Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Cameron A Malin

@camalin.net

#Febchantment | 14
I know I've posted this a lot recently, but honestly, no other snip from #Ellamir would do

Having made a Hannah super shitty marriage proposal and been angrily rejected, odious Brother Nichol resorts to using magic to make her accept him

CW: attempted forced marriage

A snippet from Ellamir by C A Malin
As she said these last words, she threw up her hand towards the door, and Nicholls, in response, caught her by the wrist; his face had taken on such a look of utter malice, and it was with such force that he sought to return her bodily to the settle, that she quailed momentarily. His free hand was reaching for his pocket, and drawing out a little scroll: as he shook it open, and began to chant in an unknown tongue, Hannah felt her resolve falter. She had not the strength to fight him physically, nor to resist the enthrallment of the strange words which rang now in her head. Her knees began to weaken and her vision clouded, her blood pounded in her ears, and some unknown voice spoke out of the confusion, telling her to submit, and it would all be over without any more suffering.
But somewhere around her hammering heart, she still had a single ounce of determination, and with that, she filled her lungs, forced open her mouth and screamed as best she could:
“MAQINE!”
It was as if she had uttered a Word of Command: in the same instant, the elegant bow-seat window exploded inwards, disintegrating violently into prettily carved matchwood and a thousand shards of flying glass. Pieces of torn damask curtain accompanied the shattering sound of destruction that echoed through the room and shook Brother Nicholls with such force that he let go of Hannah’s wrist and dropped the scroll to the ground.
In the ruined portal, amid swirls of sunlit sawdust, stood the towering figure of Maqine: in her left hand were the burning remnants of a Spell of Force; in her right, a gigantic crossbow taut with a loaded bolt; and on her face, a look of contempt and purpose and hatred that Brother Nicholls could not hope to withstand. As he perceived her through the cloud of dust, he let out a strangled cry and staggered backwards.
“Demon!” he screamed, his face contorted with terror, “Hellspawn!!”
“You fucking bet,” said Maqine.

February 14, 2026 at 12:43 PM

Cameron A Malin

@camalin.net

#Febchantment | 13

It's believed - but not fully known or understood - that there has been at least one magical cataclysm, perhaps caused by an attempt to create a magical weapon of mass destruction. Legend says an entire island the size of Madagascar was shifted to another plane of existence

🧵1/4

Prof Emily @professoremily.bsky.social · 5d

#Febchantment Day 13

It's Friday the 13th! So let's talk about ~misfortune~ 😈

I love a magic system with some dreadful consequences. Tell me what happens when your magic goes wrong? What happens if someone doesn't know what they're doing, or they abuse it on purpose?

#writingcommunity #writesky

#Febchantment prompt for Feb 13:

How can this magic go wrong? What are some consequences of mistakes or misuse?

Text is white letters on a blue background featuring a magic book with lots of sparkles, and a yellow octopus dressed as Glinda the Good Witch sitting in the bottom right corner.
Hosted by @professoremily.bsky.social

February 13, 2026 at 8:34 AM

Reposted by Cameron A Malin

Crystal L. Smalls-Wright

@csmallswright.bsky.social

I joined BlueSky January 2026 & I just hit 3K followers. To celebrate this milestone, I'm buying 5 books #WritingCommunity #BookSky

Please repost this to spread the word. Drop your own books or a fellow author's in the comments. Will leave this up until noon EST on 2/16, will show proof of purchase

a library filled with lots of books and the word books on the top

ALT: a library filled with lots of books and the word books on the top

media.tenor.com

February 12, 2026 at 8:03 PM

Reposted by Cameron A Malin

Jaydra Dawn

@jaydradawn.bsky.social

Souls were a theory until Viola met Ilia, who was born with a second soul but in fear tore her out. Viola reunites him with Merci. "Twin Souls" proved souls exist, they take turns "piloting".

Kalyana (Tat + Kali) is two souls fused into a hybrid person with her own identity (capable of fissioning).

Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 6d

#FebruaryWorldbuilders. Are souls real in your world? Does anything happen to them after a person dies? Or, whether or not they know the truth, do your characters have any beliefs about that? Does your world's religion preach anything about souls?

MonthlyWorldbuilders prompts daily feed card
#FebruaryWorldbuilders
Hosted by Kira of the Wind
Week 1: Metaphysical World
12. Are souls real in your world? Or do characters believe in them?

The background image shows a misty forest with a mysterious tower in the background. It has a cold, mysterious vibe.

