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Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

Authors - drop ONE unhinged fact about your WIP with zero context.

The one who ended a reign of 500 years is still very much around, 370 years later.

#writesky #writers #indieauthor #writingcommunity #writergames #worldbuilding #plotpoints #unhinged

L.M. du Plessis 🇳🇦 🇺🇦📚💙 ‪✨Editing Cavern Clipper✨ @smoking-gnu.bsky.social · 6h

Authors - drop ONE unhinged fact about your WIP with zero context.

Humans and Cerunan are not the only intelligent species in Ommadiell, and neither of them know it yet.

#writesky #writers #indieauthor #writingcommunity #writergames #worldbuilding #plotpoints #unhinged

Author Kris Julian (She/Her) @authorkrisjulian.com · 7h

Authors - drop ONE unhinged fact about your WIP with zero context.

Even archangels can get drunk. It takes a very special kind of ale, but it happens!

#writesky #writers #indieauthor #writingcommunity #writergames #worldbuilding #plotpoints #unhinged

January 28, 2026 at 7:33 PM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

So, a paranormal romance with two protagonists and switching PoVs. Would you, as a reader, prefer first person or third person?
#WritingCommunity

January 28, 2026 at 7:23 PM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

My Writing Breakdown

Cozy: 💚💚▫️▫️▫️

Thrills: 💚💚💚▫️▫️

Mystery: 💚💚💚💚▫️

Angst: 💚💚💚💚▫️

Emotions: 💚💚💚💚💚

Sex/Spice: 💚▫️▫️▫️▫️

Violence: 💚💚💚▫️▫️

Horror: 💚💚▫️▫️▫️

Gore: 💚💚▫️▫️▫️

Comedy: 💚💚▫️▫️▫️

Cringe: 💚💚▫️▫️▫️

Representation: 💚💚💚▫️▫️

Genres: fantasy, gay romance, adventure

Addy Bross 🌈 they/xe @aebrossbooks.bsky.social · 8h

My Writing Breakdown

Cozy: 🟨🟨🟨▫️▫️

Thrills: 🟨🟨🟨▫️▫️

Mystery: 🟨🟨▫️▫️▫️

Angst: 🟨🟨🟨▫️▫️

Sex/Spice: 🟨▫️▫️▫️▫️

Violence: 🟨🟨▫️▫️▫️

Horror: 🟨🟨▫️▫️▫️

Gore: 🟨🟨▫️▫️▫️

Comedy: 🟨🟨▫️▫️▫️

Cringe: 🟨▫️▫️▫️▫️

Representation: 🟨🟨🟨🟨▫️

Genres: fantasy, romance, science fiction, cyberpunk, contemporary, horror (eventually)

David T./D.T. Brandt - Settler on Stolen Land @queerpointyears.bsky.social · 8h

My Writing Breakdown

Cozy:
4 out of 5
Thrills:
3 out of 5
Mystery:
2 out of 5
Angst:
3.5 out of 5
Sex/Spice:
4 out of 5
Violence:
2 out of 5
Horror:
1 out of 5
Gore:
1 out of 5
Comedy:
2 out of 5
Cringe:
2 out of 5
Representation:
1.5 out of 5

Genres: Romance: Fantasy, Historical, Contemporary

January 28, 2026 at 7:17 PM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

My debut novel, Dam Breakers, had a concept that is suspiciously close to a god.
Of course, Alchemical Green has an actual (?) one: The elves rever a moon god that guides their people in times of hardship. Just weird that seems to be the only god around...
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary

Serra Leta @serraleta.bsky.social · 19h

Day 28
Another overlap day for many, I'm sure! Stretching the term 'critter' again, yet can sometimes be valid! The godly, demonic, whichever being may fit here! 👼😈
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary

#Critterary - A January writing prompt game. Today's Theme: Gods/Demons. All beings from the heavens to the underworld! Have you written anything featuring them? If not, feel free to discuss any random thoughts (fun facts, favorite media featuring them, gifs, etc.) Bottom Tagline: Celebration of all things creatures! Hosted by Serra Leta. Art of Zeus holding a thunderbolt, and art of Anubis. Background is a leafy jungle.

