Rachel Beth Ahrens
@rachelbeth99.bsky.social
Crochet cosplayer, designer, #ownvoices unpublished speculative fiction writer, content creator on Patreon and Ko-Fi. Continued from Twitter & Mastodon. Writing WIP: Debutante of Cassiopeia, Cosplay WIP: Firefly's Kaylee (but steampunk)
#WritingCommunity #pretendpanel
Sadly, I hate bringing up politics in my writings, but it sort of comes out anyway. I've tried to avoid it, but even in A Diamond of the Universe, it's a dystopian sci fi Bridgerton style story, and the US is in a dystopian government now.
Sadly, I hate bringing up politics in my writings, but it sort of comes out anyway. I've tried to avoid it, but even in A Diamond of the Universe, it's a dystopian sci fi Bridgerton style story, and the US is in a dystopian government now.
I'm breaking the rule of not bringing up politics, #pretendpanel! Still, I think it's important to think about it in our writing.
February 7th: How much has real world politics had an impact on your writing, or do you avoid that like the plague?
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
February 7th: How much has real world politics had an impact on your writing, or do you avoid that like the plague?
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
February 7, 2026 at 4:26 PM
#WritingCommunity #pretendpanel
Sadly, I hate bringing up politics in my writings, but it sort of comes out anyway. I've tried to avoid it, but even in A Diamond of the Universe, it's a dystopian sci fi Bridgerton style story, and the US is in a dystopian government now.
Sadly, I hate bringing up politics in my writings, but it sort of comes out anyway. I've tried to avoid it, but even in A Diamond of the Universe, it's a dystopian sci fi Bridgerton style story, and the US is in a dystopian government now.
Needs to be shared just because.
For Black History Month. And for ALL writers everywhere.
#WritingCommunity
For Black History Month. And for ALL writers everywhere.
#WritingCommunity
No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition.
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Gladys Mae West obituary: mathematician who pioneered GPS technology
She made key contributions to US cold-war science despite facing huge barriers as a Black woman.
www.nature.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:48 PM
Needs to be shared just because.
For Black History Month. And for ALL writers everywhere.
#WritingCommunity
For Black History Month. And for ALL writers everywhere.
#WritingCommunity
#WritingCommunity #pretendpanel
My 1,000th post!
As today is just another February morning in America, and I'm actually very cranky and upset by all the political mess that the US is in, I'm not great at writing political plotlines in stories, and the reading part of it in some stories is-
My 1,000th post!
As today is just another February morning in America, and I'm actually very cranky and upset by all the political mess that the US is in, I'm not great at writing political plotlines in stories, and the reading part of it in some stories is-
Today is Waitangi Day here in Aotearoa, #pretendpanel, and it gets me thinking about the role of politics in the stories we tell.
February 6th: Do you enjoy writing or reading political plotlines?
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
February 6th: Do you enjoy writing or reading political plotlines?
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
February 6, 2026 at 3:26 PM
#WritingCommunity #pretendpanel
My 1,000th post!
As today is just another February morning in America, and I'm actually very cranky and upset by all the political mess that the US is in, I'm not great at writing political plotlines in stories, and the reading part of it in some stories is-
My 1,000th post!
As today is just another February morning in America, and I'm actually very cranky and upset by all the political mess that the US is in, I'm not great at writing political plotlines in stories, and the reading part of it in some stories is-
Yes indeed, happiness IS a warm puppy!!! :)
I miss having a dog at home, but when I'm at Alexander's, all that loneliness goes away when I'm greeted by the sweetness of his fur baby, Harper.
Love a dog. Dog = Love
#WritingCommunity #HappyWednesday #dogsky #amwriting
I miss having a dog at home, but when I'm at Alexander's, all that loneliness goes away when I'm greeted by the sweetness of his fur baby, Harper.
