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rileywrites.bsky.social
RileyWritesNovellas.
@rileywrites.bsky.social
310 followers 170 following 150 posts
he/him, cis, bi, I am a fan of D20 & TAZ, and am a self published author. check out Horse Riding Into War on Amazon!
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rileywrites.bsky.social
An attempt to use #HeroForge to make the main characters of my #Novellas.

Princess Eliese Moonsorrow and her love interest, Sir Ruthwynn of Kirstow.
#SapphicRomance #LGBTQRomance
April 21, 2025 at 8:53 AM
rileywrites.bsky.social
(🧵2/2)
It lasted 6 minutes. That’s it. Technically it took 8, but the cameras posted all throughout the solar system were a bit delayed in detecting the sun going supernova. I remember, clear as day, seeing the whole mall light up red as the screens displayed the Earth. It’s supposedly once lush, green and blue surface slowly turned balck as the heat and plasma approached. We saw it be almost entirely swallowed before the camera’s cut due to damage from the heat. It was stunning, heart breaking. Like hearing that a distant relative you’d met a few times had died. It wasn’t till I had heard about your documentary that I’d really thought about it. That planet was the birthplace to all life as we know it. How many countless ecosystems were lost when Sol exploded? How many before that from carelessness? Do you know how long the publications ran stories about it? A month. They stopped talking about it in earnest after a month. Sure every now and then someone writes a think piece on it, and it gets a little traction, but no one really cares anymore. No one alive today was born there. I’m sure your documentary will be similar. You know there is still a planet where you can see earth? It’s about ten light years from here, a week's journey, mostly scientists because it’s hot as shit, but there is a satellite telescope there. It’s so far away from earth that the star doesn’t look blown up yet. The light from that time hasn’t reached it yet. You can occasionally see the slightest dim of the light as earth passess in front of Sol.
February 21, 2025 at 11:33 AM
rileywrites.bsky.social
A #shortstory I wrote a while ago. Re-reading reminded me how good it feels to write at a smaller scale (🧵1/2) #Writers #Writing.
The Singed Blue Dot A Testimony From a Witness to Earth’s destruction I was 32 when the sun swallowed the earth whole. Not just earth, but Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and almost all of the asteroid belt. I remember it vividly, I think everyone does. It was a tragedy, the whole of the human race watched with rapt attention as the ground from which we were born as a species was burned to a crisp. The invention of instantaneous communication through entangled particles opened up the idea of interstellar travel. The journeys were long, but keeping in touch meant that we were more okay with leaving our home world behind. First we colonized the moon, and then came mars. We set up science labs on the moon Titan. After a while we began to travel to the neighboring stars, using what we now call ‘slow travel’ at first, but soon we discovered a way to make exotic matter capable of stabilizing wormholes. We now colonize a total of 10 stars, 16 colonized planets housing 25 billion humans. I was stood on the upper floor of a mall in the city of Ardsberg on the planet Newton. I was buying a new phone for my daughter, walking out of the store when all of the screens in the mall illuminated. There was a warning, “graphic footage.” Not really enough to sum up what we were all expecting. We had some idea this was coming for the last few years, the recent destruction of the newest human colony via flood had people worried. Some people had decided to stay, to be with their homes when the waters came. The scientists wanted to avoid that mentality this time. They began encouraging the people of Earth, the Martian and Lunar colonies, and even those in the labs on Titan to evacuate. There was a surprise when there was almost no resistance. Almost no one had actually lived on Earth those days, I mean, why would you. It was one of a dozen habitable planets we governed, and of them, it was easily the worst. We’d heard stories, of course, of a time where the sky was blue and there were plants everywhere. Green ones. Weird right? But, at that time, people who had been there said it was hard to breathe, and the sky was grey..The only people living there were scientists and professors who taught at very prestigious colleges. There were also dozens of tourist traps, places where nature had supposedly been preserved, but it was far too expensive to visit, so I’d never even considered it. Those people left first, the ones running the tourist traps. I think they were afraid of getting sued by some family if they lost someone to the sun exploding while on earth visiting one of their ‘exhibits.’ The teachers left not long after. While the universities prided themselves for being earthbound, they prided their lives more, however. And to no one's surprise their cost of admission has only marginally lowered to reflect this. The last people to leave were the scientists. As much as they valued their lives, a lot of them stuck around, how many chances do you get to collect data on the Apocalypse, afterall. Not that it felt like one. and even they left in the end. All in all, earth went from about a billion people to maybe a dozen who refused to leave. Nothing we could do to force them out. I try not to think about it.
February 21, 2025 at 11:33 AM
rileywrites.bsky.social
#Promotion #Hype #NewBook #Novella
A white emblem on a field of blue, depicting a sword stabbed through a crown.
December 26, 2024 at 12:39 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
After "Sword Fighting in the Garden," I thought I was done with Eliese's story. But I guess I wasn't.

