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Steven D. Brewer

@stevendbrewer.com
2.3K followers 2.8K following 2.6K posts

Author of #LGBTQIA+ #ScienceFiction & #Fantasy #Books. Emeritus Senior Lecturer II at UMass Amherst. Lover of natural history. SFWA Secretary. Straw Dog Writers Guild. Ekskabeinto. #WesternMass (he/him)

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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 01/08/2026
I created a map for Revin's Heart, my steampunky fantasy adventure with pirates and airships and a trans protagonist. I made it for my own use, to keep track of headings and relative distances. I published it in a 'zine as a giveaway to promote the book: stevendbrewer.com/islands-of-r... #Cartaugust
a map showing islands and some cities.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 20/07/2026
I was striving to achieve some level of gender balance in the queries I'm sending to agents, but there are about 7 women to each man. #Writing
graph showing 142 women and 22 men that are currently accepting lgbtqia+ romantasy submissions
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 12/07/2026
The Exhibit A Brewery has moved to Williamsburg. They have an immense tap room and beer garden. And they're co-located with GrandTen distillery, so good cocktails too. It's a bit of a drive, but I can see it's going to be a regular destination for us. #WesternMass
a glass of beer in a garden
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 28/06/2026
I'm selling books on the Amherst Common for Pride. #WesternMass
an older man with a vendor tent
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 19/06/2026
That's kind of a mean thing to say about other people.
Headline from Popular Mechanics:
These Mysterious Blobs May Be Conscious-And They Exist All Around You
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 13/06/2026
The plates at Masuda's Cafe are pretty. #WesternMass
a plate with an intricate design
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 06/06/2026
I participated in the autograph session at the 2026 @sfwa.bsky.social Nebulas. I signed a non-zero number of my books!
an older masked man ready to sign books with his fancy fountain pen
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 22/05/2026
I will be attending the @sfwa.bsky.social Nebula Awards Conference June 3-7, 2026 and participate in an author signing event June 5 from 8-10pm. I will bring my fancy fountain pen and try not to squirt ink all over anyone brave enough to come talk with me. nebulas.sfwa.org/nebula-confe...
Promotional graphic for the 61st Nebula Awards Conference: A Night Among the Stars! Including... NEBULA FINALIST & VIP AUTOGRAPHING, 8-10pm Friday, June 5, Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel & Conference Center
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 08/05/2026
Today, I taught the last class and presided over the last Faculty Senate meeting of my career. I don't formally retire until August, but this was a huge step. And it's my 38th wedding anniversary! My wife & I are celebrating at 30B. Cheers!
two older people who are not yet on firea raised pint of Common Roots Good Fortune IPA in front of a fire
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 28/04/2026
jam forgesintaj, la malhelo kaj malvarm'… sen ajna sopir' / already forgotten, the cold and dark… without any longing #hajko #haiku #esperanto
weeping cherry blossoms
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 28/03/2026
I took a #trans flag to the #NoKings rally in Amherst. #WesternMass
an older man wearing a trench coat and blue fedora holding a trans flag.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 12/03/2026
I like Klondike bars, mostly because they have a picture of a white boxer dog on them. I've always assumed it is an homage to the famous stories about the Klondike, *Call of the White Boxer Dog* and *White Boxer Dog Fang*.
A Klondike Bar ice cream treat with a picture of a white boxer dog on it.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 14/02/2026
No. Stop saying shit like this. AIs can't "betray" people.
NPR headline: ChatGPT promised to help her find her soulmate. Then it betrayed her
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 07/02/2026
I received my NO AI pin from @duckduckgo.com
a pin that says "No AI."
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 02/02/2026
I saw that Treehouse Brewing was running a Brewer versus Brewer competition. At first I thought this might be some commentary on my marriage, but in fact four of their brewers had each created a triple IPA to sample and vote. I drank Number 1 tonight. It was tasty. #WesternMass #beer
Four cans of beer, labeled 1-4, with a post card explaining the Brewer versus Brewer competition.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 22/01/2026
I received my hardback author's copies of A Familiar Problem. Order a signed copy today! waterdragonpublishing.com/product/fami...
a hand holding a hardback copy of A Familiar Problem over a box containing additional copies.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 19/01/2026
There was no banner or headline or announcement, so I finally searched: Five screens down the page, under "More News" — that is how the New York Times is recognizing Martin Luther King Day in 2026.
More News

What to Know About M.L.K. Day

Since 1986, a federal holiday on the third Monday of January has celebrated the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

3 min read
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 19/01/2026
#MardaMemo #Esperanto
memo kiu diras "lernu esperanton", oni elektas libron "Plena Analiza Gramatiko", oni eniras la lbron, oni troviĝas en inferan pejzaĝon.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 18/01/2026
I'm standing up in the kitchen to eat my Korean fried chicken and *someone* is extremely disappointed in me. #DogsOfBluesky
a very salty boxer dog
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 12/01/2026
I've not posted much this weekend because my son is in the hospital. And I've had to cancel my panels at Arisia. That's the bad news. The good news is that I've been spending most of my time with Ta-taso, keeping her company and taking long walks to take our minds off things. #DogsOfBluesky
a sleepy boxer dog
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 01/01/2026
#WIPSnips "begin" from Campshire!
Will grinned and shook Grip back awake. He had fallen asleep with his head resting on Will's shoulder.

