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Walker Harris
@walkerharris.net
1.7K followers 1.1K following 5.5K posts
He/him. Author. Anti-AI, Pro-LGBTQIA+.

WIPs
Felcrown: fantasy adventure serial & ttrpg setting about a megadungeon that becomes a city
Philosopher Queens: rock romance serial about lives & loves of an indie band

WalkerHarris.net

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walkerharris.net
Walker Harris @walkerharris.net · Nov 6
Take care of yourself.
Take care of your loved ones.
Take care of the vulnerable and in need.

We need to work together to get us all to the other side of this because there will be an other side of this someday.
Reposted by Walker Harris
paisley-rose.bsky.social
***FREE EBOOK***

Asexual. Cozy gamer. Friend. Half-sister. Audrey starts to question what all these labels actually mean when she meets her favourite RPG streamer in real life and has feelings for him she's never felt before.

Get your copy of LEVEL UP for free until Feb 13th! books2read.com/lvlup
Photo of an ereader displaying a black and white image of the cover of LEVEL UP by Paisley Rose, propped up in the tablet stand of a mechanical keyboard that looks like a vintage typewriter, with some out of focus paintings in the background. The cover has illustrated characters, a young woman and young man kissing, with a computer setup behind them, and hand-written text for the title.
February 10, 2026 at 11:10 PM
walkerharris.net
Qtp with a gif that pops up when you type in your name.
February 11, 2026 at 8:09 PM
walkerharris.net
Busy week, then got sick (which actually opened up my schedule today, I suppose) but I did want to add something for this one.

An interesting aspect of the Felcrown world's relation to other planes of existence is that they are often accessed via legendary deeds.

1/4

#FebruaryWorldbuilders
kiraofthewind.com Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 3d
#FebruaryWorldbuilders If you have nonphysical realms in your setting, how can they be accessed? Can characters go there or somehow 'see' inside it? Does something else live there and come out when summoned?
MonthlyWorldbuilders prompts daily feed card #FebruaryWorldbuilders Hosted by Kira of the Wind Week 1: Metaphysical World 9. How can nonphysical realms be accessed? The background image shows a misty forest with a mysterious tower in the background. It has a cold, mysterious vibe.
February 11, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Reposted by Walker Harris
fromtreetobook.bsky.social
Check out our latest episode, Chapter Five: We Build Worlds.
Come join Anna, Sam, and Eliwood on youtube, or wherever you get your podcasts!
youtube.com/@fromtreetob...
From Tree to Book Writing Group
The youtube channel for From Tree to Book Writing Group: The Podcast! Join Anna, Sam, and Eliwood as we talk about the highs and lows of writing. We're here for folks at any stage of their writing…
www.youtube.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:05 PM
walkerharris.net
I need to work more environment descriptions into my writing, but this is one instance I'm pretty happy with. Rachel is stopping by Kyle's apartment.

From Ballad of the Philosopher Queens, my rock romance/drama serial maybe premiering someday. 😜

#WIPSnips
Screenshot of a work-in-progress manuscript with the word 'vibe' highlighted. The door buzzes and I head in. There’s that feel to so many apartment entryways. Mine is a totally different design, but that vibe is still there. Quiet with the muffled murmuring of televisions and conversations. Doormats outside each identical door. A couple with little piles of kids’ shoes scattered on them. The aroma of dinners of various ethnicities subtly blending together. The distinctive herbal scent of someone taking the edge off their day. Been a while since I’ve smoked, but I definitely remember that scent. There’s a flash of memory — Shawna and I as teenagers trying to find ways to cover the smell before going home. She’s getting increasingly panicked about her parents finding out.
February 11, 2026 at 3:28 PM
walkerharris.net
I've been fortunate managing to avoid catching anything too terrible all this time working from home. But we had to return to the office a month ago and, surprise surprise, I just came down with the worst cold I've had in years.

