Steve "That Word You Keep Using" Turnbull
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taupress.com
Steve "That Word You Keep Using" Turnbull
@taupress.com
2.3K followers 1.2K following 3.5K posts
UK Indie writer putting words together in pleasing ways. (BFS)

SF/F with diverse leads. https://taupress.com/books

Images at: https://ko-fi.com/adaddinsane

#Writing #WritingCommunity #Fantasy #SF #Steampunk #Erotica #Queer #biFic #3D 🚫AI-NFT-CRYPTO🚫
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taupress.com
Quote with your art with horns!

This was just a quick bit of render fun a couple of years back (oh my, nearly 4 years back).

(I did not create the assets - I did put them together in this unique way.)

#cgi #noAI #madeWithDaz #3dRender
An old stone building with arches and columns. In the foreground is a female character wearing thing-high black boots, and black sleeves not connected to her skin-tight black body suit with side cutaways and a lacy over-layer. She has long black hair and a black mask. Also a pair of golden horns curving up from her head.
November 25, 2025 at 10:08 AM
taupress.com
As what I'm writing qualifies under the "superhero" genre (as well as a multitude of others) this could be [spoilers].

On the other hand, she doesn't get to choose.

If asked I suspect Geeta would say something like "I don't need superpowers!"

#QueerPrompts
A young woman, Geeta, wearing a flowery hijab with a denim jacket somewhere outside. She's looking directly into the camera, her eyes are yellow, her fingers look animalistic and her fingernails are claws.
November 23, 2025 at 9:44 AM
taupress.com
#LesFicFri "CHILL"

Taking shelter from a rain storm...

From THE TASTE OF VERONICA by Stephanie Bull (a pen-name of Steve Turnbull), from Book 2 of VERONICA'S LIFE

#sapphic #romantasy #lesFic #writingCommunity #lesbian #writing #reading
#LesFicFri "CHILL" “I’ll find the light,” said Polly. “No!” “What?” “You’re soaking wet, you might get a shock.” There was a long pause, then Polly said, “They made it very dark.” “It’s a dark room.” “I’m cold.” Veronica was feeling the chill as well. “We need to get these wet things off.” “I’m wet all through.” “So take it all off.” “Here?” “Why not?” Veronica hadn’t moved and her hand was still on the door. She found a bolt and threw it. It had been oiled and made a satisfying thunk. “No one knows we’re here, and no one can get in.” From THE TASTE OF VERONICA by Stephanie Bull (a pen-name of Steve Turnbull), from Book 2 of VERONICA'S LIFE
November 21, 2025 at 1:25 PM
taupress.com
Sadly I can't because I'm on the wrong computer.

Instead here's a picture that illustrates part of the first scene.

Just to be clear: this is *not* AI, it's a 3D render using Daz3D - which I'm fairly competent at using 😎

#3dRender #noAI #madeWithDaz #3dArt #CGI
It's a gig, in the background there's a guy on stage with a guitar and a crowd looking at him. In the foreground is a young woman, Geeta, wearing hip-hugging jeans, cut-off top showing a lot of skin, and hijab. She's really pissed off; shouting and gesturing at the young man directly in front with his back to the camera. He's got his hand on the back of his neck as if he's feeling uncomfortable. (His name is Roach, he's her boyfriend but can be a real dickhead sometimes.) Inspired by the first scene of the novel CAT PEOPLE - currently my work-in-progress.
November 18, 2025 at 3:30 PM
taupress.com
#Novmemeber 17

Punk rock. Mostly the originals plus post-punk bands.

She met her current bf at a gig, her parents would not approve. Sometimes he can be a real dick.
It's a gig, in the background there's a guy on stage with a guitar and a crowd looking at him. In the foreground is a young woman, Geeta, wearing hip-hugging jeans, cut-off top showing a lot of skin, and hijab. She's really pissed off; shouting and gesturing at the young man directly in front with his back to the camera. He's got his hand on the back of his neck as if he's feeling uncomfortable. (His name is Roach, he's her boyfriend but can be a real dickhead sometimes.) Inspired by the first scene of the novel CAT PEOPLE - currently my work-in-progress.
November 17, 2025 at 10:15 AM
taupress.com
#LesFicFri "LEG"

From THE TASTE OF VERONICA by Stephanie Bull (a pen-name of Steve Turnbull), from Book 2 of VERONICA'S LIFE

