Hannah Steenbock

German Author, Dreamer and Dragonlover.

Writing Fantasy (in English) about underdogs with happy endings. Looking for fellow writers and interested readers.

Cares about people, the world and the climate. Hugs trees. Talks too much.

Pronouns: she/her

Avatar: Stick figure horse I drew myself.
Background image: Four book covers on a star field - my series starters. Dorelle's Journey, Decoy, A Wolf's Quest, South Breaks.

#actuallyautistic #horses #EFTTapping #Mandalorian

Public Key

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NIP-05 Address

[email protected]

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsyckhrkxd29u89l7flzvws0l70j4vqag9z084xx4dtnrpf573q3aqsu3nje

Publishing to

nostr.coinfund.app

relay.mostr.pub

relay.shitforce.one

Author Public Key

npub1f3dw8vv65tcwtlun7ycaqllul92cp6s2y702vd26hxxznfazpr6qd24dm9

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Last Notes

2024-06-03 13:38:34

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@npub1k24…26zw
I love what you did there.
This is something I can totally get behind. ❤️

2024-06-02 22:46:44

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
No writing. It happens.
Today was Sunday and I basically lazed around, read some romance and played Valheim.
Still in clean-up mode after the boss fight. Scraping more iron ore out of the Swamp, because we need gear for the Mountains.
And yes, an iron pickaxe is so much better than a bronze one.
Back into the fray tomorrow. (I wish I could retire with the income I have now, that would be bliss.)
#WritingCommunity

2024-06-02 13:10:35

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@npub1p52…6plk
I knew about them. So cool. *hugs*

2024-06-01 18:28:18

#WritersCoffeeClub 5.1 — Intro and update: Introduce yourself and / or update us on your writing journey since your last intro.
Hi everyone, I'm Hannah (not my official name).
I'm a German writer of fantasy (sometimes SF), writing mostly in English. I prefer feel-good stories with a good ending, although my heroes do get mangled quite a bit until they get there.
I also often write about underdogs and people fighting for what is right. I write mostly series.
#WritingCommunity

2024-05-31 10:25:49

I have to do something difficult today:
Announce to everyone that I'll start raising the prices on my books this weekend, i.e. tomorrow.
I'm telling you anyway because I want to give you the opportunity grab any of my books you've waited to read before the price goes up.
(At least that's what I'm telling myself. And you now.)
Here's a Books2Read link to everything I've written in every store where they are sold (except my own).
https://books2read.com/hannahsteenbock
#WritingCommunity
@[email protected]

2024-05-30 18:01:31

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@npub1u7j…9taq
Agreed, that's bad.
Here, some court ruled that the German Weather Service may not have a monopoly on weather data, so other services sprung up and make money with it.

2024-05-29 08:55:38

#WordWeavers 29/5: How would your MC handle finding a spider in their home?
Connor wouldn't mind. He's used to wildlife, but he might just take it outside if it were in a problematic spot.
Ashley would... cringe a little inside. And then ask someone else to remove it. She's not the kind of person to squish one.
A Wolf's Fury, Wolves of the South 4
#WritingCommunity
#WolfShifter

2024-05-28 08:38:37

#PhantastikPrompts 28.5.
Kommt in deiner Geschichte eine Szene vor, in der eine Figur ganz anders ist, als sie zunächst eingeschätzt wird?
Connor hält Ashley zunächst für eine typische, verzogene Göre aus reichem Haus, gerade auch, weil sie versucht, ihn ins Bett zu kriegen. Das ist gar nicht sein Ding.
Aber dann lernt er andere Seiten von ihr kennen, findet heraus, wie mies ihr Vater ist und... naja...
A Wolf's Fury, Wolves of the South 4
#WritingCommunity
#WolfShifter

2024-05-25 05:36:48

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@npub12vk…ald8
Thank you. ❤️

2024-05-21 21:28:12

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
Didn't even try to write - yes, I opened the file, changed a few words... fizzled out. *sigh*
Proofread 15 pages.
Played some Valheim. Scared by troll events (they killed our pigs!). Twink peeked at the Mountain, hoping to find obsidian (no luck), killed two wolves. Still has to fight Bonemass.
Feeling quite fragile emotionally. The world has become so unsafe lately, at least that's what it feels like.
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorLife

