iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

The real answer is a secret third character, who has gone full blissful maniac, but none of the characters know about that yet. They’ll find out soon though!

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

#AwesomeCharacters Lana enjoys the thrill of pursuit. When close to her goal, no one in the world is happier, but she’s so often crippled by self-doubt. Meanwhile, Sherman acts serious, but you can tell he revels in his authority in the way he draws out his reprimands #writesky #writingprompts

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

The second scariest thing you will read this October is this insanely good bundle of books for an amazing deal. The first is the news, but this bundle is undeniably more fun than that! (Also my book is in it) itch.io/b/3904/chill...

CHILLS.
&
KILLS
THRILLS
93 hooks For 869
A VERY BIG AND SPOOKY BUNDLE OF CREEPY AND COSY READS PERFECT FOR THIS YEAR'S HALLOWE'EN SEASON!
HOSTED BY INDIE BOOK SPOTLIGHT

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

It’s because I’m also a Shroomish

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Oh Zach, you’re gonna have a lot of heartbreak in your future #writesky #wipsnips #writingcommunity #booksky

His friend had been uncharacteristically quiet since
Cleo's location had been discovered, though it wasn't hard to guess why. Anyone with eyes could see that Noah was head over heels for Cleo. He'd caught his friend staring longingly more times than he could count. It bothered him at first that both of his best friends were so clearly intended to be paired together, while he was completely in the dark about his own future, but the arrival of Lana had put those feelings to rest. Granted, she was a bit abrasive towards him, but for whatever reason, that fact only drew him in more. He wanted to earn her approval. Unfortunately, it seemed that the most surefire way to do so would be to assist in the capture of his friends. He was fairly certain that Noah's personal feelings would prevent him from actively subduing Cleo-not that Zach was eager to do it himself.
He simply accepted the mission as an inevitability.
Someone was going to have to sedate her, and frankly he trusted himself to be more gentle about it than Lana. If he managed to prove himself useful on this mission, she may even begin viewing him in a different light.
They'd all been outfitted with a sedation injector which could be applied quickly and painlessly, as well as a stun baton which emitted micropulse vibrations throughout the nervous system and caused enormous amounts of pain until the target lost consciousness. He doubted if Sherman Wright would approve the use of any tool that would cause permanent harm to his only daughter, but he would still rather not have to use the stun baton.

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

A real movie for us true movie long freaks

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

I wrote a character in my new book who is essentially a parody of Fox Mulder and Leon Kennedy mixed together, and new as I’m outlining my second book, I’m realizing that he’s actually crucial to the narrative and getting into some actual nonsense that those characters would find themselves in

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

This went well by the way! Turns out the theater is fun! I have to block my major scene tomorrow so I may throw up then, but today was a success!

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

It’s just the local production of a Christmas Carol, which we agreed to do because we wouldn’t have to sing, but I accidentally got too important to the play and now I have a billion lines to learn

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

So my wife and I recently auditioned for a play for the first time since high school and now we’re on our way to the first rehearsal. Feel insane, like my skeleton is going to jump out of my skin from nerves! I CHOSE to do this to myself??

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Reposted by MechaniChris

MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Day 2 of the sale! Get your digital copy before the data centers eat up all data and make downloading anything impossible! #booksky #indiebooks #writingcommunity

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Day 2 of the sale! Get your digital copy before the data centers eat up all data and make downloading anything impossible! #booksky #indiebooks #writingcommunity

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Reposted by MechaniChris

MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Yesterday was the 1 year anniversary of my book release, and I forgot! So for the next two weeks, how about a “I forgot my book has been out for a year” sale? Enter code FORGOT for 50% OFF a digital copy of Grim Portents at: christianakins.com/novels#/grimportents #booksky #indiebooks #sale

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Great time to grab a copy because: 1. It’s October and there’s literally a skeleton hand on the cover 2. It’s banned books week, and while my book is not banned, if anyone knew about it, it certainly WOULD BE

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

I have had to delete the same post twice now because I forgot the link, then because I MISSPELLED THE LINK. Anyway, third time is the charm, sorry for posting the same post 3 times

