Cynthia Taylor
@cyntaylor42.bsky.social
Fantasy writer | Worldbuilder | Avid Reader
🇨🇦
Taking the plunge and writing the kind of books I love to read: slow-burn rebellion, burdensome magic, and complicated loyalties.
Currently Reading: Starter Villain by John Scalzi
🇨🇦
Taking the plunge and writing the kind of books I love to read: slow-burn rebellion, burdensome magic, and complicated loyalties.
Currently Reading: Starter Villain by John Scalzi
I am absolutely loving “The Strength of the Few”. Reading it, I recognize it would not be a universal recommendation, but it is exactly the kind of book I love and I am seriously considering just starting it over again when I finish.
#Booksky 📚🪐
#Booksky 📚🪐
November 18, 2025 at 1:07 PM
I am absolutely loving “The Strength of the Few”. Reading it, I recognize it would not be a universal recommendation, but it is exactly the kind of book I love and I am seriously considering just starting it over again when I finish.
#Booksky 📚🪐
#Booksky 📚🪐
Ah, I have been really looking forward to this one!
Excuse me while I disappear for a few days.
Excuse me while I disappear for a few days.
November 12, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Ah, I have been really looking forward to this one!
Excuse me while I disappear for a few days.
Excuse me while I disappear for a few days.
Reposted by Cynthia Taylor
November 9, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Ok, so this week was not great. Missed a bunch of days while I coped with moving my mom. So I need to pull double duty for a while to catch up! 3000 words today. Need a few more days like this!
Quantity over quality, alas.
#NaNoWriMo #IAmWriting
Quantity over quality, alas.
#NaNoWriMo #IAmWriting
November 8, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Ok, so this week was not great. Missed a bunch of days while I coped with moving my mom. So I need to pull double duty for a while to catch up! 3000 words today. Need a few more days like this!
Quantity over quality, alas.
#NaNoWriMo #IAmWriting
Quantity over quality, alas.
#NaNoWriMo #IAmWriting
Note to self: the first chapter is FINE. Stop futzing with the individual word choices. Stop thinking about rewriting it. Just keep going.
#IAmWriting #NaNoWriMo
#IAmWriting #NaNoWriMo
November 2, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Note to self: the first chapter is FINE. Stop futzing with the individual word choices. Stop thinking about rewriting it. Just keep going.
#IAmWriting #NaNoWriMo
#IAmWriting #NaNoWriMo
Storygraph October Wrapup!
It’s been a weird few months. I’ve been reading like it’s a mission to distract me from the grief and the caregiver burnout, but I’m not sure I’m actually enjoying it like I should.
Going to focus on writing for a while and slow down.
It’s been a weird few months. I’ve been reading like it’s a mission to distract me from the grief and the caregiver burnout, but I’m not sure I’m actually enjoying it like I should.
Going to focus on writing for a while and slow down.
November 2, 2025 at 2:19 AM
Storygraph October Wrapup!
It’s been a weird few months. I’ve been reading like it’s a mission to distract me from the grief and the caregiver burnout, but I’m not sure I’m actually enjoying it like I should.
Going to focus on writing for a while and slow down.
It’s been a weird few months. I’ve been reading like it’s a mission to distract me from the grief and the caregiver burnout, but I’m not sure I’m actually enjoying it like I should.
Going to focus on writing for a while and slow down.
Accountability post!
Day 1 of #NaNoWriMo and I hit 1500 words!
Establishing the theme while I introduce my FMC who has carved out a relatively comfortable existence in an oppressive society.
Of course, we’re gonna rip that relative comfort away…
#IAmWriting
Day 1 of #NaNoWriMo and I hit 1500 words!
Establishing the theme while I introduce my FMC who has carved out a relatively comfortable existence in an oppressive society.
Of course, we’re gonna rip that relative comfort away…
#IAmWriting
November 2, 2025 at 2:11 AM
Accountability post!
Day 1 of #NaNoWriMo and I hit 1500 words!
Establishing the theme while I introduce my FMC who has carved out a relatively comfortable existence in an oppressive society.
Of course, we’re gonna rip that relative comfort away…
#IAmWriting
Day 1 of #NaNoWriMo and I hit 1500 words!
Establishing the theme while I introduce my FMC who has carved out a relatively comfortable existence in an oppressive society.
Of course, we’re gonna rip that relative comfort away…
#IAmWriting
I have 63 books on my Goodreads “Want to Read” list, and probably 20 physical books
Is that an unreasonable amount of books?
And if I want to read them so much, why do I keep buying books not on my list and reading those?
Is that an unreasonable amount of books?
And if I want to read them so much, why do I keep buying books not on my list and reading those?