2024-05-21 11:12:11

#WritersCoffeeClub 5/21. Do you format as you write or do that at the end?
I write in Libre Office, using old manuscript style (Courier New etc). The one thing I format while I write are the chapter headers (style: Heading 1).
That will help me massively once I upload my file into Atticus where I do the actual ebook and print formatting. The Headings serve to determine chapter breaks and the table of contents.
This is by far the easiest process I have found for my books.
#WritingCommunity

2024-05-20 22:15:48

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
Another day where I opened the file, fiddled a bit with what I have written - and stalled out.
This is painful.
I used to be so much better about "just sitting down and write". I miss it.
Valheim was unpleasant today, with constant Events. I killed more trolls today than I usually do in a week. Something with the update, I fear.
Today was the last of the spring holidays, so it's back to the day job tomorrow.
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorLife

2024-05-20 09:22:20

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@npub15ry…ek8e
Thank you! I wanted something cute and funny. (And possibly a vantage point to shoot nasties!)
Have you decided to build in the Swamp yet?
(I wouldn't, to be honest. The weather is dreadful. 😉 )

2024-05-19 10:58:17

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@npub1c2f…qpwu
Hach... schön wär's.

2024-05-18 08:49:49

#PennedPossibilities 318 — What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
Quiet. Sometimes music, but that's rare.
Any loud noise will pull me out of my story, especially doors being slammed, kids screaming, sirens below my window.
Now that sounds like I live in a horrible place, which I don't. The Main Fire Station is just own the road, however. And I have hyper-awareness.
It's why I love writing early in the morning when the rest is still asleep.
#WritingCommunity

2024-05-16 09:38:04

#WritersCoffeeClub 5/16: What's your target audience? Why?
I write for people who want to find hope in my stories. Who cheer for the good guys winning. Who delight in justice.
Basically, they are people like me. (Of course.)
I firmly believe that we need to support hope and a belief that the good will win even if we have to fight for it. The world is depressing enough.
#WritingCommunity
#Noblebright

2024-05-13 21:33:29

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
Today, I sent out my newsletter (struggled with it, too), and then I realized that I messed up the link to my update blog post.
Of course, I realized it five seconds after I hit SEND. Of course.
So yeah, I'll put it at the end of this post.
Also played Valheim, got a really nasty idea to harvest some material - have to try that out in game. Survived a troll attack on my Twink's base, thanks to a back door. Not much damage.
#WritingCommunity
https://www.hannah-steenbock.de/may-2024-progress-report/

2024-05-10 12:01:34

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@npub1arr…uugh
No, no. It only opens at 1pm today, and will be open for 24h.
So I haven't submitted yet.

2024-05-10 11:05:46

Today is SPFBO day.
Doesn't mean a thing to you?
It's the biggest indie fantasy award, and you can submit your book today. Only today. It's open for 24h, starting at 1pm GMT.
And yes, maybe it is foolish to up the competition and invite even more authors, but I believe in sharing. I believe we're all in it together.
So check it out here:
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-official-self-published-fantasy.html
#WritingCommunity
#SPFBO10

2024-05-07 16:07:15

#WritersCoffeeClub 5/7: Do you add a copyright statement to your work? How comprehensive is it?
Of course, I do when I publish a book. Indicating copyright is part of the German law for publication, and it affects me as a German citizen.
For my English-language books, I use US terminology - that's what people are familiar and comfortable with.
For all the good it does, I just want to follow the law. Copyright has never stopped any pirates...
#WritingCommunity

2024-05-06 22:15:29

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
I spent a good deal of today practicing project management in a game environment.
That's my take on it, and I'm sticking to that.
(Yes, it was Valheim.)
I found a solution to a big problem, and killed the nasty monster after a few tries. Well worth all the effort.
No writing. But Writer Brain is nibbling around Sun and the Prequel to the series. Still letting go of stress over the state of the world.
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorLife
Feel-good stories in any Universe

2024-05-06 12:34:29

#WordWeavers 5/6. Who is your most fun character?
Sky Falcon instantly raised his hand. It's not that he's a jokster. But he has a quirky mind and is full of curiosity. Nothing gets him down much, he always comes back swinging - and laughing.
Nick Karagianidis comes a close second, he's one of my Wolves. He can easily laugh at himself. I love that in a person.
Sky Falls, Pillars of the Empire 2
A Wolf's Honor, Wolves of the South 3
#WritingCommunity
Feel-good stories in any Universe.

