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mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd
@mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
2.7K followers 1K following 5.2K posts
Writer of epic fantasies. Lover of cities and odd words. Just here to tell stories.
NO AI
🏳️‍⚧️they/ him
https://mcburnell.itch.io/
https://books2read.com/mcburnell
https://payhip.com/AuthorMCBurnell
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mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 28d
⚔️talk to ghosts!
⚔️kill rebels!
⚔️fight assassins wearing other people's faces!
⚔️break free from mind control!
⚔️accidentally create a monster!

#SFF 🪐📚
books2read.com/Bells-Begin-...
8) Background is a photo of a snowy trees. Cover of a book called Bells Begin to Ring depicting a man kneeling and hunched forward in a posture conveying pain on a sandy beach at night, by MC Burnell. Text reads: DRUMS IN THE DEEP. Bells Begin to Ring, The Tipping World Vol. 8. All the world’s mages dance on the bitter scapegoat’s strings. A block of text: "She sat in the strange glow of the wish-lights, pondering questions whose answers couldn’t possibly matter while the world burned. What held her here was what held all of them: a conviction that she had uncovered, in this spooky subterranean space, a connection she had been searching for all her life without ever being able to articulate it. Every other people had a legend telling where they came from. Everyone but mages. Here, at last, a link to the past and the people who created them."
Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
long, weird, silly chapter titles such as:
😞life as a bit of nasty gunk stuck on the bottom of someone's boot
😀in which we kill the [villain] another dozen times
💩mostly concerning the digging of holes to poop in

books2read.com/BullattheStart
2) Snow falls heavily on leafless trees. The cover of a book called The Bull at the Start by MC Burnell, a man with a sword looks thoughtfully along a road leading through a snowy pine forest. Text reads: STRIKE A MATCH: The Tipping World, Vol. 2. Before this can get better, it’s going to get worse. There is a big block quote: “The trouble in the southeast must originate with renegade mages, and what they were after more than anything was other mages, whether to kill or change them. If he didn’t know the specifics of their grievance, he could make an educated guess: the Code placed many demands upon them, impossible demands that they be other than human, and it did so in the name of morality.”
October 18, 2025 at 2:44 PM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
Random was forced to choose today between being in one of the rooms he likes and is comfortable with or being line of sight on me. He has now thoroughly explored the living room, slept on a few pieces of furniture he was wary of, and is deeply glad the ordeal has ended
November 11, 2025 at 11:46 PM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
Finished that novella I was working on. For my other pn so weird to announce it here, but anyway that's why I vanished for a few days: been drafting like that gif of the cat at the keyboard.
November 11, 2025 at 11:17 PM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
#AwesomeCharacters
Glad you mentioned backstage work, Mairid was about to do something drastic. He volunteers to build the stage!

Ramsu would dance, and then I imagine Dy would also dance so as not to be upstaged.
charliedeltawrites.bsky.social Charlie Delta @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · 1h
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters

It's talent show day!

We are all putting together a talent show! What will your character's act be? Extremely flexible prompt, any talent goes!

If they don't like performing what backstage job would they want?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 11, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd
dragonsandsapphics.bsky.social
Convincing you to read Blade of Shattered Bone by the first sentence... er, paragraph? I'm wordy, and I like it.
Chapter 1 The ghost of you sings / of fire and blood Whisper's POV I know my body will fail me before I even set eyes on my quarry. I’ve pushed it too hard, not enough food, not enough sleep, not enough time between battles. Muscles are shredded, joints creak, bones spiderweb with hairline fractures from blunt force impact; it is a body in its late forties, and that alone is an achievement out here. Most, braving the shattered skies of our world, die young. But it still moves, and that is all I need.
November 11, 2025 at 9:52 PM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
One trick that works for me is to write something for fun, no expectations that it be or become good or that I'll ever share it with anyone
cometkins.bsky.social Ian Haramaki 🏳️‍⚧️✨ @cometkins.bsky.social · 8h
What something you do to cheer yourself up when the writing is difficult? #WritingPrompt
November 11, 2025 at 10:13 PM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips 'burger'

Lol I tried sandwich and came up with 1 hit, where it's used metaphorically. Oh, well.
Delightful scene, anyway. Been hinting about some connection btwn Mairid and Ramsu since bk 3 and finally get to get them face to face
“We walked past one another, you mean. Out on the grounds.” “Yes. I went past Sherun’s Abode as you were coming out the door. When I went home, I learned the secter had made up its mind to do something wrongheaded that I hated. I convinced my friends to go through the room of a mage in our secter who was notoriously knowing, a man with secrets…” He trailed off as he remembered their latest interaction, sandwiched between so many more pressing emergencies that he had forgotten the spooky tower and Soll’s attempt to murder him for witnessing its existence. “Wait.” This from Mage Warend. “His timeline is totally different from yours or Vashine’s, he’s had this power almost as long as Mage Chastuveran.” “So it would seem.” “Are we saying this is the second time he healed you?” “I don’t know. Mage Taile, is that what we’re saying?”
November 11, 2025 at 10:08 PM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
Convincing you to read my novel by the first sentence. Share yours if you want!

