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Mel the Writer

@naturalambigram.bsky.social
142 followers 199 following 123 posts

Writer of things, loves a good fact, lives in a fantasy world most of the time. Unapologetic gamer. Nambigram on Archive of Our Own. Currently in the querying trenches for a two-part vampire story.

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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Mini Dungeon Crawler Carl fanfic is up! Not the one I was expecting to publish next but heyho. When the writing demon possesses you, you have to listen. Make sure you’ve read Parade of Horribles first or else here be spoilers. archiveofourown.org/works/93845351 #DCC #dungeoncrawlercarl #fanfic
archiveofourown.org
My Birthday Present To You - Nambigram - Dungeon Crawler Carl Series - Matt Dinniman [Archive of Our Own]
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
When you should be focussing on fixing your novel but your fanfic is like… #writesky #writingcommunity #fanfiction #fanfic
static.klipy.com
Hey Sup: Guy Slides In with Dog
ALT: Hey Sup: Guy Slides In with Dog
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Sums up editing perfectly. Writing a chapter? Easy peasy. Editing that chapter… #writing #writingcommunity #writesky
static.klipy.com
It's Been 84 Years Meme - Titanic Lady
ALT: It's Been 84 Years Meme - Titanic Lady
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Luca @lucagalletti.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
One of French puppeteer Raphaël Gromy’s most recognizable performances features a puppet painting real artworks on canvas, blending puppetry, live performance, and visual art into a unique theatrical experience. 😊 IG: @artistsuniversum @raphael_gromy
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Fay Thompson, Author/Artist @faythompsonauthor.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
A fan is a stranger who likes your writing enough to try to connect with you. When you are writing a novel there may be a long gap where you don't produce writing for a fan to like. This is one reason you write short fiction at the same time you write novels. #writingcommunity #booksky #shorts
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Bailey G. Albreit @baileygalbreit.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Also, since you're writing it, the book changes constantly and you have to keep checking on things like, "Did I change that character's name every place where it appears?" because you saw a shiny object and decided a different name was better. #writing #books #booksky #writingcommunity
Writing a book is just like reading a book except the book hates you.

--Neil Renic (NC_Renic)
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Veronica O'Neill @zookie-art.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
For those who come after 🌹
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
#writingcommunity #bookcommunity Does anyone have any book recommendations with a hacking theme? I’ve just rewatched Mr Robot and I need more of this in my life. #writesky #booksky #books
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Oliver Darkshire @deathbybadger.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
amazing how the human mind moves the goalposts, first it was "getting a book published is a lifetime goal" and then it was "okay but writing a NOVEL would surely satisfy me" which led to "what if I had TWO novels" and what do you know now I am like "if i don't do a third, I'll have wasted my life"
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Eee! Less than 7 hours until the new #DungeonCrawlerCarl audiobook, A Parade of Horribles, comes out and I am SO EXCITED! I might legitimately do an all nighter so I can start reading it. Any fellow crawlers out there in the same boat?
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Jacqui Culler @cullerpictures.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
This exercise is one my favs so give it a try for today’s prompt #CRPFantasyFoxes! It’ll help you visually check what makes up your first chapter! Using 3 different colors, highlight every mention of backstory, description, and interiority. Is there too much of one color, not enough of another? 🧵
An illustrated fox wearing a green scarf sits in front of a nighttime forest with a moon, stars, and fireflies. The text above the fox reads: 
#CRPFantasyFoxes
DAY 4 PROMPT
Discussion Den
The Chapter 1 Highlight Exercise
Give it a try!
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Jacqui Culler @cullerpictures.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
#CRPFantasyFoxes if you haven’t already, make a “Keep Writing” folder! Screenshot positive feedback from beta readers, pitch contests, social media, encouraging text —and put it all in a folder on your computer or a photo album on your phone. 1/2
An illustrated fox wearing a green scarf sits in front of a nighttime forest with a moon, stars, and fireflies. The text above the fox reads: 
#CRPFantasyFoxes
DAY 12 PROMPT
Discussion Den
Make a "Keep Writing" folder!
