Sign in

Mike Struan

@mikestruan.com
1.1K followers 694 following 2.9K posts

Author of Dam Breakers and Alchemical Green Husband of wonderful guy Owner of cheeky corgi Working on my next novel; check out my page on books.mikestruan.com Open to DMs and replies! Love to chat!

PostsRepliesMedia
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 10h
Out of the #AwesomeCharacters main cast, only Valir can be considered patient. Kragh degenerates to a nervous wreck if he has to wait, and Dagna... You better not let her wait, unless you want her to get *ideas*. #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
170
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 10h
It's worth mentioning that Kragh is talking to an animal in today's #WIPSnips. An animal who doesn't understand a single word. Sometimes, I worry about him. #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
“You could just leave the city. There’s so much empty land around here, with plenty of prey. But you don’t even consider that, right? Because centuries ago, someone planted the idea that you’d need to guard these ruins in your ancestor’s head, and it has become an instinct ever since. And what is the thanks? Now the same someone sends armed people to hunt you down and take the city back. You’re just game pieces to her, ready to get sacrificed once you stop being useful.”
2141
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 29/09/2026
Kraghtol, always assuming the worst, since 350 aU. #WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
“Oh,” Kraghtol said, the foreign heart beating against the confines of his smaller chest. He would have preferred to say something cleverer, but nothing came to mind.
“I had a lot of time to think about it since then, and, well, I did. I’m just not very brave,” Valir began, and Kraghtol’s heart dropped. He had no idea what he had expected, but that didn’t sound good.
“It’s… it’s okay. I understand,” he interjected. “You, I mean, we both were under a lot of pressure, and we didn’t mean the things we said and did, and…”
1166
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 28/09/2026
That's one way to avoid a real answer, Voldrik! #WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
“The lasses and lads are used to walking, or at least they’re healthy people in their prime. Yes, I imagine they should have reached their destination by now.”

“You didn’t answer my actual question,” Mokhra said, and Voldrik grinned. Despite the honorific, Mokhra was not afraid to speak her mind. Good.

“You caught me; excellent. Don’t let anyone get away with using flowery words to hide that they have nothing to say at all, no matter who it is.”
1153
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 28/09/2026
Ah, shoot! I should have waited until today! Light and Darkness are alchemical principles and govern all kinds of energy (or lack of it)! #SeptemberWorldbuilders
181
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 28/09/2026
Kragh, my main #AwesomeCharacters is without a doubt a Pistachios Donut filled with vanilla cream! #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
2120
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 28/09/2026
Order is upheld by the aptly named Orderkeepers of the Guild of Peace! They wear red uniforms, and some call them bloodjackets, but that's just derogatory! #Septopolis
040
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 26/09/2026
What an odd #Septopolis question! All free citizens of Wardenreach are welcome to move to Winterstone. Usually, the city is welcoming enough (if you don't happen to be, say, a half-orc). You might be asking about those who are not from Wardenreach, but that's a silly question!
150
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 26/09/2026
Let's check my #AwesomeCharacters for punch-tolerance! 🥉Jared, Dam Breakers. The guy is tougher than he looks. 🥈Kragh, the MC of Alchemical Green. He has taken a beating more than once. 🥇Zrughor, the orc. The name translates to "The one who eats meat" and, well, that's accurate. #WriteSky
161
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 26/09/2026
This #WIPSnips is more or less a direct prequel to the one two days ago! What a less-than-pleasant troll! #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WriteSky
He dropped into the water with such force that he created a wave so big it rolled right over Kraghtol’s head. Dagna gave a surprised squeak and lost her grip. Kraghtol reacted quickly and fished her out of the deeper pool immediately, but she still spat out sulfur water as if she had nearly drowned.
The troll newcomer had observed the whole thing from his position on the other side of the basin, and slowly, his mouth split into a grin.

