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ualbertapress.bsky.social
Mehdi M. Kashani’s “deceptively simple stories attend to the small dramas of their real life: minor cruelties, poignant absurdities, bittersweet moments of connection." Rachel Lyon, author of Fruit of the Dead
https://bit.ly/4lPKxkK
##Reading #ShortFiction #Books #OwnVoice #Immigration
October 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM
queerpointyears.bsky.social
Twelve Days of Cryzmis
-An idle RP character
-Inspired by @chaceverity.com to figure out what a D.T. Brandt holiday romance looks like
-Wanted to include more body types (ownvoice for weight, and body image issues)
-How many subtropes can I cram in this? 🤔
-Some anarchy
-A partridge in a pear tree 😉
cometkins.bsky.social Ian Haramaki 🏳️‍⚧️✨ @cometkins.bsky.social · 20h
What was the inspiration for your most recent wip/book? #WritingPrompt
October 29, 2026 at 3:41 PM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 29, 2026

Nyx has seen a lot in his lifetime. While discussing the worst thing he's ever seen, Nyx mentions what he's seen that has changed him.

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #OwnVoice #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #BookSky
“I saw the fall of Rome.” Noble sipped the whisky in his hand, looking over at me with a shocked expression before realizing exactly who he was talking to. “I saw so much destruction. While I tried to help the survivors, my ... family took a very different approach.” Noble nodded slowly, “You tried to help survivors. Did the scene not drive you wild?” “I have seen many things in my long existence, hunter. I have seen more macabre things than the fall of Rome.” “What is more macabre than the fall of an Empire?” I swished the blood concoction in my glass, “The Witch Trials was difficult to get through.” Noble cocked his eyebrow, “The Witch Trials? That was harder to get through than the fall of fucking Rome?” “The fall of Rome was systematic, a large show. Whereas each person burned at the stake was someone alone. Full of fear, regrets, and anguish.”
October 29, 2026 at 5:03 AM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 27, 2026

Nyx can sometimes be a little bit of a judgmental prick. He has, in his defence, had 4,505 years to perfect this personality trait.

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #OwnVoice #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #BookSky
Noble walked through the graveyard, the recently fallen leaves were crunching under his feet. They had been searching for this Bruxa for days and hadn’t gotten any closer to finding her. The body count was piling up. Noble was determined to stop her, even if it meant he needed to be in this spooky graveyard. “Hello, hunter.” Noble stopped mid-step, looking around and not seeing anything. He tensed as he grabbed the silver stake from his jacket. “Have we not talked about how that won’t do any damage to me?” I jumped off the roof of a nearby mausoleum. “Nyx.” Noble let out a soft breath. “You fucking prick.” I clicked my tongue, “I could hear you from the courtyard. Once again, you are being unnecessarily loud. The Bruxa can probably hear you, which is why we have not found her.” “Are you always this judgmental?” “I have had 4,500 years to perfect it.” I grinned as I quipped playfully as he looked at Noble.
October 27, 2026 at 5:16 AM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#Sniptober | Oct 28

Surprised I had this word, but here we go! Just a little snippet between Zakk and Cat Zeke, which I have yet to post.

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #AmWriting #WritingSky #BookSky #OwnVoice #QueerWriting
Zeke moved around the couch, trying to find a comfy spot. He looked over at Zakk, who was sitting on the lounger part of the sectional. “Mew.” The sound was short and concise. Zakk kept readying his book so Zeke moved closet to him. “Meow.” This time the sound was more forceful, a question with a bit of attitude. Zakk finally looked over at Zeke, “What? Can you not find a comfy spot?” Zeke looked right into his eyes as he meowed dramatically. “Oh my god.” Zakk sighed, a half-smile crossing his face, “Even in cat form you are a dramatic little shit, hey?” Zeke put his paw on Zakk’s arm and slowly started protracting his sharpened claws. “Shit! Sorry. Sorry.” He moved the blanket off his legs. Zeke crawled under the blanket and rested between Zakk’s legs. From the look on his little cat face, he looked absolutely elated.
October 29, 2026 at 5:35 AM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 26, 2026

