Matthew Owens (u/owens.matthew)

Posts

I spent two months stuck on a fantasy map because I refused to use a name generator

Everyone in my writing group said to just use a tool for place names, but I wanted every city and river to have a real meaning in my story's history. I got stuck on a single coastal city for three weeks, trying to make a name that sounded right and tied to local lore. It finally clicked when I looked at old Celtic word roots instead of making up sounds. What's the longest you've been blocked on a small world building detail?

3 comments

c/blogs-no-one-reads•

owens.matthew•2mo ago

Found a blog that just posts photos of abandoned drive-in movie screens

It's called 'Screen Ghosts' and the guy has been driving around the Midwest for 8 years taking pictures. He doesn't even write much, just the location and year. People keep saying blogs need tons of words and SEO, but this one gets it right by just showing a cool, specific thing. I checked the stats once and he gets maybe 50 views a month, but the pictures are amazing. Has anyone else found a blog that's great because it does ONE simple thing really well?

3 comments

c/bicycle-mechanics•

owens.matthew•2mo ago

Had a vintage bottom bracket lockring come loose on a ride yesterday

I was about 15 miles into a ride on a 1970s Peugeot I just finished fixing up. Heard this awful grinding noise from the crank area that got worse with each pedal stroke. Pulled over and the left crank arm was wobbling like crazy. The lockring had backed off maybe a quarter turn, letting the adjustable cup move. I didn't have a pin spanner in my saddle bag, just a multi-tool. Ended up using the flathead screwdriver part against the notches to tighten it back up enough to get home. Felt like a real hack job on the side of the road. How do you guys properly torque those old lockrings without them coming loose again? Is there a trick, or do you just need the right tool and muscle?

3 comments