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Wait that’s not a good fuzzy, that’s a BAD fuzzy. GET OUT OF THERE #writesky #writingcommunity #wipsnips #booksky

She gazed across the station, watching Cleo at the
ticket kiosk. The idea of betraying her friend's trust made her genuinely nauseous, but what choice did she really have? She couldn't run away forever. Just as she stood up
to search for a security booth, the air between her and Cleo grew fuzzy. For a split second, a full figure rippled into view, covered head-to-toe in reflective silver, before fading out of existence again. The hair on the back of Ashley's neck stiffened as she heard a high pitched buzzing sound approach her.
A moment of panic overtook her body and she let out a loud yelp, drawing some looks from passerby. Before she could call out for Cleo however, she felt a cold hand cover her mouth, followed by two more around her wrists, immobilizing her. Her eyes darted to where she'd last seen her friend, but recognized a different face instead.
Disguised only by a pair of sunglasses, Mr. Jones-the taller and balder agent from her own security detail—was
approaching with a smile on his face. It was all too much to comprehend at once and her brain couldn't process what was happening to her. As Jones was nearly upon her, she felt a cool metal object touch the small of her back.

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Onimusha 4 was NOT for me, but happy to report that the newest one, Way of the Sword, absolutely whips. Feels a lot like Sekiro, but with that Onimusha flair. gotta beat this soon though because Star war Galactic Racers just came out, then Godzilla in a few weeks, then Ocarina remake… it never ends

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Cut her some slack, Cleo. You did abduct her in the middle of the night #writingcommunity #wipsnips #writesky #booksky

It was a quick ride to Union Station, and suddenly the two girls found themselves with no real plan of what to do next. Cleo had stared at a map of train routes for nearly fifteen minutes when Ashley finally leaned against a wall and plopped down on the floor.
Cleo glanced back at her. "That floor's disgusting,
you know."
"I don't care, I'm exhausted."
"We just had coffee. You're still holding your cup!"
"Yeah, that'll really combat the zero hours of sleep I
got last night."
Cleo sighed and walked over to join her friend on the ground. Ashley leaned her head on Cleo's shoulder, her eyes closed. "I guess we can rest here for a while." Cleo said. "Noah might actually come through with a location and it'll be better to pick a direction then."
"No talk. Plan later."
She heard Cleo chuckle, taking the empty coffee cup out of her hands and setting it on the floor in front of them. Ashley's head drifted off Cleo's shoulder and settled in her lap. She could feel Cleo's fingers running through her hair as she drifted off to sleep.

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

I think it was the Goulies. My brother rented it and I remember this little puppet monster growling out of a bathroom vent and killing a guy on the toilet and I looked up at the bathroom vent for over a year everytime I had to use it

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Reposted by MechaniChris

Emmett Nahil @emnays.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

the crazy thing about making time for any creative pursuit is that you literally have to do what you have a gut-deep yearning to do or else you'll see other people doing it, and it WILL make you insane.

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Reposted by MechaniChris

MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

The time has come! I am officially seeking readers for my second novel, The Earthlings! Hoping to avoid bots by not saying the B word, but that’s what I’m looking for. If anyone is interested in reading a YA contemporary sci-fi story, send me a dm! #writingcommunity #booksky #writesky #scifi #ya

Cover for The Earthlings! Featuring a flying saucer over four teens on a big alien head

you may have seen one of many snippets on #wipsnips

If those intrigued you, let me know!

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Not inspiring a lot of confidence in your experimental procedure my guy #writingcommunity #writesky #wipsnips #booksky

Otto cleared out some piled up junk from inside of
the MAAR pod. The three of them had gathered in his workshop where he had been bouncing around like a pingpong ball preparing everything for the procedure.
"Jesus, Otto, you couldn't keep a trash can in here instead? Am I gonna need a tetanus shot from sitting in this thing?"
"As long as genetic standards haven't fallen off significantly from my time as an active agent, it shouldn't be possible for you to contract"
"Save it, I'll get in the pod." She hopped up on the
side and took off her shoes before laying down flat in the device. Kyah reached up to lower the lid, but Cleo held her arm up. "You're positive this will work?"
"Of course not!" Otto yelled, flipping a series of switches which illuminated a round computer monitor. He raced over to the attached console and began inputting data.
"That's not the answer I was hoping for." Cleo said.

