AJ
@ajmurphywrites.bsky.social
Fantasy writer.
Revising book in The Rise of Starhaven series.
Posting free musings, fiction, and a draft serial or two on Substack.
https://substack.com/@musingsbyaj?r=37wg7r&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile
Revising book in The Rise of Starhaven series.
Posting free musings, fiction, and a draft serial or two on Substack.
https://substack.com/@musingsbyaj?r=37wg7r&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile
Taking a leap here. I’ll be positing a chapter of a cozy mystery fantasy novella every other Friday on Substack (for free). The synopsis can be found in the post linked below. This is a fun passion project of mine that I felt like sharing :). Problems and Potions
open.substack.com/pub/musingsb...
open.substack.com/pub/musingsb...
Introducing My First Fantasy Serial Story: Problems and Potions
Fantasy with a Dash of Whimsy
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Taking a leap here. I’ll be positing a chapter of a cozy mystery fantasy novella every other Friday on Substack (for free). The synopsis can be found in the post linked below. This is a fun passion project of mine that I felt like sharing :). Problems and Potions
open.substack.com/pub/musingsb...
open.substack.com/pub/musingsb...
I know it’s not the New Year yet, but I’m feeling ready for a bit of a restart/refresh. Planning a slow start to creating better habits in both health and writing. Time to move more and build more consistent writing habits.
November 3, 2025 at 1:03 PM
I know it’s not the New Year yet, but I’m feeling ready for a bit of a restart/refresh. Planning a slow start to creating better habits in both health and writing. Time to move more and build more consistent writing habits.
When you don’t know what to say…post a short WIP snippet:
Erinna thanked the Mother Goddess once again that she had not been born a mage—at least, not a lawful one, anyway.
#writing #writingcommunity #wipsnippet
Erinna thanked the Mother Goddess once again that she had not been born a mage—at least, not a lawful one, anyway.
#writing #writingcommunity #wipsnippet
November 1, 2025 at 4:28 PM
When you don’t know what to say…post a short WIP snippet:
Erinna thanked the Mother Goddess once again that she had not been born a mage—at least, not a lawful one, anyway.
#writing #writingcommunity #wipsnippet
Erinna thanked the Mother Goddess once again that she had not been born a mage—at least, not a lawful one, anyway.
#writing #writingcommunity #wipsnippet
Finally back to revising draft 4. It’s been a slow few months, but something about the crisp autumn air has me feeling a bit refreshed. If things go well, I’m hoping to have the major changes done by the end of year. Wish me luck! 🍂🎃
October 14, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Finally back to revising draft 4. It’s been a slow few months, but something about the crisp autumn air has me feeling a bit refreshed. If things go well, I’m hoping to have the major changes done by the end of year. Wish me luck! 🍂🎃
My manuscript is currently out for an editorial assessment. I am equal parts nervous and thrilled. This feels like a big milestone to me, even if the feedback ends up tearing it to shreds. The fact that I’ve gotten this far is thrilling.
#writing #selfpublishing #writingcommunity
#writing #selfpublishing #writingcommunity
May 16, 2025 at 11:42 AM
My manuscript is currently out for an editorial assessment. I am equal parts nervous and thrilled. This feels like a big milestone to me, even if the feedback ends up tearing it to shreds. The fact that I’ve gotten this far is thrilling.
#writing #selfpublishing #writingcommunity
#writing #selfpublishing #writingcommunity
Okay, I’ve been trying to get more comfortable with sharing my work and figured I would throw a little something out there. A small poem I wrote some odd years ago.
#poetry #writing #writingcommunity #poem
medium.com/@ajm.writes/...
#poetry #writing #writingcommunity #poem
medium.com/@ajm.writes/...
Would You Share the Stars?
Would you, if could, watch the stars?
medium.com
April 23, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Okay, I’ve been trying to get more comfortable with sharing my work and figured I would throw a little something out there. A small poem I wrote some odd years ago.