“Careful. Trollheim is a dangerous place for people as short as you. You don’t want to get run over by a troll, do you?”
2254
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 25/09/2026
Also, I have to remind everyone that it's nearly orctober, and Ame has a mean talent for green-skins! Get your character art! #WritingCommunity #Art
050
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 25/09/2026
Do you know ominous positivity? Here's an example: Alchemical Exiles is coming. It's inevitable. Related: If you have read book 1 of the series (important!), Alchemical Dreamer, and would like to ARC-read book 2, registrations are now open: books.mikestruan.com/AlchemicalEx...
Cover of Alchemical Exiles, showing an ancient stone wreathed in blue flames, with three people (dwarf, half-orc, human) in the background.
0114
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 25/09/2026
Kragh, my main character, carries a small vial around his neck containing the first alchemical mixture he ever did: a glowing paste. It's not very bright, only about as much as a candle flame, but he uses it frequently throughout the story!
291
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 25/09/2026
Fall is great for Kragh, my main #AwesomeCharacters. The heat of summer is over, and the world gets colorful! He loves the golden afternoons to go mushroom-picking in the forest! #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
180
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 25/09/2026
Well, that sounds like an easy-enough plan! #WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
“And for that I’ll have to walk around half of Wardenreach and come up with a plan on how to break into the nation’s capital.”

“Oh, now that’s a hard decision. Live in a cozy, friendly town or run around in the cold, risking my life, social standing, and inheritance. Dagna, what do you think?” Valir asked, rubbing his chin.

Kraghtol knew the noble was joking. Still, the mere thought of Valir or Dagna abandoning him sent his heart beating in a frenzy.
1232
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 24/09/2026
#Septopolis Winterstone has some places for relaxation in wonderful, guild-approved ways! High society has its own teahouses and taverns in the Silver Spires, and the Park District has bathhouses and theaters. You should stay away from the shady etablisments of Oldport, of course, unless you're poor
041
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 24/09/2026
Fun fact: The speaking character in this #WIPSnips has been recently renamed, due to some very good beta-feedback! #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
 “My name is Koltharar, son of Jomkeromp,” Koltharar said. “And what business is that? I hope you’re not planning to meddle in troll affairs.”
“Meddle?” Dagna burst out, her head tilted, trying to get water out of her ears. “We’re not ‘meddling’; we —”
“Are you referring to anything specific, Koltharar, son of Jomkeromp?” Valir asked innocently, and the troll just glared at him for a few seconds. Valir held his gaze.
2343
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 23/09/2026
Light and Darkness are literally alchemical Principles, encompassing all kinds of sub-principles, like energy or warmth, but not morals. There's nothing inherently "good" about the Light principle. #SeptemberWorldbuilders
061
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 23/09/2026
#AwesomeCharacters Kragh: Okay, let's talk it through first. Valir: Oookay? Will it work? Dagna: Great. It'll get us out of trouble. But now I'm worried about the plan more than the problem. #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
260
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 23/09/2026
Okay, so Kragh did something really embarassing. Must be tuesday. Between this and the previous #WIPSnips, one could really think I hate my main character. #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Kraghtol walked slowly, occasionally supported by Valir when he stumbled or tumbled. After the immediate confusion had made way for a throbbing headache, he hadn’t said one more word. The ground hadn’t shown him the mercy of swallowing him whole, even after the memories of what he had thought — and said — returned. 
“Sorry,” he said, avoiding looking anywhere but at the earth in front of him. He couldn’t see the eyebrow rising that way, but he could imagine it.
2263
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 21/09/2026
Words that make me happy! Aside from "Schadenfreude" and "Wanderlust", I really like a good "stele" in "autumn" when the sun "sparkles" on the leaves, while the air you "exhale" "transforms" into clouds.
291
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 21/09/2026
Most people in Wardenreach are afraid of Kragh, my main #AwesomeCharacters, and they can't really be blamed. He's the only half-orc in Wardenreach, and if you're not used to an almost two meter guy with green skin and tusks, you might get nervous. #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
1110
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 21/09/2026
I'm afraid we don't see Kragh in his highest spirit in today's #WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Only when the fog lifted and he was alone in the mysteriously glowing forest did he stop. A strangled noise, half sob, half cry of anger, broke from his chest, causing a flock of birds to flee. Tears were streaming down his face, and he was unable to stop them. He leaned against a tree and slid down the glowing trunk, soiling his clothes with resin.
His hands wouldn’t stop shaking, and he punched them against the tree until they hurt.
Four fairies fluttered near, wide-eyed staring at the huge green man sobbing. One of them asked something, but Kraghtol just swatted at them, an unarticulated growling sound forming in his throat.
1294
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 20/09/2026
Hello #Septopolis! Winterstone exports finer crafts, and, especially, alchemical wonders. It's position and strong Alchemists' Guild presence makes it perfect for being the top player in terms of wondrous potions, salves and mixtures.
182
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 20/09/2026
Hard to say. For Kragh, my main #AwesomeCharacters, at the end of book 2, he has seen plenty of shit already. But there's always more to come, right? #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
281
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 20/09/2026
The clock tower, a true marvel in Winterstone! #WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Originally, she had planned to stock up on supplies and then leave the city as quickly as possible, but now that she was here, she couldn’t help herself. She needed to see the building her uncle had worked on with her own eyes. 

