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"But I was single at the time, and didn't even have any FWBs. So I asked the City for good luck, and to send me someone nice, and I put the top down even though the temperature wasn't *that* warm, and I started cruising around the Mission, looking for someone who was up for a good time. 2/5

"I think it was... Mission and 20th? Yeah, that's right, I was pulled up at the stop light behind a bunch of other cars, and this dude was in front of Doc's Clock. I could see him giving me the eye — or maybe it was the car, but..." They shrug. "I told him, 'Hey, you want a good time?' He smiled and sauntered over to the passenger door. 3/5

"So I took him a few streets away, to San Jose Avenue, right by where my family lived when I was little, and there's hardly any foot traffic, and found a place to pull it over and get in the back. And put the top up, of course.

"He was pretty good, and I'll just say we gave the shocks a good workout." They pause and smile. "Then when we were done, I kissed him goodbye and told him thank-you, and left him there. He still had a smile when I drove away. 4/5

"I think I maybe saw him at a club about a year and a half later. But he was far away and the lighting was bad. And there was no way I was going to go and check. It was a one-time thing, and it was just the way it should be." 5/5

#WordWeavers Day 4: Describe a cozy memory one of your MCs has. What are the sounds, sights, smells & other sensations in it?

I just wrote this spontaneously, in response to this prompt:

#WordWeavers Day 5: Antagonist POV: What are your core values?

Van Martinez says: "'Safety with respect for all.' The force's¹ unofficial motto. But you know what? I also go by its, and the City's, official motto: 'Oro en paz, fierro en guerra.'²"

1. She means the San Francisco police force; she's a career officer

2. "Gold in peace, iron in war"

#WordWeavers Day 6: Do your characters do any spiritual practices?

There's a sense in which the City magic that my MCs routinely do also counts as a spiritual practice, and some of the non-main folks also have some spiritual practices in their magic.

Aside from that, Carlos goes to Catholic mass most Sundays.

#WordWeavers Day 7: Do your MCs’ values align with the traditions and values of the communities they come from?

To the extent that all of them, to some degree, come from San Francisco, yes. They're definitely examples of "San Francisco values" — and I mean that in the best way possible!

#WordWeavers Day 8: SC POV: Who knows your deepest secrets?

Zoë Broadstreet says: Nobody. That's why they're secret. Really, you should know better than to ask that of a lady who works in infosec!

Carmen Lockhart: (looks thoughtful) I'm not sure I really have any secrets. I'm publicly out as autistic, so that's no secret. I don't really care if anyone knows I'm bi and demi. Yeah, I guess I don't have any.

#WordWeavers Day 9: If your antagonists were animals, which one would they each be?

Adrian Hardesty: Something like a mink, leopard, or jaguar that looks very pretty, but is extremely dangerous and kills just for the fun of it.

Derrick Devereaux: A peacock

Donna Kuang: I'm not sure. Something intelligent and with at least a little elegance, and not a major predator.

Van Martinez: A wolf

Travis Winter: Very likely a lion, stereotypical as it is. Commanding, and also good-looking and stylish.

#WordWeavers Day 10: If your MCs were animals, which ones?

Angel: Maybe a quetzal?

Carlos Velázquez: A raven. Oh, so very much a raven.

David: It's not enough to just say, "a dog"; there's too much variability there. David would particularly be some breed known for its intelligence, kindness, and loyalty.

Jessie: I really don't want to say a cat, but it may actually fit.

Margot: She was born in the year of the Fire Tiger, and she's very at-home with that association.

#WordWeavers Day 11: What emotions did your characters experience in the last scene you wrote?

The last scene I wrote was a vignette depicting a standard, regular meeting of a group that tries to use magic to help people. Nobody was feeling any particularly strong emotions; they were just handling regular business. A couple of folks were glad to see each other, and bummed that they couldn't hang out more.

#WordWeavers Day 12: Why did you originally start writing? Has it changed?

Originally: Because I had a story to tell. (Or at least, a world and some people to tell a story about.)

Now: To be perfectly honest, over the past week, it's felt more like the reason I'm still doing it is because I'm forcing myself to not give up.

I'm going to keep on not-giving-up, and hope that the original drive and reason come back.

#WordWeavers Day 13: You just got a legit movie offer for your book. What do you do first?

Get an entertainment lawyer to draft me up a contract that will keep them from changing certain things. Yes, I know movies are a completely different storytelling medium from writing, and lots of things will *have to* change — but they don't get to turn any of my POC white, my queer folks straight, my enbies binary, or introduce any good cops or other copaganda. That's *not* necessary.

Edit: Also... 1/2

...note this excellent answer about having and agent. For me, I guess that'd be thing #2, but they'd be kind of neck-and-neck.

https://eldritch.cafe/@sfwrtr/113474408406899244

2/2

#WordWeavers Day 14: Were there any other names you considered for your MCs?