"It was said pain was a leveler."
from A Path of Endless Crossroads
books2read.com/PathofEndles... BF
November 11, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd
amaralynn.bsky.social
Tomorrow!!

I'm so excited to launch the campaign for Gems and Star Flowers tomorrow! Help bring this audiobook to life!!
www.backerkit.com/call_to_acti...

#queerscifi #scifi #booksky #books #audiobooks
Background: a space scene with a planet taking up the right half and a space ship along the body. In the center over top of the image is an illustration of two people. The one on the left has brown hair, white skin with pearls scattered on his arms, and wears goggles, a dark blue shirt, brown pants, and dark brown shoes. The person the the left has purple floral skin, light blue hair with purple streaks, a pink shirt, and purple pants. Text at top reads: Launching soon. Purple arrows with blue stars point at the characters, with the text: Clueless MC has to be taught the kissing, pretty sparkly aliens, on the run, sweet floriest, special eggplant emoji, bejeweled eggplant emoji, tragic past, has a secret. Text at bottom reads: link in bio, Nov 12 - Dec 3.
November 11, 2025 at 4:01 PM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
Ah, good, it's 10, the babies are well-rested and ready to rampage
November 11, 2025 at 3:55 AM
Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd
icewolfarts.bsky.social
MEDIEVAL SEA MONSTERS 😍
November 10, 2025 at 10:48 PM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips 'local'
I could explain but I'd rather just serve you a side of wtf and let you wonder what's wrong with me
The door opened with a measure of force, and the man who bulled across the threshold fit neatly into this exchange. He was short, but some men were; young, which everyone went through. Sherunese, and that stood to reason in Sherun’s capital. He wasn’t dressed like a local, though. His garments were too simple and too plain. A long, thin, curved sword hung at his belt, and he had both hands on its hilt, in a way that made her think this was a habit. Something he constantly did whether or not he was contemplating violence. His eyes traced a circuit of the room like enemies in their dozens might pop from behind their few pieces of furniture. There was a black mark on his face, but just the one and he was very young. She couldn’t tell if he was a mage or just a boy with ink on him. “Look, I don’t have time to explain. I—” He frowned, gaze flicking another loop around the room. When he turned toward the kitchen, Dyafer realized he had heard the muddhri’s voice, still calling out to them in entreaty from its hiding place. While they watched, appalled, he took the top off the crock and pulled the paper out. He unfolded the crinkled page carefully. “Haimar Atsises!” A fleeting hiccup that didn’t deserve to be called a pause, then the spirit’s odd, flat voice said, “Greetings, mage. You know who I am?”
November 10, 2025 at 11:30 PM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
Everything I write is secondary world, so usually I just keep rearranging sounds until something works. I think Sathriel (We) and Marseviks (Tipping World) are my favorites.
Jendaiar and Hecanthes Phos from Zimanges do have a funny backstory with their names, actually:
zprospero.bsky.social Zed Prospero @zprospero.bsky.social · 1d
What's your MC's name and why did you pick it for them? (Feel free to list other characters too!)

#WritingQ #WriteSky
November 10, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd
clh2oars.bsky.social
If you're an avid reader who loves monthly subcriptions, you can get all my books in Kobo Plus (alongside many other indies!). Great way to devour Nerezia!

We love a subscription service that doesn't ask exclusivity from its authors ~

www.kobo.com/ca/en/plus
All my books are in Kobo Plus. The image shows covers for 13 different books by Claudie Arseneault, from three series: Val-de-mer, City of Spires, and The Chronicles of Nerezia.
November 8, 2025 at 2:18 AM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
SNOW ❄️☃️
November 10, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd
calling33.bsky.social
Every week I check my sales on a Sunday hoping for sales... & every week, baring co-op bundles, there are none. Probably because I suck at marketing.

So, if you want quick #fantasy reads ft women & enbies taking on tyrants, I'd be heaps grateful.

