iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Finally caught up to today's #wipsnips, a short little passage that I had a fun time writing. It was hard to know where to stop my snip, since I love the whole conversation so much! This is from Chapter 5 of Boy From Beaver Creek. #writesky #writingcommunity #booksky #bookwip

“Made the trip all the way out here, huh?” He asks, raising a playful eyebrow.
“I couldn’t let Ryan sign his life away and not at least be there to witness it.” I answer, halfway joking, halfway not.
“Weddings are awesome, aren’t they?” He smiles, looking around the room with enthusiasm.
It’s too bad we don’t throw parties for divorce. They’d arguably be more fun.
I keep that thought to myself.

081

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

A great word for this time of year in the heartland of the US, it be wet outside. This #wipsnips is from Chapter 2 of Boy From Beaver Creek, another one of my current WIPs. #writesky #writingcommunity #booksky #bookwip

I collect a garment steamer from the front desk once back at the hotel, taking my time to remove the many wrinkles my suit accumulated from its hours stuffed inside a bag. I probably should have come by car and packed it properly, but there was something so enticing about biking the whole way there, getting the fresh air and viewing the mountains up close instead of behind a windshield. I didn’t account for the possibility of it breaking down, of course, nor did I account for the disgusting humidity and high temperatures I’d experience across I-80.
You’d think Nebraska was a swamp with how damp the air is.

071

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

An uncomfortable ballroom dance in Chapter 3 of Bride of the Jester King takes center stage for July 4th's #wipsnips. #writesky #writingcommunity #booksky #bookwip

We wait until the current dance is finished to join in on the next, stepping and spinning round each other as the happy tune is plucked along by the orchestra. I catch sight of the king here and there as we move, but between the overbearing nature of my skirt and the additional weight of my mask on my face, I spend more time concerned with staying on beat and keeping my balance.

Mykhor holds my hand above our heads as I turn around him in a small circle, and as I come to complete it and end the dance, I meet with a very piercing set of blue eyes, shadowed behind a golden mask. I stop, practically chest to chest with none other than the king, his tall figure and intimidating energy looming over me.

I have a fleeting thought that he matches the rest of his castle well.

0102

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Day 3 of the month but #wipsnip entry number 2 for me, from Chapter 2 of Bride of the Jester King, a tense (to put it lightly) exchange between Nezera and her father. #writesky #writingcommunity #booksky #bookwip

“When you join the Basilus registry, honor will be restored to House Ryskov. Our Baron title will be returned, I may perhaps even become a Viscount.” He even has the gall to smile. “You will finally have served a purpose.”

“And if I refuse?”

His hands throw me into the side table before I can hardly finish the question, the carafe shattering as both me and the table crumple to the floor. Searing pain shoots through entire frame and my vision grows watery, tears threatening to spill forth.

“You don’t have a choice, you foolish brat.” Father inspects his hands, as though he just touched something dirty. “Now get out of my sight.”

062

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

I'm already days behind but I'm going to try to catch up and participate in #wipsnips again this summer! A nice little short one to start, from Chapter 1 of Bride of the Jester King. #writesky #writingcommunity #booksky #bookwip

Twenty minutes past midnight, a knock sounds at my door, log past having sent the nightly attendant away. I recognize its weight, its cadence. I knew he'd come eventually.

0101

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

This just in: three commissioned portraits of our leads for BRIDE OF THE JESTER KING! @spitefultuna.bsky.social did such incredible work capturing the essence of all three, and I couldn't be more excited. Check out my instagram for in depth character profiles! #writesky #booksky #writingcommunity

Three horizontal splices of images sit stacked one on top of the other; all three images are sections of character illustrations, zoomed in around the eyes. The character at the top of the image is a masculine presenting person with thick, dark eyebrows and a pronounced brow ridge, set low over olive green eyes. His skin is a ruddy tan. The character in the middle is a masculine presenting person with ginger hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes surrounding his light blue, nonplussed eyes. His skin is pale with a pink undertone. The character at the bottom is a feminine presenting woman with black eyebrows and round features, with deep ruby irises. Her skin is pale with an olive undertone.

A painterly portrait of a young man with pale skin, ginger hair, and blue eyes. He sits at a 3/4 angle, his expression cold and nonplussed. He has sharp bone structure with pronounced hollows of his cheeks, and his hair has a gentle wave and the longest parts reach nearly the top of his shoulder. He wears a black dress jacket with a dark red trim and buttons.

A painterly portrait of a young woman with pale skin, long, black curly hair, and ruby red eyes. Her face is round and her features soft, and she is looking straight on at the viewer. She appears calm and wears a plum dress with a high neck and long sleeves, with some lighter lavender trimmings.

A painterly portrait of a young man with a ruddy tan skin tone, dark brown hair, and green eyes. His hair is cropped short, and he has a pronounced brown ridge with thick eyebrows set low over his eyes, which are averted to the left. He has strong bone structure and a strong nose, and doesn't appear to be very pleased to be posing for his portrait. He wears a sort of quilted, navy training tunic, with bronze buckles and a leather shoulder pauldron.

141

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

One of my current WIPs is Book 3 of the TALES OF ANGARIDE series, titled BRIDE OF THE JESTER KING. It's a bit darker, moodier, with plenty of decadent romance. I'm hoping to be able to share more soon! And you know what they say... Good things come in threes. #booksky #writingcommunity

An open book rests on a white fur blanket, opened to a page with text that reads "Book Three: Tales of Angaride, Bride of the Jester King, now in development". Sitting on the top righthand corner of the book page is a sliced pomegranate, whose juices have started to stain the cream book page a dark pink color. On the bottom righthand corner of the book page is an ornate mask made of what could be porcelain, with gold accents around the eyes and nose. The mask has three faces total: one facing forward that would fit the wearer's face, and then two more half faces on either side of the mask. To the left of the mask is another pomegranate, this one is whole.

