What is called for in these drastic times? To be grounded, present, as chaos swirls. To hear and hold space for each other in our grief, release, anger and fear. To grow between the cracks, a child of the Earth, midwifing the great transition. To be flexible, yet strong, so we can bend with the hurricane, and shed old attachments like autumn leaves, many already dried and shriveled, ready to be carried away. To burn our safety blankets and illusions in the raging fires, yet remain ourselves intact, stronger.

elemental transformation through the Great Transition

#WIPsnips #child

In a small glade of my heart, there is a pool. I sit by it sometimes, when the thoughts get too many, and I get confused. Whether I am in the past, the future, or a dream, here it does not matter. Everything loops into the moon resting in its depths. I would sit, then, and sometimes, within the water there is a face that looks like mine, looking back at me. With some urgency she moves her lips, as though needing to tell me something forgotten and burrowed. Yet, just before the sound breaks through, a thought disturbs the surface, like a brand does skin, like a codex does love, and I ripple into a myriad of atoms. I leave, I forget, and I come back. I leave, I forget, and I come back. I leave, I forget, and I come back.

#vss365 #loop #water
#vssmagic #brand #codex
#vssfantasy #glade #burrow

Is it Friday yet? No? Ah. *dips a finger into the water* well the.

Early Signs of Bipolar Depression and How to Act Early| bpHope.com Learn the early warning signs of bipolar depression, like memory slips, irritability, and sleep changes, that often appear before an episode.

www.bphope.com/7-telltale-s...

#fantasy #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WIPSnips #option

Rushak has some terrible choices to make. This is part the climax scene. IDK if it’ll make sense by itself but obviously don’t want spoilers.

From Brother’s Keeper, my fantasy WIP about two brothers bound by a misunderstood power.

#WIPSnips I'm afraid this one makes Lawcket seem too perfect, but sometimes you have to be brave for yourself.

“He's a fool. Don't listen to him. People like him end up dead,” Jaith said.
Lawcket looked at the man.
“People like me wouldn't end up dead so much if everyone was like me. . .

"Fool" tarot card with a person stepping off into Clarendon Gorge hlding a sunflower 0 The Fool a Novice takes a leap of faith from the womb of her moon chamber to protect her peaceful people and embark on a great adventure

My first chaoter, "Visions Emerge" is themed on the #Fool card of the major arcana, since my #WIP is #tarot themed.

#tarotsky #WIPsnips

Golden Boy: Lord Shelwon. The Shining One “I am Maledin’s Hand against the Darkness.” Picrew image of a happy man with long yellow hair and pointed ears in heroic gold armor with a halo. image maker: deerinspotlight

Obi-wan Druid: Ra’am Chalmalch, High Druid of Linduen “I keep the law. In this there is light. From lawlessness, only despair.” Picrew image of a serious dark-haired, dark-skinned cloaked man with golden eyes Image maker: deerinspotlight

Exhibit A Rushak: Corporealist Heretic, abomination “Don’t blame me. Blame my name.” Picrew image of a scrawny pale man with long scruffy white hair, bright green eyes, pointed ears, a heavily lined face and a severe expression Image maker: deerinspotlight

Exhibit B Drisal Marinell: Renowned gemworker, family man “It’s for him I must do it. It’s for him I do everything!” Picrew image of a sturdy man with closed eyes, long thick white hair, a heavily lined face and a slight closemouthed smile. Image maker: deerinspotlight

In a world threatened by
Petulant Kings
Angry Pinwheels
Evil Horse Thieves and
The Lock Picks of the Apocalypse,

who does a better job with magic zappy rocks:
A Golden Boy with his Obi-wan Druid or
a pair of codependent pain addicts making it up as they go along?

Brother’s Keeper
#ChaosPit #A #F

Banner for M. Walsh's fantasy novel "The Ghost Princess" with the tagline, "Sometimes... destiny isn't all it's cracked up to be..." Also shows cover blurb: "Graylands is where people go when they don’t want to be found. A neutral, mostly frontier country between two opposing empires, it is a haven for drifters, pilgrims, outlaws, and everything in between hoping to build a new life, find adventure, or just disappear. "Katrina Lamont is one such individual. "Once upon a time, she was the Chosen One—a warrior charged with a great and heroic destiny. But when she finished her journey, there was no happy ending waiting for her. Now she lives as an embittered, alcoholic drifter, haunted by the ghosts of her past. "But when an evil sorcerer, Jacob Daredin, seeks to fulfill an ancient prophecy that may grant him god-like power, Katrina will have to take up the sword once again as she finds herself caught in a race to find the young woman whose sacrifice is the key to Daredin’s mad dream. "Along the way, she will contend with Krutch Leeroy—an infamous outlaw who is not all he seems—and cross paths with Lily Blackthorn—a perky, but mysterious woman with a dark secret of her own. "As Daredin’s forces close in, they will traverse a haunted landscape of pirates, demons, killers, con-men, an immortal juggernaut, and worse in an adventure where the line between destiny and plain bad luck is razor thin." The book cover and background image depicts a black tower on the edge of a cliff by a dark sea and stormy skies with a red horizon. Art by Anthony Jensen

An ancient prophecy.
A madman's ambition.
A girl with a secret.
A failed Chosen One and a cursed pirate.
A chance to make things right.

