iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 2h

My first try at HTML was for Xanga! I really got into it for LiveJournal, though I also loved those... what were they called... webring anime character fan sites.

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 3h

Currently reading FOLLOWING: A MARKETING GUIDE TO AUTHOR PLATFORM by David Gaughran and I feel so, so vindicated. I'm only a few pages in, and I've highlighted so many sentences that validate my approach to social media as an author. I think this is going to help me a lot. #WritingCommunity

A hand holds a Kobo Libra Colour eReader that has an eBook loaded on the screen. A highlighted sentence reads: "And the danger for anyone building a platform is that they can try and build a sales-generating apparatus when they should really be building a connection-building contraption."

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 7h

New week, new goals! ✨ write for 30 minutes/200 words every day ✨ finish THIAW chapter 6 ✨ record video to announce upcoming book festival #WritingCommunity

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 8h

My cosmic horror thriller, THE DEVOURING, is in this bundle. Only $10 for 32 books is a steal!

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 10h

Lia, a young vampire, has an unfortunate run-in with a vampire hunter. I know this looks spoilery, but I promise it's part of the premise. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

The man jogs into the alley and slows down when he doesn’t find me there. I grin, unable to help myself. He walks right past me, though if he turned and peered closely at my hiding place, he would see the shape of me, black on black.

Swearing under his breath, he searches his pockets. One hand withdraws a flashlight with a powerful beam that sweeps over the jumble of trash, cardboard boxes, and other refuse strewn across the narrow space. His other hand extracts a long, straight object from inside his jacket. One of its ends is sharpened to a dangerous point.

Oh, fuck.

I lunge forward. At the same moment, he swings the flashlight in my direction, dispelling the shadows that conceal me. I knock it out of his hand, sending the light beam scattering across the walls around us. His other hand comes down hard against my chest, driving the stake through my dead heart.

—The Heart Is a Weapon, draft #3, work in progress

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 10h

Jason and Ayana of THE DEVOURING were perfectly happy the way they were at the start of the book: working their dream careers, married to each other, enjoying hobbies. Post-book, they are even happier. 🧵 #LitHodgepodge

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 18h

WIP update: 254 words today for THE HEART IS A WEAPON draft 3. It's not as much as I'd have liked to write, but it's enough. Still chipping away at ch 6 and hoping to get it done in the next week. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 21h

Lia and Roman live together in the basement of a modest, single-family house that's technically owned by his thrall, Harrison, an accountant. Their home is a good balance of comfortable and inconspicuous, since it's hidden in plain sight in a residential neighborhood.

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Kelly Heard @meankellyjean.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

for any writers, organizers, people who are knowledgeable about events—a friend is planning a book festival, the sort where you set up a table to sell your books to attendees. she has asked me for advice and I just don’t have the expertise. thoughts, advice, ideas welcome 💗 feel free to share.

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

God, teen Roman would be insufferable. The most massive tsundere in existence. Lia deserves so much better, but he's got that irresistible bad boy allure to him. 😔 Girl, get it together.

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Lia is a foreign exchange student living on her own. She gets lost trying to find the campus and runs into Roman, an older boy wearing her school's uniform. Unbeknownst to her, he's trying to skip class, while she demands he help her get to class. I'm not sure what happens next, but it's a rom com.

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Paisley Rose @paisley-rose.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

🍁 GET LUCKY CHARM may not be an autumnal book, technically, but it has MAGIC (not really) and a love interest who wears a lot of PLAID, and the MC likes to drink STOUT. There are *vibes* okay? 🍁 Less than two weeks until release! Pre-order now!! Exclamation points!!! books2read.com/getluckycharm

A trope-map for the book Get Lucky Charm by Paisley Rose, featuring the book cover in the centre against a teal gradient background with text and arrows all around it.

