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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

I'm dreadful at the whole social media thing, but... I have queried my (hopefully debut) novel, The Wake of Morkvall! vm.tiktok.com/ZNRKnffaF/ #amwriting #amquerying #booksky

vm.tiktok.com

TikTok - Make Your Day

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

I will be querying Wake of Morkvall in a few days! 2.5 years, five drafts, dev edit, beta, trimming, and the book is finally ready 🐳❤️ Whalepunk fantasy heist, inspired by Lies of Locke Lamora, Six of Crows, and Dishonored. Fingers crossed!! #amwriting #querying

Moodboard for Wavewaker: a Whalepunk fantasy heist. Grimy, 1890s Victorian.

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

I'll be querying my whalepunk fantasy heist novel in a few weeks. I know not to expect much, querying is basically impossible and I'm trying to debut at 139k words. Epic fantasy doesn't really debut. But I really, truly believe in this book. Fingers crossed 🐳 #amwriting

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Next two reads to get myself read for the coming fifth draft of Wake of Morkvall (querying soon-ish?!)

Two books:
1. Leviathan (Scott Westerfeld)
2. Perdido Street Station (China Miéville)

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Reposted by Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer

Scott Lynch @scottlynch78.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

I'm seeking an artist to do a digital cover illustration for the standalone ebook edition of my story "Kaiju Agonistes." I'm looking for something in the $300 range (plus, I profit share): stylized, not elaborately realistic. You can see my existing e-book trade dress at: www.scottlynchstore.com

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

Cleaning out old notebooks and... My "Write A Book In 30 Days"-plan when I was 15 is unintentionally absolutely hilarious.

A notebook with a teenager's handwriting:

Day one
Three reasons why I want to write a book.

1. To be able to show my perspective and opinions with the world
2. The longing to feel pride because of something I did.
3. To feel closure by finishing something in my life

Day two

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

I think emotional depth for characters. Alean's struggle with the guilt, shame, and self-loathing that comes with poverty mirrored by Priscilla's struggle with the intersection of privilege and disability is really strong. That, and I've heard my dialogue is good 😊 I'm no Scott Lynch, but 🤣

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

SIX OF CROWS x DISHONORED x LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA Magical whale oil, exploitative capitalists -- and one legendary thief who decides to rob the safest oil vault in the city. But he can't do it alone. 🐳 Victorian whalepunk 🐳 Fantasy heist 🐳 Star-crossed lovers 🐳 Found family #Bluepit 📖 #A #F #Q

Moodboard of a grimy, whalepunk fantasy heist novel called Wavewaker.

Wavewaker Tropes & Themes:
- Underdog MC
- Socioeconomic disillusionment
- Morally grey characters
- Found family
- Star-crossed lovers
- Grounded magic system
- Undercover heist

Excerpt from Wavewaker, from the character Alean:
Al remembered scampering to his first shift, lost in the sea of day-dresses and overcoats. He’d been nine, his parents bedridden with rattling coughs and burning fevers. Stage one of the Rot, common in their line of work. They had been whalers—still were, presumably—and time ashore without work was brutal. Time sick was even worse. They had cut the heating to keep food on the table. To protect him. They had thought Al hadn’t understood what was happening, but he had.
The factory foreman had made him crawl under the roaring boiler to stick his hand between the cogs and clear up jamming. He’d had to exhale fully to fit under the tightest spots, bumping his head when he turned. It had only been for a month, but he’d had nightmares of being buried alive ever since. That was part of why he’d eventually gone to the public church schools, studying for the University’s Apprentice exam, learning reading, reasoning, rhetoric.
He had been nothing back then. Just another idiot with a dream, barely seventeen and flush with pride. He had told his parents he wouldn’t go on that last whaling tour, had shown them his acceptance letter. The proudest day of his life. The most shameful day of theirs.
“Don’t think you’re better than us,” mother had said. “We fed you, clothed you, and put a roof over your head, and you piss your life away on pride?”
Al picked up his pace.

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

My (hopefully) debut novel is getting incredible feedback from beta readers 😊 Draft four edits will be tricky but super manageable. In a few months I'll be querying this Victorian Whalepunk fantasy heist novel, inspired by Six of Crows and Lies or Locke Lamora 🐳❤️

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

What does it mean when your editor says she loves the book and beta readers are staying up late to read, then gushing? Is it an ill omen?

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Good editors are a blessing. It's magical to see someone read your story and with surgical precision elevate it to something far better.

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

This email from my editor is in my "for a rainy day"-folder. Been feeling a bit disheartened about my chances of becoming traditionally published and writing full-time, but it's really special to have someone who knows the industry truly believe in you. Going to keep editing my inciting incident.