February 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM

Reposted by Cameron A Malin

Khonri

@khonri.com

#FebruaryWorldbuilders

Yes. Very much yes, and is a part of a very important system I intend to use at one point.

A tangent, for a moment, if you will.

The elements of decay and nature are also the elements of the spirit and the soul respectively. These are related but separate.

🧵1/7

Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 6d

#FebruaryWorldbuilders. Are souls real in your world? Does anything happen to them after a person dies? Or, whether or not they know the truth, do your characters have any beliefs about that? Does your world's religion preach anything about souls?

February 12, 2026 at 2:45 PM

Reposted by Cameron A Malin

DD Ward ..."Sapphic Dr. DOOM"

@ddwardiswriting.bsky.social

Would you want to be included in a Free Indie Fiction Section on my Author Page? How About a free wiki?

DD Ward ..."Sapphic Dr. DOOM" @ddwardiswriting.bsky.social · 6d

Say, do you make any of your writing available free?

Me too!

Were you interested in coordinating to help people find you?

Wanna talk about the idea?

a drawing of a girl with brown eyes and a black sweater

Alt: a drawing of a girl with brown eyes and a black sweater

media.tenor.com

February 12, 2026 at 2:02 PM

Cameron A Malin

@camalin.net

#FebruaryWorldBuilders | 12

That's an extraordinarily good question. Certainly the *concept* of a soul has been utilised by the Order of the Brothers of the Lady of Purity to get people to follow their teachings (or else their soul is eternally tormented - sound familiar to anyone? 😆)

🧵1/2

Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 6d

#FebruaryWorldbuilders. Are souls real in your world? Does anything happen to them after a person dies? Or, whether or not they know the truth, do your characters have any beliefs about that? Does your world's religion preach anything about souls?

February 12, 2026 at 1:47 PM

Cameron A Malin

@camalin.net

#Febchantment | 12
There IS such a thing as mastery, but among most Theanglian humans, that tends to be very narrowly channelled. For example, the sort of magic that can be paired with engineering excellence has made Theangal's Navy extraordinarily advanced - limited scope but highly effective

🧵1/3

Prof Emily @professoremily.bsky.social · 6d

#Febchantment Day 12

What does it take to be considered a "master" of your magic system?

Is it about the range of your techniques? The difficulty level? The amount of knowledge in your head? Your ability not to set yourself on fire?

Or perhaps there IS no "mastery"?

#writingcommunity #writesky

#Febchantment prompt for Feb 12:

What are the requirements or standards to be considered a "master" of this magic system?

Text is white letters on a blue background featuring a magic book with lots of sparkles, and a yellow octopus dressed as Glinda the Good Witch sitting in the bottom right corner.
Hosted by @professoremily.bsky.social

February 12, 2026 at 1:36 PM

Cameron A Malin

@camalin.net

Well, friends, I have reached a milestone this week and soft-launched my author website at camalin.net

If you felt like being encouraging, perhaps you might drop by and even consider subscribing to my newsletter? 😐🙏💙

Website feedback also welcome and appreciated!

Cameron A Malin - Author of Historical Fiction & Fantasy

Find out more about Cameron's books, read his articles, subscribe to his newsletter and discover his social media channels

camalin.net

February 12, 2026 at 1:05 PM

Reposted by Cameron A Malin

Colin J Lewis

@colinjlewis.bsky.social

Cheers
#WIPSnips word "defense" or as we Brits like to say "defence" 😉

From An Unkindness of Ravens

#WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity

February 12, 2026 at 11:59 AM

Reposted by Cameron A Malin

Nicole "Ashrah" Hidalgo

@sayaashrah.bsky.social

#WIPSnips 12. "Defence"

I have surprisingly few instances of the word, and most are spoilers 🙃 This one... not so much, so here's our first-ever snippet with the legendary Shao Kahn.

#ChroniclesOfTheRealms #MileenaSuêòng #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #QueerWriters

Pain cracked his severe features ever so slightly, and that, of all things, made Mileena shiver. “Where is the empress?”

“What makes you think I’d tell you?” She lifted her chin in a gesture she hoped would make her look at least a little intimidating… but the muscles in her legs tightened, poised to teleport her and Shang Tsung the Hells away from there.

“I seek her not as an enemy, princess, but as a willing ally. Among us, I have the most experience with the Netherrealm and its inhabitants.” Mileena scoffed, which Shao Kahn ignored. “And I know this incursion does not come from the whims of a devil. It is a far greater effort. One that I fear has breached defences that have been in place for millennia. My army will not be enough to stop it. Your mother’s army will not be enough to stop it. To save our realms, we shall have to put our disagreements aside.” He raised a hand and touched a horn with the tip of a claw. “May my horns rot and crumble to dust if I speak deceit.”