(I actually can't believe I had this word lol)

Zeke + Clothes Dryer = No Fun

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #OwnVoice #WritingCommunity
Zeke flopped down on the couch, “What is claws-tro-phob-ia?” I looked up from the book I was reading, watching him slowly sound out the word. “You mean claustrophobia? Uh, it’s when you’re scared of enclosed, small spaces.” “Oh.” He looks confused for a moment. “I heard you tell your mom I was that earlier today.” I let out a soft chuckle, “She asked about my cat and I told her about you getting locked in the dryer. It wasn’t funny then, but it is kind of funny now.” “You’re a dick.” Zeke said, but the small half-smile on his face gave his true feelings away. “I didn’t realize it would close on me.” “I hope you learned to stop being a shithead.” Zeke rolled his eyes dramatically, “Whatever.” He looked around the room, “Can we cuddle?” “Yeah. If that’s what you want.” Zeke transformed back into a cat, crawling into my lap. He looked up at me and made a small mew sound as he closed his eyes.
October 26, 2026 at 7:32 AM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 28, 2026

[I have been working on this WIP for two years. Genre is Fantasy Horror.]

Clara is not having a good night. She is being hunted by some woman who looks like a vampire. And now her boyfriend doesn't seem to want to help her.

#WritingCommunity #OwnVoice #QueenofChaosWIP
Clara ran through the graveyard, not seeing the woman who was just chasing her. Stopping aside a crypt, Clara was trying to catch her breath. The woman had looked completely normal, if not just a little weird, until she wasn’t. Clara had never seen that kind of creature before. The fangs, the wrinkled skin, the claws ... she must be dreaming. She looked like a vampire. Those weren’t real. As she pushed off from the crypt, she made her way to the other entrance. Once she got there, she would be safe, she would be home. She got to the gate, rattling but it was locked. She tried to squeeze through the iron bars, but they were too close together. “Clara?” Clara looked up to see Jasper. She immediately felt better, letting out a large sigh. “Baby. There is someone after me. She has been chasing me since the restaurant. Can you help me get out of here before she finds me?” “Finds you? Oh, dear. She is already here.” Unexpectedly, Clara was grabbed by the neck, her feet dangling off the ground as the woman she had been running from caught up. “Time’s Up.”
October 28, 2026 at 7:20 AM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 30, 2026

Zakk does have a point here. How would you feel going to bed with a random cat you found injured at the farmer's market and then waking up next to a whole ass human being?

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #OwnVoice #WritingCommunity #BookSky #WriteSky
I was panicking, I knew it. I had gone to bed with a small, injured black cat and now a man was in my bed. I would have thought I was completely out of my mind had it not been for the fact the same bandages I used to wrap around the cat’s torso was now stretched across his stomach. The man groaned softly, smacking his lips. One eye opened as he looked up at me from the bed. “Good Morning.” I backed up too soon, crashing into the bookshelf against the wall, sending books, video games, and figurines to the floor. The scream that left my lips was less than what one would describe as ‘manly.’ “What the fuck? Who the fuck are you?” The man shifted slightly to sit up, “My name is Zeke. Thank you for helping me last night. Alley cats are vicious.” “Are you an alien?” Zeke looked insulted, “An alien? Excuse me. Do I look like I am not from this world.” He looked at himself, “I seem quite human, no?“ “Who was a fucking CAT last night!”
October 30, 2026 at 7:15 AM
ualbertapress.bsky.social
Reading Mehdi Kashani's A TEHRAN SO QUIET with your book club? Take a look at the book club questions online!
https://bit.ly/4lPKxkK
##Reading #ShortFiction #Books #CanLit #OwnVoice #Immigration
October 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 25, 2026

Zeke is just being his usual cat self. I think Zakk might be regretting helping him at this point (not really, Zakk loves animals too much.)

