iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I have the 16th edition. Just used it yesterday to look up an italics vs quotation mark question

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

#fridayfling | strange Spoiler: Trent's business card doesn't stay at the bottom of Nicki's purse as long as she thinks. Buy link: www.books2read.com/separationgame #writesky #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader

image of woman with sleek blonde hair leaning over the shoulder of a handsome dark haired man in torn jeans and plain white t-shirt. He's reclining on crisp white sheets, looking back at her.

Text below: “No way, Cyn. The last thing Derek said before he left was to keep this quiet.” I had shoved Trent’s card to the bottom of my purse without even a glance. The thing was doomed to mingle with all the other bits of my disorganized life. The next time I pulled out that small bit of card stock it would likely be covered in lint, sticky candy wrappers, and exploded pen ink. “I’m pretty sure picking up strange men in bars doesn’t fall under keep this quiet.”
Separation Game

0100 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

If you love emotionally heavy, m/f romance with strong women mc, I would love for you to buy my books! If you just want to hear this author ramble on about life ever once in a while, subscribe to my newsletter. Subscribe & buy links can be found at darciannbaker.com Oh, and follow me here♥️ 2/2

darciannbaker.com

Darci Ann Baker | Author

Author website for all the latest publishing information and newsletter sign up

020 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

#SumLuv day 31. This last week has been a train wreck, but I'm going to try and catch up on the questions I've missed today. Fingers crossed. Thank you so much, Ellie, for organizing SumLuv! It's been fun making so many new friends and sharing my love of writing. 1/2

150 0

Reposted by Darci Ann Baker

Robyn Bachar @robynbachar.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Reaching Rotbottom is out today! Read the ebook free with Kindle Unlimited, or buy the paperback from Amazon, B&N, Bookshop.org, or order it from your favorite local independent bookstore! linktr.ee/robynbachar

112 0

Reposted by Darci Ann Baker

Jessie Mihalik @jessiemihalik.com · 20/08/2026

Did I spend more time than I needed to making this cover just because I was annoyed my existing social media graphic didn’t fit nicely in my FridayFling template last week? Yes, yes I did. 😂 If you need a free cozy romantic fantasy break, you can read it here: www.jessiemihalik.com/story/the-so...

The Sorcerer Next Door by Jessie Mihalik. A simple book cover made from the social media graphic, with an orange background and a witchy bookshelf, cauldron, and bottles.

4558 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 20 I couldn't decide which clip I liked better, so I'm posting 2. In Separation Game, Nicki and Trent finally find time to be alone. (I love a man who knows how to dance!) And in Secrets, Lyric makes the first move toward something more with Zane.

Image of a pretty blonde woman leans over the shoulder of a handsome dark haired man who's reclining on a bed, wearing a plain white t-shirt and ripped jeans.
Text below image:
He pulled the almost empty wine glass from my hand, then wrapped his fingers around mine, tugging me off my barstool. The pinot had settled warm in my veins, leaving my limbs comfortably heavy and relaxed. I smiled wide as he slowly spun me into his arms with the grace of someone who knew how to dance.

“Why, Mr. Richards, you have some serious moves.” I giggled as he dipped me with a confident grin. “If you are trying to seduce me, your plan is working.”

“Good.”

Separation Game

Sepia toned image of an acoustical guitar taken from the fret board down to the curvy body at a sharp angle.
Text above image:
Time slows. The world shrinks as I close the gap between us. Zane’s eyes dilate, the darkness of his pupils eclipsing the pale blue centers. The slight stubble on his jaw scrapes against the fingertips of my free hand. His scent is stronger this close, a combination of cloves, leather, and cedar, along with an undertone of warm, salty exertion.

“This is such a bad idea,” I warn as his hand comes up to cup my jaw.

“Reckless,” he adds before bending down, teasing the corner of my mouth with light brushes of his lips, before taking my mouth properly.

