Tamara S. Harker
@tamarasharker.com
Indie epic fantasy author, editor, and avid collector and list-maker. My first novel, The Fruit of War: Stone and Flesh, arrives 1st March 2026!
🚫 GenAI, bigots unwelcome.
(She/Her)
www.tamarasharker.com
https://linktr.ee/tamarasharker
🚫 GenAI, bigots unwelcome.
(She/Her)
www.tamarasharker.com
https://linktr.ee/tamarasharker
Pinned
Tamara S. Harker
@tamarasharker.com
· Nov 7
Looking to sink your teeth into a cerebral, rich epic fantasy? "The Fruit of War: Stone and Flesh" will be served 1st March 2026!
Get your first taste by signing up for my newsletter at www.tamarasharker.com!
🪐📚 💙📚
#epicfantasy #darkfantasy #fruitofwar #indiebooks
Get your first taste by signing up for my newsletter at www.tamarasharker.com!
🪐📚 💙📚
#epicfantasy #darkfantasy #fruitofwar #indiebooks
Palmful of hours to go where I am, but thank you for a wonderful past few months, Bluesky friends! Happy New Year! Celebrate safely and well.
January 1, 2026 at 1:25 AM
Palmful of hours to go where I am, but thank you for a wonderful past few months, Bluesky friends! Happy New Year! Celebrate safely and well.
A great end-of-year digital housekeeping checklist for authors by @jeffreyyamaguchi.bsky.social!
Lots of these are quick fixes and, for me personally, have a big impact (the number of times I've seen out-of-date info or dead links...).
bookpublishing.substack.com/p/end-of-the...
Lots of these are quick fixes and, for me personally, have a big impact (the number of times I've seen out-of-date info or dead links...).
bookpublishing.substack.com/p/end-of-the...
End-of-the-Year Author Platform Tune-Up (2025 Edition)
Simple To-Dos So You Can Hit the Ground Running with Your 2026 Plans
bookpublishing.substack.com
December 31, 2025 at 5:14 PM
A great end-of-year digital housekeeping checklist for authors by @jeffreyyamaguchi.bsky.social!
Lots of these are quick fixes and, for me personally, have a big impact (the number of times I've seen out-of-date info or dead links...).
bookpublishing.substack.com/p/end-of-the...
Lots of these are quick fixes and, for me personally, have a big impact (the number of times I've seen out-of-date info or dead links...).
bookpublishing.substack.com/p/end-of-the...
Day 31 of #decemberworldbuilders!
There's a prequel novelette I need to finish, but mostly I need to make additional strides on Book 2. A big part of that will be worldbuilding as our setting changes drastically! I have a bunch of notes scattered everywhere and *some* are compiled...
[1/3]
There's a prequel novelette I need to finish, but mostly I need to make additional strides on Book 2. A big part of that will be worldbuilding as our setting changes drastically! I have a bunch of notes scattered everywhere and *some* are compiled...
[1/3]
#DecemberWorldbuilders. Here we are, at the end of the year... What are your plans for next year? Do you have any worldbuilding or writing goals? Any aspects of your world you'd like to expand on?
I plan to keep this prompt game going, so expect more q's all year long!
I plan to keep this prompt game going, so expect more q's all year long!
December 31, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Day 31 of #decemberworldbuilders!
There's a prequel novelette I need to finish, but mostly I need to make additional strides on Book 2. A big part of that will be worldbuilding as our setting changes drastically! I have a bunch of notes scattered everywhere and *some* are compiled...
[1/3]
There's a prequel novelette I need to finish, but mostly I need to make additional strides on Book 2. A big part of that will be worldbuilding as our setting changes drastically! I have a bunch of notes scattered everywhere and *some* are compiled...
[1/3]
Friends! For those of you who have already debuted, what kind of marketing did you do in the run-up to your release date, if at all? Did you do a pre-order campaign? Did you run ads? Did you make a ritualistic sacrifice to the Flying Spaghetti Monster? etc. etc.
#writingcommunity #indieauthor
#writingcommunity #indieauthor
December 31, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Friends! For those of you who have already debuted, what kind of marketing did you do in the run-up to your release date, if at all? Did you do a pre-order campaign? Did you run ads? Did you make a ritualistic sacrifice to the Flying Spaghetti Monster? etc. etc.
