Andy Brokaw
@andybwriting.bsky.social
🏳️🌈Agender asexual panromantic writer of queer polyamorous romantasy, teacher of skiing, and resident kook of the Cascade Mountains.
Random diagnoses: ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, allergies to sunlight and most plants
Andora Brokaw
www.andorabrokaw.com
Random diagnoses: ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, allergies to sunlight and most plants
Andora Brokaw
www.andorabrokaw.com
Pinned
Andy Brokaw
@andybwriting.bsky.social
· Dec 8
My mountain needs snow!
What's a broke ski instructor slash writer staring at another week of forecast RAIN to do?
Throw a book sale in honor of Ullr! (D'uh!)
So for December, The Harmony of Falling Snow will be 50% off at itch, Ko-fi, and Smashwords!
MAKE IT SNOW!
(links in comments)
#books
What's a broke ski instructor slash writer staring at another week of forecast RAIN to do?
Throw a book sale in honor of Ullr! (D'uh!)
So for December, The Harmony of Falling Snow will be 50% off at itch, Ko-fi, and Smashwords!
MAKE IT SNOW!
(links in comments)
#books
Another factor in people not using the ski lift safety bar: we still have enough barless chairs in the US we almost HAVE to be comfortable without the bar. Plus, those chairs send a clear message that bars aren't needed.
Although the stigma doesn't help.
#skiing
gearjunkie.com/winter/hard-...
Although the stigma doesn't help.
#skiing
gearjunkie.com/winter/hard-...
It's Time for a Hard Talk About (Not) Using Chairlift Bars
Chairlift accidents are more common (and often severe) than most people realize. So, why is there still so much resistance to using safety bars in the U.S.? GearJunkie investigates.
gearjunkie.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Another factor in people not using the ski lift safety bar: we still have enough barless chairs in the US we almost HAVE to be comfortable without the bar. Plus, those chairs send a clear message that bars aren't needed.
Although the stigma doesn't help.
#skiing
gearjunkie.com/winter/hard-...
Although the stigma doesn't help.
#skiing
gearjunkie.com/winter/hard-...
Reposted by Andy Brokaw
we’re in the vet’s office waiting room and they just called for Agamemnon. we all looked at the Great Dane but it turns out Agamemnon is an orange kitten in a backpack that makes him look like an astronaut cheese puff
January 11, 2026 at 5:27 PM
we’re in the vet’s office waiting room and they just called for Agamemnon. we all looked at the Great Dane but it turns out Agamemnon is an orange kitten in a backpack that makes him look like an astronaut cheese puff
Reposted by Andy Brokaw
I love that idea!
I wish there was a generic public pronoun that was used for strangers and didn’t carry any association with a particular identity. and then once you get to know someone personally you learn their private pronoun
January 12, 2026 at 3:31 AM
I love that idea!
Reposted by Andy Brokaw
I know this conversation’s been had to death already but this is literally the reason why there are certain tags, trope names & marketing terms I will NEVER use to refer to my stories, because I don’t fucking want those readers
January 11, 2026 at 10:46 PM
I know this conversation’s been had to death already but this is literally the reason why there are certain tags, trope names & marketing terms I will NEVER use to refer to my stories, because I don’t fucking want those readers
Spent longer on my newsletter than I intended, but what else is new?
Anyway, as always, those of you not on my mailing list can read it on my blog.
andorabrokaw.com/2026/01/11/a...
Anyway, as always, those of you not on my mailing list can read it on my blog.
andorabrokaw.com/2026/01/11/a...
An Update for First Month, On Writing, Skiing, and Winter’s First Verse – Andora's Etherary
andorabrokaw.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:13 AM
Spent longer on my newsletter than I intended, but what else is new?
Anyway, as always, those of you not on my mailing list can read it on my blog.
andorabrokaw.com/2026/01/11/a...
Anyway, as always, those of you not on my mailing list can read it on my blog.
andorabrokaw.com/2026/01/11/a...
22 hours after my wife lost her phone, I found it for her. Buried in slush in a driveway up our street. Despite being run over, it's still working fine.