Text overlayed on three dark images vertically spliced together. The first image is a close up photo of leaves, the second is a close up shot of ice over a body of water, and the last image is a grey, rocky terrain. The text reads: "a young capricious king with a troubled past...his wholly devoted knight, too self-sacrificing...a disgraced noblewoman desperate to escape her family's ruin...and a political engagement they all plan to use to meet their own ends."

Text overlaid an image of a foggy forest landscape. The text reads: "A peninsula surrounded by the Glass Tides to the north, to the east, the Eastern Sea, the south, the Walled Bay and to the west, the Aedrun Tundra, Zevakhra remains as the Continent of Angaride’s most remote and isolated nation. A harsh landscape of rock and ice, and plauged by bitter bouts of dangerous winds and freezing rain, only the most hardy of humanity survive in Zevakhra, and only those fortunate enough to be blessed with wealth—or marry into it—can ever leave. It is here within the looming castle walls of Zevakhra our story begins."

Text overlayed on three images, horizontally spliced together. All three images are of masks, cropped around the eyes. The first mask is grey and maroon, with gold lines outlining the eyes and bridge of the nose. Swirling filigree decorates the sides of the eyes. The second mask is white with an ornate gold band around the eyes. The last mask is shaped like the face of a wolf, silver, with bold lines contouring the cheek bones and nose bridge. The text over the images reads: "A fleeing bride. An unpredictable monarch. A knight blinded by devotion. Like players in a comedy, performers of a tragedy, like jesters in a court. Will the masks they wear ever falter?"

180

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Also, can we talk about how beautiful this commission turned out?? 🥺 I’m sobbing over my own characters rn Happy BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS day! 🪷 Thank you @sominixx.bsky.social #booksky #writingcommunity #bookart

172

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS is available now! If you love East Asian inspired fantasy romances with royal politics and a healthy dose of angst, you might love BTLB. Available in ebook and paperback. Check the linktree in my bio for more info! #booksky #writingcommunity #romancerecs #indiebookrecs

072

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

More exciting March news: you can buy signed paperbacks directly from my website! If you enjoy collecting paperbacks or have been eyeing my upcoming March release, BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS, there’s no time like the present to get yourself a special copy. More info in the images below! 🤍 #booksky

A black and white photograph of two paperback books standing side by side against a slatted wood backdrop, one titled Dance on the Sun and the other Before the Lotus Blooms. Text above the books reads “signed paperbacks available to order now!” And text below reads “www.harumibooks.com”

A screenshot of text that reads “purchase directly from HARUMI: ordering copies of my books directly from my website helps me retain a larger amount of the sale so I can in turn keep making books. It also allows me the opportunity to ensure your package is sent with care! Check out the books and bundles available for purchase below.” Below the screenshot is more text that reads “As it says on the site, when you choose to purchase your paperback copy of either Dance on the Sun or Before the Lotus Blooms (or both!) from me directly, the additional revenue I collect (rather than having Amazon take a cut) immediately goes toward my funds to make more books, commission more art, and keep on writing. You may end up spending a couple more dollars than you would purchasing through Amazon, but going through my site cuts out the middle man, and helps support me as an author.”

Text at the top of the image reads in a script font “what’s available”. Below to the left is a screenshot of a store webpage with three available items; the first, Dance on the Sun, for $16.00. Second, Before the Lotus Blooms, for $16.00. Third, Tales of Angaride Bundle, for $30.00. All three listings have an attached image of the book covers, as well as an add to cart button. To the right of the screenshot is text that reads “Right now, you can get signed copies of Dance on the Sun, Before the Lotus Blooms, or purchase both in a bundle, which comes with some additional swag!
Ship times will be slower than Amazon; that’s unfortunately the reality with having to send them out myself, but I promise each package will be sent with tender love and care.

Text that reads “If you’d like to have my books on your shelf, I would be so grateful if you would choose to order from my website. If you prefer ebooks, check out the linktree in my bio for where to find the ebook versions of both novels! From the bottom of my heart I render a deep thanks for your continued support of my books, and I hope you might fall in with them even a little bit more with one in the palm of your hand.” Below the text box is a script font that reads “thank you” and then a thick-penned signature that reads “HARUMI”.

060

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Hi Bluesky! It’s been a while. Zooming back in to remind you that BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS is only 15 days away from being available to have, to hold, and to read! Check out the images below for some early reviews of BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS. #writingcommunity #booksky #indieauthor #mmbooks

FIVE STARS - This book pulled me in quietly and then never let go. The level of detail in the writing is remarkable, not in an overwhelming way, but in how precisely chosen each moment feels.
I could "feel" the weight of the garments as characters moved, "sense" how fabric restricted or comforted them, and "visualize" small, ordinary actions with striking clarity...like the cat startling and leaping when a door slammed shut. Those details made the world tangible and the interactions feel lived-in rather than described. And there were so many other moments I felt just as strongly, but saying more would spoil the experience.

The writing itself is clean, intentional, and beautifully organized, making the story effortless to follow and impossible to put down.