"Come, my love. It's time to save the world again."

"Mm-hmm," Grip said, snuggling closer.

"Griphon!" the Baron barked, leaning in.

"Sir!" Grip said, suddenly wide awake.

Will and Grip headed straight to the aerodrome to begin preparing to launch the Queen while Revin ran to the guard post and alerted them to rouse his security detail. While they sent runners, Revin sprinted back to his quarters to change. Lidja was already in bed, asleep.

"Where are you going?" she asked, muzzily.

"Campshire," he said, buckling his swordbelt.

Momo, in her nightshirt, stuck her head in.

"Be safe, my hero."

Revin bowed low.

"Always, Your Majesty."
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 27/12/2025
#LesFicFri "lucky" from Lady Cecelia's Flowers, Part 1 of Lady Cecelia's Journey.
"Let me see you put something on!"
Cecelia dug through her trunk and found the stylish suit she had worn for her interview at the Finishing School. She started to take off the uniform that she was still wearing, when she caught Kasseh's eyes gleaming at her. Suddenly self-conscious, she turned away, stripped off the uniform, and put on the suit.
"That's perfect!" Kasseh cried. "Now you just need some fancy jewelry."
"But I don't have anything like that," Cecelia said.
"Ah! But I do," Kasseh replied. She flew to her workbench, and picked up a stunning silver necklace with small white gems and matching earrings. "I just finished these last week. It's lucky your hair matches. If you had golden hair, it would clash and I don't have enough money to work gold yet."
"You made these too?" Cecelia gasped.
"Uh-huh. Now let me get a look at you." Kasseh stepped back and regarded Cecelia, who flushed even more deeply at the attention. "You truly look the part, Milady."
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 26/12/2025
#WIPSnips "type" from The Ground Never Lies
Veronica expanded her exploration and studied how the soil horizons, distinct in undisturbed soil, were absent in the grave that was filled with unconsolidated soil. 

"How long does it take for the soil horizons to develop?"

"That takes tens or hundreds of years," Nila said. "And they're highly dependent on climate, vegetation, and the soil type. But the highest horizons develop first."

Veronica spent several hours looking at the newest graves, including some just days old, and the oldest, that went back Nila said, more than a hundred years. As they walked back to lunch, Veronica reflected on her first experience seeing an interred body, how little she'd been able to tell the Chief and how much more she would be able to say in the future.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 26/12/2025
Happy Boxer-dog Day to all who celebrate! #DogsOfBluesky
extreme close-up of boxer dog
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 23/12/2025
Richardson's Candy Kitchen in Old Deerfield makes "liquid caramel" chocolates, that are the best candies in the world, hands down. #WesternMass
Two Santa-shaped liquid caramel chocolates in front of a Richardson's box.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 21/12/2025
Waiting for the winter solstice sunrise at the #UMass Sunwheel. #SilentSunday #WesternMass
early morning sky behind trees and standing stones
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 18/12/2025
From *The Better Angels and The Complicated Camping Catastrophe* in *Better Angels: Tour de Force*, only at the Truck Stop at the Center of the Galaxy! (And anywhere else fine books are sold…) truckstop.waterdragonpublishing.com/product/bett...
cover graphic for Better Angels: Tour de Force
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 17/12/2025
oh, no
a fortune-cookie fortune that says, "This week, a new opportunity for personal growth will arise."
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 16/12/2025
Ooh! You can now order a signed edition of A Familiar Problem! water-dragon-publishing.square.site/product/a-fa...
cover graphic from A Familiar Problem.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 12/12/2025
#WIPSnips "smash"
When the last student cast their fireball, they were nearly at time, so Mr. Burton dismissed the class from there and everyone ran back to grab their bags and head home. But Rory was in a bad mood. He went stomping off into the woods behind the school. Having Aimee sneer at him had made him angry and he wanted to blow off steam. He felt like he needed to hit something or break something.
"You need to calm yourself down," Tseluna said reasonably in his head.
"No. I need to smash something. Or burn something!" he replied. He started to prepare a fireball when suddenly his magic dropped to zero. The sudden feeling of powerlessness made him panic.
"No," Tseluna said, bluntly. "You're far too powerful now to let yourself give in to these kinds of childish impulses. Let me show you what I mean."
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 10/12/2025
#WIPSnips "pipe" from An Exchange of Services
For the following week, Jim had a shadow that followed him everywhere. Anywhere Jim went, from virtual dawn to virtual dusk, Alpha was there. Jim began to keep up a patter, explaining to Alpha what he was doing and how the ship worked.

