iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 05/10/2026

From one chronically dehydrated writer to another… please pause what you’re doing and go get a drink of water. Chug if you must. (I hate drinking, and this is the only way I get any water in my system…) Your body will thank you. #drinkmorewater #writers #authors

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 03/10/2026

Ok. So I’ve been “unalived” during my threshing 7 times. 2 reds, 1 orange, 2 greens, a cadet, and a brown ate me. 🙄 I’m going to keep trying until I find that elusive black. (Or someone else bonds me against my will… 😅) and even if you do everything right, you can still get burned. 😭 #threshingday

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 01/10/2026

“Hello out there, how are you? Would you like to be my friend? Oh please say yes, and turn the page! You’ll see me at the end. I’m going to need a special name. How ‘bout Rainbow, Sparkles, or Spike? Perhaps my name will have to wait Until you see what I am like?“ WHAT WILL YOU CALL ME? #DVPit #PB

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 30/09/2026

WHAT WILL YOU CALL ME? won an honorable mention in the 2025 Writer’s Digest Annual Competition. It’s about a character who doesn’t know anything about themselves until the reader decides what they look like, how they act, and of course—what to call them. #DVPit #PB #MH #ND

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 30/09/2026

“Add feathered wings and swishing tails Or spots all down my sides With paws, or hooves, or feet like yours If that’s what you decide Now that you know what I look like And how I act when I’m with you Let’s think of that super special name For me to answer to” WHAT WILL YOU CALL ME? #DVPit #PB #MH

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 30/09/2026

Choose your own adventure? No, choose your own character. WHAT WILL YOU CALL ME? Is a wonderful way to get to know your very own imaginary friend, for the kids who’ve grown up on screens without that imaginative play. #DVPit #PB #ND #MH

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 30/09/2026

The main character of this story really wants to be your friend. But here’s the thing—they don’t have a name. Or a body. And they don’t know how to behave. In WHAT WILL YOU CALL ME?, you have the chance to create your own character—and your new best friend. (2025 honorable mention WD) #DVPit #PB

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 30/09/2026

HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON X DAY DREAMERS In this interactive guide, you’ll get to know your imaginary friend, who’ll be forever by your side. And maybe, once you’re old enough to read this book to your own kids, your friend will come back—because they never really left. #DVPit #PB #MH #ND

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 30/09/2026

There are quite a few things coming down the line for me… I started a t-shirt company, I’m rewriting my YA fantasy to make it MG, I began a substack, and I’m working on illustrating my children’s book (while also writing 2 other novels). All of this (and more) will be shared here and on substack!

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 03/11/2025

I just realized—as I hoarded my book away from anyone remotely interested in it—that I am just as afraid of success as I am of failure. The difference is, you only fail if you give up. But if you never try, you’ll never succeed. I’m finally ready to try. #amquerying #queryingauthors #tradpub

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 09/10/2025

17yo Majesta uses her dreams to escape reality. But her dreams are using her to become real. Imagination is dying and dreaming will soon be obsolete. They must become real to survive. And Majesta has to become a Nightmare to stop them. THE MERCY OF NIGHTMARES fights fear with fear. #DVPit #YA #F

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 08/10/2025

DREAMS LIE BENEATH x ONLY A MONSTER 🌎 - magical fantasy world you want to live in 🏡 - sense of belonging 😈 - good vs. evil 🦹‍♀️ - villain era 💭 - dream world 🐉 - dragons and other fantastical creatures & monsters 🌼 - whimsical and dark 👧 - YA/crossover THE MERCY OF NIGHTMARES #DVPit #YA #F #MH #ND

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 08/10/2025

The Good Place, but instead of demons, they’re Nightmares. And instead of saving the after-life, they’re saving Imagination and the world from fear taking over. THE MERCY OF NIGHTMARES proves that even monsters can be heroes. And sometimes, you have to fight fear with fear. #DVPit #YA #F #MH #ND

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 08/10/2025

“Because I am your friend, Your pet, your pal, a part of your family I can be whatever you want From your dreams or fantasies.” Excerpt from WHAT WILL YOU CALL ME? Writer’s Digest honorable mention. #DVPit #PB #MH #ND

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 08/10/2025

If the Imaginarium dies; dreams, imaginary friends, gods, myths… all of it will die too. Night Terrors want to travel to Earth to survive-spreading fear, chaos, and death. Only Nightmares can stop them. THE MERCY OF NIGHTMARES shows sometimes you have to be bad to do the right thing. #DVPit #YA #F