January 28, 2026 at 3:37 PM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

Sure, here are my words of wisdom:
Don't take life advice from anyone. Including me. Especially not because they're older. Be yourself 💛!

e.g. Bunny Lastname @copaceticbunsz.com · Feb 2

If you’re over 30, quote this with some life advice 🤌🏼

January 28, 2026 at 10:53 AM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

Hey, I'm Mike. Software Dev by day, Fantasy author by night. I've got a mischievous corgi (will provide pictures on request, also got a column in my newsletter) and a wonderful husband.
Right now, I'm working on Alchemical Green. (1/3)
#WritersLiftWednesday #Writers #Authors #WritersLift #BookSky 💙📚

Cover-Mockup of a book called Alchemical Dreamer, depicting a half-orc behind a mysterious potion bottle.

January 28, 2026 at 10:16 AM

Reposted by Mike Struan

Kathy Ravyn // Drafting

@kathyravyn.bsky.social

🧵1/2

Hi! I'm Kathy — a writer and an aspiring author currently working on my first draft of my first manuscript. It's a cozy fantasy and my passion project that I hope to self publish one day. I also have many more ideas for books I'd love to write in the future, some more fleshed out than others.

Stephen Baird @bigbeardybooks.bsky.social · 15h

Let's hear from you writers, tell us a little bit about yourself, what projects you've on the go, what you've written, any events in the near future, or just drop your bio and links and follow and support each other

#WritersLiftWednesday #Writers #Authors #WritersLift #BookSky 💙📚

alt text please

A sketch of a small pile of books with the words “Meet the Author” superimposed

January 28, 2026 at 9:59 AM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

Good disclaimer. Sad that it's necessary.
There's been a few wars in the world of Alchemical Green. This is the one that ended the orc nation. Under a power-hungry queen, the empire spread too far and lacked order. Internal unrest followed and split the people in two. 1/2
#JanuaryWorldbuilders

Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 20h

#JanuaryWorldbuilders, tell me why a war, either historical or current, started in your world. If this is your first time seeing my prompts: please note that these are for fictional worlds of our own creations! Please no discussions of real wars unless it relates to your fictional story!

MonthlyWorldbuilders prompts daily feed card
#JanuaryWorldbuilders
Hosted by Kira of the Wind
Week 4: Military/Warfare
28. Why did a war--current or historical--start?

The background image shows a blurred magic tree with a waterfall coming down between two halves of its trunk. It’s nighttime and the night sky is magical with lots of blues and pinks and purples

January 28, 2026 at 9:16 AM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

I focus a lot on facial expressions and head movements (nodding, shaking) for my #AwesomeCharacters. Probably a bit too much. *takes notes*
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

❄️Charlie (Chelizabeth) Delta ☃️ @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · 1d

Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters

Technical question!

What is your favorite feature to describe about your character?

Hair, eyes, facial expression, hands, posture? Other?

Does it help visualize? Tell us about their emotions? Something else?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

January 28, 2026 at 9:06 AM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

Kragh is a huge procrastinator, but I didn't use that exact word. At the same time (and that's a trait I share with him), he's not very patient.

Also, apparently, he likes to startle cats.
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WIPSnips

He shook his head. Enough stalling. Steeling himself for the confrontation ahead, he walked up the silent pathway leading to the door and used the door knocker. The guild master was surely already asleep, so Kraghtol waited impatiently. When the house remained silent for several minutes, he knocked again, louder this time.
That startled a cat nearby, which ran away with a loud hiss, but, again, nobody answered the door.

