#iamwriting — Public Fediverse posts

As you know Bob, back on April 19 I self published my first book, a collection of my microfiction from the preceding three years.

So, how is that going for me?

To date, I have sold 20 copies (combined print and electronic) via online sales through third party channels. For some reason Germany appears to be particularly fond of my writing. Go figure.

I have also sold seven copies through local bookshops, and eight at Swancon. I have six more copies on consignment.

I am pleased to say that Boundless Books still have me in stock, and Dymocks Subiaco are carrying me, as is Shadow Kissed Books. This is in addition to all the usual online suspects.

I am thrilled to say that I now have a direct online sales channel via my printer/distributor. So you can now buy direct from me! I would, however, prefer you to buy from your friendly local bookshop. My RRP in Australia is the same at a bookshop as it is direct, because your local store needs your support. If they don't stock it, ask them to order it. And if they refuse, then come to me.

I will also have it for sale at Genghiscon in January.

https://rdmasters.lympago.com/p/my-book.html

#Microfiction #IAmWriting #SelfPublishing #ShamelessSelfPromotion #Books

As you know Bob, back on April 19 I self published my first book, a collection of my microfiction from the preceding three years.

So, how is that going for me?

To date, I have sold 20 copies (combined print and electronic) via online sales through third party channels. For some reason Germany appears to be particularly fond of my writing. Go figure.

I have also sold seven copies through local bookshops, and eight at Swancon. I have six more copies on consignment.

I am pleased to say that Boundless Books still have me in stock, and Dymocks Subiaco are carrying me, as is Shadow Kissed Books. This is in addition to all the usual online suspects.

I am thrilled to say that I now have a direct online sales channel via my printer/distributor. So you can now buy direct from me! I would, however, prefer you to buy from your friendly local bookshop. My RRP in Australia is the same at a bookshop as it is direct, because your local store needs your support. If they don't stock it, ask them to order it. And if they refuse, then come to me.

I will also have it for sale at Genghiscon in January.

https://rdmasters.lympago.com/p/my-book.html

#Microfiction #IAmWriting #SelfPublishing #ShamelessSelfPromotion #Books

Happy International Cat Day! Just received my first bad review on my book GOOSE CREEK HOLLER. Pretty harsh, and while I get where the reviewer is coming from, did he actually read the part about the other Southern delicacies consumed by the Appalachian family of Buchnells? It also starts with a "G". I think not, or he might have given a more favorable review and at least a one paw up. And it's hollar, not holler, Mr. Harrison. Sheesh, reviewers. #cats #cat #bookReview #reviews #review #mastodon #fediverse #books #booksky #bookstodon #book #humor #fun #caturday #saturday #goose #goosecreekholler #sophiajanehayden #novels #novel #Southern #Appalachia #Appalachian #mysteryThriller #mystery #writingCommunity #writing #writer #writers #scribesAndMakers #writingCommunity #reading #read #readersofmastodon #readingCommunity #readin2026 #felines #harrison #catskills #words #iamwriting

Happy International Cat Day! Just received my first bad review on my book GOOSE CREEK HOLLER. Pretty harsh, and while I get where the reviewer is coming from, did he actually read the part about the other Southern delicacies consumed by the Appalachian family of Buchnells? It also starts with a "G". I think not, or he might have given a more favorable review and at least a one paw up. And it's hollar, not holler, Mr. Harrison. Sheesh, reviewers. #cats #cat #bookReview #reviews #review #mastodon #fediverse #books #booksky #bookstodon #book #humor #fun #caturday #saturday #goose #goosecreekholler #sophiajanehayden #novels #novel #Southern #Appalachia #Appalachian #mysteryThriller #mystery #writingCommunity #writing #writer #writers #scribesAndMakers #writingCommunity #reading #read #readersofmastodon #readingCommunity #readin2026 #felines #harrison #catskills #words #iamwriting

I have a question for my readers. My next anthology of microfiction will have a number of random stories, and a number of stories following a particular theme and set of characters. Should I mix them up, or separate out the two sets of stories?

#IAmWriting #Microfiction #Microfic #Tootfic #Publishing

I have a question for my readers. My next anthology of microfiction will have a number of random stories, and a number of stories following a particular theme and set of characters. Should I mix them up, or separate out the two sets of stories?

#IAmWriting #Microfiction #Microfic #Tootfic #Publishing

I already know what happens after this second book, since it manifested to me in a layered dream and I wrote it all down.

The third fairytale will have music themed story, with redemption, selfishness, finding oneself, and whether one should follow the footsteps of one's parent out of obligation or find something else to find joy in. Also longing for something unknown, and how people react to fundamental rejection.

Etc. Etc. Cool words. :P

#IAmWriting #Plotting #Bookstodon

I already know what happens after this second book, since it manifested to me in a layered dream and I wrote it all down.

The third fairytale will have music themed story, with redemption, selfishness, finding oneself, and whether one should follow the footsteps of one's parent out of obligation or find something else to find joy in. Also longing for something unknown, and how people react to fundamental rejection.

Etc. Etc. Cool words. :P

#IAmWriting #Plotting #Bookstodon

Since today has been...tough, I decided to spend a big part of my evening to just plot a story and let my brain relax. (:

In result I now know a big chunk of plot for another "Fairytale", which I will work on time to time when I want to just have fun. It will have things like - tattoo magic, exploration of bodily autonomy, religion vs cult musings, and ancient magic vs new magic.

It will be fun to write when I get there.

#IAmWriting #Bookstodon

Since today has been...tough, I decided to spend a big part of my evening to just plot a story and let my brain relax. (:

In result I now know a big chunk of plot for another "Fairytale", which I will work on time to time when I want to just have fun. It will have things like - tattoo magic, exploration of bodily autonomy, religion vs cult musings, and ancient magic vs new magic.

It will be fun to write when I get there.

#IAmWriting #Bookstodon

..sometimes I get #feedback that people are enjoying this series.. more #books in this quantum soul series are definitely in the planning and #writing phase.. #iamwriting

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2wohkrcpw6emogptvw23xsrb/post/3ms2rbm5cxc2m

..sometimes I get #feedback that people are enjoying this series.. more #books in this quantum soul series are definitely in the planning and #writing phase.. #iamwriting

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2wohkrcpw6emogptvw23xsrb/post/3ms2rbm5cxc2m

Today went to replying to client emails, and writing down very important publishing notes for myself so I can be a bit more organized when going through my old stories and giving them a re-fresh.

Next eBooks that will re-appear next month are: Smell Complaint (short horror story), Familiar Feast (short fantasy story), and Charity (a comedic horror novellette).

