iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by H. A. Spector, MFA

Northern Shadows Magazine @northernshadowsmag.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Submissions are open! Submit your darkest of dark speculative fiction to Northern Shadows Magazine. Theme: What Creeps in the Shadows Looking for: Dark speculative short stories between 500-2,500 words www.northernshadowsmag.com/submissions/ #opensubmissions #darkfiction #specfiction #horror

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Reposted by H. A. Spector, MFA

Northern Shadows Magazine @northernshadowsmag.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Submissions will open on May 1st! Send us your questionable existences, your adventures into the deep dark, your hidden passages, your shadow puppets, and your shady creatures to kick off our inaugural issue of Northern Shadows Magazine. www.northernshadowsmag.com/submissions/ #opencall #writers

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Reposted by H. A. Spector, MFA

Richard Leis @richardleis.com · 19/04/2026

Come hear @niyyahwrites.bsky.social @jacymorris.bsky.social @tommyspoon.bsky.social @haspectorwrites.bsky.social Nathan Carson and Will Boechler reading horror stories at Memento Mori Cafe in Portland. I'm attending to listen and be scared, but some of us will also have books for sale.

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

Hello fellow literary nerds! Happy to announce that together with an amazing team of friends and contributors, we will be launching Northern Shadows Magazine! The mag will focus on dark speculative stories set in real or whimsical place. Submission call coming soon! #writer #author #litmag

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Reposted by H. A. Spector, MFA

HWA Oregon @hwaoregon.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

The Horror Authors Book Party at Beaverton City Library featured great readings (and monsters and monster assistants!)

H. A. Spector reads a story from his phone in front of an audience at the Horror Authors Book Party at Beaverton City Library on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Andrew Fuller reads a story from his book in front of an audience at the Horror Authors Book Party at Beaverton City Library on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Richard Leis reads poems and flash fiction from sheets of paper in front of an audience at the Horror Authors Book Party at Beaverton City Library on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Dan Finnegan reads a story from sheets of paper in front of an audience at the Horror Authors Book Party at Beaverton City Library on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

Recently had one of my short stories picked up for publication! If you want to check it out (need a free reader subscription to do so) check out the link below! www.darkharbormagazine.com/my-little-desert-oasis/ Thanks @darkharbormagazine.bsky.social

darkharbormagazine.com

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

After 35 grueling weeks of non-stop writing, revising, editing, reading, etc., I have finished my novel and thus have finished all coursework for my MFA degree! What's next? I am letting it sit in a drawer for 3+ months to get distance. Then back to revise once more! #AuthorSky #BookSky

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

Hello from StokerCon 2025! Shouting out a few pieces of writing advice I’ve heard so far: 1. If you wanna learn how to be concise with words, study rap lyrics. 2. “Writing rituals are just excuses not to write.” -SGJ What’s your favorite piece of writing advice? #BookSky #Writer #Author

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

To everyone who listens to Ink to Paper: Stories & Interviews (my interview podcast) thank you! I am taking the month of June off from posting new episodes as I have a packed schedule. The show will resume in July! :) #PodSky #BookSky

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

For the first time in my life, I have officially completed a manuscript for a novel. It's a surreal feeling to finally put a big ol' green check mark next to "write a novel" on my bucket list. Up next, 10 weeks to edit it from top to bottom so I can finish this MFA . . . #BookSky #Writing #MFA

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

One week remaining to finish my first draft of my Thesis novel for my MFA degree. It’s surreal to think that I’ll have completed a draft of a manuscript for the first time in my life. Bucket List Item: ✅ Then 10 weeks to fully revise and edit before final submission! #BookSky #WritingJourney

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

Episode 8 of Ink to Paper: Stories & Interviews drops tomorrow at 5am on all your favorite podcast platforms! On this week's episode join me as I welcome to the show Briar Hyssop as they read their #weirdfiction short, "The Ballad of M'Yon'Ezu". Hope you enjoy! #BookSky #PodSky #Podcasts

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

Episode 8 of Ink to Paper: Stories and Interviews drops tomorrow with the wonderful and wise @amieglazier. You can find the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and wherever else you get your podcasts! #podcast #BookSky #writers #authors

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Hey everyone! A bit late on the post, but nonetheless wanted to let you all know that the next episode of Ink to Paper: Stories and Interviews is live and available wherever you get your podcasts! Warning: Sexual Topics and Mature Language youtu.be/9WUfc77e1FA?... #BookSky #Podcast #Writer

youtu.be

6. "The Package" by Randall Madden

YouTube video by Heath Midkiff

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

Reading “They Bloom at Night” by Trang Thanh Tran (highly recommend) and loved this line: “Adults having their shit figured out is an illusion of childhood. You wake up one day and the mirage is gone.” #BookSky #Books #YAHorror