2024-05-06 06:59:12

#PennedPossibilities 306 — Are there any characters that you WISH you killed off in a series or standalone story?
No.
I try to make even my bad characters personal, with understandable motivations and decisions. Even if they go insane, basically.
That in turn means I don't hate them. I often feel pity or compassion for them. I give them chances to change. But often enough, they dig their own grave - and that matters for their story. I don't waste those moments.
#WritingCommunity

2024-05-05 22:50:32

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@npub1k24…26zw
*hugs*

2024-05-05 13:49:49

#PhantastikPrompts 05.05.
Worin unterscheidet sich deine Geschichte besonders von anderen Werken desselben Genres?
Meine Wolf Shifter sind weder spicy, noch haben sie irgendwelche Alphas.
Meine Drachen sind Personen, und so gibt es gute und schlechte und einfach... alles dazwischen.
Meine SF-Serie hat praktische keine Raumfahrt (aus Gründen).
Meine Magier haben wenig echte Macht, jedenfalls bis sie entkommen.
Feel-good stories in any Universe.
#WritingCommunity

2024-05-04 12:49:53

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@npub1ex0…24fq
Schade eigentlich. Der Rücktritt von Merz wäre eine echte Verbesserung.

2024-05-04 12:46:12

#WritersCoffeeClub 5/4: What's the worst thing about being a writer?
Getting all the story ideas all the time.
Turning experiences into stories. Creating worlds I want to live in. Longing for the happiness my characters find.
And finally... sharing and marketing all those books.
#WritingCommunity

2024-05-01 11:57:04

#WritersCoffeeClub 1: OMG! What happened to your MC's parents?
Sun has no idea. He never got to know his parents.
It is possible they were other Winds and Pillars, and that would mean they are long dead by now.
Life is not good for people with magical powers in the Holy Empire...
Sun Burns, Pillars of the Empire 3
(WiP - I really need to finish this!)
#WritingCommunity
#EpicFantasy

2024-04-30 13:52:58

Also the final day for some great fantasy and SF ebook deals - free or reduced!
Yes, this is a very broad selection, but maybe there's something for everyone!
Check it out right here (and please boost, so more people get a chance to snag a deal):
https://books.bookfunnel.com/sci-fi-fantasy-sales-apr/w1okoe0oh8
#ScienceFiction
#Fantasy
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/360/021/329/367/993/original/5d6ac830504025f7.png

2024-04-28 16:58:13

#PennedPossibilities 298 — Do any of your characters have a disability?
Yes. Sidren, the heroine of Dragon Prey, has a club foot. She uses a staff to get along and can't really walk far.
She doesn't let that stop her, of course.
Indeed, she does what must be done when her tribe splits under the pressure of being hunted by firebeasts. She becomes the leader her people need - and does the unthinkable.
Dragon Prey, The Cloud Lands Beginnings 1
#WritingCommunity
#Dragons

2024-04-28 15:58:04

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@npub164w…7ef8
Glückwunsch an alle!

2024-04-27 18:56:19

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@npub1yhj…3h3t
Gray-shirts instead of brown-shirts, huh?
This German remembers how well that went down, and how much suffering and death they caused.
Not again, please.

2024-04-27 11:42:19

#PennedPossibilities 297 — Sum up your MC in three verbs.
Escape. Learn. Survive.
Sun Burns, Pillars of the Empire 3
(WiP)
#WritingCommunity
#EpicFantasy

2024-04-27 11:30:23

All right, here's the Blurb for Sun Burns. It'll take a couple of toots, though.
**A Power out of control. A Priestess changing sides. A grueling journey.**
Sun Snake’s life is coming to its sacrificial end. His best friend is already gone, and he’s ready to join Moon in death.
When his Power goes rogue as the knives come out, Sun literally falls into a new life, together with the Priestess who joined him for the ritual.
1/3
Sun Burns, Pillars of the Empire 3
(WiP)
#WritingCommunity

2024-04-26 19:59:49

#WritersCoffeeClub 4/26 Do you write standalone stories, series, or both? Which do you prefer?
Well, my standalones tend to turn into series... what can I say?
For marketing purposes, series are much easier to handle, you just need to hook readers right.
Having said that, most books in my series (Wolves, Winds and Pillars) make sense if you read them out of order, they are just a little less enjoyable.
These days, I usually plan for series.
#WritingCommunity

