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Andrew McPherson

@theandrewmcp.bsky.social
251 followers 214 following 583 posts

A dad balancing family, work, and writing his first high fantasy novel. Instagram: www.instagram.com/theandrewmcp

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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
Two weeks of not working on the novel and, now that I'm sitting down to write, my brain thinks it's funny to be like, "What is writing?" 😐 Anyone else jumping back in after a break? #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #DadWriter #FantasyWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Any other writers out there who are dads? We seem to be a mighty few. 💪 If you’re pioneering a book while deep in the jungles of dad-hood, would love to say hi! 👋 #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #DadWriter #FantasyWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Up against a scene where the easy way out is an exposition dump. But we are writers. Easy is for everyone else. 🫠 #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #FantasyWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
59°F (15°C) in August. A grey, misting rain falls. Petrichor drifts through the open windows on a damp wind. I'll find the time to write for a bit. 🥰 #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #FantasyWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
Scrolling through trying to find a show to watch with my wife, aaaaaand I think HBO Max may wanna revisit this one… 😱
Sesame Street on HBO Max is categorized as Horror
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
The writing assistant continues his tireless efforts towards the book, examining it from all angles. Happy #caturday! #AmWriting #FantasyWriter
An American shorthair cat is curled up sleeping in a chair, white tummy up, head tucked in upside down.
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
Dear future Editing Me, I deeply apologize for my overuse of the word “only.” I am aware that I’m the problem. However, I will not stop. Please send snacks, First Draft Me 🖕 #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #FantasyWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
Celebrating. The halfway point in this manuscript has been written. 🎉 Chapter complete. Just shy of 50K words of 100K word count target. 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛ It's actually coming together. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #FantasyWriter #DadWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
I’m sitting on a scene I’m dying to finish writing while a beloved, out-of-town family member stays at the house for a few days. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #FantasyWriter #DadWriter
media.tenor.com
a man with a mustache is standing in front of a sign that says " it 's fine "
Alt: Ron Swanson from Parks and Rec says “It’s fine,” but clearly does not mean it.
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
A midpoint reveal is tantalizingly close. So rewarding to see this sequence fleshed out after 15 years of dreaming. ✨ Anyone else writing, or have recently written, something that excites you? #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #FantasyAuthor #DadWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
If you see a massive bruise on my forehead, that's because it took days to wear down the brick wall blocking this scene. Lots of good things were behind it, though. ❤️ Anyone else powering through a sequence in their book? #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #FantasyWriter #DadWriter
media.tenor.com
a brick with the number 3 on it sits on a table
Alt: A simple machine repeatedly slams a wooden figurine's head against a brick.
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
6YO: (in bed, from room) Hey Dad! Come here! I want to tell you something. ME: What is it, buddy? 6YO: There’s a voice in the wall. It says, “[his name].” ME: … 6YO: … ME: Uhh…just don’t listen to it. Go to sleep. 6YO: Okaaaayy. #MightBeMoving #Parenting #ParentLife #DadLife
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Alright, #booksky, my TBR list has a distinct hole for recent fantasy books with a lot of political intrigue. I need more Dune’s and GoT’s in my life. What’s a book I might have missed where the world runs deep and the daggers run deeper? 💔🗡️ #WritingCommunity
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a cartoon of a man with a laurel wreath on his head and the words " et tu brute " above him
ALT: a cartoon of a man with a laurel wreath on his head and the words " et tu brute " above him
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
I did it. Son of a gun, the gift-wrapping dream has happened. 🎁
Dinosaur gift wrapping paper that is perfectly, and I mean perfectly, aligned.
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
The writing assistant continues his valuable contribution to the book. Happy #caturday! #amwriting
An American shorthair cat lies on a couch, white tummy up.
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
Writers: What is that one word that you just cannot spell, even if your life depended on it? I’ll go first… “Privilege.” My brain apparently will not. Ever. 🧠🚫 #WritingCommunity
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Another chapter completed! 46K of 100K word count target. 🟩🟩🟩🟩⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️ Slow and steady! #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #FantasyWriter #DadWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
Baby 3 is on the way later this year — and it's a boy! 💙
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
Bonus #caturday! The writing assistant continues to earn his paycheck while I get a moment to read. #AmWriting #Booksky
An American shorthair cat sleeps on its owner’s lap, head tucked under. The owner is reading a Kindle tablet as well.