My writing website will also have an overhaul to prepare for the Fairytale release in September! :D

#IamWriting #Bookstodon

Today went to replying to client emails, and writing down very important publishing notes for myself so I can be a bit more organized when going through my old stories and giving them a re-fresh.

Next eBooks that will re-appear next month are: Smell Complaint (short horror story), Familiar Feast (short fantasy story), and Charity (a comedic horror novellette).

My writing website will also have an overhaul to prepare for the Fairytale release in September! :D

#IamWriting #Bookstodon

The tiny island community surveyed the devastation the typhoon had caused. Fishing boats were tossed onto the land, buildings levelled, and the bridge linking them to the next island had been torn apart by the waves.

On the horizon, the wall of the other side of the typhoon's eye approached.

From inside the storm shelter a voice yelled "There's an aid flight coming in! Wait! No! No! They've taken a lightning hit, and lost power! They're going down!"

The few who had left to do a quick survey ran back, but just as they reached the entrance they froze as a terrific roar filled the air.

Looking back, they saw a huge shadow in the storm wall. The enraged roar came again, and a giant reptilian shape burst from the clouds, bat-like wings beating against the wind.

The dragon flew at the island, and landed just outside the shelter, wings covering most of the remains of the settlement's buildings.

In the dragon's left foreclaw was the fuselage of an aircraft, wings ripped off. It set it down.

The hatch opened, and a woman got out. She looked up. The dragon raised its head and stared at her. "I told you I should have made the flight" it growled.
"If it hadn't been for that lightning strike, I would have been fine."
"And yet here we are."
"Sorry, love."
"You are safe now, that is all that really matters. And the emergency supplies are here."
The woman looked at the small group huddled at the entrance to the storm shelter.
"And this is why I thought I should do it."
The dragon lowered its head. "I suppose."
She called out "Don't worry, she's here to help. I need a hand getting the supplies out before the eye passes. Come *on*."
One man, braver than the others started towards her. "Miss?"
"Freddy", she gestured to the dragon, "and this is Emerald." She climbed back in, and a larger hatch at the rear opened. "Come on, form a chain. Quickly!"

The rest of the small group who had ventured out, formed a line, and passed the packages of supplies and equipment into the shelter.

Emerald rumbled "Inside Freddy. I'll guard."

Freddy reached up, and kissed Emerald's snout "Thanks for the save, love", then she turned and ran into the shelter.

The doors closed just as the winds of the typhoon hit again. Emerald gripped the ground, and used her wings to protect the wrecked aircraft. It might be so much junk now, but it was Freddy's pride and joy. So she would protect what was left of it.

#SF #SFF #Fantasy #microfiction #microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting #Dragon

The tiny island community surveyed the devastation the typhoon had caused. Fishing boats were tossed onto the land, buildings levelled, and the bridge linking them to the next island had been torn apart by the waves.

On the horizon, the wall of the other side of the typhoon's eye approached.

From inside the storm shelter a voice yelled "There's an aid flight coming in! Wait! No! No! They've taken a lightning hit, and lost power! They're going down!"

The few who had left to do a quick survey ran back, but just as they reached the entrance they froze as a terrific roar filled the air.

Looking back, they saw a huge shadow in the storm wall. The enraged roar came again, and a giant reptilian shape burst from the clouds, bat-like wings beating against the wind.

The dragon flew at the island, and landed just outside the shelter, wings covering most of the remains of the settlement's buildings.

In the dragon's left foreclaw was the fuselage of an aircraft, wings ripped off. It set it down.

The hatch opened, and a woman got out. She looked up. The dragon raised its head and stared at her. "I told you I should have made the flight" it growled.
"If it hadn't been for that lightning strike, I would have been fine."
"And yet here we are."
"Sorry, love."
"You are safe now, that is all that really matters. And the emergency supplies are here."
The woman looked at the small group huddled at the entrance to the storm shelter.
"And this is why I thought I should do it."
The dragon lowered its head. "I suppose."
She called out "Don't worry, she's here to help. I need a hand getting the supplies out before the eye passes. Come *on*."
One man, braver than the others started towards her. "Miss?"
"Freddy", she gestured to the dragon, "and this is Emerald." She climbed back in, and a larger hatch at the rear opened. "Come on, form a chain. Quickly!"

The rest of the small group who had ventured out, formed a line, and passed the packages of supplies and equipment into the shelter.

Emerald rumbled "Inside Freddy. I'll guard."

Freddy reached up, and kissed Emerald's snout "Thanks for the save, love", then she turned and ran into the shelter.

The doors closed just as the winds of the typhoon hit again. Emerald gripped the ground, and used her wings to protect the wrecked aircraft. It might be so much junk now, but it was Freddy's pride and joy. So she would protect what was left of it.

#SF #SFF #Fantasy #microfiction #microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting #Dragon

@ami_angelwings
The Catgirl Visitation 2/2

Doctor Smith started to stand, and Silver jumped down from the arm of the chair to help him. "Lady Miller", he inclined his head, "I am Doctor Smith, and this is Silver."
Ami felt Twilly go very still next to her.
"You" Twilly hissed.
Silver tensed again, but the older man just raised a hand "I suspected you might recognise me. I come seeking aid."
Twilly made her fur settle, and then took the seat opposite the one the doctor had been sitting in. "Rayo, please serve tea."
Rayo brought the trolley over, and served tea, first to Silver, then to Lady Miller, then the doctor, and finally to Ami.
Twilly took a sip, exhaled, and then spoke "Now Doctor Smith, why should I aid you?"
"Because I am dying, Lady Miller. And Ai was not the first cyborg I built. The project that created Ai let me siphon off materials to create Silver here."
"Why?"
"Because my dear little girl was dying, Lady Miller. She was dying. Cancer. But I still had to deliver on the project. I knew the late Lady Miller had been snooping around. I may have been less careful than I should have been with some records."
"On purpose."
"Indeed."
"And how can the Catgirl Trust aid you, doctor?"
"It was Silver's idea, although she has since had second, third, fourth, fifth, and many subsequent thoughts about it. I find it elegant."
"And what is that idea?"
"That your people, aided by my blueprints, should do to me what I did to my kitten."
"Again, why?"
Silver spoke up "Because Joseph is dying, Lady Miller. Lung cancer."
Ami inspected the doctor with more care "Metastasised?" she asked.
"Yes. The estimates are three to six months" Silver replied.