January 28, 2026 at 9:01 AM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

I'm currently writing book 2 in a series of 4. I already have a vague idea of the story that comes after that. I don't know what it will be called or if it's going to be a series or a single book.
But I already do know both main characters, one of them by name.
#WritingQ #WritingCommunity

Rebecca E. Reyes @rebeccareyeswriting.com · 1d

How clear of a picture did you have in your head for your main character when you began writing? How much about them changed since finishing a story?

#WritingCommuntiy #WritingQ

January 27, 2026 at 8:25 PM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

At first, Kragh just wants to be normal and like everybody else. Which is silly of him, and a real bad idea. And not something he'll ever be. Sorry, big green guy, I don't make the rules.
#WritingPrompt

Ian Haramaki 🏳️‍⚧️✨ @cometkins.bsky.social · 1d

What's something your MC wants that you know they're never going to get? Why? Are they not doing enough to earn it? Is it something they don't actually need? etc. #WritingPrompt

January 27, 2026 at 8:16 PM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

Uh, more alchemy in this #WIPSnips!
What an experience!
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

Suddenly, light flared up from a column of pure red-hot fire in front of him. At the same time, a storm of wind erupted to his right. A pillar of solid ore manifested to his left, and he heard the splashing of a magnificent waterfall from behind. The light illuminated his surroundings — an ancient-looking stone hall — but the elemental manifestations dominated all his senses.

January 27, 2026 at 9:16 AM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

For my #AwesomeCharacters, Kragh would eat it, even if it was tomatoes, and he'd try to be stealthy about not liking it.
Because the moment Valir would notice, he'd make a scene, full unbearable noble mode. Karen has nothing on him.
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

❄️Charlie (Chelizabeth) Delta ☃️ @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · 2d

Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters

Silly one today! They messed up your character's meal at a restaurant! It is not something they want.

What do they do?

Eat it without complaint? Politely ask for a remake? Leave without paying? Cause a scene?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

January 27, 2026 at 7:49 AM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

As paradox as it may seem, the largest scale weapon of conquest are the border demarcations. There's an alchemical infused border ward around the country, and certain people can not cross it.
Not much of a weapon, I admit, until you make them movable. Which they did.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders

Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 1d

Heya, #JanuaryWorldbuilders! Today's military/warfare question: What are some large-scale weapons or siege engines used in your world? Have you ever written a scene with those? Also, feel free to yap about siege warfare in general. What other strategies do they employ?

MonthlyWorldbuilders prompts daily feed card
#JanuaryWorldbuilders
Hosted by Kira of the Wind
Week 4: Military/Warfare
27. What are some large-scale weapons or siege engines used in warfare?

The background image shows a blurred magic tree with a waterfall coming down between two halves of its trunk. It’s nighttime and the night sky is magical with lots of blues and pinks and purples

January 27, 2026 at 7:46 AM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

Flaws. People aren't perfect at everything. They make bad decisions and let emotions get the better of them. They fail and get frustrated. They love and forget caution. They are broken and beautiful from the rainbow lights refracting from their imperfections.
#writingq #WritingCommunity

Susan Savage Lee @susansavagelee.bsky.social · 2d

What makes a character believable to you? #writingq #WritingCommunity

January 26, 2026 at 8:34 PM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

There's a guy, Fennew, in Kragh's home village, who made it a sport to provoke the half-orc until he explodes, leading to violent fistfights and a lost canine on Fennew's side.

Luckily, Kragh left the village in book 1, so that's over.
What? Oh, just in: Fennew returns in book 2. Damn Kragh's luck.

Ian Haramaki 🏳️‍⚧️✨ @cometkins.bsky.social · 2d

Does your MC have any particular rivalries or enemies that are important to them? Who is it? Why is beating them so important? #WritingPrompt

January 26, 2026 at 3:43 PM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

January 26, 2026 at 12:23 PM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

Okay, let's see for my #AwesomeCharacters.
Kraghtol would have trouble keeping attention in high school, but would enjoy about every subject. He'd be naturally gifted in PE, even though his favorite would be biology.
(1/2)
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

❄️Charlie (Chelizabeth) Delta ☃️ @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · 3d

Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters

Hypothetical! In an alternate reality where your characters are all going to a modern-day high school, what is their favorite subject (if any)?