"Horse Riding Into War" splits the focus between a now married Eliese and Ruthwynn. Wynn has been called to war, and a day later, Eliese has prophetic dreams about her wife's death.
The cover art for "Horse Riding Into War" by Riley A. Glasen. It's red with white text, and features an emblem of a half helmet, half horseshoe. A physical copy of "Horse Riding Into War" standing up on end.
December 18, 2024 at 2:03 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
"Sword Fighting in the Garden" is a sapphic romance novella. it follows Eliese, a princess who was just kidnapped by an enemy of her father! She is rescued by Sir Ruthwynn, a woman who she rather quickly falls for. Unsure of how to proceed, Eliese ends up taking combat lessons from her rescuer!
The cover art for "Sword Fighting in the Garden" by Riley A. Glasen. It's green with white text. There is a white emblem in the middle, featuring a rose crossed with a thorn. A physical copy of "Sword Fighting in the Garden" by Riley A. Glasen, standing on end.
December 18, 2024 at 2:03 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
I designed these myself! Couldn't afford to commission an artist, and I certainly wasn't going to give the job to A.I.

So they are pretty simple, but I love the way they look!

www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5TVZBT...
A physical copy of "Sword Fighting in the Garden" by Riley Glasen. The cover is green with white text. A white emblem in the center shows a rose crossed with a sword A physical copy of "Horse Riding Into War" by Riley A. Glasen. The cover is red with white text. A white emblem on the center is meant to represent both a knights helmet and a horse shoe Both books side by side
December 17, 2024 at 6:32 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
Athena isn't very chonk, but you can have pics anyway
December 16, 2024 at 7:22 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
Like three by @melissajensen2014.bsky.social
"The Wolf’s Jaw Inn & Tavern is not a unique sight. Resting points like this, away from any settlements, have existed for a long time, and they are all the same."

--chapter 2, "The Start to a Very, Very, Long Ride"
The Wolf’s Jaw Inn & Tavern is not a unique sight. Resting points like this, away from any settlements, have existed for a long time, and they are all the same. I remember staying at a place just like this on the road with my father when I was a little girl. The smell of freshly cooked stew covering the smell of freshly brewed beer brings me back there. I was so small back then, and sure that my father could handle the whole world. I guess he wants everyone to see him that way, but I know better now. I shake my head as I dismount Shadow and give her a snack from my bag, a fresh apple. Well, as fresh as it could be, anyway. She looks tired. Places like this sometimes have stables, I think she’d get better rest in one of those. I lead Norwell inside.
December 8, 2024 at 12:45 AM
rileywrites.bsky.social
Like Two by @bookspotlight.bsky.social
"When he betrayed your father, he merely wanted to rule Lairen. When he retreated behind the Vicorn, he simply wanted to conquer the lands of man. Now, his ambition grows more. He wishes not to conquer, but to destroy."

--chapter 1, "All Good Things"
“That’s my magic he wants. The magic of the crystal. And with it, he can do a lot of harm. You are the only one with the skill, the time, and the motivation to save her.” She takes a step forward, though I hardly notice with all of the emotions running through my heart. “What does he want with your magic? What can he do?” I plead for information. I need to know why. “His ambition has only continued to grow. When he betrayed your father, he merely wanted to rule Lairen. When he retreated behind the Vicorn, he simply wanted to conquer the lands of man. Now, his ambition grows more. He wishes not to conquer, but to destroy. To replace the lands of man and elf with monsters who follow only his command. With my magic, he can make his will so.” She places a hand on my shoulder, and it’s like electricity.
December 7, 2024 at 11:43 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
Like one by @rileywrites.bsky.social (I liked my own post to at least share one)

