austin (🛤️ is querying 🛤️)
@austinsgrace.bsky.social
he/she | atx/va/dc | writer of queer stories and maker of hyperspecific playlists | shortlisted for #RevPit ‘25
Pinned
sometimes my favorite parts of writing are the small homages to sneak in. Nathan cooks a dish based on a recipe from my mom. Jensen & Evan have my parents’ zodiac sign dynamic. Lawrence loves George Gershwin because I love An American in Paris. creative works are labors of love❤️
December 5, 2025 at 1:27 AM
sometimes my favorite parts of writing are the small homages to sneak in. Nathan cooks a dish based on a recipe from my mom. Jensen & Evan have my parents’ zodiac sign dynamic. Lawrence loves George Gershwin because I love An American in Paris. creative works are labors of love❤️
#AwesomeCharacters
Nathan & Lawrence live together- that’s like, the plot 🤣 but they live above Lawrence’s store with Em both during HTCH and once the story ends, it’s their place❤️
in B&W, all the Gilliards live in their family mansion- Nathan & Jensen included
Nathan & Lawrence live together- that’s like, the plot 🤣 but they live above Lawrence’s store with Em both during HTCH and once the story ends, it’s their place❤️
in B&W, all the Gilliards live in their family mansion- Nathan & Jensen included
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
What is your character's living situation like?
Do they have roommates? Pets? Live with family? Alone in a mansion? On the road? On a ship? Other?
Are they happy where they are, or striving for something else?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
What is your character's living situation like?
Do they have roommates? Pets? Live with family? Alone in a mansion? On the road? On a ship? Other?
Are they happy where they are, or striving for something else?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 5, 2025 at 12:26 AM
#AwesomeCharacters
Nathan & Lawrence live together- that’s like, the plot 🤣 but they live above Lawrence’s store with Em both during HTCH and once the story ends, it’s their place❤️
in B&W, all the Gilliards live in their family mansion- Nathan & Jensen included
Nathan & Lawrence live together- that’s like, the plot 🤣 but they live above Lawrence’s store with Em both during HTCH and once the story ends, it’s their place❤️
in B&W, all the Gilliards live in their family mansion- Nathan & Jensen included
#Smutcember
i think like i said yesterday my biggest difference is that i’ll read a higher level of smut than i usually write 🤷 in terms of partner configurations/genres i can’t think of any radical differences
i think like i said yesterday my biggest difference is that i’ll read a higher level of smut than i usually write 🤷 in terms of partner configurations/genres i can’t think of any radical differences
Last establishing question, #Smutcember:
Do you read different kinds of smut than you write, or is that Venn diagram a circle?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Do you read different kinds of smut than you write, or is that Venn diagram a circle?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 4, 2025 at 5:16 AM
#Smutcember
i think like i said yesterday my biggest difference is that i’ll read a higher level of smut than i usually write 🤷 in terms of partner configurations/genres i can’t think of any radical differences
i think like i said yesterday my biggest difference is that i’ll read a higher level of smut than i usually write 🤷 in terms of partner configurations/genres i can’t think of any radical differences
#AwesomeCharacters
this one I know the least about since it’s a recent addition to B&W during this current draft, but i’m growing fond of it ❤️
Jensen spends a lot of his teenage years alternating bw rebellion & contrition, & as a result spends a lot of time wandering the city alone
this one I know the least about since it’s a recent addition to B&W during this current draft, but i’m growing fond of it ❤️
Jensen spends a lot of his teenage years alternating bw rebellion & contrition, & as a result spends a lot of time wandering the city alone
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Tell me a bit about the first time your character met someone important to them.
This could be a close friend, love interest, mentor, etc.
Did they like each other right away? Did they warm over time?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Tell me a bit about the first time your character met someone important to them.
This could be a close friend, love interest, mentor, etc.
Did they like each other right away? Did they warm over time?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 4, 2025 at 2:13 AM
#AwesomeCharacters
this one I know the least about since it’s a recent addition to B&W during this current draft, but i’m growing fond of it ❤️
Jensen spends a lot of his teenage years alternating bw rebellion & contrition, & as a result spends a lot of time wandering the city alone
this one I know the least about since it’s a recent addition to B&W during this current draft, but i’m growing fond of it ❤️
Jensen spends a lot of his teenage years alternating bw rebellion & contrition, & as a result spends a lot of time wandering the city alone
#AwesomeCharacters
Evan & August Camden met in grade school, when they were both getting picked on for being classic bully targets: August has albinism & Evan is the kind of queer person whose queerness is apparent before they know it themselves
Evan & August Camden met in grade school, when they were both getting picked on for being classic bully targets: August has albinism & Evan is the kind of queer person whose queerness is apparent before they know it themselves
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Tell me a bit about the first time your character met someone important to them.
