Russell Gayer, author speaker
Usernames and passwords: How many do you have and how do you keep track of all of them?
Just when I think you’ve come up with a system, the website wants me to change my password. I’ve had enough Apple IDs to fill an orchard. Evidently, they turn rotten quickly because none of them ever works longer than 24 hours.
If you are new to Friday Flash Fiction, the Emcee who provides one-photo clues to our weekly 100-word riddle is Alice Ludden Wisoff-Fields. To learn how to submit your tale to the weekly collection, zip over to her blog for instructions. To rent a box in the FFF Hollywood Squares Authors Block click here.
“Thinking is the hardest work there is; which is probably the reason why so few engage in it.” – Henry Ford
***
It pains me to say this, but one group at high risk for Heavy Thinking addiction is writers. These individuals spend a lot of time alone in front of blank computer screens actually encouraging the thought process.
I attended one of their small group meetings. During a critique session, a Heavy Thinker will offer a fledgling writer powerful suggestions to improve their story. This continues around the room until the author of said paper shows signs of dizziness and intoxication from an overdose of knowledge.
I usually sit there with that deer-in-the-headlights-look, occasionally offering half a thought, just to be social.
* the above is an excerpt from The Perils of Heavy Thinking, available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle.
Poetry, Horror, Psychological Thrillers
Stories From Within
Finding ways to make words sparkle
This is the blog of a woman who is seriously on the edge and I mean right ON the edge…no, not there… just a little bit further… further than that…no, further still…just a tiny bit more… just move slightly to the right a little…no, that’s too much…just move a tad to the left…that’s right, just there…now you’ve moved too far to the left… Damn, what part of the ‘on the edge’ do you not understand? Oh, and her matricidal boy genius, come devil spawn.
Or the three people I guilted into reading this blog, whatever.
Growing older is inevitable. Growing up is optional.
I may make you feel, but I can't make you think.
All the Blogging That's Fit To Print
AS I TOLD THE GIRL THAT I LOST MY VIRGINITY TO, THANKS FOR LAUGHING AT ME HERE TODAY.
A Humor Blog
Stylistically Abusing Language for the Betterment of Mankind
Straight up with a twist– Because life is too short to be subtle!
An author's perspective of mystery and more.
And the worst things. And all that weird stuff in between.
Dear What’s His Name,
Back in our game show days, it seems that a password was something simpler. Simpler times. Simpler minds. Now I have to wrack my half of brain to figure out combos I might possibly remember with symbols, upper and lower case letters. As for critique sessions…oy vey. Information overload usually has my eyes spinning in their sockets. Love the story…tanks for the prompt.
#@$^&SH)*&a@#$Lom,
Alice Ludden W(T)F
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Alice Ludden W(T)F,
I loved Password (the game show) and Concentration (although I now find my ability in this area lacking). I’m not very good at critique, but I do appreciate good suggestions that make my stories better. In the longer version, I also mention the Heavy Thinking that goes on at writers conferences. It’s sad to think how many nice convention centers have been desecrated by such blalant use of brain cells.
Good luck with those passwords,
What’s His Name
LikeLike
Hahahaha. What a wonderful excerpt, Russell. Also, English being my third language, I had no idea what the deer-in-the-headlights-look was until I read it, googled it, learnt it and then of course, laughed out loud. Thanks so much for the dose of laughter. Also, thanks much for the photo prompt.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We have a lot of idioms (not to mention idiots) in America. Thanks for taking the time to look this one up and for your delightful comment. Glad you enjoyed the photo. I look forward to reading your story.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I dunno if I could handle a roomful of “suggestors”.
As for the password situation. I break all the rules by using one for everything. Then change it everywhere when I have to…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a few old standby password and just add or change a numeral at the end when a new version is required. Example: GoFish847
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel ya! Used to do that at work 😉
LikeLike
I listed all my passwords on the computer and password protected the document. Yep… you know the rest…
LikeLiked by 2 people
I bet you’re the same person who wrote the combination for a safe on a slip of paper, then locked it inside for safe keeping.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah… we’ve met then?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Apple locked me out of my ipad that way. Now I really hate them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, they are supposed to do an “account recovery” for me, but evidently it takes two weeks to do it. Ridiculous. Still, I do like their phone support. I get to talk to actual human, and so far, they’ve been very helpful every time I’ve called.