October 29, 2025 at 12:25 AM
I have 63 books on my Goodreads “Want to Read” list, and probably 20 physical books
Is that an unreasonable amount of books?
And if I want to read them so much, why do I keep buying books not on my list and reading those?
Is that an unreasonable amount of books?
And if I want to read them so much, why do I keep buying books not on my list and reading those?
I have a problem.
I can’t resist the Goodreads challenges.
Just finished “The Book of Accidents” to get the “Spine Tinglers”. But “Dark Academia” is next and it is not my favourite genre. I’ve already read any I found interesting.
But I just can’t leave a category untouched…
I can’t resist the Goodreads challenges.
Just finished “The Book of Accidents” to get the “Spine Tinglers”. But “Dark Academia” is next and it is not my favourite genre. I’ve already read any I found interesting.
But I just can’t leave a category untouched…
October 28, 2025 at 11:14 AM
I have a problem.
I can’t resist the Goodreads challenges.
Just finished “The Book of Accidents” to get the “Spine Tinglers”. But “Dark Academia” is next and it is not my favourite genre. I’ve already read any I found interesting.
But I just can’t leave a category untouched…
I can’t resist the Goodreads challenges.
Just finished “The Book of Accidents” to get the “Spine Tinglers”. But “Dark Academia” is next and it is not my favourite genre. I’ve already read any I found interesting.
But I just can’t leave a category untouched…
Ok, so I know #NaNoWriMo is officially not a thing, but I don’t care. I’ve wanted to do it for years and this year the moons are aligned. So… countdown is on. Engines are revving. This year I’m gonna do it.
October 27, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Ok, so I know #NaNoWriMo is officially not a thing, but I don’t care. I’ve wanted to do it for years and this year the moons are aligned. So… countdown is on. Engines are revving. This year I’m gonna do it.
Getting back to writing after a long break. The silver lining is that I gained some perspective. Have a rough outline in place to make sure that the pace is correct, cut a bunch of stuff that really didn’t add anything to the plot, refocused on character motivations and growth.
#IAmWriting again!
#IAmWriting again!
October 22, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Getting back to writing after a long break. The silver lining is that I gained some perspective. Have a rough outline in place to make sure that the pace is correct, cut a bunch of stuff that really didn’t add anything to the plot, refocused on character motivations and growth.
#IAmWriting again!
#IAmWriting again!
Intellectually I know the zipper merge is the most efficient way to maintain traffic flow when reducing lanes.
It still doesn’t feel right. My Canadian inclination is to get into the other lane as soon as possible, and get pissed off at the people who wait until the last minute to merge.
It still doesn’t feel right. My Canadian inclination is to get into the other lane as soon as possible, and get pissed off at the people who wait until the last minute to merge.
October 16, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Intellectually I know the zipper merge is the most efficient way to maintain traffic flow when reducing lanes.
It still doesn’t feel right. My Canadian inclination is to get into the other lane as soon as possible, and get pissed off at the people who wait until the last minute to merge.
It still doesn’t feel right. My Canadian inclination is to get into the other lane as soon as possible, and get pissed off at the people who wait until the last minute to merge.
Hubby and I have overlapping but not identical reading preferences, so finding audiobooks for our 14 hour drives can be challenging. Today, though, “Old Man’s War” by @scalzi.com was a success!
Enough character and plot for me, enough military for him, great writing for both of us.
Enough character and plot for me, enough military for him, great writing for both of us.
October 13, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Hubby and I have overlapping but not identical reading preferences, so finding audiobooks for our 14 hour drives can be challenging. Today, though, “Old Man’s War” by @scalzi.com was a success!
Enough character and plot for me, enough military for him, great writing for both of us.
Enough character and plot for me, enough military for him, great writing for both of us.
I am currently reading “The Ministry of Time” by Kaliane Bradley. It has been on my TBR pile for ages, and, I have discovered, too long. I love her writing style. Mad props to anyone who can use “lugubriously” casually in a sentence and pull it off.
October 6, 2025 at 1:18 AM
I am currently reading “The Ministry of Time” by Kaliane Bradley. It has been on my TBR pile for ages, and, I have discovered, too long. I love her writing style. Mad props to anyone who can use “lugubriously” casually in a sentence and pull it off.
I had this strange idea that the loss of a parent would somehow be less painful as an adult.
I was so wrong.
I was so wrong.
September 13, 2025 at 11:03 AM
I had this strange idea that the loss of a parent would somehow be less painful as an adult.
I was so wrong.
I was so wrong.
Just got up and running with The StoryGraph. I do like data - this could be my new favourite app.
September 3, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Just got up and running with The StoryGraph. I do like data - this could be my new favourite app.