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Tricia Dearborn @triciadearborn.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
If you're thinking about using gen-AI to "write" books, this 🧵 is for you. I’m a highly experienced editor who’s been in the biz a long time. Recently I’ve had manuscripts come to me where the author has used gen-AI – not for writing, I’ve been assured, but for “structuring” or "organising"
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Okay here’s my stab at this #CRPFantasyFoxes: A world-weary vampire recounts his life story from innocence to infamy A world-weary vampire *and hacking prodigy* recounts his life story from innocence to infamy I like this exercise! This is different to my log line so I might revisit that now.
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
This is from chapter 9. The MC is saving a cat trapped inside a house that’s about to catch fire. The cat… doesn’t like him. (Yes, yes, I know. It’s a save the cat trope. I’m intentionally doing it to set him up as a hero before everything goes wrong later) #CRPFantasyFoxes
I was halfway along the hall when a loud crash came from my left, followed by another dead ahead. I jumped and looked around but saw nothing. It sounded like that last one came from the back of the house. I picked up the pace and reached the kitchen. 
I found the problem straight away. A large oven dish had slipped off the drying rack and wedged against the cupboard. I tossed it aside and flung the door open.
A ball of orange fur latched onto my face, scratching and spitting. I struggled to rip the cat off as she moved onto my stomach to gouge open my chest. I broke free, but she bit my arm and jumped onto the work bench, hissing. Another crash from the side of the house, louder than the last.
“Come on Betty, we’ve got to go,” I said urgently and reached out, but her claws swiped at my hand.
“Ouch! Damn it, I'm trying to help you!”
Glass shattered in the room on the other side of the hall. The roaring grew louder. Heat pricked the back of my neck.
I cursed, looked around, and saw a large tea towel on the oven door. I whipped it off and threw it over the cat. Betty growled and tried to wriggle out from under it, but I wrapped my arms around the bundle and scooped her up. It was like carrying a bag of angry wasps. I fumbled with the shifting ball and turned to leave.
My groan buried under the sight.
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Here’s my #DialogueDrop for #CampRevPit! This dialogue captures the MC’s paranoia and hints at what’s to come... It’s also just a fun conversation between two friends. Man, I love these two together. #CRPFantasyFoxes
“So, what, you’re saying it’s all my imagination?” I said.
Helena pinched her thumb and forefinger together. “Maybe a little. You do get carried away when a thought gets stuck in your head. Like that mysterious red head you claim is following you.”
“But I am being followed!”
“Oh yeah? Then where is he now?”
“He’s not doing it all the time.”
“Uhuh. Isn’t that convenient.”
“I’m serious! First the conference, now my street. And he’s not just watching. I think he’s trying to kill me.”
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
My hobby is video games so if there are any other writer/gamers let’s geek out! My fav game is Portal 2, with an honourable mention to Expedition 33, which has maybe the best story I’ve experienced in any medium. My MC is as fanatical about hacking as I am about gaming #CRPFantasyFoxes #CampRevPit
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Super cool exercise to help with the first chapter. Really made me think about things differently. My opening doesn't contain nearly as much interiority as I thought. I'll definitely be using this again. #CRPFantasyFoxes
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
There are two antagonists in my story. There’s the villain & there’s The Villain: - The villain is fighting to rid the world of evil. - The Villain wants justice. He’s fixing the wrongs of the distant past & rebalancing the scales of power. Neither would class themself as “evil” #CRPFantasyFoxes
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Calling all masochists! If you like suffering and struggle, and you deal with trauma using dark humour, this book is meant for you. #CRPFantasyFoxes
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Oo my favourite part of writing a story is when the characters take on a life of their own and their reactions surprise me. Like writing an argument in which a character makes a great point and I think: “wow, I wish I’d thought of that!” That’s when you know they’ve become real. #CRPFantasyFoxes
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
All of the above really! I want to meet fellow writers and help each other out not just in this camp but long term. #CRPFantasyFoxes
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Hello! I’m Mel, a writer of paranormal fantasy with dark undercurrents and moral dilemmas. I’m currently working on a vampire coming of age story with a hacking twist. Looking forward to taking part in the camp! #CRPFantasyFoxes #CampKickoff #CampRevPit
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
Manipulating people is my antagonist’s bread and butter. He will ALWAYS get someone else to do tasks for him, usually the protagonist, but he’s so good at it that his target doesn’t realise they’re being used. He will only step in if revenge is involved. Then he’ll make it personal. Very personal.