...or much worse.

LINKS: www.books2read.com/ghostprincess
also: m-walshwrites.itch.io/the-ghost-pr...

#BookSky #ReaderSky #Fantasy #IndieBooks 📚💙⚔️

a woman is hugging a large rock with the words i love rocks written below her Alt: a woman is hugging a large rock with the words i love rocks written below her And is being whacked on the head with her hat

They take their gem magic outside to unearth the truth, scope out the enemy, protect buried treasure, and act out their mental health problems. The magic has caveats, the truth isn’t pretty, the demons find out, and there’s an explosion.

#chaospit #A #F

a donkey is standing in the dirt with its mouth open and the words dunken k bliths above it ALT: a donkey is standing in the dirt with its mouth open and the words dunken k bliths above it

*record scratch* *freeze frame* Yep, that's me, Pickle the mule! You're probably wondering how I got here.
My humans went on a quest for peace, and dragged me along to carry their crap. I just wanna eat witch grass, but I have to chug up mountains. It's pretty crazy. 🤪

Can we go home yet?
#Chaospit

A grayscale image of a human portrait, with long dark hair, in dim lighting.

What if the only way to defeat the villain is to die?
Not to die defeating the villain, but to defeat the villain by dying?

Hope it was okay to just jump in #ChaosPit #F (I'm afraid this doesn't count as bad, but I find it funny because it could be seen in more than 1 way.)

Bráthal Loëthgil, local minister: Kill the abomination! Picrew image of a freckled man with long, thick red hair and pointed ears who is dressed elaborately in embroidered green tunic and blue coat and carrying a fancy silver-tipped bow. He is snarling. Image maker used: deerinspotlight

Drisal Marinell: Renowned gemworker and family man. “You leave my sweet brother alone or by the sacred Water I will rip your heart out! Picrew image of a very angry man with long white hair and pointed ears wearing a red tunic and white fur cloak and is screaming in rage. Image maker used: deerinspotlight

Rushak: Corporealist Heretic, abomination “I’m not angry” Picrew image of a man with closed eyes, facial scars, pointed ears and long scruffy white hair. He is wearing a dark shirt and tunic. Image maker used: deerinspotlight

AITA? Sure I cheated at the waterfall, but the guy’s an abomination! Iryla commanded me to end him. It’s not my fault the Druids programmed me to save life! I had to revive him that one time, but that invasion might be his fault! I can’t care that he saved the body from desecration.
#ChaosPit #F #A

World Bipolar Day - International Bipolar Foundation The vision of World Bipolar Day (WBD) is to bring world awareness to bipolar conditions and to eliminate social stigma. Through international collaboration,

Posting late but today’s World Bipolar Day. Check out this article!
#bipolar #mentalhealth
ibpf.org/learn/progra...

Feels like something terrible, all right!
My character 🤝 yours!

Omigosh thanks! 🥰🙏

Though he did not resist them, his gloved handlers did not go out of their way to be GENTLE and neither did he exert himself by lifting a limb to accept the bonds. Instead, he concentrated on managing his fear. He could smell it seeping from his own pores, a different sensation now that he was beyond the shame of his sentencing and alone with the terrifying imminence of the ordeal. The bindings tightened with a tick, tick, ticking sound, crushing him against the stone. Siege of the Spirit White text on a background of darkened interior of dead tree.

Face what must be faced.

- From Siege of the Spirit

#WIPSnips #gentle #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WIP #fantasy #darkfantasy

Though he did not resist them, his gloved handlers did not go out of their way to be GENTLE and neither did he exert himself by lifting a limb to accept the bonds. Instead, he concentrated on managing his fear. He could smell it seeping from his own pores, a different sensation now that he was beyond the shame of his sentencing and alone with the terrifying imminence of the ordeal. The bindings tightened with a tick, tick, ticking sound, crushing him against the stone. Siege of the Spirit White text on a background of darkened interior of dead tree.

Face what must be faced.

- From Siege of the Spirit

#WIPSnips #gentle #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WIP #fantasy #darkfantasy

Here’s an excerpt from s short story in progress. Irost is a flower being that carries baby seeds around. Here they’ve found a potential new playmate!
#sundaysnips #writesky #writingcommunity #writingprompt

Talismans of Sin is now on preorder!

