Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Light up
your news

About Privacy Terms Help

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

160 followers 170 following 180 posts

Storyteller • Future #NewYorkTimes Best-Selling Author ✍🏻📖 & #Disney’s Next Live-Action Prince 👑🗡️

Posts Replies Media Videos

Pinned

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation @sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social · Oct 1

Hi! I’m Ben, author of Kinda Charming!

Most fairytales have a prince. This one got Neil. (And he doesn't know what he's doing.)

For fans of Percy Jackson & Land of Stories this book has:
🗡 Awkward heroes
🏰 Twisted tropes
😂 Laugh-out-loud mishaps

#Q #amquerying #MG #Fantasy

A whimsical fairytale castle framed in ornate yellow scrollwork. Bold text reads “Kinda Charming.” Beneath it: “Most fairytales have a prince. This one got Neil.”

A magical castle background with golden scrollwork frames the description: “Kinda Charming – An upper middle grade fantasy-adventure for fans of Percy Jackson and The Land of Stories, blending fairytale tropes, awkward heroes, and laugh-out-loud mishaps in a magical kingdom where being kind-of-charming might be enough to save the day.”

A gingerbread house icon tops three humorous fairytale quotes in front of a forested castle:
“Never trust a house you can snack on.”
“Seems safe. Completely normal.”
“That’s fairytale logic.”
Below, it reads: “Welcome to Kinda Charming – where princesses have better options, villains get surprise audits, and sometimes the chandelier is mightier than the sword.”

Text set over a fairytale forest and castle reads: “Kinda Charming Comps.” Below it is a list of similar middle grade fantasy books:
Never After by Melissa de la Cruz
Once Upon Another Time and The Revenge of Magic by James Riley
The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
A Tale of Magic... by Chris Colfer

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

🪄📜 #QuestPit 📜🪄

Kinda Charming
#Fantasy | 70k | Standalone w/ series potential

Most fairytales have a prince. This one got Neil.

For fans of Percy Jackson & Land of Stories
⚔️ Awkward heroes
🏰Twisted tropes
🤣Laugh-out-loud mishaps

#Q #Querying #AmQuerying
Comp titles & teaser cards below⬇️

A whimsical fairytale castle framed in ornate yellow scrollwork. Bold text reads “Kinda Charming.” Beneath it: “Most fairytales have a prince. This one got Neil.”

A magical castle background with golden scrollwork frames the description: “Kinda Charming – An upper middle grade fantasy-adventure for fans of Percy Jackson and The Land of Stories, blending fairytale tropes, awkward heroes, and laugh-out-loud mishaps in a magical kingdom where being kind-of-charming might be enough to save the day.”

Decorative quote card framed with ornate yellow scrollwork over a muted fantasy illustration of a castle and forest. Centered text reads a humorous fairy-tale “formula” written like a math equation: “Prince + Princess (Damsel × Distress) – (Curse/Tower/Witch/Monster) = Happily Ever After.” Below, a tagline reads: “Welcome to Kinda Charming — where princesses have better options, villains get surprise audits, and sometimes the chandelier is mightier than the sword.”

Text set over a fairytale forest and castle reads: “Kinda Charming Comps.” Below it is a list of similar middle grade fantasy books:
Never After by Melissa de la Cruz
Once Upon Another Time and The Revenge of Magic by James Riley
The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
A Tale of Magic... by Chris Colfer

February 1, 2026 at 4:26 AM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

You heard it here through #QuestPit first!
Kinda Charming is a HIT!🏆

An #Upper #MG #Fantasy for fans of Percy Jackson and The Land of Stories!

It has magic!🪄
It has adventure!⚔️
It has romance!😘
It has an evil uncle trope villain and a possessed chicken helmet!🐔

#Q #Querying #AmQuerying #Comedy

Promotional graphic for Kinda Charming. On a dark background, large white decorative text reads, “Hear ye, hear ye, I decree! Kinda Charming is swoonworthy!” followed by an attribution, “— Ever After Times.” Along the bottom, smaller text reads, “Kinda Charming | 70,000 Words | Upper MG Comedy/Fantasy.” On the right side, a stylized illustration shows a woman in a medieval-style green gown with puffed sleeves and a gold belt, leaning back dramatically with one arm raised to her forehead in an exaggerated swoon pose, reinforcing the playful fairytale tone.

