iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 18h

Looking for a Halloween-inspired scary story writing prompt? Try this one. More creepy ideas: youtu.be/5H7lvBt1n-s?... #writing #writingcommunity #writingprompts #Halloween #horror #horrorjunkie #scarystories #scary #storytelling #writersofbluesky

040

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

The story of Poe's exhumation would make a GREAT horror story. More horror or Halloween-inspired writing prompts: youtu.be/5H7lvBt1n-s?... #writing #writingcommunity #writingprompts #writingideas #storytelling #edgarallanpoe #americanliterature #horrorstories #Halloween #writersofbluesky

030

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Looking to write your own Halloween-inspired spooky story? How's this for a prompt: safety coffins. More Poe-based writing prompts: youtu.be/5H7lvBt1n-s?... #writingprompts #Halloween #horrorstories #storytelling #edgarallanpoe #SafetyCoffin #americanliterature #AmericanHistory #writersofbluesky

000

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Was there ever any evidence discovered that Edgar Allan Poe was buried alive? Separating fact from fiction: youtu.be/5H7lvBt1n-s?... #writingcommunity #writing #americanliterature #edgarallanpoe #horrorstories #Storytelling #literaturelover #literature #AmericanAuthors #writersofbluesky

021

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Does your book maintain the same tone throughout? Not stakes. Not character emotionality. Tone should absolutely be part of diagnosing a manuscript: hollyschindler.substack.com/p/watch-your... #writing #writingcommunity #WritingTips #writinglife #revision #Storytelling #writersofbluesky

A title graphic for a Substack post on tone in writing.

020

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Flat stakes? Don't make the danger bigger; just make it personal. How introducing more fear into your book can make it viscerally real: youtu.be/aMYj0fj1Fpg?... #writing #writingcommunity #writingtips #storytelling #WritingABook #stakes #writinglife #writingadvice #horrorjunkie #writersofbluesky

040

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Need to increase the stakes (or fear) in your book? Make sure that character of yours has one shot at success. Fear and writing for any genre: youtu.be/aMYj0fj1Fpg?... #writing #writingcommunity #stakes #horror #WritingABook #Storytelling #writingemotion #writersofbluesky

030

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Stoic characters still feel fear on the inside...they'll just do everything they can to cover it on the outside. Why fear should be in EVERY book, regardless of genre: youtu.be/aMYj0fj1Fpg?... #writing #WritingCommunity #WritingABook #characterdevelopment #horror #storytelling #writersofbluesky

040

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

It's so easy, when jumping into a revision, to assume that the book starts with a bang and the problem lies somewhere further in. But a LOT of times, the problem really IS the beginning: hollyschindler.substack.com/.../sometime.... #writing #writingtips #revision #storytelling #writersofbluesky

040

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Indie authors: Are you using InDesign to format your print book? Be aware the images are linked. Images in InDesign: youtu.be/gjFk7lhYk1I #writing #writingcommunity #amwriting #indieauthor #selfpublishing #bookformatting #bookdesign #indesign #writersofbluesky

030

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Are you inserting images in your manuscript? In InDesign, you can draw a custom frame shape for those images using the Pen Tool. All about images in InDesign: youtu.be/gjFk7lhYk1I?... #writing #writingcommunity #selfpublishing #indieauthors #InDesign #bookformatting #bookdesign #writersofbluesky

031

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Did you place an image in your manuscript & it does NOT look the way you intended? Properties panel offers a few quick fixes. More on images in InDesign: youtu.be/gjFk7lhYk1I?... #writing #writingcommunity #indieauthors #indiepublishing #SelfPublishing #bookformatting #InDesign #writersofbluesky

011

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

How to create a round photo in InDesign (no Photoshop needed)! More image tips for InDesign: youtu.be/gjFk7lhYk1I?... #writingk #writingcommunity #indieauthors #indiepublishing #SelfPublishing #storytelling #InDesign #bookformatting #bookdesign #writersofbluesky

021

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

When working with images in InDesign, be aware that you have both an image and an image frame. All about images in InDesign: youtu.be/gjFk7lhYk1I?... #writing #writingcommunity #InDesign #IndieAuthors #indiepublishing #PublishingJourney #bookdesign #bookformatting #storytelling #writersofbluesky

030

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Does the middle of your book REALLY sag...or are you just sick of it? hollyschindler.substack.com/p/does-my-mi... #writing #writingcommunity #writingtips #plotting #revision #revisiontips #storytelling #revise

A title card for a Substack post about how to diagnose the sagging middle of a book.