"See this pipe? This comes from the, uh, exterior tensor refactor armatron. And it runs to the stockwise paired exteriorizer. Now *this* one…"

Alpha paid close attention and soaked up as much knowledge as Jim was able to impart in the time available.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 05/12/2025
#lesficfri "sorry" from The Ground Never Lies
"Oh, no! Look at your dress!" Celene said.
Veronica looked down. The white dress had become nearly transparent. 
Celene giggled. "Well, it's more like 'look through your dress,'" she laughed.
Embarrassed, Veronica wrapped her arms around herself.
"Aw," Celene said. She put her arms around Veronica. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel bad! It's a lovely dress. And you're very pretty too."
"I wanted to look nice… For you."
Celene looked up at Veronica. Then moved closer. Veronica hesitated for a moment, then put her arms around Celene and pulled them together.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 30/11/2025
Woohoo! I finally have a copy of *A Familiar Problem* I can hold in my hands! It's been a long journey for this one. It will be in the dealer room today at #LOSCon and will soon be available for purchase anywhere books are sold online. waterdragonpublishing.com/product/a-fa...
a man holding a copy of A Familiar Problem
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 27/11/2025
I'm sitting by the pool with a can of Voodoo Ranger Imperial and marking up my program with a pen AS ONE DOES (when one is very very old). #loscon
a can of beer, a pen, and a paper program
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 21/11/2025
From noon to 2pm, on Saturday, Nov 22, I'll be selling & signing books at the Northampton Book Fair, along with other Straw Dog writers. I won't have copies of my newest book, which isn't quite out yet, but I'll bring cards with the QR code. www.northamptonbookfair.com/single-post/... #WesternMass
Cards with the cover of A Familiar Problem and the QR code to the publisher's website.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 20/11/2025
#WIPSnips "third" from The Ground Never Lies
She studied the scene with her geomantic senses. After making an assessment of the scene, she pushed her awareness as far out as she could. Then she addressed the Chief.

"The deceased is a middle-aged man: mid 40s. I can't be more precise. The cause of death was blunt-force trauma. There is a skull fracture. It looks like a fairly small, round impact. I would guess a hammer. The deceased has no coins, but it's hard to know if that was the motive for the attack, as a smash and grab, or it simply represented a target of opportunity. After the attack the attacker entered the building to the right and is currently watching us out the window of the third floor. It's the last room on the left."

"Constables!" bellowed the Chief, and pointed toward the door. Four men answered his call.

"The attacker is attempting to flee," Veronica said, calmly providing a play-by-play as the events unfolded. "He is approaching the stairs. The constables are closing in. The attacker is retreating. The constables have tackled him. It's over."
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 17/11/2025
#WIPSnips "spend" from The Ground Never Lies
Veronica was in ecstasy, enjoying the wonderful day with her father, when someone knocked at the door. Dolly stepped out of the room to answer the door. After a few moments, she returned and spoke quietly to Veronica's father.
He wiped his mouth with his napkin and set it on his plate.
"Hey, Red. Something has come up. I'm going to need to go out for a while."
Veronica's mood took a nosedive. Her brow came down and she clenched her fists.
"But you said you had the whole day off to spend with me," she said, bitterly.
"I'm sorry, Red. Maybe you can…"
"No!" Veronica yelled. She pointed at her father with her knife. "You promised!"
Dolly stepped forward and extracted the knife from Veronica's grasp.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 15/11/2025
Easier. I don't think that word means what you think it means. #xfinity
Page in web browser claiming that it's somehow "easier" to download and install an app on a different device than to use the browser connection I've already established to manage my home network settings: "Managing your home network settings is now easier than ever. To manage your gateway settings and other features, please download the Xfinity xFi app."
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 12/11/2025
#WIPSnips "shirt" from Lady Cecelia's Temptation
The soldiers marched through the night. Before long, Cecelia and Helia, walking barefoot, were scratched and sore. Helia stumbled, and Cecelia put an arm under her shoulder to hold her up.