This could be a close friend, love interest, mentor, etc.
Did they like each other right away? Did they warm over time?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Tell me a bit about the first time your character met someone important to them.
This could be a close friend, love interest, mentor, etc.
Did they like each other right away? Did they warm over time?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 4, 2025 at 2:01 AM
#AwesomeCharacters
Evan & August Camden met in grade school, when they were both getting picked on for being classic bully targets: August has albinism & Evan is the kind of queer person whose queerness is apparent before they know it themselves
Evan & August Camden met in grade school, when they were both getting picked on for being classic bully targets: August has albinism & Evan is the kind of queer person whose queerness is apparent before they know it themselves
guess i’ll just qrp this for the rest of my guys! #AwesomeCharacters
Lawrence first learns that Veronica Fielding exists via telegram, shortly after he learns that his sister Jess and her husband Trent have died in a car accident (also conveyed to him by telegram)
Lawrence first learns that Veronica Fielding exists via telegram, shortly after he learns that his sister Jess and her husband Trent have died in a car accident (also conveyed to him by telegram)
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Tell me a bit about the first time your character met someone important to them.
This could be a close friend, love interest, mentor, etc.
Did they like each other right away? Did they warm over time?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Tell me a bit about the first time your character met someone important to them.
This could be a close friend, love interest, mentor, etc.
Did they like each other right away? Did they warm over time?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 4, 2025 at 1:49 AM
guess i’ll just qrp this for the rest of my guys! #AwesomeCharacters
Lawrence first learns that Veronica Fielding exists via telegram, shortly after he learns that his sister Jess and her husband Trent have died in a car accident (also conveyed to him by telegram)
Lawrence first learns that Veronica Fielding exists via telegram, shortly after he learns that his sister Jess and her husband Trent have died in a car accident (also conveyed to him by telegram)
i’m going to shoutout some non-romantic relationships for today’s #AwesomeCharacters, bc i have an undying love for side characters and how they impact MCs’ growth/contain their own narratives outside of the main story ❤️❤️❤️
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Tell me a bit about the first time your character met someone important to them.
This could be a close friend, love interest, mentor, etc.
Did they like each other right away? Did they warm over time?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Tell me a bit about the first time your character met someone important to them.
This could be a close friend, love interest, mentor, etc.
Did they like each other right away? Did they warm over time?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 4, 2025 at 12:37 AM
i’m going to shoutout some non-romantic relationships for today’s #AwesomeCharacters, bc i have an undying love for side characters and how they impact MCs’ growth/contain their own narratives outside of the main story ❤️❤️❤️
winter is a quiet time in HTCH- Aurora isn’t quite a farm town, but there’s enough agriculture to make it a slower time of year. Nathan’s used to some brutal winters in Minnesota, so Kansas is a bit easier, & Lawrence likes the excuse to curl up at home away from the elements!
What’s winter like in your book’s setting? Is it harrowing and plagued by the undead? Is it quiet and contemplative? Something else? #WritingPrompt
December 3, 2025 at 5:10 PM
winter is a quiet time in HTCH- Aurora isn’t quite a farm town, but there’s enough agriculture to make it a slower time of year. Nathan’s used to some brutal winters in Minnesota, so Kansas is a bit easier, & Lawrence likes the excuse to curl up at home away from the elements!
