I don't like college sports. Here's why and which school I actually root for.
I write to inspire, inform, and connect. My novels include Amiga and The Remainders, and I wrote a guide to impromptu speaking, Mastering Table Topics. No DMs. https://linktr.ee/maswriter
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I don't like college sports. Here's why and which school I actually root for.
Win a copy of Amiga in the Goodreads giveaway!
Do you have that strange feeling of knowing something cataclysmic is about to happen, but everything around you seems normal? It has happened many times before. I wrote about similar "pre-something eras" in this post from (checks notes) 2019!!? www.matthewarnoldstern.com/creative-wri...
The Right hates children. They're willing to let them be abused, r*ped, starved, sickened, and die to gratify their egos.
Sharing this post from 2024 for no particular reason. #TaylorSwift www.matthewarnoldstern.com/insights/tay...
The Local Author Fair in Fullerton, CA reminded me we should should go out and touch grass. When we talk to real readers and real authors, we get a more realistic picture of writing and the world.
I agree. Hope comes from endurance and action. Hope is infectious. The hope we build for ourselves inspires others. That's why I decided hope would be the energy I'd face 2025 and the years to come. www.matthewarnoldstern.com/current-affa...
My next newsletter is coming Thursday, and it's packed with an interview with 13 Tomes, @nicolezelniker.bsky.social's upcoming novella, and my next event this Saturday in Fullerton, CA! So you don't miss out, subscribe to my free newsletter. www.matthewarnoldstern.com/newsletter.h...
On my brother's web site, www.victoryandreseda.net, he did a story about the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda and other great cars of that year. Not coincidentally, a 1970 Barracuda makes an appearance in my current #wip. #WIPSnips #booksky #amwriting
In the passage from my #wip, characters talk about their love of Kenny Loggins. #amwriting #booksky
No. In my books, I inflict pain on fictional characters. #booksky
“What I meant to say is it sucks they only gave you a cheap pizza party to compensate for your labor.” #WIPSnips
It's easy to feel powerless with everything going on today. But a high school production of Dames at Sea can show us how anyone can make a difference.
We turn to nature to find the equal justice we don’t find in human society.
The new @wearecommodore.bsky.social revived the Commodore brand and came out with a line of C64s with original components and modern upgrades. A few years ago, I got a C64 mini from another company. Here's my story and what retro computing means to us. www.matthewarnoldstern.com/insights/a-c...
The best way to get out of despair is to rediscover your why. And as a nation, it's essential we do that now.
Readers project themselves into the stories we write. Here are a couple of examples, and how we can strengthen the connection between us and our readers. #booksky www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8kmXoWU/
Yesterday, we registered our granddaughter for middle school where she'll be starting 7th grade. This gives me a chance to look back to when I was a middle schooler in the long-ago 1970s. www.matthewarnoldstern.com/reseda/junio...
I can think of plenty of politicians this message applies to.
In an interview with author Mia Sanchez, I talk about men's mental health, how writing offers me healing (especially my novel, The Remainders), and how music is a part of my writing routine (including "Keep The Fire" by Kenny Loggins). #writing bookishmusings31.blogspot.com/2025/07/writ...
And it’s coming here too.
What is the best song to remember Tom Lehrer on his passing? I'm sure he'd all want us to come together and sing this. www.youtube.com/watch?v=frAE...
There is something he could do about the Epstein files. Unfortunately, it reveals something horrible inside of America's psyche. Exclusively for my subscribers on Medium. (Content warnings.) maswriter.medium.com/what-he-coul...
Would I be crass enough to encourage you to read my novel Amiga on the 40th anniversary of the computer that inspired it? Yes, I would. #booksky www.amazon.com/Amiga-Matthe...
In the next issue of my newsletter coming on Thursday, I talk about a novel I consider a flop and give you an inside look at my work in progress. So you don't miss an issue, subscribe today. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. #booksky www.matthewarnoldstern.com/newsletter.h...
Basing the hero of your story on yourself isn't easy. But by tapping into the parts of you that are heroic, you can help readers find the heroes in themselves. #writingtips
Today is my #birthday. I want to share my three #writing goals for the coming year. #booksky www.tiktok.com/@maswriter/v...
California must lead, not leave. Because California independence isn't just a bad idea. It's a trap.
The passage of the #BigBeautifulBill may be the final shattering of our illusions about our country. This might be what we need to move forward, as I learned from an illusion-shattering event in my youth.
For my current #wip, I created my most villainous villain. I based him on myself and what I've seen in tech over the past 40 years.
Here's more about my abominable villain and how I'm creating him. #booksky #amwriting www.tiktok.com/@maswriter/v...