Would they join any extracurriculars? Why?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

January 26, 2026 at 11:06 AM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

I agree. The school would be a much better place without these pesky students, asking ridiculous questions about mountains in the middle of the night. It's in-sur-mountable.
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WIPSnips

“And then you decided to look up that trivial fact right now, on solstice night?” Her voice was a strange mixture of disbelief and annoyance that made Kraghtol shiver in the night’s cold.
He shrugged, committing to the slightly drunk image as convincingly as possible. “We can’t very well start the new year with an argument like that, can we?”
Dean Quenning shook her head. “Students. Unbelievable. You are wrong on both accounts, Mr. Krasen. The library is not open at all times, and also not on solstice day. And no, The Sword is a large, insurmountable mountain range in the southern part of the country. I would advise you strongly to pay more attention in class.”

January 26, 2026 at 10:54 AM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

The collection of various types of fey are actually one of the eight major races in Alchemical Green, possibly the weirdest of them. They live carefree lives in the Teal Forest and don't involve themselves much with the struggles of the other races.
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary

Serra Leta @serraleta.bsky.social · 3d

Day 25
While I know this prompt has had a *ton* of overlap so far, surely there's something left to add to humanoid day? 😁🧚🧝 Stretching the idea of 'critters' again but eh, valid enough for me!
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary

#Critterary - A January writing prompt game. Today's Theme: Humanoids. Fairies! Gargoyles! Centaurs! Etc.! Have you written anything featuring them? If not, feel free to discuss any random thoughts (fun facts, favorite media featuring them, gifs, etc.) Bottom Tagline: Celebration of all things creatures! Hosted by Serra Leta. Art of a cartoon pixie, and art of a cartoon minotaur holding a two-handed axe. Background is a leafy jungle.

January 25, 2026 at 4:21 PM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

Kragh has trouble focusing on just one thing at a time. *And* he doesn't want to focus too much on what's directly in front of him right now. Truth be told, him stumbling or running into things is just normal. Being different is hard.
#WIPSnips
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

“I don’t know. But I think we’re being watched. There’s someone in that mineshaft over there, always ducking away when I look over.”
Valir squinted his eyes in the direction the half-orc had subtly indicated with his wide chin. “The mineshaft up there, half a city away? How do you notice this kind of stuff?”
Kraghtol shrugged. “Do you expect me to look at the stairs or your backside the whole time?”
The human just looked at him for a good second. “Yes. The former would be wise. Perhaps you’d stumble less that way.”

January 25, 2026 at 9:11 AM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

#AwesomeCharacters

👑🟢🧪⚔️🔥
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

❄️Charlie (Chelizabeth) Delta ☃️ @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · 4d

Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters

We did this once for main characters, but today let's do it for our antagonists!

Using 5 emojis or less, tell me about your antagonists! Capture their personality and/or role in the story!

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

January 25, 2026 at 8:52 AM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

#QueerPrompts
In my Debut Novel, Dam Breakers (books.mikestruan.com/DamBreakers), I had a token hetero couple getting back together as an... E-Plot. They certainly got their HEA in the end :)

🌈CJ Aralore @cjaralore.bsky.social · 4d

#QueerPrompts January 24: Any side character(s) get their happily-ever-afters?

Graphics: The background is clocks. The border has snowflakes in the colors of the pride flags and gold 2026.
Text: "January 2026" on top and "#QueerPrompts" and "Host: @CJAralore" on the bottom in a rainbow font.
Center text is:
#QueerPrompts January 24: Any side character(s) get their happily-ever-afters?

January 24, 2026 at 7:19 PM

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com

Post a female character you love

January 24, 2026 at 5:58 PM

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