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Good chance to get a copy of MY book Grim Portents, and 92 others for a great deal!

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Came really close to having a family bonding moment there. Maybe next time! #writingcommunity #wipsnips #writesky #booksky

Cleo's mother, Anita Wright, turned to her once the door to the basement had closed. "You've done remarkably well this week, Cleo. I'm certain that your father will take your performance into consideration when considering future assignments."
Future assignments were the last thing Cleo wanted to think about at the moment, but compliments were rare in her family and she couldn't help but feel uplifted by her mother's remark. "Thanks, Mom. I'll admit, I'm surprised Lana had anything good to say about me."
"On the contrary, she's been providing us with updates on your combat effectiveness. According to her you've made remarkable strides in a very short time. Of course, that's to be expected. By your age, I myself was the most technically proficient hand-to-hand operative in my unit."
"You trained in combat? Why?"
"It was deemed an essential skill for all arriving operatives to the planet. We needed to be able to defend ourselves without exposing our technology to the world. I do regret not taking the time to train you myself, but between my government work and assignments from Command-which reminds me..." She whisked away,
retrieving her computer bag from where it hung over a chair in the kitchen and setting it up on the counter, "I need to finish a press release going out this afternoon. Your father and I will be very busy this week. The Congressman has a major announcement we need to prepare for. If I don't see you in the next few days
"Thanks, love you too." Cleo said flatly.

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Top 9 games that shaped me growing up. Very hard to choose just 9 so my Honorable Mentions that nearly made the cut are: - SSB: Brawl - Godzilla Destroy All Monsters - Onimusha - Spider-Man 2 (2004) - and various other entries in the franchises I have listed

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Reposted by MechaniChris

Tim Gaedke @timgaedke.com · 26/09/2026

talent is a lie

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

If it helps, this guy will be unconscious like 20 minutes after this conversation

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Lana shows up in my book, looks and the characters happy lives, and basically does this

The rock saying The hierarchy of power in the
DC universe is about to change.

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

I’ve agreed to set up a table for bookstore opening in October, but I fear that I may have ordered a new batch of author copies too late. WHY does it take 2 days to order a copy at full price but a FULL MONTH to get author copies??

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Maybe there’s a path for redemption in her future…🤔

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Didn’t have to interrupt the first nice moment she’s had for the entire book, man #WIPsnips #writesky #booksky #writingcommunity

Lana couldn't prevent the wide smile that stretched
across her face, and for the first time, she felt no need to tamper down her emotions. She was no longer in a position of authority, after all. Why shouldn't she indulge in the same emotional mannerisms as the humans she was meant
to emulate? She had been at her absolute lowest before
Noah entered the room and now she actually felt hopeful.
She stood up, still beaming. "Please stand."
"Uh, okay," he said, slowly rising before Lana's arms wrapped around him in a tight embrace. After taking a second to take in a breath, he returned the gesture, albeit with significantly less pressure.
The moment was broken suddenly by the light tapping of fingers against the glass wall of the conference room. Lana released Noah and stood straight to address the observer. Hudson opened the door and stepped inside.
"Not interrupting anything, I hope."
"Operative," Lana addressed him. "Have you only
come to gloat over my new found status?"
"We're no longer in the field, Ms. Banks. That kind of nomenclature can get you into hot water. It's Mr. Hudson now, at your service." He flashed a smug smile that set her teeth on edge. "And believe it or not, I have better things to do than go around gloating to non-officer personnel. The Congressman sent me. He wants to talk to you in his office."