Screenshot of editor's email to me:

I strongly disagree that Al is the only really well-written character, especially as you've moved through rounds of revisions. I think there was a time when it was mostly the Al show, but you've moved past that. The good news is, this feeling is normal. You're tinkering with teeny, tiny details and you're focusing on those details rather than the book as a holistic whole. This work is necessary and important and will pay off in the end, but remember that the *whole book* is what really matters. You're doing the work of making sure emotional throughlines show up in each scene, that every character has a real motivation and arc, and that those motivations and arcs are demonstrated (at least a little) on the page. That's good and I'm impressed by the progress you've made.

BUT. Just because you've made progress doesn't mean the previous version was bad. A professional athlete continues to train to improve their performance, but they were already a professional athlete. Same goes for musicians. They can keep practicing and refining, but you would never say that they were bad just because they were a violinist with the second best orchestra in the world. You're a good writer. You have a good story. You have the ability to make a career of this. Of course you will continue to improve your craft and refine the product as you go. But that does not mean the previous drafts were poorly done.

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Reposted by Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer

Writer's Block @writersblockds.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Fight For Your Write returns! We previously hosted #FFYW in June and we'll be hosting on again this September! Details in the poster below. This event is perfect for anyone hoping to fill the hole left behind by #campnano & #nanowrimo! #writingcommunity #amwriting #writesky See you soon!

Fight For Your Write is a month-long customizable writing challenge which takes place during September. The goal? Whatever you'd like! 25K words of your novel, thirty pages of script, five short stories, or just to write everyday—however you prefer to track your progress!

All you have to do is write! You can keep us updated on your progress using the #FFYW tag, follow @writersblockds for tips, questions, check-ins, and fun events, or join our Discord server at: discord.gg/writingcommunity.

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Reposted by Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer

Writer's Block @writersblockds.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

Six days left until our August Competition ends--the theme is "Resistance." The challenge is to write a short story in 1000 words or under. It's friendly--the winner gets bragging rights and chooses the next theme! If you're up for it, come join us below! #writingcommunity #amwriting #writesky

discord.gg

Join the Writer's Block Discord Server!

Writer's Block is an on-topic writing server that focuses on fiction, including fanfiction, short stories, novels, scripts, and screenplays. | 849 members

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

Wavewaker's query letter is finally done. Stupidly difficult to pull off, but one step closer to querying. Now... All the act 2 edits 😭😭😭

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

You know, I've don't believe in manifesting, but I imagine there's a chance I'll become an author one day and think back on this slog not fondly, but proudly. Besides, the world needs a Whalepunk fantasy heist novel with a star-crossed lovers romance. I think. 🐳 #amwriting #booksky

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

I'm writing an amazing book. It'll take a long time to get it ready, but man... I've never felt like so many threads coming together. It's hard. It's *brutally* hard. But the Victorian Whalepunk fantasy heist is coming together. This might end up being my debut. #booksky #amwriting

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

Main character's best friend is flirting with the evil sword lady villain. Things are going well. #amwriting #booksky

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

Homesick ;__; For all the fantasy writing about traveling, I would be a terrible protagonist because I just want to build a nest. Can't quite settle down and feel safe when traveling (hostels, etc).

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

If I could learn to write while the sun is up I'd be unstoppable. #amwriting #booksky

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Editing. Discovering weaknesses. Cannot fix them because the story, setting, characters are all getting cemented, and some weaknesses just can't be fixed. Writing hard 😭 but this book is getting better! Victorian Whalepunk fantasy heist remains a killer concept 🐳

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Writer's block hitting hard today (day job and bad sleep being the prime suspects. And laziness) Probably still a few months until Wavewaker is fully edited and I can try querying. Need to set a real schedule for the weekend 😤 a few chapters edited is the goal. #amwriting

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Imagine a reader you've never met reading your book and entering a world you created. Absolutely nuts. Aaaahhh, I want to be a full-time fantasy writer one day 😊 I'll keep working hard, editor thinks I'm close to querying this Whalepunk heist. #booksky

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Rereading Name of the Wind and I'm swept away in the magical prose again. The best fantasy book I've ever read, I think. Hoping to one day write something this good 😊 #booksky

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

This remains the funniest feedback editor has given me on Wavewaker (we were talking about romance plotlines). AL has cartoon Robin Hood appeal.

Editor's feedback on Wavewaker: "I think you can rely on the appeal of the tortured bad boy trope. He has the same appeal as Robin Hood--and girls are attracted to him even when he's a literal cartoon fox."

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

The next book I write will be one single POV. **One**. Editing is never-ending 😭

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

I'm at the stage of editing where I'm worrying about every structural decision. Bleh. This'll be a good book eventually.