Yep, this is more productive. 🤒🤧
February 11, 2026 at 2:32 PM
Reposted by Walker Harris
ddwardiswriting.bsky.social
Hey all,

If you'd prefer to read Daughters of the Digital Empire in epub format, it's free on the Internet Archive!

archive.org/details/@d_d...
Internet Archive: Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Texts, Movies, Music & Wayback Machine
archive.org
February 10, 2026 at 1:50 PM
walkerharris.net
#WIPLash Haven't talked much about it but I'm plugging away on my Grumpy-Sprite/Sunshine-Imp Shipwrecked Familiars novella.

Also, on my excited for someday list:
A multi-generation, 100-year, 12-book, superhero epic I've plotted a TON for (but written nothing). Readable as books 1-->12 or 12-->1.
zprospero.bsky.social Zed Prospero @zprospero.bsky.social · 2d
#WIPLash

Monday’s suck. So, I thought I’d try a Monday prompt game. What WIPs or ideas do you not talk about as much? Or random ideas you’ve had that have added to you WIP pile lately? What are you excited to work on?

No rules. Just blab! 😁

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #Writers #AmWriting
#WIPLash Monday’s suck. So, share a something about one of your older, more obscure, or still just an idea on a napkin state WIPs. No rules. Just share stuff you’re excited about. @zprospero.bsky.social
February 9, 2026 at 5:35 PM
walkerharris.net
Sorry, long one today, but even my synonyms were looking uninteresting.

This is from late in my rock romance/drama serial (late year 3 or early 4), but Katie surprised me with this so I had to rough draft it. But it also makes sense with her, even if I'm still thinking thru the impact.

#WIPSnips
Screenshot of a work-in-progress manuscript with the word 'selected' highlighted. [The band is entering their info for an interview or some formal event.] [Katie:] I click “She/They” and submit it. Why did I do that?! That is wrong. I cannot claim that! Quinn talked about how much of a struggle it was to find their identity. It is not some whim. “Oh no. Oh no no no. Shit!” I panic and start clicking Back and trying to reset the form, but it is frozen on asking for Kyle’s info now. “Sweetie?” I feel Kyle’s warmth behind me a couple moments before his hand is on my shoulder. Of course, even after all this time, he would still let me know he is there before touching me. “Is it not working right? Can I help?” “I messed up my registration.” I hold the tablet up for him. “Ok, I am sure we can talk to someone and fix it. What happened?” I feel ridiculous, but I know he would understand. My shoulders slump, but he pulls me against him, and I know it will all be fine somehow. He will make it better. “I entered the wrong pronouns, but it will not let me fix it.” “Ok. That seems fixable, but…” He also taps several times on the tablet, repeating what I just tried. “Hurm, I think we are going to need to talk to someone. So, are you accidentally ‘He’ now, or did you get distracted by their impressive list of neopronouns?” He chuckles in that soft way that manages to walk that line of making a problem seem lighter and even a bit silly without belittling it. “I selected She/They.” “Ok, easy mistake to make.” “I…” I should not be this nervous, especially with Kyle, but my voice still lowers to a whisper. “It was not a mistake.” “Oh.” His eyebrows raise at that, but then his face warms with that smile that started pulling at me from across the room at the try outs years ago. “So… you intentionally selected that one, but… regret it? Are you still thinking about it? Not ready for others to know?”
February 9, 2026 at 1:08 PM
walkerharris.net
In my rock romance:

Katie isn’t a fighter but will write a song utterly destroying an enemy that's such a hit they can’t escape it. Her worst weapon, however, is her ND forgetting about a person as no longer relevant. “Who are you again? I didn’t bother remembering you.” 😮☠️

1/5
#AwesomeCharacters
charliedeltawrites.bsky.social ❄️Charlie (Chelizabeth) Delta ☃️ @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · 3d
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters

Let's talk fighting styles!

How does your character fight? Do they wield weapons? Magic? Are they a brawler? Or do they have a more sophisticated fighting style?

Or are they a pacifist who would never fight?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
February 9, 2026 at 3:16 AM
walkerharris.net
In Felcrown:

Digs is a classic sword & board paladin, but has lived a pampered life and is optimistic enough that she has trouble hurting anyone. Instead she uses magic to help her friends. Unless the enemy is very evil, then she makes sure they don’t see tomorrow.