I might have found it earlier if the location wasn't inside the margin of error Maps has for our house.
I might have found it earlier if the location wasn't inside the margin of error Maps has for our house.
January 11, 2026 at 8:14 PM
22 hours after my wife lost her phone, I found it for her. Buried in slush in a driveway up our street. Despite being run over, it's still working fine.
I might have found it earlier if the location wasn't inside the margin of error Maps has for our house.
I might have found it earlier if the location wasn't inside the margin of error Maps has for our house.
22 hours after my wife lost her phone, I found it for her. Buried in slush in a driveway up our street. Despite being run over, it's still working fine.
I might have found it earlier if the location wasn't inside the margin of error Maps has for our house.
I might have found it earlier if the location wasn't inside the margin of error Maps has for our house.
January 11, 2026 at 8:13 PM
22 hours after my wife lost her phone, I found it for her. Buried in slush in a driveway up our street. Despite being run over, it's still working fine.
I might have found it earlier if the location wasn't inside the margin of error Maps has for our house.
I might have found it earlier if the location wasn't inside the margin of error Maps has for our house.
I just wrapped up the first draft of a 47k novella... Which will need editing. But not tonight.
I didn't start writing this thing until the third week of December, so I feel pretty good about about the speed it came together at. I just hope the structure is as sound as I think.
#QueerWriters
I didn't start writing this thing until the third week of December, so I feel pretty good about about the speed it came together at. I just hope the structure is as sound as I think.
#QueerWriters
#queerwriters Saturday: Check in Day!
How was your week? Did you accomplish what you set out to do?
Share your progress, encourage, cheer, and support others!
#WritingCommunity #lgbtqwriters
How was your week? Did you accomplish what you set out to do?
Share your progress, encourage, cheer, and support others!
#WritingCommunity #lgbtqwriters
January 11, 2026 at 2:46 AM
I just wrapped up the first draft of a 47k novella... Which will need editing. But not tonight.
I didn't start writing this thing until the third week of December, so I feel pretty good about about the speed it came together at. I just hope the structure is as sound as I think.
#QueerWriters
I didn't start writing this thing until the third week of December, so I feel pretty good about about the speed it came together at. I just hope the structure is as sound as I think.
#QueerWriters
I wrote just shy of 4k words today to wrap up my novella's first draft!
Winter's First Verse currently sits at 47k words. Which... People debate if the upper limit for a novella is 40 or 50k. I think 47k is reasonable within fantasy. But we'll see if it stays in that vicinity.
#writing
Winter's First Verse currently sits at 47k words. Which... People debate if the upper limit for a novella is 40 or 50k. I think 47k is reasonable within fantasy. But we'll see if it stays in that vicinity.
#writing
January 11, 2026 at 2:41 AM
I wrote just shy of 4k words today to wrap up my novella's first draft!
Winter's First Verse currently sits at 47k words. Which... People debate if the upper limit for a novella is 40 or 50k. I think 47k is reasonable within fantasy. But we'll see if it stays in that vicinity.
#writing
Winter's First Verse currently sits at 47k words. Which... People debate if the upper limit for a novella is 40 or 50k. I think 47k is reasonable within fantasy. But we'll see if it stays in that vicinity.
#writing
Reposted by Andy Brokaw
Go find these authors and read their works!!!
If you loved the gay hockey series, you might also enjoy every other book by queer and trans authors that's received zero marketing push. Especially books by queer BIPOC authors who were told, "sorry we already have a book like yours on our list."
January 10, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Go find these authors and read their works!!!
I write stuff!
If a cozy #polyamorous #romantasy in a modern-feeling magical queernormative world sounds like it might be something you're interested in, purchase links and the first three chapters of The Harmony of Falling Snow are at andorabrokaw.com/the-harmony-...
#Books #QueerBooks
If a cozy #polyamorous #romantasy in a modern-feeling magical queernormative world sounds like it might be something you're interested in, purchase links and the first three chapters of The Harmony of Falling Snow are at andorabrokaw.com/the-harmony-...