I have reached a level of introvert overload so profound the very idea of talking is abhorrent. And having all of my extroverted relatives continually ask “Are you OK?” is getting really tiresome. I know they mean well. But apparently introversion is still a vastly misunderstood condition.
August 31, 2025 at 7:24 PM
I have reached a level of introvert overload so profound the very idea of talking is abhorrent. And having all of my extroverted relatives continually ask “Are you OK?” is getting really tiresome. I know they mean well. But apparently introversion is still a vastly misunderstood condition.
Quiet peaceful morning.
August 30, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Quiet peaceful morning.
I tend to read quickly, and lately I’ve latched onto reading and hitting my GoodReads challenge goal as something I can control.
But some books need to be savoured. And “By Blood, By Salt” by J.L. Odom is one of those.
My review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
But some books need to be savoured. And “By Blood, By Salt” by J.L. Odom is one of those.
My review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Cynthia's review of By Blood, by Salt (Land of Exile #1)
4/5: I’ve been leaning on reading as my main escape lately—part stress relief, part “how many books can I get through?” challenge. With everything else in life feeling out of control, hitting my Goodr...
www.goodreads.com
August 26, 2025 at 6:55 PM
I tend to read quickly, and lately I’ve latched onto reading and hitting my GoodReads challenge goal as something I can control.
But some books need to be savoured. And “By Blood, By Salt” by J.L. Odom is one of those.
My review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
But some books need to be savoured. And “By Blood, By Salt” by J.L. Odom is one of those.
My review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I am in need of good books, and I can’t think of a better option than the #SPFBO Champions league. I had already read a couple, so working my way through the rest. So far: good choice. Really enjoying the reads.
mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/2025/05/afte...
mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/2025/05/afte...
SPFBO Champions' League!
After 10 years we have 10 champions. So, the only logical thing to do is to line them up on a board and have a champions' league! All 10 cha...
mark---lawrence.blogspot.com
August 17, 2025 at 11:45 AM
I am in need of good books, and I can’t think of a better option than the #SPFBO Champions league. I had already read a couple, so working my way through the rest. So far: good choice. Really enjoying the reads.
mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/2025/05/afte...
mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/2025/05/afte...
Reposted by Cynthia Taylor
"Don't feel bad if you're not reading every great book. No one ever has, and no one ever will."
Read Whatever the Hell You Want
Enjoy yourself.
charlotteclymer.substack.com
August 16, 2025 at 3:33 PM
"Don't feel bad if you're not reading every great book. No one ever has, and no one ever will."
I just finished “The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids” and absolutely loved it. It was fast paced with a smart and snarky female lead who goes on a quest to avenge a friend and ends up involved in much bigger stakes.
My review on Goodreads here: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
My review on Goodreads here: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Cynthia's review of The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble's Braids (Amra Thetys, #1)
5/5: This book hooked me from the very first chapter. The pacing is quick, the chapters are short, and yet each one feels fully fleshed out, drawing you deeper into the story without ever slowing down...
www.goodreads.com
August 16, 2025 at 1:51 PM
I just finished “The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids” and absolutely loved it. It was fast paced with a smart and snarky female lead who goes on a quest to avenge a friend and ends up involved in much bigger stakes.
My review on Goodreads here: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
My review on Goodreads here: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Matcha & Latte in a coffee shop with my daughter. ❤️
August 15, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Matcha & Latte in a coffee shop with my daughter. ❤️
Read some advice today for new writers to write short stories before writing a novel. Sounds like solid advice - but I’m not sure where to find fantasy short stories to read to get a flavour for short stories in that genre. 😳
Any pointers / links to sources? #booksky #authorsky
📚💙
Any pointers / links to sources? #booksky #authorsky
📚💙
August 15, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Read some advice today for new writers to write short stories before writing a novel. Sounds like solid advice - but I’m not sure where to find fantasy short stories to read to get a flavour for short stories in that genre. 😳
Any pointers / links to sources? #booksky #authorsky
📚💙
Any pointers / links to sources? #booksky #authorsky
📚💙
Good morning!
Hope everyone finds peace and comfort today.
I’m not a photographer, but this is the place I am blessed to wake up in today. Trying to start the day off with appreciation.
Hope everyone finds peace and comfort today.
I’m not a photographer, but this is the place I am blessed to wake up in today. Trying to start the day off with appreciation.
August 12, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Good morning!
Hope everyone finds peace and comfort today.
I’m not a photographer, but this is the place I am blessed to wake up in today. Trying to start the day off with appreciation.
Hope everyone finds peace and comfort today.
I’m not a photographer, but this is the place I am blessed to wake up in today. Trying to start the day off with appreciation.