1/3

#AwesomeCharacters
charliedeltawrites.bsky.social ❄️Charlie (Chelizabeth) Delta ☃️ @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · 3d
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters

Let's talk fighting styles!

How does your character fight? Do they wield weapons? Magic? Are they a brawler? Or do they have a more sophisticated fighting style?

Or are they a pacifist who would never fight?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
February 9, 2026 at 3:06 AM
walkerharris.net
The source of magic is sort of understood in the world of Felcown but not necessarily all of the implications. The source of magic is Belief. It is not as simple as “If I believe I’m holding an apple, one will appear.” but belief is a fundamental property of the cosmos.

1/3
#Febchantment
professoremily.bsky.social Prof Emily @professoremily.bsky.social · 4d
#Febchantment Day 8

This week we're digging more into the nuts & bolts of your magic system! So let's start with the source.

Where exactly does magic "come from" in your world? Where/when does it originate? Does anyone know for sure, or are there only theories?

#writingcommunity #writesky
February 8, 2026 at 6:08 PM
walkerharris.net
Oh absolutely! One of the things the city of Felcrown is known for is the thin barriers to the Realms Beyond. These are other planes of existence that souls come from and pass to after their mortal body dies.

Also magic allows travel to and from them, too.

1/5

#FebruaryWorldbuilders
kiraofthewind.com Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 4d
Hey there, #FebruaryWorldbuilders. We're getting weird this week and talking about metaphysical aspects of our worlds. Do you have any nonphysical realms? Dream worlds, mind worlds, spiritual realms, a space of pure mathematics, etc. What are they in your setting?
MonthlyWorldbuilders prompts daily feed card #FebruaryWorldbuilders Hosted by Kira of the Wind Week 1: Metaphysical World 8. Does your world feature nonphysical realms? The background image shows a misty forest with a mysterious tower in the background. It has a cold, mysterious vibe.
February 8, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Reposted by Walker Harris
professoremily.bsky.social
#SundaySnips Feb 8

This is from a portion of #Atlantis Book 2 that I have nicknamed ~The Pining~ 😭

So I think this would qualify, lol
In those moments she looked at him, and she truly believed he was the Sun Father—the personification of hope itself—and she hardly dared consider herself worthy to stand beside his light. But then, usually in the same moments, he would go and do some small, silly human thing—make a stupid joke and laugh at it himself, nose crinkling—and then he was just Kena again, her dearest friend, making her heart explode into butterflies. Any little thing he did was enough to pluck the strings of her soul. He’d bring her something warm to drink when she wasn’t feeling well, or for no reason at all. He’d quietly leave a flower from his garden lying around somewhere he knew she would find it. She’d catch him lounging in the sunlight, playing his pipe to himself, and her body would ache to touch him. The sickness became worse and worse every day. He didn’t even have to do anything, and he could set her off just by being there, existing. His hands, his hair, his smell—the way his honey-colored eyes changed in the light—the shape of his mouth when he thought he was clever—the sound of his low, soft voice when he read to her from Ba’oti’s scrolls. She wanted him. There was no use in denying it anymore. She didn’t know when it had happened, but somehow over the years, friendship had become fondness had become fascination had become desire. The takeover had been so gradual that she hadn’t realized what was happening until it was too late. And yet, some stubborn part of her still resisted, even though she knew it was hopeless. Everyone had been telling them from the start that they were doomed to end up together, that it was simply inevitable, and she’d always hated that. She didn’t want to be the slave of fate. She didn’t want to follow the predictable path. She didn’t want to want Kena. But she did. She wanted him so much it hurt.
February 8, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Reposted by Walker Harris
gunsmile.bsky.social
#SundaySnips Haven't done one of these in a while, but I wrote a scene with yearning recently, so I figured I'll share it. Apologies for the first draft quality.

