Howard Aiken 📚
@howard-aiken.bsky.social
Blogger, writer, and reader. Looking for an agent for my real-world 14th-century historical fiction trilogy "Cruz Espada."
Blog: https://unexpectedangles.wordpress.com
Blog: https://unexpectedangles.wordpress.com
Pinned
#WritersCoffeeClub 23 Nov
What's your niche?
Real-world historical fiction novels based on actual events and without dragons, magic, or other fantasy elements. Current WIP is a trilogy set in the 14th century before, during, and after the plague.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
What's your niche?
Real-world historical fiction novels based on actual events and without dragons, magic, or other fantasy elements. Current WIP is a trilogy set in the 14th century before, during, and after the plague.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
November 23, 2025 at 9:33 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 23 Nov
What's your niche?
Real-world historical fiction novels based on actual events and without dragons, magic, or other fantasy elements. Current WIP is a trilogy set in the 14th century before, during, and after the plague.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
What's your niche?
Real-world historical fiction novels based on actual events and without dragons, magic, or other fantasy elements. Current WIP is a trilogy set in the 14th century before, during, and after the plague.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub Nov 13: Name the oldest work to have inspired you.
Boccaccio’s "Decameron" was a kind of meta-inspiration for Book Two of the trilogy, which (like the Decameron) takes place during the 14th-century Black Death.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
Boccaccio’s "Decameron" was a kind of meta-inspiration for Book Two of the trilogy, which (like the Decameron) takes place during the 14th-century Black Death.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
November 18, 2025 at 7:01 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub Nov 13: Name the oldest work to have inspired you.
Boccaccio’s "Decameron" was a kind of meta-inspiration for Book Two of the trilogy, which (like the Decameron) takes place during the 14th-century Black Death.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
Boccaccio’s "Decameron" was a kind of meta-inspiration for Book Two of the trilogy, which (like the Decameron) takes place during the 14th-century Black Death.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
#WordWeavers 17/11: How athletic are your characters?
My 14th-century hero is a caballero/knight of the Order of Santiago. Medieval knights were physically fitter than most of the population due to the hard training required to enable them to fight for hours in heavy armour. So he's *very* athletic
My 14th-century hero is a caballero/knight of the Order of Santiago. Medieval knights were physically fitter than most of the population due to the hard training required to enable them to fight for hours in heavy armour. So he's *very* athletic
November 17, 2025 at 10:31 AM
#WordWeavers 17/11: How athletic are your characters?
My 14th-century hero is a caballero/knight of the Order of Santiago. Medieval knights were physically fitter than most of the population due to the hard training required to enable them to fight for hours in heavy armour. So he's *very* athletic
My 14th-century hero is a caballero/knight of the Order of Santiago. Medieval knights were physically fitter than most of the population due to the hard training required to enable them to fight for hours in heavy armour. So he's *very* athletic
#WritersCoffeeClub 17/11: What role does race play in your work?
I'm currently #writing about the 14th-century. There were Moorish kings in Iberia, slaves of all races were sold at markets from Marseilles to Venice and the world's richest man was the King-Emperor of Mali. It was a different time.
I'm currently #writing about the 14th-century. There were Moorish kings in Iberia, slaves of all races were sold at markets from Marseilles to Venice and the world's richest man was the King-Emperor of Mali. It was a different time.
November 17, 2025 at 9:28 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 17/11: What role does race play in your work?
I'm currently #writing about the 14th-century. There were Moorish kings in Iberia, slaves of all races were sold at markets from Marseilles to Venice and the world's richest man was the King-Emperor of Mali. It was a different time.
I'm currently #writing about the 14th-century. There were Moorish kings in Iberia, slaves of all races were sold at markets from Marseilles to Venice and the world's richest man was the King-Emperor of Mali. It was a different time.
#WritersCoffeeClub 16 Nov
How much work goes into naming your characters?
I write real-world #histfic, so I have to research historically accurate names for the times and places my characters inhabit. I don't spend overly long on it. Search engines do most of the work.