February 1, 2026 at 2:41 AM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

"Most fairytales have a prince. This one got Neil."
(And he doesn't know what he's doing.)🙄

For fans of Percy Jackson and Land of Stories, I'm proud to introduce publishers, agents, editors, and readers to Kinda Charming.👑

#QuestPit #Q #AmQuerying #Querying #Upper #MG #F #Fantasy

Illustrated promotional panel for Kinda Charming. On the left, a stylized illustration shows a young, red-haired prince in green clothing standing in a forest of twisting vines and branches, holding a glowing sword and looking upward with a cautious, uncertain expression. Below him is a list titled “Themes,” including fairytale parody, accidents and adventures, frenemies-to-lovers, royal family pressure, self-discovery, magic and myths, underdog triumph, and a trope-style evil uncle villain. On the right, against a dark green background, large white text reads “A quest, you say?” followed by a synopsis describing Prince Neil Charming, the awkward younger brother of Prince Charming, sent on a quest to rescue a princess, accidentally ensuring happy endings for others while struggling to find his own, and ultimately facing his wicked uncle to save Ever After. At the bottom, the text reads: “Kinda Charming at 70,000 words | Upper MG fantasy/comedy.”

February 1, 2026 at 1:50 AM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

Do I smell apple pie?🥧

LORD OF THE RINGS x LEGENDS & LATTES meets FABLE x THE LEGEND OF ZELDA

We've all played those RPG open-world concept video games where poor NPCs hand out side quests... but what happens when they aren't needed anymore?

#QuestPit #W #WIP #A #YA #F #Fantasy #Comedy #Cozy

Illustrated novel cover showing an elderly, white-bearded wizard in a wide-brimmed hat, painted in a warm, classic fantasy style. He gestures forward against a soft, autumn-colored background. Overlaid text reads: “The Old Man & The Side Quest” with the subtitle “An Adult Cozy/Comedy/Fantasy Work in Progress.”

February 1, 2026 at 12:37 AM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

A quest to rescue a fairytale princess? What could go wrong? 😅

Meet Neil. He's lanky, a bit awkward, has allergies, and a lack of self-confidence. However, he is still kinda charming.🤴

THE LAND OF STORIES X PERCY JACKSON

#QuestPit #Querying #Q #AmQuerying #Upper #MG #F #Fantasy #Comedy

Promotional pitch cover for Kinda Charming. On the left, a dark teal background features the title “Kinda Charming” in large white decorative lettering, followed by “70,000 Words | Upper Middle Grade Fantasy/Comedy.” Beneath it reads, “Most fairy tales have a prince. This one got Neil.” Additional text describes the story set in Ever After, where Neil Charming, an accident-prone prince lacking traditional princely qualities, is sent on a royal quest to rescue a princess and prove himself, questioning whether what makes him different may be his greatest strength. On the right, a colorful illustrated fairytale castle with tall spires, red and gold rooftops, and winding stone walls rises from a green hill, surrounded by trees against a pale blue sky.

January 31, 2026 at 11:31 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

📜 #QuestPit 📜

Kinda Charming
#Fantasy | 70k | Standalone w/ series potential

Most fairytales have a prince. This one got Neil.

For fans of Percy Jackson & Land of Stories
⚔️Awkward heroes
🏰Twisted tropes
🤣Laugh-out-loud mishaps

#Q #querying #YA #UpperMG #F #Comedy

Promotional pitch for Kinda Charming. On the left, the title “Kinda Charming” appears in ornate gold lettering above the line “70,000 Words | Upper Middle Grade Fantasy/Comedy.” Below it reads, “Most fairy tales have a prince. This one got Neil.” Additional text introduces the story: a fairytale world called Ever After where Prince Neil Charming is sent on a royal quest to rescue a princess and prove himself, questioning whether what makes him different may be his greatest strength. On the right, a whimsical illustrated stone castle with tall, uneven towers rises against a soft blue sky with clouds, surrounded by greenery.

January 31, 2026 at 10:36 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

Kinda Charming
#Fantasy | 70K | Series Potential

Prince Neil Charming isn't the chosen one. He's the other one. The awkward brother. The royal afterthought.
But when his kingdom's in trouble, he might be the only one who can save it.

#Q #AmQuerying #BluePit #WriteSky #Authors #WritingCommunity

January 14, 2026 at 1:23 AM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

Kinda Charming 👑✨
#Fantasy | 70K | Standalone with series potential

Prince Neil Charming isn't 'the' Prince Charming - he's his clumsy little brother. He's not here to sweep a princess off her feet... He's just trying not to trip over his own.