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
Every once in a while you stumble upon a gem of an article. This is it. Fantastically written. The epitome of chaotic evil. Some men just want to watch the world burn and I would very much like to be in that bar grinning along with them. Feed me more villains like this #writingcommunity #amwriter
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EliasJMcClellan @eliasjmcclellan.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
#writerslife writers' terms of the trade, courtesy of our very own @annerallen.bsky.social
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Ayesha Ali (she/her) @azali-avenger.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
#TeamWillpower team question: How do you know when your manuscript is ready to submit/publish? Obviously first drafts aren't ready so how do you know what is? Weigh in with your thoughts. #RevPit #RevPitWaiting
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Rebecca Weber 🙂🐈‍⬛📰 @rweberwrites.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Let's be real, Fairy Godmother. 😉✍️📖 #WritingCommunity #writers #authors #bookcontractplease #publishing
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Do you know what time it is? It’s fact o’clock! For anyone who has ever woken with a hangover, the phrase “hair of the dog” refers to drinking alcohol to ease the splitting headache you’re feeling. The origin is surprisingly literal and relates to my favourite disease: rabies. 1/4 #amwriter #phrases
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
So… I uploaded my first fan fiction to Archive of Our Own last week, and it is so heartwarming to see the responses to it. 1/3 #ao3 #amwriter #writingcommunity #writesky #fanfiction
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
I found a mug! This comes when the MC stumbles upon a cabin in the middle of nowhere, when all he wants to do is run from his past. All my mugs irl are freebies so not interesting enough to share. Love a good freebie, me.
I picked up a tin mug from the table and examined it. Like the furniture around me, it was homemade. You could see the care and craftsmanship that had gone into this place. In a way, I admired this hermit, so content in their isolation, far away from the digital world. I couldn’t say how many hours I’d spent online in total, slouched in front of my monitor, talking to Dan and the rest while we worked on the latest patch together.
That reminded me... I was supposed to be helping Sam with a project this week. She’d be so angry that I’d no-showed. I brushed the thought aside. She’d get over it; I’d bailed enough times over the years and someone else could fill my place. I couldn’t take any more guilt. Not after I had—
I gripped the cup tighter. No. I wouldn’t think about that.
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
Me reading comments about my Dungeon Crawler Carl fan fic on ao3 #ao3 #dungeoncrawlercarl #fanfiction #amwriter Carl says “you will not break me” but apparently I might break the readers. Part 3/3 coming soon. Things are about to hit the fan. archiveofourown.org/works/82206791
media.tenor.com
a raccoon is sitting on its hind legs with its hands folded in prayer .
ALT: a raccoon is sitting on its hind legs with its hands folded in prayer .
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Demi Michelle 🦋 @demimschwartz.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Hi #RevPit friends. I’m back with another thread. As both an author and editor, this is one I’m very passionate about, so I’m going to be super direct and honest. Curious? #RevPitWaiting 💜💎
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
So… I may have become so obsessed with #DungeonCrawlerCarl that I wrote some fan fiction. If you’re like me and can’t wait for book 8, head over to @archiveofourown.org to give it a read: archiveofourown.org/works/82206791 Read the WARNING notes before you start - spoilers abound. #fanfiction #ao3
archiveofourown.org
Kill the Primal - Chapter 1 - Nambigram - Dungeon Crawler Carl Series - Matt Dinniman [Archive of Our Own]
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Sometimes, when taking a break from writing, you find great characters in unexpected places. I stumbled upon this Magic the Gathering card a few years ago and keep coming back to it because the quote is so intriguing. If I had time I would write a whole series on him #amwriter #MagictheGathering
Magic the Gathering card of a Black Knight. The quote underneath the card ability reads: “Battle doesn’t need a purpose; the battle is its own purpose. You don’t ask why a plague spreads or a field burns. Don’t ask why I fight.”
