iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Tomas Raven

Céline 🌸 @celinesartstudio.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

It's my birthday today 🎉 Could I ask you for a like and repost as a bday gift? 😊

Digital painting of a lady with horns and medium blue skin sitting on an old victorian couch. She is leaning on her left arm and her right arm is pointing towards the tattoo on her chest. Ravens are flying at the top and bottom of the image and the mood is mysterious and dark

A female Vietnamese Bronze Age warrior riding on a pegasus horse with large white wings. There's a jungle with lots of vines in the background. The fore ground has graphic pillar elements with in front of it a large tree trunk containing a skeleton covered with vines

A dark revenant lady that got resurrected. She is unsheathing a sword. Fierce flames and shadowy skulls escape from it. The background is a burning city with dark teal skies. The bottom text says Serpent's Wrath. The top text mentions the artist's name.

Chen-Xing wielding her fire powers with a purple dragon in the background. She is standing fiercely with her armor. Her dark purple hair is waving in the wind and she is standing in a temple, high up in the skies.

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Indie Book Spotlight @bookspotlight.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Over halfway and could use a bit of boosting! I really want to get these off my plate 😮‍💨 Totally ignore if it’s annoying, but if you don’t mind boosting, I’d truly appreciate it ♥️

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Indie Book Spotlight @bookspotlight.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Between this and my car repair bill, it's going to be a truly woeful week of stress. And that's all before my other bills due next week. But, you know, one freaking problem at a time 😭 Every repost helps! 💙 Trying not to panic, but bills are Stress City these days ... ko-fi.com/rjcrunden/go...

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 13/09/2026

This also means that my theological fantasy, “In the Heart of the Holy Sea”, is getting a (partial) rewrite instead of another revision. From scratch. It’s MC Aaron needs a rework, as does the story. Better to restart and slot in what I can still use, than to patch up what’s already there.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 13/09/2026

These two books are going to be my best friends for the next few weeks. I’m only a few chapters into both, but already learned a ton. Before I do any more serious writing, first it’s time to get a better understanding of the fundamentals of storytelling.

Photo of the books “Save the Cat! Writes a novel” by Jessica Brody and “Story Genius” by Lisa Cron.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 13/09/2026

#12 - Antiheld (Dutch translation of Antihero) by @gregghurwitzbooks.bsky.social One of my favourite authors. 11th book in the Orphan X series, still impressed how it keeps going so strong, and how the MC develops. Strongly recommend if you like thrillers. Already looking forward to book #12

Photo of the book “Antihero” (or rather the Dutch translation Antiheld) by Gregg Hurwitz.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 09/09/2026

I’m only two chapters into “Save the Cat! Writes a novel” by @jessicabrodyauthor.bsky.social, but I’ve already realised I need to do a MUCH BIGGER revision to my theological fantasy “In the Heart of the Holy Sea” than I thought. Story, pacing, characters… glad I bought this book.

Photo of the book “Save the Cat! Writes a novel” by Jessica Brody

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 02/09/2026

I got an idea for a romance novel with a bittersweet ending yesterday and, as someone who loves/craves HEA endings, I already know I’m going to love/hate writing it 🥲 (granted that I actually write it (stares at 4 WIPs and a dozen more other ideas))

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 02/09/2026

Thanks for the reminder. Gotta learn to be more graceful with myself. One step at a time. Anyway, thanks again for interacting, I appreciate that. I looked up the books you’ve written, and they seem right up my alley. Level Up is definitely gonna be in a future book haul.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 01/09/2026

Thank you. It’s tough, yeah. Mostly because I’m thinking like, “hey I can actually stick to answering a daily prompt!” and ‘promise’ myself I will, but then ‘fail’ halfway through. For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing really well with your posting!

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 31/08/2026

#11 - The Sunken City by Tim Curran (finished last week but didn’t get around to post yet) Enjoyable enough read with lots of psychological horror. Scary, but not so much I couldn’t read it before going to sleep. The ending didn’t quite pack the punch for me that I feel the author intended though.

Photo of the book “The Sunken City” by Tim Curran

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 31/08/2026

I’m still trying to figure out a strategy for socials that works for me. If you want to help out a bit while I figure it out, tiny bits of interaction mean a lot to me. Until then, I may disappear into the void every now and then, then randomly pop in with a bunch of posts (like now)

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 31/08/2026

Thing is, I’m an introverted guy who doesn’t like using social media. I enjoy consuming, but posting? 99% of the time I have no idea what the hell I should even post, and end up not posting anything. Tags like #SumLuv give me a reason, but then life happens, I fall behind and give up.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 31/08/2026

I missed the last two weeks of #SumLuv because life got in the way, but thank you for hosting! How to support me? Interact with my posts whenever I do post. Like, comment, whatever. That makes using socials “worth the trouble” to me. I have no releases, website or other active socials yet.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 17/08/2026