"My unconscious body hungers for her
warmth, like a reptile to a hot stone. My arms and legs wrap
around her, and so most mornings, like now, she has to remove
herself from my grasp."
--chapter 1, "all good things"
All good things This is perfect. I am brought forth from a deep peaceful sleep by the stirring of my wife. Sir Ruthwynn is trying to untangle herself from me. I must have wrapped myself around her last night, as I do most nights. My unconscious body hungers for her warmth, like a reptile to a hot stone. My arms and legs wrap around her, and so most mornings, like now, she has to remove herself from my grasp. Normally I wake up too by this point, help her get dressed. But today it is early, and she is leaving, so I feel no pull to help her. Instead I squeeze the last part of her I still have a grasp on, her arm, in an attempt to plead her to stay in bed with me, if only for a little bit. Instead, I feel her lips press gently onto my forehead, and I let out a sigh and let her go without ever opening my eyes
December 7, 2024 at 7:16 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
I want to share more snippets from #HorseRidingIntoWar now that I own a physical copy of it. How about this.

1 like=1 snippet from my second novella #WritingCommunity
A physical copy of a book called "Horse Riding Into War" by "Riley A. Glasen." It's a red book with white text, and a white emblem in the middle, depicting half of a knights helmet in profile, and half of a horseshoe.
December 7, 2024 at 7:11 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
A very rough draft for the cover of Sword Fighting in the garden, Vs. what it ended up as.
December 5, 2024 at 6:18 AM
rileywrites.bsky.social
Ooh, ooh. This is actually relevant to the opening paragraph of Horse Riding Into War! I rarely get to brag about this one, as book one usually gets all the attention.
December 3, 2024 at 8:29 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
"Sword Fighting In The Garden" and "Horse Riding Into War" tell the story of Eliese Moonsorrow and Sir Ruthwynn, two sapphic women falling in love in the background of a high fantasy Epic, and then being thrust into the middle! It's available on Amazon in all formats! www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5TVZBT...
Two books hard cover books, standing on a table, propped up by being slightly open. The left is a copy of "Sword Fighting in the Garden" by Riley A. Glasen. It's a green book with white text and a white emblem of a rose and sword crossing. On the right is a copy of "Horse Riding Into War" by the same author. This one is red with white text, and a white emblem of a helmet/horseshoe
November 30, 2024 at 11:01 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
"I turn to look at her again. She is staring at her horse, but it almost seems like she is looking past her. Into that deep nothing that the eye is drawn to when the mind is battling something in its interior"

-Sword Fighting in The Garden, Chapter four, The Dinner
@voicesofvalhoon.bsky.social
"I... see." I turn to look at her again. She is staring at her horse, but it almost seems like she is looking past her. Into that deep nothing that the eye is drawn to when the mind is battling something in its interior
November 26, 2024 at 9:44 AM
rileywrites.bsky.social
I haven't introduced Bluesky to my cat yet, have I. Here is Athena
Picture one: a very fluffy cat with mostly black fur, though she has white in her face, chest, belly and paws. She's laying on her back in a beat up old office chair. Image two: the same cat from image one, sleeping in an awkward position on her side, clinging to the armrest of a sofa. Some sort of charging cable appears to be under her, inaccessible until she moves Image three: the same cat, this time in a box. She looks grumpy, unhappy having a picture taken of her
November 24, 2024 at 1:33 AM
rileywrites.bsky.social
"love is like a ghost, Eliese. It haunts you. It's something you can't let go of."