God, I love my baby shapeshifter so much. I hope you do, too!

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #OwnVoice #WritingCommunity
“Zakk. I’m hungry.” Zeke was kneeling on the couch, looking at me with his big orange eyes, staring at what I was doing. “Hey. Did you hear me? I’m hungry.” He swatted at the book in my hand. I look over at him, slightly annoyed. “Really? You just ate like an hour ago.” “I know. But I need substance. A shapeshifter uses a lot of energy to stay human.” I give him a look of disapproval, “So then stop ... being human, just be a cat?” “No.” I grumble as I get up from the couch, “Fine, you can have a snack.” I head into the kitchen and find a can of tuna from the cupboard and insert it in the automatic can opener. Zeke is immediately beside me now, watching the can spin with wide, excited eyes “Tuna! Tuna! Tuna! Tuna!” He repeated over and over again. “Back up, Zeke. You’re in the way.”
October 25, 2026 at 5:19 AM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 24, 2026

Nyx is a 4,505-year-old Original Vampire created in the Hellfire of the Seventh Circle of Hell by Satan himself - he is ~*NOT*~ afraid of caterpillars.

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #OwnVoice #WritingCommunity
The room was quiet, no one seemed to be around. I made my way quickly and quietly through the main entrance. I was careful to avoid any pebbles or debris in my way. As I listened carefully, all I could seem to hear was Noble behind me. “I thought you were supposed to be some kind of super hunter, Helsing?” “Sorry!” Noble looked a bit sheepish. “There was a spider on my jacket. I panicked.” I almost turned the entire way around, a half-amused, half-confused look on my face. “You are scared of spiders?” “Yes.” Noble said like it was common knowledge. “You, the majestic Helsing son, are scared of spiders“ I was trying to hide the teasing in my voice but failing miserably. “Shut up.” He crossed his arms, “I saw you flail at a caterpillar in the forest.” “False.” I gave him a look mixed with annoyance at being caught. “I was simply trying not to crush the poor creature.” “Right.”
October 24, 2026 at 11:08 AM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 23, 2026

Dealan is helping Daxton through some previous relationship trauma. He is explaining to Daxton that he actually likes spending time with him.

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #OwnVoice #WritingCommunity
“Are you saying that because of a trauma response?” He sits down on the chair next to the couch as he looks at me. The question is blunt, straight to the point, but his eyes reflect a caring, affectionate look. “I…” I trail off, realizing exactly what I was doing now. “...Yeah, I guess I was. I’m sorry.” “Hey.” He gets off the couch and sits by my legs. “This isn’t a time to apologize because you did nothing wrong.” He reaches out and takes my hand in his, gently stroking it with his thumb. “You are not a burden to me, and spending time with you doing things you are interested in is part of the package deal of dating you, Daxton. We’re going to this museum. I may not fully understand your obsessions with cars, but I am going to listen to you rattle on about them for as long as you need to.” “Really? Even if you’re bored?” I ask quietly, not sure if he’s being serious or tugging me along. He laughs, loud and boisterous. “Baby, I could watch paint dry with you and I would be having the time of my life.” He leans his head down to kiss me, slowly and surely without a hint of a rush. As he pulls away, he gives me a dazed, happy smile. “Come on. I gave you lessons on how to take a dick, the least I can do is listen to you talk about cars.”
October 23, 2026 at 6:55 AM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 22, 2026

Strangely, Eron has a different version of "happiness" aside from his material wealth.