It wasn’t hard to find. The old tower rose above the shingles of the surrounding houses, and a large clock face cut the day into single minutes, dictating the pulse of the city. When a full hour had been completed, unseen bells rang and added a hard to miss signal for all heads listening. In short, it was a marvel, just as she would have expected from her uncle.
0174
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 19/09/2026
Here we go! Animals! 🥉 Aleron and Jared from Dam Breakers, best known for letting horses fly and dragons crash. 🥈 Valir, and his horse Wynter Rose (credits @annavernerauthor.bsky.social) 🥇 Kragh, surprisingly, and his late-aqcuired good boy. #AwesomeCharacters #WriteSky #WritingCommunity
261
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 19/09/2026
The civilization living near the ocean aren't big seafarers, so the ocean to the west isn't fully explored at all! Luckily, a very industrious dwarf takes it upon himself to check what's beyond that horizon. He doesn't like what he finds. #SeptemberWorldbuilders
061
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 19/09/2026
Hello #Septopolis Welfare? *laughs in Guild of Commerce* Both medical care and education are fully within guild hands. Education is heavily gated, both by money and by permission. Not everone needs to be able to read and write, right? Now, medical care is different, and kinda worse.🧵
1121
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 19/09/2026
Tricky one. I've decided to go with pipe instead, and the most prominent pipe-smoker in my book! #WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
He took a drag from his pipe and blew the smoke into the wind.

“I know most of them since they knocked on my door, with nothing but dreams in their hearts and some rubbish tale of a mythical dwarf in their ears. Every single one of them is deeply capable and wonderfully unique. This Kraghtol lad probably knows more about alchemy than most of the dusty guild clerks back in Winterstone. And my niece… she’s a genius, plain and simple.”
1232
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 18/09/2026
If we're being quite literal, his Orcish heritage makes Kragh, my main #AwesomeCharacters strong. Physically strong. It's also a constant source of trouble and shame for him, at least at the beginning! #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
2100
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 18/09/2026
There is a very specific one! Some trolls (Freylar, child of Garseldomp, to be exact), have received a warning that all sorts of bad stuff will happen if the ocean to the west "wanes". How does an ocean wane? #SeptemberWorldbuilders
161
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 18/09/2026
Hello #Septopolis! While being one of the larger cities of Wardenreach, Winterstone isn't so big you'd need much transportation inside the walls. Most goods are delivered by hand or ox cart. What is interesting is the Bronzerun River, where river ships dock to trade with Bronzebreak in the east.
031
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 18/09/2026
Yeah. Stupid not to. If they *pay* well... #WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Balen grinned and closed the distance between them, planting his hand on the wall behind Dagna, right next to her head.

“The Guild of Peace is looking for recruits, and they pay really well. I’m gonna join them in Winterstone. Would be stupid not to. Enough deck scrubbing.”

Dagna eyed the human’s hand, which Balen took as a sign to continue.
1302
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 17/09/2026
I guess judging by the amount of times I've read the exact phrase "poor Kragh", I'll have to go with my main #AwesomeCharacters, the only half-orc in Wardenreach himself. Also, according to *some* he is also very huggable. #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
1100
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 17/09/2026
Hello #Septopolis! This is quite interesting for Winterstone, since the city is not, in fact, meticulously planned. The capital of Wardenreach, Ironwatch, is a planned city, with straight streets and square blocks. Despite being a human city, Winterstone is not. 🧵
151
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 17/09/2026
As started yesterday, Valir is continuing to lie without even blushing. #WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
“I’m sure you didn’t expect a human — or an orc and a dwarf — in this part of the world. As I said, we’re from Haven, a city where all races live together in harmony. Imagine my shock when we traveled these lands and found a conflict brewing, with no effort to talk it out.”