#poetry #writing #writingcommunity #poem
medium.com/@ajm.writes/...
#poetry #writing #writingcommunity #poem
medium.com/@ajm.writes/...
Currently procrastinating on revisions by gathering information on publishing platforms. Do any authors here have experience with publishing to Kobo Plus? I would love to know your experience, and also feel free to drop a link my way so I can peruse.
#writingcommunity #author #writer #booksky #kobo
#writingcommunity #author #writer #booksky #kobo
April 18, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Currently procrastinating on revisions by gathering information on publishing platforms. Do any authors here have experience with publishing to Kobo Plus? I would love to know your experience, and also feel free to drop a link my way so I can peruse.
#writingcommunity #author #writer #booksky #kobo
#writingcommunity #author #writer #booksky #kobo
It is time to finally admit that I want to self-publish my debut fantasy series. When I say it out loud (or type it), it feels real, like something I need to hold myself to. I am excited and nervous, but ultimately, I think it is the best path for me at this time.
#writingcommunity #selfpublishing
#writingcommunity #selfpublishing
April 12, 2025 at 1:06 PM
It is time to finally admit that I want to self-publish my debut fantasy series. When I say it out loud (or type it), it feels real, like something I need to hold myself to. I am excited and nervous, but ultimately, I think it is the best path for me at this time.
#writingcommunity #selfpublishing
#writingcommunity #selfpublishing
I fear my standalone fantasy is becoming a series. It is equal parts thrilling and terrifying.
I guess it’s hard to contain pirates, adventure, and romance in one book…
#writing #writingcommunity #aspiringauthor
I guess it’s hard to contain pirates, adventure, and romance in one book…
#writing #writingcommunity #aspiringauthor
April 10, 2025 at 2:11 PM
I fear my standalone fantasy is becoming a series. It is equal parts thrilling and terrifying.
I guess it’s hard to contain pirates, adventure, and romance in one book…
#writing #writingcommunity #aspiringauthor
I guess it’s hard to contain pirates, adventure, and romance in one book…
#writing #writingcommunity #aspiringauthor
Just drafted two new chapters for draft 2. There is a voice in the back of my mind telling me that they aren’t good and I need to scrap them. But I know this game. Going to sleep on it and let it rest. Odds are I’ll enjoy them in the morning. If not, revise. All part of the process.
#writing
#writing
April 8, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Just drafted two new chapters for draft 2. There is a voice in the back of my mind telling me that they aren’t good and I need to scrap them. But I know this game. Going to sleep on it and let it rest. Odds are I’ll enjoy them in the morning. If not, revise. All part of the process.
#writing
#writing
I don’t know why, but I’m somewhat worried a reader will DNF my book for using the word lapidary…(an important profession in my world). Of course, it’s only draft 2 so who knows if I’ll keep it in.
Anyone else have fears like this?
#writingcommunity #writing
Anyone else have fears like this?
#writingcommunity #writing
April 7, 2025 at 2:18 PM
I don’t know why, but I’m somewhat worried a reader will DNF my book for using the word lapidary…(an important profession in my world). Of course, it’s only draft 2 so who knows if I’ll keep it in.
Anyone else have fears like this?
#writingcommunity #writing
Anyone else have fears like this?
#writingcommunity #writing
Draft 2 is starting much slower than draft 1…. Hoping that’s a good sign - that I’m taking more care in the details of the story this round.
Anyone have tips or tricks that helped them through the second draft?
#writingcommunity #writing
Anyone have tips or tricks that helped them through the second draft?
#writingcommunity #writing
March 12, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Draft 2 is starting much slower than draft 1…. Hoping that’s a good sign - that I’m taking more care in the details of the story this round.
Anyone have tips or tricks that helped them through the second draft?
#writingcommunity #writing
Anyone have tips or tricks that helped them through the second draft?
#writingcommunity #writing
My goal for the day is to make it to chapter 6 in draft 2. Currently on chapter 4.
