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jackietwrites.bsky.social
Definitely! That’s the joy of enemies to lovers! #MayWeDance #lunchtimewriter #romancelandia #amwriting #writersky
gunsmile.bsky.social Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · May 29
#MayWeDance Day 29

They say a Happily Ever After is one of the key characteristics of a romance, but is that what will happen for your MC and LI? Why or why not?

#WritingCommunity #WriterSky #WritingPrompt #Romancelandia
#MayWeDance A writing prompt game by @gunsmile.bsky.social for romances in all genres 29. Is a Happily Ever After in store for your MC and LI? Why or why not? The background image is a couple dancing from behind. The man wears a suit, and the woman wears a sleeveless dress.
May 29, 2025 at 4:54 PM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
Hoyden and the Duke has enemies to lovers and secret identity. #maywedance #romancelandia #lunchtimewriter #blackromancewriter #writersky #romancewriter #writing
gunsmile.bsky.social Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · May 9
#MayWeDance Day 9

Yesterday, we discussed our favorite tropes, but today I want to know which ones you've included in your WIPs. Not only that, but do you play them straight, or are you subverting them?

#WritingCommunity #WriterSky #WritingPrompt #Romancelandia
#MayWeDance A writing prompt game by @gunsmile.bsky.social for romances in all genres 9. Which romance tropes are in your WIP? Do you play them straight or subvert them? The background image is a couple dancing from behind. The man wears a suit, and the woman wears a sleeveless dress.
May 9, 2025 at 10:23 PM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
Sharp, funny and passionate #lunchtimewriter #romancewriter #romancelandia
May 13, 2025 at 3:52 PM
katesfwriter.bsky.social
Writing across the middle of the day works for me. I’m a #LunchTimeWriter.

Today I’m drafting a new chapter of a #HistoricalFiction novel.

#AmWriting #WritingLife
July 28, 2025 at 11:42 AM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
Beatrice and David would go to the theater or a musical performance and bicker over it. Both of them enjoying being contrarian and annoying each other 😆 #maywedance #lunchtimewriter #romancelandia #writersky #romancewriter
gunsmile.bsky.social Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · May 21
#MayWeDance Day 21

Let's pretend the plot and/or antagonists aren't in the picture for a moment. What would the MC and LI do for their ideal date?

#WritingCommunity #WriterSky #WritingPrompt #Romancelandia
#MayWeDance A writing prompt game by @gunsmile.bsky.social for romances in all genres 21. Describe the MC and LI's ideal date. The background image is a couple dancing from behind. The man wears a suit, and the woman wears a sleeveless dress.
May 21, 2025 at 4:38 PM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
I love Media Res! My current WIP starts in Media res. Reader feedback has been really positive. They love that it starts like this and not a few moments before the chaos!
#lunchtimewriter #summerofstory #writersky
cfranciswrites.bsky.social Charlotte Francis @cfranciswrites.bsky.social · Aug 11
Hello #SummerOfStory!

Day 11: In Media Res

Why start at the beginning when you can throw your reader into the thick of it? In Media Res drops them right into the action, questions swirling, tension already crackling.

Do you love it, hate it, or find it confusing?