#Q #amquerying #BluePit #WriteSky #WritingCommunity

January 13, 2026 at 10:19 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

Kinda Charming 👑✨
70K | Fantasy Adventure

Meet Neil Charming. He's clumsy, overlooked, and somehow always in the wrong place at the right time.

Help this quest find its next chapter with the right literary agent or publisher!

#Q #AmQuerying #BluePit #WriteSky #Fantasy #Authors #WritingCommunity

January 13, 2026 at 9:24 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

👑✨ Kinda Charming ✨👑

#Fantasy | 70k | Standalone w/ series potential

Most fairytales have a prince. This one got Neil.
(And he doesn't know what he's doing.)

#Q #amquerying #BluePit #WriteSky #writingcommunity #querying

January 13, 2026 at 7:52 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

The mountains call my name and I’m officially heading out of the swamp and into the snow tomorrow!

January 7, 2026 at 2:25 AM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

My entire fanfiction novel is officially available for free on Inkitt and AO3! Check it out if you like Disney, princes, magic, battles, retellings, and I guess if you like me too. 😂🤷‍♂️

December 4, 2025 at 8:09 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

Alright, where’s my #writingcommunity on this app? Help me find you and sync my algorithm and feed to focus on you and your work! 📖✍🏻

#books #writing #writers #authors

November 26, 2025 at 8:16 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

This Wednesday morning is sponsored by two cups of coffee ☕️☕️

November 19, 2025 at 2:34 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

Before the spindle. Before the kiss. Before the legend - there was a prince.⚔️

34 chapters of my fanfiction novel Before the Dance in the Woods: The Untold Tale of Sleeping Beauty’s Prince Phillip are available to read for free on @inkittbooks.bsky.social and @archiveofourown.org! Check it out!

An anime style cartoon artwork of Walt Disney’s animated feature film Sleeping Beauty’s Prince Phillip showing his angry face while he carries his sword and shield and wears his famous read cloak.

November 18, 2025 at 3:42 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

Just got the BEST rejection from a literary agent that I absolutely admire. I never thought I’d be happy to get a rejection but her kind words, enthusiasm, and suggestions are the PERFECT motivation for me to tweak a few things so I can get Kinda Charming back in her hands! 🤗

November 8, 2025 at 4:00 AM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

So far I’ve released 25 chapters of my fanfiction novel based on Prince Phillip from Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty on @archiveofourown.org and @inkittbooks.bsky.social! I’d love for you to check it out! (Links in comments)

November 6, 2025 at 3:25 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

📜 #QuestPit 📜

In a kingdom where every fairytale prince is perfect, there's an exception.

✨Magic, mischief, & accidental heroism await in KINDA CHARMING - a hilarious, heartfelt twist on happily-ever-after.

#Q #AmQuerying #Upper #MG #Fantasy #authors #writingcommunity

Vintage fairytale poster with a muted olive/sepia palette and a yellow scrollwork frame over a faded illustration of a castle. Along the top are three icons with captions: a crown over “A FAIRYTALE PRINCE,” a sword over “AN EPIC QUEST,” and a heart over “SELF‑DISCOVERY & FAMILY DRAMA.” Centered, large cream title: “KINDA CHARMING,” with the line “A novel by B. G. Jones” beneath it and a decorative flourish. Body text reads: “An upper middle grade fantasy‑adventure for fans of Percy Jackson and The Land of Stories, blending fairytale tropes, awkward heroes, and laugh‑out‑loud mishaps in a magical kingdom where being kind‑of‑charming might be enough to save the day.” Bottom tagline in caps: “COMING TO A QUERY NEAR YOU.”

November 5, 2025 at 7:25 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

🪄 #QuestPit 🪄

Kinda Charming
#Upper #MG #Fantasy | 70K+ | Standalone with series potential

Prince Neil Charming isn't 'the' Prince Charming - he's his clumsy little brother.

🐉Magic, mishaps, & matchmaking
👑Evil uncle & royal family pressure
😂Witty & sarcastic dialogue

#Q #AmQuerying
See below🔽

A classic fairytale castle framed in ornate golden scrollwork. Centered text reads: “Kinda Charming” in bold fairytale-style font.

A fairytale garden background with soft lighting and vines. Bold header reads "The Pitch" followed by text:
"When Prince Neil Charming, awkward younger brother of the Prince Charming, is sent on a quest to rescue a princess and prove he’s more than just a royal afterthought, he accidentally ensures every fairytale ends happily - just not for him. But when his wicked uncle seizes the throne, Neil must stumble his way through myths, magic, and matchmaking mishaps to save Ever After and be the prince he was always meant to be."

