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#QueerPrompts 1/Oct/26: Introduce self and WIP. I'm Daniel, an Australian author writing fantasy/whodunit stories. My current WIP, 'What One Does For Hate', sees Yaetherim being hired to find out what's behind a series of random poisonings in the town of Alkentoft.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 10h

#FantasyIndiesSpooktober 1/Oct/26: Introduce self and WIP. I'm Daniel, an Australian author writing fantasy/whodunit stories. My current WIP, 'What One Does For Hate', sees Yaetherim being hired to find out what's behind a series of random poisonings in the town of Alkentoft.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 27/09/2026

So, the first 1/5 of my current WIP only bears a vague resemblence to the outline, with an extra scene put in and some planned cut down to help with pacing. But it gets the plot to where it needs to be, and I can bring things back on track once Yaetherim's brother shows up. #amwriting #writerthings

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 26/09/2026

#FantasyIndiesSeptember 27/Sept/26: What research do you do for your writing? My setting has a roughly 'Victorian-era' level of technology. So if I'm going to include something, I'll check if it was in common use before 1901 and how it worked. It means we've got people using early cameras, etc.

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Reposted by D.T. Bella, Author

Fiction Writing Tips @fictionwritingtips.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Forget all the rules. Forget about being published. Write for yourself and celebrate writing. -- #MelindaHaynes #WritersCommnunity #WritersCafe #WritersCommunity #WritingQuotes #Writing

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 15/09/2026

My stories take place in a fantasy setting, so no-one speaks English. Most characters can converse in Rychillan or Fairic, the two most common languages spoken. Some speak those of neighbouring nations, too.

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Reposted by D.T. Bella, Author

Fiction Writing Tips @fictionwritingtips.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Don't give up on your dreams. It's never too late to start. ~ Nora Roberts #writingquotes #motivationalquotes #quotes #NoraRoberts #WritingCommunity

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 11/09/2026

#SeptemberWorldbuilders 12/Sep/26: Any unique/invented foods in your world? Nistyr, a fruit native to Rychilla, is halfway between an orange and an apricot. It's widely used, for both cooking and snacking. Its nectar is also used to sweeten coffee and tea, and is mixed with water to make juice.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 10/09/2026

#QueerPrompts 10/Sep/26: Who do your characters go to for advice before making a tough decision? Yaetherim usually seeks Naeliya's counsel. She's very astute and knows the town of Alkentoft well. She's also observant and smart enough to later become a detective herself. (Art by KumataJDG)

Two fairies are sitting on a table in an inn. One has red hair and blue freckled skin. She is drinking beer. The other has bark-brown skin and leaf-green hair. He is drinking fruit juice.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 06/09/2026

#QueerPrompts 6/9/26: Make up a book your characters would read. 'The Machines of Firan Leinad' is a book of plans and notes from an ancient Rychillan named Firan Leinad. He's their version of Leonardo Da Vinci, and came up with several ideas for machines. Tenora has read it quite a few times.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 06/09/2026

#FantasyIndiesSeptember 6/9/26: Do you know what your next WIP will be? Yes. I'm currently working on novel 3 of my series, as well as a novella between novels 2 & 3. I've also got a loose outline for novel 4 planned, which will continue a character arc started in novel 3.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 03/09/2026

#FantasyIndiesSeptember 3/9/26: Education in WIP? Rychillans learn most subjects at school. Magic is taught to schoolkids at the local College of Mages, under the supervision of multiple mages. After school, they apprentice in their chosen profession before becoming qualified for it.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 02/09/2026

#SeptemberWorldbuilders 2/Sep/26: Spring vibes/events? Every Spring, the Rychillans hold the 'Jacaranda Ball', around the same time Jacaranda trees bloom. It's to thank the goddess Luxanke for refreshing their fields for the next farming season, and one of the biggest events of the year.