#Books #QueerBooks
January 9, 2026 at 8:29 PM
I write stuff!
If a cozy #polyamorous #romantasy in a modern-feeling magical queernormative world sounds like it might be something you're interested in, purchase links and the first three chapters of The Harmony of Falling Snow are at andorabrokaw.com/the-harmony-...
#Books #QueerBooks
If a cozy #polyamorous #romantasy in a modern-feeling magical queernormative world sounds like it might be something you're interested in, purchase links and the first three chapters of The Harmony of Falling Snow are at andorabrokaw.com/the-harmony-...
#Books #QueerBooks
Got well out of my comfort zone on skis today. But it was a clinic on helping people through fear, so at least I helped demonstrate how to do that. ⛷️
January 7, 2026 at 11:31 PM
Got well out of my comfort zone on skis today. But it was a clinic on helping people through fear, so at least I helped demonstrate how to do that. ⛷️
#critterary
I realized recently that although I've written a society that loves pets, I've yet to show a single dog.
However, in Harmony Vil mentions a dog his friend used to have when they were kids. She's foxkin and when they were six or so, she managed to convince him the dog was her uncle.
🧵
I realized recently that although I've written a society that loves pets, I've yet to show a single dog.
However, in Harmony Vil mentions a dog his friend used to have when they were kids. She's foxkin and when they were six or so, she managed to convince him the dog was her uncle.
🧵
Day 6
Back to animals with dogs and all the woofs and yips in their family (might wanna wait a day for shifty puppies 😉)
Got any dog etc. in your work? If not, a favorite one from other work?
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
Back to animals with dogs and all the woofs and yips in their family (might wanna wait a day for shifty puppies 😉)
Got any dog etc. in your work? If not, a favorite one from other work?
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
January 7, 2026 at 3:36 AM
#critterary
I realized recently that although I've written a society that loves pets, I've yet to show a single dog.
However, in Harmony Vil mentions a dog his friend used to have when they were kids. She's foxkin and when they were six or so, she managed to convince him the dog was her uncle.
🧵
I realized recently that although I've written a society that loves pets, I've yet to show a single dog.
However, in Harmony Vil mentions a dog his friend used to have when they were kids. She's foxkin and when they were six or so, she managed to convince him the dog was her uncle.
🧵
Between clearing snow, therapy, accidental meds skipping, and a spouse getting home early, I didn't write nearly as much as I would have liked today.
But I DID write a ceremony with no idea how these ceremonies usually go. And I like it. It was sweet. So I'm counting today as successful.
#writing
But I DID write a ceremony with no idea how these ceremonies usually go. And I like it. It was sweet. So I'm counting today as successful.
#writing
January 7, 2026 at 3:11 AM
Between clearing snow, therapy, accidental meds skipping, and a spouse getting home early, I didn't write nearly as much as I would have liked today.
But I DID write a ceremony with no idea how these ceremonies usually go. And I like it. It was sweet. So I'm counting today as successful.
#writing
But I DID write a ceremony with no idea how these ceremonies usually go. And I like it. It was sweet. So I'm counting today as successful.
#writing
My view as I cleared my driveway for the first of what I expect to be MANY times over the next few days. I remain grateful for my snowblower.
January 6, 2026 at 8:46 PM
My view as I cleared my driveway for the first of what I expect to be MANY times over the next few days. I remain grateful for my snowblower.
Wrote my way up to a ceremony today. Now I need to figure out how much of it to include.
If I try doing all of it, I'll need to make it shorter than people have been acting like it will be. But I think "Toss tradition, let's abridge things and get on with life" fits the participants.
#writing
If I try doing all of it, I'll need to make it shorter than people have been acting like it will be. But I think "Toss tradition, let's abridge things and get on with life" fits the participants.
#writing
January 6, 2026 at 3:11 AM
Wrote my way up to a ceremony today. Now I need to figure out how much of it to include.