Love a dog. Dog = Love
#WritingCommunity #HappyWednesday #dogsky #amwriting
February 4, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Yes indeed, happiness IS a warm puppy!!! :)
I miss having a dog at home, but when I'm at Alexander's, all that loneliness goes away when I'm greeted by the sweetness of his fur baby, Harper.
Love a dog. Dog = Love
#WritingCommunity #HappyWednesday #dogsky #amwriting
I miss having a dog at home, but when I'm at Alexander's, all that loneliness goes away when I'm greeted by the sweetness of his fur baby, Harper.
Love a dog. Dog = Love
#WritingCommunity #HappyWednesday #dogsky #amwriting
Over the last month, I learned that Alexander's new fur baby is a handful, for she is not housebroken yet. We're all doing our best to take care of cute Miss Harper Lee, yes she is named after the author of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Here's a nice Bluesky cleanse for y'all.
#dogsky #WritingCommunity
Here's a nice Bluesky cleanse for y'all.
#dogsky #WritingCommunity
February 3, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Over the last month, I learned that Alexander's new fur baby is a handful, for she is not housebroken yet. We're all doing our best to take care of cute Miss Harper Lee, yes she is named after the author of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Here's a nice Bluesky cleanse for y'all.
#dogsky #WritingCommunity
Here's a nice Bluesky cleanse for y'all.
#dogsky #WritingCommunity
Awww, cute! I find hedgehogs to be cuter than the Groundhog.
I'm an American citizen who adores the look of this sweet little guy, so glad he's back in the wild. :)
I'm an American citizen who adores the look of this sweet little guy, so glad he's back in the wild. :)
We don't have groundhogs in the UK, but we do have hedgehogs. And it's both National Hedgehog Day & Groundhog Day.
So happy hog day! This is injured hedgehog Herbert, whom I rescued and, after time at a rescue centre, happily returned to the wild.
#GroundhogDay #HedgehogDay #NationalHedgehogDay
So happy hog day! This is injured hedgehog Herbert, whom I rescued and, after time at a rescue centre, happily returned to the wild.
#GroundhogDay #HedgehogDay #NationalHedgehogDay
February 2, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Awww, cute! I find hedgehogs to be cuter than the Groundhog.
I'm an American citizen who adores the look of this sweet little guy, so glad he's back in the wild. :)
I'm an American citizen who adores the look of this sweet little guy, so glad he's back in the wild. :)
#WritingCommunity #pretendpanel
Once again, I don't have a whole lot for Freebie Saturday...
But within the next couple days, check out my Medium account for Episode 4 of Disney Princess Rewatch on The Black Cauldron and Princess Eilonwy. I'm sure you'll love it.
Once again, I don't have a whole lot for Freebie Saturday...
But within the next couple days, check out my Medium account for Episode 4 of Disney Princess Rewatch on The Black Cauldron and Princess Eilonwy. I'm sure you'll love it.
#pretendpanel, amazing answers yesterday, cheers! I hope you all find what you need to break through to where you want to be.
January 31st: Freebie Saturday! Post anything you want e.g. plug something, acknowledge someone, ask a question
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
January 31st: Freebie Saturday! Post anything you want e.g. plug something, acknowledge someone, ask a question
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
January 31, 2026 at 4:23 PM
#WritingCommunity #pretendpanel
Once again, I don't have a whole lot for Freebie Saturday...
But within the next couple days, check out my Medium account for Episode 4 of Disney Princess Rewatch on The Black Cauldron and Princess Eilonwy. I'm sure you'll love it.
Once again, I don't have a whole lot for Freebie Saturday...
But within the next couple days, check out my Medium account for Episode 4 of Disney Princess Rewatch on The Black Cauldron and Princess Eilonwy. I'm sure you'll love it.
Hi #WritingCommunity and #writersky -
Just sat down to watch Disney's The Black Cauldron (1985) with my boyfriend, who is a true sword & sorcery fan (along with all things metal), to find that there is a Disney Princess in this flick that needs her voice to be heard.
New episode on Medium shortly!