#sapphic #romantasy #lesFic #writingCommunity #lesbian #writing #reading
#LesFicFri "LEG" She lay on her side. She could not lie on her back unless supported by a dozen cushions, and even then her back would ache, but she did not mind lying on her side because her face was buried in Polly’s hair. Her left arm stretched beneath her lover’s neck, reaching round to cup her breast while her other wrapped around Polly’s body with her hand resting on her belly. Veronica’s breasts pressed against her maid’s spine, with her legs bent up against Polly’s rear end. It was perfection. Although Polly was dribbling on her arm. Veronica wished Polly was not asleep, but was loath to wake her. She kissed her shoulder. No response. From THE TASTE OF VERONICA by Stephanie Bull (a pen-name of Steve Turnbull), from Book 2 of VERONICA'S LIFE
November 14, 2025 at 1:15 PM
taupress.com
Convincing you to read MONSTERS with (a bit more than) the first sentence:

www.amazon.com/dp/B074LX1MPV

#SF #Epic #Dystopian #Apocalyptic
Chloe 'Freak!’ The scream came from a voice Chloe recognised, a bully from two years above her. What was his name? She sighed and looked down at her empty lunchbox; she was still hungry. She was always hungry nowadays. Her dad had even made a joke about her having a tapeworm which he thought was hilarious. It really wasn’t. ‘So you’ll do my homework, yeah?’ Chloe was distracted by the shouting behind them but turned her attention to Ashley. If there was Aryan perfection, Ashley was it: blond, blue-eyed, slim and not too tall for the boys. The fact the hair was dyed and the roots needed doing didn’t seem to mean much. She hadn’t lacked for male attention for years. Until recently. ‘My homework, you’ll do it, right?’
November 11, 2025 at 9:18 PM
taupress.com
Ditto, Lady Grey is f-ing annoying, all she wants to do is sit on me. ALL. THE. TIME.

Like this.
Extreme close-up of a cat's face looking directly at you from about half an inch away.
November 10, 2025 at 9:47 PM
taupress.com
Describe your cat's personality with one photo:
#Caturday
Extreme face-on close-up of a cat's face who is staring directly at you.
November 8, 2025 at 4:24 PM
taupress.com
#LesFicFri "SMOOTH"

Mistress Nika is out of her comfort zone...

From THE TASTE OF VERONICA by Stephanie Bull (a pen-name of Steve Turnbull), from Book 2 of VERONICA'S LIFE

#sapphic #romantasy #lesFic #writingCommunity #lesbian #writing #reading
#LesFicFri "SMOOTH" Polly had given her hand a squeeze before they had come out into daylight. Now she stood a little back behind her. Mr Jones loomed at her side, and some of the other staff waited in the shadows, ready to fetch the luggage. Mrs Jenkins was not present, but busy making sure everything was running smoothly below stairs. “Do not be concerned, miss—” the butler’s voice was pitched so only she might hear him, “—remember that this is your home and you are happy to welcome them into it.” “I’m terrified.” “Place a smile upon your face and the rest will follow.” From THE TASTE OF VERONICA by Stephanie Bull (a pen-name of Steve Turnbull), from Book 2 of VERONICA'S LIFE
November 7, 2025 at 1:53 PM
taupress.com
Bit late but I was having issues with the lighting.

Looks like Velma Dinkley's in trouble, where are the rest of the Scoobies?

#noAI

#3dRender #madeWithDaz #3dArt #CGI #velma #velmaDinkley #scoobies #scoobydoo
It's the interior of a church, it's light outside with the light filtering through the damaged roof and windows. In the foreground is someone who looks remarkably like Velma Dinkley, though we're only seeing her from the rear. She's not looking around, she's leaning over and checking her leg, maybe she strained it. Unfortunately, leaping from the darkness, is a huge wolf-like creature which she has completely failed to notice. Honestly I don't see how she's getting out of this.
November 1, 2025 at 8:38 PM
taupress.com
#QueerPrompts Nov 1: Intro

I'm Steve and I write SF/F/Steampunk.

Today I am starting work (for the second time) on CAT PEOPLE which is contemporary genetic-manipulation hard SF.

It's a prequel to my book MONSTERS.

(Images are *not* adult/sexual, BlueSky is stupid.)