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Moral support from the writing assistant yesterday. Happy #caturday! #amwriting
An American shorthair cat laying on its side, head tucked in upside down, with one paw sticking out.
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Question for those writing novels: What's a piece of advice or lesson that had the greatest impact on your prose? ✍️✅ #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #DadWriter #FantasyWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
Keep your mushrooms. Still riding that high from finding the perfect metaphor. 🍄🌌 #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #FantasyWriter
media.tenor.com
a man with curly hair is looking at a laptop
Alt: a man with curly hair leans back in his chair, super satisfied with something he's seen
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
This chronic outliner just pantsed a section of the novel. It's better because of it; however, I now have a narrative hole that I don't immediately know how to fill. To my fellow outliners: I have failed you. #WritingCommunity #AmWriter #FantasyWriter
media.tenor.com
a red and white shrimp is laying on a green surface
Alt: Jacques, a red and white shrimp from Finding Nemo, compulsively cleans the filthy, green fish tank wall when he's not supposed to. He removes himself, his head falling as he says, "I am ashamed."
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Tomorrow's plans demand that I stop writing my current scene tantalizingly close to its end. Hate having to be pulled away before I could finish it. 🫠 Darn job... #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #FantasyWriter
media.tenor.com
an orange cat is laying under a blanket on a couch
Alt: A gif of an orange cat laying under a blanket on a couch, its head resting on a pillow. The blanket is suddenly ripped off, and someone offscreen pulls the cat out of frame — and the cat is not happy about it.
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 05/07/2025
4YO: Can we talk about Bruno? ME:
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a young man with red hair is sitting at a desk in a classroom with a girl .
Alt: a picture of a teen boy straining hard, vein bulging in his forehead
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
Thanks to the day off, I finally finished “The Dragon Republic” by R.F. Kuang. I can see why this series was recommended! Loving the politics behind her war, not just the action. Anyone else read this one? My immediate circle had never heard of this series, so I must discuss. #Booksky
A Kindle on a wood table showing the cover to R.F. Kuang’s “The Dragon Republic,” on which a leaping girl is enveloped in a phoenix of fire.
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
Been six months since the start of writing this debut novel. Looking back, I'm blown away with how far both it and I have progressed. Holy bleepity bleep, I think I'm actually gonna finish this book. 🤯 #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #DadWriter #FantasyWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Ever been stuck on a scene that's difficult to write for one reason or another? How did you push through the writer's block? ✍️❌ Finally willpowered my way out of a sequence that proved difficult, but I'm proud of the end result. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #DadWriter #FantasyWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
4YO: Jesus keeps us safe. Watch… #DadLife #ParentLife
media.tenor.com
a black and white drawing of a man with his hands outstretched and the words `` hold up '' written below him .
Alt: a black and white drawing of Pip Boy from the Fallout video game series with his hands outstretched and the words `` hold up '' written below him .
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
I needed about two weeks off from the novel after a busy season, but I’m back in the writing game now. Word count is going up again. 💪 Anyone else jumping back in (or need to jump in) to writing after a break? #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #DadWriter #FantasyWriter
media.tenor.com
a woman in a suit and pink shirt says let 's do this .
Alt: Amy Santiago from Brooklyn 9-9 in a suit and pink shirt saying, “let 's do this.”
