HL Tinsley
@hollytinsl3y.bsky.social
Fantasy writer, Princess Grimdarling. SPFBO7 Finalist. Author of The Vanguard Chronicles and The Hallows - https://linktr.ee/h.tinsley.
DM/boardgame nerd. Generally OK. Chief organiser of www.spotlightindie.co.uk. Also at: @spotlightindie.bsky.social
DM/boardgame nerd. Generally OK. Chief organiser of www.spotlightindie.co.uk. Also at: @spotlightindie.bsky.social
Pinned
HL Tinsley
@hollytinsl3y.bsky.social
· Nov 14
Well, now I'm here, here's all you need to know about me! I write books, which you can discover here: linktr.ee/h.tinsley. They're grim, dark and full of snark. I play D&D and now I've run out of interesting things to say about myself and am sliding into a small existential crisis...
I'm so happy to be working on so many exciting projects with so many wonderful people, the next 12 months are going to be one big awesome indie adventure. Bring it on! @frasierarmitage.bsky.social @alexsbradshaw.bsky.social @timhardieauthor.bsky.social
Want to know a bit more about what we do and our indie author events? Find us at www.spotlightindie.co.uk. You can watch our content here: www.youtube.com/@Spotlight-I.... And here's a little explainer ⬇️
December 3, 2025 at 10:27 PM
I'm so happy to be working on so many exciting projects with so many wonderful people, the next 12 months are going to be one big awesome indie adventure. Bring it on! @frasierarmitage.bsky.social @alexsbradshaw.bsky.social @timhardieauthor.bsky.social
Damn Mighty Nein, pulling zero punches with this episode. That got REAL dark.
December 3, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Damn Mighty Nein, pulling zero punches with this episode. That got REAL dark.
Come watch me get aggressively competitive despite my total ineptitude (in a festive, Christmassy sort of way, obviously)!
Its December!
Join us for the Bookpocalypse Big Fat Bookish Quiz of the Year on the 12th at 9PM GMT feat. the tinsel-sharp minds of @hollytinsl3y.bsky.social @timhardieauthor.bsky.social
@charliecav.bsky.social @davidtlist.bsky.social @tombookbeard.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/live/SewCZDr...
Join us for the Bookpocalypse Big Fat Bookish Quiz of the Year on the 12th at 9PM GMT feat. the tinsel-sharp minds of @hollytinsl3y.bsky.social @timhardieauthor.bsky.social
@charliecav.bsky.social @davidtlist.bsky.social @tombookbeard.bsky.social
www.youtube.com/live/SewCZDr...
The Four Beardsmen's Big Fat Bookish Quiz of the year!
With Special festive guests, HL Tinsley and Tim Hardie, The Four Beardsmen are hosting a Big Fat Bookish Quiz of the year! Before the apocalypse points meant prizes, since the fall points mean baubles...
www.youtube.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Come watch me get aggressively competitive despite my total ineptitude (in a festive, Christmassy sort of way, obviously)!
Lovely to read this very kind review of my weird noir fantasy book this morning 😁
Picked up "The Hallows" by @hollytinsl3y.bsky.social on a random bsky recommendation & WOW! Mystery is not my usual genre at all, and I had an absolute blast with this fantasy noir murder mystery
Noir-perfect prose & a masterclass in world building under 300 pages
💙📚
Noir-perfect prose & a masterclass in world building under 300 pages
💙📚
Review by aikoa - The Hallows
People like to say that indie books can be just as good as traditionally published books, and ...
app.thestorygraph.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Lovely to read this very kind review of my weird noir fantasy book this morning 😁
Writing doesn't have to be lonely! We're hosting another live write-a-long session this Saturday. Come and write, chat and feel supported. These are always good fun and genuinely very productive! Link coming soon #writing #writingcommunity #indiewriters
Want to spend some time writing with an awesome bunch of indie authors this weekend? We're hosting another live write-a-long on our Youtube channel on 30th Nov. Come join us and some indie author guests for a relaxed, fun, no pressure writing session! #writingcommunity #indieauthors #writerlife
November 24, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Writing doesn't have to be lonely! We're hosting another live write-a-long session this Saturday. Come and write, chat and feel supported. These are always good fun and genuinely very productive! Link coming soon #writing #writingcommunity #indiewriters
The greatest achievement of my indie community career to date: Saying the sentence 'Finally, friends, go find the fully-funded Fan Fi Family fabulous feast of fantastic funghi fiction' live on Youtube without going ffffn-fffnn-fffrrr. www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kGT...
How to CREATE an ANTHOLOGY 📖 Live Panel with HL Tinsley, Xueting C. Ni & More
YouTube video by SpotlightIndie
www.youtube.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:08 PM
The greatest achievement of my indie community career to date: Saying the sentence 'Finally, friends, go find the fully-funded Fan Fi Family fabulous feast of fantastic funghi fiction' live on Youtube without going ffffn-fffnn-fffrrr. www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kGT...
Just under an hour to go! Come join us to find out all about how to put together an anthology and to find out more about The Book of Spores!