#WritingPrompt
1: Title, Date, & Prompt Introduction This slide features a large torn piece of lined paper with the text "August 11th" at the top and the writing prompt "In Media Res" in big script letters. There's a typewriter in the corner with a note saying "TOOLS not RULES". On the right, there's a speech bubble with prompt questions, a Bluesky butterfly, and it has a palm leaf background. Transcription: August 11th In Media Res What's your take on this writing technique? Have you used it before – or do you avoid it? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or tell us how you'd use it in a scene. 2: What and Why This slide is a piece of lined paper with "What?" and "Why?" highlighted at the top and middle. It explains what "In Media Res" means as a writing technique and why it's useful. There's a Bluesky butterfly and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: What? In Media Res (Latin for 'into the middle of things') means starting your story or scene in the midst of the action rather than at the chronological beginning. You drop the reader straight into a moment of conflict, drama, or change, then fill in the backstory as the scene unfolds. Why? It grabs attention instantly and hooks the reader before they can wander off. By starting with action or intrigue, you raise immediate questions they'll keep reading to answer. 3: In Practice This slide looks like a piece of graph paper and is titled "The OG In Media Res". It explains that these days, In Media Res refers to scenes that start fast or in the middle of action, but originally, when coined by Roman poet Horace, it meant beginning a story in the heart of the action or climax of the whole work. Two diagrams are shown: The first is the chronological narrative structure most books utilise – boxes for "Exposition", "Rising Action", "Climax", "Falling Action", "Resolution", with "Inciting Incident" marked between Exposition and Rising Action. The second is the structure of a story starting In Media Res – starting with "Inciting Incident or Climax", then "Exposition", "Rising Action", "Climax", "Falling Action", "Resolution". A note says: "Your start point comes from this part of the story, but then you go back and catch the reader up on what they missed." A Bluesky butterfly sits in the corner. Transcription: These days, In Media Res refers to scenes that start fast or in the middle of action. Originally though – in the way back when of the Roman poet Horace, who coined it – it referred to a specific story structure, beginning in the heart of the action or climax of the whole work. This is the chronological narrative structure most books utilise: Exposition → Rising Action → Climax → Falling Action → Resolution And this is the structure of a story starting In Media Res: Inciting Incident or Climax → Exposition → Rising Action → Climax → Falling Action → Resolution Your start point comes from this part of the story, but then you go back and catch the reader up on what they missed. 4: What do you think? This slide is a torn piece of paper with discussion questions for writers about using the "In Media Res" technique. There's a speech bubble repeating "TOOLS not RULES", a blue butterfly, and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: What do you think? What's your take on In Media Res? Have you ever started a book like this? Do you enjoy stories that start in the thick of things, or do you find them confusing? Does this technique work best for action-heavy plots, or can it shine in quieter, character-driven drama? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or share an example you love (or hate). Hot takes welcome – just please don't set anyone on fire!
August 11, 2025 at 2:20 PM
katesfwriter.bsky.social
Working on a #HistoricalFiction novel, set in northern Britannia in AD 100-102. Drafting a chapter during lunchtime today.
#LunchTimeWriter
#AmWriting #WritingCommunity
katesfwriter.bsky.social Kate Sheehan-Finn @katesfwriter.bsky.social · Jul 8
I'm not a member of #5amwriters - I can't function so early. So, I've set up a #StarterPack for anyone who writes during the middle of the day.
Comment if you'd like to join, and please repost. Tell us you're writing with #LunchTimeWriter
#WritingSky #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

go.bsky.app/CpnLstj
July 9, 2025 at 11:21 AM
katesfwriter.bsky.social
I'm not a member of #5amwriters - I can't function so early. So, I've set up a #StarterPack for anyone who writes during the middle of the day.
Comment if you'd like to join, and please repost. Tell us you're writing with #LunchTimeWriter
#WritingSky #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

go.bsky.app/CpnLstj
July 8, 2025 at 8:42 AM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
[cracks knuckles] Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Second Chance, Grumpy/Sunshine, One Bed, Best Friend Sibling, Fake Relationship, Forced Proximity, Marriage of Convenience, Office Romance, Nerd/Athlete, Unrequited Love
#maywedance #lunchtimewriter #romancelandia #romancewriter #writersky
gunsmile.bsky.social Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · May 8
#MayWeDance Day 8

Today's question should be easy! Simply, what are your favorite romance tropes?

#WritingCommunity #WriterSky #WritingPrompt #Romancelandia
#MayWeDance A writing prompt game by @gunsmile.bsky.social for romances in all genres 8. What are your favorite romance tropes? The background image is a couple dancing from behind. The man wears a suit, and the woman wears a sleeveless dress.
May 8, 2025 at 4:07 PM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
Currently in the middle of edits to add more subtext to my narrative. But I think a few scenes do have that simmering angsty tension

#summerofstory #lunchtimewriter #romancewriter #blackhistoricalromance #writersky
cfranciswrites.bsky.social Charlotte Francis @cfranciswrites.bsky.social · Aug 12
Hello #SummerOfStory!

Day 12: Subtext in Dialogue

The art of saying what's not being said. From non-sequiturs to waspish remarks, subtext can elevate dialogue. Have you used it before?

If ever there was a day to drop a snippet, today's the day! Let us read between your lines.