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Reposted by D.T. Bella, Author

Fiction Writing Tips @fictionwritingtips.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on. — Louis L'Amour #WritingQuotes #LouisLAmour #WritingCommunity #WritersCommunity #WritersCafe #Writetip

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 02/08/2026

#AugustWorldbuilders 2/Aug/26: What school subjects are taught? Rychillan schools teach the basics (reading, writing, maths, history), as well as Fairic as a language. Magic is also a subject for older students. Lessons start after they've been bestowed with their magic of 1 of the 5 elements.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 23/07/2026

#JulyWorldbuilders 23/Jul/26: Why is your MC in a forest? Yaetherim was born in Riala Village in South Alken Forest, and grew up there. He, along with several of his fellow villagers, grew up to be forest protectors, who look out for crimes being committed in and against the forest.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 22/07/2026

#JulyWorldbuilders 22/Jul/26: Name of the forest? South Alken Forest is one of the three forests surrouding Alkentoft, and is where Yaetherim grew up.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 16/07/2026

#JulyWorldbuilders 17/Jul/26: Food for the feast? The Jacaranda Ball is an annual ball and feast, held to thank Luxanke for refreshing the farmlands. So all the food for the feast is local produce, the best of the harvest from the local farmers.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 16/07/2026

#FantasyIndiesJuly 17/Jul/26: What stage of writing are you in? I'm currently working on novel no. 3 and a novella that happens between novels 2 & 3, focusing on a side character. For both projects, I'm in the middle of drafting chapter 1, now the plots have been finalised.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 10/07/2026

#FantasyIndiesJuly 11/Jul/26: Snippet Sunday In which Yaetherim and Innkeeper Rynroth discuss a recent wave of poisonings.

"There's been several of these incidents, all across town. In fact, we were discussing it at our guild meeting a couple of nights ago."

Yaetherim frowned and his wing twitched. This was the first he'd heard of these incidents. But then again, he had been busy.

"Arch-Mage Darnith hired you to help recruit Mage Peran's replacement, didn't he?" Rynroth asked.

"Aye," Yaetherim replied. He rubbed the three scars on his right arm. He'd helped the town guard catch Peran Oaklon, the mage who'd murdered another fairy and nearly killed him. Afterwards, the local Arch-Mage had hired Yaetherim to help ensure he didn't hire another killer.

"You're looking to do the same?" Yaetherim asked. Rynroth nodded.

"It's an option the guild is considering. Some are in favour of it, others believe it's a matter for the healers and apothecaries. They're also worried about this. There's no real clear path forward."

Yaetherim nodded. He'd worked with his brother, Naeviol, while recovering from the attack that had nearly killed him. Had learned a little bit about how illnesses worked. Such a concentration of sickness was unlikely to be the work of chance alone. Perhaps an accidental contamination, or something more deliberate.

"You said several incidents. How many exactly?"

Rynroth leaned back and rubbed a hand on his forehead. His eyes looked off into the distance for a heartbeat, then he spoke again.

"At least a dozen, I can't recall the exact number. Two people had to go to hospital over it. One of them died."

Yaetherim's wings twitched. He stepped forward, a single word shooting from his lips.

"Who?"

"A Jaelshi elf. Don't know his details."

Yaetherim nodded, possibilities already blooming. He took a breath, held it and let it out. Jumping to conclusions wouldn't help. Could just be that elves were more succeptible to whatever was causing this. He needed more facts, but did already know one thing for certain. He would be taking on this investigation. This needed to stop before …

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 09/07/2026

#FantasyIndiesJuly 9/Jul/26: WIP Aesthetics? Rychilla has mostly a Victorian/steampunk aesthetic to it, with airships and steam powered vehicles, along with fairies and elemental magic. I've also worked some elements of the subtropical Australian rainforests into it. (Art by @o8cho.bsky.social.)

Two women are standing in a mechanical workshop with multiple steam powered vehicles in the background. The taller one with silver hair is looking concerned. The shorter one with navy-blue hair and overalls is professionally affronted.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 06/07/2026

#JulyWorldbuilders 6/Jul/26: Clothes worn by special roles? Rychillans on government/royal business wear maroon - this is the reserved royal colour. Connil, convicted criminals, wear hoods that cast shadow over their faces, as part of their repentance. They're giving up identity as part of it.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 01/07/2026

#JulyWorldbuilders 1/Jul/26: Cultural garments? No specific garments, but Rychillan clothing is either sleeveless or has sleeves 1 inch long at most. This is due to the tattooed terax marks along their arms, which indicate profession, rank and social status. Hiding these is considered deceptive.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 01/07/2026

#QueerPrompts 1/Jul/26: Introduce self and WIP. I'm Daniel, an Australian author who writes fantasy/whodunit stories. My current WIP, 'What One Does For Hate', sees Yaetherim hired to investigate a series of random poisonings across the town of Alkentoft. He soon finds they're deliberate.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 01/07/2026