ONE HOUR TO GO!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kGT...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kGT...
How to CREATE an ANTHOLOGY 📖 Live Panel with HL Tinsley, Xueting C. Ni & More
Join authors/editors HL TInsley, Xueting C. Ni, Adrian M. Gibson and Frasier Armitage for a panel on everything anthologies, where they will delve into the process of creating, organizing and…
www.youtube.com
November 16, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Just under an hour to go! Come join us to find out all about how to put together an anthology and to find out more about The Book of Spores!
In today's edition of 'Things I've Researched While Writing Vanguard 3' - Antique lamp terminology!
November 16, 2025 at 11:31 AM
In today's edition of 'Things I've Researched While Writing Vanguard 3' - Antique lamp terminology!
I haven't done a social media for a while because I had a brain melting fever for about a week and a half. The good news is I no longer have the brain melting fever. The bad news is I've got nothing to talk about because it melted my brain.
November 6, 2025 at 8:54 PM
I haven't done a social media for a while because I had a brain melting fever for about a week and a half. The good news is I no longer have the brain melting fever. The bad news is I've got nothing to talk about because it melted my brain.
Reposted by HL Tinsley
It's time for part 2 of our conversation with @theengineer.bsky.social as Darran M. Handshaw joins @frasierarmitage.bsky.social and Amber to troubleshoot some writerly problems youtu.be/uxMtWGKIVZQ?...
There's No Such Things as a Stupid Question With Darran M Handshaw
YouTube video by SpotlightIndie
youtu.be
October 26, 2025 at 7:11 PM
It's time for part 2 of our conversation with @theengineer.bsky.social as Darran M. Handshaw joins @frasierarmitage.bsky.social and Amber to troubleshoot some writerly problems youtu.be/uxMtWGKIVZQ?...
Anytime I'm at a train station, I put my headphones on and play a game where I assume something positive about every person I see. 'They look like they'd be polite to restaurant staff, 'I bet they've never cheated at Monopoly'. I've no idea if any of it is true, but it makes the world seem nicer.
October 26, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Anytime I'm at a train station, I put my headphones on and play a game where I assume something positive about every person I see. 'They look like they'd be polite to restaurant staff, 'I bet they've never cheated at Monopoly'. I've no idea if any of it is true, but it makes the world seem nicer.
Absolutely gutted not to be going to Bristolcon or now Brighton this year 😢 the whole house is currently infected with what sounds like the plague. I'm currently the only person still standing but I suspect infection is imminent. Next year, people!
a black and white photo of two dogs playing with each other .
ALT: a black and white photo of two dogs playing with each other .
media.tenor.com
October 25, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Absolutely gutted not to be going to Bristolcon or now Brighton this year 😢 the whole house is currently infected with what sounds like the plague. I'm currently the only person still standing but I suspect infection is imminent. Next year, people!
New video up on Spotlight Indie. It's 10% dice rolling, 20% wombats, 70% facial hair and 100% awesome. No beards were harmed in the making of this video.
Didn't get enough beardiness last weekend? We got you covered with some extra time with the Beardsmen. Dive into the dark and devious minds of @dbrook.bsky.social, @tombookbeard.bsky.social and @davidtlist.bsky.social. With special mentions for @charliecav.bsky.social. youtu.be/jaCSzeF55t4 #BookSky
October 12, 2025 at 6:22 PM
New video up on Spotlight Indie. It's 10% dice rolling, 20% wombats, 70% facial hair and 100% awesome. No beards were harmed in the making of this video.
Reposted by HL Tinsley
You've met the gang, now find out what they do.
Amazon link: books2read.com/u/mdvY2w
My website thedeepdarkscave.com
Amazon link: books2read.com/u/mdvY2w
My website thedeepdarkscave.com
October 11, 2025 at 1:13 PM
You've met the gang, now find out what they do.
Amazon link: books2read.com/u/mdvY2w
My website thedeepdarkscave.com
Amazon link: books2read.com/u/mdvY2w
My website thedeepdarkscave.com
My writing: Death!Despair! Evisceration!
My writing mug:
My writing mug:
October 10, 2025 at 7:32 PM
My writing: Death!Despair! Evisceration!
My writing mug:
My writing mug:
In today's episode of 'Why Aren't You Writing Your Book, Tinsley?': I've brought a new blender and now I must make ALL the soups, put them in the freezer and never ever eat them.
a sign that says " there are no limits to what u can accomplish "
ALT: a sign that says " there are no limits to what u can accomplish "
media.tenor.com
October 8, 2025 at 7:48 PM
In today's episode of 'Why Aren't You Writing Your Book, Tinsley?': I've brought a new blender and now I must make ALL the soups, put them in the freezer and never ever eat them.
It's shaping up to be another awesome day over at Spotlight Indie!
Day 3 of our Big Indie Weekend and here's what's coming up today ⬇️
1pm: PANEL: The Legacy of Dragons
3pm: PANEL: Only Rich People Write Books, Right?
7pm: PANEL: Four Beardsmen of Spotlight Indie
9pm: LIVE Indie Author Summer Party
1pm: PANEL: The Legacy of Dragons
3pm: PANEL: Only Rich People Write Books, Right?