2024-04-26 19:54:44

#WordWeavers 4/26: In your story who's hiding (literally or metaphorically)?
Sun is doing both, really.
He's hiding his powers from the Priests after his escape - but he has also been hiding from them all his life.
His best friend Moon took control of his powers, instead of teaching Sun how to do it on his own. After all, it was faster when they were pushed to deliver results.
And so Sun has much to (un)learn when he literally falls into freedom.
Sun Burns, Pillars...
#WritingCommunity

2024-04-26 07:28:17

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@npub1t47…ra8k
Gerne! ❤️
Oh, ich vergaß: A Wolf's Quest sollte überall kostenlos sein (Amazon zickt damit immer rum).

2024-04-25 08:47:11

#PhantastikPrompts 25.4.: Nutzt du ungewöhnliche künstlerische Ausdrucksmittel, wie z. B. besondere Anordnung/ Ausrichtung der Wörter auf der Seite, leere Seiten, wechselnde Schriftarten?
Nein.
So etwas empfinde ich als absichtlich gekünstelt. Passt zu Gedichten oder Wort-Art, aber nicht zu einem einfachen Unterhaltungsroman, wie ich sie schreibe.
Ich möchte, dass meine Leser einfach ungestört lesen können, ohne Ablenkung oder Firlefanz.
Ausnahme: irc Chat-Dialoge
#WritingCommunity

2024-04-24 21:08:17

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
Today, I wrote 500 words for Sun. They are almost safe - at least that's what they think. (They are wrong...)
Of course, I also played Valheim. Managed to grow my first turnips and unlocked a new item that in turn unlocked a bunch of new cooking recipes. And voilá, my health and stamina get better! (Do not ask what goes into the sausage.)
It's been a good day.
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorLife

2024-04-24 11:20:07

#PennedPossibilities 294 — What, to you, are the most important elements of good writing?
To me, a story consists of the following elements, and they all need to work together to create good writing:
- interesting, complex characters
- a plot that challenges them and lets them grow
- a world that makes sense and supports the tale
Weave all this together in a pleasing way, with surprises and a good ending, and you have a good story and writing.
Much easier said than done.
#WritingCommunity

2024-04-23 13:20:08

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@npub10zv…nz7m
Thank you for that little smile. I needed that just now. ❤️

2024-04-22 21:54:04

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
Another day with Valheim, but something shifted. My hyperfocus might be ending.
Which is both sad and a good thing, since there is stuff I need to take care of, such as Sun. 🙂
We'll see tomorrow. Tonight, I'm very tired.
#WritingCommunity

2024-04-20 22:09:01

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
I spent the day in Valheim.
No Nazis, no dire climate news, no wars. It's a troubled world, yes, but still a paradise in a way.
Twink is getting ready to face the Swamp. Main (who is a lot less accomplished) had fun with her pal. We killed trolls (nothing new, but it is getting easier). We will also explore fishing.
Tomorrow is a new day.
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorLife

2024-04-20 20:57:06

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@npub1k24…26zw
*sending a mountain of hugs*
You're doing what you can for him. He'll let you know when it's time.
*more hugs*
*all the hugs*

2024-04-20 12:48:36

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@npub1t22…3ddy
Heartbreaking.
And so infuriating. They are fighting for all of us, and we are deserting them.

2024-04-19 21:46:35

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
I didn't anything for Sun today, but I wrote autoresponder emails as part of creating new subscriber workflows. It's fascinating how much one can do that way.
I also played a lot of Valheim, and I have a huge success: Twink killed the Elder.
That took 30 min of firing fire arrows, running, ducking and taking out greydwarves along the way. But I didn't die once, and I count THAT as a huge win.
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorLife

2024-04-18 18:42:57

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@npub1u2f…q2va
Sehr gerne. ❤️
Du machst eine tolle Aktion. 👍

2024-04-17 20:46:43

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@npub1eeu…4aku
Oh, that's awesome!
Very good to hear. Maybe I'll try some mystery elements myself. 🙂
(But yeah, I hear you on the editing...)