#FantasyIndiesJuly 1/Jul/26: Introduce self and WIP. I'm Daniel, an Australian author who writes fantasy/whodunit stories. My current WIP, 'What One Does For Hate', sees Yaetherim hired to investigate a series of random poisonings across the town of Alkentoft. He soon finds they're deliberate.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 23/06/2026

#FantasyIndiesJune 23/June/26: What do you look for in a beta reader? Honesty. I can't fix something if I'm not told about it. A different perspective to my own. Multiple, if possible.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 19/06/2026

#FantasyIndies 19/June/26: What makes you DNF a book? Head hopping. Makes it hard to follow. There was one book, a novelisation of a Pierce Brosnan 007 film, in which it was really bad. At one point, it hopped into the head of a guard who was just going to be killed by Bond in a few pages.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 10/06/2026

#QueerPrompts 11/June/26: Is your MC more likely to accidentally hurt someone or on purpose? Yaetherim would never hurt someone deliberately. Having been on the receiving end of it, he wouldn't want anyone else to go through what he experienced.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 08/06/2026

#QueerPrompts 8/June/26: BFF(s) in story? Yaetherim and Charlys have been best friends since they were younglings. Not related by blood, but they are like siblings to one another. (Art by JankyBones.)

Two fairies, one with brown skin and one with blonde hair, are sitting on a tree branch talking.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 05/06/2026

#QueerPrompts 6/June/26: Do your queer characters have to explain their queerness? Not usually. When coming up with my fantasy setting, I decided it wouldn't have that form of bigotry. One character did have to explain being nonbinary, only because another character didn't know about it.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 05/06/2026

#FantasyIndiesJune 6/June/26: Saturday Snippet This is from the first chapter of 'What One Does For Hate'. Context is that Naeliya is exhausted from intense casting of a spell, and a little drunk.

After waking Naeliya, he escorted her upstairs. They walked along the corridor to her room. Naeliya stopped in the doorway, leaning against the frame. She turned and kissed Yaetherim on the cheek. Just a light touch of her lips, for less than a heartbeat. Once again, Yaetherim's stomach fluttered.

"You're a good person, Yaetherim," Naeliya slurred.

"I suppose so," Yaetherim replied. 'Twas not how he usually thought of himself. He just tried to do his best. Naeliya put her hand on his right forearm, as lightly as a leaf resting upon the forest floor. A finger brushed one of the three scars on it. Yaetherim didn't flinch.

"I mean that," Naeliya muttered.

"Thank you. Goodnight, Naeliya."

"Night, Therry."

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 04/06/2026

#QueerPrompts 4/June/26: Character(s) queer identities? Most of my core cast are queer: Tenora - Lesbian. Karis - Demi. Naeliya - Bi. Taesonith - Lesbian. Nelack - Nonbinary. Charlys - Bi. Saybel - Pan. Most of them will end up together: Tenora & Karis, Taesonith & Charlys, Saybel & Nelack.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 03/06/2026

#FantasyIndiesJune 3/June/26: Advice for writer's block? Take a step back and look at where the scene and story are going. In my experience, writer's block is my imagination telling me the story shouldn't be going that way. I.e. I need to pause and look at the bigger picture.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 29/05/2026

#MayWorldbuilders 30/May/26: Would you go to the world you created? Yes. I created a world that I'd like to visit. Although writing stories set in it could be said to be visiting, in a way.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 22/05/2026

#QueerPrompts 22/May/26: Queer leaders in story? Karis is a veritor, the highest rank in the town guard. She regularly leads investigations. She's demi. Her (eventual) girlfriend, Tenora, is an Arch-Mechanic in charge of a workshop and a lesbian. (Art by Sofia Aspe and ROGunsou.)

A woman in her mid-30s with silver hair and steel-grey eyes is wearing a sleeveless maroon top and black trousers. She has a series of tattooed symbols running up her left arm.

A tall woman with silver hair and eyes is carrying a slightly younger woman in a bridal carry through a door. The younger woman has navy blue hair and is a little drunk. The tall woman is looking at the young woman affectionately.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 18/05/2026

#Queerprompts 19/May/26: Agender or gender non-conforming characters? Mage Nelack arrives in book 2, as an apprentice applying for the role of mage at the local college of mages. They're a suspect when one of the other apprentices is murdered. (Art by Sofia Aspe.)