Twilly looked from Silver, hovering over the doctor protectively, to the doctor himself, and then looked to Ami. "Second opinion?"
Ami considered for a moment "It is a big step for us, but I think your mother would approve."
"I agree. And he did what he could to save Silver. Rayo?"
"Señora, it feels right."
"Ai," Twilly raised her voice a fraction, "Come meet your sister."
The door opened and Ai entered cautiously "Sister?"
"Yes, Ai, this is Silver. And Doctor Smith, I believe we can help you."

#Catgirls #SF #SFF #SciFi #microfiction #microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting

@ami_angelwings
The Catgirl Visitation 2/2

Doctor Smith started to stand, and Silver jumped down from the arm of the chair to help him. "Lady Miller", he inclined his head, "I am Doctor Smith, and this is Silver."
Ami felt Twilly go very still next to her.
"You" Twilly hissed.
Silver tensed again, but the older man just raised a hand "I suspected you might recognise me. I come seeking aid."
Twilly made her fur settle, and then took the seat opposite the one the doctor had been sitting in. "Rayo, please serve tea."
Rayo brought the trolley over, and served tea, first to Silver, then to Lady Miller, then the doctor, and finally to Ami.
Twilly took a sip, exhaled, and then spoke "Now Doctor Smith, why should I aid you?"
"Because I am dying, Lady Miller. And Ai was not the first cyborg I built. The project that created Ai let me siphon off materials to create Silver here."
"Why?"
"Because my dear little girl was dying, Lady Miller. She was dying. Cancer. But I still had to deliver on the project. I knew the late Lady Miller had been snooping around. I may have been less careful than I should have been with some records."
"On purpose."
"Indeed."
"And how can the Catgirl Trust aid you, doctor?"
"It was Silver's idea, although she has since had second, third, fourth, fifth, and many subsequent thoughts about it. I find it elegant."
"And what is that idea?"
"That your people, aided by my blueprints, should do to me what I did to my kitten."
"Again, why?"
Silver spoke up "Because Joseph is dying, Lady Miller. Lung cancer."
Ami inspected the doctor with more care "Metastasised?" she asked.
"Yes. The estimates are three to six months" Silver replied.

Twilly looked from Silver, hovering over the doctor protectively, to the doctor himself, and then looked to Ami. "Second opinion?"
Ami considered for a moment "It is a big step for us, but I think your mother would approve."
"I agree. And he did what he could to save Silver. Rayo?"
"Señora, it feels right."
"Ai," Twilly raised her voice a fraction, "Come meet your sister."
The door opened and Ai entered cautiously "Sister?"
"Yes, Ai, this is Silver. And Doctor Smith, I believe we can help you."

#Catgirls #SF #SFF #SciFi #microfiction #microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting

The Catgirl Visitation 1/2

Outside of routine deliveries, visitors to the Miller manor were rare. Rarer still were unexpected visitors. It was, therefore, a source of considerable curiosity when a cab - all the way from London - pulled up unannounced on a Monday morning. But as curious as everyone was, no-one approached. They waited.

Two people got out. One had a tail.

Rayo, dressed in an approximation of a butler's uniform, answered the door. Standing at the door was a man in his fifties, just starting to grey at the temples, leaning on a cane. Next to him was a catgirl with bright blue ears and tail, dressed in a neat business blazer and skirt.
"Good morning. I am Doctor Joseph Smith, and this is Silver. I apologise for arriving unannounced, but I need to speak with Lady Twillychiss Miller", his voice had a slight wheeze to it, but still had a strength.
Rayo considered the pair for a moment before replying "Of course, señor Doctor and señorita Silver. This way."

She led them into a study, and went to Twilly's office. "Señora Miller? There are guests in the west room. A Doctor Smith, and one of us, señora, named Silver."

Twilly put down the intelligence report and looked up "I don't recognise either of those names. How curious. Please fetch tea, and I will be down in a moment."
After Rayo departed, Twilly picked up the phone "Please have Ai and Ami join me outside the west room in five minutes."

In the west room, Silver perched on the arm of the chair that Doctor Smith was sitting in "Are you sure about this, Joseph?" she asked.
"Yes, Silver, for the umpteenth time, yes, I am sure."
"I sensed many weapon systems in the area."
"We expected that. Your sister, at least, is here."
"All the same, I don't know that I can keep you safe."
"They are being polite so far. What about the one that answered the door."
"She had no weapons. I think she was completely biological."
"See? Quite polite."
"There are three of them outside. One has extensive weaponry" Silver's eyes widened as she spoke, and her tail started to lash.
"Easy now - they are probably just taking some precautions."

The door opened, and the Siamese-coloured butler catgirl entered "Lady Twillychiss Miller and señorita Ami" she announced . Rayo left the door open for a moment, then wheeled in a tea trolley. She stood by it, closing the door.

#Catgirls #SFF #SF #SciFi #microfic #microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting

@ami_angelwings your namesake is back on screen :)

The Catgirl Visitation 1/2

Outside of routine deliveries, visitors to the Miller manor were rare. Rarer still were unexpected visitors. It was, therefore, a source of considerable curiosity when a cab - all the way from London - pulled up unannounced on a Monday morning. But as curious as everyone was, no-one approached. They waited.

Two people got out. One had a tail.

Rayo, dressed in an approximation of a butler's uniform, answered the door. Standing at the door was a man in his fifties, just starting to grey at the temples, leaning on a cane. Next to him was a catgirl with bright blue ears and tail, dressed in a neat business blazer and skirt.
"Good morning. I am Doctor Joseph Smith, and this is Silver. I apologise for arriving unannounced, but I need to speak with Lady Twillychiss Miller", his voice had a slight wheeze to it, but still had a strength.
Rayo considered the pair for a moment before replying "Of course, señor Doctor and señorita Silver. This way."

She led them into a study, and went to Twilly's office. "Señora Miller? There are guests in the west room. A Doctor Smith, and one of us, señora, named Silver."

Twilly put down the intelligence report and looked up "I don't recognise either of those names. How curious. Please fetch tea, and I will be down in a moment."
After Rayo departed, Twilly picked up the phone "Please have Ai and Ami join me outside the west room in five minutes."

In the west room, Silver perched on the arm of the chair that Doctor Smith was sitting in "Are you sure about this, Joseph?" she asked.
"Yes, Silver, for the umpteenth time, yes, I am sure."
"I sensed many weapon systems in the area."
"We expected that. Your sister, at least, is here."
"All the same, I don't know that I can keep you safe."
"They are being polite so far. What about the one that answered the door."
"She had no weapons. I think she was completely biological."
"See? Quite polite."
"There are three of them outside. One has extensive weaponry" Silver's eyes widened as she spoke, and her tail started to lash.
"Easy now - they are probably just taking some precautions."