From CRUCIBLE OF THE BROKEN MOON, my romantic space fantasy about a runaway princess and the warlord's son she arranges herself to marry.
When he and Lex were alone by the sparring platform, she gave him a proper once-over, trying to ignore how appealing his muscular body looked as she assessed his physical condition. All signs pointed to his good health, a fact she was still struggling to comprehend despite Urosh and Raela’s reassurances. Raising her gaze to his, she found him watching her with an odd smile, more subdued than before but no less alluring. “What?” he asked. Even his voice was magnetic, making her feel like they were the only people around. She wanted to step right up to him, run her fingers along his scar, and pull him into a kiss. Clearing her throat, she said, “I have to go sort out the job contract with Urosh, but I wanted to stop by first and make sure you’re all right.” “Worried about me?” “Yes—or, I was. When you ate the black iron the priests gave you, I thought…” Daemrin’s expression softened. The amusement in his smile took on a note of tenderness that made her stomach flutter. “Right, you don’t know. Must’ve been a shock. Sorry for scaring you like that.” “It’s fine. Your parents explained, sort of. I don’t really understand it, but as long as you’re healthy, I see no reason not to trust them. Or you.” “You can trust me, Lex. I promise.”
February 8, 2026 at 2:52 PM
Reposted by Walker Harris
woodenvelt.bsky.social
#SundaySnips

Wren is having trouble getting to sleep.

From Thief of Death, a romantic fantasy about a priest of the dead and a thief with a heart of gold.

#WritingCommunity #Writingprompt #Wrencer #HQpress
Depending on the priest was a mistake. Letting herself get comfortable under his roof was an even bigger blunder, one Wren was watching herself make, seemingly without any ability to stop it. It was too easy sitting at the good brother’s table, listening to the silky timbre of his voice as he recounted his day; too serene nestled in his study, surrounded by the faintly dusty smell of old books and leather, basking in the sidelong smiles Spencer gifted her from time to time. Instead of inspiring a yearning for the tidy flat over her antique shop, the time spent under Spencer’s roof cast Wren’s memories of home in a harsh and lonely light. She had her own comfortable chairs, her own books, her own cozy kitchen not so far across the blue-gray sea, newer and finer than anything she’d find in the rectory. And yet, her single armchair beside the hearth seemed suddenly bereft, one of a matched set missing its mate. That her kitchen didn’t harbor a single wobbly seat had become a dire oversight. Even her bed linens, always soft against Wren’s skin, would be lacking without the faint scent of incense clinging to the weave.
February 8, 2026 at 2:37 PM
walkerharris.net
A bit of wound care and a purple-skinned tiefling blushing.

From Felcrown, my fantasy adventure serial about a megadungeon that becomes a city. Coming soon! (Oh, and also about these fun characters including this cute sapphic couple falling for each other.🥰)
Screenshot of a work-in-progress manuscript with the word 'purple' highlighted. Digs crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “Pyntal Tilliwic, we are not going to tolerate one of our friends refusing to take care of herself. You have already bled through those bandages. We need to do something.” Pyntal found Digs’s indignant scolding endearing. “Alright, I suppose. Redsleeves can use her wand on Motayu as much as he needs it, if you don’t mind helping me.” She unwrapped the bandage and studied the bloody rip in her shirt. She didn’t want to think about whether there was enough scrubbing and sewing that could make her mothers not upset with her ruining her best outfit. “Uh… so I guess with however my healing hands thing works I need to touch you… if that’s ok,” Digs said. “I don’t know if it helps to touch the wound, but I don’t want to hurt you.” “Maybe just try near it? Here, this might help.” Pyntal lifted her shirt up, exposing the wound across the side of her ribs. Also exposing a fair bit of her skin, but she was pretty sure she managed to protect her modesty. By how much Digs’s cheeks shifted from their usual deep violet to a redder purple, Pyntal wondered if maybe she was showing too much for her new tiefling friend. However, seeing that cute blush, Pyntal didn’t know if she would have done any differently if she had known.
February 8, 2026 at 3:57 PM
walkerharris.net
Before their first gig, Kyle shows up in his stage outfit (aka "sexy Mr. Rogers") but Katie is still wearing her usual, comfortable clothes.

