iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

The Guild’s base of operations is Guildhall - inspired directly by the real Guildhall in Salisbury, UK. Just like in the book, it can be found in the Market Square, right at the heart of the city. 3/3

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

In the book, Sarumbourne’s secret organisation - the Guild - are city councillors by day, and guardians of the Crossing by night. Working through the Keeper Sentinel, Nathaniel Thorpe, they direct the Keepers in defending the city from the evils that creep through the shadows. 2/3

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

📍 LOCATION INSPIRATION The Guildhall I’ve been sharing the real-life locations that inspired places in my debut novel, Keepers of the Crossing: The Dark Friars - and today, it’s the turn of the Guildhall. 1/3 #BookInspo #LocationInspo #IndieBooks

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

It was always a special place to me, and imagining Liam gazing out over those same views made it the perfect home for his story. 4/4

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

The inspiration came from this beautiful building on Churchfields Road in Salisbury, UK - my very first home! My mum and I lived on the second floor (just like Liam) until I was around three years old. While it used to be divided into flats, it has since been restored to a large family home. 3/4

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

In the book, their second-floor flat is a 1950s conversion in an old Victorian townhouse. The front windows look out over Sarumbourne train station, while the back (from Liam's bedroom) overlooks the water meadows, with Sarumbourne Cathedral in the distance. 2/4

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

📍 LOCATION INSPIRATION Liam’s Home Lately, I’ve been sharing the real-life locations that inspired places in my debut novel, Keepers of the Crossing: The Dark Friars. Today, I’m excited to show you what sparked the idea for Liam’s flat, where he lives with his mum. #BookInspo #IndieAuthor #Books

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

On top of that, I’m thrilled that TDF has been nominated for seven Indieverse Awards, including Book of the Year! There's lots of promo planned in the coming months, and I can’t wait to see TDF continue to blossom as we gear up for the release of the second instalment! RJH 💙

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

Meanwhile, The Dark Friars continues to find new readers every day, and the reviews and messages I’ve received have been beyond anything I could have hoped for.

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

The Handsel Witches - Book 2 in the Keepers of the Crossing series - has just been through its developmental edit. Now it’s back in my hands, and I’ll be spending the next month or so revising it before it heads off for its copy edit. We're on track for its September release!

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

I've been using the break to take care of some life admin, do some gardening, and even outline a brand new story (I can’t keep away from my laptop for too long!). More on that at a later date!

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

Update 📣 Hey everyone! I’ve been a bit quiet on here the past couple of weeks - mainly to give myself a break! The start of the year was full-on with finishing the latest draft of my second book and running my Kickstarter campaign. #IndieAuthor #IndieBooks #WritersLife #BookUpdate

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

For those who backed my Kickstarter, you should have now received a survey via email in order for me to fulfil your rewards when the time comes. Don't miss it 😉 Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 🫶 RJH x

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

My manuscript for book 2 is currently with my editor, and I should hopefully have the developmental edit back a week tomorrow, ready to begin my next draft.

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

Happy Sunday, everyone! ☀️ After a busy few days last weekend with the Kickstarter, I'm enjoying some chill time this weekend, and England is finally seeing some sunshine!

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 23/02/2025

Seven nominations at the Indieverse Awards 2025! 🤯 This week has been amazing. Book One received award noms (including Book of the Year!), and the Kickstarter for Book Two was a success! I'm still spinning with absolute joy! 🎉 Here's to the rest of 2025! 🥂 #IndieAuthor #SupportIndieAuthors

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

I am beyond grateful to everyone who pledged, shared, and supported this book. Your belief in this series means everything to me. THANK YOU! 💙 Backers, I’ll be in touch soon to arrange your rewards. But for now… let’s celebrate! 🎊

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

🎉 WE DID IT! 🎉 The Handsel Witches is officially fully funded on Kickstarter! 🎉 Thanks to the amazing support of backers, we hit the £5,000 target, which means Keepers of the Crossing: The Handsel Witches is coming 16 September 2025! #Kickstarter #YAbooks #QueerFiction #UrbanFantasy