I have created an abominable villain. I hate him so much, and I can't wait to mete out the punishment he deserves. #booksky
It's easy to sit and doom-scroll. But as a writer, I feel a responsibility to create a vision of a better world. Teach readers to develop empathy for those who are different from them. Show how monsters can be defeated or at least outlasted. We are made for times like these. Let's get to work.
Fear is a natural reaction to what we're going through right now. If you're not afraid, you're not paying attention. The question is, where will you draw the line and take a stand?
Mayor Karen Bass standing on business🔥 His name is Senator ALEX Padilla.
Get a first glimpse of my new work in progress and learn more about Mary Wollstonecraft from author NJ Mastro in the next issue of my newsletter. It's coming out tomorrow, June 20. Subscribe today so you don't miss out: www.matthewarnoldstern.com/newsletter.h...
Straight white—I mean, right—out of Stephen Miller’s playbook.
We are quickly headed towards a breaking point. This combination of tension, gross incompetence, cruelty, and aggression can't sustain itself for long. Add to it the heat and restlessness of summer, and that's when powder kegs explode.
I'm attending Democratic Party of Orange County's event, “CA-40 Congressional Town Hall with Congressman Eric Swalwell” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/dpoc/event/8...
Protest must be non-violent, but it is never peaceful. It is risky, uncomfortable, dangerous—and necessary. No Kings Day shows us why and what's at stake.
If you could go back to your high school and give a graduation speech, what would you say? In honor of the graduations being held, here's what I would say. www.matthewarnoldstern.com/uncategorize...
Let's make something clear: Don't mess with Los Angeles, especially if you're trying to intimidate us or force us into submission.
Two sleazy drug-addicted narcissists having a massive ego-driven blowup. Who could have seen that coming?
The growing rift between the Moldy Orange and Captain Ketamine reminds us that good will triumph over evil because evil is stupid. (And we might learn some interesting details about last November.) www.matthewarnoldstern.com/current-affa...
If you got a blood transfusion at San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland, CA, it might have been from me. Feel better. And remember, blood donations save lives. @americanredcross.bsky.social
And they chose their nominee accordingly.
I can make a dozen posts about my writing and not get any views. But I make one post about Taylor Swift... There are lessons from this post that apply to all types of writing, whether you write 28 words or 80,000.
Today's the start of Pride Month. Before declaring ourselves an ally, it's important to understand what allyship really means. www.matthewarnoldstern.com/current-affa...
Jewish person here. Can confirm that's exactly what they mean. They mean it here too, especially those who use the word "antisemitism" to attack other communities, including ours.
On International Amiga Day, I'm celebrating what remains my favorite computer. I had an Amiga 500 and used it for writing, planning our wedding, and playing great games. It later inspired my novel Amiga, and it's a part of my #WIP. Here's to a computer that was ahead of its time!
Before you complain about Taylor Swift spending $360 million to get her masters back, remember the Mets paid $765 million for Juan Soto. She made the better investment.
This song from 45 years ago is particularly relevant. youtu.be/3zi3ECjw9ro?...
I agree. If you don't have any one-star reviews, you don't have enough reviews.
My Grandpa Max died on this day in 1966. He remains an example how people can shape others and leave a legacy. www.matthewarnoldstern.com/insights/rem...
From now on, when someone is hired, does damage to a company or organization, and then quickly leaves or is fired, we'll say they "did an Elon." Example: "On his first day, that dumb fry cook burned a whole batch of fries. Good thing he did an Elon before he burned down the place." #didanelon
I'm at 12,712 words on my new manuscript!
The next issue of my newsletter comes out Thursday with an interview of author @nicolezelniker.bsky.social , clips from my recent presentations, and information about the novel I started writing. Don't miss out. Subscribe to my newsletter today. #booksky www.matthewarnoldstern.com/newsletter.h...
I suspect the live-action Lilo & Stitch is Disney's way to make us appreciate the original 2002 animated version more.
With the changes in society and advancements in technology, writers have become more critical about generative AI. My opinions have changed, but I still see its usefulness in certain areas.
This is for the brave soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom. Not the fascist ghouls who want to take it away.
On May 2, based on feedback I got from readers, I realized the story I was working on wouldn't resonate with them. I started on a new novel. On May 25, I passed 10,000 words in my new manuscript. When you listen to your readers and are willing to change direction, incredible things happen.
When I first heard this song in the 80s, I didn’t realize it was the Republican Party platform. youtu.be/3zi3ECjw9ro?...
Who said performing in musical theater in school has no practical applications. www.tiktok.com/t/ZP86nXkFd/
Yeah, we shouldn't compare ICE to the Gestapo. The Gestapo had better uniforms.
I thought we figured that out when those “very fine people” chanted, “Jews will not replaced us!” I guess some of us still have some catching up to do.