FIVE STARS - A beautiful story of unlikely love and political plots, conspiracy, illness and grief. A poor man, a gardener, ostracised for his appearance and given the hardest task in his new work at the palace bumps into, without recognising him, the crown prince, isolated due to an illness that has beset him since childhood. The gardener finds himself pulled into a barely thought through plan to end the prince's engagement, made privy to the knowledge he has been given only a year to live, he is made a public consort. It's chaotic, it's complicated and it's crazy. Feelings grow, but so do tensions, and the prince's health continues to worsen. The ending is dramatic, cunning, devastating and beautiful.

The world building is brilliant. The politics is intriguing and the religious element interesting, the two intertwined and balanced through falsehood and quiet murder... The slow build of information through the book is well-paced and consistently engaging, the attitudes shifting throughout from despondency to fear to hope to joy. The characters are brilliantly crafted, their personalities opposite but complementary. One brash and opinionated, the other reserved and resigned, they challenge one another and they work well together. Secrecy is necessary but damaging, it is painful and drawn out, but everything comes together in the end.

A beautiful romance wrapped in political plots and intrigue. Brilliant.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

FOUR STARS - When I seen this was a second book in a series, but could be read as a standalone, I was a little put off, but figured “meh, I’ll give it a chance.” I read the introduction, my stomach bottomed out, and I hopped, skipped and jumped over to Kindle unlimited and downloaded the first, devoured that in a day then started this one. They are that good!!! While the first book was low angst, and left me feeling the warm fuzzies, this story kept me in a constant state of panic. Considering how the story started I was panicking throughout the whole journey, and once I got to the last 20%, I was not putting it down for anything. Harumi knows how to tell a story that packs some emotional punch. I’m actually abit disappointed my kindle algorithm hadn’t brought ‘Dance on the Sun’ up, as these MM historical fantasy books are right up my genre. Thank you Harumi for starting my 2026 ready journey strong. The only reason I’m giving 4 stars is that I did find them to be little fast passed, as in throughout the story you’ll find yourself jumping a couple of weeks or months at a time. I do prefer my stories abit more fleshed out, but it absolutely is more a me problem then a you problem. The time jumps take nothing away from the story whatsoever, and I can see that they were done to keep the momentum going as both these stories take place over the course of a year or more. You absolutely can read ‘Before the Lotus Blooms’ (I just finished the book 15 mins ago and writing the title just made the significance of it click, and now I’m crying) as a standalone, but treat yourself and read both, you won’t be disappointed.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Preorder Before the Lotus Blooms today! Available on Kindle, Rakuten Kobo, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play Books, Bookshop.org, Gardners, Fable, Vivlio, Smashwords, and Tolino. Coming soon: 03.13.2026

030

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

There’s 3 more days to snag a spot on my ARC reader list for BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS! The Google sign-up form is in the linktree in my bio. Blurb and trope map below! Sign-ups officially close Jan 15 and ARCs will be sent out Jan 20! #booksky #arcreaders #arcsignup #mmbooks

Jaeyun does not trust the gods. Regarded as a curse and left for dead on the streets of Masu as a child, his resentment toward Dayan and Dayir—the weavers of fate—roots deeper than any crop he’s ever cared for. Motivated by the prospect of wealth and a better life for himself and his adoptive father, he enlists as a palace gardener, despite his distaste for the gods’ divinely appointed rulers. But it isn’t long before he’s twisted into a dangerous and confusing relationship with Satesaru’s crown prince. To earn the salary he was promised, and keep his head attached to his shoulders, he has no choice but to become a character of the prince’s design.

Yuzeharu must trust the gods. As the First Prince of Satesaru, he has always understood his purpose in life; to serve the interests of the crown and the divinities it relies on, by whatever means necessary. However, after a childhood injury leaves him permanently ailing and isolated from the rest of his family, he begins to wonder if there’s a chance he could ever escape his royal cage. Desperate to flee from his responsibilities and racing against the dwindling sands in the twin gods’ hourglass, Yuzeharu implicates the mysterious gardener taking care of his estate in a risky scheme to outrun his destiny.

Before them unwinds a treacherous path of deception, romance, and tragedy as they work together to take control of Yuzeharu’s future. As the line between their act and reality begins to blur, Yuzeharu fights to keep his true feelings concealed, and Jaeyun finds himself inexplicably yet increasingly driven to protect the prince. Must the two bow to their preordained fate, or can their love be enough to defy the will of the gods for good?

051

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Sign-ups forARCs for my spring novel, BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS, are open now until January 15th! The sign-up form is available through the linktree in my bio, or by visiting my website www.harumibooks.com. Full blurb and trope map in the images below! #booksky #arcreads #bookreviewers

The cover of BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS is surrounded by small text boxes that indicate present tropes in the book. All text boxes are as follows: Prince x peasant, he fell first but he fell harder, unwanted engagement, scars (emotional and physical), size/height gap, overthinker x one track mind, false pretenses, first love, love and loss, life and death, fickle gods, survival, hidden enemies, newfound family, fate and destiny, star crossed lovers, sacrificial love, political plots, contractual relationship, and aggressive caretaker.

120

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

Brief bluesky break intermission (yes a break from the break) to share my book cover for BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS 🤭🤭 it turned out SO PRETTY! 💚 mark your calendars for 03.13.26! #writesky #writingcommunity #booksky

A light green book with a darker, vine-like scroll border around the central image and text rests on a silky viridian fabric, posed between two lotus leaves, one at the top and one at the bottom. Two green (darker than the main part of the cover) semi circles border the title text, reading “Before the Lotus Blooms.” Inside the semi-circles are lotus flower silhouettes. There is a subtitle near the top of the book cover reading “Book 2, Tales of Angaride” as well as text on the bottom reading “a novel by HARUMI.”