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

My Kickstarter ends in 2 days! If you've been thinking about pledging (or upping your current pledge) please do so - I'd be forever grateful 🙏 www.kickstarter.com/projects/rya... #indieauthor #indiebooks #supportindieauthors #Kickstarter

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

I’m beyond grateful to see The Dark Friars recognised in not just one, but TWO categories. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported this book - you’re all incredible! There is so much still to come this year! But for now, I’m just taking a moment to celebrate this milestone! ❤️🖤

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Ahhhhhh 🤯 Keepers of the Crossing: The Dark Friars has now been nominated for Best YA Novel at the Indieverse Awards 2025 - alongside my Book of the Year nomination! 🎉

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Congratulations to my fellow nominees! I can’t wait to get to know you and your stories over these next few months. I'm on a high right now! 🥰 Thank you to my readers and everyone who has supported The Dark Friars journey so far! RJH x

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Can't believe I'm saying this, but... The Dark Friars has been nominated for BOOK OF THE YEAR at the 2025 Indieverse Awards!!! I'm incredibly honoured and thrilled to see TDF being recognised in this way.

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

Support my next book in the Keepers of the Crossing series... 🙏 www.kickstarter.com/projects/rya...

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

Fellow authors and readers, I need your help to reach my Kickstarter goal and bring my next story in the Keepers of the Crossing series to life! 🙏👇 www.kickstarter.com/projects/rya...

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

Less than a week left to help me reach my funding goal. Anything you can give I'd be so grateful for... 🙏 www.kickstarter.com/projects/rya...

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

Well, this is exciting. TDF at 4 in the Teen & YA LGBTQ+ Literature category (UK) 😍

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

The face of a man who has just finished his manuscript for The Handsel Witches. It goes off to my editor on Monday! #indieauthors

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

Went to bed 18% funded. Woke up 27% funded. Thank you so much! 🥰 Please support my next book you can👇 www.kickstarter.com/projects/rya...

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 22/01/2025

Liam and Tariq getting the love they deserve ❤️🖤🌈 #QueerCharacters #YABooks #QueerLove ##UrbanFantasy

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

🚨 My Kickstarter for Keepers of the Crossing: The Handsel Witches is live! 🚨 Support the book and grab exclusive rewards like signed copies, bookmarks, or even your name in the book. I need to hit my goal by 22 Feb, so let’s make it happen! See link in bio 💚

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

Title reveal! 🎉 The second book in the Keepers of the Crossing series is called... The Handsel Witches Out 16 Sept 2025, this sequel brings action, horror, humour, & romance! Darkness is brewing in Sarumbourne... www.ryanjhamshaw.co.uk/post/keepers...

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

Well, this morning has been... eventful. I announced my new book to my subscribers, and then discovered a flat tyre on my car 🤦🏼‍♂️ There has to be a balance in life, I suppose...

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

Agreed. I enjoyed the doll house mission last night. But that's really the only one so far.

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

Just read the first 2 thirds... it's beautiful. Once they get to Troy, lock the book in a box and throw away the key! 😭

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

Am I the only one who thinks the missions in Traitors UK are a bit boring and dull this series? 🥱 #TheTraitors

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Reposted by Ryan J Hamshaw | Author

Andrew / Nicholas Scott @andrewhobbs2030.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

The Dark Friars by @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social - A richly imagined magical world - A blend of fantasy, action, humor, and horror that will leave you hooked - A heartwarming slow-burn queer romance Get your copy: make Ryan smile ☺️ #lbgtqreads #authors #booksky #books www.amazon.com/Keepers-Cros...

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

Stay tuned for more details later this week, and don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated! RJH 💙

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

Then, on Saturday, 18 Jan, I’ll be launching a Kickstarter campaign to help cover essential expenses like editing, cover design, and formatting. In return for your support, there will be some amazing rewards available! 😁

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Ryan J Hamshaw | Author @ryanjhamshaw.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

I have some exciting news coming your way! 📅 This Friday, I’ll be revealing the title and release date of book two in the Keepers of the Crossing series! My subscribers will get the news first, so make sure you’re signed up for my mailing list (link in bio) to be the first to know!

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