Set against a twilight fairytale courtyard, the image is titled "The Characters" and lists key characters from Kinda Charming:
Cornelius "Neil" Charming – awkward younger brother of Prince Charming.
Gwendolyn Page – master-level fairytale historian.
Milo Smith – blacksmith’s apprentice and inventor.
Grimm Charming – evil uncle with a pet dragon.
Maximilian Charming – celebrity prince and older brother.
Cinderella Charming – level-headed royal married to Max.

A vine-covered columned courtyard with elegant lettering reading “Themes.” Below are humorous and heartfelt themes from Kinda Charming:
Fairytale Parody
Accidents, Adventures, & Inventions
Frenemies to Lovers (Oh, La La!)
Royal Family Dynamics (Yikes!)
Self-Discovery & Appreciation
Magic, Myths, & Poultry
Underdog Triumph
Trope Evil Uncle/Villain (Mwah Ha Ha!)

November 5, 2025 at 5:18 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

🏰✨ #QuestPit ✨🐔

Kinda Charming
#Upper #MG #Fantasy | 70K+ | Standalone with series potential

Prince Neil Charming isn't the chosen one. He's the other one.

🧁Fairytales flipped
📚Lores, laughs, & legacy
🐔Possible poultry involved

#Q #AmQuerying #Agents #Editors #Publishers
📸Moodboard magic below🔽

A 3x3 moodboard collage for the middle grade fantasy novel Kinda Charming. Center square features the title “Kinda Charming” in whimsical fairytale font. Surrounding images include:
A jeweled crown
A classic fairytale castle
A burst of golden magic
A gingerbread house
A magic wand
A white chicken
A set of rusty gears
A sunlit forest path
An ancient storybook with illuminated script
Together, the images evoke royalty, enchantment, humor, adventure, and a playful twist on classic fairytales.

November 5, 2025 at 1:11 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

🪄✨ #QuestPit ✨🪄

Kinda Charming
#Upper #MG #Fantasy | 70K+ | Standalone with series potential

Most fairytales have a prince. This one got Neil.

For fans of Percy Jackson & Land of Stories
⚔️Awkward heroes
🏰Twisted tropes
😂Laugh-out-loud mishaps

#Q #AmQuerying
📚Comp titles & teaser cards below🔽

A whimsical fairytale castle framed in ornate yellow scrollwork. Bold text reads “Kinda Charming.” Beneath it: “Most fairytales have a prince. This one got Neil.”

A magical castle background with golden scrollwork frames the description: “Kinda Charming – An upper middle grade fantasy-adventure for fans of Percy Jackson and The Land of Stories, blending fairytale tropes, awkward heroes, and laugh-out-loud mishaps in a magical kingdom where being kind-of-charming might be enough to save the day.”

A formula notepad icon tops a humorous fairytale quote in front of a forested castle:
“It's part of the fairy tale formula." He flipped over a free-standing chalkboard, erased the written madness with his already dirty sleeve, and composed the fairy tale formula in chalk, "Prince + Princess (Damsel x Distress) - (Curse/Tower/Witch/Monster) = Happily Ever After."

Below, it reads: “Welcome to Kinda Charming – where princesses have better options, villains get surprise audits, and sometimes the chandelier is mightier than the sword.”

Text set over a fairytale forest and castle reads: “Kinda Charming Comps.” Below it is a list of similar middle grade fantasy books:
Never After by Melissa de la Cruz
Once Upon Another Time and The Revenge of Magic by James Riley
The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
A Tale of Magic... by Chris Colfer

November 5, 2025 at 5:20 AM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

Is there a way to schedule posts on BlueSky? Asking for the upcoming #QuestPit event! Whoo hoo!

November 4, 2025 at 8:51 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

Does BlueSky do #QuestPit for writers as well? Is that November 5 on this platform too? 🙋🏻‍♂️

November 3, 2025 at 10:37 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

October - Day 31

Happy Halloween! I survived posting beautifully spooky book covers daily throughout the month of October 👻🎃

Ending the month with Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

#booktwt #books #book #cover #writingcommunity #readingcommunity

October 31, 2025 at 2:26 PM

Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation

@sirbenjaminjr.bsky.social

October - Day 30

Last to Leave the Room by Caitlin Starling

I’ll be posting a daily beautifully spooky book cover throughout the month of October 👻🎃

#booktwt #books #book #cover #writingcommunity #readingcommunity #BookSky

October 30, 2025 at 12:29 PM