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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

If you’re craving a bookish escape to a fantasy world that feels real, where characters wield courage, love and kindness to make a difference, this book is for you. Beyond the Humming Downs is a romantic fantasy adventure about building a more inclusive world. books2read.com/hummingdowns 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

Immerse yourself in a fantasy land
— where energy resounds from the heart of the world
— where magic hums through rock and bone
— where two riders meet, out on the downs
— where two palms touch in casual greeting
— where two souls meld, without intention
— where lore and tradition would prevent their union
— where unfair rules are made to be broken

Love against the odds
humanity and hope
a romantic fantasy adventure
Beyond the Humming Downs

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Reposted by Ellen Starsmore

Fantasy Indies @fantasyindies.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

📝 #FantasyIndiesSeptember 📝 All genres welcome! You can use the prompts for WIPs or published books. Feel free to ask the hosts questions! Love, Faeries at Fantasy Indies @lvrussell.bsky.social @chesneyinfalt.bsky.social

Fantasy Indies Sept prompts by @ChesneyInfalt & @LydiaVRussell

1. Introduce yourself & WIP
2. How do you choose your next read?
3. Education in WIP
4. Free Friday or do you collect anything?
5. Saturday Snippet
6. Do you know what your next WIP will be?
7. Something in your WIP that surprised you
8. Would/does your MC like school? Favourite subject(s)?
9. What magic or superhero powers would you/your MC choose to have?
10. Does your MC want knowledge or power? How far would they go for it?
11. Free Friday or books that remind you of autumn
12. Saturday Snippet
13. How organized are you/your characters?
14. Lessons learned in WIP
15. How would your characters describe you?
16. Poem or Flash Fiction featuring the word “autumn”
17. What type of book would your MC(s) write?
18. Free Friday or share pet photos
19. Saturday Snippet
20. Words you tend to overuse
21. Power-hungry character in WIP
22. Your autumn TBR
23. What grammar rule(s) do you struggle with?
24. Interesting fact(s) from your WIP’s world’s history
25. Free Friday or music you’ve been inspired by recently
26. Saturday Snippet
27. What research do you do for your writing?
28. Your thoughts on DNFing books
29. Are you/MC an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert?
30. Monthly Wrap Up

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

A month in which the day job dominated. I progressed some “author business” projects… But that new book I’m desperate to write… not so much. September will be better. My main achievement: design of an author bookplate for me to sign and mail. 🤭 Onwards! #FantasyIndiesAugust — 31 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Series v standalones… I’m on the fence. I don’t get as much time as I’d like to read, so standalones feel less daunting. But if I find something I adore, then I always want more. I think I prefer reading a series of connected standalone stories. 😆 #FantasyIndiesAugust — 30 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

I’ve gone for short and atmospheric for this #FridaySpark and #saturdaysnippet ~ the prompt was “fold”. This comes early in my book, Beyond the Humming Downs… I know it’s setting. But setting is important, OK? #FantasyIndiesAugust — 29 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

Snippet from Beyond the Humming Downs by Ellen Starsmore:
The thud of Cloud's hooves echoed in her heart as the animal surged up the slope. From the top of the rise, the Humming Downs fell away in gentle folds to the horizon, wide and mysterious and beckoning in the rising light.

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

In the Rungakk WIP, Oni shares all her secrets with her best friend, Felidda, a fellow ranger. But Felidda hasn’t been around in the weeks since Oni lost her animal companion, so she’s been moping alone. 😞 #FantasyIndiesAugust — 25 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

This snippet precedes the most violent scene I’ve ever written. How much will survive revisions? 🫣 It’s from the Rungakk WIP… #FantasyIndiesAugust — 22 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

From the Rungakk WIP (raw and unedited) by Ellen Starsmore:
We heard the guards in the street outside, a woman and a man. They sounded curious, rather than concerned. "Wait until they're both inside," I murmured. My pulse raced and there didn't seem to be enough air. My hand sweated around the hilt of my knife.
Could I do this? I had never raised arms against a person. Somehow it hadn't occurred to me that I would have to.