Just sat down to watch Disney's The Black Cauldron (1985) with my boyfriend, who is a true sword & sorcery fan (along with all things metal), to find that there is a Disney Princess in this flick that needs her voice to be heard.
New episode on Medium shortly!
January 31, 2026 at 2:11 AM
Hi #WritingCommunity and #writersky -
Just sat down to watch Disney's The Black Cauldron (1985) with my boyfriend, who is a true sword & sorcery fan (along with all things metal), to find that there is a Disney Princess in this flick that needs her voice to be heard.
New episode on Medium shortly!
Just sat down to watch Disney's The Black Cauldron (1985) with my boyfriend, who is a true sword & sorcery fan (along with all things metal), to find that there is a Disney Princess in this flick that needs her voice to be heard.
New episode on Medium shortly!
Reposted by Rachel Beth Ahrens
Have you finished the Tinkered Starsong Trilogy? Joyfully Jay says of DOME 6, the final book: “I’m a LITTLE sad with the ending resolution. Not because it wasn’t awesome, but because this phenomenally creative and interesting trilogy is now over.” gailcarriger.com/D6_AD
January 30, 2026 at 12:09 AM
Have you finished the Tinkered Starsong Trilogy? Joyfully Jay says of DOME 6, the final book: “I’m a LITTLE sad with the ending resolution. Not because it wasn’t awesome, but because this phenomenally creative and interesting trilogy is now over.” gailcarriger.com/D6_AD
#WritingCommunity #pretendpanel
This is another hard question, because I'm an American citizen who hates her president like he's Satan, and there's a lot of stuff I can't control that I wish I could.
I hope in the next year, I'll be published, but I'm hoping to focus on what I Can control...
This is another hard question, because I'm an American citizen who hates her president like he's Satan, and there's a lot of stuff I can't control that I wish I could.
I hope in the next year, I'll be published, but I'm hoping to focus on what I Can control...
Hello #pretendpanel, here's your next question...
January 30th: What's the next evolution you would like to see for yourself as a writer? (in terms of skill, output, input, etc - maybe focus on things you can control and not pipedreams)
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
January 30th: What's the next evolution you would like to see for yourself as a writer? (in terms of skill, output, input, etc - maybe focus on things you can control and not pipedreams)
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
January 30, 2026 at 4:17 PM
#WritingCommunity #pretendpanel
This is another hard question, because I'm an American citizen who hates her president like he's Satan, and there's a lot of stuff I can't control that I wish I could.
I hope in the next year, I'll be published, but I'm hoping to focus on what I Can control...
This is another hard question, because I'm an American citizen who hates her president like he's Satan, and there's a lot of stuff I can't control that I wish I could.
I hope in the next year, I'll be published, but I'm hoping to focus on what I Can control...
I'm not only a dog person by default, because I'm allergic to cats, but I do love sweet bunnies... This one's one of the sweetest. With all the hate in my country going on, this is better. I wish I had a bunny...
#bunny #positivecleanse #WritingCommunity
#bunny #positivecleanse #WritingCommunity
✨️30 seconds of pure black bunny bliss. 🖤🐰
✨️Pet your bunny buntil your fingers and hands go numb.
~Jet 🖤🐰❤️
✨️Pet your bunny buntil your fingers and hands go numb.
~Jet 🖤🐰❤️
January 29, 2026 at 4:11 PM
I'm not only a dog person by default, because I'm allergic to cats, but I do love sweet bunnies... This one's one of the sweetest. With all the hate in my country going on, this is better. I wish I had a bunny...
#bunny #positivecleanse #WritingCommunity
#bunny #positivecleanse #WritingCommunity
Ain't it the truth!!! Love this statement.
Steampunk fashion and design is fun...
#WritingCommunity #writersky #crochetcosplay #crochetdesigner
Steampunk fashion and design is fun...
#WritingCommunity #writersky #crochetcosplay #crochetdesigner
January 28, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Ain't it the truth!!! Love this statement.
