iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Exploring the radical concept that yes, even Alexander the Great probably had massive amounts of battlefield PTSD 😬 ("All Those Things the Gods Wouldn't Grant" still going strong on Ao3!) archiveofourown.org/works/694997... #ao3 #amwriting

Even as I extracted my arm from underneath him, he didn’t stir. He was fully unconscious. And when I left the room to shout for an extra blanket, he remained immobile even as I crawled back into bed, rewrapped my arm around him, and drew the covers over us.
It was pure exhaustion, those first few hours.
But then the exhaustion was replaced by dreams. And then he grew disquieted.
There was some long-ago vividness behind his sleeping eyelids, contractions and wrinkles appearing on his nose and forehead as his face contorted in memory.

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

When all you wanna do is go to battle with your guy, and all he wants to do is kiss ya. I guess you just do both.🤷‍♀️ ("All Those Things the Gods Wouldn't Grant," still popping on ao3) archiveofourown.org/works/694997... #ao3 #writesky

He was overwrought, drunk on the idea of our togetherness. More than that, he knew the deepest desires of my heart. We would be joined in combat, just as I had always hoped. We could be men entwined in the heat of thrill and war.
I knew he needed to touch me then. His mouth was already close, its fiery-soft words casting spells of nerve and victory on the empty sparring field.
“Kiss me,” I prompted. “I can tell you want to.”
He didn’t hesitate. My lips parted for the quick force of his mouth. He was gentle, slow, but he burned with light.
“You are everything,” he whispered to me as he pulled away. “I’ll follow you anywhere.”

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

61,000 words since August, y'all. The downfall of law and order is apparently my muse. (It's either this or I drink heavily...) #writesky #ao3

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

~~AITA (12M) for contriving various tests that will make everyone see that my arch-nemesis (13M) is awful? No, he hasn't *done* anything wrong, but I just have a feeling about him. (Youthful angst ✔️) ("Enemies" to Lovers ✔️) #ao3 #WritingPrompt #booksky archiveofourown.org/works/694997...

Finding no criticism of him among my sources, I tried to catch him at some misdeed. I don’t think I intended to get him in trouble. More than that, I think I wanted to prove to myself that I was right to dislike him.
My tests, numerous and varied, were all unsuccessful.
Early one morning, I left a handful of silver coins scattered outside his room. Hiding behind some curtains, I watched him emerge, pause in confusion, and then gather the coins to bring to the household steward. He didn’t take for himself a single one.

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

So, evidently, I become feral when the world is on fire, and I learn how to publish my random stories willy-nilly. "Only Cowards Will Be Left Alive" now available on a screen near you. Historical Drama/Romance Anthology. Bite-sized chapters. #ao3 #writersky archiveofourown.org/works/704627...

These are the stories of doomed warrior-lovers.

In Ancient Greece, The Sacred Band was a real military unit comprised of 150 pairs of male lovers.
A group of exceptional soldiers, they were undefeated in combat.

In 338BC, the unit was met by Alexander the Great in what would become one of the most decisive battles of the ancient world.
Despite mass desertion by the rest of their army, The Sacred Band stood their ground and fought until the death.

The dead will speak. They'll tell their love stories.

**This is a work of anthology. Every chapter will be a complete story focused around a different pair of men.

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

Just slow-burning my way through ancient history and its ships.💓 Alexander the Great romance seeking to answer the question: 💥What if our real conquest was the love we made along the way? (But like, in a much less hokey way...) archiveofourown.org/works/694997... #ao3 #booksky #writersky

Hephaestion was sitting in the dust. It was almost dusk, and the day was quieting. He could sleep outside tonight. He’d cross arms under his head as a pillow and stare up at the nighttime sky. At least the moon was the same. Both he and Alexander could look up and see the same sliver of glowing thumbnail just starting to wane into nothingness.
But now he was thinking. And thinking at nights was dangerous.
Mostly he felt like a pile of dry kindling, ready to combust with only the slightest spark. He could fight in the days, plan in the days, forage or repair or occupy himself in the days. But nights were lonely. And a year of them was even lonelier still.

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 24/08/2025

So I have discovered the terrors and joys of writing a story in installments. On one hand, I can't distract myself from new progress by endlessly editing. On the other hand, I can't distract myself from new progress by endlessly editing. #WIPsnips #ao3 #writesky

I waited to reply, my words delayed by the sticky realization of how much I pitied him. “My father encourages the men under his command to love each other—even more than they love their wives or children. You fight harder for men you love.”
My response was diplomacy. Neither a rebuke of the closeness shared by our friends nor an affirmation that I wished the same for he and I. But, at least for the moment, it was enough to assuage him.

