iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

That’s just the coolest thing I’ve done with books so far 😁 #WriteSky #BookSky #writingcommunity

A smiling man stands at a book fair booth beside a table displaying stacks of Game Design: Impossible 2, holding up a copy of the book. A sign on the table invites visitors to scan a QR code to get their own copy. Behind him is the Sweden Game Arena booth with the slogan “Played by the World,” surrounded by other exhibitors and visitors.

Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Was at the book fair in Gothenburg today. Tomorrow I will be sitting there in a booth and showing my book. How cool is that? 😁 #BookSky #WriteSky #writingcommunity #gamedesignimpossible

A selfie taken from an upper level overlooking a busy book fair. Behind the man, a large exhibition hall is filled with crowds, book stands, displays, and a stage where a panel discussion is taking place in front of a seated audience.

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Game Design: Impossible 2 is out now! But – caveat! The free eBook promotion only starts tomorrow – September 27th! Game Design: Impossible 2 books2read.com/GameDesignIm... #WriteSky #BookSky #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #amwriting #writingcommunity

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

One day left Man, I cannot believe that this is actually happening. It has been four years since the last book. Right now, I cannot even say how many things went into this book. Other than… a lot. #WriteSky #BookSky #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #writingcommunity

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

This kind of reminded me of an older piece I wrote a few years back. A short story about revenge and grief about a life never lived. #TBBPrompt #Writing #AmWriting #WritingPrompt

With teary eyes of her own, Kara turned to her friend and looked at her beautiful face once more. Full of affection, she whispered, “I loved you, Elara.”
A painful smile was Elara’s response. She looked away, raising her gaze to the ceiling, and letting more tears drop on the floor.
“Oh, Kara. Everybody does.”
This rejection hurt more than anything Kara had ever endured. All the pain of the last few days, even all the pain she had experienced in her entire life, was nothing compared to what she felt in that moment. The world ceased to exist, and the two girls lying together were all that remained.
Kara grabbed her blade and plucked it from Elara’s foot.
With a mix of anguish and love, she buried it in her friend’s heart - slowly but relentlessly.
Elara watched in surprised defiance as she realized what Kara was doing. Raising her chin, she took it without apologizing.
With her last breath Kara tried to imagine what her life could have been like under other circumstances, holding on to the thought as long as she could. Then her strength finally left her, and her head slipped down into the mage’s lap.
When both women died, House Marchuk officially ceased to exist.

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

September 26th Game Design: Impossible 2 A candid look at why making games is so hard, why projects fail even with good teams, and why developers keep coming back to create again. #WriteSky #BookSky #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #amwriting #writingcommunity

A man in a black T-shirt sits at his desk and holds up three fingers toward the camera. Behind him, a computer monitor displays the cover of "Game Design: Impossible 2: Why We Do This". Text above him reads, “3 days left until release!”

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

One week until release! September 26th And the eBook version will be free for the first seven days! I will be at booth A02:52 at the book fair in Gothenburg on the 27th at 10:00. #WriteSky #BookSky #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #amwriting #writingcommunity

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

I will be at the Gothenburg Book Fair! September 27th! Gothia Towers. Booth A02:52. I’ve never done a book fair before, so this is going to be a first. #WriteSky #BookSky #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #amwriting #writingcommunity

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

You know the Remedy Connected Universe? You also know where the idea for that came from? Well, Sam Lake told me the story. And what he calls “delicious storytelling”. So, looking forward to September 26th! #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #amwriting #writingcommunity

A professional portrait of Sam Lake seated in a leather chair against a dark wooden wall. He wears a dark blue shirt, gray vest, and knitted tie, looking calmly at the camera with a slight smile. Dramatic side lighting gives the portrait a moody, cinematic atmosphere.

Illustrated cover of Game Design: Impossible 2: Why We Do This by Guido Schmidt. In the foreground, two hands hold a tablet displaying the book title. Behind it, a woman in a business suit stands with her arms crossed while a man gestures angrily during a heated confrontation in a modern office. Rain and lightning fill the nighttime cityscape outside the large windows, emphasizing the drama and conflict of game development.