1112

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Taking a break from wipsnips this month, have too much else going on and already haven’t had time to touch social media hardly at all and it’s only going to get worse the deeper into the month we get. But will be back to the book social grind in November! ✨

020

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Last snip of September, ending on a good note with a snip of one of my favorite BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS characters, Piko, the calico cat. #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

“What is wrong with me, Piko?”
I lament to essentially no one, as cats aren’t very good conversational partners, her focus entirely on getting in a good snooze on my stomach. Her paws open and contract in a steady rhythm as she purrs, oblivious to my emotional distress.
I can’t believe I got drunk and made such a stupid mistake, and when Jaeyun asked to return home a few days later, I was both relieved and ashamed.
Does he think I’m impossible to be around after all?

0121

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

• “Love troubles?” • It feels like my luck is finally returning. “You hit the nail on the head.” I keep my gaze locked onto his. “My cheating ex-boyfriend won’t leave me alone.” From chapter 5 of BFBC 🦫 #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

“Did that picture piss off it’s intended recipient?” He asks to my surprise, his brown eyes flicking between his drink and my face.
“It certainly did.” Damien will be even angrier later. “Thank you for your service.”
He smiles behind his cup. “Happy to help.”
I notice under his slight flush a smattering of freckles across his cheekbones and the bridge of his nose. He really is pretty cute. Definitely a step up from the bartender, and though not my usual type, there’s something about his sort of farm-boy look that I like.
Either extremely intuitive or also tipped off by someone else in the room, he follows that up with a question. “Love troubles?”
It feels like my luck is finally returning. “You hit the nail on the head.” I keep my gaze locked onto his. “My cheating ex-boyfriend won’t leave me alone.”
Something flashes in Javi’s eyes just for a moment after he registers ex-'boyfriend’, but he doesn’t ask any follow up questions, nor does he run away. He simply nods in understanding before looking back at the dance floor.
Not a terrible reaction.

0162

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

Skill, or perhaps lack thereof. Jaeyun confides in Inuhori in chapter 14 of BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS. #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

“These are medical journals.” Inuhito furrows his brow, tipping one of the books back by the spine to look at the cover. He doesn’t ask out loud, but his face has a clear “why?” written all over it.
I take out one that’s written in Sarun, with words I mostly understand on the front.
“I’m doing some studying.” I answer plainly, not eager to discuss the details with him. But as I flip through the pages, it’s clear I may need his help knowing which texts would even be useful to me.
He watches me skeptically, pushing the book he’d pulled out back into its place.
“You’re skilled in medicine?” His voice actually sounds a bit interested, even maybe hopeful, though his face doesn’t show it.
I find myself with a lie on the tip of my tongue, ready to fire it off, but I stop myself. This is something I really won’t be able to do on my own.
I snap the book shut and turn to him. “No. Truthfully, I only learned how to read recently. Yuzeharu has been teaching me.”
His eyebrows shoot up in mild surprise but quickly settle back low over his dark eyes. “His Grace taught you?” He makes sure to emphasize the polite use of his title. “You mean to say you didn’t know how to read at all?”
I’d really like to chuck a book at his dense skull for making me repeat myself, but I keep my composure, even if just barely. “Yes, that’s what I’m saying.” He’s really not making me want to ask him for help, but I don’t really have any other choices. “Because of that, I don’t even know where to start. For books on medicine, or with what Yuze would enjoy reading.”

0121

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

This one’s a vibe and not direct, since flurry automatically brings to mind a rush of snowflakes ❄️ #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

I throw myself backwards into the snow, my arms and legs splaying out unceremoniously as I try to calm my pounding heart. The powder beneath is cold against my scalp and now-bare neck, a fresh reminder of my newest shame. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been compared to Jemma, and I’ve always fallen short.
It’s not as though this feeling is anything novel.
Delicate snowflakes begin dancing down from the sky, each one falling and flittering at its own pace, taking their sweet time before reaching my exposed skin and melting upon meeting it. As my face grows damp, I’m reminded of a folk song Father used to sing to me on a whim, one that likened people to snowflakes. Each individually crafted by The Protector, designed from Heaven to be truly special and unique. I loved hearing it, and I would ask him to sing it for me often as a young child.
When was the last time I heard it?
“...with Her hands she weaves us all, each a crystal tap-es-try...” The words tumble out quietly and off-key as I try to remember the next phrase, pausing as I search my memory.

0123

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Not the first red face and certainly not the last in BFBC. 🦫 #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

I can tell Javi is completely drunk, his face bright red as he takes a break on the sidelines, clearly needing to catch his breath. I check my phone for the time, realizing midnight is approaching and almost everyone above the age of thirty-five has already left.
I shuffle my way out of the crowd and over to Javi’s side, bumping into him playfully.
“Still standing?” I ask.
“Barely.” He smiles, not making any moves to put more distance between us.
It’s now or never.
“How are you getting home?” I lean in further, pressing my luck.
His eyes search the room, looking for who I assume must be his designated driver. “My sister...”
I let my fingers organically find his wrist, taking it lightly as I finish my inquiries directly into his ear.
“Want to come up to my hotel room to sober up a little?”