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Finally bit the bullet (aka, stopped nitpicking edits) and released the first chapters of my Alexander the Great story on Ao3. I am genuinely tickled that it has gotten some views & kudos. I guess fans exist for everything, even history fanfics ❤️ archiveofourown.org/works/694997... #WIPSNIPS #ao3

He’s worried,” I volunteered, finally breaking free from Cleitus’s grip and stumbling upright again. “On the road, we were recently beset by a prophetess.”
“Oh?” He put hands on his hips and nodded in interest. “And what do the Fates have in store for you, Hephaestion?”
“I’m to marry a princess of a great house,” he whispered. His mouth was still upturned in a smile, but it had grown wry.
“Just one princess?” Cleitus drooped his shoulders in mock disappointment.
“It’s my fortune that upsets him.” I nudged Hephaestion’s foot to show that my teasing wasn’t malicious. Assuming a voice of loftiness, I imitated the gravitas of the woman. “I’m to die in Babylon, my death hastened by one I would never suspect.”

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

I've finally rolled out my Alexander the Great historical fiction. Chapters to update monthly! Perfect for the five or so people who enjoy serials about somebody dead for 2000+ years! All Those Things the Gods Wouldn't Grant: archiveofourown.org/works/694997... #Writesky #Ao3 #HistoricalFiction

All Those Things the Gods Wouldn't Grant
closetwriter_24
Summary:
"I can tell you the names of the boys and men I grew up with. The ones I loved in my youth. But you must not grow too attached to the stories of any whom I outlive."

After a lifetime of war, crisis, betrayals, and losses, Alexander of Macedon kneels in the temple of Siwa. He retells stories of a childhood spent with a scheming mother, a youth spent with friends now dead or traitorous, and an adulthood spent with the profound love of his fellow general, Hephaestion.

Devastated from a recent loss, he asks only one thing of the temple's oracle: permission to create a god.

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

I would do this totally unpromoted. You realize that you're just encouraging me, right?

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

Writing Bingo Day 3! Everyone likes a meet-cute! Or an...uh...meet-ignore? #writesky

A writing bingo board with three prompts marked off

He wore no apron as most of the artists did, and his doublet did bear some discoloration from various pigments. I wondered at him, preparing to receive nobility with stains on his garments.
“Good morning,” I said.
He glanced up. For a second, his eyes studied me, and I could see him wondering if he needed to bow, kneel, or show some other deference. He remained in place.
“Good morning,” he returned, looking back down at the easel before him.

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Bingo Day 2! Just a nice summertime swim with the beau...and a few dozen of his attendants and advisors. Palace life isn't much fun. And privacy certainly isn't a thing. #writesky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

Writing bingo! "Character returns home" is a trope I love so much. I'm originally from small town Appalachia. Visits home always seem like returning to a near-familiar world. The biggest change is inevitably that everyone is older and now smoking Juuls. Anyway, here's 1500s England... #writesky

Trying to recognize anyone, I glanced around with some sadness at the thin children with gaunt faces who eagerly ran along near us. Times had been lean here. I couldn’t pretend that I knew any of the adults I passed. Those my age would have been parents themselves, and the years had rendered them unrecognizable. My childhood elders were older and frailer than I remembered. In my absence, the people had moved faster than I’d realized.

A bingo board with different writing prompts. "Character returns home" is marked"

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Me: "Well, the good thing about writing historical fiction is that the present chaos doesn't tend to seep into my writing that much." Also me: *rereading anything I've written since January*

Simpsons Meme: "Kids, could you lighten up a little?"

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

Doc, it all started when I liked my side character too much, so I gave him his own book. And now in my side character's book, I wrote another side character who I also like too much. Damnit, I can feel the cycle continuing. Anyway, here's Adam. #WritingPrompt

Where abroad?” Adam asked again.
It was lucky that the other man couldn’t have seen him, for Giulio rolled his eyes in exasperation.
“Near Rome,” he said.
“I’ve never been. Is it hot?”
“Sometimes.”
“I hate it when it’s hot,” Adam said. Once more his voice was as a complaint, as though Giulio himself were the arbiter of climate conditions. “I prefer wintertime.”
“Rome has wintertime, too.”
“Snow?”
“Sometimes,” Giulio repeated.
“I remember snow.” He nodded. “What it looks like, I mean.”

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

Yes, the Zine came, and yes it is fantastic, and yes I was very excited to see my story in print. But but but....we aren't talking enough about the adorable bookmarks. Thanks 🩷 @toadshadezine.bsky.social #writersky #amwriting

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

Completely unrelated to writing, but...my son started daycare this week, and he is absolutely living his best life. I get photos like this from his teacher. #weeknightwriters

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 20/04/2025

Pros of writing historical fiction: lots of fire, lanterns, candles fireplaces, hearths, bonfires, embers, etc Cons of writing historical fiction: nobody can see a thing at night unless I remember to include fire, lanterns, candles fireplaces, hearths, bonfires, embers, etc #wipsnips

Lounging on the beach that night, we ate roasted dove and oysters. Though we drank only island water which tasted faintly of salt, we were nonetheless drunk on our youth and our successes and our mischiefs. Illuminated in the smoky haze of the crackling bonfire, our eyes were wild as we shared long-familiar stories of the greats. In the excitement of night, everything seemed fresh.