If I try doing all of it, I'll need to make it shorter than people have been acting like it will be. But I think "Toss tradition, let's abridge things and get on with life" fits the participants.
#writing
If I try doing all of it, I'll need to make it shorter than people have been acting like it will be. But I think "Toss tradition, let's abridge things and get on with life" fits the participants.
#writing
Most trash in Ashareen is magically disintegrated these days. (This is alluded to at least once in Harmony when discussing public trash receptacles.)
Most modern people have trash boxes in the their houses, but historically you had to tote it to a public disposal point.
Most modern people have trash boxes in the their houses, but historically you had to tote it to a public disposal point.
Fantasy authors. How is household trash/rubbish dealt with?
Is it thrown in the street? Is there regular garbage cleanup? Do you have recycling, landfills, or magic ways of solving this issue?
I don't think I've ever read it brought up outside of sci-fi.
#WritingCommunity #Authors
Is it thrown in the street? Is there regular garbage cleanup? Do you have recycling, landfills, or magic ways of solving this issue?
I don't think I've ever read it brought up outside of sci-fi.
#WritingCommunity #Authors
January 6, 2026 at 2:45 AM
Most trash in Ashareen is magically disintegrated these days. (This is alluded to at least once in Harmony when discussing public trash receptacles.)
Most modern people have trash boxes in the their houses, but historically you had to tote it to a public disposal point.
Most modern people have trash boxes in the their houses, but historically you had to tote it to a public disposal point.
#Critterary
A zymra is a cute bat-winged ferret-type critter commonly kept as pets.
But zymrae are also the mascot of Yskies, a group dedicated to achieving voting rights for Yskereen.
Illustrated zymra made on commission by @sugarycarousel.bsky.social in the official colors of Yskereen. 🧵
A zymra is a cute bat-winged ferret-type critter commonly kept as pets.
But zymrae are also the mascot of Yskies, a group dedicated to achieving voting rights for Yskereen.
Illustrated zymra made on commission by @sugarycarousel.bsky.social in the official colors of Yskereen. 🧵
January 6, 2026 at 2:36 AM
#Critterary
A zymra is a cute bat-winged ferret-type critter commonly kept as pets.
But zymrae are also the mascot of Yskies, a group dedicated to achieving voting rights for Yskereen.
Illustrated zymra made on commission by @sugarycarousel.bsky.social in the official colors of Yskereen. 🧵
A zymra is a cute bat-winged ferret-type critter commonly kept as pets.
But zymrae are also the mascot of Yskies, a group dedicated to achieving voting rights for Yskereen.
Illustrated zymra made on commission by @sugarycarousel.bsky.social in the official colors of Yskereen. 🧵
Finally got to ski today!
This was very good.
Then found put my employer spontaneously and without warning removed another employee benefit.
This was very NOT good.
This was very good.
Then found put my employer spontaneously and without warning removed another employee benefit.
This was very NOT good.
January 5, 2026 at 10:37 PM
Finally got to ski today!
This was very good.
Then found put my employer spontaneously and without warning removed another employee benefit.
This was very NOT good.
This was very good.
Then found put my employer spontaneously and without warning removed another employee benefit.
This was very NOT good.
I hope to finish the first draft of First Verse of Winter.
I'll try to get a newsletter out.
And in non-writing, I plan to get on snow at least twice. (Starting in a few minutes! In fact, I think my partner may be waiting for me to go...)
#QueerPrompts
I'll try to get a newsletter out.
And in non-writing, I plan to get on snow at least twice. (Starting in a few minutes! In fact, I think my partner may be waiting for me to go...)
#QueerPrompts
#queerwriters Monday: Goals Day!
What do you hope to accomplish this week? Can be anything, big or small! Let us know so we can cheer you on!
#WritingCommunity #lgbtqwriters
What do you hope to accomplish this week? Can be anything, big or small! Let us know so we can cheer you on!
#WritingCommunity #lgbtqwriters
January 5, 2026 at 6:10 PM
I hope to finish the first draft of First Verse of Winter.
I'll try to get a newsletter out.