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Episode 5 is now live wherever you get your podcasts (we are also now on YouTube)! This week, I talk to four amazing people making an impact on the literary community by starting their own online speculative fiction magazine! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5... #BookSky #podcast #writer #magazine

podcasts.apple.com

5. Starting an Online Speculative Fiction Magazine

Podcast Episode · Ink to Paper: Stories and Interviews · 04/02/2025 · 53m

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

The next short story episode of Ink to Paper dropped yesterday feature indie author Chloe Longstreet and their short story "Grandpa's Little Protégé". Go check it out wherever you get your podcasts! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4... #booksky #author #writing #indie #shortfiction #podcast

podcasts.apple.com

4. Grandpa's Little Protégé by Chloe Longstreet

Podcast Episode · Ink to Paper: Stories and Interviews · 03/19/2025 · 20m

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

To be respectful and not to disparage any writer's work, I'll be vague here. I DNF'd a horror book the other day because it had content that gave me the ick over and over. But, it felt weird DNFing a book as this was my first. Do you all do it? Why or why not? #BookSky #TBR #DNF

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Hey Writers! How do you become unstuck when writing a scene? Do you skip it and come back? Do you power through to get a first draft? Do you twirl around in your chair until your brain thinks of something? Let me know! #Writer #AmWriting #BookSky #Author #WIP

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

12 weeks until my full first draft of my manuscript is due for Thesis. 12 weeks to write 60k words. 12 weeks until I can officially say, I've written a novel front to back. #BucketList #BookSky #Writing #AmWriting #Author #MFA

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

The new episode of Ink to Paper: Stories & Interviews is now live wherever you get your podcasts! Come listen as I interview indie author Chloe Longstreet on their journey publishing "The Undead Uprising." #BookSky #Writing #AmWriting #podcast #author podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3...

podcasts.apple.com

3. The Indie Publishing Journey with Chloe Longstreet

Podcast Episode · Ink to Paper: Stories and Interviews · 03/05/2025 · 42m

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

The next episode of Ink to Paper: Stories & Interviews drops tomorrow wherever you get your podcasts! Here is a sneak peak into the conversation with indie author Chloe Longstreet! #writing #amwriting #BookSky #podcasts

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Reposted by H. A. Spector, MFA

Di 📚🏴‍☠️🌈 @sapphicstreganona.bsky.social · 23/02/2025

Sorry if I’m a broken record about utilizing your local library but also please go get a library card even if you don’t plan on doing anything with it! Anything we can do to support libraries as institutions by bumping their stats is a net good!

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

Therapy is a slow process, but so good for the soul. Everyone should have access to free or affordable mental health care. Let’s continue to fight for the country we want, and kick orange tyrants to the curb so we can get back to progress instead of regression. #Therapy #MentalHealth

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

As I get ready to dive into Don’t Nod’s new game Lost Records, I’m reminded that video games can teach you how to write just as well as reading books can. Especially with dialogue and natural conversation. Give them a chance. Especially narrative games. #writing #author #VideoGames #Learntowrite

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

The second episode (and our first short story!) is out today wherever you get your podcasts! If you feel inclined, please leave a review and give us a follow! Available wherever you get your podcasts! #writer #author #podcast #BookSky podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i...

podcasts.apple.com

Podcast Episode · Ink to Paper: Stories and Interviews · 02/19/2025 · 15m

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

If you haven't listened to Episode 1 you are missing out on some awesome advice on how to write kick-ass fight scenes! (Available wherever you get your podcasts!) open.spotify.com/episode/7b7m... #Writer #Podcast #AmWriting #Author

open.spotify.com

1. How to Write Kick-Ass Fight Scenes with Jakob Tice

Ink to Paper: Stories and Interviews · Episode

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

As a "pantser", I start every project with a hard "I don't outline" approach. Then I get lost in the beginning of the middle. Which inevitably turns me into an plotter. Do I stick to that outline? hell no. Does it make me feel better in the moment? yes. #writingcommunity #writers #author #books

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Reposted by H. A. Spector, MFA

Gord Henderson @gordhenderson.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Read banned books! #booksky #books #reading

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

I just used a Sharpie to outline for the last hour. My nose kinda burns now and I am left wondering if the brain cells I sacrificed will come back to bite me in the end as I struggle through the middle of this book. #Writing #Thesis #amwriting