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #OwnVoice #WritingCommunity
“I just wish I hadn’t been used like that. I used to have so much.” Enzo kicked a pebble from the sidewalk to the street, sighing dramatically. “Is that what you equate with happiness, Enzo?” I looked over at him, eyeing up his childish antics with quiet amusement so as not to encourage this behaviour. “Well, of course. You are rich beyond even my status, and you are very happy.” “How do you know that?” I stop walking as I turn to look at him. “How do you know I was happy?” Enzo shifted on his feet, a silence filling the air. “Well... I mean, you have lots of things, and I thought maybe that would make you happy. You have three houses. Sixteen cars. You own multiple businesses. You have a fucking theme park in your name. Is that not happiness?” I sighed, “Yes, I have a lot of material goods, Enzo. I have been ... diverse in my investments. But I was never truly happy.” “Oh.” Enzo looked down at the ground. “That is, until I met you.”
October 22, 2026 at 6:01 AM
glennquigley.bsky.social
It's #irishbookweek and I've got a new Irish book out! SONG OF THE WREN is set in 1980s Ireland and you can get a signed copy directly from me with this link: ko-fi.com/s/434ad8407d

#booksky #newrelease #ownvoice #irishsky #irishbook
October 18, 2026 at 6:51 PM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 21, 2026

[Meet some new people - The Sigma Fi Frat Boys]

Dawson is the most sought-after pledge this year due to his Blue Chip status. He would make any Frat immediately richer, as his pledge comes with $50K.

#OwnVoice #WritingCommunity #QueerWriting #WriteSky #BookSky
BLUE CHIP. The stupid name tag I was forced to wear by the administration hung around my neck. The glaring little blue sticker was mocking me. I didn’t want to be here; I wanted to be back at my dorm room, comforted by the warm blanket, my rotating fan, and a good book. It’s a good move, Dawson. Join a fraternity. That will look good on your resume. Dawson was mocking his guidance counsellor in his head. As he walked through the courtyard, a long stretch of sidewalks with a grassy area in the middle, he tried to let the light breeze calm him. “ALPHA PHI JOIN NOW!” “OMEGA SI JOIN NOW!” “ALPHA CHI SI JOIN NOW!” I was about to turn around from the noise when a hand wrapped around my shoulders and pulled me in. “Mr. Heartford, I was hoping to see you. Thinking of joining Alpha Chi Si today?” Mr. Roy, the Dean. I politely smiled.
October 21, 2026 at 11:09 AM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 20, 2026

Daelan picked up a "National Enquirer" from the airport concession. Daxton is amused.

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #OwnVoice #WritingCommunity
I look over at him, a small, playful smile on my face. “Really? You read those things?” I playfully nudged him, letting out an amused chuckle. “They are entertaining to read.” He shrugged, but a smile started crossing his face. “I don’t actually believe anything it says, but they are amusing to see what they try to peddle to the general public about celebrities. Like…” He flips a few pages in. “Apparently Selina Gomez got a lip injection that went badly, and now she has duck lips.” He shows me a picture in the magazine as he laughs. “I’ve seen bad Photoshop, but that is pretty terrible Photoshop.” I look at the picture and give him a face. “Okay, as long as you don’t believe those. I much prefer magazines with cars and stuff, things that have to do with my life.” I realize for a moment it sounds like I am being judgemental, which doesn’t sit right with me after what he did for me at the coffee shop. “Not like it is a bad thing. I just hope you don’t get crazy about it.” He lets out a small chuckle. “Nah, man. I read this because I can shut off my brain and just read this. It’s like reality television; I know most of it is scripted for the drama, but it is something you can turn on and just listen to without having to think too much. I put it on sometimes when I am working. It is good background noise.”
October 20, 2026 at 7:21 AM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 19, 2026

[Meet some new peeps from the Big Brother WIP I have spoken about]

The boys are getting to know each other on the first day of production. Chester is making his intentions *~heavily~* known to Leyton.