Absolutely. I went through a bunch of options for Angel Castillo, including "Alas" (stress on the first syllable, the Spanish word for "wings"). Jessie Nakamura could've been a Jenny, but that name suggests someone older. Then she was nearly a Julie, but I wanted to avoid being too close to Julie Mao of _The Expanse_. 1/2

David and Carlos, OTOH, have always had those names, and Margot never had any other one except for "David's mentor" (much like Angel was originally "Jessie's mentor" before I started messing around with names like Alas). 2/2

#WordWeavers Day 15: How would your story change if you had to use another MC?

I can't understand why I'd have to?

#WordWeavers Day 16: Has anything ever deterred you from writing what you want to write?

Just time and energy.

#WordWeavers Day 17: Who are your MCs most grateful for?

Margot: her husband, Al
Angel: her best friend, Margot
Jessie: her older brother, George
Carlos: his BFF, Miguel
David: he's really not sure

#WordWeavers Day 18: Who are your antagonists most grateful for?

Derrick Devereaux: his husband, Austin

Donna Kuang: her husband, Larry

Travis Winter: Honestly, his executive assistant, Kayla Rodgers. His wife, Holly, is awesome, but Travis would be lost without Kayla.

Van Martinez: not anyone, really

Adrian Hardesty: Doesn't actually understand the question, but if asked in public, he'd say his beautiful wife, Crystal and darling son, Ben.

#WordWeavers Day 19: Were there any other inciting incidents for your MCs that you considered?

The structure of this story has multiple inciting incidents; effectively there are three:

Jessie's magical awakening;
David's magical awakening; and
the realization by Jessie and David's mentors and a few other experienced magicians that another magician has transgressed the usual bounds of morality and concocted an evil plan.

1/2

I'm still working out some details of exactly how that third inciting incident happens, in ways that have felt a bit like "a change" in it (like, I thought they found out X but it turns out they found out Y instead), but the high-level incident, in the terms I just put forth in the last sentence? Yeah, that's stayed basically the same. 2/2

#WordWeavers Day 20: Your MC can only take one thing on a trip. What would that be?

They're modern people in their twenties and thirties; I think pretty much all of them would say "My phone", and then ask if the charging cable counts as a second thing or if it's included, because otherwise there's going to be a problem.

#WordWeavers Day 21: Would your MCs be good or bad upstairs neighbors?

They'd pretty much all be good upstairs neighbors; one thing they all have in common is being habitually polite and respectful of other people. This is no coincidence; it's something that puts them fundamentally at odds with my villains.

#WordWeavers Day 22: Would your antagonists be good or bad upstairs neighbors?

Most of them actually *are* upstairs neighbors, in at least one residence (and sometimes more). They manage not to be particularly bad ones mostly by dint of living in situations where they don't really come in contact with their downstairs neighbors much (e.g., modern buildings that have good soundproofing, the general isolation strategies of urban people, etc.).

#WordWeavers Day 23: What comforts your antagonists?

Travis and Adrian: Fine food and drink. For Adrian, also hot sex.

Donna and Derrick: Their husband's love and support. For Derrick, also the support of his circle of friends.

For all of them, in varying degrees and ways: Getting what they want, and succeeding, and knowing for sure that they are making the world and the City a better place.

#WordWeavers Day 24: Which two of the five senses do you describe most in your book?

To be really sure, I'd want to go through my work so far and count up instances of sensory words or descriptions. That would take quite a while, though.

I'm fairly confident that the answer would turn out to be sight and sound, with tactile sensation running a close third.

[Addendum: Shout-out to everyone pointing out, correctly, that we have more than 5 senses!]

#WordWeavers Day 25: What part of your antagonists’ personalities makes them so antagonistic?

Their beliefs that they are right, and that they know better than other people.

#WordWeavers Day 26: Could you see your characters fitting into anyone else’s book world?

Aside from the anachronism, they could slide into the pages of Armistead Maupin's _Tales of the City_ with a blend so seamless, it'd look purposeful.

They might also be able to integrate into works of modern urban fantasy that don't have a major world-shifting event (e.g., maybe Harry Dresden, but not the Hollows). Might. Not sure if the changes in magic would be too much. 1/2

Also, of course, even if they were in Harry Dresden's world, they'd still be in San Francisco, not Chicago. It'd be easier to move them across the world-lines than to a different City. But if Harry ever went to visit San Francisco, he could maybe bump into my folks... maybe?

N.B.: I've only read the first Dresden book, so I'm pretty iffy on all that. 2/2

#WordWeavers Day 27: Describe one of your characters from the point of view of another character.

