iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

If this doesn't define my existence in the #5amWritersClub, then nothing will.

Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

@itsdonaldrus.bsky.social Hey there, Donald. I’ll bet a lot of money we don’t have the same pad, Lamy fountain pen, and gold-plated bass trombone mouthpiece. Please remove my picture from your header.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Virtual Donut Parties are back for '26, starting this Friday 1/9 at 5am ET via Zoom. How to build MOMENTUM for a successful year -Repetition -Asking little & big questions of your work -Measuring Success -Celebrating without Slowing Down #5amWritersClub DM me for the new Zoom link

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

Today's #5amWritersClub session (and likely 6am, 7am, 2pm, 5pm, etc) is being used to think about someone else's past and my future. Cramming in the next LOW NOTES before the sun goes down and rises on a new month. Tune in tomorrow for whatever the hell I come up with. #WriteOn

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

This is where it's at. This is where my writing heart lives. This is the place and time of day to get some great work done. And, it's also the hot spot to be with others who also rise early and get it done. #5amWritersClub, where the cool kids hang out to write.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

Walk right in, it's around the back Just a half mile from the railroad track. You can get anything you want at Marcy's Restaurant. (apologies to Arlo Guthrie) Happy Thanksgiving to my American writing pals and have a super Thursday to everyone else. #5amWritersClub

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

In brightest day, in darkest night, no writing sessions escapes my sight. Let those who worship sleeping-in's might get your ass out of bed, it's 5am! WRITE! #5amWritersClub #GreenLanternCorps

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

We were somewhere around Northfield on the edge of the beach when the drugs began to take hold... And suddenly there was a terrible roar all around us and the sky was full of what looked like huge... dolphins? - Fear and Loathing in Atlantic City by Me. #5amWritersClub

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

My sleep hygiene loves the creative process so much, it gets me to the #5amWritersClub much earlier than intended. Let the games begin!

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 22/11/2025

Having one of those fortunate mornings where I get to ride the rails and write the words. #5amWritersClub

Pen and paper on a train table as the world outside b

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

Apparently I was moved by this year's Nobel prize. I added The Melancholy of Resistance by László Krasznahorkai to my list.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Hey #WritingCommunity, since everything sucks, make it better by w/ a Virtual Donut Party this Fri, 10/17, 5am ET. Are you a poet and you didn't even know it? We're talking poetry and song lyrics. You don't have to be a poetic expert. Come learn and discuss w/ the #5amWritersClub DM for the Zoom.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

It's no myth! There's another #5amWritersClub Virtual Donut Party this Friday 9/26 at 5am ET. RETELLING MYTHS: what kinds, what types, how to adapt, how to recapture. Join us as Shawn Anderson and Betsy Ellor take us through their process to recreate your favorite myths. DM for the Zoom.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

Here it is, the 1st draft of my next book. It looks great but Act 3 doesn't resolve (yet), character arcs aren't logical (yet), the protag doesn't change enough (yet), but it's here, and ready for the #5amWritersClub retreat this weekend. See y'all next week on the other side of #JourneytoJupiter!

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

The next #5amWritersClub Virtual Donut Party is TOMORROW! Fri 9/5 at 5am ET on Zoom. We're talking about THE VARIOUS PATHS TO PUBLICATION. Perfect for those of you, like me, who want to know what all the options are. Join us, will you? DM for the Zoom link.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

Who wants to discuss the ART OF THE GENRE SENTENCE? At this weeks VDP (Fri 8/15 5am ET) we'll look at sentences that intro a character, describe a setting, or establish conflict, & how they vary between genres. Set your alarm, bring a few fave examples, & Zoom in w/ us and the #5amWritersClub

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

This week's #5amWritersClub VDP is for all you short story submitters. Join us 7/25 @ 5amET via Zoom as we talk about · Market Research · Submission Requirements · Manuscript Formatting · Anthologies, Contests & Journals · Awards Eligibility · Author’s Rights and more!

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

I've been at the #5amWritersClub each morning for the past week but, bah, it hasn't been great... And that's okay. One more week of int'l stardom at the #BaselTattoo before returning to normalcy. Or maybe, a creative rush is just around the corner. Only one way to find out... write on!

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 29/06/2025

My brain is still spinning from watching "The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical" yesterday. This play shouldn't exist and yet, they masterfully captured the madness of his mind and put it on stage. Bringing his influence to today's #5amWritersClub, without destroying my liver.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

Writing Goal #3 Have a book release with tons of swag! (Doll Parts by @pennyzang.bsky.social, 8/26/25!) Writing Goal #4 Enlist a passionate street team to shout out about your upcoming book release. #5amWritersClub, where we try to be like Penny Zang!