#WritingPrompt
1: Title, Date, & Prompt Introduction This slide features a large torn piece of lined paper with the text "August 12th" at the top and the writing prompt "Subtext in Dialogue" in big script letters. There's a typewriter in the corner with a note saying "TOOLS not RULES". On the right, there's a speech bubble with prompt questions, a Bluesky butterfly, and a palm-leaf background. Transcription:
 August 12th 
Subtext in Dialogue What's your take on this writing technique? Have you used it before — or do you avoid it? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or tell us how you'd use it in a scene. 2: What and Why This slide is a piece of lined paper with "What?" and "Why?" highlighted at the top and middle. A small taped tab at the top reads a quick tip about non-sequiturs. There's a Bluesky butterfly and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: Tip: Non-sequiturs (replies that seem off-topic) can be a great tool for subtext. That sudden change of subject can say more about a character's motives than answering the question ever would. What? Subtext in dialogue is the unspoken meaning, emotion, or intent hiding under the surface of dialogue. Characters might dodge the question, talk about something else, or choose words that say one thing but imply another. Subtext lets readers pick up on tension, attraction, deceit, or fear without it ever being stated outright. Why? It makes dialogue more layered, realistic, and engaging. By hinting rather than stating, you create tension, deepen relationships, and keep readers hooked without heavy exposition. 3: In Practice This slide is split: on the left, a torn notebook page shows an excerpt from "The Great Gatsby"; on the right, a grid paper panel titled "Subtext in The Great Gatsby" explains the subtext at work. A Bluesky butterfly sits near the header; palm fronds behind. Transcription: (Excerpt from "The Great Gatsby", F. Scott Fitzgerald) "I've got a man in England who buys me clothes. He sends over a selection of things at the beginning of each season, spring and fall." He took out a pile of shirts and began throwing them one by one before us, shirts of sheer linen and thick silk and fine flannel which lost their folds as they fell and covered the table in many-colored disarray. While we admired he brought more and the soft, rich heap mounted higher—shirts with stripes and scrolls and plaids in coral and apple green and lavender and faint orange with monograms of Indian blue. Suddenly with a strained sound Daisy bent her head into the shirts and began to cry stormily. "They're such beautiful shirts," she sobbed, her voice muffled in the thick folds. "It makes me sad because I've never seen such—such beautiful shirts before." (Commentary) Subtext in The Great Gatsby This conversation isn't really about shirts. Subtext is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Daisy is overwhelmed, not by fabric, but by what the shirts symbolise — Gatsby's wealth, and the life she could have had with him. The dialogue and action never state her regret outright, but the reader can connect the dots through her reaction. That's subtext: the unsaid truth sitting beneath the words. 4: What do you think? This slide is a torn piece of paper with discussion questions for writers about using subtext in dialogue. There's a speech bubble repeating "TOOLS not RULES", a Bluesy butterfly, and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: What do you think? What's your take on Subtext in Dialogue? Do you enjoy reading between the lines, or does it feel frustrating when characters don't just say what they mean? Do you consciously weave subtext into your own dialogue, or let it appear naturally? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or share an example you love (or hate). Hot takes welcome—just please don't set anyone on fire!
August 12, 2025 at 12:53 PM
katesfwriter.bsky.social
If any writers would like to be added to my #StarterPack #LunchTimeWriter drop a comment below. I write mostly across the middle of the day. Nice to gather writers together who aren’t early birds. I’m in awe of #5amWritersClub but never manage to write that early.
#WriteSky #WritingLife #AmWriting
thepaulconnolly.bsky.social Paul Connolly @thepaulconnolly.bsky.social · Nov 18
A lunchtime writer starter pack from the brilliant @katesfwriter.bsky.social Please follow and repost if you can #writingcommunity
November 18, 2025 at 8:57 AM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
🙋🏾‍♀️ I’m a fan of sentence the fragment as both author and reader. Like your post says we don’t think in perfect grammar. Also that sentence fragment can really highlight what you want the reader to take away from the passage. #summerofstory #lunchtimewriter
cfranciswrites.bsky.social Charlotte Francis @cfranciswrites.bsky.social · Aug 4
#SummerOfStory

Day 4: Sentence Fragments

In my experience, this technique/style divides opinion among readers and writers. The marmite of the writing world. What do you think?

NB: These ideas are not my own. I'm not trying to tell anyone how to write, just prompt discussion.