2024-04-17 11:32:04

#WritersCoffeeClub 4/17. What genre(s) would you be terrible at writing?
I don't really like plotting, it kills all the joy in writing the story. So I doubt I could write good thrillers or mysteries that rely on plotting.
On the other hand, I do like to challenge myself somewhat with the stories I dive into. And I might not be good at those, but I do it anyway. (The Franssisi Four Chronicles are an example.)
On the other hand, I love fantasy and think I'm good at that.
#WritingCommunity

2024-04-15 15:29:50

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@npub1wn4…v7mw
Yes, seems we might as well move back to paper. 🙃
I have an old Mouret-Saunders, in four books.

2024-03-27 18:23:47

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@npub15wt…7rek
Kris shares the occasional Musings on her Patreon, for free.
But yeah, I miss that resource.

2024-03-27 17:48:12

#WritersCoffeeCub 3/27 How does it feel knowing that strangers will read your work?
It used to scare me. Then I realized that complete strangers are okay. I don't mind them.
My family reading my books is really, really scary. (At least my Dad is easy. The rest aren't really interested.)
Friends can also be difficult.
It's always, always, the fear of being judged.
And it's a huge relief when the feedback is positive.
#WritingCommunity

2024-03-17 23:03:58

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
Another day of mostly Valheim. We unlocked a lot of new things with a new kind of wood - for which you need a bronze axe.
Soon, we will take to the seas!
Ahem. Yeah. Hyperfocus, apologies, but I'm not sorry. My Autistic brain relishes this game.
My writing retreat is coming. I will catch up with Sun then.
Have a view.
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorLife
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/112/113/272/812/264/474/original/c9c56c6155b96966.jpg

2024-03-12 13:53:35

#WritersCoffeeClub 3.12 Do you agree with Ray Bradbury, who said, "Quantity produces quality. If you only write a few things you're doomed"?
"Doomed" may be a little overblown, but I like to see writing as a craft. And like every craft, writing needs practice and challenges.
So there is a relationship between how much you write and how fast you get better at it.
I'm sure that learning curve is very different for everyone, though.
#WritingCommunity

2024-03-12 12:52:16

#PhantastikPrompts 12.3. Wo und wie schläft deine Hauptfigur am Anfang der Geschichte? Und am Ende?
Am Anfang schläft Sun in seinem House, im Sacred Square, dort wo er sein Leben lang gelebt hat. Er sollte dort auch sterben (genauer, auf der Sun Pyramid), aber daraus wurde dann nichts.
Am Ende schläft er in seinem Bett in seinem neuen Zuhause, ziemlich glücklich. 😉 Und mit einer neuen Aufgabe.
Sun Burns, Pillars of the Empire 3
(WiP)
#WritingCommunity
#EpicFantasy

2024-03-10 07:47:54

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@npub1mfg…zv6k
You know, I've always thought that filling up the lake was a shame. I've seen images of reconstructions, and it was beautiful.
But I'm not really entitled to any opinion, since I don't live in Mexico, it's not my home and I'm just a person who doesn't matter who lives in another country anyway.

2024-01-19 17:47:22

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@npub15wt…7rek
Took a look. Not sure the style fits what I have... or envision. And I honestly don't quite understand his credit system.
But... I'll sign up for his newsletter.

2024-01-19 17:40:37

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@npub15wt…7rek
Thank you!

2024-01-19 17:23:01

Okay, my lovely Mastodon friends, I was told to try new covers for my Zell series (The Franssisi Four Chronicles).
It's basically colony SF, with humans fighting for freedom, polyamory, enemies to friends/lovers trope, really spicy and somewhat epic.
I have no idea what that cover should look like. And to be completely honest, I also don't have a lot of money to throw at them.
Can you give me suggestions for designers? No AI, please.
#WritingCommunity
#CoverDesign
#HelpMeFediverse

2024-01-15 08:44:10

#WritersCoffeeClub 15/1. Is it worthwhile buying professional cover art?
I definitely believe so.
Having said that, it's always a balancing act between investing money and the hope of the book being able to earn it back.
With my last two series, I've gone the professional route, and I am very happy with the covers. My SF series has covers that I created myself (and it's the series that sells least).
Self-publishing is a business... with hard decisions.
#WritingCommunity

2024-01-14 22:35:44

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
Today, I made good progress with Sky. I do believe I can format the book tomorrow. And commission the cover (yeah, I got sidetracked a little).
Also participated in a march against Nazis in the afternoon. It was peaceful and almost cheerful. Big, big march for our town, and I am proud of where I live.
Of course, since it was peaceful, media are ignoring it.
And that's all. I'll be back tomorrow.
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorLife

2024-01-14 14:25:39

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@npub1syk…c6ue
Habe ein primitives Schild.
"Braun hatten wir schon mal. War Scheiße."