#writing #writingcommunity
How much work goes into naming your characters?
I write real-world #histfic, so I have to research historically accurate names for the times and places my characters inhabit. I don't spend overly long on it. Search engines do most of the work.
#writing #writingcommunity
November 16, 2025 at 9:37 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 16 Nov
How much work goes into naming your characters?
I write real-world #histfic, so I have to research historically accurate names for the times and places my characters inhabit. I don't spend overly long on it. Search engines do most of the work.
#writing #writingcommunity
How much work goes into naming your characters?
I write real-world #histfic, so I have to research historically accurate names for the times and places my characters inhabit. I don't spend overly long on it. Search engines do most of the work.
#writing #writingcommunity
#WordWeavers 15/11: Describe the setting of your last writing session (where, what time, sounds, smells, etc.). How did it go?
I'm in a dark hotel room editing my beta-readers draft and seeking to heighten the evocation of time, place, and emotions. It is going to take a while...
#writing #histfic
I'm in a dark hotel room editing my beta-readers draft and seeking to heighten the evocation of time, place, and emotions. It is going to take a while...
#writing #histfic
November 15, 2025 at 11:55 AM
#WordWeavers 15/11: Describe the setting of your last writing session (where, what time, sounds, smells, etc.). How did it go?
I'm in a dark hotel room editing my beta-readers draft and seeking to heighten the evocation of time, place, and emotions. It is going to take a while...
#writing #histfic
I'm in a dark hotel room editing my beta-readers draft and seeking to heighten the evocation of time, place, and emotions. It is going to take a while...
#writing #histfic
#WritersCoffeeClub 15/11: Does the bulk of your research come before starting a work? During? Or not at all?!
Mostly before, when the broad oulines of the historical reality have to be mapped, but lots during, when smaller details need to be checked.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
Mostly before, when the broad oulines of the historical reality have to be mapped, but lots during, when smaller details need to be checked.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
November 15, 2025 at 11:46 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 15/11: Does the bulk of your research come before starting a work? During? Or not at all?!
Mostly before, when the broad oulines of the historical reality have to be mapped, but lots during, when smaller details need to be checked.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
Mostly before, when the broad oulines of the historical reality have to be mapped, but lots during, when smaller details need to be checked.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub day 31: In terms of writing, how did this month go for you?
Not bad. Volume 1 of the trilogy went out to the first beta readers slightly ahead of schedule. It's an exchange arrangement, so I've been beta reading manuscripts too.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
Not bad. Volume 1 of the trilogy went out to the first beta readers slightly ahead of schedule. It's an exchange arrangement, so I've been beta reading manuscripts too.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
October 31, 2025 at 10:56 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub day 31: In terms of writing, how did this month go for you?
Not bad. Volume 1 of the trilogy went out to the first beta readers slightly ahead of schedule. It's an exchange arrangement, so I've been beta reading manuscripts too.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
Not bad. Volume 1 of the trilogy went out to the first beta readers slightly ahead of schedule. It's an exchange arrangement, so I've been beta reading manuscripts too.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub October 26: "How culturally diverse do your casts tend to be?"
It varies according to the story. Book one of the trilogy spans the Mediterranean and the cultures around it. Book two, set in 14th-century Oxfordshire, is much less culturally diverse.
#writing #histfic #writesky
It varies according to the story. Book one of the trilogy spans the Mediterranean and the cultures around it. Book two, set in 14th-century Oxfordshire, is much less culturally diverse.
#writing #histfic #writesky
October 26, 2025 at 8:32 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub October 26: "How culturally diverse do your casts tend to be?"
It varies according to the story. Book one of the trilogy spans the Mediterranean and the cultures around it. Book two, set in 14th-century Oxfordshire, is much less culturally diverse.
#writing #histfic #writesky
It varies according to the story. Book one of the trilogy spans the Mediterranean and the cultures around it. Book two, set in 14th-century Oxfordshire, is much less culturally diverse.
#writing #histfic #writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub 25/10: Does 'destiny' have a role in modern fiction?