“Shocking, I’m sure,” the Grand Factor murmured into his beard, earning a mild side-glance from the other negotiator.
1243
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 16/09/2026
I guess people could have the urge to punch Wyrdroot, a strange side #AwesomeCharacters, because he's so... difficult. Other than that, Roderic Hawke, Fist of the Guilds, surely qualifies! #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
180
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 16/09/2026
Valir, making up stuff since 369 atU. Possibly longer. #WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
“Thank you for seeing us, Freylar, child of Garseldomp. We are travelers from Wardenreach. This is Kragh Wulfspar, an alchemist. Dagna Emberforge, the finest inventor in all of present Bronzebreak. And I am Valir, a humble bard.”
It was amazing how many lies fit into such a brief introduction while being technically correct on all accounts. Kraghtol really wouldn’t call himself an alchemist. Before he had been able to object, though, Valir had already moved on to Dagna, who was the only inventor from present-day Bronzebreak.
2293
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 15/09/2026
Buy my book because... ...the hunky half-orc hangs out with trolls and needs to be hand-held through the basics of asking someone to be his boyfriend, *by the guy he wants to be his boyfriend*. books.mikestruan.com/AlchemicalDr... 🏳️‍🌈📚🪐📚💙
Book cover for 'Alchemical Dreamer' by Mike Struan, Book 1 of the Alchemical Green series: a hooded figure holds a glowing blue bottle with a swirling magical liquid inside, surrounded by green mist. Tags around the cover read: Ancient Secrets, Found Family, Half-Orc with a Healer's Heart, Enemies to Lovers, Hopepunk, Slow Burn M/M Romance, Maps Inside, Guilds and Intrigues.
23614
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 15/09/2026
Check out this stunning piece of art!
140
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 15/09/2026
Hello #Septopolis! There are two major events in Winterstone! One is the yearly winter solstice celebration, with feast and wine, music and dance, even sock puppets and presents for the children. There's a whole day in the calendar reserved for the winter solstice that's not part of either year. 🧵
171
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 15/09/2026
With Wardenreach being landlocked, my characters have never seen the ocean before. When they first come to it, they're positively overwhelmed! #SeptemberWorldbuilders
050
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 15/09/2026
One thing I like about my #AwesomeCharacters is that they just don't give up. They'd have every reason to, at some points of their lives, but they keep pushing, to make dark places a little brighter. #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
1110
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 15/09/2026
"Alone", but take the orc with you, huh? #WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
“I’m going for a short walk,” Kraghtol said, and when Valir moved, added, “alone.”
Despite that, he addressed Vrogh in Orcish, “Want to come with me?”
The young orc nodded, and they left the warm room for the snowy outside. The playing children had moved away, and Kraghtol could still hear their muffled screams from a few streets away. Aside from that, it was quiet. It had started snowing again, and Kraghtol watched a few snowflakes melt on his bare forearm where the rag didn’t cover his skin.
1192
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 14/09/2026
Kragh, my main #AwesomeCharacters, starts out feeling really icky about Valir, the snobish noble. It gets his blood pumping for all the wrong reasons. I'd say the reasons change over the story, but not the symptom. #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
1181
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 14/09/2026
I agree! Something's very fishy about this person! #WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
“I didn’t know you were friends. You’re from Mistpine, then?” Valir asked, returning to his jovial persona.
“She’s not,” Kraghtol said, louder than he intended to. “And something is really fishy. We ran into each other a year ago in Caemdir, south of here. And then again on winter solstice in Winterstone. Now Valir says you were on the ship to Bronzebreak, the same ship I was on, three months later. What is going on?!”
2272
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 12/09/2026
#Septopolis Winterstone, as all of Wardenreach is largely atheistic and the Guild of Peace dictates morale. There is one notable exception: The Elves rever a moon god, watching over them. For historical reason, the guilds found it wise to accomodate these beliefs.
171
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 12/09/2026
That was a really hard #WIPSnips. Ultimate vibe. I'm not sure Valir is happy with the snippet I've chosen. #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Gromvald took the pan from the fire and added one last generous dash of powder taken from a spice rack before placing it on the table.
“Here. Eat.”
The small chunks of meat glistened in the fire’s light, and when Kraghtol tried one, his tongue exploded with an intense sweetness followed by the fiery burn of spice. It was good! Valir’s head grew red, and the noble sweated from his brow.
“Lovely taste,” Valir said, and took a large sip of water, stifling a cough.
2282
Mike Struan @mikestruan.com · 11/09/2026
Ohh, wie did I mention the clock tower early? No matter. I'm gonna mention the clock tower AGAIN! #Septopolis Winterstone has a clock tower, as the only city in the country. It was built 40 years ago by a mad(?) Dwarven inventor, and runs flawlessly since then. It has transformed the everyday life.
271