The door opened, and the Siamese-coloured butler catgirl entered "Lady Twillychiss Miller and señorita Ami" she announced . Rayo left the door open for a moment, then wheeled in a tea trolley. She stood by it, closing the door.

#Catgirls #SFF #SF #SciFi #microfic #microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting

@ami_angelwings your namesake is back on screen :)

The moment you are #writing your short story, you go to use a #conlang word, realize that the word is not what you meant, and now you have to go through all your stories and retcon its usage so the story you're working on now doesn't cause a continuity error. I love large universes. lol #writingcommunity #indieauthor #iamwriting

The moment you are #writing your short story, you go to use a #conlang word, realize that the word is not what you meant, and now you have to go through all your stories and retcon its usage so the story you're working on now doesn't cause a continuity error. I love large universes. lol #writingcommunity #indieauthor #iamwriting

The power of being an author with memory issues - I just finished a chapter of the Urban Fantasy book after already "finishing" it yesterday. I had forgotten a massive bit from the end, and had to add it before starting the next chapter.

Now we will finally make it to Atlantis 2.0.
It has taken these guys like a decade of my time to make it there. :P

#IAmWriting #UrbanFantasy #Atlantis #Adventure #Fantasy #Bookstodon #BookFedi #IndieAuthor #DisabledAuthor #WIP

The power of being an author with memory issues - I just finished a chapter of the Urban Fantasy book after already "finishing" it yesterday. I had forgotten a massive bit from the end, and had to add it before starting the next chapter.

Now we will finally make it to Atlantis 2.0.
It has taken these guys like a decade of my time to make it there. :P

#IAmWriting #UrbanFantasy #Atlantis #Adventure #Fantasy #Bookstodon #BookFedi #IndieAuthor #DisabledAuthor #WIP

Alright, I took a plunge back to the Urban Fantasy book I have been writing on and off for ages now, and finished another chapter. (: There is only 5 left before I can get to the editing! :D

I did need to backtrack a bit since I had forgotten something in the last chapter and needed to add a bit to make things work as planned but...it was fun. (:

#IAmWriting #Bookstodon #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy

Alright, I took a plunge back to the Urban Fantasy book I have been writing on and off for ages now, and finished another chapter. (: There is only 5 left before I can get to the editing! :D

I did need to backtrack a bit since I had forgotten something in the last chapter and needed to add a bit to make things work as planned but...it was fun. (:

#IAmWriting #Bookstodon #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy

Six hundred years ago. Mother of All, Ironworker Clan lands.

The oldest of the histories talked of sky gods who could command up and down as easily as one could lift a hand. They flew in arrows of steel across the stars, and had brought people to this world.

Why? The histories did not say. Nor from where.

But today, steel arrows came from the sky. Within were not gods, but devils. More accurately, men, but they had the souls of devils.

They had ransacked the storehouses, taking food and pig iron. They had also raided families, taking the very youngest children with them.

There had been one attempt to stop them, but that had been met with a beam of fire from one of the arrows. Three houses were simply gone, nothing but a glowing pit remained.

Then the devils had returned to their arrows, and taken back to the skies. From there, they sent pillars of smoke that destroyed tracks and roads, cutting their valley off from aid.

And they were gone. Leaving loss and destruction behind them.

The speakers sent for help and warning to the other clans. And help would arrive quickly. They would need to excavate and hide shelters so that none would be stolen again. They would need food to get through the winter. And burnstone to restart the forges.

The speakers shared what they had learned from the minds of the raiders. They knew that their numbers were few. Which was why they stole children. There were too few of them for them to make families safely.

But strangest of all was the devils' language. A curious chaotic mess of a language. One that had no resemblance to the tongue of the people of the Mother of All.

The speakers would need to study it so that the devils could be understood.

But there was one thing that was understood: The devils would be back. And soon. But not to the Ironworkers Clan. Somewhere else.

So for now, preparation. Planning. And mourning those lost in fire, and those lost to the sky. For when those children returned - or more likely the children of those children, they would come as devils.

There was one final tragedy for the Ironworker Clan - least two of the taken were potentially speakers.

#SF #SFF #SciFi #SpaceOpera #microfiction #microfic #tootfic #ShamanSpace #IAmWriting

Six hundred years ago. Mother of All, Ironworker Clan lands.

The oldest of the histories talked of sky gods who could command up and down as easily as one could lift a hand. They flew in arrows of steel across the stars, and had brought people to this world.

Why? The histories did not say. Nor from where.

But today, steel arrows came from the sky. Within were not gods, but devils. More accurately, men, but they had the souls of devils.

They had ransacked the storehouses, taking food and pig iron. They had also raided families, taking the very youngest children with them.

There had been one attempt to stop them, but that had been met with a beam of fire from one of the arrows. Three houses were simply gone, nothing but a glowing pit remained.

Then the devils had returned to their arrows, and taken back to the skies. From there, they sent pillars of smoke that destroyed tracks and roads, cutting their valley off from aid.

And they were gone. Leaving loss and destruction behind them.

The speakers sent for help and warning to the other clans. And help would arrive quickly. They would need to excavate and hide shelters so that none would be stolen again. They would need food to get through the winter. And burnstone to restart the forges.

The speakers shared what they had learned from the minds of the raiders. They knew that their numbers were few. Which was why they stole children. There were too few of them for them to make families safely.

But strangest of all was the devils' language. A curious chaotic mess of a language. One that had no resemblance to the tongue of the people of the Mother of All.

The speakers would need to study it so that the devils could be understood.

But there was one thing that was understood: The devils would be back. And soon. But not to the Ironworkers Clan. Somewhere else.

So for now, preparation. Planning. And mourning those lost in fire, and those lost to the sky. For when those children returned - or more likely the children of those children, they would come as devils.

There was one final tragedy for the Ironworker Clan - least two of the taken were potentially speakers.

#SF #SFF #SciFi #SpaceOpera #microfiction #microfic #tootfic #ShamanSpace #IAmWriting

#writer #writing #author #IamWriting #blackhillswriter inventingrealityediting.com/2...

Project Bible Useful for Keepi...

#writer #writing #author #IamWriting #blackhillswriter inventingrealityediting.com/2...

Project Bible Useful for Keepi...