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Choosing character names… I pick a different starting letter, then try different letter combos to fit the linguistics for that fantasy culture (until I like it!). My names are fabricated, but I also adapt “real” words and names from various languages. #FantasyIndiesAugust — 21 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

In my WIP, the Temple of Sarkk has really bought into the idea that the sun god (Sarkk) occasionally smites the goddess of below (and mother of the world) with a blazing fireball — and that’s how the deadlands form. Superstition… or myth? Lore, certainly. #FantasyIndiesAugust — 20 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

In this snippet, Oni has embarked on a solo expedition… but Roggan, who knows her extremely well, has tracked her down. #FantasyIndiesAugust — 15 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

From the Rungakk WIP by Ellen Starsmore:

A loud howl in the night made me jerk to attention.
At first I heard nothing more beyond the merry crack of my fire and the water beginning to hum.
Then came the rustle of at least one large animal weaving through the woodland, the clink of metal, the excited pant of a hound. A pale shape burst into the glade and launched itself at me. Wet tongue on my face, armful of fur. Garland squirmed joyfully in my lap and I burst out laughing.
"Wretched creature!" I hugged her tightly. "You've found me, haven't you. Clever girl."
A dark, human figure emerged out of the shadows, leading a string of horses. The white blaze of the lead horse glowed in the firelight. Roggan halted on the far side of the fire, swaying.
I regarded him warily, then realised he was nearly dead on his feet. "Sit," I said, rising to take the lead rein out of his hand. "You make the karv when the water's boiled."

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

The Rungakk WIP: When a ranger learns of a conspiracy against her Order, somehow involving her estranged sister and their grandmother’s coded journal, she embarks on a perilous quest to save her brethren and stop world-changing secrets from coming to light. #FantasyIndiesAugust — 14 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

A key artefact in my WIP is a personal journal (leather-bound, of course) that records the experiences of the MC’s grandmother during a cataclysmic event four decades earlier. It’s written in a cypher and holds key knowledge and lore almost lost to time… #FantasyIndiesAugust — 13 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Top fantasy reads (that weren’t re-reads) of 2026 so far: — Child of Vanris by Nikki McCormack (epic fantasy, coming of age, indie) — A Power Unbound by Freya Marske (gaslamp fantasy, M/M romantasy) 🌈 — Mistlight by JA Andrews (high fantasy, indie) #FantasyIndiesAugust — 12 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Last read: Priddy’s Tale by Harper Fox Current read: Kill Your Darlings by Josh Lanyon Next read: ??? Both of those are re-reads ... I'm struggling to find fantasy that fits my mood. #moodreader #FantasyIndiesAugust — 10 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

I rarely remember my dreams, so I can’t recall an occasion where dreams inspired (or featured significantly in) my writing. #FantasyIndiesAugust — 9 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

My current WIP begins with plans to commemorate the 40-year anniversary of a cataclysmic event (that has great bearing on the plot). There are no days more important. #FantasyIndiesAugust — 5 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️ (forgot to post yesterday FWIW)

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Inspiration recipe for my current fantasy WIP: take “rangers” with animal companions, add a long-abandoned city engulfed by a deadland, and throw in a dash of adventure. #FantasyIndiesAugust — 6 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Someone told me recently that the vikings used to gather around and braid each other’s hair. This to me sounds like a charming piece of folklore. #FantasyIndiesAugust — 4 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

I don’t have a book cover for the WIP, yet. I don’t even have a title. It’s early days. One possibility: a deadland, all grey and brown, dead trees and weathered buildings, with the characters providing pops of colour… 🤔 #FantasyIndiesAugust — 3 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Two truths and a lie about my WIP: — The MC is a ranger whose animal companion recently died — The MC is on a quest to find out what her sister is up to — The MC is not an impetuous young woman who believes some rules don’t apply to her. 😆 #FantasyIndiesAugust — 2 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Hello! I’m an Australian 🇦🇺 author of fantasy with love, hope and adventure. This month, I’ll be talking about my WIP — a fantasy adventure featuring a rescue quest into a deadland and two sisters who don’t understand each other. #FantasyIndiesAugust — 1 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