1180 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

I think I wanted Zane to be this cocky, self-absorbed musician that needed a special woman to bring him back to earth. It didn't help that Lyric's defenses were at DEFCON 1. Funny enough the same first chapter place 2nd in WISRWA's writing contest a month later. 🤷‍♀️

010 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

The thing I learned the most from writing Separation Game was to recognize that writer's block usually means you've made a wrong turn somewhere. For Nicki and Trent that wrong turn was forcing them to have sex before they were ready. It's still a very horny book, but the pacing is better now. 3/3

040 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Also, in the third act breakup, my husband insisted Zane would never abandon Lyric. He was pretty annoying about it, tbh. But in the end, I could see his point. Unfortunately changing the dynamics of the breakup also meant rewriting the entire second half of the book. Sigh. 2/3

130 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 18 Secrets We Keep has definitely gone through several evolutions since I wrote the first draft back in 2017. My critique group thought Zane was an asshole. One person threatened to call the cops on him. Yikes! It forced me to take a hard look at his character and softens his edges 1/3

370 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

I think Lyric and Zane are more alike that they realize in the beginning. They both are dealing with trauma. Zane just hides his better and is open to love. While Lyric closed off and guarded. "No men!" she keeps telling herself. Sorry, anything else would be getting into spoiler territory🫢 2/2

030 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 17 In Separation Game, Nicki and Trent backgrounds are complete opposites. She's been a politician's wife for the past 20 years. Trent's a former NBA star looking for a good time. She needs someone who can show her what she's been missing. He's more than happy to accept the job. 1/2

250 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 16 Separation Game: For Nicki and Trent its all physical in the beginning. They have one goal. To bang it out;) Secrets We Keep: There's a lot of fun banter between Lyric and Zane. I also use internal dialog and thoughts to show their chemistry. For them, the physical comes much later.

140 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

After my first copy edit experience I now hyphenate everything. And commas are like confetti right?

020 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

In Secrets We Keep, the reasons Lyric is drawn to Zane are the same reasons she keeps emotional distance. Her and Zane are just an experiment to prove she's capable of having a normal relationship with a man after the horrors of her life with her ex. There's more, but those would be spoilers. 2/2

050 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 13 In Separation Game, Nicki is in the middle of a divorce with her politician husband. Does she even want a relationship now? And what will her almost grown kids think? Oh, and then there's the huge divorce settlement she been promised if she doesn't create a political scandal. 1/2

180 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

In Secrets We Keep, Lyric hands Zane his ass when they first meet. He's not used to being rebuffed, and she's a challenge. Lyric's motivation is a bit more complicated. She's healing from an abusive relationship and sees Zane as a bit of an experiment to prove her ex doesn't still control her life.

030 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 12 In Separation Game, Trent is attracted to Nicki's awkwardness. She's so far out of her comfort zone it's obvious. And endearing. Nicki's initial attraction to Trent comes from her bff urging her to explore her sexual freedom. And her impulsive need for revenge against her almost-ex.

180 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Sign up for my newsletter if you want to hear me ramble on about life and my gardening woes and get a sneak peak at my cover for Engagement Game! www.darciannbaker.com

darciannbaker.com

Darci Ann Baker | Author

Author website for all the latest publishing information and newsletter sign up

010 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Right? No one explains it. It’s like we’re supposed to just know, I guess

020 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Secrets We Keep 4 open door scenes. No metaphors. I'm not afraid of words! I'd describe this story as a molten chocolate cake. Warm and sexy with an unexpected surprise. Separation Game 4 open door scenes. No metaphors. Bananas Foster all the way here. Hot bananas and fire. And booze. 2/2

150 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 11 I've always thought the 🌶️ rating was a bit ambiguous. Are my books 🌶️🌶️🌶️ or a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️? I have no idea. So I'm going to describe them with desserts. Because who doesn't prefer dessert over a pepper;0 1/2

171 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 10 Oooh! I love this question. Lyric meets Zane at the grocery store. 80s music plays in the background. She refuses to give him her name, so he's forced to find a nickname that suits her. Also, the pain in the lyrics of this Aerosmith song are so symbolic to Zane and Lyric's story.

“Angel?” I question. Not that I hate it. At least not as much as honey buns.
He pauses, pointing a finger into the air. For a second I’m confused, until I recognize the unmistakable voice of Steven Tyler singing “Angel.” “It’s our song.”
I barely restrain my eye roll as I stare into this guy’s handsome face. “We do not have a song.”
“If you say so.”