Any other writing goals to share for the day?
#writingcommunity #writersky #authorsky #writinggoals
Any other writing goals to share for the day?
#writingcommunity #writersky #authorsky #writinggoals
March 11, 2025 at 11:16 AM
My goal for the day is to make it to chapter 6 in draft 2. Currently on chapter 4.
Any other writing goals to share for the day?
#writingcommunity #writersky #authorsky #writinggoals
Any other writing goals to share for the day?
#writingcommunity #writersky #authorsky #writinggoals
It’s been a minute since I posted….but I am pleased to say that I will be reviewing feedback on draft 1 and hopefully starting to plan my approach to draft 2 ✨
#writersky #aspiringauthor #writingcommunity
#writersky #aspiringauthor #writingcommunity
March 1, 2025 at 4:22 PM
It’s been a minute since I posted….but I am pleased to say that I will be reviewing feedback on draft 1 and hopefully starting to plan my approach to draft 2 ✨
#writersky #aspiringauthor #writingcommunity
#writersky #aspiringauthor #writingcommunity
Writing update….about 90% of the way through self-edits/revisions in draft 1. So close…I can smell the revisions needed for draft 2.
How are you all doing with your projects?
#writingcommunity #authorsky #writer #writing
How are you all doing with your projects?
#writingcommunity #authorsky #writer #writing
February 1, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Writing update….about 90% of the way through self-edits/revisions in draft 1. So close…I can smell the revisions needed for draft 2.
How are you all doing with your projects?
#writingcommunity #authorsky #writer #writing
How are you all doing with your projects?
#writingcommunity #authorsky #writer #writing
Dropping a quick line from my WIP. About 70% through self-edits on draft 1.
He placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip firm. “Stay close to me tonight. The council may want a celebration, but make no mistake this place is filled with predators.”
#writingcommunity #writersky #writing #fantasy
He placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip firm. “Stay close to me tonight. The council may want a celebration, but make no mistake this place is filled with predators.”
#writingcommunity #writersky #writing #fantasy
January 22, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Dropping a quick line from my WIP. About 70% through self-edits on draft 1.
He placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip firm. “Stay close to me tonight. The council may want a celebration, but make no mistake this place is filled with predators.”
#writingcommunity #writersky #writing #fantasy
He placed a hand on her shoulder, his grip firm. “Stay close to me tonight. The council may want a celebration, but make no mistake this place is filled with predators.”
#writingcommunity #writersky #writing #fantasy
Officially 50% done with the first round of self-edits for project Dark Water (draft 1). Still so much to do, but taking a moment to appreciate how much has been done.
#writingcommunity #writer #writersky
#writingcommunity #writer #writersky
January 16, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Officially 50% done with the first round of self-edits for project Dark Water (draft 1). Still so much to do, but taking a moment to appreciate how much has been done.
#writingcommunity #writer #writersky
#writingcommunity #writer #writersky
A quick writing Wednesday check in. Edits are slowing, but still going. Enjoy a WIP snippet as I try and make it through the rest of the week!
#wipsnip #writingcommunity #writersky #snippet #writing
#wipsnip #writingcommunity #writersky #snippet #writing
January 9, 2025 at 12:15 AM
A quick writing Wednesday check in. Edits are slowing, but still going. Enjoy a WIP snippet as I try and make it through the rest of the week!
#wipsnip #writingcommunity #writersky #snippet #writing
#wipsnip #writingcommunity #writersky #snippet #writing
This year I plan to send my manuscript for feedback, decide on a publishing path (I know, I know..), book an editor, engage more with the writing community, and perhaps even finish my debut while starting a second project.
What are some of your #writing goals?
#writingcommunity #writersky
January 8, 2025 at 12:10 PM
This year I plan to send my manuscript for feedback, decide on a publishing path (I know, I know..), book an editor, engage more with the writing community, and perhaps even finish my debut while starting a second project.
What are some of your #writing goals?