I'm starting development on my new WIP. For this one, I'm basing the villain on myself. #WeeknightWriters www.matthewarnoldstern.com/creative-wri...
If Kamala Harris were elected president, everything would be great, and we wouldn't have to worry about anything at all. Or would we?
Something Republicans need to consider if they cut Medicaid. www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjP2Skbn/
"Invest in me bigly, and I'll do whatever you want."
This scene also comes to mind... www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3Ef...
I also remember Lethal Weapon 2 where apartheid South Africans were the bad guys.
You can improve your writing by making it personal. When you care about what you've written, so will your readers. Here's why. #writingtips www.tiktok.com/@maswriter/v...
Some people didn't play Oregon Trail as a kid, and it shows.
It's a bribe. A bribe. A MFing bribe. Are we clear about this, NYT?
Shabbat shalom! Today is the 50th anniversary of my bar mitzvah and the first speech I ever gave. You can read it here: www.matthewarnoldstern.com/public-speak...
We're going to see more intimidation, more threats, and more shows of force. These will intensify as it becomes clear they can't deliver on the promises they made to their base. All of this shows they're weak; not strong. Don't be afraid. Don't overreact. Don't back down. Stay strong and united.
I don't know why MAGA is so upset about #PopeLeoXIV. I thought Trump was their Lord and Savior.
Dave Portnoy is teaching the wrong lesson about the Jewish community. We're more than Auschwitz. It's a lesson I learned 50 years ago at my bar mitzvah.
Many look forward to "the day," but what would it actually be like? I didn't write this story specifically about him, but it gives an idea of how people like him are treated when the inevitable comes. www.matthewarnoldstern.com/creative-wri...
Neanderthals created tools, used fire, decorated cave dwellings, made and wore clothes and jewelry, and had burial rituals. Their DNA exists in us today. A comparison with MTG is an insult to Neanderthals.
The downside of QueryTracker is that you can't thank an agent who rejected your query for their time and consideration. It shows professionalism and respect. We must also remember that it takes a lot of nos to get to yes. That's why we should always treat agents and publishers with courtesy.
Artificial intelligence when I was a kid.
@erbofhistory.bsky.social did a whole series where Darth Vader beat H*tler in rap battles and ended it by cutting the Mustache Man in half. Star Wars is almost as stupid of a stylistic choice as using the Pope, Donny.
He cost conservatives the Canadian elections. He cost conservatives the Australian elections. The way he's fantasizing about becoming pope, he'll cost conservatives the Papal Conclave too.
I like telling authoritarians where to shove it in multiple languages
A Commodore show and Katy Perry's touring debacle taught me the importance of listening to your readers.
Death: You wanna rest after a life well lived? Ruth Buzzi: (Hits him with purse.) Death: You wanna be remembered for making people laugh? Ruth: (Hits him with purse.) Death: You wanna call me an ambulance? (Keels over and falls down.) Rest in peace, Ruth Buzzi.
Leaders also don't waste their time dealing with obnoxious, profanity-spewing jerks, Nancy.
Going to the Commodore Los Angeles Super Show to do presentations, sell books, and reconnect with the technology of my youth. I also recovered the first novel I wrote 40 years ago. #WeeknightWriters
This is what democracy looks like in Laguna Hills, CA!
Either Lindsay has some serious kompromat on him, or he's so deep into the cult he's ready to drink from that special batch.
This will be a hot, angry summer. Prepare yourselves.
The first novel I wrote in college taught me valuable lessons. One is learning to develop scenes. Another is to develop theme. In my case, it's about broken men—a subject that's important today.
To prepare for my presentation at the Commodore LA Super Show, I dug out the first chapters of a novel I wrote for a class at CSUN in 1985. Who was my professor? NYT best-selling author @jewellparkerrhodes.bsky.social! Excellent teacher and author!
Remember, disabled people are a marginalized community that anyone can join. If the tyrant and his eugenicist crony go after autistic people today, they can go after you tomorrow. Don't let them do this.
The Apple Watch came out 10 years ago. Here's why I bought one after initial hesitancy. I've owned and used one ever since. #AppleWatch www.matthewarnoldstern.com/insights/the...
The next issue of my newsletter, coming Thursday, talks about a 40-year-old word processor, my presentations at the Commodore Los Angeles Super Show, and updates on my works in progress, including Christina's Portrait. Don't miss out. Subscribe today. www.matthewarnoldstern.com/newsletter.h...
Because felt yellow stars are too low-tech.
Few popes lived up to the title servus servorum, the servant of servants, the way Pope Francis did. He was a man of great humility, compassion, and faith who showed what Christianity could be. May his memory be a blessing and an example to us all.