Destiny exists in our imaginations. I enjoy writing plotlines readable either as destiny or coincidence. Both can deliver unlikely outcomes.
#writing #histfic #WriteSky #writingcommunity
Destiny exists in our imaginations. I enjoy writing plotlines readable either as destiny or coincidence. Both can deliver unlikely outcomes.
#writing #histfic #WriteSky #writingcommunity
October 26, 2025 at 9:39 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 25/10: Does 'destiny' have a role in modern fiction?
Destiny exists in our imaginations. I enjoy writing plotlines readable either as destiny or coincidence. Both can deliver unlikely outcomes.
#writing #histfic #WriteSky #writingcommunity
Destiny exists in our imaginations. I enjoy writing plotlines readable either as destiny or coincidence. Both can deliver unlikely outcomes.
#writing #histfic #WriteSky #writingcommunity
#WritersCoffeeClub – 23 Oct. Have you ever written a story-within-a-story? (mise en abyme!)
In Volume 2, I included a fairytale told by the hero to a friend. It was a version of the oldest known tale and great fun to write, possibly because I don't usually write fantasy /magic.
#writing #histfic
In Volume 2, I included a fairytale told by the hero to a friend. It was a version of the oldest known tale and great fun to write, possibly because I don't usually write fantasy /magic.
#writing #histfic
October 23, 2025 at 4:32 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub – 23 Oct. Have you ever written a story-within-a-story? (mise en abyme!)
In Volume 2, I included a fairytale told by the hero to a friend. It was a version of the oldest known tale and great fun to write, possibly because I don't usually write fantasy /magic.
#writing #histfic
In Volume 2, I included a fairytale told by the hero to a friend. It was a version of the oldest known tale and great fun to write, possibly because I don't usually write fantasy /magic.
#writing #histfic
#WritersCoffeeClub – 22 Oct. What inspiration have you taken from historical figures or events?
I write real-world historical fiction, so historical events are my starting point. I also include some real historical figures, but only a few.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
I write real-world historical fiction, so historical events are my starting point. I also include some real historical figures, but only a few.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
October 22, 2025 at 5:27 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub – 22 Oct. What inspiration have you taken from historical figures or events?
I write real-world historical fiction, so historical events are my starting point. I also include some real historical figures, but only a few.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
I write real-world historical fiction, so historical events are my starting point. I also include some real historical figures, but only a few.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub 20. What role does death (or undeath!) play in your work?
Not a huge role in Volume 1, except for the mysterious death of my hero's father. Vol 2 is set during the plague of 1347/9, so death is an almost constant presence.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
Not a huge role in Volume 1, except for the mysterious death of my hero's father. Vol 2 is set during the plague of 1347/9, so death is an almost constant presence.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
October 20, 2025 at 6:15 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 20. What role does death (or undeath!) play in your work?
Not a huge role in Volume 1, except for the mysterious death of my hero's father. Vol 2 is set during the plague of 1347/9, so death is an almost constant presence.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
Not a huge role in Volume 1, except for the mysterious death of my hero's father. Vol 2 is set during the plague of 1347/9, so death is an almost constant presence.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub 19. How do you keep track of dates and events in a WIP?
I use spreadsheets. I know the year each character was born in, and the dates of the real-world events happening around them.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
I use spreadsheets. I know the year each character was born in, and the dates of the real-world events happening around them.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
October 19, 2025 at 5:03 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 19. How do you keep track of dates and events in a WIP?
I use spreadsheets. I know the year each character was born in, and the dates of the real-world events happening around them.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
I use spreadsheets. I know the year each character was born in, and the dates of the real-world events happening around them.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub – 18 Oct. Do you tend to incorporate supernatural elements in your work?
I write real-world #histfic. No magic, no dragons. But belief in the supernatural has always been with us, so yes, it appears in my books - as hallucinations, coincidences and religious faith.
#writing
I write real-world #histfic. No magic, no dragons. But belief in the supernatural has always been with us, so yes, it appears in my books - as hallucinations, coincidences and religious faith.