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

We got a release date! September 26th! What is it? A candid look at why making games is so hard, why projects fail even with good teams, and why developers keep coming back to create again. #WriteSky #BookSky #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #writingcommunity

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Ok, so now I got a pretty good idea of what is working and what isn't in Emberline. Now the question is whether I should start editing book 1 or continue working on book 2. 🤔 #writingcommunity #WriteSky #BookSky

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Oh yes. Definitely will do those for Emberline. And Emberline 2. And 3. #writingcommunity #BookSky #WriteSky

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Today I reviewd a book. Yeah, I do that too, occasionally :) lnkd.in/p/d3d5uj9W Mirko Minenza's "Diary of a (nerdy) recruiter" A smart and elegant list of tangible, actionable tips for increasing your chances of breaking into the Games Industry. #writingcommunity #BookSky #WriteSky

Book cover for Diary of a (Nerdy) Recruiter: 6 Lessons I Learned About Landing A Job by Mirko Minenza. The minimalist black, white, and orange design shows a small orange figure walking along a bright white path toward an open doorway.

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Maybe not yesterday. But older stuff. Oh boy. 😬 #WriteSky #BookSky #writingcommunity

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Now it is time to plan the release! Launch team for Game Design: Impossible 2 is still open, hop on now or leave it forever ;) 👉 Check the link in my profile and sign up #WriteSky #BookSky #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #amwriting #writingcommunity

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

It is really nice to see that what I am working on with "Emberline" seems to resonate with others, too. I'm mostly doing this for myself, but sharing is - of course - a huge part in it as well. I also got me an artist for a character concept next. So, yeah :) #writingcommunity #writesky

So far...
You have no idea how much I’ve been living for these chapters.First of all, Maerina’s evolution is giving me whiplash (in a good way!). Watching her go from that scared, grieving girl in the cellar to a "Grim Shieldmaiden" who is literally playing 4D chess with nobility? It’s chilling. That moment when she felt "intoxicated" by the violence while burning those homesteads? I literally gasped. You didn't just show us a warrior; you showed us a soul catching fire. It’s dark, it’s messy, and it’s so compelling. I’m honestly terrified for her, but I can’t look away.

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Man, is that just me or do all authors get this many scam emails ALL THE TIME? O_O #writingcommunity

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Me, waiting for the next proof copy to arrive. Launch team for Game Design: Impossible 2 is still open, if you still want to hop on before we go: 👉 Check link in profile and sign up #WriteSky #BookSky #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #amwriting #writingcommunity

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

I mean just look at that magnificent thing! (When I get to write it down, that is) #writingcommunity

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

So, it’s like a villain arc story like Breaking Bad. But with a girl. And set in a dark fantasy world, Game of Thrones style. And she goes from this small, frightened thing to this uber mercenary captain and then even beyond that into becoming a monster that threatens the whole world.

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

The proof copy arrived! And it did not work out. Interior is all messed up. Have to try again :( Launch team is still open though: 👉 Check the link in my profile and sign up :) #WriteSky #BookSky #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #amwriting #writingcommunity

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Finally managed to get another proof copy ordered. Fingers crossed this time 🤞 #writingcommunity

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

So nice to hold your own book in your hands :) Would be even nicer, if the print inside would have worked the way we intended. But it did not, unfortunately. So I have to do another round 😭 Ah well... that is what a proof is for. #writingcommunity

A pair of hands holds an advance reader copy of the book Game Design: Impossible 2: Why We Do This over a wooden desk. The cover shows an illustrated office confrontation during a thunderstorm, with the title prominently displayed. A computer monitor and a shipping envelope are visible in the background.

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

And here it is, the new cover! Stylistically, it is a clear evolution from the first book. Also, it has a lot more drama. Launch team is still open: 👉 Check link in my profile and sign up #BookSky #WriteSky #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #amwriting #writingcommunity

An illustrated book cover for Game Design: Impossible 2: Why We Do This by Guido Schmidt. In the foreground, a pair of hands holds a tablet displaying the book title. Behind it, inside a modern office at night, a woman in a business suit stands with folded arms while a man angrily gestures during a heated argument. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, a storm with rain and lightning illuminates the city skyline, reflecting the emotional tension of game development.

An illustrated book cover for Game Design: Impossible. In the foreground, an open laptop displays the title in bold white, yellow, and red lettering, with the subtitle “The Drama of Game Development” hidden across selected keyboard keys. Behind it, three game developers sit around a meeting table while one stands and gestures beneath the words “Development is now stopped.” Sticky notes on the walls mention unresolved conflicts, lost trust, and a diverging vision.