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Reposted by Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer

inde.s @indeeeeeeeeesii.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

Hey #amwriting and #writingcommunity! Fight For Your Write–a month-long challenge in June on Writer’s Block! The goal is whatever you’d like–25k words, thirty pages, five short stories, or to write everyday. It is our community’s replacement for #nanowrimo and #campnano. discord.gg/writersblock

discord.gg

Join the Writer's Block Discord Server!

Check out the Writer's Block community on Discord - hang out with 708 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

One shouldn't write for a theoretical hater in the future, but it's hard not to imagine a YouTuber demolishing Wavewaker if it ever gets published 🤣 Devedits are going slow. I'm very ready to start with my boyfailure project next.

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

Why is there AI in my Word😐😑 Scrivener for life, I guess.

Picture of Copilot in a blank Word document.

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Either I'm writing romantasy next or Digital Shadow (cyberpunk office politics dystopia with realistic hacking). It really is a tossup at this point. Seems DevEdits are eternal for Wavewaker 🐳

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

Commissioning art for Wavewaker and I am *amazed* at what artists can do. As a writer, it truly baffles me how y'all can create an actual portal into the worlds you imagine. Can't wait to show when it's finished!

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

My (21F) best friend (20M) let me think he was dead for eighteen months after he failed an exam -- now he sent me a letter asking if I wanted to help steal whaleoil nukes to fix my family's financial crisis. What should I do?

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

Another editor deadline tonight! Going to buckle up after work and polish the chapters before yeeting them in. Wavewaker is... pretty great after devedits. Still a brutal amount of work left but it's working.

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Scott Lynch and Leigh Bardugo are absolutely *brilliant*. I swear, both their books get better on re-reads. So, *so* impressive what they pull off.

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

Writing is hard, but it is worth it ❤️🐳

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

You think it can't get any worse, and then...

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 22/03/2025

My editor gave some amazing feedback on Wavewaker's new opening and I'm still giddy about it. "Exemplary way to do worldbuilding by hooking a character's problem in the setting itself and establishing sympathy for a one-off POV". Onwards! Devedits are rough but so so worth it!

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

SIX OF CROWS x DISHONORED Industry, magical whale-oil, and exploitative capitalists -- and one disillusioned thief decides to raid the most secure oil vault there is. But he can't do it alone. 🐳 Victorian whalepunk 🐳 Fantasy heist 🐳 Class rage 🐳 Found family #LuckyPit #PopUpPit #PopUpPitA #F #A

Excerpt: A row of crimson whale-oil lanterns shepherded guests through the gated courtyard and towards the main entrance of Nocturne Hall, like buoys guiding ships through the dark. The ethereally pale structure stood silent, its roof curved and packed with servants’ windows, more patriotic red spilling out through crimson stained-glass windows and drenching white balconies wide enough to be boulevards.

This red-eyed monolith belonged to Sovereign Ylva Torn, chairwoman of the Echelon, and was the subject of the yearly masquerade. A perfect place for the rich to carve up the world a little finer between themselves, with spiked iron fences to keep out undesirables.

Aside from those they invited in, of course.

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

One chapter takes three weeks and a writer's block from hell and making me disgusted with my writing. The next is some of my best work ever and flies out in an evening. Creative writing is weird 😁 Wavewaker DevEdits are going steady on! #amwriting

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

I fucking love writing. Wavewaker is going to be so goddamn good after a few rounds of edits.

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Reposted by Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer

Mike Scollins @mikescollins.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

Wish I were one of Elon's kids so I'd never see him again

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Stealing ideas from Greek mythology is good writing, right? A Calypso-esq garden where the goddess of all things lost and fleeting live fits perfectly for Ashwalker. #amwriting

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Reposted by Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer

inde.s @indeeeeeeeeesii.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

Writers, consider using these other tags: #writingcommunity #amwriting #writerslife #amquerying #agentsguide

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Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer @jlingaas.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

I'm going to be an author one day. Be it Wavewaker, Bloodlands, Digital Shadow, A Song to Forget, To Steal a Plague, or something else, I'll keep trying until I get published. I feel like each project is stronger than the one before, so with some luck I'll get good enough to query eventually! 😤❤️🐳

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Reposted by Jakob Lingaas 📚 Querying Writer

inde.s @indeeeeeeeeesii.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

We discussed tropes on Writer's Block today (loved & hated), and how to change tropes we don't enjoy into those we do. For example, resolving miscommunication quickly, or taking some of the toxicity out of enemies to lovers. What are your thoughts, #writingcommunity? Any favored tropes? 👀 #amwriting

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