Introductory graphic for Ellen Starsmore, featuring a smiling photo of the author and a bunch of words:
epic worlds, human stories
Ellen Starsmore
Fantasy Author
In Draft: The 'Rungakk' WIP features two sisters, rangers, animal companions, plots and intrigue, a rescue quest, a historic diary containing secrets, and a past cataclysmic event…
Beyond the Humming Downs: A romantic fantasy adventure with a dash of hopepunk, quiet rebellion and earth magic.
Fantasy with love, hope and adventure.

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

gearing up for another month of #FantasyIndiesAugust ... going to focus more on the WIP than the debut novel for a bit. 🙌

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Thus ends book birthday month for Beyond the Humming Downs. I’m exhausted! 😆 Thank you to everyone who grabbed the book for 99c. There’s still time! ❊ immersive world ❊ love against the odds ❊ rhythmic earth magic ❊ social reform undercurrents ❊ humanity and hope #FantasyIndiesJuly — 31 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

I've started collecting the best pitch phrases from bookclub scam artists. 😆 "We are a community of readers who discuss literature while engaged in physical activity, fostering a kinetic connection to the narratives we study." #indieauthor #authorsky #writersky #writingcommunity #writersofbluesky

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

In the opening scenes of Beyond the Humming Downs, Adehl vastly appreciates the meal she’s served after days on trail rations: roasted loophorn, dampah bread, boiled tohroot seasoned with cinnamon and wilted butterflowers. Still just 99c everywhere! #FantasyIndiesJuly — 30 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Considering my primary goal for 2026 was to finish the first draft of a new novel, I give myself about 3/10. I have made some progress, but then I stalled and I need to get my head back into it. (The novel is about half written, I think.) #FantasyIndiesJuly — 29 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

I’d love to see more fantasy written just for me: epic and immersive worlds, good-hearted characters having adventures, puzzles to solve, discovery and wonder, love stories (of course) that don’t take over, emotional experiences flavored with hope, nuanced conflicts… #FantasyIndiesJuly —28 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

This weekend's snippet comes from my novel-in-progress, otherwise known as the Rungakk WIP. I confess this book has a deal more blood and death than Beyond the Humming Downs… Originally posted for #FridaySpark, prompt of “alive”. #FantasyIndiesJuly — 25 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

Snippet from the Rungakk WIP (raw and unedited) by Ellen Starsmore:

Stooping awkwardly to avoid the pool of blood around Yenikk, Roggan felt his neck. I looked about me in despair. The precocious girl janikk
- Jeminna, I remembered, from the taproom a few days ago - was lying near the window. She looked very young, but her cheeks held faint colour and there didn't seem to be as much blood. I went to her, gently moving her faithful hound, who was sprawled half on top of her. The animal gave a low growl, making me jump.
"It's all right," I said softly, stroking the dirty, blood-matted fur. The hound seemed too weak to move, but at least it was alive. "Let me see her."
I laid my fingers to Jeminna's neck. Her skin was cool to the touch, but not death cold. Her inner cadence fluttered erratically, like a moth caught by a cat, and I finally found a weak pulse.
Frantically, I searched for her wounds. Bruise on her abdomen, perhaps from a kick. A crack to the back of her head.

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Today is the one-year book birthday of Beyond the Humming Downs. I’m truly grateful for every single person who has read this book I poured my heart and soul into. 🫶🏼 The ebook is on sale now for 99c. books2read.com/hummingdowns #FantasyIndiesJuly — 24 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

1/2. Adehl in Beyond the Humming Downs has kept to herself for so long she doesn’t have friends at the start of this book… but she’s kind and empathic, so once she befriends 13yo Sorah, then 12yo Chanti, she’s the champion those kids need. #FantasyIndiesJuly — 23 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

For my current WIP, I recently researched meteorites and their scatter… because the book was sparked by a past cataclysmic event related to fallen skyrocks that destroy some of the world’s magic. In so doing, I discovered some things that led to plot ideas. 😁 #FantasyIndiesJuly — 21 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