#noAI #3dRender
It's a gig, in the background there's a guy on stage with a guitar and a crowd looking at him. In the foreground is a young woman, Geeta, wearing hip-hugging jeans, cut-off top showing a lot of skin, and hijab. She's really pissed off; shouting and gesturing at the young man directly in front with his back to the camera. He's got his hand on the back of his neck as if he's feeling uncomfortable. (His name is Roach, he's her boyfriend but can be a real dickhead sometimes.) Inspired by the first scene of the novel CAT PEOPLE - currently my work-in-progress. A bedroom. Morning maybe? There's light from outside through a window but the inside lights are on. The double bed looks slept in but only on one side. There's a young woman in a blue nightie, with dyed ginger hair, looking into a mirror thoughtfully. She's leaning on a dresser covered in make-up while holding a pencil pressed against her nose. She's looking, in the mirror, at a second young woman with copper-red hair wearing a knitted top and black panties but apparently nothing else. She's leaning against a window frame looking down into a pink mug. Perhaps she's about to take a drink. A young woman, Geeta, stands on an industrial bin with her back to the wall on a corner. She's looking down at a robot dog with military grade weaponry that's currently looking away from her. Is she going to attack? Or just hope it doesn't see her? Who knows. A young woman with strawberry blonde hair is crouching in some woods looking up as if she's heard something. This is Lauren, from the story CAT PEOPLE by me.
November 1, 2025 at 6:19 AM
taupress.com
#SFFChat Q4

There are grotesque mutant creatures in my near-future SF book MONSTERS but the question is always: who are the real monsters?

CW: Mental abuse.
‘Tell me, Saffy, which should I put on your record: the fact you released information before the embargo was lifted?’ He moved to the other side of her head and whispered in her other ear. ‘Or that you are trying to seduce female students again? You know what that would mean.’ Her mind was frozen. It was as if he had put a clamp on her thinking processes and tightened it until nothing, not a single thought, could be expressed. It was at that moment she realised her eyes were closed, and she could not even remember when she had shut them. It took all her concentration to force them open again and stare at the desk in front of her. ‘I shouldn’t have told her about the youth group.’ She felt, rather than saw, his presence move away from her. ‘Very well,’ he said, ‘I’ll put that on your record. I shall be releasing Chloe Dark, and I want you to keep an eye on her. These kidnappers will undoubtedly try again. Their attacks are not random; they want specific girls. As soon as you find out anything, Saffy, be sure to let me know, won’t you?’ She said _yes_ but it was so quiet he might not even have heard it. But then he didn’t have to, she knew that he knew she would do anything he said without question. Anything at all. She heard the door behind her open, his footsteps leaving, and the door close behind her. Her tears were a flood but it was some time before she realised that she could use her hands. She was not tied to the chair. It just felt that way.
October 31, 2025 at 4:48 PM
taupress.com
#LesFicFri "AFRAID"

My characters aren't usually scared-afraid, more apologetic-afraid.

From THE TASTE OF VERONICA by Stephanie Bull (a pen-name of Steve Turnbull), from Book 2 of VERONICA'S LIFE

#sapphic #romantasy #lesFic #writingCommunity #lesbian #writing #reading
#LesFicFri "AFRAID" She had no idea what she was could say to her future husband. She addressed the shadowy image of herself reflected in the window glass. “Edwin, I am afraid it is quite impossible for you to insist that the staff become vegetarians, because otherwise...” Because otherwise what? Or nothing. “I have no leverage.” It was hopeless, but she must try otherwise they would all leave and no one blame them. “Mistress?” She turned to the speaker with a smile on her face. Polly shut the door to the library and locked it. Veronica had not realised how much she had missed her lover, and almost ran across the carpeted floor. Enveloping Polly in her arms she snuggled her face into the girl’s neck and kissed—wishing that the uniform was not in the way. “What’s wrong?” “Missed you.” “It’s been two hours.” “It felt like years. Come to the chaise, kiss me.” From THE TASTE OF VERONICA by Stephanie Bull (a pen-name of Steve Turnbull), from Book 2 of VERONICA'S LIFE
October 31, 2025 at 11:50 AM
taupress.com
#QueerPrompts October 31: Halloween

Planning went well this month. I start writing tomorrow (because why not).