Mileena squinted at him. A dragoneir’s horns were their most prized possession, a symbol of their honour and their strength, that was true, but… could she trust him?

February 12, 2026 at 11:25 AM

Reposted by Cameron A Malin

Tara S Geir

@tarasgeir.bsky.social

Some plans are worth cancelling if they're worse than being stuck in the damp recesses of the city surrounded by glowing amphibians and their eggs. #WIPSnips #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity #WriteSky

Glowing white lumps bulged from the walls and Grio drew in his light and let it sink back into his hand. Tiny shapes could be seen in each lump and Grio realised they were curled up banmoi in various stages of gestation. When he tried to prod one, a group of angry adults swarmed the eggs and hissed their rage. Their teeth no more than tiny nubs. He chuckled at their futile defence but didn't try to harm the eggs. He wasn't a monster and banmoi were useful.

Raion and Anfri were already far in front, Grio had spent too much time considering the eggs, and they were bathed in the warm, amniotic glow. There was an anxiousness to Raion as he kept jumping from one foot to the next, desperate for Grio to join them. "We're not far," he spluttered once Grio was with them. "But we can't dilly-dally as we have to get back up."

Grio looked at Anfri and raised an eyebrow. "Have you any plans for tonight?"

"Yes. But being holed up in the bottom of the Dip would be preferable."

February 12, 2026 at 10:07 AM

Cameron A Malin

@camalin.net

Why hello again, #WIPSnips! I have the variation "defensibility" today

Lady Lamont holds court at her morning 'at-home' on the subject of threats to civilised life, leading to Miss Ellamir Oakhall being goaded a little beyond civility

From my #Regency #Romance X #Fantasy crossover WIP #Ellamir

A snippet from Ellamir by C A Malin:
"Certainly not. Cursed gold is a very tricky thing, and no doubt subject to additional charges and a reduced rate of interest. But that is not the worst of it, oh no! Even if it is not cursed, there is an extreme likelihood that it has, at some previous juncture, been the property of a dragon; and dragons, my dear, are known to be of a most insatiably vengeful disposition.”
“Dragons, Lady Lamont?!” chorused her audience, now thoroughly agog. Lady Lamont was warming to her subject and beginning to enjoy herself. Miss Oakhall, a sceptical sideways glance having caught Miss Wright's astonished open mouth, nudged her sharply to close it.
“Why, certainly!” her ladyship cried, “there were once a good many. Not here in Theangal, of course - that would be intolerable and his dear Majesty would certainly not allow it - but beyond The Borders, certainly. Poor Sir Lewis himself maintained a subscription to a most informative news-letter on dragons, both past and present. He was much concerned with the defensibility of this house; he could not take greater care to be prepared for all eventualities, you see, and did not trust the militia with such things; and so I am sure I have heard more about dragons than anyone in the neighbourhood.
"I distinctly remember one article about an ancient old she-dragon, who had gathered about her a great wealth - they call it a hoard, you know - and she spent every day and night lolling her vast round body upon it, in case some rogue should pass by to spirit it away. But Miss Oakhall,” she added in quite a different tone, for Miss Oakhall had made no attempt to hide a most impudent smirk, “do I perceive you doubt the breadth of my understanding of this matter?”
“Doubt your understanding of aged plump wealthy she-dragons, Lady Lamont?” said Miss Oakhill airily, “Not I. Indeed, who could be more knowledgable?”

February 12, 2026 at 8:39 AM

Reposted by Cameron A Malin

DD Ward ..."Sapphic Dr. DOOM"

@ddwardiswriting.bsky.social

HP Lovecraft is dead. Buying his books won't fund his bigotry.

Marion Zimmer Bradley is dead. Buying her books will actually fund a charity to combat abuse.

JK Rowling is not dead. Buying her books will directly help to fund her war on trans folk.

Make your choice how you spend your money.

a close up of a man with a mask on his face holding a stick .

Alt: a close up of a man with a mask on his face holding a stick .

media.tenor.com

February 11, 2026 at 10:59 AM

Reposted by Cameron A Malin

Nicole "Ashrah" Hidalgo

@sayaashrah.bsky.social

#WIPSnips 11. "Vibe"

Kitana is getting some strange vibes from the stuffed ghoul head...