A short person with one grey eye and one purple eye is standing. They have brown hair, which stops just above their shoulders. They are wearing an orange top, brown trousers and boots. They are carrying a staff.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 18/05/2026

#MayWorldbuilders 19/May/26: Is your MC married or do they want to be? Yaetherim hasn't considered romance, let alone marriage. He's got a few things to work through. But romance will find him. So he does consider marriage, further down the track.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 18/05/2026

#FantasyIndiesMaytober 19/May/26: Villain Fun Fact? The villain of my current WIP is one of the few Rychillans who can swim. They usually don't, due to the natural poisons in the water. But boat crews and those who frequently travel on boats learn to swim as a safety measure, in clean pools.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 15/05/2026

Further information - the killer is a former noble. It’s going to be made clear that this sort of scheming was frequent for the nobility, but the common people of the neighbouring nation got sick of it. Which is why they had a revolution that deposed the nobles. #Writing #AmWriting (2/2)

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 15/05/2026

In my WIP, an elf from a neighboring nation arranges a mass-poisoning so the actual murders she commits look like accidents. She's one of four elves in this book, the other three help the detective. Does this sound like it may carry an unintended anti-immigrant message? #Writing #AmWriting (1/2)

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 13/05/2026

#QueerPrompts 14/May/26: Sporty/Athletic characters? My most athletic character would be Karis Relinda. She's a senior member of the town guard who's come up through the ranks. So she keeps herself fit. Usually walks to the guard barracks in the morning, etc. (Art by @pamonyaart.bsky.social.)

A woman in her mid-30s with silver hair and steel-grey eyes is looking at the viewer. She is fit and athletic. She is wearing a black-and-purple dress.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 13/05/2026

#MayWorldbuilders 14/May/26: Magic/Tech used for communication? Fairies act as messengers in Rychilla. They wait on mail towers until they see a lamp on a roof below illuminate, with firekind magic controlled by runes. Then they swoop down to collect and deliver the message.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 13/05/2026

#FantasyIndiesMaytober 14/May/26: Schemes or tricks in WIP? My current WIP has Yaetherim being hired to investigate why people are getting poisoned all over town. This was engineered so that the person behind it could make two deliberate murders look like accidents due to this mass poisoning.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 11/05/2026

#QueerPrompts 12/May/26: Hardest scene to write? At the moment, it's any scenes between Yaetherim and Naeliya that take place after book 3 - i.e. after they've realised they're in love with each other. Having not written that arc yet, I'm still trying to nail down their dynamic.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 11/05/2026

#MayWorldbuilders 12/May/26: Do you have characters who speak multiple languages? Most of my characters speak Rychillan, the local human language, and Fairic, the language of fairies. Given that both species live and work together, this is essential.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 04/05/2026

#WritingQ. I've just finished outlining my next mystery novel, and I've got two chapters where my detective character is barking up the wrong tree before he realises this and has to backtrack. Would this upset readers, and should I try to cut this down?

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 01/05/2026

#QueerPrompts 1/May/26: Introduce self & WIP I'm Daniel, an Australian author writing fantasy/whodunnit mysteries. My current WIP 'What One Does For Hate', sees Yaetherim hired by the Innkeepers Guild to investigate a series of poisonings citywide. He soon finds there's a lot more to it.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 01/05/2026

#MayWorldbuilders 1/May/26: Languages spoken in WIP/Book? The main two languages in Alkentoft are Rychillan (the local human language) and Fairic (Fairies). Visitors from neighbouring nations also speak their own languages. Such as the Brial, avian humanoids whose language is mostly whistles.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 29/04/2026

#FantasyIndiesApril 29/Apr/26: Character habits? Yaetherim has a habit of cracking his knuckles. Most of the times it's unintentional. Sometimes it's deliberate, when he wants to unsettle a suspect.

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D.T. Bella, Author @rychilla.com · 29/04/2026

#AprilWorldbuilders 29/Apr/26: What is your current project? I am currently plotting my third novel, 'What One Does For Hate'. It's a whodunnit, but this time the politics of the neighbouring Jaleshi Republic and the aftermath of their recent revolution spill over into Alkentoft.

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