LikeLike
Perilous times indeed – who’d be a Heavy Thinker when the world constantly demonstrates how unfashionable the concept is. Especially amongst the great and powerful … Made me smile Russsell 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The powerful indeed. I’m not sure they are so great.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Greatness seems to be in short supply across the globe at the moment
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I first looked at the photo I thought you were going to say your best ideas are formulated in the outhouse! 🙂 Love the excerpt!
The password/user name thing is driving be batty! I have so many I’ve forgotten my own name.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually, the best ideas are formulated on the crapper. Where do you think I write this blog?
Last I knew, your name was Morgaine. But I’m not too sure about the spelling. All I know is you’re a talented artist.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much! Yes, I do recall now. And the spelling is correct 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t get me started on usernames and passwords… or critique groups for that matter! 🙂 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLiked by 2 people
Calm down, Susan. Take two aspirin and call me in the morning. We’ll make it through this.
LikeLike
We’ve all been there
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haven’t we though.
LikeLike
Heavy thinking on your…throne? okay!
I have, just for info, between 37 and 41 passwords, all different, all complex.
It is not so much a matter of how you remember them as to how you store them off your computer.
Never store them ON your computer. Kinda like leaving the key in the door while gone.
Scott
Mine: https://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2017/11/29/friday-fictioneers-a-memory-a-fear-glad-i-am-older/
LikeLike
I never leave the key in the door. I lock up securely then put the key back through the letterbox. Safe as houses!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Rudolph,
I guess you mean a reindeer in the headlights, yes?
I tried thinking once, dumb idea, it won’t catch on.
Yours etc
Elephant-Ears Ayr (Mr/Mrs)
LikeLiked by 2 people
lol
LikeLike
Thinking certainly won’t make you popular, that’s for sure (not that I would know). We’re all for dumbing-down on this side of the pond.
LikeLike
Not something I’ve ever attended, a writing group, nor does it appeal to me too much at the moment.
LikeLike
It’s made me a better writer. Plus, I’ve made a lot of new friends who share the passion of writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now this seems familiar, “dizziness and intoxication from an overdose.” I believe I’ve experienced that several times before.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You give some pretty good advice on your site. I’ve left there light-headed a few times. Good thing I didn’t have to drive home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I will continue to life offering only half thoughts. I’m not up to full blown deep thinking. Loved this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Half-thoughts are good. It keeps you social without causing any real waves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used to attend writing groups before they got too large and cliquish, Now I have two critique groups to keep me sharp (and sometimes sulky.)
LikeLiked by 2 people
I heard a NY Times best-selling author say one time that he “cussed those old women all the way home” after every critiqe session. But they sure made him better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep! Sometimes it takes a day . . . .
LikeLiked by 2 people
Goodness, a covey of thought prodders. That would be scary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, a high level of intoxication.
LikeLike
Russell – you really do a lot of deep thinking – Don’t you! Funny take on this picture and I love it! You’re too cool! Tell Connie HI!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, all my thinking is quite shallow.
LikeLike
Heavy thinking by citizens is perhaps the activity that our political and economic masters fear most of all. To the barricades, Comrades!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, they’d rather they do all the thinking for us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Funny and true, Russell. I tried an online writer’s group which ran contests for stories. I surmised after a time that the contests were being judged by members of the group who probably didn’t know much more than I did. I decided I’d rather learn from books written by published authors who knew much more than I did. I have to laugh when I read many people have passwords like “1-2-3-4-5-6.” I’m in sympathy with them though. 😀 — Suzanne
LikeLike
I’ve been attending writer groups for over 10 years and love it. The group I attend is non-judgmental, they just offer suggestions and you can take or leave them. I have read some good books on writing though, and they are quite helpful.
LikeLike
I have about five passwords for possibly thirty sites. I keep track of them via a list over my desk, but they’re in code. Maybe that keeps me safe, maybe it doesn’t, but there’s only so much one can cope with.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a limited number of passwords myself, but the Apple one is the most troublesome. We write some down too. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t.
LikeLike
Love the reality of it all. You just about summed it up. That’s why I don’t go to such dos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
All that thinking will make your head hurt.