#writingcommunity #indieauthor
#writingcommunity #indieauthor
Day 30 of #decemberworldbuilders!
This past year I've spent a lot of time dealing with things that are writing-related but not *writing*, and at times it's been hard not to conflate the two. Generally, I feel confident in my writing. I like it. Sometimes I'll read stuff back and...
[1/3]
This past year I've spent a lot of time dealing with things that are writing-related but not *writing*, and at times it's been hard not to conflate the two. Generally, I feel confident in my writing. I like it. Sometimes I'll read stuff back and...
[1/3]
#DecemberWorldbuilders, friends, how have your felt about your writing in general this year? Did you write as much as you wanted to? Do you *like* your writing? Or does this question make you look at your manuscript in despair?
December 30, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Day 30 of #decemberworldbuilders!
This past year I've spent a lot of time dealing with things that are writing-related but not *writing*, and at times it's been hard not to conflate the two. Generally, I feel confident in my writing. I like it. Sometimes I'll read stuff back and...
[1/3]
This past year I've spent a lot of time dealing with things that are writing-related but not *writing*, and at times it's been hard not to conflate the two. Generally, I feel confident in my writing. I like it. Sometimes I'll read stuff back and...
[1/3]
Day 29 of #decemberworldbuilders! (Catchup)
I had to think for a bit about this one. There's already so many wonderful, fantastical things already out there that I'd hesitate to call anything of mine absolutely unique, but for the sake of argument:
[1/2]
I had to think for a bit about this one. There's already so many wonderful, fantastical things already out there that I'd hesitate to call anything of mine absolutely unique, but for the sake of argument:
[1/2]
#DecemberWorldbuilders, it's the last few days of the month and I like to ask some more broad questions about your worldbuilding generally or your habits
Share something you think is unique about YOUR world. OR, something in your world that is rare to the people living there!
Share something you think is unique about YOUR world. OR, something in your world that is rare to the people living there!
December 30, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Day 29 of #decemberworldbuilders! (Catchup)
I had to think for a bit about this one. There's already so many wonderful, fantastical things already out there that I'd hesitate to call anything of mine absolutely unique, but for the sake of argument:
[1/2]
I had to think for a bit about this one. There's already so many wonderful, fantastical things already out there that I'd hesitate to call anything of mine absolutely unique, but for the sake of argument:
[1/2]
Day 28 of #decemberworldbuilders!
Let's talk about rigral! They're a medium-sized, labradorite-colored fish native to and primarily found in the Eizunuth Well; largely solitary; and are notable for being one of the first and only species to subject to some degree of conservation efforts.
[1/3]
Let's talk about rigral! They're a medium-sized, labradorite-colored fish native to and primarily found in the Eizunuth Well; largely solitary; and are notable for being one of the first and only species to subject to some degree of conservation efforts.
[1/3]
We made it to the last day of Animals Week here in #DecemberWorldbuilders. Tell me about some aquatic creatures in your world. Maybe something that lives in the ocean or a river? However you want to define 'animal' is up to you!
December 28, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Day 28 of #decemberworldbuilders!
Let's talk about rigral! They're a medium-sized, labradorite-colored fish native to and primarily found in the Eizunuth Well; largely solitary; and are notable for being one of the first and only species to subject to some degree of conservation efforts.
[1/3]
Let's talk about rigral! They're a medium-sized, labradorite-colored fish native to and primarily found in the Eizunuth Well; largely solitary; and are notable for being one of the first and only species to subject to some degree of conservation efforts.
[1/3]
There's a handful!
+ Muscular women. Tragic heroines.
+ Not love triangles, per se, but triads, whether romantic or not.
+ Motifs/metaphors: awe and terror, beauty and death, grief. Sometimes the metaphors get sensual.
+ Someone will have/get a significant scar.
+ There will probably be a cat.
+ Muscular women. Tragic heroines.
+ Not love triangles, per se, but triads, whether romantic or not.
+ Motifs/metaphors: awe and terror, beauty and death, grief. Sometimes the metaphors get sensual.