0153

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

“She snaps her hands back down to her sides and takes a deep, practiced breath in attempts to calm herself, and—if I could venture to guess—to keep herself from wringing my neck.” From the opening scene of a special project, that I’m hoping to have ready to publish in December 👀😙❄️ #wipsnips

“What were you thinking?”
She stomps over and begins touching my hair, her hands running wildly through the short strands that curl slightly around my ears and the base of my neck.
“What does it matter? It’s just hair!” I roll my eyes. “And it’ll grow back, like Mama said.”
She snaps her hands back down to her sides and takes a deep, practiced breath in attempts to calm herself, and—if I could venture to guess—to keep herself from wringing my neck.
“It’s not just hair, and you know that.” Her voice is barely above a whisper, but there’s such a severity behind it, I feel like my ears hurt. “It’s the hair, the trousers, the sneaking out when you’re meant to be in lessons.”
I can’t help but sigh.

0181

Reposted by HARUMI

roz is here & not here 🪄🌹🦇🫧 | Rozlai Eyler @starbuds-and-roses.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

I have to post this & run, but here. . . cw: suggestive as far as improvements go, I’m still tinkering with this scene & the end goal is to eventually write it out in full, whenever the inspiration strikes 🤞 #SaturdaySnippet #writesky

a screenshot of white text against a black background that reads:

"You're perfect," Cecyl whispered, breathlessly, and leaned in for a kiss, only to have to break away all too quickly, "so perfect."

052

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

“I have some pocket money for you too, while we’re out.” 🎶“Lucky me, a son that wants to buy me things…”🎶 From Chapter 9 of BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS. #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

Ahbo hammers his right fist lightly into the palm of his left. “We should go see Gyudo this mornin’, I’m certain he’d have some connections.”
I try to hold back a frown. Since the Prince and I have already made a public appearance together, I’ve been careful about showing my face in town. I know if I go out with Ahbo, he’s likely to draw attention since he can’t seem to stop telling everyone about my job at the palace.
It feels risky, but, unfortunately, he’s right. If anyone would know where or how to get something rare, it would be Gyudo.
“Alright, let me get dressed for the day first.” I stand from the table, collecting our breakfast bowls. Ahbo claps his hands together excitedly. “I have some pocket money for you too, while we’re out.”
It feels strange to be the one offering cash to Ahbo instead of the other way around, but I can’t deny it makes me a bit proud to be able to do so. I do have some guilt now, knowing I’m ripping off someone more pitiful than I’d originally assumed. But the Prince seemingly had no issue giving me my monthly salary before I left for home, and I wasn’t about to turn it down.
“Lucky me,” Ahbo sings quietly as he heads into his room. “A son that wants ta buy me things...”

0143

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

“Damn, I thought that little Band-Aid was the worst of it.” Beck discusses his recent motorcycle-accident-related-injuries with a friend over lunch in Chapter 2 of BFBC. #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

“If the food is bad, you have every right to complain. ‘Til you’ve tasted it though, you don’t get an opinion.” Robby points his unwrapped straw at me before plunging it into his water. “Now what happened? You drove up in a truck...I’m assuming that isn’t yours.” He takes a long sip.
“You would be correct.” I lift up my t-shirt sleeve to reveal the bandages over my shoulder, his eyes growing wide at the sight. “I blew a tire and lost control, now my bike’s in some random shop. The truck is a loaner.”
“Damn, I thought that little Band-Aid was the worst of it.” He must’ve thought I was just being dramatic, hearing me gripe after only seeing the little scratch on my cheek. “Did you go to the hospital?”
“Urgent care, the mechanic who picked me up on the side of the road basically kidnapped me and took me there against my will.” I’m still annoyed thinking about how he treated me like an injured child.
“What a nice guy,” Robby smiles, “taking care of someone as prickly as you.”

0121

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

A little meet cute at the local marina bar and grille between Beck and Javi, the main characters of BFBC. #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

“Sorry, you’re bleeding.”
He takes over the napkin, pulling it down to see he is, in fact, wounded.
“Shit. I thought it wouldn’t open again.”
“Doesn’t look like it’s too bad. Just a scratch.”
“Yeah, well, that’s the least of it.” He continues to dab at his face, scrunching his nose every time he pulls it away and there’s more blood.
“Did you get into a fight?” I know that’s probably not what happened, but I can’t deny I’m curious.
He smiles with half his mouth, the corner quirking up. “Yeah, with the ground.”
I laugh, maybe harder than I should as his cheeks start to color.
“I got launched off my motorcycle, okay?” He defends, crumpling up the napkin as the scratch has started to clot.

0173

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

Sometimes children show a strong ability to be brave and understanding better than adults can, as displayed by young Princess Tamayan after a distressing first meeting with the previous Queen. Snip from BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS 🪷 #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

“Tama, I know that was frightening…but I need to know if you’re hurt.”
She swallows big gulps of air between cries, loosening her grip on my neck. “I’m—okay—” She sputters out, trying to calm herself.
I push her hair back out of her face, modeling a slow breathing pattern.
“Good, I’m glad you’re not hurt.”
She nods her head.
“I’m sorry Auntie scared you…I don’t think she meant to.” Guilt starts to weigh on my shoulders, even though there was no way I could have known Mother would react that way.
Tamayan shakes her head, the tears slowing and her breathing evening out. “I think I scared her.”
I blink, shocked by her ability to be so rational and mature given what she just experienced.

