MC benefit from having?
Gery: A dog, maybe?
Serte: She's already got a pet owl. She's good. (There's a domesticated species of owl in the setting, so he's more cuddly than you might think.)
#amwriting
Gery: A dog, maybe?
Serte: She's already got a pet owl. She's good. (There's a domesticated species of owl in the setting, so he's more cuddly than you might think.)
#amwriting
October 30, 2025 at 12:55 PM
#WordWeavers Oct 30: What sort of emotional therapy pet would your MC benefit from having?
Gery: A dog, maybe?
Serte: She's already got a pet owl. She's good. (There's a domesticated species of owl in the setting, so he's more cuddly than you might think.)
#amwriting
Gery: A dog, maybe?
Serte: She's already got a pet owl. She's good. (There's a domesticated species of owl in the setting, so he's more cuddly than you might think.)
#amwriting
#WordWeavers Oct 29: Pick your preference: drafting, editing, formatting, or marketing.
I feel like, as a writer-type person, I'm almost obliged to say drafting or editing. I honestly love both of those, so it's a tough call between them.
#amwriting
I feel like, as a writer-type person, I'm almost obliged to say drafting or editing. I honestly love both of those, so it's a tough call between them.
#amwriting
October 29, 2025 at 12:42 PM
#WordWeavers Oct 29: Pick your preference: drafting, editing, formatting, or marketing.
I feel like, as a writer-type person, I'm almost obliged to say drafting or editing. I honestly love both of those, so it's a tough call between them.
#amwriting
I feel like, as a writer-type person, I'm almost obliged to say drafting or editing. I honestly love both of those, so it's a tough call between them.
#amwriting
Also, I don't politics on here much, but as a former subscriber to the Washington Post, this just makes me sad. (I dropped my sub a while ago, because... well, the trend was clear.)
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
'Washington Post' editorials omit a key disclosure: Bezos' financial ties
Three times in the past two weeks, editorials at the 'Washington Post' failed to disclose that they focused on matters in which owner Jeff Bezos had a material interest.
www.npr.org
October 28, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Also, I don't politics on here much, but as a former subscriber to the Washington Post, this just makes me sad. (I dropped my sub a while ago, because... well, the trend was clear.)
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
#WordWeavers Oct 28: MC POV: How would you react if your best friend won the day instead of you?
Gery: "I'm... not sure what that would look like. Winning the day isn't something I'm trying to do."
Serte: "She's done it before. If one of us identifies the perpetrator, we all win."
#amwriting
Gery: "I'm... not sure what that would look like. Winning the day isn't something I'm trying to do."
Serte: "She's done it before. If one of us identifies the perpetrator, we all win."
#amwriting
October 28, 2025 at 12:54 PM
#WordWeavers Oct 28: MC POV: How would you react if your best friend won the day instead of you?
Gery: "I'm... not sure what that would look like. Winning the day isn't something I'm trying to do."
Serte: "She's done it before. If one of us identifies the perpetrator, we all win."
#amwriting
Gery: "I'm... not sure what that would look like. Winning the day isn't something I'm trying to do."
Serte: "She's done it before. If one of us identifies the perpetrator, we all win."
#amwriting
Reposted by Rachel Reddick / RZ Nicolet
Going through copyedits on the book manuscript.
My main thought so far: Wow, I really am a profligate user of commas, aren't I? Just peppered everywhere.
#amwriting #amediting
My main thought so far: Wow, I really am a profligate user of commas, aren't I? Just peppered everywhere.
#amwriting #amediting
October 27, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Going through copyedits on the book manuscript.
My main thought so far: Wow, I really am a profligate user of commas, aren't I? Just peppered everywhere.
#amwriting #amediting
My main thought so far: Wow, I really am a profligate user of commas, aren't I? Just peppered everywhere.
#amwriting #amediting