iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

“I assumed all was safe, or at least as safe as a bank with boxes of severed heads could possibly be” Oh, how I am enjoying Robert Jackson Bennett’s Ana and Din mysteries! #booksky 🪐📚

Cover of “A Drop of Corruption” by Robert Jackson Bennett

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 27/12/2025

2 days post Christmas. Finally able to just relax and read. Well, until the hour and a half each way airport drop off drive this afternoon. But for that I have “This Inevitable Ruin” on Audible. 3 hours with the unbeatable Matt Dinniman and Jeff Hayes.

Cover of “The Devils” by Joe Abercrombie in front of a Christmas tree with a snowman coffee mug.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Just started reading “Careless People”, and 12% in I have hit my first literal jaw drop moment. What’s the most awkward thing you could say on your first meeting with representatives of the German government? OMFG. 🤦‍♀️

Book cover “Careless People, A cautionary tale of power, greed, and lost Idealism” by Sarah Wynn-Williams

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Looks like November was a great month for reading!

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Doing a reread of some of my 5⭐️ books, and it is remarkably soothing. After “The Strength of the Few” cemented the Hierarchy as my favourite series, revisited “A Memory of Empire” and DCC (audio, of course!). Closing in on an average of a book a week for 2025. And rediscovering the joy in reading.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

I am absolutely loving “The Strength of the Few”. Reading it, I recognize it would not be a universal recommendation, but it is exactly the kind of book I love and I am seriously considering just starting it over again when I finish. #Booksky 📚🪐

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

Ah, I have been really looking forward to this one! Excuse me while I disappear for a few days.

Hardcover book: The Strength of the Few by James Islington

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Reposted by Cynthia Taylor

Matthew Nation, Author @matthewnation.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

Check on your friends who tell you they're fine. #fine #mentalhealth #checkonyourstrongfriends

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

Ok, so this week was not great. Missed a bunch of days while I coped with moving my mom. So I need to pull double duty for a while to catch up! 3000 words today. Need a few more days like this! Quantity over quality, alas. #NaNoWriMo #IAmWriting

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

Note to self: the first chapter is FINE. Stop futzing with the individual word choices. Stop thinking about rewriting it. Just keep going. #IAmWriting #NaNoWriMo

Donut chart of daily writing progress. 1630 / 1500 daily goal, 3322 / 75000 book goal.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

Storygraph October Wrapup! It’s been a weird few months. I’ve been reading like it’s a mission to distract me from the grief and the caregiver burnout, but I’m not sure I’m actually enjoying it like I should. Going to focus on writing for a while and slow down.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

Accountability post! Day 1 of #NaNoWriMo and I hit 1500 words! Establishing the theme while I introduce my FMC who has carved out a relatively comfortable existence in an oppressive society. Of course, we’re gonna rip that relative comfort away… #IAmWriting

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

I have 63 books on my Goodreads “Want to Read” list, and probably 20 physical books Is that an unreasonable amount of books? And if I want to read them so much, why do I keep buying books not on my list and reading those?

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

I have a problem. I can’t resist the Goodreads challenges. Just finished “The Book of Accidents” to get the “Spine Tinglers”. But “Dark Academia” is next and it is not my favourite genre. I’ve already read any I found interesting. But I just can’t leave a category untouched…

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

Ok, so I know #NaNoWriMo is officially not a thing, but I don’t care. I’ve wanted to do it for years and this year the moons are aligned. So… countdown is on. Engines are revving. This year I’m gonna do it.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Getting back to writing after a long break. The silver lining is that I gained some perspective. Have a rough outline in place to make sure that the pace is correct, cut a bunch of stuff that really didn’t add anything to the plot, refocused on character motivations and growth. #IAmWriting again!

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

Intellectually I know the zipper merge is the most efficient way to maintain traffic flow when reducing lanes. It still doesn’t feel right. My Canadian inclination is to get into the other lane as soon as possible, and get pissed off at the people who wait until the last minute to merge.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

Hubby and I have overlapping but not identical reading preferences, so finding audiobooks for our 14 hour drives can be challenging. Today, though, “Old Man’s War” by @scalzi.com was a success! Enough character and plot for me, enough military for him, great writing for both of us.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

I am currently reading “The Ministry of Time” by Kaliane Bradley. It has been on my TBR pile for ages, and, I have discovered, too long. I love her writing style. Mad props to anyone who can use “lugubriously” casually in a sentence and pull it off.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

I had this strange idea that the loss of a parent would somehow be less painful as an adult. I was so wrong.