#ChroniclesOfTheRealms #KitanaSuêòng #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #QueerWriters

Again, bothered by a suspicion of being watched, Kitana glanced towards the stuffed ghoul. Vëasá followed her gaze. “Why do you keep looking at it?”

“A strange feeling. Have you had this head for long?”

The Demonologist approached the ghoul, staring into its white eyes like a mother would when chastising an unruly seedling. “For a few years. Ghouls have taken to showing up dead, without apparent cause, here and there. This one I found along the shores of Tõgósa.” With what Kitana could only describe as tenderness, Vëasá took the stuffed head off the wall and cradled it in her arms. “We shall have a conversation.”

February 11, 2026 at 11:49 AM

Reposted by Cameron A Malin

Neha🍉Reader | Writer | Dessert Person

@nehayazmin.bsky.social

As first dates go, this one’s pretty close to perfect so far✨

#WIPsnips prompt: ‘vibe’
#writesky #romancebooks #booksky #YA #YAlit

It's been a great day, getting to know each other, finding that we vibe when it comes to so many things. Food, music, films, TV, and our desperate desire to make a better life for ourselves.
Both our families have always had little disposable income and I love that Aaron, like me, never thought of himself as poor.
Honestly, he could've been paraphrasing my thoughts when he said, "I had a roof over my head, enough food on my plate, and hole-free clothes on my back. Saying I'm poor is an insult to those living in true poverty." I wanted to raise a hand for a high-five but made fists instead.

Moodboard for ALL YOUR QASAMS with a quote from the novel reading, ‘You are madness incarnate’ and five images: picture of a hot chocolate drink and heart-shaped cookies, a couple embracing during a boat ride, a young south Asian girl in south Asian bridal wear and jewellery smiling down at her maroon outfit, a close-up of a young man kissing the forehead of a young woman, a close-up the joined hands of a south Asian bride and groom, a young man in an aesthetic library reading a hardcover text book.

The moodboard has the premise of the story written above it, which reads: “17-year-old Kavi thinks this year is her last chance to meet a boy and fall in love—due to a certain Qasam—and is out to find a boyfriend. Enter Aaron Mirza. He’s perfect, smitten. So, she must be perfect too. Her childhood best friend Ryhan will show her the ropes and become her Practice Boyfriend, right? But Ryhan has a secret, which could ruin everything. And if Kavi’s strict grandfather learns about her boyfriends, the real one or the fake, he’ll crush her dreams of moving to Scotland for her Medicine Degree.”

February 11, 2026 at 9:23 AM

Reposted by Cameron A Malin

Tara S Geir

@tarasgeir.bsky.social

Using 'vibrant', yesterday had a description of the bottom of the Dip and today has a description of it as seen from above. #WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity

A scar lay over the face of the city, huge and jagged. This was the Dip, it ran parallel to the river and no one knew how far down it reached. It was where the poorest of Dragaul's citizens lived and many clerks were threatened if they misbehaved they'd be put on duty to the Dip.

One enterprising Baron had created a competition where the Dip children competed against each other to create the most beautiful roof gardens. Generations of junior horticulturists were born, families feuded over flowers as each successful child was brought up to the Keep. And it kept the Dip looking vibrant and colourful for those who lived above it. Right now, with it being late spring, the tulips were out. This year an entire roof, ten times the size of these offices, had been covered so that it gave the effect of a standing yellow bear against a black background. Halla marvelled on how they'd achieved it without being able to view it from afar.

February 11, 2026 at 9:52 AM

Cameron A Malin

@camalin.net

If you see this, post a character that starts with K

(I miss #Firefly)

February 11, 2026 at 9:44 AM

Cameron A Malin

@camalin.net

Post a banger not in English
music.youtube.com/watch?v=gDI6...

Crossover post betraying my love of #yachtrock

February 11, 2026 at 9:42 AM

Reposted by Cameron A Malin

MrsCReads

@mrscreads.bsky.social

Would genuinely love some feedback and suggestions on this. What else gives you ✨ 90s vibes? ✨ Would you change or add anything?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WIPSnips

February 11, 2026 at 9:15 AM

Cameron A Malin

@camalin.net

#Febchantment | 11

Yes, there is a physical cost, and a mental one. Most use of magic requires significant mental effort - although momentary, casting or concentrating on spells constantly for 15 minutes would be quite wearing on the average human and they'd be mentally tired quite quickly.

🧵1/2

Prof Emily @professoremily.bsky.social · 7d

#Febchantment Day 11

What limitations did you put on your magic system to keep it from becoming too OP? Is power in short supply? Do spells take a physical toll on the body?