A tithe of blood, an oath of loyalty. Lady Shadow’s plans are slowly coming together. Armed with the strength of two ancient dragon demons, there’s little standing in the way of her vision: a decimated Giahatian Empire. Yet, Kanashimi grows distant, Saigai refuses to be tamed, and the whereabouts of their four siblings remain unknown. To make matters worse, the Priestess of Shadow can’t shake the nagging feeling that she’s missed an opportunity to eliminate her most annoying obstacle—two young spies who know far too much. All the while, Daisuke and Obito survived an explosion, shadowy magic, and a trip to one of Perena’s worst cities. However, once they’re at home in the Capital, things hardly feel safer. Scandals, threats, and betrayals erupt on every side as they draw closer to the truth about the Shadow Priestess. And what of the black aura surrounding the charm Daisuke’s kept hidden for the last three years?

Trope map! Mutual pining Sabotage Betrayal Blood bonds Shadow magic Queer af Political intrigue

Talismans of Sin (Poison and Opium, Act II) is on preorder!

Lady Shadow’s plans for conquest are slowly taking shape, meaning more Demons of the Between Realm will awaken. But will she get to offer her blood oath, or can Daisuke and Obito step in first?

🔗: a.co/d/0ckPLCPQ

#BookSky #QueerBooks

Text in a handwriting font (or maybe a photo of actual handwriting) says “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the bullshit story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.” Jordan Belfort

My ?bullshit tale: No one cares about my characters over there or anything I have to say over here. I’ve heard my actual writing doesn’t suck so it’s gotta be that and it saddens me. (Self-talk brutal-I know better than to do this.) #depression #bipolar
*Never have 3 beers even on #effitfriday!*

#fantasy #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WIPSnips #marathon

For marathon my best offering is Drisal’s epic ride.

Note: Ath’kura are not ordinary horses. They’re Iryla’s. It’s Drisal who’s being overworked!

- From Brother’s Keeper, my fantasy WIP about two brothers bound by a misunderstood power.

Monday Mindfulness Woman sitting cross legged on the ground meditating

Today's affirmation: You don’t need a new version of yourself. You just need to trust the one you already are.

Remember to relax the space between your ears. And as always, drink your fucking water.

#monday #motivation #relax #breathe #water #shadowsparkpublishing #booksky #writesky 📚🪐💙

Tristan, though, had already gone considerably further than she had ever intended. Caught up in the romance and promise of unknown lands, fleeing her discontent. Running through challenges she had never imagined. It was showing her things about herself she couldn’t control. Of course, one cannot outrun their own mind. At some point, they either must face and embrace what they tried to outrun, or sacrifice themselves to the marathon.

#WIPsnips #marathon

Bipolar Disorder: Tips for Career Success and Stability | bpHope.com Can you work with bipolar disorder? Yes. Learn about your rights under the ADA, the power of part-time work, and tips for workplace attendance.

Struggles at work are ongoing. Lost my job decades ago to mixed #manic problems. Back 10 years now but #bipolar #depression, #paranoia and #anxiety are active threats I constantly manage and balance. #mentalhealth

Balancing Bipolar Symptoms With Your Professional Life www.bphope.com/bipolar-diso...

Sometimes I have to watch my main character to remember how to cope with turmoil. Fantasy isn't always an escape. It's often a path to negotiating reality.

this is an excerpt of what is, at its core, a love story. devotion despite the odds, inspired by familial events.

the #WIPSnips word is “fight”, and although this is a tough share because one of my characters is experiencing intense manic paranoia, I think it qualifies. #mentalhealthawareness

Image: Mood board for Brother’s Keeper WIP: A block of seven images around a central one. Central image: white text on brown background that reads: “Born to be sacrificed: Drowned, shed, burnt and buried, a sin offering for his people. Had he been, all would be free. But he had not, and they weren't. He could never forget it. Brother’s Keeper (working title) A.C. Turek Surrounding images clockwise from center left: column of bonfire, running gray horse, green water, a hand holding a quartz crystal, a view looking up immense tree trunks, a waterfall, a view looking down on a vibrant green forest.