#WritingPrompt
1: Title, Date, & Prompt Introduction This slide features a large torn piece of lined paper with the text "August 4th" at the top and the writing prompt "Sentence Fragments" in big script letters. There's a typewriter in the corner with a note saying "TOOLS not RULES". On the right, there's a speech bubble with prompt questions, a Bluesky butterfly, and it has a palm leaf background. Transcription: August 4th Sentence Fragments What's your take on this writing technique? Have you used it before—or do you avoid it? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or tell us how you'd use it in a scene. 2: What and Why This slide is a piece of lined paper with 'What?' and 'Why?' highlighted at the top and middle. It explains what a 'sentence fragment' is as a writing technique and why it can be useful. There's a Bluesky butterfly and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: What? A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence—a phrase that lacks a subject, a verb, or both. In formal grammar, it's technically 'wrong.' In fiction? It's often deliberate. Used well, fragments can mimic thought, emotion, or rhythm. A pause. A punch. A gut reaction. Why? People don't think in perfect grammar, and characters/narrators don't either. Fragments add urgency, tone, emotion, and voice. Used sparingly, they can make prose sharper, rawer, or more intimate. 3: In Practice This slide looks like a piece of graph paper and features two example sections: 'The power of Sentence Fragments'—with a quote from Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road' 'The danger of Sentence Fragments'—with a short badly written example There's a Bluesky butterfly and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: The power of Sentence Fragments In my opinion, few writers use sentence fragments as well as Cormac McCarthy. In his dystopian novel, 'The Road', almost the whole book is written in fragments. This unique style captures a mood that would be impossible to achieve in any other way. 'The frailty of everything revealed at last. Old and troubling issues resolved into nothingness and night. The last instance of a thing takes the class with it. Turns out the light and is gone. Look around you. Ever is a long time. But the boy knew what he knew. That ever is no time at all.' (Excerpt from 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy) The danger of Sentence Fragments When used inexpertly, sentence fragments just look like comma splices or bad grammar. Charlotte sat at her desk. Pondering sentence fragments. She'd noticed some of the greats use full stops instead of commas. Called them fragments. Not sentences. Flexing her fingers. She gave it a go. Then stared at what she'd written. 'Bugger.' Her laptop snapped shut. 4: What do you think? This slide is a torn piece of paper with discussion questions for writers about using the 'Sentence Fragments' technique. There's a speech bubble repeating 'TOOLS not RULES', a Bluesky butterfly, and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: What do you think? So, what's your take on Sentence Fragments? They're pretty divisive in my experience. As a reader, are you someone who loves or loathes them? Do you use them in your own writing? Why not share your experience or a snippet with the community? Hot takes welcome—just please don't set anyone on fire!
August 4, 2025 at 12:04 PM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
Well I’m a sucker for love and happy endings. Also the challenges/conflicts my characters face are things I’m personally struggling with. And even if I can’t get closure/resolution in my own life. My characters sure can! 🥲 #MayWeDance #lunchtimewriter #romancelandia #romancewriter #writersky
gunsmile.bsky.social Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · May 26
#MayWeDance Day 26

Ultimately, we've all made the conscious choice to write romances between our characters, whether in the romance genre itself or in other genres. Why? What does it mean to you to write these stories?

#WritingCommunity #WriterSky #WritingPrompt #Romancelandia
#MayWeDance A writing prompt game by @gunsmile.bsky.social for romances in all genres 26. Why do you write romance in the first place? Not the genre, but in general. The background image is a couple dancing from behind. The man wears a suit, and the woman wears a sleeveless dress.
May 26, 2025 at 1:04 PM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
My MC/LI are both used to being treated a certain way based on their title, David and lack of one, Beatrice. But they both treat each other as equals from the beginning, even while arguing. And neither is used to that so it makes them curious about each other.
#maywedance #lunchtimewriter #romance
gunsmile.bsky.social Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · May 10
#MayWeDance Day 10

Regardless of how quickly or slowly romance blooms between the MC and LI, what initially attracts them to each other?

#WritingCommunity #WriterSky #WritingPrompt #Romancelandia
#MayWeDance A writing prompt game by @gunsmile.bsky.social for romances in all genres 10. What initially attracts the MC to the LI, and the LI to the MC? The background image is a couple dancing from behind. The man wears a suit, and the woman wears a sleeveless dress.
May 10, 2025 at 5:39 PM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
Prim and proper David is surprised to find himself feral for a mouthy, stubborn, assertive and couldn’t care less about his title woman #maywedance #amwriting #lunchtimewriter #writersky #romancelandia #romancewriter #blackwriter
gunsmile.bsky.social Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · May 19
#MayWeDance Day 19

Everyone has a preference in what they find attractive in another person—a "type." Does the LI match the MC's preference, or did they come as a surprise? What about vice versa?

