iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

He settled a hand on her hip and with a gentle tug, drew her against him. Kylie barely finished adjusting when he spun her around and they flew across the room. Julian smiled. “I asked…” He deftly moved them, avoiding the other dancers. “Did you signal a quick dance on purpose?” #WIPSnips #fantasy

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I'm revising some chapters near the end of my WIP. This section has some really good lines! #amwriting #Writesky #fantasy

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

His warm breath hissed a sigh across her cheek. #WIPSnips #WriteSky #fantasy

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I have about 10 more chapters to revise in my WIP! We'll see how much I can get done this weekend. I'd like to get revisions done soon so I can work on a new story. #WriteSky #fantasy

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Jonathan has been remiss in buttoning the top of his jacket, she raised an eyebrow and he gave her a small tilt of his head. #WipSnips #fantasy #amwriting

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

She decided to try on the cloak, at least it would keep her warm. It settled nicely across her shoulders. There was a beautiful golden butterfly clasp on the front to hold the cloak together. #WIPSnips #fantasy #amwriting

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

She wasn’t ready to stand in front of them and be their symbol of hope. #WIPSnips #fantasy #amwriting

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

“My true nature is to be a trader. Have you ever wondered why traders travel in simple cloaks? It’s to ensure nobody realizes how much gold we’re carrying in our pockets.” #WipSnips #fantasy #books

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

I've made good progress with revisions this week. I'm half-way through my WIP. #writing #fantasy

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

I finished crocheting a scrap blanket recently. I'm putting off weaving in the tails to work on a new project. So far, I've made a couple of sample squares to decide which yarn I'd like to go with. #crochet #hobbies

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Dressed in a vest with golden toggles, sword dangling from his side, it was no wonder she almost mistook him for a prince. No, he was a prince. #WipSnips

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

“I’ve made my choices already, Father. You shouldn’t judge my reluctance to enter the competition as evidence that I don’t take it seriously,” he said through gritted teeth. #WIPSnips #fantasy #WriteSky

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

I'm going to try to dive back into my revisions tonight. It should go quickly if I can immerse myself back into the story. #writingcommunity

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

I can write anywhere. When the weather is nice, I like to sit and write outside. #MomsWritersClub

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

My crochet blanket must have at least 80 hexagons and I still need at least 20 more to finish. #crochet

Close-up of a crochet blanket. Hexagon motifs, assorted colours in the middle of the motifs with a cream coloured background.

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

I've been crocheting a scrap blanket of hexagon motifs. I haven't quite figured out how long to make it yet. It looks like I might need to buy a new ball of the base colour. But, I'll still have used up more yarn from my stash than I bought.🤷‍♀️ #hobbies #crochet

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

She wanted him to yell at her, to rage against her betrayal, but he was silent. “Julian?” #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #fantasy #WipSnips

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

I've been catching up on my reading. Although, I've been adding books to my TBR list faster than I'm getting through them. #amreading #WritingCommunity

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

She needed a steaming cup of tea to calm her nerves before she walked to the castle. #WipSnips #WriteSky #amwriting

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

He looked as relaxed as if he was sitting at a picnic, not competing in a quest that would decide their fates. #WIPSnips #WriteSky #fantasy

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

I've been procrastinating from doing revisions on my WIP by learning how to use photoshop. I find it's very relaxing to draw and do colouring. I think it will be a while before I can draw people, but I'm improving on drawing objects. #amwriting #creative #drawing

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

I finished a read-thru to re-familiarize myself with the WIP since I hadn't worked on it in a while. Now, I'm going through it to make some smaller revisions. I've previously done multiple rounds of edits, so I've already fixed the plot issues and it's down to the polishing. #CRPnessie #CampRevPit

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

I'm planning on self-publishing my current WIP. If I could see it on a shelf, it would be in the fantasy section. Just being on the self would be exciting enough. #CRPnessie #CampRevPit

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

It didn’t make any sense that they wouldn’t give her until winter to earn the fee. #BookishTues

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

My current WIP doesn't feature any mystic creatures. I have two others with dragons. #CRPnessie #CampRevPit