I made a little cover teaser post to my kofi supporters - this time about my writing endevours. (It is a sketch I made for the short story that I had previously published with an old pen name, delisted, and forgotten about)

If you want to see these updates, all you need to do is to drop me a ko-fi, and for now the blog posts will be visible for you too. <3

https://ko-fi.com/post/Cover-Teaser-for-a-short-story-X0H123B11F

#blogpost #IAmWriting #IAmEditing #Bookstodon #ShortStory #Fantasy #Witches #Yule

I made a little cover teaser post to my kofi supporters - this time about my writing endevours. (It is a sketch I made for the short story that I had previously published with an old pen name, delisted, and forgotten about)

If you want to see these updates, all you need to do is to drop me a ko-fi, and for now the blog posts will be visible for you too. <3

https://ko-fi.com/post/Cover-Teaser-for-a-short-story-X0H123B11F

#blogpost #IAmWriting #IAmEditing #Bookstodon #ShortStory #Fantasy #Witches #Yule

The feeling when you find an old short story you had published in some point, pulled from sale because you swapped pen names, and forgot to put it back up.

Anyway, I gave it some light edits, and now it needs a new cover. (: It's just little something. A lighthearted short story in one of the far too many fantasy worlds I have created....

#IAmWriting #IAmEditing #eBook #ShortStory #Fantasy

The feeling when you find an old short story you had published in some point, pulled from sale because you swapped pen names, and forgot to put it back up.

Anyway, I gave it some light edits, and now it needs a new cover. (: It's just little something. A lighthearted short story in one of the far too many fantasy worlds I have created....

#IAmWriting #IAmEditing #eBook #ShortStory #Fantasy

Walter Justin Deanmoore looked at his hotel room. His belongings appeared to be all present, but what was not present was his suitcase.

Again.

Over the last ten years of near constant travel he had been through eight suitcases, seven travel packs, five trunks, and three duffel bags. All had vanished the day before he was due to check out. All had later surfaced in cities he had never visited and had absolutely watertight alibis for.

Which was a very good thing, because each time they had a body in them. A dead body. Sometimes the murderer had been caught, sometimes not.

Walter reached for the phone "Hello? I'd like to speak to the day manager." He waited for a few moments "Good afternoon, it is Deanmoore in 418. Has anyone left the hotel today with a green suitcase with black leather straps?"
He paused.
"Yes, it is an odd question. My suitcase is missing. My belongings are not, however. Just the suitcase."
Another pause.
"Seven? All at once? I see. I suggest you prepare your records for the police. No it is deadly serious."

He hung up and dialed again. "Hello? Yes, I'd like to report that there has almost certainly been a murder in or near the Green Field Hotel."
"No I don't know who or why. It is because my suitcase is missing."
He held the receiver away from his ear for a good minute.
"If you are quite finished, you could call the Marseille police, the New York police, or even Scotland Yard. Ask them about the Deanmoore Suitcases."
He took a breath.
"Yes, I am Walter Deanmoore. Yes. Seven people checked out earlier today with suitcases identical to mine. Right. Good. Thank-you."

Walter sat back. He was not getting his suitcase back, he was sure of that. But at least the killer - or killers - might not get so far this time.

#microfiction #microfic #tootfic #Mystery #murder #IAmWriting #IBlameChristie

Walter Justin Deanmoore looked at his hotel room. His belongings appeared to be all present, but what was not present was his suitcase.

Again.

Over the last ten years of near constant travel he had been through eight suitcases, seven travel packs, five trunks, and three duffel bags. All had vanished the day before he was due to check out. All had later surfaced in cities he had never visited and had absolutely watertight alibis for.

Which was a very good thing, because each time they had a body in them. A dead body. Sometimes the murderer had been caught, sometimes not.

Walter reached for the phone "Hello? I'd like to speak to the day manager." He waited for a few moments "Good afternoon, it is Deanmoore in 418. Has anyone left the hotel today with a green suitcase with black leather straps?"
He paused.
"Yes, it is an odd question. My suitcase is missing. My belongings are not, however. Just the suitcase."
Another pause.
"Seven? All at once? I see. I suggest you prepare your records for the police. No it is deadly serious."

He hung up and dialed again. "Hello? Yes, I'd like to report that there has almost certainly been a murder in or near the Green Field Hotel."
"No I don't know who or why. It is because my suitcase is missing."
He held the receiver away from his ear for a good minute.
"If you are quite finished, you could call the Marseille police, the New York police, or even Scotland Yard. Ask them about the Deanmoore Suitcases."
He took a breath.
"Yes, I am Walter Deanmoore. Yes. Seven people checked out earlier today with suitcases identical to mine. Right. Good. Thank-you."

Walter sat back. He was not getting his suitcase back, he was sure of that. But at least the killer - or killers - might not get so far this time.

#microfiction #microfic #tootfic #Mystery #murder #IAmWriting #IBlameChristie

the timix timer is addictive! i keep coming back to it over and over again. it's just perfect for tinkering with all these shortcuts and automations. today i mainly use it for my meditation practice but it's so much more powerful than that! here‘s a summary of how i use the app

http://cogmodo.com/advancedtimerswithtimix

cc @aigarden

#blog #writing #writingcommunity #iamwriting #apple #app #timer #automation #shortcuts

the timix timer is addictive! i keep coming back to it over and over again. it's just perfect for tinkering with all these shortcuts and automations. today i mainly use it for my meditation practice but it's so much more powerful than that! here‘s a summary of how i use the app

http://cogmodo.com/advancedtimerswithtimix

cc @aigarden

#blog #writing #writingcommunity #iamwriting #apple #app #timer #automation #shortcuts

Fairytale has been sent to my editor after I spent most of the weekend just doing the read-through edits. (:
(+today)

#IAMWriting #IAmEditing #Writing #IndieAuthor #Anthology #Fairytale #Fantasy #GrimDarkFantasy

Fairytale has been sent to my editor after I spent most of the weekend just doing the read-through edits. (:
(+today)

#IAMWriting #IAmEditing #Writing #IndieAuthor #Anthology #Fairytale #Fantasy #GrimDarkFantasy

Best part of the story editing process is the read through (I can't recommend this enough!) - I essentially narrate it to myself (and my partner), which helps me find clumsy sentences, unnecessarily clunky language, repetition, and bits and pieces that can be edited out.

Plus, my partner gives me feedback when something doesn't make sense and needs to be clarified. (:

That said, The Fairytale Read Through Edits are now halfway done~! :D

#IAmWriting #IAmEditing #Fairytale #Fantasy #GrimDark

Best part of the story editing process is the read through (I can't recommend this enough!) - I essentially narrate it to myself (and my partner), which helps me find clumsy sentences, unnecessarily clunky language, repetition, and bits and pieces that can be edited out.