They are both extreme nervous wrecks - both about the first gig and about each other.

#SundaySnips #Romancelandia
Screenshot of a work-in-progress manuscript with the word 'yearning' highlighted. “No need to apologize. I appreciate it. I was initially worried I got the day wrong.” “No, you got it alright. The day! You got the day right.” She looks back towards me, but down at the ground. She smiles awkwardly and tugs at the hem of her shirt. “And I like the stage outfit. You look very nice.” “Thanks. Wynne deserves all of the credit, however. And you look very nice, too.” Where did that come from? I want to tell myself I was just politely returning the compliment, but nope. I have been yearning to tell her how gorgeous she is since I met her but never had an opportunity that would not have been creepy. Unfortunately, I still have not had an opportunity that would not sound creepy but blurted it out anyway. She looks at me and tilts her head, annoyed. “Ha ha. Very funny. Rachel wanted me to go with something fancy but I am not ready for that and just want to be comfortable and play music.” “No, that was not meant to be sarcastic! You honestly always look gor—grrr—good is all I meant.” I close my eyes and pray for a rock to crawl under. With a deep breath, I reopen my eyes. “You are perfect.” That sounded 100 times more reassuring and less creep-with-a-crush in my head. Crap! “Oh, speaking of an unrelated topic to shift the conversation, I brought my micro amp.”
February 8, 2026 at 1:17 PM
walkerharris.net
A glimpse at AJ & Rachel's workplace. This totally isn't lifted directly from the now closed business I worked at for years. Not at all. 😉

From the 2nd chapter of my rock romance/drama serial, Ballad of the Philosopher Queens.

#WIPSnips
Screenshot of a work-in-progress manuscript with the word 'airport' highlighted. AJ Synergy Training Solutions & Innovations, Lansing, Michigan May 22 (86 days until Summerfest debut) I knock on the door frame of Rachel’s new office. “Senior Designer, eh? Nice promotion. You deserve it.” She looks up from plugging in her monitors and sighs. “It’s a ‘title change,’” she says, making finger quotes. “Promotions come with a raise and they can’t afford that right now. But if I’m a Senior Designer rather than a Lead Designer, they can bill clients a higher rate for my time.” “Man, this place sucks. Did I tell you I was supposed to have this afternoon off to pick up my dad from the airport? But now I got called into a fucking meeting I can’t get out of but will probably have nothing to do with me. As usual.” “Is Wynne getting your dad then?” “No, they are short staffed at the shop today.” “My calendar is pretty open this afternoon, so I could get him if it’d help.” “Thanks, that’s cool of ya, but he already scheduled a taxi.” I’m not surprised she offered. I’ve only known her a year, but she is already the most loyal friend I think I have ever had.
February 8, 2026 at 1:01 PM
walkerharris.net
Check out the Prologue to Zeggy's #CatIsekai "Me & My Cat Got Sent to Another World But He Gets to be OP and I'm Just Here for Moral Support!"

It's free and it is the start to a silly, fun, & delightful story!
💥⚡🐱⚡💥
infernulls.bsky.social Zeggy @infernulls.bsky.social · 4d
Yep! Even has the really long name, and it's completely free at infernulls.itch.io/cat-isekai-p... It's just the prologue right now, a small amount of pages, but sets up the story. It's kinda a side project to Infernulls, but I really enjoy it.
Cover art for Me and My Cat Got Sent to ANother World but He Gets to be OP and I'm just here for Moral Support! A high schooler, Kaori, in her school uniform falling through a portal with images of her cat doing many different heroic things such as slaying a dragon, firing beams, wearing a crown, chasing a string toy. https://infernulls.itch.io/cat-isekai-prologue Art by Ishida1694 Concept/Written by Zeggy
February 7, 2026 at 9:01 PM
walkerharris.net
Without naming your job, tell me something you say over and over again at work.

Day job: "I'll schedule a meeting so we can scope the requirements."

Night job: "First off, does that make sense? Secondly, what do you think? Agree? Disagree?"
servantand.bsky.social Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand.bsky.social · 4d
Without naming your job, tell me something you say over and over again at work.