In the second half of Beyond the Humming Downs, Adehl and Roh make a critical alliance with the Ellirisi scholars that will empower them to carry out a radical plan of quiet rebellion. Ebook on sale now for 99c all markets. 🥳 books2read.com/hummingdowns #FantasyIndiesJuly — 20 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Reposted by Ellen Starsmore

Exoplanet || subs open Sept 1st @exoplanetmag.com · 20/07/2026

Exoplanet aspires to be a professional market for speculative short fiction. As sales and support increase, we'll invest those funds into gradually raising our pay rate until we reach eight cents ($0.08) per word, the SFWA pro rate. We're just getting started. #specfic #shortstories #submissions

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Behold, my writing buddy. His name is Leo. #FantasyIndiesJuly — 19 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

A large tabby cat sprawls on a table, disregarding things like notebooks and laptops.

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

It’s possibly a bit of a spoiler, but I love this moment between Adehl and Roh in Beyond the Humming Downs — a romantic fantasy adventure. The eBook is 99c on all platforms until July 31. #Saturdaysnippet #FantasyIndiesJuly — 18 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

Graphic featuring a book snippet from Beyond the Humming Downs by Ellen Starsmore:

“What happens when they threaten to expel you, too?”
“We’ll deal with it. They can’t force me to be Atalah, you know.”
“You’d give that up?”
He rested his forehead against her temple, his breath warm on her cheek. “Jaleh, I already have.”

The cover of the book is shown, along with a 99c sale label.

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Happy Friday (Saturday)! It’s #stuffwithfantasy Summer Solstice event today, with indie fantasy books galore for 99c — including my own Beyond the Humming Downs (available wide)! stuffwithfantasy.com/event/69fc11... For my new book, I’m in the first draft stage. #FantasyIndiesJuly — 17 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

stuffwithfantasy.com

Summer Solstice — Stuff With Fantasy

Step into a world of dragons, dark magic, forbidden romance, cursed kingdoms, and unforgettable heroes at the Stuff With Fantasy Discounted Book Sale Event. Whe

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Reposted by Ellen Starsmore

Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

On the subject of animal companions... behold four #indiefantasy books featuring animal companions and/or bonds of a more empathic nature — all discounted on Friday to 99c for the Stuff with Fantasy Summer Solstice event. stuffwithfantasy.com/event/69fc11... 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

STUFF WITH FANTASY is on right now! 99c indie fantasy ebooks... Check out these Forbidden Love treats. (Filter: forbidden love) #stuffwithfantasy #indiefantasy #TBR 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️ stuffwithfantasy.com/event/69fc11...

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Who doesn’t love fantasy books with animal companions? That’s why I’m writing one! In my WIP, those with affinity for the world’s magic are bonded to animals to stabilise their energy. They're like a sacred order of rangers. #FantasyIndiesJuly — 16 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Behold, four wondrous worlds of indie fantasy — just a small selection of the 100+ discounted indie fantasy books to be found in the Stuff with Fantasy Summer Solstice event. 99c ebooks! Only Friday 17 July. stuffwithfantasy.com/event/69fc11... #stuffwithfantasy #indiefantasy 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

On a green background, four book covers and the words: Fantasy with wondrous worlds, 99c ebooks July 17th.
www.stuffwithfantasy.com

The books are:
❊ Beyond the Humming Downs by Ellen Starsmore ~ a romantic fantasy adventure with earth magic.