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 08/10/2025

WHAT WILL YOU CALL ME? Is an interactive rhyming guide that helps readers open their minds and think outside the box when it comes to playtime. From a flying fox to a uni-bear or an animal from the zoo, even your reflection can be the perfect friend for you! #DVPit #PB #MH #ND

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 08/10/2025

Desperate to escape the monsters haunting her sleep, 17yo Majesta travels to an imaginary world to make a deal with the King of Nightmares and embrace her fears before they can become real. THE MERCY OF NIGHTMARES walks the fine line between heroes and monsters. #DVPit #YA #F #MH #ND

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 08/10/2025

In WHAT WILL YOU CALL ME? An unnamed imaginary friend breaks the fourth wall to ask the reader who and what they should be, encouraging children to use their imaginations to make their very own friend. This story won honorable mention for the 94th Writer’s Digest Competition. #DVPit #PB #MH #ND

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 15/08/2025

I have so many wonderful things coming down the line for my writing career… I’m attending my first conference this year, did an interview for an article for the writing association I’m in, and something else I’m not able to share yet!!! #thisismyyear #writingcommunity #authorlife

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 06/08/2025

With technology taking over, imaginary friends aren’t as common. But I remember mine, and yours are still there too. WHAT WILL YOU CALL ME? Is an award winning story that introduces imaginary friends to the next generation. #QuestPit #Q #PB #F

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 06/08/2025

NEVER A HERO x DREAMS LIE BENEATH In MARKED BY DARKNESS, Majesta goes through a portal to an imaginary world, where everything she’s ever thought of exists - including nightmares. And they’re tired of being trapped. True fear is coming, and reality will never be the same. #questpit #Q #YA #F

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Reposted by Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying

Sara Duran ✨is AGENTED✨ @saraduran.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

I’m excited to share this #pitchcard for THE PIRATE, THE PRINCESS, and JOHN, the YA fantasy novel I #amquerying, feat: 🏴‍☠️ LGBTQIA+ rep 👑 non-western setting 🌸 anti-colonial lens 🏴‍☠️ girls w/ swords 👑 besties-to-lovers 🌸 friendship > everything #QuestPit #YA #F #LGBT #Q

A pitch card for YA fantasy The Pirate, The Princess, and John by @saraduranauthor, marked “Now Querying” with a gold star noting “5 full requests and counting.” The book is a standalone, complete at 82,000 words.

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 06/08/2025

With technology taking over, imagination and creativity is falling to the wayside. WHAT WILL YOU CALL ME? Introduces what it’s like to create an imaginary friend who will be with you for life. IF x HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON #questpit #pb #q

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 06/08/2025

NEVER A HERO x DREAMS LIE BENEATH x THE GOOD PLACE MARKED BY DARKNESS tells the story of what would happen if imagination dies and terror takes over the world. Majesta escapes her reality through her dreams. But her dreams are using her to become real. #questpit #ya #f #q

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 23/07/2025

How many people who enjoy YA would be excited about mythical animal companions (a snarky unicorn, a hot-headed dragon, and a misunderstood coyote-red wolf hybrid who is definitely NOT a dog) in a story where imagination is dying and fear is taking over the world? Anyone? Just me?? #yafantasy #books

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Reposted by Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying

#BluePit - A Storytelling Hype & Pitch Event @bluepit.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

A few announcements! #WickedPit on July 31st appears to have been canceled. As such, the next upcoming pitch events are: #QuestPit (Aug 6, 2025) - @questpit.bsky.social #QueerPit (Aug 15, 2025) - @queerpit.bsky.social #PosterPit (Aug 16, 2025) - @posterpit.bsky.social #WriteSky #WritingCommunity

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 14/07/2025

Majesta crosses through a portal into an imaginary world, to find that everything she, or anyone else, has ever thought of exists - including nightmares. And they’re tired of being trapped in people’s minds. True fear is coming, and reality will never be the same. #BluePit 📖 #Q #YA #F

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 13/07/2025

With technology taking over, imaginary friends aren’t as common. But I remember mine, and yours are still there too. “What will you call me?” Is a book that introduces imaginary friends to the next generation. #BluePit 📖 #w #pb #f

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 13/07/2025

Majesta escapes reality through her nightmares… but her Nightmares are using her to become real. What would happen if imagination died and the Terrors took over the world? Welcome to the Imaginarium. #BluePit 📖 #Q #YA #F