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
5YO: There’s a squirrel in the road! WIFE: There are lots of squirrels on the road. 5YO: [Cackles maniacally 😈]
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
Happy #caturday from the writing assistant, hard at work. #WritingCommunity
An grey and white tabby cat laying tummy up in a barstool chair
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Shout out to the writers who attempt to write on planes. On the list of difficult places to make progress, it’s up there. ✈️ #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #DadWriter #FantasyWriter #Writer
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
I have shown my 5yo “Super Mario World”, and he now knows the true despair losing Yoshi to the abyss. 😫
media.tenor.com
a cartoon drawing of a green dinosaur with fox.dna.com written on the bottom right
ALT: a cartoon drawing of a green dinosaur with fox.dna.com written on the bottom right
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
If anyone knows of a good writing Discord server: ANDREW ...is writing a fantasy novel 📖✍️ ...plays well with others 🤝 ...can send pix of fluffy pets whenever required 🐶🐱🐱 (Can only find the large servers. Looking for something smaller.) #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #DadWriter #FantasyWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Writers: How do you handle days and times when you can't actively write in that exact moment (ex. driving, out and about, busy seasons, etc.)? #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #DadWriter #FantasyWriter #Writer
media.tenor.com
a man in a purple suit is standing in front of a row of metal poles with plates on them
Alt: a man in a purple suit is behind a row of several poles with plates spinning on each of them
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
Hot takes required: When it comes to how writers handle social media, what’s your likes and dislikes? 💭 For example, on social, I’ve found I like seeing the writer more than the writing — and especially over just reposts. Nothing beats connection. #WritingCommunity
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
My Instagram is live! 📷 Follow along as I attempt to *visually* showcase writing a debut novel without resorting to inspirational quotes or slo-mo typing stories. 🫠 instagram.com/theandrewmcp
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
33 words last night before I had to step away — a record new low. Progress at #DadWriter speed right there… 🫠 Anyone else advancing through their writing at the speed of a glacier? #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #FantasyWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Early morning puzzles with my 4yo before I leave for the day. Writing can wait another moment. 🐸🧚‍♀️ #DadWriter #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #FantasyWriter
A puzzle of tiny fairies in the grass and a cute frog watching. Two hands, an adult’s and a child’s, are on the corners of the puzzle.
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
5YO: D...O...G! Dog! 4YO: (not to be one-upped) A...R...B...C...D! Fridge!
media.tenor.com
a man in a tuxedo says so close on a stage
Alt: Keegan-Michael Key in a tuxedo says so close on a stage
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Extra project for the next two weeks, so novel writing may stagnate for a spell — which is fine: 1. More time to think how to make this next, tricky sequence special. 2. Will be wound up like a toy race car when I get back and ready to roll. 🏎️💨 Anyone else experiencing the chaos of summer?
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
My 5yo is beginning to say words like “fast” and “can’t” with a British accent. I have yet to determine if they need to watch less or more of “The Great British Bake Off.” 🇬🇧 #GBBO #DadLife #ParentLife
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
It turns out that an obscene amount of blackberry cobbler is an excellent booster of one's word count. 😋 #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #DadWriter #FantasyWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
ME: Alright, the ice cream is frozen — so we have to wait patiently for it to warm up so we can scoop it. Now, what does waiting “patiently” mean? 5YO: The ice cream has warmed up. 🍦 #DadLife #ParentLife #Dad
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
Question for those in #WritingCommunity: Do you find that users who post about more than just writing/reading is a positive thing? Or do you prefer staying on topic? I have thoughts, but I’d love to hear your opinions first. 💭
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
Another chapter down! 38K of 100K word count target. 🟩🟩🟩⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️ Right on target, confident in direction, and still have wind in my sails. How the bleepity bleep is this working?? 🤯 #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #DadWriter #FantasyWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Writers block sucks. 🧱 To get past it, tried scribbling in a notebook today instead of brainstorming on a laptop. Holy crap. Broke through with a vengeance. Notebooks, for the win. 📒🏆 #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #DadWriter #FantasyWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Another chapter complete. 37K words of 100K word count target. ✅✅✅⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️ 8K words while working during this 8-week, all-day therapy program for one of my own. “Thrilled” is an understatement. This novel is inching towards completion. 🐢 #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #DadWriter #FantasyWriter
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Andrew McPherson @theandrewmcp.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
5YO: (playing with toy trains, as usual) 5YO: (speaks Parseltongue to Thomas the Tank Engine, not as usual) 🐍 #DadLife #ParentLife #DadWriter
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