#WritersCoffeeClub #WCC 2504.21 — In honor of @johnhowesauthor who doesn’t really like coffee: what “established” writerly traits don’t really apply to you?

Forgive me for inverting this question. I like positivity.

1. Drinks whiskey and whisky and bourbon. Check. See photo.
2. Has a pet cat. Not currently. Historically, tho.
3. Drinks gallons of coffee. Decaf cappuccino please, and only a cup or two. Extra credit: I've only written in a coffee shop a few times; I prefer the tables outside because drinking with a N95 mask is difficult.
4. Depressed and melancholy. I was depressed, then I realized I held the illusion that I was in control of events in my life. (Thank you Wayne Dyer.) When I gave up on the illusion, literally became disillusioned, I kicked the depression. Let's give that trait a half-point for historical reasons.
5. Is eccentric. I feel rather symmetrical, even if I was always a square and never a rounder. If this means hyperbolic, count me in! Maybe I should ask my spouse? Um, maybe not.
6. Has a god complex. That's kind of a sexist question. What about goddesses? Not answering.
7. Is reclusive. Does shy count?
8. Unkempt. Not describing my current state of clothing, current lack thereof, grooming, or smell status. Nope.
9. Broke. I had a day job. Not stupid.
10. Chain smokes. The only time you smell smoke around me is when I tend a barbecue. My mum was the chain smoker, which I think accounts for my asthma.
11. Writes longhand. Are you flapping nuts? I was obviously destined to be a doctor if you believe that about bad pen craft. I learned on a mechanical typewriter, progressed to a Smith-Corona, then an Apple ][ and haven't looked back since. (11½. Writes with a fountain pen. My writing greatly improves with a nibbed pen; I studied calligraphy. Still, I think faster than I can talk, let alone type on a keyboard, so why would I do something so cripplingly ridiculous to my productivity?)
12. Procrastinates. Um. Here I am replying to an Internet prompt. Again.
13. In a state of continual angst. Maybe. Depends on the day, or whether what I am writing might contradict the conservative social climate fomenting in my country of origin. Okay, likely. Very likely. Oh noes!
14. Eschews adverbs. I definitely use adverbs. Whether they survive revision is another matter.
15. Is a literary snob. Whiskey snob, maybe. Okay. I confess it! I love Charles Dickens. The rest of them, never read 'em. I'm not well-read literally. [Is that the right word?] Even in my genre(s), I like what I like not what other readers hold up as the best. Another good reason to be shy. I can't even carry on small talk about literature!
16. Writes under various noms de plume. Yes.
17. Cuts a dashing figure. That kind of implies a gender, doesn't it? Nobody can accuse me of being pretty or rugged. Average. Which may explain why I write about average looking people. In any case, I do know a few things about clothing and fabrics; I can put together a nice ensemble, with accessories and shoes. I even own a turtleneck. Hats are good. I can package well. Maybe true.
18. Swears and curses a lot. Ask my computer. The people in my life would say, "Incapable." I'm reputed to be "delicate." I use my computer when nobody is around, and self-censor when they are.
19. Has a giant vocabulary. Word choice counts and I will use the exact word. See item 14.
20. Is a grammarian par excellence. Me! Ha! I often write in grammar B and perpetrate grammaricide with glorious glee, enough so that any self-respecting high school English teacher would not only fail my purple prose ass, but send my sorry hind-part to the principal's office on principle for a paddling!

Enough fun. Forgive me. Please!

More in #altText.

[Author retains copyright (c)2025 R.S.]

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Introducing the #UnseenImageChallenge!
What if everyone experienced social media the way screen reader users do? Let's find out together!

Visit our challenge website for more information and examples: https://micr0.dev/unseenChallenge

What Is It?

Post a solid black square image with detailed alt text describing what would have been there. Everyone will "see" the same way screen reader users see the post! This powerful exercise demonstrates why accessible content matters.

How To Participate:

1. Choose a meaningful image based on the daily theme
2. Replace it with a plain black square in your post
3. Write a vivid, detailed description as the alt text
4. Use the hashtag #UnseenImageChallenge
5. Nominate 3 friends to join the challenge

Need Help With Alt Text?

Not sure how to write good descriptions? We've created a comprehensive alt text guide at https://micr0.dev/alttext with examples, tips, and even an interactive quality checker!

You can also DM me the original image, and I'll help generate alt text you can use! (Make sure you are following me first! Mastodon blocks 'unsolicited' DMs!)

Example: Instead of "My cat" try "My orange tabby cat Whiskers lounging in a sunbeam on the windowsill, looking sleepy with half-closed eyes"

Daily Themes:

• Monday: Nature & Outdoors
• Tuesday: Pets & Animal Friends
• Wednesday: Art & Creativity
• Thursday: Food & Cuisine
• Friday: Places & Spaces
• Saturday: People & Portraits
• Sunday: Wild Card (anything you choose!)

Duration

The challenge runs for one full week! Join in on any or all of the daily themes.

Community Showcase

I'll be boosting exceptional examples throughout the week and featuring creative descriptions. Your participation helps inspire others!

Supporting the Mission

If you find value in this challenge and want to support Altbot's continued development and accessibility work, you can contribute to the project at https://ko-fi.com/micr0byte. All funds go directly toward server costs, development, and expanding our accessibility initiatives. However, awareness and participation are the most important contributions!

Why This Matters

Every day, blind and low-vision people experience the Fediverse entirely through alt text. This challenge helps everyone understand why detailed image descriptions are so important first hand. Awareness is important!

Resources

• Challenge information and examples: https://micr0.dev/unseenChallenge
• The Art of Alt Text guide: https://micr0.dev/alttext

The challenge begins today! Who's ready to make the Fediverse more accessible while trying something new? Make sure to tag three friends who you think should join in!