7pm: PANEL: Four Beardsmen of Spotlight Indie
9pm: LIVE Indie Author Summer Party
October 5, 2025 at 10:42 AM
It's shaping up to be another awesome day over at Spotlight Indie!
Very much looking forward to this discussion. Come join us at 9pm!
The indie community is stronger together - supporting, celebrating and uplifting each other. Join us for 'Building a Platform' at 9pm BST - with @hollytinsl3y.bsky.social, @krystlematar.bsky.social, @adrianmgibson.bsky.social and @danielecoolbaugh.bsky.social. youtube.com/live/a0A5mvQ...
October 4, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Very much looking forward to this discussion. Come join us at 9pm!
The second day of our big indie weekend is half way through and we've just posted this fantastic workshop on audio drama writing from Chris and Emily! This weekend just keeps getting better and better :)
WATCH NOW: The incredible @emilyinkpen.bsky.social and Chris Gregory of @storiesalt.bsky.social were kind enough to record this workshop on writing for audio for our big weekend, and it's chock full of great advice and insights to get you started! #writingcommunity #audiowriting
October 4, 2025 at 4:13 PM
The second day of our big indie weekend is half way through and we've just posted this fantastic workshop on audio drama writing from Chris and Emily! This weekend just keeps getting better and better :)
This is a really good watch for anyone wanting to explore fusing historical influence or fact into their writing.
WATCH NOW: The Fusion of Fiction and History - with @stephenaryan.bsky.social, @philspeculates.bsky.social, @plstuart-author.bsky.social & @philipchase90.bsky.social. Fiction, folklore & historical influence - are you ready to 'dance between the raindrops of history'? #BookSky youtu.be/rKFda1V0wVo
October 4, 2025 at 2:30 PM
This is a really good watch for anyone wanting to explore fusing historical influence or fact into their writing.
Join us in approx. 10 mins!
Writing doesn't have to be a lonely business. Come join our live write-a-long from 1pm today on Youtube, where we'll be joined by @timhardieauthor.bsky.social, @ronitjauthor.com and @trudieskies.readindiefantasy.com. We'll be writing, chatting and supporting each other. youtube.com/live/SW2wof9...
October 4, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Join us in approx. 10 mins!
Going live with this in just over half an hour! Come and join us to work on projects and enjoy some author chat on this wet and stormy Saturday afternoon!
Writing doesn't have to be a lonely business. Come join our live write-a-long from 1pm today on Youtube, where we'll be joined by @timhardieauthor.bsky.social, @ronitjauthor.com and @trudieskies.readindiefantasy.com. We'll be writing, chatting and supporting each other. youtube.com/live/SW2wof9...
October 4, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Going live with this in just over half an hour! Come and join us to work on projects and enjoy some author chat on this wet and stormy Saturday afternoon!
Day 2 - let's go! If you're a writer don't forget to join us for our live write-a-long session from 1pm with @trudieskies.readindiefantasy.com @timhardieauthor.bsky.social and @ronitjauthor.com
plus we have panels at 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and 9pm BST.
plus we have panels at 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and 9pm BST.
Day 2 of our Big Indie Weekend online event starts here! Here's today's lineup ⬇️
1pm: LIVE Indie Author Write-a-Long
3pm: PANEL: Fusion of Fiction & History
5pm: WORKSHOP: Writing for Audio
7pm: PANEL: Assembling the A-Team
9pm: PANEL: Building a Platform
1pm: LIVE Indie Author Write-a-Long
3pm: PANEL: Fusion of Fiction & History
5pm: WORKSHOP: Writing for Audio
7pm: PANEL: Assembling the A-Team
9pm: PANEL: Building a Platform
October 4, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Day 2 - let's go! If you're a writer don't forget to join us for our live write-a-long session from 1pm with @trudieskies.readindiefantasy.com @timhardieauthor.bsky.social and @ronitjauthor.com
plus we have panels at 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and 9pm BST.
plus we have panels at 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and 9pm BST.
Our penultimate video of today - and it's a good one! This is a really interesting chat with lots of good insight!
WATCH NOW: Our interview with @grahamaustinking.bsky.social is available to watch now. Frasier and Graham sat down to talk about the indie experience, running a kickstarter and the 10th anniversary special editions of Fae: The Wild Hunt. You can watch it here: youtu.be/Tgdr9mM6Z5E
October 3, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Our penultimate video of today - and it's a good one! This is a really interesting chat with lots of good insight!
Our third panel of the day just dropped on Spotlight Indie, and our first live panel starts in just under an hour!
WATCH NOW: Realm Raiders: The Complete Project is up now! Find out more about the collaborative writing project - how it came together and what the highlights were. With @philspeculates.bsky.social, @patricksamphire.bsky.social, @fantasticphil.bsky.social and @simonkewin.co.uk. youtu.be/X5h-87CT0Xc
October 3, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Our third panel of the day just dropped on Spotlight Indie, and our first live panel starts in just under an hour!