Plus, my partner gives me feedback when something doesn't make sense and needs to be clarified. (:

That said, The Fairytale Read Through Edits are now halfway done~! :D

#IAmWriting #IAmEditing #Fairytale #Fantasy #GrimDark

"November Victor Victor Victor, this is Victor Hotel Charlie Seven Bravo, We are seeing some heavy weather ahead. Over." Annika waited for a reply, glancing across at Chika her co-pilot.
"Seven Bravo" started the reply, followed by a burst of static and silence.
"November Victor Victor Victor say again" Annika sent back. Nothing.
"Annika? BOM has a cat four three hundred to our south" Chika's broad Alice Springs accent stronger than usual.
"How old is the report?"
"Two hours. No way this could be it."
"No reply. Change us to Kiribati."
"Changing to three seven. Done."
She tried Kiribati airport. Nothing

The two pilots watched the storm as it closed in on them, almost looking like it was reaching around to trap them.
Chika made a face "Call in a Pan. Changing to emergency."

Annika made the call.

A sudden air pocket dropped the little twin engine Baron a thousand feet. Both pilots jolted in their seats, and Chika's head struck her headrest violently.

"Chika?" Annika asked, and then repeated it louder. There was no reply. She glanced over, and saw her partner slumped in her seat, unconcious - or worse.

Then there was a bright flash, and the engines cut out.

Annika went through the restart procedure - nothing. Somewhere the lightning had shorted something. The static in her ear told her that the radio was still working. Then they were below the clouds. Heavy rain made it hard to make anything out, but she thought she could see a small atoll ahead.

Gliding the Baron through the turbulence of the storm was tricky, especially without a second pair of eyes.

Then Chika sat up "Don't try to ditch, the reef will mess you up good" she said in a Midwestern accent.

Annika glanced over and stared. Chika was looking over the instruments and the flight plan, and then looked back. "There's an airport at Kiribati?" She asked in the same strange voice.

"Chika?" Annika asked uncertainly.
"Just call me Millie for now" the American voice replied, "I'll raise a mayday. Line up on the long Southwest strip. Mayday Mayday Mayday, this is November Romeo One Six Zero Two Zero. Engines out, attempting landing on Gardner Island." Then she repeated the message twice more.

Annika fought the winds, and got the little plane lined up. One chance. As she struggled with the controls she asked "Who are you?"
"Just don't make the same mistake me and Fred made, OK?"

Then there was no time. The plane crashed through the low scrub, and ploughed into a dune.

She looked across again, but Chika was slumped again. But breathing. She shut everything down. No smoke. Chika groaned.
"What happened?" No American voice.
"We crashed. Lightning. You remember anything?"
"No, why?"
"Never mind. I'm going to deploy the EPIRB."

They were sheltering under a wing two days later when they saw a launch approaching. Annika saw another woman smiling next to Chika, then she blinked, and Chika was alone, waving to the boat.

#SF #SFF #microfiction #microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting #Fantasy

"November Victor Victor Victor, this is Victor Hotel Charlie Seven Bravo, We are seeing some heavy weather ahead. Over." Annika waited for a reply, glancing across at Chika her co-pilot.
"Seven Bravo" started the reply, followed by a burst of static and silence.
"November Victor Victor Victor say again" Annika sent back. Nothing.
"Annika? BOM has a cat four three hundred to our south" Chika's broad Alice Springs accent stronger than usual.
"How old is the report?"
"Two hours. No way this could be it."
"No reply. Change us to Kiribati."
"Changing to three seven. Done."
She tried Kiribati airport. Nothing

The two pilots watched the storm as it closed in on them, almost looking like it was reaching around to trap them.
Chika made a face "Call in a Pan. Changing to emergency."

Annika made the call.

A sudden air pocket dropped the little twin engine Baron a thousand feet. Both pilots jolted in their seats, and Chika's head struck her headrest violently.

"Chika?" Annika asked, and then repeated it louder. There was no reply. She glanced over, and saw her partner slumped in her seat, unconcious - or worse.

Then there was a bright flash, and the engines cut out.

Annika went through the restart procedure - nothing. Somewhere the lightning had shorted something. The static in her ear told her that the radio was still working. Then they were below the clouds. Heavy rain made it hard to make anything out, but she thought she could see a small atoll ahead.

Gliding the Baron through the turbulence of the storm was tricky, especially without a second pair of eyes.

Then Chika sat up "Don't try to ditch, the reef will mess you up good" she said in a Midwestern accent.

Annika glanced over and stared. Chika was looking over the instruments and the flight plan, and then looked back. "There's an airport at Kiribati?" She asked in the same strange voice.

"Chika?" Annika asked uncertainly.
"Just call me Millie for now" the American voice replied, "I'll raise a mayday. Line up on the long Southwest strip. Mayday Mayday Mayday, this is November Romeo One Six Zero Two Zero. Engines out, attempting landing on Gardner Island." Then she repeated the message twice more.

Annika fought the winds, and got the little plane lined up. One chance. As she struggled with the controls she asked "Who are you?"
"Just don't make the same mistake me and Fred made, OK?"

Then there was no time. The plane crashed through the low scrub, and ploughed into a dune.

She looked across again, but Chika was slumped again. But breathing. She shut everything down. No smoke. Chika groaned.
"What happened?" No American voice.
"We crashed. Lightning. You remember anything?"
"No, why?"
"Never mind. I'm going to deploy the EPIRB."

They were sheltering under a wing two days later when they saw a launch approaching. Annika saw another woman smiling next to Chika, then she blinked, and Chika was alone, waving to the boat.

#SF #SFF #microfiction #microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting #Fantasy

Alright, after long, four hour battle to make the ending flow more, and make better sense, I finished the story edit. Also glossed over some outrageous spelling mistakes. (^_^)*

The spellchecker in Ellipsus is not the best, but it does some of the work needed.

Now I just need to read it through out loud today/tomorrow and see if I can find more mistakes and then send it to my editor again.

But now - food.

#IAmWriting #IAmEditing #Fairytale#IAmTired #Bookstodon

Alright, after long, four hour battle to make the ending flow more, and make better sense, I finished the story edit. Also glossed over some outrageous spelling mistakes. (^_^)*

The spellchecker in Ellipsus is not the best, but it does some of the work needed.

Now I just need to read it through out loud today/tomorrow and see if I can find more mistakes and then send it to my editor again.

But now - food.