+ Someone will have/get a significant scar.
+ There will probably be a cat.
Okay #WritingCommunity, what is a gift you give to yourself in your writing? What tropes or details or motifs do you use simply because you love them?
I love the tiny badass woman trope. I include the trope all the time.
I also love roses, and include them frequently as symbols and motifs.
I love the tiny badass woman trope. I include the trope all the time.
I also love roses, and include them frequently as symbols and motifs.
December 27, 2025 at 9:12 PM
There's a handful!
+ Muscular women. Tragic heroines.
+ Not love triangles, per se, but triads, whether romantic or not.
+ Motifs/metaphors: awe and terror, beauty and death, grief. Sometimes the metaphors get sensual.
+ Someone will have/get a significant scar.
+ There will probably be a cat.
+ Muscular women. Tragic heroines.
+ Not love triangles, per se, but triads, whether romantic or not.
+ Motifs/metaphors: awe and terror, beauty and death, grief. Sometimes the metaphors get sensual.
+ Someone will have/get a significant scar.
+ There will probably be a cat.
Day 27 of #decemberworldbuilders!
Penecta are small, quasi-reptilian carrion birds that live in large flocks near both xaa and bloodgrass, with whom they have a semi-symbiotic relationship. They are strangely quiet birds en-masse, only using high-pitched trilling calls to signify danger.
[1/2]
Penecta are small, quasi-reptilian carrion birds that live in large flocks near both xaa and bloodgrass, with whom they have a semi-symbiotic relationship. They are strangely quiet birds en-masse, only using high-pitched trilling calls to signify danger.
[1/2]
It's Animals Week! Tell me about an animal in your world that can fly, #DecemberWorldbuilders! Once again, you define what an animal is for the prompt. If you want to include sapient animal-people or semi-sapient creatures of questionable 'animalhood' that is up to YOU
December 27, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Day 27 of #decemberworldbuilders!
Penecta are small, quasi-reptilian carrion birds that live in large flocks near both xaa and bloodgrass, with whom they have a semi-symbiotic relationship. They are strangely quiet birds en-masse, only using high-pitched trilling calls to signify danger.
[1/2]
Penecta are small, quasi-reptilian carrion birds that live in large flocks near both xaa and bloodgrass, with whom they have a semi-symbiotic relationship. They are strangely quiet birds en-masse, only using high-pitched trilling calls to signify danger.
[1/2]
Day 26 of #decemberworldbuilders! (Catchup)
A bankclimber is a mudfish-like amphibian localized to the swamps of Ünenshuut. They're notable for their raucous squawk/bark of a territorial call that has an impressive volume for its size. (And they're surprisingly territorial!)
[1/2]
A bankclimber is a mudfish-like amphibian localized to the swamps of Ünenshuut. They're notable for their raucous squawk/bark of a territorial call that has an impressive volume for its size. (And they're surprisingly territorial!)
[1/2]
#DecemberWorldbuilders, tell me about a REPTILE or AMPHIBIAN that exists in your world 👀 I'm counting flightless birds and dinosaurs 😆
December 27, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Day 26 of #decemberworldbuilders! (Catchup)
A bankclimber is a mudfish-like amphibian localized to the swamps of Ünenshuut. They're notable for their raucous squawk/bark of a territorial call that has an impressive volume for its size. (And they're surprisingly territorial!)
[1/2]
A bankclimber is a mudfish-like amphibian localized to the swamps of Ünenshuut. They're notable for their raucous squawk/bark of a territorial call that has an impressive volume for its size. (And they're surprisingly territorial!)
[1/2]
Day 24 of #decemberworldbuilders! (Catchup)
A moonviper is a rare nocturnal, venomous snake primarily found in Kiva, and one of the largest snakes in Ícalar. They're known for their mutable scales, which during the day or travel are a dark speckled brown but...
[1/2]
A moonviper is a rare nocturnal, venomous snake primarily found in Kiva, and one of the largest snakes in Ícalar. They're known for their mutable scales, which during the day or travel are a dark speckled brown but...
[1/2]
#DecemberWorldbuilders, which of your animals are gonna be up watching Santa go down the chimney tonight? Tell me about your nocturnal creatures🌙
Also, I'm leaving it up to you to decide what an 'animal' is. Is it a semi-sapient companion monster? It counts if you want it to!