Steampunk fashion and design is fun...
#WritingCommunity #writersky #crochetcosplay #crochetdesigner
Steampunk fashion and design is fun...
#WritingCommunity #writersky #crochetcosplay #crochetdesigner
Reposted by Rachel Beth Ahrens
I don’t have copies of my book yet to give to other auctions to support Minnesota, but here’s what I have:
Donate to a mutual aid fund to support Minnesota & submit proof of donation at the 🔗 in my bio.
You’ll be entered to win one of the below from R&Q Author Services aka me.
Ends Feb 6
Donate to a mutual aid fund to support Minnesota & submit proof of donation at the 🔗 in my bio.
You’ll be entered to win one of the below from R&Q Author Services aka me.
Ends Feb 6
January 28, 2026 at 6:34 PM
I don’t have copies of my book yet to give to other auctions to support Minnesota, but here’s what I have:
Donate to a mutual aid fund to support Minnesota & submit proof of donation at the 🔗 in my bio.
You’ll be entered to win one of the below from R&Q Author Services aka me.
Ends Feb 6
Donate to a mutual aid fund to support Minnesota & submit proof of donation at the 🔗 in my bio.
You’ll be entered to win one of the below from R&Q Author Services aka me.
Ends Feb 6
Now this cheers me up after realizing there's so much hate and garbage on fire in the world.
I love Snoopy. Thank you.
#WritingCommunity
I love Snoopy. Thank you.
#WritingCommunity
January 27, 2026 at 2:46 PM
Now this cheers me up after realizing there's so much hate and garbage on fire in the world.
I love Snoopy. Thank you.
#WritingCommunity
I love Snoopy. Thank you.
#WritingCommunity
Longtime sufferer of this horrible disease myself, and I also deal with problems in executive functioning, been diagnosed since 2015. Cognitive dysfunction is serious, and I don't know how else to fight that.
What happened to hope? :(
What happened to hope? :(
“Doctors have observed that patients with bipolar disorder may suffer from cognitive dysfunction -- deficits in executive functioning, verbal learning and memory, attention, and processing speed – even during periods of clinical remission. These problems, in other words, can be persistent and…”
Evidence Links White Matter Patterns to Cognitive Performance in Bipolar Disorder | Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
Doctors have observed that patients with bipolar disorder may suffer from cognitive dysfunction -- deficits in executive functioning, verbal learning and memory, attention, and processing speed – even...
bbrfoundation.org
January 26, 2026 at 3:40 AM
Longtime sufferer of this horrible disease myself, and I also deal with problems in executive functioning, been diagnosed since 2015. Cognitive dysfunction is serious, and I don't know how else to fight that.
What happened to hope? :(
What happened to hope? :(
#WritingCommunity #pretendpanel
I had this one more recently, while writing my first blog series/ dissertation on the #Hamilton musical- In late 2020 when Maryland reopened their indoor dining for limited seating, Alexander and I were at Bar Louie in White Marsh when I had an epiphany-
I had this one more recently, while writing my first blog series/ dissertation on the #Hamilton musical- In late 2020 when Maryland reopened their indoor dining for limited seating, Alexander and I were at Bar Louie in White Marsh when I had an epiphany-
#pretendpanel, once again, cannot wait to hear your answers to this one...
January 24th: Is there a significant change you can remember that was like a huge revelation for you? (whether in your process, or between drafts, whatever)
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
January 24th: Is there a significant change you can remember that was like a huge revelation for you? (whether in your process, or between drafts, whatever)
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
January 25, 2026 at 3:16 PM
#WritingCommunity #pretendpanel
I had this one more recently, while writing my first blog series/ dissertation on the #Hamilton musical- In late 2020 when Maryland reopened their indoor dining for limited seating, Alexander and I were at Bar Louie in White Marsh when I had an epiphany-
I had this one more recently, while writing my first blog series/ dissertation on the #Hamilton musical- In late 2020 when Maryland reopened their indoor dining for limited seating, Alexander and I were at Bar Louie in White Marsh when I had an epiphany-
Awwww, kitty...