#writingcommunity #writersky
Rounding out the year and reflecting on #writing accomplishments. Planned a story, wrote a draft, and started editing. What are some of your major accomplishments this year?
#writingcommunity #writer #writersky
#writingcommunity #writer #writersky
December 29, 2024 at 3:15 PM
Rounding out the year and reflecting on #writing accomplishments. Planned a story, wrote a draft, and started editing. What are some of your major accomplishments this year?
#writingcommunity #writer #writersky
#writingcommunity #writer #writersky
There is magic in the madness—Draft 1 of my fantasy novel is slowly coming together.
I should (hopefully) be ready for feedback in early 2025. I’ve never made it this far before, and I can’t wait to see where it leads! 🖋️🌟
#writingcommunity #writingabook #writersky #authorsky #fantasywriting
I should (hopefully) be ready for feedback in early 2025. I’ve never made it this far before, and I can’t wait to see where it leads! 🖋️🌟
#writingcommunity #writingabook #writersky #authorsky #fantasywriting
December 20, 2024 at 8:02 PM
There is magic in the madness—Draft 1 of my fantasy novel is slowly coming together.
I should (hopefully) be ready for feedback in early 2025. I’ve never made it this far before, and I can’t wait to see where it leads! 🖋️🌟
#writingcommunity #writingabook #writersky #authorsky #fantasywriting
I should (hopefully) be ready for feedback in early 2025. I’ve never made it this far before, and I can’t wait to see where it leads! 🖋️🌟
#writingcommunity #writingabook #writersky #authorsky #fantasywriting
Wednesday WIP Snippet from Project Dark Water
#writingcommunity #wipsnippet #writing #fantasy #adventure
#writer
#writingcommunity #wipsnippet #writing #fantasy #adventure
#writer
November 21, 2024 at 12:18 AM
Wednesday WIP Snippet from Project Dark Water
#writingcommunity #wipsnippet #writing #fantasy #adventure
#writer
#writingcommunity #wipsnippet #writing #fantasy #adventure
#writer
I’m so excited for the #writingcommunity here and the growth I’ve seen since joining. Wishing the #writers and #authors here much success on all completed and in-progress works!
November 18, 2024 at 1:41 PM
I’m so excited for the #writingcommunity here and the growth I’ve seen since joining. Wishing the #writers and #authors here much success on all completed and in-progress works!
Trying a new accountability strategy.
Sharing a snippet every Wednesday that I write in my WIP.
“With unwarranted confidence, she plunged her hand into the chest and could not feel the bottom.”
#writing #wipsnippet #wip #writingcommunity #writersky #authorsky
Sharing a snippet every Wednesday that I write in my WIP.
“With unwarranted confidence, she plunged her hand into the chest and could not feel the bottom.”
#writing #wipsnippet #wip #writingcommunity #writersky #authorsky
November 13, 2024 at 10:00 PM
Trying a new accountability strategy.
Sharing a snippet every Wednesday that I write in my WIP.
“With unwarranted confidence, she plunged her hand into the chest and could not feel the bottom.”
#writing #wipsnippet #wip #writingcommunity #writersky #authorsky
Sharing a snippet every Wednesday that I write in my WIP.
“With unwarranted confidence, she plunged her hand into the chest and could not feel the bottom.”
#writing #wipsnippet #wip #writingcommunity #writersky #authorsky
I am beyond thrilled to finally have an outline for my novel. First time….ever. Still a lot of work left to refine it, but this win will be enjoyed! ✨
#writingprogress #writersky #writing #writingcommunity #authorsky
#writingprogress #writersky #writing #writingcommunity #authorsky
October 14, 2024 at 1:03 PM
I am beyond thrilled to finally have an outline for my novel. First time….ever. Still a lot of work left to refine it, but this win will be enjoyed! ✨
#writingprogress #writersky #writing #writingcommunity #authorsky
#writingprogress #writersky #writing #writingcommunity #authorsky