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Fun fact! “Decimate” comes from an extreme punishment used by the Roman military. If a group of soldiers rebelled, the entire squad drew lots with a 1 in 10 chance of picking the losing lot. The rest of the group were then forced to kill (ie decimate) those unlucky folks. Yikes! Talk about harsh.
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Delight of the day - in researching witches for a story, it turns out the phrase “Hocus Pocus” likely comes from a shortening of the Catholic "Hoc est enim corpus meum" (aka this is my body in Latin). It dates back to the 1620s! What’s a fact you’ve stumbled upon while writing? #amwriter #writesky
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Manuscript Academy by #MSWL @manuscriptacademy.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Query letter check! Hand your query to a friend, set a 60-second timer ⏱️, then ask: Who's the protagonist? What do they want? What's stopping them? What are the stakes? If they can't answer, REVISE. 🚨 manuscriptacademy.com/query-letter-pop-quiz-test-clarity #AmQuerying #WritingCommunity #QueryTips
manuscriptacademy.com
Agents Want an A+ on the Pop Quiz of Your Book (2026)
The "pop quiz test" changed how we think about query clarity. Learn what agents actually need to understand from your query letter.
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caasbrey @caasbrey.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
1. “You appear furious.” “I am.”
2. “I am enraged by a being in this narrative.” “An actual being?”
3. “The being is fictional. My anger is real.”
4. “This is how I relax.”
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird famously said: “you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them.” This is why writers make their characters’ shoes two sizes too small. They want to watch them suffer. #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #amwriter
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
It’s the first sunny weekend of the year. The birds are singing. The grass is freshly mown. So what do I do? Spend the entire time hunched over a laptop indoors, speed writing after a plot breakthrough. I have no choice. I am in The Zone. Sun, why do you taunt me so? #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
“So, how did you come up with your hero’s name?” Cue montage of: -using “Hero” as a placeholder -finding the perfect name -learning it belongs to a politician! -returning to the placeholder -scouring increasingly obscure sources -until finally you settle on the name: Bob #WriteSky #WritingCommunity
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C. L. Polk @clpolk.com · 19/07/2025
me: I know what i'm writing after the secret book idea: hey me: ...hey! I will have time for you after I idea: *smiles* I'm big me: that's right and so I should idea: I'm sweeping and panoramic me: but my wip-- idea: isn't as challenging as me me: idea: is that a new notebook? me: ...yes
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
The wonderful Terry Pratchett once said: “There are times in life when people must know when not to let go. Balloons are designed to teach small children this.” So don’t let go of your idea. Hold on tight until together you touch the stars. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #WriteSky #WriterLife
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Rob Bignell, Editor/Author @inventingreality.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
#writingtipsandtricks #writingtips #writing #authors #writerlife
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Holly Schindler @hollyschindler.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Does your rivalry subplot (the clash between antagonist and protagonist) actually work? Rivalry Subplot Breakdown: youtu.be/F1CiQ9Snds4?... #writing #writingcommunity #writingtips #antagonist #writingabook
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Sometimes, in the midst of rewrites, I get demotivated about my story. A vampire novel without seduction? What was I thinking? Then I sit up & shout: No! I read the entirety of Varney the Vampire! All 667000 words of it! If I can finish that, I can finish anything. #writingcommunity #vampire #books
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Revise & Resub @reviseresub.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
#RevPitWaiting for Tuesday, March 17: Tell us about your #RevPit book! The heart, the vibes, the tropes! If you wish, include age range and genre to find others like you 🦋
Graphic with a light blue watercolor background. Title "2026 #RevPitWaiting" and 3/17 - Book Intro. Prompt: Tell us about your RevPit book! The heart, the vibes, the tropes! If you wish, include #s of your age group and genre to find others like you.
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Mel the Writer @naturalambigram.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Lots of solid advice in the comments #amquerying #writingcommunity
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