#writing
October 18, 2025 at 4:01 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub – 18 Oct. Do you tend to incorporate supernatural elements in your work?
I write real-world #histfic. No magic, no dragons. But belief in the supernatural has always been with us, so yes, it appears in my books - as hallucinations, coincidences and religious faith.
#writing
I write real-world #histfic. No magic, no dragons. But belief in the supernatural has always been with us, so yes, it appears in my books - as hallucinations, coincidences and religious faith.
#writing
#WritersCoffeeClub 10/16 How much does your vocabulary change for different projects?
For my #histfic trilogy, the vocabulary includes Latin, Castilian, Italian, and Arabic words and (I hope) excludes 21st century words or phrases. The story picks its words.
#writing #writingcommunity #writesky
For my #histfic trilogy, the vocabulary includes Latin, Castilian, Italian, and Arabic words and (I hope) excludes 21st century words or phrases. The story picks its words.
#writing #writingcommunity #writesky
October 17, 2025 at 5:04 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 10/16 How much does your vocabulary change for different projects?
For my #histfic trilogy, the vocabulary includes Latin, Castilian, Italian, and Arabic words and (I hope) excludes 21st century words or phrases. The story picks its words.
#writing #writingcommunity #writesky
For my #histfic trilogy, the vocabulary includes Latin, Castilian, Italian, and Arabic words and (I hope) excludes 21st century words or phrases. The story picks its words.
#writing #writingcommunity #writesky
Hi. I'm looking for #histfic beta readers who can give me reader (not writer) feedback. Novel-length story set in the 14th-century. No magic/dragons. Looking for feedback before year-end. Can't afford to pay, but willing to read your manuscript in return. 77k words in .docx or .pdf
Anyone?
#writing
Anyone?
#writing
October 16, 2025 at 4:18 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 14/10: Talk about a book that surprised you: how was it not what you expected?
The Cicero Trilogy by Robert Harris. It looks heavy and intimidating before you start, but is a delight to read. Excellently researched, with a great sense of place.
#books #writing #histfic #writesky
The Cicero Trilogy by Robert Harris. It looks heavy and intimidating before you start, but is a delight to read. Excellently researched, with a great sense of place.
#books #writing #histfic #writesky
October 14, 2025 at 10:30 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 14/10: Talk about a book that surprised you: how was it not what you expected?
The Cicero Trilogy by Robert Harris. It looks heavy and intimidating before you start, but is a delight to read. Excellently researched, with a great sense of place.
#books #writing #histfic #writesky
The Cicero Trilogy by Robert Harris. It looks heavy and intimidating before you start, but is a delight to read. Excellently researched, with a great sense of place.
#books #writing #histfic #writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub 13 Oct
Are you motivated to write by internal drive or external goals?
At the moment, the drive is entirely internal. I fantasise that one day it will be at least partly external, and someone is paying me to write.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
Are you motivated to write by internal drive or external goals?
At the moment, the drive is entirely internal. I fantasise that one day it will be at least partly external, and someone is paying me to write.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
October 13, 2025 at 7:05 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 13 Oct
Are you motivated to write by internal drive or external goals?
At the moment, the drive is entirely internal. I fantasise that one day it will be at least partly external, and someone is paying me to write.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
Are you motivated to write by internal drive or external goals?
At the moment, the drive is entirely internal. I fantasise that one day it will be at least partly external, and someone is paying me to write.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub 12/10: Do you prefer to use real-world settings or to invent new ones?
Real-world, always. Current trilogy set in the 14th-century. Of course, the real world includes dreams, hallucinations, bizarre coincidences and superstitions.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
Real-world, always. Current trilogy set in the 14th-century. Of course, the real world includes dreams, hallucinations, bizarre coincidences and superstitions.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
October 12, 2025 at 9:51 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 12/10: Do you prefer to use real-world settings or to invent new ones?