0151

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

“No map, no way to call anyone, and no fucking clue what I’m supposed to do.“ Good ol’ Nebraska nowhere. Snip from BFBC 🦫🏕️ #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

Living in the twenty-first century has its perks, but at times like this—when the only thing I can get to appear in the top right corner of my iPhone screen is ‘SOS’ — I begin to wonder if any of this is worth it.
Life was already shitty enough as it was, before my only accessible mode of transportation lost a tire, now currently on the shoulder of this godforsaken highway in the middle of bumfuck nowhere, black smoke billowing from the engine. No map, no way to call anyone, and no fucking clue what I’m supposed to do. I glance at my phone again, the cracked screen only adding insult to injury.
Who would I call anyway? Dad? Ben? Hell no. I’m not even sure they’ve realized I left, and it would be better to keep it that way.

0111

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

“Its…not much. Not that I expected it to be.” How Beckett Moore feels about most things in life, and this hotel is no exception. Snip from BFBC. 🦫👀 #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

I let the front desk know I may be adding a few more nights to my stay dependent on vehicle troubles and get checked in at the hotel, which is also about what I presumed. Three floors of cookie cutter rooms, blue and grey patterned carpeting in the halls, and a small indoor pool and hot tub available to guests. What I hesitate to call a “fitness center” sits next to the pool area, only two treadmills and a few free weights to its name. It’s at least an improvement compared to the murder motel I stopped at last night.
I consider snooping around to check out the event hall, since that’s where the wedding reception will be held, but my feet are already carrying me to the elevator before I can think about it too much.
It’s barely past five o’clock, but I’m already fucking tired.

071

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Hey hey finally a different wip 👀 A little bit about a diner that smells like coffee and cigarettes in a small Midwest town, from BFBC (acronym). Title to be announced at a later date. #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

Robby raises an eyebrow. “I was gonna pay for you, but if you’re gonna be so ungrateful maybe I won’t.”
“I have plenty to cover my own meal, thank you.” I set the menu back down and slide it back his way, noticing a slight stickiness on the surface of the table which makes me immediately feel like I need to wash my hands. “Is there nowhere nicer in town to grab lunch?”
He sighs and stacks the menus, leaving them neatly on the edge of the table. “No where nice enough for you, so I figured it didn’t matter.”
He’s probably right.
A waitress in her teens drops off two glasses of ice water with straws and then takes our order, removing the menus as she goes, looking between Robby and I like we might be the only young people she’s seen in days. When I glance about the diner, I can’t help but notice the clientele all appears to be of a much older variety, and the air smells strongly of coffee and cigarettes.

0122

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

It’s a double edged sword: I love re-reading because I specifically try to write things that I would want to read, but I also tend to start picking apart areas I could have written differently (which isn’t great if it’s already published). Overall it’s a yes tho 😎

131

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

I know I’m a day late but I didn’t have one for the prompt today so I’m cheating shhh Jaeyun reflects on his appearance in BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS. #wipsnips #writingcommunity #writesky

I towel off and tie my hair into a knot at the back of my head, the shorter strands stubbornly falling loose around my face and neck. Even so, the shortest pieces of my bangs are nearly at my chin. It won’t be long before I can tie it all away neatly, just like Ahbo convinced me to do.
“It’s time ya start takin’ pride in yer appearance,” he told me.
Even if that’s what he said, I’m not proud of it at all.
The discolored eyes in the mirror that look back at me are tired, and far weaker than they should be. What about this face of mine is there to honor?

093

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

𑁍 C H A R A C T E R M O O D B O A R D S 𑁍 Next up is Yuzeharu, one half of the pairing from my upcoming spring release, BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS. Yuzeharu is decorative, soft, and floral, with a poised elegance. #writesky #writingcommunity #booksky

A photo of a Pinterest mood board comprised of several rectangular images, organized by like color or content. Among them are many images of green and yellow pears, pastel blue waters, crème silky fabrics, purple sunsets, white rabbits and shiny pearls, along with lotus flowers and leaves.

Titled “YUZE”
This image has the same Pinterest mood board in the back with three images overlaid on top. The first image is a square cropping of a digital illustration of the character, only showing his eye, eyebrow, surrounding skin, and some strands of hair. His skin is pale and ashy and he has deep, dark circles around his under-eye from illness and unrest. His eye is a cool greyish brown color and his eyebrow and hair a mousy grey.
The second image is a screenshot of text, an excerpt from the novel that reads: “Viewing him from above like this is new. His eyelashes curve along his high cheekbones, still blushed pink. His knuckles bear the same color, his fists clenched on either side of him into the bedding below.
I take the second button in my fingers, lightning coursing through me as I work my way down, un-looping the little pearls one after the next, my knees bending as I work closer and closer to the bottom. I let my knees press to the floor as I undo the last one at his waist, the vest now fully open, exposing the light purple tunic layer beneath.”
The last image is another screenshot of text, an excerpt from the novel that reads: “By looking into his eyes I consequently see for the first time the bare area around his clavicle and shoulders, exposed by the loose undershirt. His bones are still clearly defined, but his skin is not as sunken as I would have expected. In fact, it almost looks like the chest of a normal, albeit lanky, young man.
He has a mole on his collarbone, too.”

041

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

Double whammy for broad and broader! I don’t think anyone is giving out extra points though. Snip from when Jaeyun, the consort of the First Prince, Yuzeharu, meets the Second Prince, Ohyiro for the first time in BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS. #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

Ohyiro directs his attention to Jaeyun, looking him up and down. “Yes, the famed consort. Out in broad daylight.” He takes a small step forward, perhaps as a means of intimidation, though his stature still lacks compared to Jaeyun, who feels as though he’s somehow gotten even taller and broader in the last few minutes as he keeps strong eye contact with my brother.
“A pleasure to finally meet you, Your Highness.” Jaeyun says, a fake politeness clear in his tone. I don’t doubt Ohyiro catches it as well as his callous expression turns into an unconcealed frown.
“For you, perhaps.” He suddenly turns to me and smirks condescendingly. “He’s really as ugly as they’ve said.”