A view of the lake I spent all my summers, from the home may parents built and have lived in for 20 years.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Just got up and running with The StoryGraph. I do like data - this could be my new favourite app.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 31/08/2025

I have reached a level of introvert overload so profound the very idea of talking is abhorrent. And having all of my extroverted relatives continually ask “Are you OK?” is getting really tiresome. I know they mean well. But apparently introversion is still a vastly misunderstood condition.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

I tend to read quickly, and lately I’ve latched onto reading and hitting my GoodReads challenge goal as something I can control. But some books need to be savoured. And “By Blood, By Salt” by J.L. Odom is one of those. My review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

goodreads.com

Cynthia's review of By Blood, by Salt (Land of Exile #1)

4/5: I’ve been leaning on reading as my main escape lately—part stress relief, part “how many books can I get through?” challenge. With everything else in life feeling out of control, hitting my Goodr...

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 17/08/2025

I am in need of good books, and I can’t think of a better option than the #SPFBO Champions league. I had already read a couple, so working my way through the rest. So far: good choice. Really enjoying the reads. mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/2025/05/afte...

mark---lawrence.blogspot.com

SPFBO Champions' League!

After 10 years we have 10 champions. So, the only logical thing to do is to line them up on a board and have a champions' league! All 10 cha...

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Reposted by Cynthia Taylor

Charlotte Clymer @charlotteclymer.bsky.social · 16/08/2025

"Don't feel bad if you're not reading every great book. No one ever has, and no one ever will."

charlotteclymer.substack.com

Read Whatever the Hell You Want

Enjoy yourself.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 16/08/2025

I just finished “The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids” and absolutely loved it. It was fast paced with a smart and snarky female lead who goes on a quest to avenge a friend and ends up involved in much bigger stakes. My review on Goodreads here: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

goodreads.com

Cynthia's review of The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble's Braids (Amra Thetys, #1)

5/5: This book hooked me from the very first chapter. The pacing is quick, the chapters are short, and yet each one feels fully fleshed out, drawing you deeper into the story without ever slowing down...

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

Matcha & Latte in a coffee shop with my daughter. ❤️

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

Read some advice today for new writers to write short stories before writing a novel. Sounds like solid advice - but I’m not sure where to find fantasy short stories to read to get a flavour for short stories in that genre. 😳 Any pointers / links to sources? #booksky #authorsky 📚💙

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

Good morning! Hope everyone finds peace and comfort today. I’m not a photographer, but this is the place I am blessed to wake up in today. Trying to start the day off with appreciation.

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Reposted by Cynthia Taylor

K.B. Wagers @kbwagers.com · 11/08/2025

Read books that bring you joy. Read books about things you find interesting. Read books that help you be better. Read books that make you feel. Read books that challenge you. Read what you want, in the format you want, at the pace you want.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

I just started reading “The Spear Cuts Through Water”. I can tell it’s going to be a beautiful book. I can also tell I don’t have the mental capacity to appreciate it right now. Switching to “The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids”. Three pages in and this is definitely pulling me in fast.

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Reposted by Cynthia Taylor

MTH @megt.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

Rumor has it it's National #Book Lovers Day. You know what you need to do to celebrate. #readers #writingCommunity #booksky 📚🪐

Signboard outside of a book shop says, Should you buy a book today? Have you bought a book today? Yes (one more won't hurt) No (you should buy a book today) then adds the website and address of the book shop.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

Random book sale on the side of the road? Why, don’t mind if I do!

A roadside sign depicting “Book Sale Today” hosted by the Sussex Public Library

Photo of an old greenhouse now full of books for sale.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

Well, I finished “Blood Over Bright Haven”. I think I am in a definite minority; I did not love it. I can appreciate the writing and the world, but it just didn’t connect for me. 3/5 stars GoodReads review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

goodreads.com

Cynthia's review of Blood Over Bright Haven

3/5: I went into this book with high expectations. I loved The Sword of Kaigen, and so many reviews called this one even better - a masterpiece, even. I can appreciate the craft. The writing is polis...