Two brothers—one accursed, one gifted—struggle with the Power of an empathic bond unseen for centuries. As Rushak seeks to escape his curse Drisal must wield it as evil arises to threaten the world. But the prophesied Power returns only once, and the Shining One is … somebody else. #WSPit WIPs #F #A

Banner showing the covers for the two GRAYLANDS novels, "The Ghost Princess" and "The Jinxed Pirate" under the text, "Graylands is where people go when they don't want to be found..." The cover for "The Ghost Princess" depicts a dark tower sits at the edge of a cliff against gray seas and a stormy sky with a red horizon. The cover for "The Jinxed Pirate" depicts a black-bladed sword covered in blood and stuck in the ground. Around the sword, a medieval city is on fire. Art by Anthony Jensen

Mood board for KATRINA LAMONT of the fantasy novel series GRAYLANDS. Images emphasize her brooding, somber and potentially violent character with hints of her noble and tragic past as a failed chosen one and fallen princess. Top Row - a woman, played by Nell Tiger Free in THE FIRST OMEN, lies curled on a bed and looks troubled - a woman, played by Kristen Stewart in SNOW WHITE & THE HUNTSMAN, stands in battle armor with a shield - a woman, played by Krysten Ritter in JESSICA JONES, drinks from a bottle of liquor Second Row - the ruined head of a statue depicting a king lies in the woods - a woman, played by Nell Tiger Free in THE FIRST OMEN, is in bed with a hangover and looks haggard - a moody forest Third Row - a woman, played by Samara Weaving in READY OR NOT, smokes a cigarette while covered in blood - a woman, played by Alexandra Daddario in WE SUMMON THE DARKNESS, grins maniacally while holding a lit lighter - a woman, played by Melissa Barrera in SCREAM 5, holds a knife with blood splattered on her face

Mood board for KRUTCH LEEROY of the fantasy novel series GRAYLANDS. Images emphasize his beleaguered and put-upon nature as he gets dragged into adventures he doesn't want, plus his weapon of choice and a suggested history with a sorceress. Top Row - a man, played by Brian O'Halloran in CLERKS, is slumped miserably over the counter in the convenience store he works - a pirate, played by Johnny Depp in PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, frantically flees from angry pursuers with a panicked look on his face Second Row - a witch, played by Cassandra Gava in CONAN THE BARBARIAN, stands at the entrance of her hut, waiting for someone - a man, played by Jeff Bridges in THE BIG LEBOWSKI, looks perplexed while stirring a drink in his hand - a revolver pistol Third Row - a heavily bandaged man, played by Tom Hanks in THE 'BURBS, lays on a gurney and complains "I don't care! I've been blown up! Take me to the hospital!" - a cartoon drawing of Charlie Brown failing to kick a football after Lucy has pulled it away from him

Mood board for LILY BLACKTHORN of the fantasy novel series GRAYLANDS. Images emphasize her dual nature as a friendly and kind-hearted woman who wishes for peace and companionship that is also a demon with predatory instincts and comes from an evil land. Top Row - a woman, played by Pauley Parrette for the show CSI, smiles pleasantly in dark, goth clothing - a drawing of the Marvel Comics hero Magik standing beside her demonic alter ego Darkchyld - a demon, played by Hannah Fierman in V/H/S, roars in rage, revealing sharp teeth and black eyes Second Row - a warm cabin sits in the middle of a lovely forest - a barren and desolate landscape with a volcano in the distance Third Row - a succubus, played by Ksenia Solo for the show LOST GIRL, sucks the life out of a victim - Frankenstein's monster, played by Boris Karloff, sits beside a young girl and enjoys her flowers - Sareena, played by Lia Montellongo for the video game MORTAL KOMBAT MYTHOLOGIES, smiles happily while flexing her arms

🔹G R A Y L A N D S🔹
A frontier without kings.
A failed Chosen One turned drifter.
A cursed outlaw in over his head.
A demon with a kind heart.

#WSPit #P #A #F

Fox and Av'ry! A red haired woman wielding a flame and a dark haired man with a glow stick stand in draconic ruins, near a waterfall into a deep chasm. Art by Nushdeco

All they wanted to do was avert one little war.

If only it has been that easy.

Instead, they will uncover a plot involving ancient artifacts, petty gods, vanished dragons, and a secret threat to all magic.

Can they hope to face the true threat behind it all?

#DawnsBlood

#WSPit #LGBT #A #W #F

The Mycellium Forest The air smelled of moss and wet leaves as Panez left the council meeting. The late-summer storm had passed, leaving a chill and the promise of fall in its wake. He wrapped his deerskin cloak tighter around himself as he walked back to his arbden, his mind busy and his heart heavy. The council meeting had been everything he expected it would be and more. Something brews int he east--an unnamed threat. They say the Azantium Empire is returning. That they will attack from the east, perhaps even cross the Kalim. He still scoffed at the thought. Cross the Kalim--as if that was even possible. The Kalim was a river so wide you could not see the bank. No one crossed the Kalim. It was forbidden.

Whispers of a rising threat echo from the far East, and a travelling night circus follows the borderlands like a shadow. Ætheren joins them hoping to disappear… but instead he finds himself drawn into a conflict far greater than he ever meant to face.
#WSPit WIPs #W #A #F