#IAmWriting #IAmEditing #Fairytale#IAmTired #Bookstodon

Chapter NINE of the fairytale is now done, and 10 is SO CLOSE but I am unfortunately duty bound to feed my flesh prison, and make sure my partner get some food too. (:

Tomorrow I will finish the story edits, and then plow through the worst of spelling before bothering my editor again. :P

#IAmWriting #IAmEditing #Bookstodon #Fairytale #Fantasy #GrimDark #GrimDarkFantasy #GrimFairytale #ShortStory

Chapter NINE of the fairytale is now done, and 10 is SO CLOSE but I am unfortunately duty bound to feed my flesh prison, and make sure my partner get some food too. (:

Tomorrow I will finish the story edits, and then plow through the worst of spelling before bothering my editor again. :P

#IAmWriting #IAmEditing #Bookstodon #Fairytale #Fantasy #GrimDark #GrimDarkFantasy #GrimFairytale #ShortStory

*Breaking NEWS!!*

–in hiisikoloART Blog for all who enjoy art, writing, and knowing what the heck I am actually doing when I am not posting random rambles here!

Following my KoFi is entirely free, but you can choose to support me if you like and get access to various interesting things - like comic sketches, a sale on digital shop items, and perhaps soon...tiers? (:

Please share. <3

https://ko-fi.com/post/TEST-RUN-O7W022Y60L

#Art #Bookstodon #Kofi #DisabledArtist #Comics #Webcomic #Books #IAmWriting #BlogPost

*Breaking NEWS!!*

–in hiisikoloART Blog for all who enjoy art, writing, and knowing what the heck I am actually doing when I am not posting random rambles here!

Following my KoFi is entirely free, but you can choose to support me if you like and get access to various interesting things - like comic sketches, a sale on digital shop items, and perhaps soon...tiers? (:

Please share. <3

https://ko-fi.com/post/TEST-RUN-O7W022Y60L

#Art #Bookstodon #Kofi #DisabledArtist #Comics #Webcomic #Books #IAmWriting #BlogPost

Chapter EIGHT of the fairytale has been story edited, and number one has been given edits by my editor, which I implimented at the best of my ability with the ten brain cells that agreed to work with me today. (:

More tomorrow, since I let chapter NINE in middle.

#IamWriting #IAmEditing #Bookstodon #Fairytale #Fantasy #GrimDarkFantasy

Chapter EIGHT of the fairytale has been story edited, and number one has been given edits by my editor, which I implimented at the best of my ability with the ten brain cells that agreed to work with me today. (:

More tomorrow, since I let chapter NINE in middle.

#IamWriting #IAmEditing #Bookstodon #Fairytale #Fantasy #GrimDarkFantasy

Chapter SEVEN of the fairytale is now edited - it needed some more work either because I am brainless form not having a very good nap, or because the story needed to be refined just a littlebit more. :P

Anyway, a gloriously naked man has been dressed, a stolen treasure stolen back from a treasury, and an escape plan has been successfully completed!

#IAmWriting #Fairytale #Fantasy #GrimDark #GrimDarkFantasy #Magic #IAmEditing

Chapter SEVEN of the fairytale is now edited - it needed some more work either because I am brainless form not having a very good nap, or because the story needed to be refined just a littlebit more. :P

Anyway, a gloriously naked man has been dressed, a stolen treasure stolen back from a treasury, and an escape plan has been successfully completed!

#IAmWriting #Fairytale #Fantasy #GrimDark #GrimDarkFantasy #Magic #IAmEditing

One hour after the disabling of Athena's launch. Aboard the raider controlled trade ship "Bright Sky".

Alaine checked over his shoulder as he approached the hatch leading to the crew compartment and the bridge. The wrecked launch hid the hatch leading to engineering. He hit the release, and it irised open. Ducking through he scanned the crew common area - no-one.

He checked the crew quarters. No-one.

Seeker was expecting someone in the engineering area, so that meant two or three people on the bridge. He swapped back to the two machine pistols.

The iris hatch to the bridge was closed, but still not locked. Their deception had worked. He pressed the hatch release, and it spun open.

Both people inside were standing, looking at a display. As they started to turn, he fired two long bursts. The plastic bullets shattered against the consoles, and against bones inside the two raiders.

They both dropped.

Alaine stood there, frozen. He had just killed four people. They had been trying to kill Joy and him. They had thought they had killed them.

But he had gunned them down without giving them any chance surrender.

He suddenly rushed to the nearest cabin and threw up from an empty stomach. Painfully, repeatedly.

He was still heaving into the head when he felt a hand on his back. And a touch in his mind. Seeker. Steadying him.

"We need to contact Athena, Alaine" she said softly.

He nodded. Gulped air, and flushed the head. She handed him some water, and he rinsed his mouth.

"Thank-you" he whispered.

Together they re-entered the bridge. Seeker crossed to the navigator's station, and after a moment Alaine took the pilot's seat.

Setting the frequency, he pressed the mic button "Athena, Athena, this is Athena Launch Actual. Launch fired on by rendezvous. Rendezvous now under our command. Over."
Several seconds passed.
"Athena Launch we registered two emergency beacons for a few seconds. Casualties? Over."
"Athena, no friendly casualties," he glanced at Seeker, who shook her head, "no hostile survivors. Over."
Again a pause.
"Activate beacon, and we will come alongside. ETA three hours. Over."
"Understood. Clear."

Seeker looked over at Alaine as he slumped back "Are the computers locked?"
He checked "No. Wide open."
"Can you get the coordinates of their next destination?"
Alaine frowned "Um, let's see.... Here they are."
"Please read them to me. Then save them somewhere."
Now very confused, he read them off. Then he saw her writing them down in a paper notebook. "Insurance" she explained.
He made a copy on his PDU as well.

What followed was a long three hours.

#SF #SFF #SciFi #SpaceOpera #microfic #microfiction #tootfic #IAmWriting #ShamanSpace

One hour after the disabling of Athena's launch. Aboard the raider controlled trade ship "Bright Sky".

Alaine checked over his shoulder as he approached the hatch leading to the crew compartment and the bridge. The wrecked launch hid the hatch leading to engineering. He hit the release, and it irised open. Ducking through he scanned the crew common area - no-one.

He checked the crew quarters. No-one.

Seeker was expecting someone in the engineering area, so that meant two or three people on the bridge. He swapped back to the two machine pistols.

The iris hatch to the bridge was closed, but still not locked. Their deception had worked. He pressed the hatch release, and it spun open.

Both people inside were standing, looking at a display. As they started to turn, he fired two long bursts. The plastic bullets shattered against the consoles, and against bones inside the two raiders.

They both dropped.

Alaine stood there, frozen. He had just killed four people. They had been trying to kill Joy and him. They had thought they had killed them.

But he had gunned them down without giving them any chance surrender.

He suddenly rushed to the nearest cabin and threw up from an empty stomach. Painfully, repeatedly.