#3dRender #noAI #madeWithDaz #3dArt #CGI #writingMonth
It's night and in the background is a dark sepulchre. The air is misty with scattered sparks of blue light. A skeleton carrying a flaming torch is astride a rearing pale horse whose cold breath shines in the eerie blue light.
October 31, 2025 at 7:04 AM
taupress.com
Because everybody wants to be a cat.

#3dRender #noAI #madeWithDaz #3dArt #CGI
A young woman, Geeta, wearing a flowery hijab with a denim jacket somewhere outside. She's looking directly into the camera, her eyes are yellow, her fingers look animalistic and her fingernails are claws.
October 30, 2025 at 9:58 PM
taupress.com
OK folks, I've got to break three more plotlines for my next book, CAT PEOPLE, before I can start writing it, and I want to be begin next Saturday.

All good vibes welcome.

#amWriting #sf #skyWriters #writingCommunity

And here's a story-relevant cat-tax image (3D render, no AI).
In an industrial urban environment, a humanoid cat woman is standing on a pile of pallets looking down at you. Is she retreating? Is she going to jump on you? Who knows... Image inspired by my book CAT PEOPLE, the prequel to MONSTERS.
October 26, 2025 at 1:41 PM
taupress.com
#QueerPrompts

Hm, none of my characters make art, although Miralees is an acrobat (so we have a picture of her).

And the second image is from a story I have yet to write. It might end up being a comic.

#3dRender #noAI #madeWithDaz #3dArt #CGI
A medieval-looking town, in the centre is a muscular man only wearing loose knee-length pants. He stands solidly with his feet apart, balancing with his left arm and his right hand raised high supporting a woman. She stands on right leg held up by the man. Her body is stretched horizontally, left leg out behind, head forward, arms swept back for balance. Her long hair is tied up in braids and she wears a short skirt and loose top. A few of the townsfolk stand around watching. A 3D render inspired by events from the book "Dragon of Earth" written by me. It's a medievalish looking tavern with a long bar, lots of bottels and ornately decorated walls. Candles and other lights are lit although sunlight is streaming in from a low angle from the right. The air shows the rays of sunlight which highlight dust motes. At the left, sitting on a stool, is a huge rhinocerous-like humanoid (he's got the long head and horn on his nose) wearing bits of plate armour and he's reaching up to assist someone step down off the bar onto a box. This someone is a green-skinned goblin girl with pink and white hair, wearing a pretty white dress. As she steps off the bar onto the box she's holding one of the rhinocerous-man's finger and balancing with her other hand.
October 25, 2025 at 10:37 AM
taupress.com
#LesFicFri "HAND"

Not the obvious "hand" - way too many of those 🙃

From THE VIRGIN by Stephanie Bull (a pen-name of Steve Turnbull), from Book 4 of THE SALACIOUS JOURNAL OF WINIFRED CHURCHILL

#sapphic #romantasy #lesFic #writingCommunity #lesbian #writing #reading
#LesFicFri "HAND" Dear reader, she actually stamped her sweet little bare foot. “This is part of your education.” I was extemporising and hoped she did not notice. “I want you to spend at least an hour maintaining yourself on the edge of paroxysm.” Her face took on a horrified expression. “An hour?” “At least.” “And not come?” “No.” “Why?” “Trust me.” Then I shut the door to prevent further discussion, and locked it. At least that should keep her busy. My biggest problem was I really had no idea how to achieve my aim. I was well aware that custom-made strapping existed to allow a woman to sport an artificial penis, and use it on other women, or men. However, I was trying to make one from whatever I had to hand. Even if I had the necessary leather straps and buckles—which I did not—I had no skill whatsoever in leather-working. From THE VIRGIN by Stephanie Bull (a pen-name of Steve Turnbull), from Book 4 of THE SALACIOUS JOURNAL OF WINIFRED CHURCHILL
October 24, 2025 at 12:23 PM
taupress.com
Stop scrolling and post two characters who bring you happiness.

The sisters Harry and Sellie Edgbaston from my Iron Pegasus books.

Joining the 'authors posting art of their characters' version because it makes me very happy to see folks sharing their worlds and the people who live in 'em.

#noAI
This is Edgbaston sisters. The red-head is Harriet (Harry) and her adoptive sister Khuwelsa (Sellie). Neither looks like they'd take any shit from anyone. Image inspired by the IRON PEGASUS stories, written by Steve Turnbull.
October 21, 2025 at 8:11 PM
taupress.com
The MC in my "Dragons of Esternes" (4.6*) fantasy series is ace/aro.