Also, I'm leaving it up to you to decide what an 'animal' is. Is it a semi-sapient companion monster? It counts if you want it to!
December 27, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Day 24 of #decemberworldbuilders! (Catchup)
A moonviper is a rare nocturnal, venomous snake primarily found in Kiva, and one of the largest snakes in Ícalar. They're known for their mutable scales, which during the day or travel are a dark speckled brown but...
[1/2]
A moonviper is a rare nocturnal, venomous snake primarily found in Kiva, and one of the largest snakes in Ícalar. They're known for their mutable scales, which during the day or travel are a dark speckled brown but...
[1/2]
Day 23 of #decemberworldbuilders! (Catchup)
Yay, megafauna! The biggest I currently have in Ícalar (that aren't myth) are the caeo -- essentially, sky whales, because I love sky whales, haha.
They play a significant role in the water cycle by secreting a chemical...
[1/2]
Yay, megafauna! The biggest I currently have in Ícalar (that aren't myth) are the caeo -- essentially, sky whales, because I love sky whales, haha.
They play a significant role in the water cycle by secreting a chemical...
[1/2]
It's Animal Week on #DecemberWorldbuilders! Tell me about some BIG animals in your world. 👀
December 27, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Day 23 of #decemberworldbuilders! (Catchup)
Yay, megafauna! The biggest I currently have in Ícalar (that aren't myth) are the caeo -- essentially, sky whales, because I love sky whales, haha.
They play a significant role in the water cycle by secreting a chemical...
[1/2]
Yay, megafauna! The biggest I currently have in Ícalar (that aren't myth) are the caeo -- essentially, sky whales, because I love sky whales, haha.
They play a significant role in the water cycle by secreting a chemical...
[1/2]
Hi, #pretendpanel -ists! While of course I'd love it if you checked out my pinned post (and maybe take a peek at my freebie!), I mostly want to A) point you at CE Wright's debut epic fantasy "The First Steps of the Path" that came out earlier this month...
www.cewright.co.uk
[1/2]
www.cewright.co.uk
[1/2]
December 27, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Hi, #pretendpanel -ists! While of course I'd love it if you checked out my pinned post (and maybe take a peek at my freebie!), I mostly want to A) point you at CE Wright's debut epic fantasy "The First Steps of the Path" that came out earlier this month...
www.cewright.co.uk
[1/2]
www.cewright.co.uk
[1/2]
Today is prep day for tomorrow! Molly's healing continues apace, and I had her moral support -- and her brother's "help" -- as I wrapped presents for a friend's littles yesterday.
December 24, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Today is prep day for tomorrow! Molly's healing continues apace, and I had her moral support -- and her brother's "help" -- as I wrapped presents for a friend's littles yesterday.
Day 22 of #decemberworldbuilding!
In Ícalar, no, not magical. The closest known to Ícalarans in Book 1 are a subspecies of Azgorach used during the War of the Six -- the Valrokor, otherwise known as 'spell-eaters' and thus especially feared by channelers on either side of the conflict.
[1/2]
In Ícalar, no, not magical. The closest known to Ícalarans in Book 1 are a subspecies of Azgorach used during the War of the Six -- the Valrokor, otherwise known as 'spell-eaters' and thus especially feared by channelers on either side of the conflict.
[1/2]
It's the fourth week of #DecemberWorldbuilders! The theme is ANIMALS. I will ask for some very specific creatures, so if you haven't done any animal-related worldbuilding, feel free to take a break! No need to tell me you haven't done it!
Any magical animals in your world?
Any magical animals in your world?
December 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Day 22 of #decemberworldbuilding!
In Ícalar, no, not magical. The closest known to Ícalarans in Book 1 are a subspecies of Azgorach used during the War of the Six -- the Valrokor, otherwise known as 'spell-eaters' and thus especially feared by channelers on either side of the conflict.
[1/2]
In Ícalar, no, not magical. The closest known to Ícalarans in Book 1 are a subspecies of Azgorach used during the War of the Six -- the Valrokor, otherwise known as 'spell-eaters' and thus especially feared by channelers on either side of the conflict.