1111

Reposted by HARUMI

Dianna Gunn Does (Fictional) Murders 🇨🇦 @diannalgunn.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

No, authors aren't burnt out because "writing without AI is slow" We're burnt out because we're paid dirt so we need day jobs to survive

333439922

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

I’ve been slacking this month but needing to distract myself from the real world so here’s one based on reptilian vibes. 🐍 #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

“Return to Gajoro.” Father waves his hand contemptuously. “Your sunken face wearies me.”
Mohebi smirks before opening her fan once more, delicately waving it around, though to me it looks like a snake shaking its rattles with a venomous warning.

0143

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

“It somehow makes my skin crawl. Overnight, I’m someone of worth and importance, just because I’m sleeping with royalty. Allegedly.” Another quip from our resident smartass in BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS. #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity #writingprompts

As I approach the gate, the guards share a lock with each other, both seemingly unsure of whether or not to harass me like usual. They’re both guards I’ve dealt with before, and to my surprise, they both bow their heads politely and open the gate without complaint.
It somehow makes my skin crawl.
Overnight, I’m someone of worth and importance, just because I’m sleeping with royalty.
Allegedly.

061

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 16/08/2025

Didn’t think I’d actually have one for today, but behold: the only instance of “allergic” in BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS. 😂 #wipsnips #writingcommunity #writesky #writingprompts

“I must excuse myself, however, as there is an important matter I must attend to. Please, enjoy the revelry, Yuzeharu.” He nods to Lord Seifaung before leaving us in a flourish, his long robes trailing on the ground behind him.
In all my years, I’ve never seen the man so shaken.
Does that mean that I’ve won?
“Come now, your father is simply allergic to having a good time!” Lord Seifaung continues to yank on me in his drunkenness until I stand, my limbs nearly unable to support me. “My goodness, could it be you’ve already drunken yourself into a stupor?”
“That would be you, Your Lordship.” Ohyiro’s voice cuts in as he reaches under my armpit to support me.

0102

Reposted by HARUMI

🌙Evil Sonny Ross🌞 @sonnyross.bsky.social · 16/08/2025

I drew this on my lunch break your excuses are fucking pathetic

A decorative illustration of flowers with the caption “I don’t use ai I’m not a fucking loser” with a severed hand with too many fingers

89221847840

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

“But the King of Satesaru is no longer simply just the incumbent leader of a governmental hierarchy I detest; no, it’s much more than that now. That man is an enemy.” #wipsnips #writingcommunity #writesky #writingprompts

A simmering rage within me rolls over into a boil when the King turns to Yuzeharu, pulling him in close by the back of his neck, whispering something I can’t even begin to make out as his mouth is obscured by the angle. But seeing Yuze’s expression shift is enough to know the hatred bursting forth from the deepest parts of my being are justified.
This man couldn’t care less if his son dies a tragic or painful death. As long as he has a puppet to achieve his own goals before that happens, he’ll be triumphant, and Yuze knows this all too well. He looks broken, rendered hopeless, futile. Any bit of life he’s gained in the past four months has been drained from him in an instant, just as the color leaves his face.
I’ve always hated royalty. I’ve never questioned that conviction. But the King of Satesaru is no longer simply just the incumbent leader of a governmental hierarchy I detest; no, it’s much more than that now.
That man is an enemy.

0133

Reposted by HARUMI

Zachary Berger @zacharyberger.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

Friends (esp if you live in CA) we REALLY need signatures on this petition supporting Bill AB412 - the AI Copyright Transparency Act. TLDR = this will require AI corps to be transparent about what is in their datasets! Signing takes 1 min. Once you sign, PLEASE SHARE!! tinyurl.com/4uxbp963

6575756544

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

Sometimes you can’t help but say what’s really on your mind. From ch 14 of BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS. #WIPSnips #writesky #writingcommunity #writingprompts

As much as I’d like to lie my way through the answer, I can’t seem to think of anything. I open my mouth and my real thoughts come out. “Yuzeharu is kind.” Gods, I sound stupid. I avert my eyes from his scrutiny. “In fact, it ends up making him a fool. He’s always concerned about others, and cares too little about himself.”
Surprisingly, Inuho looks like he agrees.
“His mental fortitude is incredible, despite his physical weakness. He only gets righteously angry.” The words begin spilling at a faster rate than I can manage to stop. “He adores the simplest things; when he smiles genuinely, it feels precious to me.” What am I even saying right now? And why to this bastard of all people? “He deserves to—”
I cut myself short, suddenly worried that perhaps not all the staff in Gajoro are aware of Yuze’s acceptance of death.
“He deserves to be cared for.” I settle. “He deserves happiness.”
“Do you think yourself capable of providing that happiness?”