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

You know I’ve never played XCOM! Might be another I have to throw on the list

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Anyway, I know now why they put this series on ice for so long, but I AM excited to play the new one because the potential is SO strong. Also, if Capcom is looking for new movie ideas after the success of RE, this one is ripe for the taking

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

They swap the button layout in a way that makes NO SENSE. X sucks souls now and O interacts with objects/characters, but it’s also still the back button? Also the new companion system is awful. Your partner gets killed immediately, which makes it REAL annoying when you have to change characters

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Dawn of Dreams completely changes the vibe of the series, making it level and challenge based rather than one continuous environment to explore. It’s basically all combat now, when the other 3 were more similar to early Resident Evil games in terms of puzzle solving and retracing steps

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I’ve been playing the old Onimusha games (because I can’t be normal and just play the new one) and the first 3 were just as great as I remember. 3 I never finished as a kid and it’s easily the best. So glad I revisited it. Then I learned there was a 4th game?? Sucks. Lost ALL the juice

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Been a while since I posted a snippet so here’s here’s a new one #writingcommunity #writesky #wipsnips #booksky

"As you can see," Otto said. "Bishop, and our daughter Winona, are neither human nor Mu Arae. Their hybrid DNA has triggered some kind of mutation that allows for instantaneous environmental adaptation based on need or desire."
"We discovered it when Winnie was just a toddler,"
Kyah said. "She got bit by a rattlesnake in the backyard, but before we had time to do anything about it, the wound began pushing the venom out on its own."
"That's when I started studying her DNA more closely. Tell me, have you been taught the reason behind our invasion?"
"Uh, I think so," Cleo said. "It's our genes, right? If
we stay in one environment for too long, they begin to degenerate."
"That's right. Our ancestors meddled too far and
damned our species to an eternity of nomadic planet hopping. But what if our genetics were crossed with a stable genetic line? One that had evolved for millions of years to exist on one planet?"
"You're not seriously suggesting it's as simple as
that."
"I'm not suggesting. I'm telling you about my own
findings. Our degenerative mutation is written into all Mu Araens. They won't affect you in your lifetime, but the blueprint that would damn your own descendants is prewritten in your cells right now. We've identified the genetic markers. They're in my cells, but they aren't in either of my children."

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Rather than scour this chapter for a snippet, here’s preview of how it begins. I believe it speaks for itself

Does this book take place in a goddamn Dennys??

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

I should definitely be posting more writing snippets but ironically if I’m not, then it’s cause I’m too busy with actually writing

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The Mask remains unimpeachable, can confirm

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Thank God I own this one on VHS

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

This all certainly sounds nice, but that’s not the only reason they wanted you alive… #writesky #wipsnips #writingcommunity #booksky

"Our friend, we were in communication with him for a while. I asked him to find us a... a piece of Mu Araen tech. He sent us those coordinates to your remote device.
He must have detected your signal thinking it was what we needed."
"That makes sense," Otto said. "We've been running the remote on overdrive these past few days. I'm not surprised your friend picked up our signal."
"Why so much lately?" Ashley asked.
"Because of you two, of course." Kyah said
"You wanted us to find the signal?" Cleo asked.
"Not exactly," Otto said. "We've been trying to draw attention away from you. We figured that we could lead some of your pursuers out into the desert, while you two managed to get away."
"Why go through all the effort for us?" Ashley asked. "I mean, you said you have a whole network of people like you out there. What's two more runaways?"
Otto and Kyah gripped their hands tightly on the table looking over at their son who was eagerly reaching for another lumpia roll. "The world is a harsh place for people like us," Kyah said. "Anyone willing to sacrifice what you two have for each other is worth protecting. Maybe it's because we have a daughter your age, but the thought of you getting swallowed up as casualties of this needless conflict between our people... it just makes me ill."

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Yes! I’ve been doing more retro gaming than ever because I’m tired of walking slowly through playable dialogue scenes and 70 hour story modes that amount to 20 hours of fun gameplay

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

There’s a weird homogenous feeling to modern PlayStation exclusive games where all their AAA titles are basically reskins and I think Wolverine is really where the dam finally broke for players Spider-Man was of course immune to this because no one plays like Spider-Man. (Astrobot innocent as well)

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MechaniChris @chrisakins.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Like, The Last of Us games are phenomenal, but playing them after Horizon, and then the new God of Wars really highlighted how similar they all felt in controls, pacing, and aesthetics. Like they were all games in the same series, but different time periods

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