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 25/05/2025

Not a fancy expensive pen, but a classy one all the same.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

We did it again! Brought the #5amWritersClub together for another Virtual Donut Party where we shared knowledge, clapped for each other, and left inspired. Be jealous or be there next time.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

And we've got guest faculty too! Wanna learn from the best? @ralphwalker.bsky.social @juliafgreen.bsky.social @pennyzang.bsky.social and Caroline Manring! Click back to the OP, fill out the form, block your calendar and LFG to Jupiter! #5amWritersClub #WritersRetreat

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Hey, #5amWritersClub, we've got another Virtual Donut Party this Friday, March 21 at 5 am ET. We're going loosey-goosey with an open hang/Q&A/talk shop kind of morning. Here's your chance to meet some of your favorite morning writers. DM me for the Zoom link and show up.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

Virtual Donut Parties are the best part of your totally free membership into the #5amWritersClub. Love these people. We're talking indie bookstores today. Be jealous!

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

My first book love was The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster (1929-2021) & illustrated by Jules Feiffer. On news of Feiffer's recent passing (1/17/25), I remind you to find the book that amazed you that made you first say "I didn't know you could do that!" RIP! #5amWritersClub

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

Gearing up for another writing session with my favorite #GreenLantern magic mug. #5amWritersClub, where surprises still lurk, waiting for the heat of the moment to bring them out.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

A good time was had by all! I love my #5amWritersClub! Thanks @hoosusannah.bsky.social for being a fantastic and brilliant co-host!

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

That’s looks a lot nicer than my dinky little space heater.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

Feels like I haven't had a genuine snow day in forever. Dear brain, please engage with my WIP all day. Thnx. #5amWritersClub, where snow + quiet makes the perfect setting to #MakeThingsWorse in your story.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 25/12/2024

Happy Holidays! Still up early? You can always write. #5amWritersClub, where your body clock invites you to be creative, even on holidays.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 21/12/2024

The next #5amWritersClub Virtual Donut Party is Friday, 12/27/24 at 5am ET. By then, you'll be overwhelmed by your TBR tower, sick of invading family, and you'll want to return to chatting about craft at 5am, like normal people. Join us for a free-form, open mic chat about writing. DM for the Zoom

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 21/12/2024

Today is “supposed“ to be different. It’s Saturday, first day of winter, first day of winter break, blah blah blah… That’s a great story. Now, write another one. #5amWritersClub, where it’s early enough that calendars don’t matter.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

Time to face this SHIT day head on! (So Happy It's Thursday!) As you enter the #5amWritersClub, may your mug be warm, your words cold as ice, and your imagination cruel enough to make things worse for your characters. Go! Sip! Write!

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

1 book 1 movie 1 album 1 TV show

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

Post a picture you took (no description) to bring some zen to the timeline.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 14/11/2024

My version of the #5amWritersClub has meetings. Yeah, they're at 5am. The next tri-weekly Zoom is tomorrow 11/15 at 5amET. We're looking at our own FANTASTIC FIRST PAGES of our member's WIPs. If you want to be part of the most sincere #writingcommunity, DM me for the Zoom link.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 01/11/2024

In this month's edition of LOW NOTES, I peel back the curtain on where some of my inspiration comes from. #5amWritersClub #WritingCommunity open.substack.com/pub/jayheltzer… Read and subscribe, people.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 18/10/2024

Four fictional characters that represent me:

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 18/10/2024

Just read this passage from “Mrs Death Misses Death” by Salena Godden and I may have a new mantra for creating art. #5amwritersclub

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 22/06/2024

Another fantastic Virtual Donut Party in the books yesterday. My thanks to @JoelleTamraz and @savranly for sharing their BIG BOOK YEAR with us. It’s the #5amWritersClub, sharing craft and industry nuggets to anyone brave enough to wake early to receive them.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 19/06/2024

Join me and my #5amWritersClub friends Jennifer Savran Kelly and Joelle Tamraz on Friday 6/21 at 5am ET as we discuss MY BOOK YEAR: what happens after your book is released. Publicity, interviews, awards, book talks, and the emotional ups/downs that come with it. DM for Zoom link.

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 23/01/2024

Just read this passage from “Mrs Death Misses Death” by @salenagodden and I may have a new mantra for creating art. #5amwritersclub

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 01/12/2023

In this month’s edition of Low Notes, I ask you, the writer… Are You Working Hard or Hardly Working? bit.ly/46F3jlD Read and subscribe to my #Substack, y’all. #WritingCommunity #5amWritersClub

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 09/11/2023

Jump ahead to the end of #NaNoWriMo You’ve got a 50k word mess in front of you. WHAT NOW? For Nov’s MORNING WRITERS, we talk about the end of NaNo23, and how to approach editing your next best seller. Join us on the Zoom 11/29 at 8:30 am ET. MorningWriters5am@gmail.com

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 17/10/2023

What’s your writing practice look like? This month, MORNING WRITERS takes a look at The Secrets of a Sustainable Writing Practice. Join us via Zoom on 10/25 at 8:30 ET. Send an email to: MorningWriters5am@gmail.com for the link

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Jay Heltzer @jayheltzer.bsky.social · 26/09/2023

That’s not distractingly beautiful in any way, right? I could stare at that for hours, hampering my productivity. That’s why blah black works for me. I do love it though when a writing book is finished and it’s time to start a new one.

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