LikeLike
Russell,
When I saw this weeks prompt, I immediately said this looks like a “Russell” photo. It has so many funny ways to make up a story. To my total surprise, found out later it truly was you.
I am loving reading all the stories with your prompt. Thanks for providing the photo.
Mike
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mike. I’ve enjoyed reading what people did with this photo too.
LikeLike
Passwords are poppycock really. We only truly need diferent ones for where electronic coinage is exchanged. So one size fits all the others and alter a symbol every month job done. While I am here thank you for the loan of the photo for friday fictioneers. I enjoyed my 100 word respinse. P. S the ole firebox is a good a place as any to write… just hold your nose haaahaha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree about the passwords. What a hassle.
Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. I look forward to reading yours.
LikeLike
Come on over i will have you a welcome ready.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Russell!
I never thought I’d say I was inspired by a toilet, but I guess I can say it now. I’ve been thinking about getting back to Friday Fictioneers for some time now, and it was YOUR photo that did it–though I had to think on it for some time. But then, now you know where I do my best thinking. HAHA!
Love your sense of humor, as always!
Jan
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Jan,
You may have been the one who told me about Friday Fictioneers to start with. In the early days, it was just you, me, Madison, and a handful of others. The group has certainly grown. People drop in and drop out, but I have made some wonderful friends around the globe and truly believe this weekly excercise has improved my writing.
I originally posted this photo on Facebook as one of those 7 photos in 7 days things, and Rochelle snatched it up from there. It’s generated some imaginative stories. I look foward to reading yours. 🙂
I really enjoyed your presentation at OWL,
Russell
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear What’s His Name,
You’re one of the reasons I couldn’t let Friday Fictioneers fade off into the sunset. And I feel the same about the friends around the globe. Again I’m happy to see Jan come back. A good meaning to what goes around comes around. 😀 I’ll admit to being a photo thief but I’m not saying a word about the invisible box.
Shalom,
Alice (remember Alice? It’s a blog about Alice) Ludden W(T)F
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I remember Alice. Or, are you talking about Ralph Kramden’s wife–the first woman on the moon?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never been much good at group-think. Too independent, I guess. And I’ve noticed that here on FF, very little genuine criticism is offered. I don’t offer it either. I’m too amazed at the abilities of all the other writers, which always seem more imaginative and original than my own.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t consider myself very good at offering critique, which is why I limit my self to half-a-thought. Sometimes, I will offer a suggestion for improvement if a particular passage causes me to stumble during the read, but that doesn’t happen too often in this group.
I love your stories. Don’t put yourself down. They are very imaginative.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Why, thank you! I really wasn’t fishing, but I do appreciate the encouragement. Especially from someone with a mind as creative and funny as yours 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
like they say, birds of the same feather, flock together. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That must be why you keep winging your way back to Friday Fictioneers to roost. I’m glad you did. We missed you.
LikeLike
If that’s really your bathroom, it must be freezing in the winter! Thanks for the great photo prompt this week. 🙂
I used to think I had a good memory…until I had to memorize hundreds of passwords at a time.
Would even more thinking be going on if everyone was sitting on a toilet during a writers’ group meeting? 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hadn’t thought of holding writer critique sessions in a multi-stall bathroom. That would certainly generate a lot of new ideas–among other things. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yikes! Too much information. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do think though that toilets are made for thinking… Like Rodin knew, and his thinker is bronze, that is a heavy thinker if there ever was one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One thing I like about Rodin’s thinker, he keeps his thoughts to himself. I guess he follows that old adage, if you don’t have something good to say, keep your mouth shut.
LikeLike
You certainly don’t make those writers groups seem very welcoming. I think I will stick with The Fictioneers.
Much better for my ego.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry it came across that way. The one I attend merely offers suggestions in a kind, respectful way. They have been a blessing to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
IIt’s all in fun Russell. No worries.
LikeLike
I couldn’t have described a critique group meeting better if I’d tried. Well done, my friend.
@sheilamgood at Cow Pasture Chronicles
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sheila. I really do enjoy my critique group. They have definitely helped me grow as a writer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved mine. Unfortunately, we disbanded and I’ve yet to find another. Hopefully, soon. Thanks for reading.
LikeLike