This is actually going to happen a lot in the book proper, starting from about page 2 or so when Jessie's mentor, Angel, shows up. And then there'll be times when, frex, David's the viewpoint character and first meets Jessie...

I don't really feel like writing something that's potentially actual book text right now, so here's Angel Castillo's (close 3rd) POV description of their best friend:

#WordWeavers Day 28: Your MC made a bad joke. What was it about?

Margot: Most of Margot's jokes are good ones. But if it were a bad one (as per the prompt), she probably did a really morbid one.

Angel: I think they kind of like dad jokes, actually.

Carlos: Actually *is a dad*. And cannot resist the siren call of dad jokes. (He also tells good jokes.)

Jessie: Probably something very self-deprecating.

David: Something really nerdy, like either programmer humor or a science joke.

#WordWeavers Day 29: Who would laugh about [yesterday's bad joke]?

Margot: Curiously, Jessie might laugh drily, and give her a look like, "Wow, I didn't realize you were so dark."

Angel: Their partner, Jake, appreciates their dad jokes. He'd laugh, unironically.

Carlos: Nobody; the whole Velázquez family would groan.

Jessie: Nobody. They'd just look concerned for her.

David: Another nerd who hadn't heard that one before?

#WordWeavers Day 30: Tell us about a myth in your story’s world.

The tech bros have a myth: that Silicon Valley and the tech industry are a "meritocracy".

(I know, it'd be cool to tell about some myth or legend that the City shamans have, among themselves. But I haven't come up with anything like that yet. Maybe it'll come up during the writing of the book, but maybe they're just not much given to inventing myths — they're more inclined to *be* mythical, or at least mystical, figures.)

#WordWeavers Day 1: Pitch the setting of your story as if you're a travel agent trying to convince a tourist to visit.

Come to San Francisco, the most beautiful city in the world! Enjoy world-class dining, ride the world-famous cable cars, and see breathtaking views. Tour the famous Castro and Haight-Ashbury districts, and see the vibrant murals of the Mission. Come and leave your heart in San Francisco!

#WordWeavers Day 2: What are the 3 most important things for a traveler to take to the setting of your story?

An open mind, a good camera, and lots of money.

#WordWeavers Day 3: What are the 3 most important things for a traveler to know if they visit your setting?

1. Stand right on escalators; leave the left for people who are walking.

2. Always dress in layers, no matter what the weather looks like.

3. Do. NOT. Call it "Frisco". Just don't. "San Fran" is acceptable, and "SF" is also okay, but really, "San Francisco" is preferred.

Bonus: Cable cars are actually pulled by a cable under the street; they're not "trolleys", so don't call them that.

#WordWeavers Day 4: MC POV: What about your daily life would surprise a stranger?

Margot Chu says: Probably the way I "commute" to and from work.

(She has a magical key that lets her use certain doors as instant portals to certain other doors. She uses it about as casually as another person might take the bus.)

#WordWeavers Day 6: Share a description of unusual or interesting clothes in your story.

From a vignette where Derrick Devereaux and his husband are about to go out to brunch with their crew:

#WordWeavers Day 7: What were the smells in the last scene you wrote?

That was Angel Castillo waking up, having coffee, showering, and then driving to work in their convertible with the top down. So, in order:

1. coffee
2. shampoo and conditioner
3. a little mustiness and oil in the garage
4. the many smells in the air of a San Francisco morning

None of these were explicitly described in the text, though. (The *presence* of the coffee was, but not its aroma.)

#WordWeavers Day 8: Antagonist POV: If you could have 5 minutes to speak to an MC without interruption, what would you say?

CW: aggressive misgendering and enbyphobia

Van Martinez says: I'd tell Angel Castillo that she's really not all that special. She doesn't have to call herself "non-binary", she doesn't have to wear such chi-chi clothes all the time, and seriously, nobody cares.

#WordWeavers Day 9: If the character from your last scene closed their eyes, what would be the first 3 things they'd notice?

The last scene I wrote was Angel Castillo driving their car to work. They should really, really, not close their eyes! (I won't describe what they'd notice if they did, because it would be bloody and tragic.)

#WordWeavers Day 10: What kind of stories do you like telling?

Ones that give people things to think about, and that make them feel good, like we can do things to make the world better and make ourselves and our loved ones happier.

#WordWeavers Day 11: What are some of your characters' traditions?

Most San Francisco city shamans celebrate what they call Phoenix Day, or Rebirth Day. It's February 20th, the anniversary of the opening of the Pan-Pacific International Exposition in 1915. Just under 9 years after the Great Quake and Fire, it signaled to the world that the city had been rebuilt and reborn, like the phoenix that is the City's symbol. 1/2

The shamans celebrate with joyous parties, and generally include phoenix and fire motifs. Depending on the styles of the particular people involved, this can range from flaming shots to lots of candles everywhere to phoenix ornaments or decorations to cakes that have phoenixes and/or depictions of the City. 2/2

#WordWeavers Day 12: Your MCs are going on a picnic. Who and what do they bring?