#Snippets #SwordFightingInTheGarden #Love #Sapphic #Novella #WritingCommunity
I wake up alone this time. A different island, but empty. I see the edges in all directions, and there is nowhere for Wynn to be hiding. I fall to my knees. Were we unworthy of what we were trying to do? Were we judged and found wanting? It's suddenly too much to even think about and I start crying. The tears flow from my eyes like rivers, and I wrap my arms around my stomach. I am trying to be as small as possible. "Overcome with emotions?" The voice is a surprise. The Sorceress has appeared behind me. Or at least her voice has. I don't have the energy to check. "Mmm hmm." Is all I manage. I don't want to hear my wobbly and weak voice right now. "I would be too. You just went through something profound and powerful. You know, that experience is unique each time. This is too. All parts of it are. The magic is testing to see if you are ready and worthy of what it will bestow upon you. But you haven't failed yet." The Voice eases the tears, but doesn't stop them. I finally look up at her. She looks the same as she did in the tower. "Many have been in a similar space to you right now... "many have been in a similar space to you right now. Often they think a brave face in the face of adversity is all it will take. Few have the strength to feel what they are feeling." She sits next to me and suddenly I feel warm. I wipe the tears from my eyes, and sniffle a little. I'm not through crying yet, but I am reassured. "Thank you, Madam Wizard." I manage to say. My voice breaks a bit as I do, but she doesn't seem to mind. "Love is like a ghost, Eliese. It haunts you. It's something you can't let go of." She says. I take a deep breath, and nod. "But unlike a ghost, we cherish holding onto it. You did not let her go. You couldn't. It's worth fighting for." She places a hand on my shoulder.
November 23, 2024 at 11:03 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
It's not for very long, bat that trope is the basis for this trial near the end of my Novella. It's also kind of the basis for all of its sequel.
November 23, 2024 at 10:00 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
Alice "Dragon" Hawke is Parvia's cousin. Like her, she was a mage, and maybe they would have met and been friends, but Hawke wasn't sent to the circle. Instead she hid her magic. Grew to resent it. Eventually, though, the blight struck her hometown of Loathering.
Image one: a party of characters in the video game Dragon Age 2. On the left is Fenris, a slightly dark-skinned elf with white hair and white tattoos. He is wearing heavy chest armor, but exposing his arms. To the right of him is the customizable protagonist, in this instance a white haired woman wearing sensible brown clothing. To her right is the character Anders, who is dirty blonde and wearing furry robes. To his right is the final character, Varric, a dwarf with no beared, but acceptional chest hair.
November 23, 2024 at 4:33 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
Starting with Parvia Amell!
Born in Kirkwall to a noble family, Parvia first displayed magic when she was five, launching a fireball out of her hands during a tantrum. She was set to be taken to Kirkwall's Circle of Magi, the Gallows, but her mother arranged for her to be moved to Fereldan instead.
Image one: two characters in the video game Dragon Age: Origins. The character on the left Alistair, and is situated slightly further back. He has dirty blonde hair and redish-grey armor. On the right is the customizable protagonist. In this instance they are a black-haired woman with blue lipstick and a green robe. Image two: the same two characters, this time from a lower angle. The customizable protagonist is on the left, and Alistair is on the right. He is covered in blood spray, indicating this screenshot happened just after combat. Image three: once again a screenshot of the afford mentioned customizable protagonist, but from later in the game. She's heavy black and gold armor now, and has a blue hood to match her blue lipstick.
November 23, 2024 at 4:33 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
Tell me about it
An estimated royalties report for KDP showing $0.00 in estimated royalties and 0 orders.
November 23, 2024 at 3:30 AM
rileywrites.bsky.social
I'm so proud of having designed the covers for my Novellas myself. I know they are simple, and honestly, I don't have much talent for visual art, but it's 1000% better than AI Slop. #FuckAI #WritingCommunity
Image one: the cover of the novella "Sword Fighting in the Garden" by Riley A. Glasen. It is green with white text, featuring a white silhouette of a rose and sword crossing. Image two: the cover of the novella "Horse Riding Into War" by Riley A. Glasen. It's red with white text, featuring a white silhouette of an emblem that's half knights helmet, half horseshoe.
November 23, 2024 at 12:16 AM
rileywrites.bsky.social
The entire chapter "The Dinner" in my novella Sword Fighting in The Garden was very fun to write!
November 19, 2024 at 7:09 PM
rileywrites.bsky.social
"Sword Fighting in The Garden" is a 50k word novella about Sapphic love! A knight teaching a princess the art of the blade, and the two falling in love. All set in the background of a high fantasy Epic!

It's Sequel, "Horse Riding Into War" throws them into that Epic on center stage!

Covers!
November 18, 2024 at 1:13 PM