spotify wrapped just loud and wrong so anyway reminder that i made this shirt for MY song of the year. hurt feelings you’ll always be famous
December 3, 2025 at 4:54 PM
spotify wrapped just loud and wrong so anyway reminder that i made this shirt for MY song of the year. hurt feelings you’ll always be famous
#Smutcember
hm! i do tend to write a lower level of smut than my reading tolerance ceiling, so i do like engaging with higher-level spice by reading other authors’ works to be continually learning about how it can be used in different purposes than i tend to employ
1/
hm! i do tend to write a lower level of smut than my reading tolerance ceiling, so i do like engaging with higher-level spice by reading other authors’ works to be continually learning about how it can be used in different purposes than i tend to employ
1/
Continuing our #Smutcember setup:
Do you have a preference between reading smut or writing it, or perhaps engaging with it in a different form of media entirely? If so, what about that form of engagement appeals to you the most?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Do you have a preference between reading smut or writing it, or perhaps engaging with it in a different form of media entirely? If so, what about that form of engagement appeals to you the most?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 3, 2025 at 5:47 AM
#Smutcember
hm! i do tend to write a lower level of smut than my reading tolerance ceiling, so i do like engaging with higher-level spice by reading other authors’ works to be continually learning about how it can be used in different purposes than i tend to employ
1/
hm! i do tend to write a lower level of smut than my reading tolerance ceiling, so i do like engaging with higher-level spice by reading other authors’ works to be continually learning about how it can be used in different purposes than i tend to employ
1/
it is important to me that everyone knows about the wild rookie goalie with the nickname the wall of st. paul and the extreme self-control it’s taking me to not get hockey!nathan art because of it. thank you for your time
December 3, 2025 at 3:12 AM
it is important to me that everyone knows about the wild rookie goalie with the nickname the wall of st. paul and the extreme self-control it’s taking me to not get hockey!nathan art because of it. thank you for your time
anyway i have a post to make about my books that is pending dependent on how the next episode of heated rivalry goes so watch this space
December 3, 2025 at 2:22 AM
anyway i have a post to make about my books that is pending dependent on how the next episode of heated rivalry goes so watch this space
love this sweet note for #AwesomeCharacters, and i’ll keep it short :)
Nathan: cooking
Lawrence: playing the piano
Evan: a good soft heavy blanket
Jensen: a book he hasn’t read or one he’s read a million times
Nathan: cooking
Lawrence: playing the piano
Evan: a good soft heavy blanket
Jensen: a book he hasn’t read or one he’s read a million times
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
I feel like I ask about negative emotions a lot. So today tell me something that makes your character happy!
A small joy, like a sunset, a warm cup of cocoa, a good book, or time with their favorite person!
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
I feel like I ask about negative emotions a lot. So today tell me something that makes your character happy!
A small joy, like a sunset, a warm cup of cocoa, a good book, or time with their favorite person!
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 2, 2025 at 11:19 PM
love this sweet note for #AwesomeCharacters, and i’ll keep it short :)
Nathan: cooking
Lawrence: playing the piano
Evan: a good soft heavy blanket
Jensen: a book he hasn’t read or one he’s read a million times
Nathan: cooking
Lawrence: playing the piano
Evan: a good soft heavy blanket
Jensen: a book he hasn’t read or one he’s read a million times
i didn’t put a real almost-kiss in HTCH but i’m debating whether i should put one in B&W or just have it be even more infuriating that neither of them thought to try and kiss each other. these are the thoughts that plague me at my day job
December 2, 2025 at 8:42 PM
i didn’t put a real almost-kiss in HTCH but i’m debating whether i should put one in B&W or just have it be even more infuriating that neither of them thought to try and kiss each other. these are the thoughts that plague me at my day job
#Smutcember
i don’t have a hard limit, and i think any level of spice can be appropriate for the story! i’ve read superb closed door romances and great erotic ones- it’s just about how integral spice is to the character development for me
i don’t have a hard limit, and i think any level of spice can be appropriate for the story! i’ve read superb closed door romances and great erotic ones- it’s just about how integral spice is to the character development for me
As we continue into #Smutcember, it's important to know:
What is your spice comfort level? Does it vary between what you enjoy privately and what you're willing to share? Do you have hard boundaries for what you engage with?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
What is your spice comfort level? Does it vary between what you enjoy privately and what you're willing to share? Do you have hard boundaries for what you engage with?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 2, 2025 at 1:44 PM
#Smutcember
i don’t have a hard limit, and i think any level of spice can be appropriate for the story! i’ve read superb closed door romances and great erotic ones- it’s just about how integral spice is to the character development for me
i don’t have a hard limit, and i think any level of spice can be appropriate for the story! i’ve read superb closed door romances and great erotic ones- it’s just about how integral spice is to the character development for me
this is a great #AwesomeCharacters question!
i try to only name characters when they either a) have direct bearing on the plot or b) enhance the worldbuilding. a quick test is “is it plausible for my narrator to interact with this character w/o knowing their name?” once i reach “no,” they get named
i try to only name characters when they either a) have direct bearing on the plot or b) enhance the worldbuilding. a quick test is “is it plausible for my narrator to interact with this character w/o knowing their name?” once i reach “no,” they get named
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
When do you consider a side character to have earned a name?
Is it when they speak a line of dialogue? Have a certain amount of importance to the story? When it is confusing to describe the scene otherwise?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
When do you consider a side character to have earned a name?