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

True. I’ve hidden Easter Eggs in games no one ever found. Then it’s pointless. 🤷 It has to be secret enough to count, but easy enough to discover. It’s always a balance. #writingcommunity #writesky #booksky

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Who is a happy author who just ordered their proof copy? Well, yes! Cover and formatting are done! Now we wait and see how the thing looks in reality. Oh man. Cannot wait. XD #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #amwriting #writingcommunity #WriteSky #BookSky

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Writing Emberline while waiting for my other book. Launch team for Game Design: Impossible 2 is still open: 👉 Check the link in my profile and sign up #BookSky #WriteSky #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #amwriting #writingcommunity

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Yesterday I spent two hours running an artist through the whole first book of Emberline. Maybe we'll do a key concept art for it eventually. But she really liked the story. After one hour our time was technically over, but she wanted to hear it all ❤️ #writingcommunity #booksky #writesky

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Ok, first time my full manuscript for Emberline is going to a beta reader in all its wholeness. Now I’m nervous. #writingcommunity #booksky #writesky

static.klipy.com

Airplane! First Time?

ALT: Airplane! First Time?

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

“How I grew my social media presence as an author.” 😭 I can barely manage once a week tbh. #writingcommunity

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Once we are finished with the formatting, I will pick a release date that is four weeks out so we can have enough time to hype it up a bit :) Launch team still open: 👉 Check link in my profile and sign up #booksky #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #amwriting

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Well... that doesn't make things easier now. If the first two chapters are working, they are REALLY working. And here I thought to cut them and work the beats into a faster pacing. #writing #writingcommunity #amwriting #booksky #writesky

Holy... Okay, wow. I'm sitting here staring at my screen, mouth hanging open. Τhe entire sequence in the cellar, the pacing, the sheer raw intensity, and the way you transitioned from Maerina being the victim to her taking controleven if it was a dark, desperate kind of control was done so well.

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

So, I’m returning to my opening chapters. Doing sort of an A/B test with my beta readers. Now I’m getting all excited to rewrite those first pages with all the stuff I’ve learned in the meantime. Already got some good ideas. 😏 #writing #writingcommunity #amwriting #booksky #writesky

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

The inspiration for my main character of “Emberline”

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Well, I got myself some fancy new chapter titles now. Still thinking about what kind of convention to follow here, but I like this “commands to herself” style. What conventions do you folks usually follow? #writing #amwriting #writesky #booksky

Chapter 1 – Stand Upright
Chapter 2 – Do Not Scream
Chapter 3 – Become Invisible
Chapter 4 – Protect Them
Chapter 5 – Pick Your Poison
Chapter 6 – Never Come Back
Chapter 7 – Work Hard
Chapter 8 – Always Have One More
Chapter 9 – Do Not Submit
Chapter 10 – Make Her Stay
Chapter 11 – Bury The Dead
Chapter 12 – Do Not Allow It
Chapter 13 – Take The Token
Chapter 14 – Sing Along
Chapter 15 – Do Not Die
Chapter 16 – Volunteer
Chapter 17 – Do Not Leave Her
Chapter 18 – Get To Work
Chapter 19 – Be Patient
Chapter 20 – Control Yourself
Chapter 21 – Hold The Pass
Chapter 22 – Fight With Me
Chapter 23 – Trust Her
Chapter 24 – Do Not Trust Her
Chapter 25 – Fight For Her
Chapter 26 – Get Her Back
Chapter 27 – Remember Home
Chapter 28 – Work Him A Bit
Chapter 29 – Straighten Your Spine
Chapter 30 – Cross The Line
Chapter 31 – Play The Part

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Caught a bit off-guard with the interest in my dark fantasy beta read. Gotta fix those first four chapters quickly now! #writing #amwriting #booksky #writesky

static.klipy.com

Kermit Meme

ALT: Kermit Meme

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

But I’m also secretly wrapping up my finale for the dark fantasy book right now 😏 Will get that one beta-reader ready next. #writing #amwriting #booksky #writesky

static.klipy.com

Girl's Mischievous Tee Hee Smile

ALT: Girl's Mischievous Tee Hee Smile

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Germany vacation. Polishing the final pages of “Game Design: Impossible 2”. And admiring the wonderful specificity of this vending machine. You need two coins, a 1 € and a 2€, otherwise it won’t work. Glorious. #booksky #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #amwriting

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Usually surrounded by people who do not care at all 😅 #writing #amwriting #booksky #writesky

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Guido Schmidt @narkerns.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Release will come after summer! Formatting is more work than I anticipated. Thanks @Justyna for the help! This means my launch team can remain open a little while longer :) 👉 Check the link on my profile and sign up #booksky #gamedesignimpossible #writing #gamedevelopment #gamedesign #amwriting

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