And in non-writing, I plan to get on snow at least twice. (Starting in a few minutes! In fact, I think my partner may be waiting for me to go...)
#QueerPrompts
I'll try to get a newsletter out.
And in non-writing, I plan to get on snow at least twice. (Starting in a few minutes! In fact, I think my partner may be waiting for me to go...)
#QueerPrompts
#Critterary
Faereen has a few cryptids, as in weird creatures people tell stories about but which probably don't exist.
But some Earth cryptids are simply beings that wandered through a gate from the faerie world to here. And MAYBE the Faerae ones are visiting from a 3rd world.
Faereen has a few cryptids, as in weird creatures people tell stories about but which probably don't exist.
But some Earth cryptids are simply beings that wandered through a gate from the faerie world to here. And MAYBE the Faerae ones are visiting from a 3rd world.
Day 4
Alright, time for something a little different - cryptids! Either the traditional examples of this world's Sasquatch, etc., or folklore from your story, where such things are just make-believe tales... or are they?🤔
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
Alright, time for something a little different - cryptids! Either the traditional examples of this world's Sasquatch, etc., or folklore from your story, where such things are just make-believe tales... or are they?🤔
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
January 5, 2026 at 2:16 AM
#Critterary
Faereen has a few cryptids, as in weird creatures people tell stories about but which probably don't exist.
But some Earth cryptids are simply beings that wandered through a gate from the faerie world to here. And MAYBE the Faerae ones are visiting from a 3rd world.
Faereen has a few cryptids, as in weird creatures people tell stories about but which probably don't exist.
But some Earth cryptids are simply beings that wandered through a gate from the faerie world to here. And MAYBE the Faerae ones are visiting from a 3rd world.
#Critterary
Realizing I skipped the part about introducing myself. Oops!
I'm Andy, ze/they. I write cozy queernormative fantasy about polyamorous nonhumans in a ski town on a magic-tech world. I published a novel last summer and HOPE to release a novella and a second novel in the series in 2026.
Realizing I skipped the part about introducing myself. Oops!
I'm Andy, ze/they. I write cozy queernormative fantasy about polyamorous nonhumans in a ski town on a magic-tech world. I published a novel last summer and HOPE to release a novella and a second novel in the series in 2026.
Day 1
It's already that time?! Pretty nervous to be hosting one of these, so I'll try my best 😅
Welcome! Say hi! No AI! Introduce your work, use of creatures, etc. Let's have fun celebrating the Earthly, mythological, and enjoy a chill month together! 🦊🦉🐲
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
It's already that time?! Pretty nervous to be hosting one of these, so I'll try my best 😅
Welcome! Say hi! No AI! Introduce your work, use of creatures, etc. Let's have fun celebrating the Earthly, mythological, and enjoy a chill month together! 🦊🦉🐲
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
January 4, 2026 at 2:51 AM
#Critterary
Realizing I skipped the part about introducing myself. Oops!
I'm Andy, ze/they. I write cozy queernormative fantasy about polyamorous nonhumans in a ski town on a magic-tech world. I published a novel last summer and HOPE to release a novella and a second novel in the series in 2026.
Realizing I skipped the part about introducing myself. Oops!
I'm Andy, ze/they. I write cozy queernormative fantasy about polyamorous nonhumans in a ski town on a magic-tech world. I published a novel last summer and HOPE to release a novella and a second novel in the series in 2026.
#Critterary
The most noticeable cat in Harmony is Vil's pet Ninka, a white fuzzball described as being the size of a German Shepherd.
The most noticeable cat in both WIPs is Yves, a catkin father of two, musician, skier, and regular at the Rabbit Pub due to his secret* love for the bartender.
The most noticeable cat in Harmony is Vil's pet Ninka, a white fuzzball described as being the size of a German Shepherd.
The most noticeable cat in both WIPs is Yves, a catkin father of two, musician, skier, and regular at the Rabbit Pub due to his secret* love for the bartender.
