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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I think they’ll have to stay that age. I’d rather trailer the tone and content to fit their unique voice.

Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

It’s mainly the protagonist’s voice. I don’t picture them being older than 13 and that might be a hard sell for YA readers.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Thanks! I also like the idea of the father not featuring in the story yet being ever present and the focus of tension throughout the structure.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

A little, but really it was only a couple of swear words and some imagery that could be adapted to be less visceral and disturbing. The subject matter still might be a little much for 8-12s, but we’ll see when the beta readers get hold of it!

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Hi Alice. It’s a YA fantasy called BENEATH SILVER STITCHES. Here’s the logline: When a helicopter pilot crashes in the mountains, to save him, his teenage son must make a pact with a dark and desperate creature not of our world.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

I have a Patreon now! I’ll be moving all the daily motivations over there from now on. Come join me for FREE, or for a small fee get exclusive content such as publishing insights from a first-time author and the ARC when it’s ready. www.patreon.com/AuthorOxenha...

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R J Oxenham | YA Fantasy Writer — Dark, coming-of-age, YA fantasy novels

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Feeling brilliant today! Not only a solid word count, but I managed to go through the whole manuscript and tone down some of the language and imagery to make it more accessible to younger readers (9-13). Today's Words: 611 Total Words: 18129 Snippet in alt text. #WIP #WriterLife #AuthorCommunity

Before I made it to the caravan, Susie burst through the door, scampered down the steps and hugged me. I left my arms dangling to the sides like golf clubs. I couldn’t figure her out. Did she like me now? I’d started late at St. Saviour’s school after we’d moved to the coast to be closer to Grandad. The students were already in their packs when I joined, so I’d struggled to make friends. The Barracks was also miles out of town, which didn’t help.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Not finished yet, but the answer is ‘sort of’. I don’t want to give too much away until it’s finished.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Here’s the logline 😉 When a helicopter pilot crashes in the mountains, to save him, his teenage son must make a pact with a dark and desperate creature not of our world.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

I’ve legit been obsessed with that film since I watched it at the cinema. It’s rereleasing in 3D this October and Del’Toro says it’s the definitive version.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Regular team for years. Occasionally add someone new if we want a specific style, but rarely.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

They’re packed with both! It’s one of our main selling points.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

I actually run the roleplaying game publisher @hatchlingdm.itch.io, so that occupies most of my time. What are the reasons for including illustrations in your book?

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Kind of playful, but also steeped in traditional. I’m very keen to present the camp and the community there with originality and warmth.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

A gypsy camp is the main one, which is also a challenge to present accurately and sensitively. I’ll be hiring a cultural consultant before querying the book with agents.

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Reposted by Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer

Hatchlings Games ~ Shop opening soon! @hatchlingdm.itch.io · 14/09/2026

If any mutuals are interested in fiction writing, please consider following my alt account @oxwriter.bsky.social. I’m currently drafting a story I’ve had in mind since my degree over 15 years ago! Expect daily motivational word counts and much more 🦊 #AmWriting #WritingCommunity #BookSky #WriterSky

When a helicopter pilot crashes in the mountains, to save him, his teenage son must make a pact with a dark and desperate creature not of our world.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Bit of both. I have chapters outlined and the complete story in mind, but I’m finding extra chapters are needed between the bit plot points to build characters and locations. I feel that also helps with the pace, and I’ve personally always enjoyed those quieter, introspective parts of a story.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Yeah I won’t lose the feeling, just ease it off a little. I’m halfway through the manuscript but the way I draft means I’m technically on the 3rd pass 😂. I know it’s seen as wrong to edit as you go along, but I can’t prevent the perfectionist in me so I’m just embracing it.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Hi Jessica! I think both principles are going to be tough, but it’ll be worth it in the end. With the imagery, it’s not so difficult, as there isn’t any violence or sex atm, just some grotesque and macabre scenes that can be adjusted. As for the voice, I’ll do my best 😅

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

I’ve decided to lower the reading age of BENEATH SILVER STITCHES, which means going through and toning down some of the imagery and my protagonist’s vocab. I can do this today, but obv my word count will suffer. Hey ho!