Something to cheer everyone up!
Something to cheer everyone up!
January 24, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Awwww, kitty...
Something to cheer everyone up!
Something to cheer everyone up!
#WritingCommunity #pretendpanel
I think I don't regret a whole lot that I changed about the process lately... With everything that I've been writing, I think I should revise or rewrite a little better, I could. But, so far with what I've been drafting, I don't regret a whole lot.
I think I don't regret a whole lot that I changed about the process lately... With everything that I've been writing, I think I should revise or rewrite a little better, I could. But, so far with what I've been drafting, I don't regret a whole lot.
Good evening #pretendpanel! Hope your January is going swimmingly. Today, let's discuss...
January 23rd: Was there ever something you changed about your process, or even in a single draft, that you later came to regret?
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
January 23rd: Was there ever something you changed about your process, or even in a single draft, that you later came to regret?
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
January 23, 2026 at 4:20 PM
#WritingCommunity #pretendpanel
I think I don't regret a whole lot that I changed about the process lately... With everything that I've been writing, I think I should revise or rewrite a little better, I could. But, so far with what I've been drafting, I don't regret a whole lot.
I think I don't regret a whole lot that I changed about the process lately... With everything that I've been writing, I think I should revise or rewrite a little better, I could. But, so far with what I've been drafting, I don't regret a whole lot.
Wish I could have a library in my home, like this one... This one is really lovely.
#WritingCommunity #writersky #booksky #libraries
#WritingCommunity #writersky #booksky #libraries
Another in my series of libraries
Sir John Soanes Museum library, London
#SomethingBeautiful #LoveLibraries #EveryLibraryMatters #Libraries #Library #LibrarySky #libsky
Sir John Soanes Museum library, London
#SomethingBeautiful #LoveLibraries #EveryLibraryMatters #Libraries #Library #LibrarySky #libsky
January 22, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Wish I could have a library in my home, like this one... This one is really lovely.
#WritingCommunity #writersky #booksky #libraries
#WritingCommunity #writersky #booksky #libraries
I really love the dachshund ones the best. :)
Definitely reposting this for the sake of writers and fan art.
#WritingCommunity #artsky #fanart #writersky
Definitely reposting this for the sake of writers and fan art.
#WritingCommunity #artsky #fanart #writersky
Please upload your FAN ART of my characters to my wiki? I adore seeing how creative people are. gailcarriger.fandom.com/wiki/Fan_Art
January 22, 2026 at 5:56 PM
I really love the dachshund ones the best. :)
Definitely reposting this for the sake of writers and fan art.
#WritingCommunity #artsky #fanart #writersky
Definitely reposting this for the sake of writers and fan art.
#WritingCommunity #artsky #fanart #writersky
Actually, there are a lot of books named for songs, for I think there's a song used for a book title named after one of David Cassidy's lyrics, and it's a romcom novel.
Newest WIP in terms of my writing: 'Wishes on Stars' inspired by "Be More"- Stephen Sanchez.
#WritingCommunity #writersky
Newest WIP in terms of my writing: 'Wishes on Stars' inspired by "Be More"- Stephen Sanchez.
#WritingCommunity #writersky
January 21, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Actually, there are a lot of books named for songs, for I think there's a song used for a book title named after one of David Cassidy's lyrics, and it's a romcom novel.
Newest WIP in terms of my writing: 'Wishes on Stars' inspired by "Be More"- Stephen Sanchez.
#WritingCommunity #writersky
Newest WIP in terms of my writing: 'Wishes on Stars' inspired by "Be More"- Stephen Sanchez.
#WritingCommunity #writersky
I don't have a Patreon anymore, but I support creators like this. :)
Please give them a follow or subscription! The art is fantastic!