📚

linktr.ee/Calling33

#AdultQueerSFF #ReaderSky
Natasha O'Connor | Linktree
Aussie neurodivergent writer of most stripes of speculative fiction
linktr.ee
November 10, 2025 at 5:05 AM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
I told Duckworth she can get fucked if she doesn't stop this deal, I hold her accountable whether or not her name is on it. And I will actively primary against ANYONE I don't have proof they fought against it. Your vote can suck my ass, I want evidence you cared.
maxkennerly.bsky.social Max Kennerly @maxkennerly.bsky.social · 1d
The coordinated nature of this—none are facing voters in 2026—means that either Schumer approved it or failed in his job as Senate Majority Leader to stop it.

Dems voting "no" get zero credit until they demand a change in leadership. Schumer out as Leader, Durbin out as Whip.
unavaleable.bsky.social Reconstructionist @unavaleable.bsky.social · 1d
so currently defectors are:

Kaine (2030)
Shaheen (Retiring)
Hasan (2028)
Fetterman (2028)
Durbin (Retiring)
CCM (2028)
Rosen (2030)
King (2030)
November 10, 2025 at 4:11 AM
Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd
ripperoni.com
Democratic senators voted to make sure that there was more money for ICE to harass your community
salgentile.bsky.social Sal Gentile @salgentile.bsky.social · 1d
democratic voters wanted their party to shut down the government for myriad reasons — troops in american cities, masked thugs ripping families apart — but dem leaders insisted the wise thing to do politically was to stay hyper-fxated on this one thing, ACA tax credits. and then they just… gave up
November 10, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd
moryan.bsky.social
THEY PEPPER SPRAYED A BABY

THEY PEPPER SPRAYED A BABY

Please read this entire excellent piece by Caroline, which points out that a judge ordered the Feds (again) to stop doing **this exact kind of thing** and they are still continuing to do it all over Chicago
ckubzansky.bsky.social Caroline Kubzansky @ckubzansky.bsky.social · 2d
Arianna Sofia Veraza and her parents were driving to Sam's Club for milk, eggs and diapers yesterday when they heard helicopters and horns blaring yesterday. They had turned around to leave when a federal agent pepper-sprayed them through a car window.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/09/c...
Pepper-sprayed Berwyn family rattled after getting caught up in federal blitz
Southwest Side politicians condemned Saturday’s pepper spraying and the federal sweep of Little Village as “state-sponsored terrorism” at a news conference Sunday.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 9, 2025 at 11:56 PM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
@duckworth.senate.gov I will primary you for everything I'm worth. I do not believe you are innocent. I will not give any sitting senator (less Bernie) the benefit of the doubt. If this happens, all of you are to blame. Make it stop or just own that you're a shill.
maxkennerly.bsky.social Max Kennerly @maxkennerly.bsky.social · 1d
The coordinated nature of this—none are facing voters in 2026—means that either Schumer approved it or failed in his job as Senate Majority Leader to stop it.

Dems voting "no" get zero credit until they demand a change in leadership. Schumer out as Leader, Durbin out as Whip.
unavaleable.bsky.social Reconstructionist @unavaleable.bsky.social · 1d
so currently defectors are:

Kaine (2030)
Shaheen (Retiring)
Hasan (2028)
Fetterman (2028)
Durbin (Retiring)
CCM (2028)
Rosen (2030)
King (2030)
November 10, 2025 at 3:37 AM
Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd
ezralevin.bsky.social
The original Dem demands were:
1) Permanent ACA subsidies
2) Medicaid funding restored
3) No more blank checks for the regime (rescission)

They dropped Medicaid immediately. Went silent on rescission. Cut back to 1 year of subsidies on Friday. And surrendered today.

The Senate Democrats!
November 10, 2025 at 2:29 AM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
How does so much horror originate in something so small and cute?
November 10, 2025 at 3:02 AM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
Mairid has a series of mentees who change his understanding of how he relates to other people. He thinks of any relationship he's part of as mannered and fake, but 3 adopted sons in a row teach him that he's lying to himself about how much he cares
cometkins.bsky.social Ian Haramaki 🏳️‍⚧️✨ @cometkins.bsky.social · 2d
What non-romantic relationships are most important to your MC? #WritingPrompt
November 10, 2025 at 1:38 AM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
Loki

bc he was played by Tom Hiddleston full stop
sophianyx.bsky.social Sophia_Nyx 🏳️‍⚧️ @sophianyx.bsky.social · 1d
Name a villain you sympathize with.
November 10, 2025 at 1:33 AM
mcburnellauthor.bsky.social
@durbin.senate.gov Since I can't seem to leave a message on your phoneline: NO
November 10, 2025 at 12:53 AM