1120 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

At forty most people are settled and happy in their life. Something major has changed for them to be single again. They have deep emotional wounds and a more complicated backstory than someone in their 20s. They don't fall in love easy or fast, but they might be open to some fun along the way;) 2/2

150 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 8 I'm going to focus on my Bedroom Games series and Seasoned Romance here because that's the direction I see my writing heading. We have an age bias here in the US (probably elsewhere too) but I think as the population ages there's a desire for sexy older characters in books. 1/2

150 0

Reposted by Darci Ann Baker

Jessie Mihalik @jessiemihalik.com · 07/08/2026

Today’s #FridayFling snippet is from ECLIPSE THE MOON! If getting injured while jumping out of a space station wasn’t bad enough, now Kee is trapped in a tiny hidden room with the telepath who soundly rejected her. 😭 Buy links + first three chapters: miha.li/ETM #Romancelandia #BookSky

Time lost all meaning. The glowing dress rotated through its colors in an endless loop. My right calf ached, then burned, then blazed with searing pain. I shifted minutely, trying to find a position—any position—that helped. There was no relief.

Varro wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his chest. I resisted, but he leaned back, and suddenly there wasn’t as much weight on my calf. I sagged against him and cried in silent relief.

0296 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

#SumLuv day 7 So many tropes to love! Here are my top 5. 🥊Enemies to lovers 🚫Forbidden romance (Sierra Simone's Priest will live in my ♥️ forever) 🚗Forced proximity (bonus if they're on a long road trip) ❤️‍🩹Emotionally wounded characters 💍Fake dating/fake engagement (if the reason is realistic)

1180 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

#fridayfling | rotate I don't have rotate but I have turn twice in this clip from Secrets We Keep. books2read.com/readsecretsw... #writesky #booksky #romance #romancelandia #romancereader

I turn away, closing my eyes tight, but the soft tap-tap of footsteps tells me he’s approaching. Stay strong, Lyric. I let out a slow, measured breath and turn, ready to brush him off, but my mind goes blank. Almost on cue, Pat Benatar starts belting out “Heartbreaker” like it's this guy’s theme song.
Secrets We Keep

0111 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

The inspiration for Secrets We Keep came from a week long college visit with my daughter to Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Twin Cities are amazing and have the most friendliest people I've ever met. I had so much fun visiting again and again, and made lots of friends while researching for this story.

030 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 6 I ♥️ writing stories set in big cities. Separation Game and Engagement Game are both set in my hometown, Chicago and the North Shore suburbs. It's vibrant and excessive and sometimes gritty, and the perfect setting for both of these (vibrant and sometimes gritty) stories.

260 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

#SumLuv day 4 I kind of talked about this on day 3, so I'm going to post a short snip from Separation Game and Secrets We Keep.

Aqua blue background with a swimming pool patterned border.
Text: Trent's easy charm unnerved me, and his penetrating stare sent a flurry of unwanted sensations though my veins. I fidgeted with the band on my watch. Then slid my right hand over my left, covering the deep groove left on my ring finger where my wedding rings sat until yesterday morning.
Trent leaned closer and smiled his easy, dimple-generating smile. "And if you are older, how can you be sure that wouldn't be a turn-on?"
Holy shit.

Tan upper half with text. Lower half depicts an acoustic guitar at a flat angle.

Text: Why are pretty men so hard to resist? Whatever. It’s time to set Mr. Gorgeous—Zane—straight and send him on his way.
“Look, I appreciate the tip on the tequila, but that’s all I came here for. You’re wasting your time here.”