#OwnVoice #WritingCommunity #SIlasBBWIP #QueerWriting #WriteSky
Trent shrugged softly. “My sister is a vegan, and the amount of shit she gets for her choices is fucking outrageous. People seem to think it’s some kind of personal attack. She doesn’t even fucking say anything. I’ve eaten so many burgers in front of her, and she just brings her fucking tofu salad and talks to me like … whatever.” Trent looks like he is actually mad about the story. “So, if anyone gives this guy shit for not eating meat all the time, you can deal with me.” The room was silent for another moment before Chester spoke up, “Well, I hope you eat meat at least some of the time.” Leyton let out a loud groan as he covered his face with his fingers, staring at Chester through his fingers. “You are such a dog.” “Guilty,” Chester said with a sly smile, unabashed in his sexuality. The room burst into laughter, except for Leyton, who was still trying desperately to turn his face a normal colour. He kept looking at Chester with his charismatic personality and easy confidence. He wanted to know him better; he could feel it, but he needed to be cautious. Was he all sexy talk and no substance? Leyton definitely did not want that in a friend.
October 19, 2026 at 5:17 AM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 18, 2026

This is the morning after Enzo and Eron had sex for the first time. My murder baby is already smitten.

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #OwnVoice #WritingCommunity
Enzo was looking out the window, a coffee mug in his hand. He was wearing my shirt from the night before. I had never really been that person that fell for that, didn’t much care for it in the past. But seeing him like this made my chest tighten. “Good Morning, Enzo. I hope you slept well after our ... encounter.” I stood beside him, not wanting to overwhelm him. He turned his head slightly, a rosy red on his cheeks, “I did... um, I slept ... really well.” He looked back outside, “I forgot what it was like to feel safe and protected. I knew no matter what happened, you were right there.” I turned my head away from him, not wanting him to catch the soft smile on my lips. “You know, it seems almost ... prophetic we met in autumn. It’s like the old me is dying, fading away, turning into dust. By spring, I think I am going to be a completely new person. You have had a big part of that, Eron.” I chuckled, “That was strangely beautiful. You know who I am though, right?” He nods softly, “Yeah. I do.”
October 18, 2026 at 11:24 AM
glennquigley.bsky.social
Song of the Wren is out today!

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Established gay couple
🐻 Bears
🇮🇪 Ireland
📼 Back to the 80s
👻 Ghosts
✨ Magic
💍 Wedding
🌶️ Spicy!
☀️ Summer

Get it on Amazon: mybook.to/songofthewren
Get it on Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/s/434ad8407d

#booksky #bearsky #gaysky #gayfiction #gaybook #irishauthor #ownvoice
October 15, 2026 at 8:21 PM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 17, 2026

Daxton just went through a tense panic attack at the hockey game. Daelan was there to help him through it all.

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #OwnVoice #WritingCommunity
I feel my chest untighten, my breathing returning to normal. I just look down at the ground, trying desperately to keep the tears from falling out. The amount of support and comfort I feel right now is out of this world. I move up the line with him, keeping silent for a few minutes. “Thank you.” is all I can get out at the moment, my voice cracking, thick with emotion. He doesn’t say anything, doesn’t point out the obvious, he just wraps his arm harder around me as we make our way up the line. As he shows the person at the door our tickets, he quietly speaks, “Just like the airport, we have to remove metals. Can you handle it right now?” I nod slowly, “Yeah. Thank you.” I remove my phone and wallet along with my belt and put it in the small container, he follows suit, putting his stuff with mine. As they scan us, he stays near. We get inside and put our stuff back. Heading to the beer gardens, he holds my hand. At first, I feel completely vulnerable and out in the open, I want to shrug him off but keep a brave face. A little girl pats her Dad’s arm, pointing at us, I feel my heart starting to race inside my chest until I hear her say ‘They are two boys. Just like Uncle Steve.’ The dad nods with a smile but gently pulls her finger down.
October 17, 2026 at 5:14 AM
blackcatbooknook.bsky.social
Protect Yourself!

While "hybrid models" exist, legit publishers will never ask for an upfront payment from you. The publisher usually presents a lower royalty payment to help cover those costs from book sales.