1143

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 10/08/2025

“Yuze’s face glows just as much as the flowers, his eyes wide with uninhibited awe as the blooms reveal their intricate interiors.” For a book whose titular element is a flower, the word “flower” itself appears less times than I would have imagined. #wipsnips #writesky #writingcommunity

$I toss the blade of grass I’ve all but shredded into the pond water, its weight not even enough to cause ripples in the surface. Inadvertently though, it draws my attention to one of the closest lotus bulbs which bobs in the water, one of its petals popping open. “Listen Jaeyun, if things continue on like this, I’m afraid of hurting—” “Yuze, look.” I interrupt him, reaching over to grab his arm, my heart racing. They’re blooming. One by one, petal by petal, the wealth of lotuses around the shallow banks of the pond begin to unfold underneath clear, sparkling moonlight. Yuze’s face glows just as much as the flowers, his eyes wide with uninhibited awe as the blooms reveal their intricate interiors. All at once I’m reminded of being a boy, sat on the rocky shore of Lake Nakajie, watching the magical spectacle with Ahbo at my side. I wonder if I looked the same as Yuze does now; entranced and mesmerized, spellbound by each fraction of movement from the papery petals. The wait was worth it.$

0203

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 10/08/2025

August has been off to a busy start so I’ve missed out, but knew I could get one in today! From chapter 7 of BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS, hopefully to be available March 2026. #writesky #wipsnips #writingcommunity

A brush along the side of my face sends a strange shiver through my spine and my eyes open on instinct, expecting a stray leaf or blade of grass to be the culprit but instead I’m met with the Prince’s forearm stretched out across my vision, his delicate fingers tangled in my hair on the left side of my head.
My heart feels as though it’s tripped over itself as a rush of adrenaline comes coursing through me, my body frozen as he pulls his hand away and meets my eyes, his expression seemingly unbothered.
“There was a piece of cotton,” he says, holding the little piece of white fluff up before tossing it into the nearby grass unceremoniously. The feeling of his gentle touch lingers on my cheek, which now feels like it must be burning red. I sit up quickly, nearly knocking him over as he backs out of the way, proof we were sitting much too close.

0193

Reposted by HARUMI

Simon Hintermann @aurumek.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Today is my birthday (turning 29), which is the only time all year that I ask for a repost 🌿 I hope you get lost in fantasy worlds as much as I do 🔮

45189073019

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Last one for July: “My chest hurts for some reason as I watch his hand drop into his lap, tears welling in his eyes.” Jaeyun eventually figures out what that “some reason” is for his chest hurting when he watches Yuzeharu cry, even if it takes him a little while. 😌 #wipsnips #writesky

The way he says those words to me leads me to believe I must fall into that category. My chest hurts for some reason as I watch his hand drop into his lap, tears welling in his eyes. He’s older than me, higher in societal rank than me, but yet he seems so small, like a lost child with no hope of ever being found.
“It’s not your fault.” I feel compelled to reach out to him, my thumb wiping the outer corner of his eye as my hand finds its way into his hair. “None of this is your fault.” I may not know anything about his illness, his family, or the life he’s lived up until now...the burdens he’s borne alone. But I do know one thing.
I don’t trust a single person in this palace.

0174

Reposted by HARUMI

roz is here & not here 🪄🌹🦇🫧 | Rozlai Eyler @starbuds-and-roses.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

I surprisingly haven’t used this word much yet so, stretching a bit today with the synonym “trail” his first sight of genuine sorrow after months of rage. . . (one name redacted for spoilers) #WIPSnips #writesky

a screenshot of white text against a black back shirt. two forward slashes indicate italicized text. it reads:

Had he looked like this, too, the first time he realized he was on his own? He was the savior, not the one to be saved, as it was written in all but stone. Skin splotchy and uneven in tone; eyes so terribly round and slightly puffy, wavering only to latch onto and lean towards the first thing that seemed soft—/softer/ than whatever had caused their whites to redden with tears; cheeks streaked by shiny trails shaky hands could never hope to hide. Sorrow and frustration without the painful gritting of teeth. Without a blade clenched in a trained fist. The flash of red. Eloy had never wanted to hug that little boy more.

Instead, he pulled [name] into his chest and held him there, as long as he needed; as long as he'd stay.

0256

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

The very opening lines of BEFORE THE LOTUS BLOOMS, setting the tone for the remainder of the novel. #writesky #wipsnips #writingcommunity

“Please be kind, Dayir, Dayan. Let our star survive the dawn!”
Voices of the old, the young, the rich, the poor, all sing out in unison over the pouring rain clattering hard against the tin rooftops of the streetways where we stand. A lone pallbearer on a black horse walks slowly over the worn cobblestones of Masu, waving behind him a solemn black flag. Women and children wail as the thunder rolls on. The horse’s hooves stamp through the small puddles that have formed in the gaps of the stones, splashing muddied water onto the feet of the bystanders, and onto the heads of those who have kneeled in desperation.
The gravity of Satesaru’s loss is palpable, but I feel nothing for these people who do not even know the name or face of whom they mourn.

0203

HARUMI @harumibooks.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

When Reykjan met Gael. Love love loved writing this scene of my two main characters meeting for the first time. It’s still one of my favorite parts of the book You can buy ebook or soft cover of DANCE ON THE SUN on Amazon 😙

As I’m staring at my feet trying to recollect myself, I see a dark hand grab my own, and when I look up to meet the owner, I find it’s Prince Gael in front of me. Up close, he’s even sharper and more bewitching, perhaps even intimidating to look at. He locks on to my eyes, and I can’t look away despite my intense desire to. Suddenly, he brings my hand to his lips and kisses my knuckles, a greeting I was certainly not expecting from anyone, let alone another man. “Saav’i.” His voice is deep, with a clarity similar to his father’s. It’s hearty and full, sounding as if someone had just pulled a bow across the strings of a cello. I’m in such a shock, I don’t have any rational thoughts other than to escape from this. Right now. I pull my hand away rather abruptly, and avert my eyes, finally able to rip them away from his intense gaze.

030