❊ The Moon Prince by Mary W Jensen ~ an Asian-inspired, gender-swapped fairytale retelling

❊ Chasing the Darkness by Cassie Sanchez ~ an enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance

❊ The Solstice Court by Jade Juniper ~ a cozy-political fantasy with court intrigue

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Right now, my favourite fictional friendship is probably Kate and Venn in JA Andrews’ Aenigma Light Series (Runelight, Mistlight, Lastlight). Two mature, capable, women. #FantasyIndiesJuly — 12 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Happy Friday (or Saturday). To celebrate, I’m off to the Abbey Medieval Festival today… hoping for plenty of inspiration for fantasy writing. 😁 #abbeymedievalfestival #FantasyIndiesJuly — 10 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

A new aesthetic for my fantasy book, Beyond the Humming Downs. ☺️ A forbidden soulbond sparks a quest for survival and equality that challenges unjust lore. Will they risk everything to build a more inclusive world? #FantasyIndiesJuly — 9 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

I’m not a fan of “misunderstanding” as a plot device. Unpopular opinion? #FantasyIndiesJuly — 8 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

In my book, Beyond the Humming Downs, 13YO Sorah forms two “unlikely” friendships. One with Adehl, the MC, who sees herself reflected in the girl. The other is with Frahto, who represents everything Adehl despises. Sorah was incredibly fun to write. #FantasyIndiesJuly — 7 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Writing pet peeves… When Scrivener autocorrects words without my permission, and I can’t figure out how to turn it off. I have this word — skyrock — which Scrivener insists must be “skyrocketing”. Every. Single. Time. Soooo annoying. (Any tips?) #FantasyIndiesJuly — 6 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

A very short snippet from my fantasy book, Beyond the Humming Downs… inspired by the prompt, “hot”. It’s a fragment of time, of pain, of uncertainty. #FantasyIndiesJuly — 4 #saturdaysnippet 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

On a watercolour background, speckled with tiny flowers, the word "snippet", then the following brief paragraph from Beyond the Humming Downs by Ellen Starsmore:
The door behind Adehl nudged her over the threshold and slammed closed. The sudden movement jarred her leg, and pain bloomed white hot. She collapsed back against the timber and heard the bolt ram home.

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

This month, I’m also taking part in the Indie Fantasy Addicts Summer Reading Challenge — essentially a festival of #indiefantasy … Here’s my review of Child of Vanris by Nikki McCormack @authornikki.bsky.social (Review in alt text). #FantasyIndiesJuly — 3 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

Graphic showing a night sky and trees, with cover of Child of Vanris alongside the following review highlights:
a classic coming of age and chosen one tale with found family, animal companions and spirit siblings
about belonging and growing into who you’re meant to be
seamless blend of heartwarming adventure, worldbuilding and character development
for those into epic fantasy worlds, bands of brave companions, and characters with good hearts.

FULL REVIEW:
I had a fabulous time with Child of Vanris by Nikki McCormack — a classic coming of age and chosen one tale with found family, animal companions and spirit siblings! At its core, Child of Vanris is about belonging and growing into who you’re meant to be.

Kasiel is a 17yo in the throes of first love, living in a tiny village, when his world is ripped apart. First betrayed, then abducted… and (thank goodness) rescued, Kasiel’s journey of self-discovery and adventure is just beginning. After this dramatic opening, I loved settling in with Kasiel to discover his true heritage, dispel all the lies he’s been told and get to know the group who would become his closest friends.

Child of Vanris is a heartwarming adventure — though there are a few darker moments that had me squirming. I revelled in the comfort of Kasiel’s new companions — in particular his tehnaak (spirit sibling), Jethan. This utterly charming concept — where every baby is spirit-bonded with another — is a foundation of Vanrian culture and provides Kasiel with an instant best friend.

The other highlight is Kasiel’s “mindcrafter” power. He learns about and grows into his exceptional and rare abilities through the book, ultimately gaining a loyal (and terrifying!) creature companion.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which seamlessly blends adventure, worldbuilding and character development — and was excellently narrated by Gary Furlong. Recommended for those into epic fantasy worlds, rollicking adventure, bands of brave companions, and characters…

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Ellen Starsmore @ellenstarsmore.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

There are, admittedly, some lyrical phrases I’m partial to in my fantasy novel, Beyond the Humming Downs. This is probably one of my favourite: “Sorrow and fear and guilt were all layered beneath her love, binding him with velvet thorns.” #FantasyIndiesJuly — 2 📚🪐 💙 🩷🧙‍♂️⚔️

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