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Apparently it's time for a cabin raid? Kylie and Julian met at a ball. They had a short conversation and then didn't talk to each other for about a year. #CRPnessie #CampRevpit #CRPSirens

“It’s fine, I’ve been desperate to tell someone about how I’m going to pack my wagon with goods.” Kylie swirled around her drink. It had a heavy flavour and she realized that it was full-strength rum, not the non-alcoholic box rum that she’d ordered.
“Go ahead, I like puzzles.”
Kylie laughed. She’d expected a look of dismay from Julian, not for him to play along. “If I said that I wanted to discuss the number of buttons on your jacket would you be amenable to that too?”
“Hmm.” He glanced down. “Four and they’re a little tight to fasten. Next year, I’m going to break them in a little before the ball.”

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

I take breaks when my creative flow isn't working well and I'm stuck with what to write next. I like to go for walks. #CRPnessie

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Kylie is more of an "indoors" person, but she still enjoys spending time outside. She is good at reading body language and negotiations. #CRPnessie

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

I've been learning how to draw using photoshop. This tree didn't turn out how I envisioned it, but I like it.

Digital drawing of a tree in the grass on a starry moonlit night.

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

“All right. Do you want some advice? Don’t get on the ship without finding out what Julian’s deepest desire is. I’m not talking about what you’ve heard or he claims, find out what he wants. Same with Winthrop if you have to deal with him again.” #WipSnips

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

My antagonist was eating tarts during the story, so he would definitely go for s'mores. There wasn't as much snacking, although it would have made sense if I provided them trail mix while they were travelling 🤔. #CRPnessie

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Hi! I'm Ann. I'm revising an adult fantasy adventure story over the next few weeks. If I was to bring any fantasy books to camp, I'd probably bring a few that are on my bookshelf waiting to be read. So, maybe I'd bring The Hurricane Wars and Road to Ruin. #CPRnessie

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

“Whatever Gavin may have suggested, it's conjecture. I understand you're distressed about the fate of your route and this fantasy would save it. But, traders have to work to be successful. Prince Julian and Farthington need you. Don't abandon him to follow a foolish fancy.” #WipSnips

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

I have some revisions to work on so I signed up for #CampRevPit to keep motivated.

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

There was a loud bang and the guard hit the floor. Suddenly the lanterns were lit. Kylie blinked several times and saw Julian standing beside her. “Sorry, I think I broke your hairpins. I'll buy you new ones when we get back home.” #WipSnips #WriteSky

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

I supposes the most fun thing I researched was some astronomy terms for one of my sci-fi novels. #SFFChat

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

I don't do much research during the writing process. For the most part, I like to write about areas that I'm familiar with. #SFFChat

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Hi, I'm Ann. I write fantasy and sci-fi. When my kids were little, I enjoyed going to the library with them so they could pick out books that we would read together. #SFFChat

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

I started revising one of my fantasy novels. I've been procrastinating by working on the sequel, but it's time to give book 1 another round of edits. #WriteSky

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

“I need some space to look at the maps and a nice, comfortable chair." #WipSnips

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

The breeze tapered off on the return to New Willowtree and Kylie had finished all of her water with the rising heat. “Is the river good for swimming?” she asked. They had been following it for some time and she had been fighting the urge to stop and jump in. #WipSnips #WritingCommunity #fantasy

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Reposted by Ann Darlington

Cassie Wallin Author @cassiewallinwrites.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Hey #revpit hopefuls! Any upmarket speculative peeps here or authors who real upmarket spec? Would anyone want to swap first chapters or queries for one final read through before the submission period opens? Thanks all!

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

She returned to the campfire, where the companions had assembled and Rebba handed her a mug of hot soup. “It helps to keep your hands busy while your mind is spinning.” #BookishTues #amwriting

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

I'm working on my synopsis today! Last year I submitted a sci-fi, but this year I'm trying a fantasy. #RevPit

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

(I'll have to go 'large' with this one.) Stunned at Xandris' sudden friendliness, she climbed onto his back in silence. She held onto the large scales jutting out below his neck and her breath caught in her throat as he launched into the air. #WipSnips #fantasy #amwriting

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Ann Darlington @gradientcat.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

I might need to bring an umbrella, but I think I'll be going out for a walk and plot soon. #amwriting

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