Real-world, always. Current trilogy set in the 14th-century. Of course, the real world includes dreams, hallucinations, bizarre coincidences and superstitions.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
Real-world, always. Current trilogy set in the 14th-century. Of course, the real world includes dreams, hallucinations, bizarre coincidences and superstitions.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub – 11 Oct. Have you ever written an unlikable protagonist?
If I was writing children's books, I would worry about whether my protagonist (or any other character) was likeable. I write #histfic, so I worry about whether my characters are credible human beings.
#writing #writesky
If I was writing children's books, I would worry about whether my protagonist (or any other character) was likeable. I write #histfic, so I worry about whether my characters are credible human beings.
#writing #writesky
October 11, 2025 at 9:47 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub – 11 Oct. Have you ever written an unlikable protagonist?
If I was writing children's books, I would worry about whether my protagonist (or any other character) was likeable. I write #histfic, so I worry about whether my characters are credible human beings.
#writing #writesky
If I was writing children's books, I would worry about whether my protagonist (or any other character) was likeable. I write #histfic, so I worry about whether my characters are credible human beings.
#writing #writesky
#PennedPossibilities 809 — Define the genre(s) of your WIP for curious readers and those who are new to the hashtag.
My "Cruz Espada" trilogy is real-world historical fiction. Also known as "hard #histfic".
That means no magic, no dragons, and consistency with known history.
#writing #writesky
My "Cruz Espada" trilogy is real-world historical fiction. Also known as "hard #histfic".
That means no magic, no dragons, and consistency with known history.
#writing #writesky
October 10, 2025 at 6:20 PM
#PennedPossibilities 809 — Define the genre(s) of your WIP for curious readers and those who are new to the hashtag.
My "Cruz Espada" trilogy is real-world historical fiction. Also known as "hard #histfic".
That means no magic, no dragons, and consistency with known history.
#writing #writesky
My "Cruz Espada" trilogy is real-world historical fiction. Also known as "hard #histfic".
That means no magic, no dragons, and consistency with known history.
#writing #writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub 10/10: Have you written a likeable antagonist?
I write real-world #histfic, so even if an antagonist is fictional, I try to make them human. I'm tempted to rethink this policy as I look at the characters now dominating US politics 🤔.
#books #writing #WriteSky #writingcommunity
I write real-world #histfic, so even if an antagonist is fictional, I try to make them human. I'm tempted to rethink this policy as I look at the characters now dominating US politics 🤔.
#books #writing #WriteSky #writingcommunity
October 10, 2025 at 9:33 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 10/10: Have you written a likeable antagonist?
I write real-world #histfic, so even if an antagonist is fictional, I try to make them human. I'm tempted to rethink this policy as I look at the characters now dominating US politics 🤔.
#books #writing #WriteSky #writingcommunity
I write real-world #histfic, so even if an antagonist is fictional, I try to make them human. I'm tempted to rethink this policy as I look at the characters now dominating US politics 🤔.
#books #writing #WriteSky #writingcommunity
Hi. I'm looking for #histfic beta readers who can give me reader (not writer) feedback. Novel-length story set in the 14th-century. No magic/dragons. Looking for feedback before year-end. Can't afford to pay, but willing to read your manuscript in return. 77k words in .docx or .pdf
Anyone?
#writing
Anyone?
#writing
October 9, 2025 at 4:47 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub 7/10: Have you ever gone away somewhere special expressly to write?
No. But I sometimes visit cities and other places where I've set scenes, to get a feel for their general geography and look for their 14th-century features.
#writing #histfic #WriteSky #writingcommunity
No. But I sometimes visit cities and other places where I've set scenes, to get a feel for their general geography and look for their 14th-century features.
#writing #histfic #WriteSky #writingcommunity
October 7, 2025 at 8:59 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 7/10: Have you ever gone away somewhere special expressly to write?
No. But I sometimes visit cities and other places where I've set scenes, to get a feel for their general geography and look for their 14th-century features.
#writing #histfic #WriteSky #writingcommunity
No. But I sometimes visit cities and other places where I've set scenes, to get a feel for their general geography and look for their 14th-century features.
#writing #histfic #WriteSky #writingcommunity