The text reads:

Friends to lovers
Naughty pun in the title
A magic necklace that might not be magic
Demon (arrow pointing at a cat on the cover)
The author says it’s funny
He falls first
She kisses a pretty girl
She kisses a pretty guy
She also kisses this guy (arrow pointing at the man on the cover)
Look at them, kissing (arrow pointing to the illustration of them kissing)
They do more than kissing…

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

I secretly love Harrison as a side character and am a little upset I've reduced his page time to keep the focus on Roman and Lia. The poor guy is just trying to balance his master's bank accounts and hide the illegal money schemes. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

I avoid mentioning the vampire hunters. Harrison is a worrier. He’d fret over me going out alone, even if I reassured him I’ve already survived one encounter. We could command him to help us, of course; like all thralls, he’s bound to Roman’s will through regular sips of my sire’s potent blood. But the worry and stress would distract Harrison from his real responsibilities, and if it came down to a fight, his unathletic build, asthma, and weak knees would put him at a serious disadvantage. He’s safer in his ignorance.

—The Heart Is a Weapon, draft #3, work in progress

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

This question is for the writers who've published something already and continue to work on new books: How do you get over the anxiety that you've already written your best work ever, that it was only a stroke of luck, and that your future books will all be embarrassing failures? #LitHodgepodge

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

If you see this, recommend a short book. SPREAD ME by Sarah Gailey.

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Kim McCauley @kimischilling.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

imagine being a heretic AND getting zero bitches? like pick a struggle

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

I started writing much later than expected today but still knocked out 711 words for THE HEART IS A WEAPON draft 3. That includes some small revisions in earlier chapters once I decided what to do with a side character. Total word count: 19,066 #WritingCommunity #AmWriting

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

I haven't talked about the characters from WHAT THE IRON GAVE US, my romantic urban fantasy, in a while. Ivesta and her husband Dmitri are hosting. She oversees the staff (private chef, housekeeper, etc.) while he helps organize in his own way. They invite all their friends, incl. Lex and Daemrin.

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

The LGBTQ+ Gothic, Dark Fantasy, and Horror Bundle is live on Itch! Grab this awesome deal full of fun and spooky titles, including THE DEVOURING, my cosmic horror thriller. The bundle lasts until Oct 17! itch.io/b/3931/lgbtq... #BookSky #WritingCommunity

LGBTQ+ Gothic, Dark Fantasy, and Horror Bundle!
Get over 30 books for just $10!
Oct 3-17

LGBTQ+ Gothic, Dark Fantasy, and Horror Bundle!

The graphic shows 11 books with a predominantly red, beige, or black color against a green-yellow forest backdrop.

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Roan | S&T Rewrite: 143.4/150k @faindriart.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

📣 Hello friends, IT'S COMM TIME. Form: forms.gle/2i5Zyf9uyv46... Comm Info: faindriart.carrd.co#commissions TOS: faindriart.carrd.co#tos 👉 Available Styles: - monochrome sketch (1 character, bust or half body) - doodles/memes I will email you to let you know you've claimed a spot. Thank you!

Monochrome sketch of two boys. One is hugging the other from behind.

Doodle of my OC Kasandra making an uwu face and sitting demurely.

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Reply Guy de Maupassant @nickhess-atl.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

BE NOT AFRAID

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Cass Morris @cassmorriswrites.com · 03/10/2026

Hey folks, look out for AI scammers on writing hashtag games! Like this one! Red flags: 🚩 AI pic 🚩 New account 🚩 Very little authentic engagement. Original posts don’t have replies, are formulaic, have structural AI tells. Replies are all to folks posting certain keywords or to certain hashtags.

Screenshot of the header for a scammer account: Icon of an AI-generated smiley face, wearing glasses, blowing a kiss. Text:
GRACE WRITES
@gracianotes.bsky.social
13 followers 29 following 107 posts
"Every good story deserves someone willing to read between the lines."
Helping writers turn promising drafts into stories readers don't want to put down.

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Bradley Ramsey @imagine2create.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Can confirm, I’ve read the book. Also, if you’re a horror fan and you haven’t read THE DEVOURING, then honestly, what are you even doing? 🤷‍♂️

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Jason Ridley, MMC of my cosmic horror thriller THE DEVOURING, is the horrors.