150 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 5 I wish I could remember that far back! I was maybe 13? I vaguely remember the story involved a pirate captain. Definitely a late 70s early 80s bodice ripper that may have had Fabio on the cover. My best friend's older sister got them for us for educational purposes🤣

2110 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

In Secrets We Keep, Lyric is at the grocery store buying tequila for a party, but she know nothing about tequila. Zane stops to help her. She's sworn off men, but this is just flirting. Flirting doesn't count. In the end, he makes her promise to give him her number IF they ever meet again. 2/3

130 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

In Engagement Game, Cynthia is leaving a hotel in the early hours of the morning after ending things with her most recent lover. Of course we all run into the one person we don't want to when we're not at our best. For Cynthia, it's her bestie's future brother-in-law, Travis. 3/3

130 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 3 I love the meet cute, especially when it doesn't go quite so smoothly. In Separation Game, Nicki ventures out for the first time to a trendy bar to meet her bff. At 43, she's awkward and unsure. Then handsome Trent offers to buy her a drink and she just about has a heart attack. 1/3

140 0

Reposted by Darci Ann Baker

Chicago-North Romance Writers @chicagonorthrw.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Join us for our next virtual meeting August 10 at 7 pm Central! Visit our website for a guest link. Learn the key principles of author branding and how it can help you leverage a better career at every step of the publishing process with author brand strategist, Andrea Guevara.

022 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Cynthia's fiercely loyal to her friends, but considers men a side hobby. She doesn't believe in love or serious relationships. She's the last person you'd expect to agree to a fake engagement, but Travis convinces her in order to help him win custody of his kids. 2/2

140 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

#SumLuv Day 2 I'm writing Cynthia and Travis's story in Engagement Game. Cynthia is Nicki's bestie from Separation Game. She's fifty-three, rich, driven, and doesn't believe in love. Travis is forty-nine and a divorced father of three, and a college professor who is trying to figure life out. 1/2

2100 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

#SumLuv I've been off for a few days, but I'm hoping to catch up! I'm Darci, and I've been writing since 2017. I've published two books in the past year, Separation Game and Secrets We Keep. I'm currently working on the second book in my sexy seasoned romance trilogy, Bedroom Games.

170 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

#fridayspark | rock A short introduction of Zane and Lyric from Secrets We Keep. I love the way they play off each other! Today is the last day to get Secrets We Keep for 50% off everywhere. www.books2read.com/readsecretsw... #writesky #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader

"See. If you had stayed the other night, if you had given us time to really talk, you'd know all about me now." He turns and sticks out his hand. "Hi. Zane Brody, high school music teacher, orchestra director, and rock god of the Twin Cities."
"Impressive. And definitely not humble." I shake his hand, doing my best to ignore the tingles that run up my arm. "Lyric James, goddess of kindergarten room two."
Secrets We Keep

060 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

#fridayfling | bargain Didn't have bargain but I have deal twice in this clip where Nicki makes a bargain with her teenage son. And a reminder, today is the final day to get Separation Game is 50% off everywhere. www.books2read.com/separationgame #writesky #booksky #romancelandia #romancereader

“Sorry about last night, Mom.” Mark looked up from his cereal. “The swearing, you know. Just… sorry.”
“I understand. Did a lot of swearing myself Wednesday night. Let’s just do better.” I gave him a crooked smile—the best I could manage—and set my coffee down next to him. “That means focusing on your grades, not your parents’ troubles. I got that covered. Deal?”
“Deal. Just don’t ask me to vote for him in the next election.”
Separation Game

080 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

From what I understand from the Wide For The Win folks, you need to contact customer support directly now, and if you're doing a price match with other retailers you need to supply Amazon with those direct links

100 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

This is the last week to take advantage of this sale on my books. Don’t miss out! (Links in thread)

030 0

Darci Ann Baker @dabakerauthor.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

He looks like my boyfriend back when I was sixteen. Wrinkled forehead lol

010 0

Reposted by Darci Ann Baker

Sandstone @quartzen.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Kobo is running a promotion for their Kindle Unlimited competitor service Kobo Plus, from now through August 4 where you can get a 14-day free trial and then your first month after that is 99 cents- might be a good time to check it out if you've been wanting to! Unsure if this promo is US-only!

kobo.com

Rakuten Kobo

410288 0

Reposted by Darci Ann Baker

Bryn Donovan @bryndonovan.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

This week I had an ER visit for my eye, a late night opthamologist appointment, and an eye surgery. Everything is fine now! 😍 This was all out of network (because emergency) so if you were thinking of getting my Master Lists book, now is a great time 🥰 #writersky www.amazon.com/MASTER-LISTS...

Bryn Donovan, author with a friendly smile and slightly wonky bangs, holding her book MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS: GOLD EDITION.

198 0