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

I bought this shirt to wear to my next protest. Regardless of how you feel about Tarantino movies, the introduction to Aldo Raine in Inglorious Basterds is *chef's kiss*. youtu.be/ScA4s92G_0U?... #weeknightwriters

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Aww, we love to see it. A Bit of Handholding swashbuckled its way to the final showdown. Congratulations to everyone who submitted! #writersky www.writingbattle.com/story/debrie...

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

DC folks-- consider making it out if you're in the area tomorrow.

Rally and March for Drag.

Protest the hostile trump takeover of the Kennedy Center. Come as you are! In drag or otherwise! Allies welcome, babes!

Saturday March 8, 6pm Washington Circle

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

Patroclus, basically: "Okay, so I have a great and fool-proof way for you to both keep your honor and join the fight..." Me:

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Trying to write cutesy scenes when the news just won't quit. 🥲

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

My muse, beta reader, and harshest critc all rolled into one. 💗

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

I read my story to the baby, and he immediately started crying. I hope the judges receive it better than he did. #NotQuiteWritePrize

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 20/20 I'm a sucker for good opening lines. "History has failed us, but no matter" got me right away. #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 19/20 An unrelenting gut-punch about the messiness of determining guilt during the war on terror. It's a hard read when all the characters are either abhorrent or naive. #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 22/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 18/20 Between this and Count of Monte Cristo, the French have a thing for classics involving prison breaks, apparently. #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 17/20 Fabulous novel about using erotica to teach adult ESL classes. If any #writesky folk wanna use your talent for a good cause, educational smut is always an option... #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 16/20 (Technically an essay, but it still seemed fitting.) "Can there not be a government in which majorities do not virtually decide right and wrong, but conscience?" #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 15/20 A nonfiction amid the sea of novels. Main takeaway: better to be impolite than dead. If a situation makes you uneasy, then listen to your gut. #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 14/20 I realize that I have three vampire books on my list so far, but let ye who hasn't gone through a horny gothic literature phase cast the first stone. #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." Day 13/20 Love a good coming-of-age story. While still reading it, I recommended this book to my very Catholic mom. I had not yet reached the scene with the peach. #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 12/20 The ultrareligious take control of the government, and everything becomes increasingly terrible. If only there was a lesson here... #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 11/20 Spoiler~ Sometimes the narrator changes in order to show a new POV, sometimes it's because you killed somebody and assumed their identity. Comme ci, comme ça. #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 10/20 "I expected a lot more solitude," my husband, as we watch the Netflix adaptation. #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 9/20 Read this when I was about five years too young for it. On the bright side, that means I never outgrew the book (or the kid-hovering-at-window nightmares it caused.) #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 12/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 8/20 Highly recommend this remarkably nuanced memoir about the subtleties of domestic abuse. The use of 2nd person POV is both horrifying and compelling. #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 11/01/2025

Raising a preteen means respecting their growing need for privacy. As such, I will not be asking the 11 year old why he hid a sword behind the bathroom door.

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 11/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 7/20 More than a good coffee table book, the interviews are good reminders that there are still a few decent people out there. Which, frankly, I need now more than ever. #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 6/20 Stealing this from my stepson's bookshelf. This YA series has helped initiate discussions on so many difficult topics, from discrimination to consent. Plus, dragons. #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 5/20 Even more poignant than the novel is the story of its author. Irène Némirovsky died in Auschwitz before she could complete her work. Nobody knows its intended ending. #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 4/20 The three options: Do nothing Stay and fight Leave I won't spoil the ending by saying what the women chose, but it sure as hell wasn't "do nothing." #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." 3/20 Roughly ten million years ago, the first major writing thingamajig I won was for an essay on this. Read banned books, kids. #booksky #writesky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." Pre-Twilight, this YA vampire novel ended with a rejection of romance and immortality. Be still my heart. Teen girls having agency in horror fiction? Amazing. 2/20 #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 05/01/2025

"Choose 20 books that have stayed with you or influenced you. One book per day for 20 days, in no particular order." ~Studied Arabic in college because of this. I had a little phase* with Lawrence of Arabia as a teen. *yearslong obsession 1/20 #booksky

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Rebekah Wor @rworauthor.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

Mondays aren't so bad if you just squint at the calendar and see Friday around the corner... #WIPSnips

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