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

I write for myself. My stories are the ones I want to read over and over again, and I can't do that if I change them to suit someone else's tastes or preferences. #PretendPanel

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

I don't think I've shared these character mood boards yet! The one on the left represents Lia, the FMC of my vampire horrormance novella, while the one on the right represents her sire and lover, Roman. A couple of hobbies are already hinted at in these images. #LitHodgepodge

A dark-haired woman lying on a bed, mostly in shadow except for a line of light across her throat. A pink Chanel envelope and a string of pearls. Women walking in heels down a fashion week runway. An arrangement of skincare products, an open Vogue magazine, pink flowers, and pink macarons on a white plate. The definition of the word 'vampire'. A pink dress and shoes, surrounded artfully by pink petals. A woman's lipstick-painted lips, parted to reveal a fanged canine. A sudsy bathtub with a wine glass, a pair of feet, and various bath accoutrements propped on the edge. The reflection of a dark-haired woman in a mirror, her face completely in shadow.

A man wipes his mouth of blood. A dark, foggy street. A clues board of crisscrossing string, pins, and Polaroid photographs. Cracks in the ice on the surface of water. The word 'vampyr' on paper. A city's horizon in blue twilight, dense with concrete buildings. A chess board with the king piece standing upright, surrounded by fallen pieces. A lone, black car parked under a single light by a huge shipping container. A man in a black dress shirt, reading a book that obscures his face.

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Summarize your WIPs/works! Two terrible people ruin everyone's day and prove the power of love. ✔️ A young vampire must reckon with her monstrosity when confronted with the past she thought she left behind. 🚧

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it looks like you're writing a novel @gr8writingtips.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

make it weirder

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Sometimes I hate that I'm the kind of person who, as soon as I have an idea in my head, I've basically fully committed to it and am figuring out the most effective way to make it happen. I'm currently charging my vlogging camera and looking at compatible, wireless lavalier mics.

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Gabino Iglesias @gabino.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

It’s #FridayReads time! Let’s share books and boost all signals. Repost this and let us know what to repost for you. I’m in France on tour, so I’m sharing the novel that launched my career here. Oh, and it’s only $1.99 for Hispanic Heritage Month! www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0D8...

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

With three months left of the year, I'm thinking it's time to reevaluate my social media strategy as an author, spurred by my huge dislike of Instagram and the recurring desire to return to YouTube. Of course, I'll stay on Bluesky as my primary social media.

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Kelly Heard @meankellyjean.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

My debut is almost 7 years old! With rights reverting back to me at the end of this month, the book will no longer be available to buy as of 10/30 (in its current form, for now). So if you think you might care to read this story about a grouchy fortune-teller with a heart of gold, now's the time 🌟🌙

bookshop.org

Before You Go: A heartbreaking page turner about love, loss and family

"I was hooked from page one... my heart was broken... So beautifully written... extremely beautiful and emotional!" Goodreads Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The bond between a mother and daughter is meant to be unbr...

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

It's more than a line today, but I couldn't resist this longer snippet. No line edits yet, so I apologize for any awkwardness in the wording. #FaveLineFriday #WritingCommunity

The light of a nearby lamp is not enough to illuminate her every feature, but my enhanced vision makes up for it, allowing me to behold my sister in the flesh. My gaze falls at once upon her pale throat, exposed thanks to the low collar of her sweater. I can almost taste the rich iron of her blood on my tongue.

—The Heart Is a Weapon, draft #3, work in progress

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

THE DEVOURING, my cosmic horror thriller novel, needs one (1) more review on Goodreads before they also show up on its Amazon listing. That would be a huge help to this self-published author. If you read and liked the book, please consider leaving a review here: www.goodreads.com/book/show/24...

goodreads.com

The Devouring

Throughout their marriage, Jason and Ayana’s lives alwa…

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Because it's fun. Because it's the easiest way for me to share my story ideas and characters with others. Because if I don't, I start feeling restless and antsy. #PretendPanel

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

My vampires Roman and Lia would be *hilarious* in WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS. He would play the straight man (comedy context) who stares into the camera whenever someone is being stupid. She would genuinely try to help the other characters get/stay out of trouble. It'd be glorious. #LitHodgepodge

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Starting off October with 647 words added to THE HEART IS A WEAPON draft 3. It's funny how so much has changed, yet I'm pulling descriptions from both drafts 1 and 2 to fill in some new-old scenery. In the next session, we'll see if a side character survives being cut. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

my prose: "I spot the symbol on the door jamb." me: "Okay, but what does the symbol look like?" my prose: me: my prose: me: "Damn it, I have to pick something, don't I?"