Is it when they speak a line of dialogue? Have a certain amount of importance to the story? When it is confusing to describe the scene otherwise?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 1, 2025 at 11:47 PM
this is a great #AwesomeCharacters question!
i try to only name characters when they either a) have direct bearing on the plot or b) enhance the worldbuilding. a quick test is “is it plausible for my narrator to interact with this character w/o knowing their name?” once i reach “no,” they get named
i try to only name characters when they either a) have direct bearing on the plot or b) enhance the worldbuilding. a quick test is “is it plausible for my narrator to interact with this character w/o knowing their name?” once i reach “no,” they get named
!!!!! i adore the world of bludeye and this crazy gang of meddling kids (age-neutral) 🥰 cannot wait to get my hands on a copy and carry it around like the town crier!!!
Hello, friends! Time for one more announcement...and it's a big one!
Hook & Quill Press will be releasing its first book in early 2026. It's a love story wrapped in a supernatural horror wrapped in family drama...
BLUDEYE BEACH written by @eliwoodsgheist.com !
#writingcommunity #writesky #booksky
Hook & Quill Press will be releasing its first book in early 2026. It's a love story wrapped in a supernatural horror wrapped in family drama...
BLUDEYE BEACH written by @eliwoodsgheist.com !
#writingcommunity #writesky #booksky
December 1, 2025 at 11:35 PM
!!!!! i adore the world of bludeye and this crazy gang of meddling kids (age-neutral) 🥰 cannot wait to get my hands on a copy and carry it around like the town crier!!!
being able to interpret art however you want is so beautiful i love having songs from brat and everybody scream on the same character playlist
December 1, 2025 at 4:58 PM
being able to interpret art however you want is so beautiful i love having songs from brat and everybody scream on the same character playlist
hi #Smutcember!!
i’m austin, a writer of queer fiction across lots of genres, & i’ll probably be talking about my #amquerying HOW TO COME HOME (Nathan & Lawrence) & its #amdrafting companion book BLOOD & WATER (Jensen & Evan), which take place in 1920s/30s US around a Prohibition syndicate family
i’m austin, a writer of queer fiction across lots of genres, & i’ll probably be talking about my #amquerying HOW TO COME HOME (Nathan & Lawrence) & its #amdrafting companion book BLOOD & WATER (Jensen & Evan), which take place in 1920s/30s US around a Prohibition syndicate family
Welcome to #Smutcember, folks!
To start things off, introduce yourself and the work(s) or characters you plan on discussing this month. You can focus on one relationship or several, it's up to you!
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
To start things off, introduce yourself and the work(s) or characters you plan on discussing this month. You can focus on one relationship or several, it's up to you!
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 1, 2025 at 2:31 PM
hi #Smutcember!!
i’m austin, a writer of queer fiction across lots of genres, & i’ll probably be talking about my #amquerying HOW TO COME HOME (Nathan & Lawrence) & its #amdrafting companion book BLOOD & WATER (Jensen & Evan), which take place in 1920s/30s US around a Prohibition syndicate family
i’m austin, a writer of queer fiction across lots of genres, & i’ll probably be talking about my #amquerying HOW TO COME HOME (Nathan & Lawrence) & its #amdrafting companion book BLOOD & WATER (Jensen & Evan), which take place in 1920s/30s US around a Prohibition syndicate family
*delighted sighs*
for Nathan, it was Lawrence’s immediate respect for his boundaries + willingness to take him at face value
for Lawrence, it was how Nathan seamlessly picked up slack on things he was self-conscious about IRT his own abilities to fulfill them (bookkeeping, helping Em w school)
for Nathan, it was Lawrence’s immediate respect for his boundaries + willingness to take him at face value
for Lawrence, it was how Nathan seamlessly picked up slack on things he was self-conscious about IRT his own abilities to fulfill them (bookkeeping, helping Em w school)
What made your MC really start to fall for their love interest in your book/wip? #WritingPrompt
November 30, 2025 at 8:32 PM
*delighted sighs*
for Nathan, it was Lawrence’s immediate respect for his boundaries + willingness to take him at face value
for Lawrence, it was how Nathan seamlessly picked up slack on things he was self-conscious about IRT his own abilities to fulfill them (bookkeeping, helping Em w school)
for Nathan, it was Lawrence’s immediate respect for his boundaries + willingness to take him at face value
for Lawrence, it was how Nathan seamlessly picked up slack on things he was self-conscious about IRT his own abilities to fulfill them (bookkeeping, helping Em w school)
heated rivalry good because the serotonin i get seeing such unabashed queer media is making my antidepressants redundant but heated rivalry bad bc i keep having to actively restrain myself from changing MY characters’ dynamics because they are in my brain like gay worms
November 30, 2025 at 8:22 PM
heated rivalry good because the serotonin i get seeing such unabashed queer media is making my antidepressants redundant but heated rivalry bad bc i keep having to actively restrain myself from changing MY characters’ dynamics because they are in my brain like gay worms
#AwesomeCharacters
it’s 1920s/30s America, so walking/driving/trains are all in play! the most interesting answer I have is that Lawrence can’t drive bc of his eyesight, so he’s pretty reliant on walking/Veronica’s generosity/trains for more extensive travel, at least until Nathan joins his life
it’s 1920s/30s America, so walking/driving/trains are all in play! the most interesting answer I have is that Lawrence can’t drive bc of his eyesight, so he’s pretty reliant on walking/Veronica’s generosity/trains for more extensive travel, at least until Nathan joins his life
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
What methods of transportation do your characters usually use to get around?