Margot and Carlos would bring their families. Angel would bring Jake. David might ask his housemates along, or maybe this older gay couple he plays with on occasion. Jessie would probably ask her brother George, because her friend group is pretty well scattered around the country.

Folks would generally bring things like picnic food, blankets, things to drink... maybe frisbees or soft balls to throw and catch?

#WordWeavers Day 13: What would the opposite of a common celebration in your world look like (e.g. the opposite of Halloween, anti-birthday, etc.)?

Being asleep at 5:12 a.m. on the morning of April 18th. Like any sane person who doesn't have some reason to be up that ungodly hour. (Work, been out carousing all night and haven't gone to bed yet, woken early by small child, that sort of thing.)

#WordWeavers Day 14: Follow-up to #13: Now describe what the real celebration looks like.

Many San Francisco City shamans (and many real-world people) attend the Great Quake and Fire Commemoration at Lotta's Fountain. People start gathering probably around 4:30 a.m. or so (although I'm not sure, as I've never gotten there that early!), and attendees include the fire chief, mayor and many supervisors. As well as anyone who wants to be there. 1/3

At 5:12 a.m., the moment the Quake struck, they ring the bells and sound the sirens and alarms.

After that, people migrate to 20th and Dolores Streets, at the top, back corner of Dolores Park, to ceremonially update the paint on the Golden Fire Hydrant. (It was the only one that kept working for many blocks around, and was painted gold afterward in honor of its faithful service.) 2/3

It used to be that after that, people would head back and meet up at Lefty O'Doul's, a scant 3 blocks from Lotta's Fountain, for breakfast. But then Lefty's went out of business. 3/3

#WordWeavers Day 15: Do your characters give gifts to others for no reason or only on special occasions?

Mostly just special occasions. They're pretty busy people, and haven't got a lot of time for random gift-buying and -giving.

That's not to say that, frex, Angel and Margot haven't *occasionally* seen something in a store or online and thought, "Oh hey, my bestie would like that, I'll buy it for them." But it's more of a one-off thing, not a common occurrence.

#WordWeavers Day 16: Does charity exist in your world and do any characters participate in it or support it?

Charity exists in my world, just like in ours. Various people give to various causes in various ways, like Angel makes regular donations to the Trevor Project: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/campaign/641674/donate

#WordWeavers Day 17: Have your MCs ever given gifts to strangers? If not, what could it be?

I think that would mostly just be spare change given to panhandlers.

#WordWeavers Day 18: A stranger gives your SC their dream gift. What is it and how does your SC react?

If someone could fix Lex Bainbridge's maimed leg, or even just give him relief from his chronic pain, he'd weep tears of joy and be forever grateful. But he's already sought the best magical healing anyone in San Francisco can provide. It's not going to get any better.

#WordWeavers Day 19: A stranger invites your MC to a celebration of some kind. What would it be? How would the MC react?

That will happen to Jessie roughly ⅔ of the way through chapter 5. When she runs into Lex Bainbridge at J&J's Bar and Grill, they'll recognize that each them looks a bit familiar to the other from some clubs. He'll invite her to a party happening that night, and she'll cautiously but happily accept the invitation. David, who's with her at the time, will be a bit worried.

#WordWeavers Day 20: Do you associate any of your characters with a song (a theme song, of sorts)?

I have entire playlists for many of my characters!

Most of those are music that character might like, though, more than "songs that remind me of the character". They're lists for *getting into the character's mindset.* Mostly. A few examples:

* Carmen Lockhart has a mix for when she's sculpting, that's mostly Bach 2- and 3-part inventions and most of the Brandenburg concerti.

1/2

* I have 2 lists for David Hartmann: one for when he's coding, another for when he's out clubbing and dancing. There's a bit of overlap between the two; he does like techno.

* Derrick Devereaux has a mix of songs that he might do, or has done, drag performances to.

* Travis Winter has a mix of '60s-to-'90s tunes (regrettably including a few artists and tracks I rather despise, e.g., Eric Clapton or the Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar").

2/2

#WordWeavers Day 21: Are your MCs named after anyone of significance in their world?

Angel's legal given name is María Milagros, which is one of the names of Mary in Catholicism.

Jessie Nakamura's parents are Star Trek fans. Her middle name is Keiko. She is not specifically "named after" Keiko (née Ishikawa) O'Brien, but her parents did get the idea from hearing her name, and will admit it. OTOH, Jessie's older brother, George, *is* named in honor of George Takei.