020

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Three questions you can ask when constructing your character's comedic worldview. More on constructing this worldview: youtu.be/VUPcLZJLnzE #writing #writingcommunity #writingtips #storytelling #comedy #humor #ComicRelief #FunnyCharacters #characterdevelopment #character #writersofbluesky

0101

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Archie Bunker is a GREAT example of how a worldview generates comedic moments. Craft your own main character's comedic worldview: youtu.be/VUPcLZJLnzE?... #writing #writingcommunity #storytelling #comedy #humor #funny #ComicRelief #funnywriting #characterdevelopment #writersofbluesky

021

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Need some comic relief in your book? Give one of your characters a weird belief that make sense to them. Punchlines will write themselves. Comedic worldviews: youtu.be/VUPcLZJLnzE?... #writing #writingcommunity #writersofbluesky #characterdevelopment #comedy #funnywriting #storytelling #humor

030

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

How a comedic worldview can absolutely help craft a funny main character. Full comedic worldview vid: youtu.be/VUPcLZJLnzE?... #writing #writingcommunity #writingtips #comedy #humor #FunnyCharacters #characterdevelopment #charactercreation #storytelling

020

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

On this Labor Day (the day I take the plunge into something new rather than take a day off), I'm wishing you the very best ANYWAY. hollyschindler.substack.com/p/wishing-yo... #writing #writingcommunity #artist #artcommunity #storytelling #laborday #labordayweekend #LaborDay2026 #writersofbluesky

A title card for a Substack post about how art is created under less-than-ideal circumstances.

050

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

WAS Anne Bradstreet unaware her poems were being published...or was that just a story to make publishing as a woman socially acceptable? America's first published poet: youtu.be/q1_2VUwUSQ0?... #americanliterature #LiteraryHistory #womenpoets #femalepoet #writinglife #writersofbluesky

000

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Some things about being an author NEVER change. More on Anne Bradstreet, America's first published poet: youtu.be/q1_2VUwUSQ0?... #storytelling #writing #WritingCommunity #poetry #americanliterature #womenpoets #womensliterature #writinglife #annebradstreet #writersofbluesky

020

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Coverture and Anne Bradstreet's poem "To My Dear and Loving Husband." What's your take? More on Anne Bradstreet, America's first published poet: youtu.be/q1_2VUwUSQ0?... #americanliterature #poetry #womensliterature #AmericanPoetry #LiteraryHistory #explication #colonialhistory #writersofbluesky

011

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

If Anne Bradstreet could keep writing through it all, I have no excuses. Anne Bradstreet, America's first published poet: youtu.be/q1_2VUwUSQ0?... #annebradstreet #americanliterature #storytelling #LitHistory #poetry #womensliterature #womenslit #femalepoets #writersofbluesky

000

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Three questions to ask when finding your character's motivation. Why your character's goal ISN'T their motivation: youtu.be/ILJodEsMRvg?... #writing #writingcommunity #character #characterdevelopment #writingabook #storytelling #screenwriting #podcasting #TTRPG #npc #writersofbluesky

020

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

It's not just about what your character wants...it's also about what that want means to them. All about character motivation: youtu.be/ILJodEsMRvg?... #storytelling #writing #writingcommunity #ttrpg #npc #CharacterDevelopment #motivation #screenwriting #podcasting #character #writersofbluesky

030

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Your character's motivation should be influencing their decisions...which also helps drive action. Full Character Motivation Video: youtu.be/ILJodEsMRvg?... #writing #writingcommunity #characterdevelopment #writingabook #creativewriting #screenwriting #podcasting #ttrpg #npc #writersofbluesky

000

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Don't just ask yourself WHAT your character wants when building their motivation. Ask WHY they want it. Full Character Motivation Video: youtu.be/ILJodEsMRvg?... #writing #writingcommunity #character #characterdevelopment #motivation #writingabook #TTRPG #NPC #scriptwriting #podcasting

010

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

If you format any repeating inline text using character styles, you DO NOT have to manually change the styles again. Character Styles for Authors: youtu.be/5vIBdmy7pcI?... #writing #writingcommunity #InDesign #indieauthors #selfpublishing #bookformatting #bookdesign #writersofbluesky

100

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Formatting repeating inline text with Character Styles saves a ton of time if you decide to switch the formatting later. More Character Styles Tips: youtu.be/5vIBdmy7pcI?... #writing #storytelling #WritingCommunity #indieauthors #selfpublishing #indesign #bookformatting #writersofbluesky

010

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Formatting repeating inline text with Character Styles saves a ton of time if you decide to switch the formatting later. Character Styles Tips: youtu.be/5vIBdmy7pcI?... #writing #storytelling #WritingCommunity #indieauthors #selfpublishing #indesign #bookformatting #bookdesign #writersofbluesky

081

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Most storytellers believe humor is innate. If you weren't lucky enough to be born with a funny bone, you should just stick to your lane: VERY SERIOUS CHARACTERS AND DRAMA. SO not true. Comin' Soon: #storytelling #comedy #ttrpg #writingcommunity #scriptwriting #podcasting #writersofbluesky

Cover of a writing resource about crafting funny main characters.