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

8% into the audiobook of Lessons in Chemistry and I am already screaming "fuck you" at the men in the book and their misogyny. It's devastating to know that this culture still exists. Can someone Thanos' toxic masculinity from culture, please? #BookSky #Books

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Another Day, Another #BookReview! My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix. 4/5. A fun romp through 80's nostalgia and a deeply emotional story about everlasting friendship, no matter the cost. #BookSky #bookish #books

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Next up on my TBR: This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone & Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. What is next on your TBR?! #BookSky #Bookish #books #TBR

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Here's my book review for House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune! Did you read it? What were your thoughts? Comment Below! #BookSky

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

The inaugural episode of Ink to Paper: Stories & Interviews is now live wherever you get your podcasts! Below is a link to Apple and Spotify. I hope you enjoy! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i... open.spotify.com/show/4MVjEK6... #writer #podcast #author #BookSky #amwriting

podcasts.apple.com

Ink to Paper: Stories and Interviews

Arts Podcast · 1 Episodes · Updated Biweekly

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

Writing prompt: A librarian, a llama, and a magician walk into a bar. What happens next? This has been silly prompts with Spector. The part of BlueSky where Spector shares his silly prompts. #exvangelical (IYKYK) #Writers #BookSky #AmWriting

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

What do you all use for short story submissions? I've been using Submittable but I've also heard of the Submission Grinder (did I get that right?) any preferences out there amongst the writers? #AmWriting #Submissions #Writers #BookSky

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Reposted by H. A. Spector, MFA

Melissa @figuringitallout.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

This isn't ttrpg related, but I have bought books from two small indie book shops. I cannot stress this enough: support your local bookstore. Support local businesses! These folks are dedicated to their work and anything you buy truly makes a difference. #booksky #shoplocal #figuringsthoughts

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

Contemplating writing a novel that is released via podcast episodes weekly. Would readers be interested in something like that? #BookSky #Books #Bookish #BookTok #Audiobooks

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

Every bit of emotion spilled from her, the anger, the sadness, the fear. Her voice now raw, loud and trembling, “I trusted you! I gave you all of me! Fuck Kora, Nix, I don’t even know what to call you anymore. I don’t know you!” -- My fantasy/tragic romance WIP #AmWriting #Writers #BookSky

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

About to start what is probably my 10th play through of Overcooked All You Can Eat! with my wife. We were in the mood for some couples counseling… #VideoGames #Overcooked

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Reposted by H. A. Spector, MFA

Russell Carroll - Dog Walking Author @russellcarroll22.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

⚔️Relentless Blades⚔️ 🆓On KU🆓 It’s a character-driven, epic fantasy inspired by D&D. What sets it apart from other fantasy is the emotional depth of the characters. Moments of grief and reflection will stay with you long after you finish the book. #booksky #fantasy #dnd

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

If there is one thing that's been drilled into my head in this MFA program it's been: consistency, consistency, consistency. Set up a time everyday to write. Set up a day of the week to write. Whatever works. Write often. Stay close to your story. #Writers #WritingCommunity #BookSky

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

#BookSky friends! I recently made the switch to The Story Graph from Goodreads. Let’s be friends? Find me under username haspector and I’ll follow you back on there! #Reader #Writer #Books app.thestorygraph.com/profile/hasp...

app.thestorygraph.com

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

That moment when you are playing a song on Fortnite Festival on expert difficulty and you hit all the notes in a fill and all of sudden you feel like you are an actual rockstar so you release your inner Animal from the Muppets for the rest of the song... Anyone else? Anyone? #VideoGames

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

“The first time you write something it’s for you. The second time you write something it’s for them.” - Stephen King in On Writing. I read this advice a year ago. I needed it as a reminder today as I sit and edit before my first draft is even done. Write for you first. #WritingCommunity #Writers

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

#BookSky! I did it! I finished #FourthWing 8/10 - Loved the world, the characters, and the choice Violet made (#TeamXaden) because Dain is an ass (even though Xaden ain’t perfect). On to Iron Flame! I’ll be reading it this time instead if of listening I hopes to get through it faster.

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H. A. Spector, MFA @haspectorwrites.bsky.social · 22/01/2025

Good Morning #Writers! To kick off the day I wanted to remind you all that your voice matters. As we begin the further descent into what will likely be America's darkest days, your voice can be a beacon of light and a safe space. Keep writing! #BookSky #Author #SafeSpace 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

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