As they walked, Cecelia became aware of an odor. She sniffed. She could detect a sweet delicate scent carried on the still night air. She looked around desperately in the dark trying to identify any useful landmarks. Then, inspiration struck and she tore a bit of fabric loose from the bottom of her shirt and dropped it on the ground. Relieved, she continued to slog forward, her spirit light in spite of her increasingly sore and blistered feet.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 11/11/2025
In a recent episode of Ruri Rocks, they talk about dealkylized glass that develops an iridescent sheen after being underwater for a long time. By coincidence, I ran across this bottle I found snorkeling on St Croix that shows the effect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dealkal...
old brown beer bottle with silvery sheen
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 08/11/2025
I am set up and ready to sell books at the North Amherst Mill District Holiday Market. The rain has passed through, temps are mild, and it looks to be a great day! #WesternMass
me in front of bookselling tablebookselling table with pride flags
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 07/11/2025
Revin's Heart is in good company at the Jones Library!
Revin's Heart is next to a Mercy Thompson book at the library
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 05/11/2025
I'm scheduled to appear on the Science Fact in Science Fiction: Getting It Right in SFF panel at @sfwa.org Quasar at 9am PT on Sunday, October 16, 2025. Sign up today! membership.sfwa.org/event-6301796
handsome graphic with my picture, biography, and title of the panel.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 05/11/2025
#WIPSnips "trail" from Tablelands.
Two days later, Heather was taking one weary step after another in the midst of the barren Tablelands. She had wanted to join a caravan, but the swindlers had staked out the yard where the caravans were organized.

The cat walked nearby, though out of habit she avoided looking at it. The high mesa was flat with low vegetation permitting views into the distance in all directions. She looked back along the trail frequently. Twice, when she had seen horses or wagons in the distance, she had pulled the invisibility over herself and waited discretely until well after they had passed, before beginning her trek again. With each step she took, hope grew in her that the swindlers would not pursue her into the Tablelands.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 31/10/2025
#LesFicFri "afraid" from The Ground Never Lies
Sophie brough her face closer to Veronica's. Veronica searched her eyes. Sophie brushed her lips against Veronica's, then moved to press her mouth to hers. But Veronica looked down.
"I'm… I'm not ready," she whispered. "I've never…"
"You've never kissed anyone?"
"No," Veronica mumbled. "No, I have, but… But it never works out."
"It's easy. Just try!" Sophie said. "Try!"
Veronica lifted her chin and let Sophie press her mouth to hers. She shook with emotion and her feelings threatened to overwhelm her. She always drove people away, but felt so hopeless and drowning in loneliness that she was willing to cling to any life preserver. When Sophie went to pull back, Veronica put her arms around her and pulled her closer. She was afraid to let go for fear of breaking the spell.
They kissed again. And again.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 27/10/2025
ĉu estas nova, aŭ malnova tapiŝo… falintfolia / is it new, or old carpet… fallen leaves #hajko #haiku #esperanto #writeout
fallen leaves
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 25/10/2025
#LesFicFri "hand" from Lady Cecelia's Flowers, Part 1 of Lady Cecelia's Journey, a sapphic romantasy road story.
Cecelia spent the rest of the class daydreaming about going to the beautiful lake with Eliya. And holding her hand. She shivered with anticipation. She often fantasized about Eliya.

When class was over, Cecelia tried to get through the door first so she could catch Eliya before she left. As she burst through the door, she bumped into another girl, bounced off her, and fell to the ground. 

"I'm so sorry," the girl said. She was a large girl who was very plain. She peered at Cecelia from under her bangs, without meeting her eyes. Cecelia had seen her before, but didn't remember her name. The girl extended a hand. Cecelia took it and allowed herself to be pulled back to her feet. The girl's hand was very large and rough.

"Thank you," Cecelia said. "I'm so sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Lady Cecelia," she said, quietly. "I'm not hurt."
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 23/10/2025
#WIPSnips "charge" from Devishire! a Revin's Heart sequel.
Revin threw open the bulkhead, passed a spear to Tiny, and then to each girl that followed. He handed the last to Emma. He wanted to tell her she didn't need to go, but she saw his face and smiled. 

"Just relax, Sir Revin!" She grinned. "We've got this." 

"Go!" Tiny shouted.

The girls sprinted across the street and formed a line. The Queen of Belleriand loomed overhead and began to descend. "One-One!" Tiny called. The girls wheeled with their spears and jammed the butts into the ground. In their sexy-airship costumes, they were the best looking troops Revin had ever seen. 

As the Queen descended, Revin heard hoofbeats and saw a detachment of cavalry approaching. "One-Four!" Tiny barked. The girls shifted, braced their spears, and lowered the tips toward the horsemen. Revin feared even Tiny's savvy wouldn't be enough to protect the girls from a mounted cavalry charge.
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 18/10/2025
surprize milda… malgraŭ la kalendaro, oni piknikas / surprisingly mild… despite the calendar, people picnic #hajko #haiku #esperanto #writeout
shadows and people's legs
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Steven D. Brewer @stevendbrewer.com · 15/10/2025
maturaj fruktoj… sed la birdoj atendos, ĝis fermentitaj / ripe fruits… but the birds will wait, until fermented #hajko #haiku #esperanto #writeout
hawthorne berries
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