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Do you like spooky books? If you follow me, chances are you do. I invite you to check out the CHILLS, THRILLS & KILLS bundle on Itch: 93 (!) ebooks for only $69 (!!) — that's a 75% discount (!!!). Buy today! itch.io/b/3904/chill... #BookSky #WritingCommunity

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

There are only two fast casual restaurants near my office that cook rice properly, and today I chose the rice at a third, other place, LIKE A FOOL. Somehow it is crunchier and drier every time I give it another chance. Why do I keep doing this to myself? 💀

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Yes! Listen, if I have the graphic design skill and tools, why shouldn't I use them? I made the covers for both THE DEVOURING and THE HEART IS A WEAPON (yes, already) and I'm really proud of them. TD's gets compliments all the time.

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Anna Holmes @annabookwriter.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Some things I wish I had known when I was a new writer: Being accepted by traditional publishers has less to do with skill than whether they think they can sell it. Just because publishers aren’t ready for a story doesn’t mean readers aren’t. Writing the book is the easy part. 🧵

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

September review: • 15,090 words written across all projects (somehow???) • THE HEART IS A WEAPON draft 3 progress: 5/8 chapters done, 17k total words so far October goals: • Finish THE HEART IS A WEAPON draft 3, or get very close to it (!!!) #WritingCommunity #AmWriting

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Reading stats for September! That mid-month gap is actually because I was reading UNFORGETTABLE KIERAN MITCHELL by @paisley-rose.bsky.social, which doesn't have an official page count on The StoryGraph yet. I'll go back and fill it out once it does. #BookSky

@gunsmile's September 2026 Wrap-Up
Books: 6
Pages: 1,008
Av. Rating: 3.83

Highest rated reads:
JADE CITY by Fonda Lee (5.0)
THE BODDICKER LETTERS by A. C. Cross (4.0)
WHAT STALKS THE DEEP by T. Kingfisher (4.0)

Average book length: 216 pages
Average time to finish: 6 days

Plus a cool graph showing pages read on each day of the month.

@gunsmile's September 2026 Reads

JADE CITY by Fonda Lee
UNFORGETTABLE KIERAN MITCHELL by Paisley Rose
WHAT FEASTS AT NIGHT by T. Kingfisher
WHAT STALKS THE DEEP by T. Kingfisher
LOCK THE LAST DOOR by Vincent Lore
THE BODDICKER LETTERS by A. C. Cross

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Lia, a young vampire, watches a news report about a brutal murder she committed the night before. #WIPSnips #WritingCommunity

I force myself to go through the motions of my evening routine: brushing my hair, washing my face, putting on makeup—habits that haven’t died, even though I did. I play the local news while I sit in front of my mirror. A report about a brutal murder near the hospital catches my attention, and I pause to watch the video. Two picture-perfect news anchors deliver a sympathetic story of Dominic Caldwell, a software engineer who struggled with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder after the deaths of his parents four years ago. By strange coincidence, they’d also been murdered, with injuries similar to his: puncture wounds in the neck. But while their bodies had been fully drained of blood, Caldwell’s hadn’t—all thanks to my conscientiousness.

—The Heart Is a Weapon, draft #3, work in progress

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Ange | Author A. M. Shilling @gunsmile.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Hello, #LitHodgepodge! I'm Ange, and I write horror, fantasy, and romance. My debut cosmic horror thriller, THE DEVOURING, is available now, and I'm currently writing a vampire horrormance novella called THE HEART IS A WEAPON. #WritingCommunity

Literary This or That

Paperback ✅ vs Hardcover
Series vs Standalone ✅
Coffee vs Tea ✅
Hero vs Villain ✅
Character-Driven vs Plot-Driven ✅
Computer ✅ vs Pen & Paper
Sweet ✅ vs Salty
Silence ✅ vs Soundtrack
Bookmark ✅ vs Dog-Ear
Plotter ✅ vs Pantser
Lush vs Minimalist ✅
Vomit Draft ✅ vs Slow Craft
Morning ✅ vs Midnight

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