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 18/06/2025

Hey everybody #amquerying , I’m trying to start a group for people in the #querytrenches who’re struggling and need to be lifted up and shown community support and love with no judgment and only critiques when asked for. Is anybody interested in joining? #writingcomminity #querying #tradpublishing

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 05/06/2025

Somebody please tell me how after cutting 3 chapters worth of backstory and aimless world building… I’m 8,000 words more than I was at the point in my last draft. 🤦🏻‍♀️ #writinglife #amwritingfantasy #fantasyauthor #wordcountgoals

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 10/04/2025

If I’m honest with myself, I’ve been working on this novel for the better part of 5 years. And all of the drafts to this point have been 3rd POV past tense. So tell me why this latest version must be 1st POV present tense? And why I’m finally connecting with my character? What an endeavor… #writer

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 04/03/2025

I queried someone recently with an author-illustrated picture book manuscript, and I got rejected. The problem I have is that the form rej is acting like I’m only an illustrator, making it seem like I wasn’t paying attention. Do I leave it alone? Or bring it to their attention?

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 27/02/2025

Second query sent in this new round of querying my picture book… after receiving my first rejection today, I can officially say with my full chest - I’ve re-entered the query trenches, and I am so ready for whatever may come next! #amquerying #writingcommunity #queryingauthors #authorsofbluesky

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 17/02/2025

I really need to stop staying up this late to “work on my book” and doom scroll on social media for 3 hours. If you’re like me… get some sleep? For both of us? #authorsofbluesky #authors #booksky #authorsky

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 10/02/2025

I personally despise AI and all it stands for—I never use it in my writing. But who doesn’t love a good em dash? 😑 <- picked solely for the dashes.

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 10/02/2025

I’m so close to being finished with this draft so my beta readers can destroy it… 62,151 words in 17 days is my quickest draft yet (but I still have another 8-10,000 or so words to go.) And unfortunately the days weren’t consecutive - 29 so far. But still good since most of my drafts take 3 months…

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 07/02/2025

I’m so terrified to start querying again that I am procrastinating like crazy on my book… So what are you guys reading right now? #procrastinating #authorsofbluesky #writingcommunity #bookrecommendations #fantasybooks

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 21/01/2025

Just letting you know that while I did start posting again... I will be avoiding social media until I have finished to keep myself from accidentally seeing some spoilers. So I'll see you in a bit! #onyxstorm #onyxstormrebeccayarros

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 20/01/2025

So TikTok is back I guess? Idk… I’m cross posting everything to YouTube now… 🤷🏻‍♀️

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 19/01/2025

I don’t know what’s going to happen or what will happen… but I do want to thank #tiktok and everything it did for me. #lookingformycommunity #writingcommunity

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 18/01/2025

I was never big on text platforms… I have no idea what I’m doing here. But I’m here? 🤷🏻‍♀️ #writingcommunity

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 04/01/2025

I have literally procrastinated my entire night I could have been writing watching all my old TikTok videos… I’m going to miss it so much if it goes away… Guess I need to start my YouTube account in preparation… #writingcommunity #tiktokban

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 28/12/2024

Anybody else accidentally practice revenge bedtime procrastination? (Looks at the time and decides to work on book anyways…) no? Just me? #authorsky #booksky #writersky #writingcommunity

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 18/12/2024

It’s so hard to wait when you have inspiration… I’m ready to write, but it’s time to sleep. I’m ready to write, but I have to clean. I’m ready to write, but my daughter needs me. Then when I’m finally able to sit down and write… crickets. Tell me I’m not alone? #writingcommunity #writersky

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 16/12/2024

How does one get into a writing group? Do wanted ads work anymore? Wanted: ya/na fantasy author(s) looking to query their books to agents for trad publishing within the next 6 mos. Must love dragons. I guess we’ll see what happens. 🤷🏻‍♀️ #writingcommunity #amquerying #fantasyauthors

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 24/11/2024

You know the quote in the famous book that says “Just because it’s happening inside your head, why on earth would that mean it isn’t real?” Well… I took that quote, and everything it meant to me and all of the things I used to imagine as a child, and I made it into a book.

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Shannon Thomas - Officially Querying @authorshannonthomas.substack.com · 19/09/2023

Happy to be here! Just entered the query trenches for my debut ya fantasy novel, and I’m trying to get my name out there. Hi! I’m SQue! (Skew)

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