He was still heaving into the head when he felt a hand on his back. And a touch in his mind. Seeker. Steadying him.

"We need to contact Athena, Alaine" she said softly.

He nodded. Gulped air, and flushed the head. She handed him some water, and he rinsed his mouth.

"Thank-you" he whispered.

Together they re-entered the bridge. Seeker crossed to the navigator's station, and after a moment Alaine took the pilot's seat.

Setting the frequency, he pressed the mic button "Athena, Athena, this is Athena Launch Actual. Launch fired on by rendezvous. Rendezvous now under our command. Over."
Several seconds passed.
"Athena Launch we registered two emergency beacons for a few seconds. Casualties? Over."
"Athena, no friendly casualties," he glanced at Seeker, who shook her head, "no hostile survivors. Over."
Again a pause.
"Activate beacon, and we will come alongside. ETA three hours. Over."
"Understood. Clear."

Seeker looked over at Alaine as he slumped back "Are the computers locked?"
He checked "No. Wide open."
"Can you get the coordinates of their next destination?"
Alaine frowned "Um, let's see.... Here they are."
"Please read them to me. Then save them somewhere."
Now very confused, he read them off. Then he saw her writing them down in a paper notebook. "Insurance" she explained.
He made a copy on his PDU as well.

What followed was a long three hours.

#SF #SFF #SciFi #SpaceOpera #microfic #microfiction #tootfic #IAmWriting #ShamanSpace

Six months prior to the disabling of Athena's launch, seven months out of Mother of All. In jump.

The ship's intercom pinged "Seeker to the Captain's cabin."
Seeker looked up from her PDU and over to Engle, the First Mate.
"Go", he nodded towards the hatch out of the hold.
Two minutes later Seeker knocked on the Captain's door.
"Come."
"Captain? You wanted to see me?" Seeker asked, her puzzlement clear.
"Sit," the Captain pointed to a chair and Seeker followed her order "Now," she continued "Engle and Sparks tell me that you have been neglecting your training.
"Captain!" Seeker protested "I have not! I've even started on Level 1 Navigation studies!"
"Seeker" the Captain cautioned, "you know what I mean. Your weapons training."
Seeker closed her eyes "Captain, I..." she started.
"You will report to Sparks at the start of each shift for thirty minutes target practice. That is an order."
It was a very subdued Joy that replied "Yes, Captain."
"Seeker, you know you have to get back on the beast. There will be simulated attackers. And innocents to protect. Thirty minutes a day. Understand?"
Seeker nodded.
"Dismissed. Back to cargo handling."
Seeker stood, nodded, and went out.

Alaine was standing in the passage at the far end. "Engle said you have the rest of the shift free now. Told me that you might need to talk."
Seeker stared for a moment, and then shook herself "Is the forward turret free?"
"I think so."
"Let's go there."

In the cramped space of the turret, with the blast doors open, looking out at the shifting colours of jumpspace, Seeker looked at Alaine. "The Captain has ordered me to start target practice. Says I have to get back on the horse."
"What would the counsellor have said?" Alaine asked in a low voice.
Joy paused in thought "She...she would have said the same thing, I think."
"So?"
"I guess they are right."
"Seeker, um," Alaine held out his arms, "May I?"
Seeker nodded, and Alaine hugged her lightly. After a few moments, her arms went around him tightly.
They stayed that way for some minutes.
"Thank-you Alaine" Seeker murmured over his shoulder.
"Any time."

The next morning, Sparks had a simple range set up with ring targets. Alaine was there too. Practicing with a survival pistol.

A week later, it was human silhouettes. Then they started moving.

Alaine was there every time. Just quietly practicing alongside her.

#SF #SFF #SciFi #SpaceOpera #microfic #microfiction #tootfic #IAmWriting #ShamanSpace

Six months prior to the disabling of Athena's launch, seven months out of Mother of All. In jump.

The ship's intercom pinged "Seeker to the Captain's cabin."
Seeker looked up from her PDU and over to Engle, the First Mate.
"Go", he nodded towards the hatch out of the hold.
Two minutes later Seeker knocked on the Captain's door.
"Come."
"Captain? You wanted to see me?" Seeker asked, her puzzlement clear.
"Sit," the Captain pointed to a chair and Seeker followed her order "Now," she continued "Engle and Sparks tell me that you have been neglecting your training.
"Captain!" Seeker protested "I have not! I've even started on Level 1 Navigation studies!"
"Seeker" the Captain cautioned, "you know what I mean. Your weapons training."
Seeker closed her eyes "Captain, I..." she started.
"You will report to Sparks at the start of each shift for thirty minutes target practice. That is an order."
It was a very subdued Joy that replied "Yes, Captain."
"Seeker, you know you have to get back on the beast. There will be simulated attackers. And innocents to protect. Thirty minutes a day. Understand?"
Seeker nodded.
"Dismissed. Back to cargo handling."
Seeker stood, nodded, and went out.

Alaine was standing in the passage at the far end. "Engle said you have the rest of the shift free now. Told me that you might need to talk."
Seeker stared for a moment, and then shook herself "Is the forward turret free?"
"I think so."
"Let's go there."

In the cramped space of the turret, with the blast doors open, looking out at the shifting colours of jumpspace, Seeker looked at Alaine. "The Captain has ordered me to start target practice. Says I have to get back on the horse."
"What would the counsellor have said?" Alaine asked in a low voice.
Joy paused in thought "She...she would have said the same thing, I think."
"So?"
"I guess they are right."
"Seeker, um," Alaine held out his arms, "May I?"
Seeker nodded, and Alaine hugged her lightly. After a few moments, her arms went around him tightly.
They stayed that way for some minutes.
"Thank-you Alaine" Seeker murmured over his shoulder.
"Any time."

The next morning, Sparks had a simple range set up with ring targets. Alaine was there too. Practicing with a survival pistol.

A week later, it was human silhouettes. Then they started moving.

Alaine was there every time. Just quietly practicing alongside her.

#SF #SFF #SciFi #SpaceOpera #microfic #microfiction #tootfic #IAmWriting #ShamanSpace

Chapter SIX of the Fairytale is now edited, and Chapter One to Five have been sent to my editor. (:

I didn't actually think I could work today, but did also send a bill to a client, and sent some emails. Time for very later dinner. :P

#IAmWriting #Fairytale #Fantasy #GrimDark

Chapter SIX of the Fairytale is now edited, and Chapter One to Five have been sent to my editor. (:

I didn't actually think I could work today, but did also send a bill to a client, and sent some emails. Time for very later dinner. :P

#IAmWriting #Fairytale #Fantasy #GrimDark