Note that this is about magic done RIGHT. Day 13 will be about when magic goes horribly wrong!

#writingcommunity #writesky

February 11, 2026 at 8:51 AM

Cameron A Malin

@camalin.net

#FebruaryWorldBuilders | 11

Hmm, metaphysical indeed!

Yes, in the world in which #Ellamir is set, free will does exist, but there is also strong evidence for some form of predetermination - that some characters' "choices" are in fact simply following the will of some divine power.

🧵1/2

Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 7d

#FebruaryWorldbuilders Does free will exist in your world? If you have any kind of prophecy, fortune-telling, soulmates, or destiny in your stories, how are these reconciled along with the idea of free will? Do your characters have any beliefs on the matter?

MonthlyWorldbuilders prompts daily feed card
#FebruaryWorldbuilders
Hosted by Kira of the Wind
Week 1: Metaphysical World
11. Does free will exist in your world?

The background image shows a misty forest with a mysterious tower in the background. It has a cold, mysterious vibe.

February 11, 2026 at 8:45 AM

Cameron A Malin

@camalin.net

Hi hi #WIPSnips - I've swapped in "feeling" for "vibe", but...

Ella is certainly enjoying the vibe at her meeting with the family's man of business Commander Merely, where she hopes a cosy fire and a second glass of wine might induce him to disclose some juice gossip

From my WIP #Ellamir

A snippet from Ellamir by C A Malin:
A fire was brought to life in the grate, the lamps grew into their cosy glow, and added to these Ella was feeling a comfortable glow within herself too from the splendid wine and the enjoyment of her company. Her anxiety for her father was much diminished, particularly when upon enquiring of the departing footman if Mr Oakhall had asked for her, she was told "No, ma'am."
"Well, Merely," said Ella once they were alone again, "I am glad of this moment to have you to myself, and all the usual business concluded, for I hope for your advice on some other matter."
"I am happy to be of service, ma'am," he replied, lighting another of his little tobacco papers.
"If, as you say, this Mr Ferris should come into the neighbourhood within the fortnight, it must be of the utmost importance to the estate that we make his acquaintance at the earliest opportunity. Much may depend upon it, from a business point of view. However, as you know, my father is often unequal to company and making an introduction may be beyond him at present. It occurred to me that, under the circumstances, it may not be so very improper if I were to venture to introduce myself as the mistress of Penmere, if you were to be so kind as to accompany me. I should, of course, immediately invite him to dine with father and I so that they may be very soon acquainted. Do give me your considered opinion, Merely."
The Commander sat for some moments silently smoking and thinking. Eventually, he said "I do not think it so very improper either, Miss Ella. Maybe preferable, as you observe, in this particular circumstance. Yet it is perhaps not what you or I think that concerns you, but rather the perspective of your neighbours?"
"Quite so. And also of the gentleman himself."

February 11, 2026 at 8:37 AM

Reposted by Cameron A Malin

Laken Honeycutt 💫 drafting book 3 💫

@mycelialwriter.bsky.social

A reading from the dream world… 🌙

Set beside the Alakarian Sea where starlight meets shadow, and Zi walks the shoreline with Rowynn.

One of my favorite passages from Star of Shalik. Quiet. Dark. Beautiful. 🖤

✨Star of Shalik✨ #BookSky #FantasyBooks

February 10, 2026 at 4:23 PM

Cameron A Malin

@camalin.net

I don't really talk about the stuff I can't get out of my head that uses someone else's IP - usually WoTC.

I have a few concepts I really like that feature Drow and uses a lot of lore from the Forgotten Realms, but I haven't come across an outlet I like where I won't get into trouble...

#WIPLash

Zed Prospero @zprospero.bsky.social · 9d

#WIPLash

Monday’s suck. So, I thought I’d try a Monday prompt game. What WIPs or ideas do you not talk about as much? Or random ideas you’ve had that have added to you WIP pile lately? What are you excited to work on?

No rules. Just blab! 😁

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #Writers #AmWriting

#WIPLash

Monday’s suck.

So, share a something about one of your older, more obscure, or still just an idea on a napkin state WIPs.

No rules. Just share stuff you’re excited about.

@zprospero.bsky.social

February 9, 2026 at 6:06 PM

Add to Home Screen

Light up
your news

Add to Home Screen

Light upyour news

Sign in to Lightnews

Sign up to start reading

Connect Bluesky

Connect with Bluesky

Light up
your news