Please give them a follow or subscription! The art is fantastic!
Members of my Patreon at the Mauve Claw tier ($3.14) or higher can now read the newly revised full-plot-style script for "Enemies of the Stars: Part 1", which I've recently finished!
www.patreon.com/posts/enemie...
My next challenge: Making that script into a comic!
www.patreon.com/posts/enemie...
My next challenge: Making that script into a comic!
"Enemies of the Stars: Part 1" Full Plot! | Azure Claw Comics
Get more from Azure Claw Comics on Patreon
www.patreon.com
January 20, 2026 at 1:29 AM
I don't have a Patreon anymore, but I support creators like this. :)
Please give them a follow or subscription! The art is fantastic!
Please give them a follow or subscription! The art is fantastic!
Marvelous.
Sounds like the vampires in the Parasol Protectorate world...
:)
#WritingCommunity #booksky
Sounds like the vampires in the Parasol Protectorate world...
:)
#WritingCommunity #booksky
In which I worry over age gaps in vampire relationships. gailcarriger.com/2009/03/30/i...
January 18, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Marvelous.
Sounds like the vampires in the Parasol Protectorate world...
:)
#WritingCommunity #booksky
Sounds like the vampires in the Parasol Protectorate world...
:)
#WritingCommunity #booksky
#WritingCommunity #pretendpanel
My very first WIP novel was back when I was 15 years old, so it was 22 years ago. Crossing Conformity used to be titled so many different things, as I was experimenting with working titles, the first one being Walking Barefoot in the Snow. Too many drafts...
My very first WIP novel was back when I was 15 years old, so it was 22 years ago. Crossing Conformity used to be titled so many different things, as I was experimenting with working titles, the first one being Walking Barefoot in the Snow. Too many drafts...
#pretendpanel, I will get to your answers from yesterday shortly, thank you for your patience. Meanwhile...
January 17th: How many drafts, then vs. now? (see image and/or alt text for further prompting if needed)
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
January 17th: How many drafts, then vs. now? (see image and/or alt text for further prompting if needed)
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
January 17, 2026 at 8:53 PM
#WritingCommunity #pretendpanel
My very first WIP novel was back when I was 15 years old, so it was 22 years ago. Crossing Conformity used to be titled so many different things, as I was experimenting with working titles, the first one being Walking Barefoot in the Snow. Too many drafts...
My very first WIP novel was back when I was 15 years old, so it was 22 years ago. Crossing Conformity used to be titled so many different things, as I was experimenting with working titles, the first one being Walking Barefoot in the Snow. Too many drafts...
#WritingCommunity #writersky
Hello and happy birthday, Lin-Manuel Miranda! Surprise Medium gift for y'all today, here is a very special edition of "King of Broadway is Dead..." for celebrating the LinFam and how I got here. This is Hamilton, Bridgerton, and Austen based.
medium.com/@rachelahren...
Hello and happy birthday, Lin-Manuel Miranda! Surprise Medium gift for y'all today, here is a very special edition of "King of Broadway is Dead..." for celebrating the LinFam and how I got here. This is Hamilton, Bridgerton, and Austen based.
medium.com/@rachelahren...
King of Broadway is Dead Part 2: Lizzie and Eliza
As a surprise post on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s birthday, here’s my follow up to the intro on my deep dive of the Hamilton musical.
medium.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:42 PM
#WritingCommunity #writersky
Hello and happy birthday, Lin-Manuel Miranda! Surprise Medium gift for y'all today, here is a very special edition of "King of Broadway is Dead..." for celebrating the LinFam and how I got here. This is Hamilton, Bridgerton, and Austen based.
medium.com/@rachelahren...
Hello and happy birthday, Lin-Manuel Miranda! Surprise Medium gift for y'all today, here is a very special edition of "King of Broadway is Dead..." for celebrating the LinFam and how I got here. This is Hamilton, Bridgerton, and Austen based.
medium.com/@rachelahren...