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

Spent a lot of time today cleaning up my notes and world building, mapping the structural changes to the chapters to story beats, researched “Save the Cat” and how to assess overall pacing. Not a single word written. Can’t decide if I was productive or procrastinating. #AmWriting ? Maybe?

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

Managed to eke out 200 words yesterday. Felt like work, but even though it’s far below my 1000 word goal, it also felt like progress. Life is heavy right now, lots of hospital rooms (yes that is rooms plural), but I refuse to fail on this one! 80% done the first draft. #IAmWriting

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

Finished “Obsidian: Awakening” by @siennaf.bsky.social It’s a dark, twisty political fantasy with fate-bound characters, layered worldbuilding, and no easy choices. Heavy but worth it. Definitely recommend if this is your thing. www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

goodreads.com

Cynthia's review of Obsidian (Obsidian, #1)

4/5: 4/5 Stars This novel follows a cast of characters, each seemingly chosen by the Gods or Fate to alter the destiny of their piece of the world. It is a political fantasy driven by a cast of Type ...

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

Torn over which book to read next. Feel like I should finish “Blood over Bright Haven” because I liked “The Sword of Kaigen” so much and everyone seems to love this one, but I am halfway through and really struggling to connect with it. Any recommendations, #booksky? 📚🪐

2 books pictured on a lake shore - “Blood Over Bright Haven” and “The Spear Cuts Through Water”

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

New month, new book! Something soothing about a physical book :) “The Fallout of Fallacy” by @kristinambarbee.bsky.social

Book cover for “The Fallout of Fallacy” in front of a lake shore

Open book - Chapter 2 of “The Fallout of Fallacy”

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

Well, 2 days without hitting my daily word count. Life threw another curve ball. Well, perhaps a left hook would be more accurate. It is so easy to let hardship threaten a nascent habit. Trying not to let that throw me off this time. But writing while visiting a hospital is damned hard!

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Sorry, not book related, but… when did it become socially acceptable to listen to video on a plane at full blast without headphones? Sigh. Old woman shakes fist at clouds energy here.

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

I’ve reached the point in my book where the Big Things happen. The things I’ve dreamed about, planned in my head, virtually rewritten dozens of times. Never thought I’d reach them. I’ve been stuck rewriting the first 5 chapters for so long, the final 5 was a pipe dream. The end is in sight!

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

I am reading Obsidian:Revelation, book 2 of the Obsidian series by @siennaf.bsky.social and boy is it a commitment. On page 270 and 36% complete. I am enjoying it. If it were a physical book instead of an eBook, though, I could use it for strength training! Review pending (on my reading speed!)

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 27/07/2025

🇨🇦Canadian #writers of #booksky - a question if I may? Something that pops into my mind every time I type out a relevant word. Color or colour? Flavor or flavour? I am stubborn about including that ‘u’ in everyday life, but should I let go of it when writing my novel? 📚🪐💙

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 27/07/2025

I love getting into the groove of discovery writing. I have a sense of where the plot needs to go, but not sure exactly how to get there. Today, the direction just naturally presented itself while writing a scene. It was such a high. I kinda like this #writing thing!

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

My TBR pile has grown exponentially since following #BookSky. I might have to exert some self control. (LOL LOL LOL not) 📚🪐

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Cynthia Taylor @cyntaylor42.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

It feels good to know that I made sweeping changes to the context of the book, but the bones have stayed the same. Though her path to where she is right now, entering Act 3, will be wholly different in draft 2, her journey remains intact. I’m so excited to see this book through to the end.

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Reposted by Cynthia Taylor

Tammy Komoff @tammykomoff.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

🤣🤣🤣 Truth!

Tweet from Gabino Iglesias @Gabino_Iglesias “Monthly reminder: Many people have a book in them, but it takes a special kind of freak to leave the Land of Laziness, cross the Plains of Procrastination and Insecurity Mountain, find the Blade of No One Made You Do This, and use it to cut your chest open and yank that book out.”

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