[1/2]
Day 21 of #decemberworldbuilders! Great question!
I introduced y'all to the kōza in my #icalaranfieldguide last month, so the first chore that popped into my mind for this question was to do with their care!
Kōza are, in essence, winged draconic felines. They exist in the wild but...
[1/3]
I introduced y'all to the kōza in my #icalaranfieldguide last month, so the first chore that popped into my mind for this question was to do with their care!
Kōza are, in essence, winged draconic felines. They exist in the wild but...
[1/3]
#DecemberWorldbuilders, one of the great things about writing SFF is making a world *different* from our own. Have these differences led to a task that only *your* characters have to deal with? Any magic or monster-related chores? Anything related to world-specific festivals or seasonal changes?
December 21, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Day 21 of #decemberworldbuilders! Great question!
I introduced y'all to the kōza in my #icalaranfieldguide last month, so the first chore that popped into my mind for this question was to do with their care!
Kōza are, in essence, winged draconic felines. They exist in the wild but...
[1/3]
I introduced y'all to the kōza in my #icalaranfieldguide last month, so the first chore that popped into my mind for this question was to do with their care!
Kōza are, in essence, winged draconic felines. They exist in the wild but...
[1/3]
Happy Winter Solstice, everyone!
I'm sure some of you are traveling either today or in the coming days, so as they say in Kiva, "Uushbaht ru’onrel." – be safe as you go. ❤️
I'm sure some of you are traveling either today or in the coming days, so as they say in Kiva, "Uushbaht ru’onrel." – be safe as you go. ❤️
December 21, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Happy Winter Solstice, everyone!
I'm sure some of you are traveling either today or in the coming days, so as they say in Kiva, "Uushbaht ru’onrel." – be safe as you go. ❤️
I'm sure some of you are traveling either today or in the coming days, so as they say in Kiva, "Uushbaht ru’onrel." – be safe as you go. ❤️
This is extra fun because I can't reveal names yet! (They're slow-burn or otherwise far in the future.) Though, to one degree or another for both of them it's more of a situationship, as the kids say. 😬
🗡🌿🔍
🍂⏱️😈
🗡🌿🔍
🍂⏱️😈
In some fandoms, people use emoji combinations as a shorthand for their favorite ships (romantic character pairings)
For instance, I might assign Grilled the emoji 🔥 and Aubergine gets 🍆. Therefore, their shipping emoji would be 🔥🍆
What emoji combos fit YOUR romantic character pairings?👀
For instance, I might assign Grilled the emoji 🔥 and Aubergine gets 🍆. Therefore, their shipping emoji would be 🔥🍆
What emoji combos fit YOUR romantic character pairings?👀
December 21, 2025 at 4:17 AM
This is extra fun because I can't reveal names yet! (They're slow-burn or otherwise far in the future.) Though, to one degree or another for both of them it's more of a situationship, as the kids say. 😬
🗡🌿🔍
🍂⏱️😈
🗡🌿🔍
🍂⏱️😈
I've gone through much of my writing career (including when it wasn't a career) feeling fairly confident about my writing itself, and able to roll with the punches when I wasn't. The game has changed a bit now that I'm looking at formal publication. Next year I'd like to...
[1/4]
#pretendpanel
[1/4]
#pretendpanel
Hi #pretendpanel, amazing goals yesterday! But more than tangible goals, which can sometimes escape us despite our best intentions, today I wanna get to the heart of it...
December 20th: How would you most like to feel about your writing in 2026?
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
December 20th: How would you most like to feel about your writing in 2026?
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
December 20, 2025 at 6:48 PM
I've gone through much of my writing career (including when it wasn't a career) feeling fairly confident about my writing itself, and able to roll with the punches when I wasn't. The game has changed a bit now that I'm looking at formal publication. Next year I'd like to...
[1/4]
#pretendpanel
[1/4]
#pretendpanel
Day 20 of #decemberworldbuilders!
This aspect is a little underdeveloped for me, frankly because I wanted to create realistic pre-war historical stances and post-war attitudes. So, the generalization I have is that while it is mostly frowned upon or illegal...