2024-01-14 12:40:23

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@npub1syk…c6ue
Ich komme auch.

2024-01-12 12:31:14

#PennedPossibilities 191 — Describe a "happy life" according to your MC?
Sky: "A happy life? That's easy. I'd get to live with my West, we get to be safe and we are allowed to use our powers.
What? Kids?
I... I never thought I could have a family. That's... wow. I... I think I may want kids. If we ever get somewhere safe."
Sky Falls, Pillars of the Empire Book 2
(coming in January, start the series with South Breaks)
#WritingCommunity
#EpicFantasy

2024-01-12 11:18:03

If you like fantasy and romance, but prefer not to have any explicit bed scenes, this is a curated list of free books that just might suit your fancy.
I can promise you minimal swearing, minimal gore, and no explicit content.
But you have to be fast, they are only available from January 12-15. (Yes, there is an error in the image.)
Hop over to BookFunnel and take a look!
https://books.bookfunnel.com/winterromantasy24/qw1vklchp8
#Romantasy
#LowSpice
#FreeBooks
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/111/742/441/437/842/962/original/905e999d14c12f52.png

2024-01-11 09:21:21

#PhantastikPrompts 11.01.: Gibt es etwas, was deine Hauptfigur tun würde, auch wenn alle davon abraten? (Prompt von @anderlandbooks )
Naja, Sky bricht aus dem Sacred Circle aus, davon hätten ihm alle abgeraten. Andererseits hat er nicht wirklich noch irgendetwas zu verlieren.
In dieser Welt ist es immer gefährlich, sich gegen die Priester zu stellen, die die absolute Macht haben. Die meisten würden davon abraten.
Sky Falls, Pillars of the Empire Book 2
#WritingCommunity
#EpicFantasy

2024-01-11 09:18:05

#WritersCoffeeClub 1/11. Do you use dream sequences in your work? How do you feel about them?
Rarely. (Trying to remember where I did one...)
They can be useful if you want to show a hidden part of your character's past, but it often feels a bit like a cop-out from weaving that information into the story in a more elegant way.
As with so many rules - if it's beautifully done, it's awesome. If not... well, then it isn't.
#WritingCommunity

2024-01-10 09:20:54

#WordWeavers 1/10 Why is your MC the way they are?
Sky is who he is because of his magical powers.
They gave him his name, they landed him in the Falcon House and they finally gave him a means to change his own fate.
That's very reductionist, of course. Sky's life in his House also helped develop his personality and shaped what he knows about the world.
Which is very little.
Sky Falls, Pillars of the Empire Book 2
(coming soon)
#WritingCommunity
#EpicFantasy

2024-01-09 11:02:12

#WordWeavers 1/9: Is there a decision your MCs have to make where all the choices are bad?
Oh, all the time. I'll let West take that one.
West: There was that evening just before my sacrifice and that horrible priestess kept droning on about how I would get reunited with my House.
That was the last thing I wanted. So I kind of lost it and threw myself into the harbor. At least I'd have a death of my choosing, right?
Best thing I ever did.
West Flows, Winds of Destiny 2
#WritingCommunity

2024-01-08 21:27:32

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
Not a good day. No writing. I couldn't focus.
Most of the day, there was much noise (felt like terror, really) from the farmers' protest. Loud tractors, honking, sirens, everything right where I live... completely frazzled me.
Still frazzled, to be honest. Worry about one's future doesn't make it easy to be creative.
Anyway. I hope to be able to do more tomorrow. Sky is waiting.
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorLife

2024-01-08 12:15:04

#Bauern
Ich kann nur eines sagen: All diese Bauern, die jetzt gerade "protestieren", kehren sich einen Scheißdreck um Natur und Klima.
Wirklich dumm und kurzsichtig, denn die Klimakatastrophe wird die Landwirtschaft auf Dauer härter treffen, als der Verlust von Subventionen.
Diese Bauern hängen sich an Versprechungen von Populisten, für kurzfristigen Vorteil. Dümmer geht es nicht. Und sie versuchen, uns alle zu erpressen.
Mich macht das gerade sehr wütend.