"No, you can't leave that here."
ddwardiswriting.bsky.social DD Ward ..."Sapphic Dr. DOOM" @ddwardiswriting.bsky.social · 5d
Without naming your job, tell me something you say over and over again at work.

"Are you travelling to engage in abuse of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication?"
February 7, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Reposted by Walker Harris
professoremily.bsky.social
#Febchantment 7

Mireia uses a crystal to break out of a room.

The spell she does here (Deconstruction) isn't all that impressive itself...

What's impressive is that this is her 1st time using a crystal, with no training, & she does it intuitively without the "correct" incantation 👀
#Atlantis
The wall itself, she suddenly thought, was like the sea: not a single object, but a mass of infinitely small droplets that could be scattered and evaporated like water. That was all the whole world was, she saw. Every tree and rock and wave and building and person. Just uncountable clusters of droplets bumping against droplets, that could all be broken down and reshaped however she pleased. And beyond this world—beyond the walls of reality—there were other worlds, all made of droplets, all only droplets themselves in a vast sea of universes. And through it all, there was a current that flowed—a bloodstream. It was the same current now running between her body and that crystal. It was a snaking river that threaded the worlds together like beads on a string. It wove and sang and gusted through all the spaces between the droplets, and Mireia was the sail that could catch it. The energy was pulsing through her body, circulating through her veins. “There is no wall,” she declared, and her voice sounded low and strange, as if it belonged to someone else. “It’s only droplets. There is no wall! It’s only droplets!” A small light sparked to life inside the crystal. “What does she think she’s doing?” Xa’aba cried again. “I don’t believe it,” murmured Icozoue. Mireia pushed their voices out of her head, focusing just on the feeling of the crystal and the idea of dissolving the wall into the droplets it was. Her words became a chant, growing louder with each repetition. “There is no wall it’s only droplets! Break it down to nothing! Do as I say! THERE IS NO WALL IT’S ONLY DROPLETS!” The crystal seemed to vibrate in her hand, boiling over with energy. And an instant later, the wall before her rippled like the surface of a pool. It rippled again—it thrashed, it quaked—then the stones shattered into trembling particles, which all evaporated into empty air. And just like that, there was no wall. The water went gushing out through the opening, taking Mireia and the fish with it.
February 7, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Reposted by Walker Harris
theeldervampire.bsky.social
#Febchantment impressive magics!
#⚔️🌿🌼
🌿Elias helps his new friend with his crops. In the process, he shows just how powerful he really is