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Yes, but I’m trying to approach with a fresh take. Something more akin to Pan’s Labyrinth.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Writing motivation for BENEATH SILVER STITCHES. Feeling weary after a tough Sunday, but determined to get the 💪🏼 back tomorrow. 411 words (only) today. 17518 total. Snippet with image. #YA #WIP #WordCount #WriterLife

“Control, this is Officer Mattis. I’m in need of assistance. Over.”
There was a scratching noise from the radio on his vest.
“What is your situation?” a woman asked. “Over.”
“There’s a wolf at the Little Chef on the bypass. Over.”
“Please repeat. Did you say a wolf? Over.”
“Yes! There’s a bloody giant wolf outside the restaurant. Send backup now! Over.”

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Writing motivation for BENEATH SILVER STITCHES day 3. Feeling strong after posting my highest daily word count when the kids are off school. 1203 words today. 17107 total. Snippet alt text with image. #YA #WIP #WordCount #WriterLife #AuthorCommunity

“Easy? You don’t seem to understand. Once he possesses that thing you’ve created, it’ll be like it never existed. Imagine an engagement ring, a childhood toy, a violin concerto, all gone from memory and replaced with an emptiness, an itch at the back of your mind you can never quite scratch. The wardens sustain power by taking and hoarding our creativity, draining us of our inspiration.”

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

It’s the first major action scene and marks the intersection between the real world and the fae for the town beyond my protagonist. My intention is to write this book in 1st person POV and the second in 3rd person limited. Then close the trilogy from the omniscient perspective. Ambitious but fun!

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Writing motivation for BENEATH SILVER STITCHES day two! Feeling excited. 843 words today. 15904 total. Snippet alt text with image. #YA #WIP #WordCount #WriterLife #AuthorCommunity

We jolted forward and the front wheels lifted off the ground. I bounced in my seat as we landed, holding Susie tight around the waist as we hurtled across the field towards the underpass. The headlights stretched over the open field as the Barg bounded in pursuit, breath pouring and saliva trailing from its gaping maw.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Thanks! I thought it was a nice idea to post daily. It’ll keep my honest and hopefully inspire others.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Going to post daily writing progress with my overall mood and a snippet from BENEATH SILVER STITCHES. I hope this will provide motivation for myself and other aspiring authors. #YA #WIP #WordCount #WriterLife #AuthorCommunity

I backed up behind a wall, not taking my eyes from it, not even to blink. A regular wolf would’ve been scary enough, but the Barg stirred an uncanny fear in me, something I wasn’t supposed to experience growing up in a country free of dangerous predators. Was this how Bilbo must have felt confronting Smaug in his lair?

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Yeah, it’s definitely a career pivot, and yet not so much 😉

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Indie author: Look at my new cover!!! Gets 140 ❤️ Replies: It’s stunning. Who’s the cover artist? Hey, can I get the cover artist’s details? Wow! I love how that looks. Who did you hire? Indie author: 🦗 🦗 🦗 🦗 Why? 🤖 of course.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

BENEATH SILVER STITCHES, my debut low fantasy YA novel, is coming next year! ‘When a helicopter pilot crashes in the mountains, to save him, his teenage son must make a pact with a dark and desperate creature not of our world.’

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Latest cover mockup for BENEATH SILVER STITCHES. This is getting close to what I envision and gives me something I can show our professional artist next month.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Currently drafting the whole novel. Up to 10,000 words of 60k. Should have an Advance Reader Copy by early 2027.

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Beneath Silver Stitches is my debut YA novel heading to crowdfunding platforms next year. Blurb: When an RAF pilot crashes behind enemy lines, to save him, his teen son must make a pact with a dark and desperate creature not of our world. #WritingCommunity #Author #WriterLife #Writing #AmDrafting

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Rich Oxenham | Fantasy Writer @oxwriter.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Brand new author account! I’m Rich, a 40something writer from the UK. I studied creative writing in 2010 for an MA and have been publishing tabletop RPGs ever since as @hatchlingdm.itch.io. Only now returning to novel writing with Beneath Silver Stitches, a dark YA story coming next year.

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