021

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

You can make a big leap toward mastering InDesign by learning the difference between Paragraph Styles & Character Styles. Character Styles tips: youtu.be/5vIBdmy7pcI?... #writing #writingcommunity #InDesign #indieauthors #SelfPublishing #bookformatting #bookdesign #storytelling #writersofbluesky

010

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Getting ready to start a revision? Some questions to ask before you rewrite a single sentence: hollyschindler.substack.com/p/questions-... #writing #writingcommunity #writinglife #revision #revising #selfediting #storytelling #writingabook #creativewriting #writingfiction

042

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

The fastest way to make your side characters feel real? Treat them like the heroes of their own stories. Character creation: youtu.be/aPsre-KThtI?... #writingcommunity #writing #storytelling #scriptwriting #ttrpg #npc #podcasting #character #characterdesign #characterdevelopment #writersofbluesky

040

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Go ahead. Describe away. Tell us all about what your main character looks like. Once that's out of your system, the real work can begin: youtu.be/aPsre-KThtI?... #storytelling #writingcommunity #character #ttrpg #npc #scriptwriting #podcasting #characterdevelopment #writersofbluesky

youtu.be

Create Better Characters: Series Introduction

YouTube video by Holly Schindler

030

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Working on this year's Ruby's Place installment! I love getting a chance to write snowy scenes through the worst of the summer heat... #amwriting #writingcommunity #writinglife #WritingSeries #christmasmagic #storytelling

Cover of a forthcoming book titled Pretty Paper by Holly Schindler

000

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Character creation is NOT just for novelists. More on my Building Believable Characters YouTube series: youtu.be/aPsre-KThtI?... #writing #storytelling #TTRPG #Podcasting #filmmaking #character #characterdevelopment #writersofbluesky

030

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

We all know we need to revise, but...how do you even begin to figure out what, exactly, is WRONG? A reverse outline is often a great place to start: hollyschindler.substack.com/p/reverse-ou... #writing #writingcommunity #writingtips #storytelling #revision #selfediting #editing #writersofbluesky

A title card for a Substack post explaining how a reverse outline can help when revising a novel.

050

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Description alone isn't character. It's just a starting point. My new character creation YouTube series: youtu.be/aPsre-KThtI?... #character #characterdesign #characterdevelopment #writing #writingcommunity #ttrpg #filmmaking #podcasting #storytelling #writersofbluesky

071

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

If you insert an image in InDesign but it doesn't show up, it's probably just larger than your image frame. More chapter title formatting tips: youtu.be/xd7HrQmXH0g?... #writing #InDesign #indieauthors #SelfPublishing #publishing #bookdesign #bookformatting #writersofbluesky #writingtips

030

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

The best way to make sure your decorative element doesn't get separated from your chapter title or number is to group it with the text frame. Create attractive chapter titles: youtu.be/xd7HrQmXH0g?... #writing #InDesign #IndieAuthors #selfpublishing #selfpublished #bookdesign #writersofbluesky

020

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Writers often think you're either funny or you're not. But comedy writing is a skill you can learn. Right now, I'm building comedic main characters at my Patreon. All about comedic worldviews: www.patreon.com/HollySchindl... #writing #comedy #funnycharacter #humor #writersofbluesky

Funny image of a globe with googly eyes.

010

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

I've advocated building white space into your paragraph styles when formatting your print book in InDesign, but it WON'T work at the top of a text frame. More on chapter titles: youtu.be/xd7HrQmXH0g?... #storytelling #InDesign #indieauthors #selfpublishing #bookformatting #writersofbluesky

030

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Everything I drew for the Spoonflower Herbarium Challenge kept circling back to graphic, flat, mid-century shapes. At a certain point, I just went with it! www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/22... #spoonflowerchallenge #patterndesign #MidCenturyModern #fabricdesign #wallpaperdesign #artistsofbluesky

A pattern swatch featuring mid-century flowers labeled like a modern herbarium page.

000

Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Inserting images in InDesign? Remember, you have both an image and an image frame. More on making decorative chapter titles in InDesign: youtu.be/xd7HrQmXH0g?... #storytelling #writingcommunity #writing #indieauthors #SelfPublishing #kdp #writersofbluesky #InDesign #bookformatting #bookdesign

040