2024-01-05 22:27:41

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
Slow day. Met my Mastermind buddy in the morning, then the day got away from me.
Played Titan Quest. Yes, I have missed that.
Pulled up the book cover for "Der Ritter von Lar Elien" and tried to build a print wrap from that (template from Amazon). Sadly, I'm just not good enough with GIMP. So I'll probably have to start over.
No writing. Just can't wrap my mind around the vampire things. I did make a list with projects to pick from.
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorLife

2024-01-04 19:15:33

#WordWeavers 1/4: SC POV: How do you feel about family? Who do you consider family?
Estar: Well, Sky Falcon is my family. Quite literally. He's the only one left I grew up with. I'd do everything to help keep him safe.
Sadly, that meant leaving him for a while. It broke my heart, and I can only hope he'll be okay. And that we meet again.
Sky Falls, Pillars of the Empire Book 2
(coming in January)
#WritingCommunity
#EpicFantasy

2024-01-04 15:51:43

#PhantastikPrompts 4.1. Wie lautet der erste Satz aus deinem aktuellen Manuskript? (Maike Stein)
“Yaya, no.”
Okay, dafür braucht es eine Erklärung oder aber vielleicht nur den zweiten Absatz:
Leander took his grandmother’s hand. It had always been small, but now it was frail and so much colder than it should be. He chafed it, gently, over and over and over.
Lion's Battle, Penumbra Book 1
(WiP)
#WritingCommunity
#ModernVampires

2023-12-23 09:06:53

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@npub1k24…26zw
So familiar.
My apartment shows it, too. And most days, I don't care.
*hugs*

2023-12-22 15:53:08

#PennedPossibilities 170 Would your MC and SC object to building a snowman, putting up lights, or decorating a tree together?
Sky would be absolutely baffled by the idea, since Christmas isn't a thing in his world.
However, he is a curious and helpful soul, so he'd join and have fun. He would be beyond fascinated by the electricity in the lights - since that corresponds to his power.
Sky Falls, Pillars of the Empire Book 2
(in edits)
#WritingCommunity
#EpicFantasy

2023-12-22 10:56:20

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@npub1k24…26zw @npub1ek8…t2en
Awwww, you guys. This is like Christmas.
❤️ ❤️ ❤️

2023-12-19 16:39:04

I love it when my old books get a little review love.
Dragon Court (The Cloud Lands Saga 3) just got a wonderful 5-star review on Amazon COM.
Thank you, dear reader!
#WritingCommunity
#Dragons
#EpicFantasy
https://cdn.masto.host/writing/media_attachments/files/111/607/819/164/508/770/original/4640fd314cdca156.png

2023-12-19 15:31:22

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@npub1k24…26zw
I get that often - I agree to go somewhere, hate the idea the last 12h before the event, and then I usually enjoy it once I make it there.
Best of luck for the presentation!

2023-12-19 15:30:24

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@npub1ahd…4p2e
Spannend!
Frage: Ist hier ein Zahlendreher drin? Das sind ja keine 300 Jahre.
"Die letzte derartige Eruptionsserie von 1210 bis 1240...."

2023-12-19 15:01:57

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@npub1k24…26zw
*hugs*
Because it was a good idea? *more hugs*

2023-12-18 22:07:15

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@npub1k24…26zw
*hugs right back*
It's still going to be a little stressful, need to organize a lot. (More presents, a big fish for dinner, getting everything ready...)
But it'll be good. ❤️

2023-12-16 20:28:51

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@npub16uc…k62q
Good luck getting it all sorted!

2023-12-16 15:16:24

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@npub1k24…26zw
Yeah, been thinking about that, as well. I never go back. They are not really searchable. So why keep them?

2023-12-16 13:34:30

#WritersCoffeeClub 12/16. Any writing tropes you dislike?
Oh, yeah.
I write Wolf Shifters, and that horrible, horrible Alpha trope is something I avoid. It's scientifically wrong (wolf packs are basically families, nothing more), it's all too often extremely misogynist, and mostly toxic. Not something I want in books I write or read.
I also hate the "denigration turns me on" trope. It just... irks me so much. Yeah, it exists, I get it. But consent matters and this...ugh.
#WritingCommunity

2023-12-14 18:19:49

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@npub15ax…lqq5
Sweet indeed! ❤️

2023-12-04 08:27:00

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@npub1gx6…xcqu
Thank you so much! ❤️

2023-12-04 07:22:24

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@npub1gx6…xcqu
Feel like adding my book Dragon Prey to the list?
My MC Sidren is an older woman (40+), and she changes an entire world.
https://books2read.com/DragonPreyCloudLandsBeginnings
(I can give you an ARC.)