[1/2]
This aspect is a little underdeveloped for me, frankly because I wanted to create realistic pre-war historical stances and post-war attitudes. So, the generalization I have is that while it is mostly frowned upon or illegal...
[1/2]
#DecemberWorldbuilders, tell me honestly: how dark and dystopian is your world? Do they have slavery there? Is it based on anything like race, sex, or class? Can a person be freed? How bad is it for them?
December 20, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Day 20 of #decemberworldbuilders!
This aspect is a little underdeveloped for me, frankly because I wanted to create realistic pre-war historical stances and post-war attitudes. So, the generalization I have is that while it is mostly frowned upon or illegal...
[1/2]
This aspect is a little underdeveloped for me, frankly because I wanted to create realistic pre-war historical stances and post-war attitudes. So, the generalization I have is that while it is mostly frowned upon or illegal...
[1/2]
Day 19 of #decemberworldbuilders! (Catchup)
Paid childcare of one kind or another (and explicitly *paid*) is fairly common across most countries, notably outside cities as well as within. Some cities have state-paid upkeep infrastructure such as dealing with refuse or street maintenance.
[1/2]
Paid childcare of one kind or another (and explicitly *paid*) is fairly common across most countries, notably outside cities as well as within. Some cities have state-paid upkeep infrastructure such as dealing with refuse or street maintenance.
[1/2]
#DecemberWorldbuilders. Hello, friends! In your world, are there people who make a living by helping with everyday chores? Paid servants or some kind of employee of the state whose job is to do routine tasks other people don't want to do?
December 20, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Day 19 of #decemberworldbuilders! (Catchup)
Paid childcare of one kind or another (and explicitly *paid*) is fairly common across most countries, notably outside cities as well as within. Some cities have state-paid upkeep infrastructure such as dealing with refuse or street maintenance.
[1/2]
Paid childcare of one kind or another (and explicitly *paid*) is fairly common across most countries, notably outside cities as well as within. Some cities have state-paid upkeep infrastructure such as dealing with refuse or street maintenance.
[1/2]
First time dipping into a #SFFChat, hello!
I'm Tamara, an indie epic/dark fantasy author whose debut novel, Stone & Flesh, releases next spring! I'm also an editor when I'm not writing.
As for magic power of choice, I'd love the ability to observe (not go to / interact with) the past!
I'm Tamara, an indie epic/dark fantasy author whose debut novel, Stone & Flesh, releases next spring! I'm also an editor when I'm not writing.
As for magic power of choice, I'd love the ability to observe (not go to / interact with) the past!
#SFFChat Intro: Introduce yourself and share what magic power you would have if you could choose one!
December 20, 2025 at 1:30 AM
First time dipping into a #SFFChat, hello!
I'm Tamara, an indie epic/dark fantasy author whose debut novel, Stone & Flesh, releases next spring! I'm also an editor when I'm not writing.
As for magic power of choice, I'd love the ability to observe (not go to / interact with) the past!
I'm Tamara, an indie epic/dark fantasy author whose debut novel, Stone & Flesh, releases next spring! I'm also an editor when I'm not writing.
As for magic power of choice, I'd love the ability to observe (not go to / interact with) the past!
First time trying a #pretendpanel!
I'm on track for FoW:S&F to release in March, so as far as other tangible achievements go, I'd love a thorough, positive review or two! (Or three, or...) That'd really start my year off well! 😊
I'm on track for FoW:S&F to release in March, so as far as other tangible achievements go, I'd love a thorough, positive review or two! (Or three, or...) That'd really start my year off well! 😊
#pretendpanel, I can't believe it's only been a week, it feels like longer! Tell me...
December 19th: Is there a tangible achievement you want to reach in 2026?
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
December 19th: Is there a tangible achievement you want to reach in 2026?
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
December 20, 2025 at 1:24 AM
First time trying a #pretendpanel!
I'm on track for FoW:S&F to release in March, so as far as other tangible achievements go, I'd love a thorough, positive review or two! (Or three, or...) That'd really start my year off well! 😊
I'm on track for FoW:S&F to release in March, so as far as other tangible achievements go, I'd love a thorough, positive review or two! (Or three, or...) That'd really start my year off well! 😊