Horses, ships (water, space, air), cars, walking, other?
Does transportation ever cause your characters difficulty?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
What methods of transportation do your characters usually use to get around?
Horses, ships (water, space, air), cars, walking, other?
Does transportation ever cause your characters difficulty?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 30, 2025 at 3:47 AM
#AwesomeCharacters
it’s 1920s/30s America, so walking/driving/trains are all in play! the most interesting answer I have is that Lawrence can’t drive bc of his eyesight, so he’s pretty reliant on walking/Veronica’s generosity/trains for more extensive travel, at least until Nathan joins his life
it’s 1920s/30s America, so walking/driving/trains are all in play! the most interesting answer I have is that Lawrence can’t drive bc of his eyesight, so he’s pretty reliant on walking/Veronica’s generosity/trains for more extensive travel, at least until Nathan joins his life
called out extremely specifically by costar today what the hell
November 30, 2025 at 3:40 AM
called out extremely specifically by costar today what the hell
just….ignore my numbering……it will happen again…………
#AwesomeCharacters
I don’t think they actively pay much attention to color scheme, but I have colors I associate with them!
Nathan: dark greens/browns/blues, dark neutrals
Lawrence: yellow, pastel blue
Evan: black/white/gray/neutrals (least amount of color)
Jensen: purple, green, jewel tones
1/
I don’t think they actively pay much attention to color scheme, but I have colors I associate with them!
Nathan: dark greens/browns/blues, dark neutrals
Lawrence: yellow, pastel blue
Evan: black/white/gray/neutrals (least amount of color)
Jensen: purple, green, jewel tones
1/
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Does your character have a particular color scheme?
Are there specific colors they prefer for their clothing, accessories, hair etc?
Is it for practical (e.g. stealth) or aesthetic purposes?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Does your character have a particular color scheme?
Are there specific colors they prefer for their clothing, accessories, hair etc?
Is it for practical (e.g. stealth) or aesthetic purposes?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 29, 2025 at 12:58 AM
just….ignore my numbering……it will happen again…………
#AwesomeCharacters
I don’t think they actively pay much attention to color scheme, but I have colors I associate with them!
Nathan: dark greens/browns/blues, dark neutrals
Lawrence: yellow, pastel blue
Evan: black/white/gray/neutrals (least amount of color)
Jensen: purple, green, jewel tones
1/
I don’t think they actively pay much attention to color scheme, but I have colors I associate with them!
Nathan: dark greens/browns/blues, dark neutrals
Lawrence: yellow, pastel blue
Evan: black/white/gray/neutrals (least amount of color)
Jensen: purple, green, jewel tones
1/
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Does your character have a particular color scheme?
Are there specific colors they prefer for their clothing, accessories, hair etc?
Is it for practical (e.g. stealth) or aesthetic purposes?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Does your character have a particular color scheme?
Are there specific colors they prefer for their clothing, accessories, hair etc?
Is it for practical (e.g. stealth) or aesthetic purposes?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 29, 2025 at 12:47 AM
#AwesomeCharacters
I don’t think they actively pay much attention to color scheme, but I have colors I associate with them!
Nathan: dark greens/browns/blues, dark neutrals
Lawrence: yellow, pastel blue
Evan: black/white/gray/neutrals (least amount of color)
Jensen: purple, green, jewel tones
1/
I don’t think they actively pay much attention to color scheme, but I have colors I associate with them!
Nathan: dark greens/browns/blues, dark neutrals
Lawrence: yellow, pastel blue
Evan: black/white/gray/neutrals (least amount of color)
Jensen: purple, green, jewel tones
1/