Day 3
Switching over to animals, with my alternating everyday thing, to keep switching it up. This time it's kitties! (Anthros also welcome these days, too!) 🐱🐯🦁 Got any cats in your work? If not, a favorite one from other work?
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
Switching over to animals, with my alternating everyday thing, to keep switching it up. This time it's kitties! (Anthros also welcome these days, too!) 🐱🐯🦁 Got any cats in your work? If not, a favorite one from other work?
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
January 4, 2026 at 2:18 AM
#Critterary
The most noticeable cat in Harmony is Vil's pet Ninka, a white fuzzball described as being the size of a German Shepherd.
The most noticeable cat in both WIPs is Yves, a catkin father of two, musician, skier, and regular at the Rabbit Pub due to his secret* love for the bartender.
The most noticeable cat in Harmony is Vil's pet Ninka, a white fuzzball described as being the size of a German Shepherd.
The most noticeable cat in both WIPs is Yves, a catkin father of two, musician, skier, and regular at the Rabbit Pub due to his secret* love for the bartender.
#Critterary
I've written vampires but not in anything that ever got shared.
Although some people say I myself am a vampire... Something to do with my allergies to sunlight and silver, extreme paleness, discomfort with crosses, and preference for rare meat on the rare occasions I elect to eat meat.
I've written vampires but not in anything that ever got shared.
Although some people say I myself am a vampire... Something to do with my allergies to sunlight and silver, extreme paleness, discomfort with crosses, and preference for rare meat on the rare occasions I elect to eat meat.
Day 2
*whew* Already on day 2?? Sure flew by for me, reading everyone's intros 😅
Anyhow, starting off big! Vampires! Or maybe something vampir-ic?
And for every card, if there's nothing of relevance from your story, feel free to post ones you enjoy!🦊
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
*whew* Already on day 2?? Sure flew by for me, reading everyone's intros 😅
Anyhow, starting off big! Vampires! Or maybe something vampir-ic?
And for every card, if there's nothing of relevance from your story, feel free to post ones you enjoy!🦊
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
January 4, 2026 at 2:11 AM
#Critterary
I've written vampires but not in anything that ever got shared.
Although some people say I myself am a vampire... Something to do with my allergies to sunlight and silver, extreme paleness, discomfort with crosses, and preference for rare meat on the rare occasions I elect to eat meat.
I've written vampires but not in anything that ever got shared.
Although some people say I myself am a vampire... Something to do with my allergies to sunlight and silver, extreme paleness, discomfort with crosses, and preference for rare meat on the rare occasions I elect to eat meat.
#Critterary
Starting late. Sorry. Forgot the hashtag to look for.
Pets are important to me so my characters tend to have them.
My fantasy world also has people who are furkin or scalekin, but they're more PEOPLE than creatures. One is even an MC in a WIP.
Starting late. Sorry. Forgot the hashtag to look for.
Pets are important to me so my characters tend to have them.
My fantasy world also has people who are furkin or scalekin, but they're more PEOPLE than creatures. One is even an MC in a WIP.
Day 1
It's already that time?! Pretty nervous to be hosting one of these, so I'll try my best 😅
Welcome! Say hi! No AI! Introduce your work, use of creatures, etc. Let's have fun celebrating the Earthly, mythological, and enjoy a chill month together! 🦊🦉🐲
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
It's already that time?! Pretty nervous to be hosting one of these, so I'll try my best 😅
Welcome! Say hi! No AI! Introduce your work, use of creatures, etc. Let's have fun celebrating the Earthly, mythological, and enjoy a chill month together! 🦊🦉🐲
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
January 4, 2026 at 2:05 AM
#Critterary
Starting late. Sorry. Forgot the hashtag to look for.
Pets are important to me so my characters tend to have them.
My fantasy world also has people who are furkin or scalekin, but they're more PEOPLE than creatures. One is even an MC in a WIP.
Starting late. Sorry. Forgot the hashtag to look for.
Pets are important to me so my characters tend to have them.
My fantasy world also has people who are furkin or scalekin, but they're more PEOPLE than creatures. One is even an MC in a WIP.