#WritingCommunity #WriterSky #WritingPrompt #Romancelandia
#MayWeDance A writing prompt game by @gunsmile.bsky.social for romances in all genres 19. Is the LI the MC's "type" or do they defy expectations? What about vice versa? The background image is a couple dancing from behind. The man wears a suit, and the woman wears a sleeveless dress.
May 19, 2025 at 11:28 PM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
Definitely influenced by Pride and Prejudice. Lizzy and Darcy are alive and well in Beatrice in David. Also the trope of the rule following/unyielding Duke and the forward thinking fierce MC. And neither have time for love #maywedance #lunchtimewriter #romancelandia #romancewriter #writersky
gunsmile.bsky.social Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · May 12
#MayWeDance Day 12

What existing media, tropes, or ideas influenced the creation of your MC and LI? Or if you were inspired in other ways, what prompted you?

#WritingCommunity #WriterSky #WritingPrompt #Romancelandia
#MayWeDance A writing prompt game by @gunsmile.bsky.social for romances in all genres 12. What influenced or inspired you to make your MC and LI? The background image is a couple dancing from behind. The man wears a suit, and the woman wears a sleeveless dress.
May 12, 2025 at 10:33 PM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
David’s sister Georgianna, Beatrice’s cousin Teddy, David’s friend Oliver and Beatrice’s friend Amelia all think it’s funny David and Beatrice are perfect for each but pretend they aren’t lol #maywedance #lunchtimewriter #romancelandia #blackromancewriter
gunsmile.bsky.social Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · May 13
#MayWeDance Day 13

If your WIP has a supporting cast of side characters, who are they? Do they support the relationship between the MC and LI? Why or why not?

#WritingCommunity #WriterSky #WritingPrompt #Romancelandia
#MayWeDance A writing prompt game by @gunsmile.bsky.social for romances in all genres 13. Do the side characters of your WIP support your MC and LI's relationship? The background image is a couple dancing from behind. The man wears a suit, and the woman wears a sleeveless dress.
May 14, 2025 at 1:13 AM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
Took me all last week but I was able finish the full outline of my novel and working on an outline of the new opening scene! #lunchtimewriter #romancelandia #romancewriter #amwriting #writersky
June 3, 2025 at 6:47 PM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
Only 1 hr into the #rsjconvention and I’m enjoying myself so much. So happy to be attending 🥰 #lunchtimewriter #writersky #romancewriter
July 10, 2025 at 5:09 PM
maykenalanna.bsky.social
Found a bike, got my drink, ready to revise!
#LunchTimeWriter
July 9, 2025 at 11:12 AM
katesfwriter.bsky.social
My #StarterPack is for writers, especially those who write in the middle of the day. #LunchTimeWriter - is that you? Let me know if you would like to be included.
#WritingLife #WritingCommunity #AmWriting
go.bsky.app/CpnLstj
August 6, 2025 at 9:45 AM
katesfwriter.bsky.social
This lunchtime I'm on @thelitconsultancy.bsky.social's platform hosting Writers' Cafe for #BeingAWriter members. I've been a member for several years.
#LunchTimeWriter #WriteSky #AmWriting #WritingCommunity
Highly recommend literaryconsultancy.co.uk
The Literary Consultancy, Editorial and Manuscript Services
The Literary Consultancy (TLC) is the UK’s longest-established editorial consultancy, pioneering manuscript assessment, and editing for all writers.
literaryconsultancy.co.uk
July 10, 2025 at 10:12 AM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
Georgianna has planned the whole trip. David and Beatrice sneak away the second she turns her back. Teddy is sleeping and lounging by the pool. Amelia will hang with Georgianna to see all the sites. #romancelandia #lunchtimewriter #writersky #amwriting
cometkins.bsky.social Ian Haramaki 🏳️‍⚧️✨ @cometkins.bsky.social · May 29
Your characters are on vacation. Who's meticulously planning every activity, who's wandering off to do what they want, who's napping at the hotel all day, and who's trying to see every museum? #WritingPrompt
May 29, 2025 at 3:14 PM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
I’ve found outlines = creative freedom 🗺️ I follow my inspiration daily instead of forcing myself to write linearly. Today it's the climax, tomorrow maybe the opening scene. Anyone else a story-hopper? What’s your process? #WriterLife #amwriting #lunchtimewriter #romancewriter #writersky
May 14, 2025 at 3:41 PM
jackietwrites.bsky.social
✍🏾Writer confession: I'm Team "Good Enough Draft"

I outline broadly, then deeply, write quickly, edit lightly.

Perfect is the enemy of done! How do YOU tackle your drafts?

#lunchtimewriter #amwriting #writersky #romancewriter #blackwriter #romancelandia
May 19, 2025 at 4:35 PM