2023-11-29 08:12:38

#WordWeavers 11/29 — If you could go back and change one thing about your writing in your earlier work, what would it be?
I wish I'd learn to make the first book in a series longer - up to 50k, at least. This would make marketing easier, since many promoters demand a "full book", and well, a novella isn't.
I have a plan to fix my first dragon book (I wrote a prequel I can integrate into the first book, effectively creating a new book). Need the courage to do it.
#WritingCommunity
#Dragons

2023-11-14 21:39:47

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
No writing today.
I feel rebellious, angry and disappointed. Maybe desperate. Can't shake that feeling.
I did take a nap this afternoon and I think I have the story plot down now. I'm also realizing I'm not putting in enough Christmas elements. (GAH!)
Book sales have been the worst in probably over a year. Very frustrating, especially since I had a paid promo at the first of this month. *grumbles*
Back tomorrow.
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorLife

2023-11-13 08:29:32

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@npub1gx6…xcqu
*hugs*
You can do it!

2023-11-13 08:15:55

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@npub1gx6…xcqu
Yes. On the other hand, I hide in books, so it was a lot of procrastinating.
And I have plans for this book, dammit. 🙃

2023-11-12 22:51:47

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
So today was pretty much a bust with writing.
I played Titan Quest, I read three (squints, yes, three) romance books, cooked a meal (yay, self-care) and chatted with a friend who needed support.
Wrote 60 words. *sigh*
This is so not good for NaNoWriMo and my publishing plans. But maybe I needed a day off.
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorLife

2023-11-06 22:39:27

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
It took some pushing and a hot shower break), but I managed to get another 2k in the bag, on day 6 of NaNo.
This time, all of it was for the Wolves. We're having quite a bit of tension now, and I need to rack it up even more in order to reach my landmarks.
This will be so much fun. *rubs hands gleefully*
NaNoWriMo is doing what it's supposed to do: Make me write. And I love it.
#WritingCommunity
#WolfShifters

2023-10-30 23:19:16

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
Slow, easy day.
Played Titan Quest and Spider Solitaire, edited 20 pages of my friend's grimdark fantasy, did some chores (replaced the smoke alarms' batteries, always fun), and read a comfort book or three (short ones).
My sister called during the time I had set aside for writing and told me all about her latest travels - fun and fascinating, but... it means I'm up way too late because I did want to write.
Managed 765 words for the Wolves. Yay.
#WritingCommunity

2023-10-23 21:28:26

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@npub1gx6…xcqu
Goodness... I had a chuckle at those trends.
(My Epic Fantasy will end not with a revolution but with the end of an Empire)
Comp authors... *cries*
Good luck with your queries. *hugs*

2023-10-23 06:53:08

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@npub1gx6…xcqu
Much better day, yes. ❤️
*hugs back*

2023-10-22 22:26:05

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
Spent the day doing fun and calming things. Played Titan Quest and Solitaire, read another comfort book (Jon's Mysteries, MM romance, recommend).
Chatted with a friend who needed a bit of support and said something along the lines of "look for joy as your guide" - and then took my own advice.
Wrote 600 words for my Wolves, watching Mark deal with being on a plane for the first time in his life. Mentioned Olivier.
(Wolves of the South)
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorLife

2023-10-21 21:53:17

Gute Nacht, Freunde.
No energy to write. I wish I could snap into writing mode. It's just not happening.
Got groceries and walking up to the fourth floor left me gasping for breath. Not good at all.
I finished deep-editing a chapter for a friend. I hope he likes it.
Also made food. That's important, not doing that often.
I should get more walking in tomorrow, weather is gradually improving.
#WritingCommunity
#AuthorLife

2023-10-20 07:47:50

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@npub1gx6…xcqu
Thank you. *hugs back*
Just so emotional.
These individual tales bring home the horror of war. All those deaths, and for what?
Putin's ego, that's for what. It's plain horror.