queer dark fantasy wip
🔮Tobias attempts to use an OP spell against his opponent. It's also a great example of how the life siphoning magic works
cw animal deaths
“Poor dears,” he sighed the first time he gazed upon them, and he knelt down to touch the soil. Obadiah was observing. “What in God’s name are you doing?” “Comforting the earth.” Elias tilted his head up. “I fear that your wheat is not feeling very appreciated. It is doing its best to grow under such conditions.” “You can *speak* to the plants?” “Not quite.” That had him smiling. “But I can feel their emotions, akin to how people converse and read their expressions. The wheat just needs some tenderness.” “A load of rubbish,” Obadiah huffed. “You have such a closed mind, Obadiah,” he tittered. “Just watch. I will show you.” Elias closed his eyes, ignoring Obadiah’s disgruntled little scepticism. He smiled to himself, whispering a prayer. “Mother Earth, breathe new life to this soil. Bless it with good fortune. Let these stalks tower above our heads and remain prosperous forevermore.” Elias even leaned down to press a tender kiss to the earth. Obadiah let out a disgusted little grimace. “That surely would not work.” But as he muttered it, a new light began to form around the plotted land. The soil glowed and began to dampen under Elias’ touch, bringing back sustenance that was sorely missed. He smiled, looking up towards the sky, and that was when it opened to bring forth the rain. “What?” Obadiah gasped, glancing up. Droplets began to fall on his brow. “Impossible.” Meanwhile, Elias just kept grinning. To heal the earth always brought him such joy. He slowly rose, the rain soaking his hair. “See?” he grinned. “All it needed was tenderness.” “That was—” The other man sputtered. “You brought forth *rain!”* “I am a guardian of nature,” Elias reminded him. “Mother Earth allows me to bend it to my whim, however I so choose. And with it, I gave your crops a fighting chance.” There were several different ways to cast *Baleful Detonation,* some that didn’t require nearly the amount of matter to cast it. Smaller bursts of it could kill just one man, if done correctly. The mage struck out at me with an unseen tether, grabbing me by the back of the neck. I was tugged to the ground by it, and my bum leg took the brunt of the fall. I nearly bit my tongue at the impact. Jerking my head up, I took in drafts from the earth beneath me before shooting back at him with bursts of fire. He let out a cry, clutching his neck when I aimed a little too high. His hands were shaking, blood seeping out from his fingers. I used this distraction to haul myself to my feet using the cart. My fingers curled into the wood. The full cast of *Baleful Detonation* required a constant pool of life sources. I had to concentrate on it in order to keep channeling it. This was my first time attempting to cast a smaller version. I could already feel all the life around me begin to siphon into my reserve. It took from the surrounding trees, the grass and shrubs, and I was startled to hear the horse suddenly drop to the ground. The mage, who’d previously been stunned, was stricken once more as his eyes widened. “No! S-stop! You’re taking too much! My cargo, it—” Before he could finish, I released the spell. Even a small burst had me shielding my eyes. It blasted through the forest, destroying everything it touched. The trees were husks of what they once were, ready to crumble and fall away. Several animals that were settled in those trees collapsed hard to the forest floor. Their bodies were merely bones and spoiling meat, the flesh rotted away. The ground below them was black and charred. I’d missed the mage.
February 7, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Reposted by Walker Harris
professoremily.bsky.social
#PretendPanel Feb 7

I don't write to escape from real world politics, I write to shine a light on it.

Deconstructing my old conservative fundie beliefs was a major turning point in my life, & I can't help but want to expose all the toxic shit I used to believe. The more the world loses its mind...
hiriadunning.com Hiria Dunning @hiriadunning.com · 5d
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
#pretendpanel a daily prompt tag hosted by @hiriadunning.com February 7th: How much has real world politics had an impact on your writing, or do you avoid that like the plague? Please support your fellow #pretentpanel posters with replies, likes and reposts New #pretendpanel questions every Friday and Saturday. Hop in any time!
February 7, 2026 at 1:36 PM
walkerharris.net
Ugh, this is tough. I have a few that are major spoilers. I suppose I'll go with this which spoils a shocking moment but it's from very early and is the Inciting Incident. So if this was a movie, it'd likely be in the trailer. Read or scroll by as you like.🤷

CW: Brief mention of gore

#Febchantment
Screenshot of a work-in-progress manuscript. Movement behind the Betrayer Queen caught Digs’s attention. The Grand Vizier turned his staff sideways and raised a knee. Her mother screamed, “No!!!” The sudden intensity of the moment slowed time to a crawl. As the Grand Vizier swung the staff towards his knee seemingly to snap it, Digs turned and was shocked at the look of unrestrained terror on her mother’s face as she ran forward, her hands moving to generate a spell. Digs had no idea what was happening but instinctively pulled Pyntal to her in order to wrap herself around her new gnome friend, shielding her. Faster than she knew possible, her mother’s eyes darted across them as the crack of wood built into an ear-splitting roar— and then vanished as reality was yanked away. Digs finished pulling Pyntal against her and saw all five of the other Liberty Children were here with her, floating in an empty gray expanse. “What the fuck?” Luzz yelled. Shimmering gold energy surrounded Pyntal as she desperately grabbed onto Digs’s arm trying not to float away. “What’s happening?” Digs replied, “My mom banished us! We’re in a—” They were yanked back to reality into a scene nothing like the one they left. The cries of anguish were the first sensation to break through. This was followed by the sight of gore from broken and torn apart bodies surrounding them.
February 7, 2026 at 2:32 PM