#IndiePublishing #QueerWriting #OwnVoice #OwnVoices
Black Cat Book Nook Logo on a computer screen graphic with the words, "Publishing Scams: A legit publishing company will never as for money upfront in order to publish your manuscript. Publishers absorb the cost of editing, cover design, marketing, etc. "
October 16, 2026 at 7:02 AM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 16, 2026

Yuri is walking back with Yohan to go to the hospital after finding him decimated under the bridge. A bit of sad backstory for Yohan (and his twin York, who we haven't met yet)

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #OwnVoice #WritingCommunity
As I carried him back into the city, he clung to my shirt, watching the other Alphas and Omegas interacting. The dazzle of the street lights seemed to catch him off guard, he shoved his face into my neck. “It’s so bright.” His voice was so small and shaken, it made me feel almost bad for bringing him here. “I know, Yohan. Are you not used to seeing these kinds of lights?” He shook his head softly, “No. I... they...” He let out a sad sigh, “They kept us in the basement. There was very little light. It was to disorientate us if we ever got out. The bright sun would cause us to stall.” I cannot contain the growl that leaves my lips. “Bastards.” Yohan looks at me, his eyes shining with something unreadable. He speaks up in a hushed tone, “Why did that make you so angry?” “Locking people away simply for their status of birth is wrong in so many ways I can’t even start to explain it. I don’t think any of them should be allowed to live much longer.”
October 16, 2026 at 5:48 AM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 15, 2026

Daxton is speaking to his boss after his trip where he learned Daxton is dating another man. He works in a very masculine job so he is a bit worried about his boss' reaction.

SPOILER: He has nothing to fear.

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #OwnVoice #WritingCommunity
“I’ve been hearing some things around the shop today, but you know how I feel about gossip.” He sits on the edge of his desk, his hands neatly tucked onto his thighs. “So I’m going to ask you for the truth. Is it true that you started seeing someone and that this someone might be another man?” The room goes silent, I look at him and the rest of the room fades away. I swallow hard before I answer, my voice wavering slightly but I try to keep it steady as possible. “Yes, sir. That is true.” He looks at me and then looks up out his office window, a few seconds pass but they seem like an eternity as I wait for him to lose his shit. I’m ready to bolt, ready to stand up for myself and maybe even throw a punch. “He treats you well?” I steady my voice again, “Yes. He treats me really well. I don’t think I have ever felt like this before.” I look him in the eyes as I talk, which seems out of character for me and slightly takes me by surprise. “I feel like I found the one and I didn’t even know it.” He nods softly as he continues to look out the window. He is silent for a few more seconds as his brain works, absorbing the information.
October 15, 2026 at 5:34 AM
blackcatbooknook.bsky.social
👀

What are the Black Cats plotting?

#IndiePublishing #QueerWriting #QueerAuthors #OwnVoice #OwnVoices

🐈‍⬛
We’re drafting something... Mark your calendars. Carve it into your wall. Tattoo is on your head. But DO NOT dog-ear it. November 15, 2026
October 12, 2026 at 9:50 PM
silassummersauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - October 14, 2026

[NEW COUPLE ALERT]

After a war that ravaged the world, Quest and Quinn are two men in post-apocalyptic Canada just trying to survive. This is their "first" meeting.

#TheRomanticTalesSeries #OwnVoice #WritingCommunity
I dragged my sword through the dirt as I walked towards him, trying to be as unnerving as possible. I stopped a few feet from him, my mannerisms changing when I noticed he was a bit younger than me with a much larger gait in his walk. He looks sick. Or maybe wounded. “You’re in Phoenix Territory. A long way from much else. What brought you here?” The young man looked up at me, the dog that was beside him now in front, barring its teeth as it watched me carefully. “We got lost. We don’t want trouble. Please... just let us pass.” I could hear the pleading tone in his voice. He looked like he had been through hell and back. “Are you sick? Do you need medical assistance?” This seemed to catch him off guard, but the moment was gone as quickly as it came. “What do you care about? You want to know how easy a target I am? I ain’t got nothing on me, anyways.” The cold demeanour was understandable. We were in the middle of a war-zone after all. “No. You just look like you need help. And, although you may not want it, I can provide it.”
October 14, 2026 at 5:13 AM