So, yes. 😎

taupress.com/esternes-dra...
October 21, 2025 at 12:11 PM
taupress.com
I was tired and felt the need to create something. What better than:

The Monster and the Fairy

#horror #3dRender #noAI #madeWithDaz #3dArt #CGI
A sunny day and the sun is high. We're by a small lake or river surrounded by trees and bushes. But this is all out of focus and blurry. In the foreground, is a small blue woman. Her skin is blue, her hair is blue, her eyes are difficult to see because she's little but they are very dark. She has butterfly wings which are not blue - they're glowing orange close to her back fading to a darker violet shade. So she's probably a fairy, or some sort of fae. But more interestingly she's sitting cross-legged in the hand of a Monster, and when I say "monster" we're talking "Adam" otherwise known as the Creation, or Frankenstein's Monster. Where she and the surroundings are all colour, he and his dead, sewn, flesh are grey. It's almost as if he's nothing but a lifeless statue. She appears to be explaining something and he's paying close attention. He always was keen to learn.
October 18, 2025 at 11:31 AM
taupress.com
#LesFicFri "WALK"

From THE DRAGON OF WATER by Steve Turnbull from Book 3 of THE DRAGONS OF THE WOUNDED LAND

What's a xililik? Not sure anyone really knows, but it's very small and repulsive.

#sapphic #romantasy #lesfic #writingcommunity #lesbian #writing #3dRender #noAI #madeWithDaz #3dArt #CGI
#LesFicFri "WALK" Eftena walked through the waves and Miralees followed. She turned back to see Yelantera practising her individual juggling. Miralees gasped as cold water sloshed across her face and the side of her body. She turned toward Eftena who stood motionless in the churning water as if she had done nothing. Miralees’ tongue caught the taste of salt. There was water running down Eftena’s arms and dripping from her fingers. “You splashed me!” Eftena shook her head very slowly. Her expression deadpan. But there was a crease of laughter around her eyes. Pent-up energy exploded from within Miralees. She dipped down with cupped hands and flung a curtain of water at the goddess. But the goddess had already dodged and a second splash hit Miralees in the face. “You…xililik!” From THE DRAGON OF WATER by Steve Turnbull from Book 3 of THE DRAGONS OF THE WOUNDED LAND Sunshine on the beach. Two women stand waist deep in waves. The one nearest us is splashing the other, who has been caught unawares and is trying to fend off the water. A 3D render inspired by events from the book "Dragon of Water", Book 3 of the "Dragons of the Wounded Land", series written by me.
October 17, 2025 at 12:41 PM
taupress.com
The whole story is punk - well, ultimately about rebellion against authority.

The story starts at a gig, which is not turning out to be fun. Her boyfriend can be a dick sometimes.

(I also do #3dRenders of scenes - #noAI )
It's a gig, in the background there's a guy on stage with a guitar and a crowd looking at him. In the foreground is a young woman, Geeta, wearing hip-hugging jeans, cut-off top showing a lot of skin, and hijab. She's really pissed off; shouting and gesturing at the young man directly in front with his back to the camera. He's got his hand on the back of his neck as if he's feeling uncomfortable. (His name is Roach, he's her boyfriend but can be a real dickhead sometimes.) Inspired by the first scene of the novel CAT PEOPLE - currently my work-in-progress.
October 14, 2025 at 8:59 PM
taupress.com
If you see this QRP with a game that released the year you were born.

"RSVP was a vertical version of Scrabble introduced by Selchow and Righter and promoted as "3-D Scrabble". Two players spelled words using cubical tiles with letters on an upright grid board." ~ Wikipedia
Shows a box of cubic letter pieces (some have different letters on different faces) each letter has a score value as well. There's a game box with the words "Scrabble brand RSVP three dimensional crossword game". There's a vertical plastic playing board consisting of an 11 by 11 grid of spcaes into which the letter cubes will fit. These are all on a wood veneer table and behind the pieces is a pile of magazines with small glass ashtray on them. In the far distance are some chair legs on a rug. The light is sunlight slanting across the table (and in the chairs). There's one more thing on the table that's hard to make out, it might be a bowl with a spoon - but they're both blue like the colour of the playing grid and burned out with over-exposure.
October 11, 2025 at 10:03 AM