Ethan and Victoria are the same age, but far apart in terms of romantic experience. He has never dated and is as inexperienced in love as one can be (not by choice). She has been unlucky in love, most notably with an unfaithful ex. They are each other’s catalysts to their struggles. #SumLuv

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 17/08/2026

Definitely one of those pitches that makes me go “I didn’t know I want to read this but I do”. Just added it to my Amazon wishlist

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 17/08/2026

My first thought was “through dialogue”, and while that’s probably still true for the most part, I realised I also include thoughtful acts of service here and there. Like when Ethan meets Victoria’s family for the first time, which quickly came to mind. #SumLuv

‘I was kinda expecting to walk into a welcoming party.’
Victoria turned to him. ‘They’re outside on the terrace. You’ll see them soon enough, but I thought I’d give you the tour in private first. Limit the number of impressions you have to process in one go.’
Hearing that made his heart flutter a bit, and instinctively he cupped her cheek and kissed her.
‘Thank you,' said his voice. That is more thoughtful than even I could’ve thought of, said his tone.
Victoria smiled, kissed him again and took him to the kitchen. ‘I brought a can of syrup. Iced tea peach. Since you don’t drink coffee or tea, I figured you’d want something you’re used to.’

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 16/08/2026

Took some time and effort, but I’ve got a system in Notion now that works well enough for now. I’ll probably discover a bunch more tweaks to make over time, but it’s good enough to properly start the next revision round on “In The Heart Of The Holy Sea” soon.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 14/08/2026

For "Dinner with a stranger": When a twist of fate has strangers dine together, both find what they desire most in each other, but can they overcome their fears and insecurities to accept each others' embrace? #SumLuv

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 14/08/2026

Ethan is new to anything related to dating/love, combined with his autism this makes him very insecure at first. Victoria suffered heartbreak and betrayal in the past, making her hesitant to trust again with insecurity underneath. Especially when a "friend" makes some suggestive comments. #SumLuv

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 14/08/2026

For "Dinner with a stranger": Ethan will fall in love with any woman his age he thinks is pretty and has similar interests. So naturally he's attracted to Victoria. Victoria is drawn to Ethan's innate honesty and the feeling of calm he gives her from the start. #SumLuv

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 14/08/2026

Plan once that is all set up: - Finish final chapter of "Dinner with a stranger" to a satisfactory level - Revise "In The Heart Of The Holy Sea", then send it to beta readers (aim to do this before the end of the year) - Run Manuscript Analysis on "Dinner with a stranger" and revise that one

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 14/08/2026

My goal for the weekend is to decide on a task keeping app to track everything going forward. Scrivener's notes and labels worked pretty well thus far, but I need something dedicated for this. Heard some positive things about Notion, so I'll give that a try.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 14/08/2026

I've been trying out ProWritingAid lately and am honestly pretty impressed with the results. Aside from grammar/phrasing tips, the Manuscript Analysis feature identified some issues I need to work on in "In The Heart Of The Holy Sea", my theocratic/political fantasy WIP.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 11/08/2026

That said, I have a long scene that’s not included in my current draft (and probably won’t make the final draft) of Victoria who, in rather explicit detail, tells Ethan about a sexual fantasy she has. Spiciest thing I’ve written, honestly closer to erotica than romance.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 11/08/2026

The best answer I can give is “sensual”. I don’t shy away from explicit language if I feel it serves the story, but I generally try to focus on suggestive prose and sensory language. It’s a fun challenge to find the right balance. #SumLuv

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 11/08/2026

Nope. Music hardly plays a role in “Dinner with a stranger”. There’s one chapter where Ethan listens to heavy metal, but nothing beyond that. And I don’t even know what music Victoria likes 😂 #SumLuv

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 09/08/2026

One of my other romance WIPs also has an autistic male MC, and having autism myself, I see myself writing more stories with autistic characters in the future. Make each of them unique to showcase just how diverse autism/neurodivergence really is. Because no two autistic people are the same.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 09/08/2026

This question made me realise I need to get more familiar with subgenres 😅. “Dinner with a stranger” is contemporary, apparently. Could I change it, theoretically yes. But I need a setting where autism is generally known, as Ethan’s POV relies on it quite a bit. #SumLuv

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 09/08/2026

Me all day yesterday: let’s sit down and write this final chapter Brain: nah, let’s play games Me at 11:30PM: alright, time for bed Brain: actually, this is the perfect time to write And that’s how I ended up writing on my phone, in bed, past midnight 😅

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 09/08/2026

You’re welcome! I didn’t think it was bad, but I did feel the action and stakes were lacking a bit compared to the first two. I liked the ending though, true Lovecraftian style. Good to know there’s another sequel coming, I’ll keep an eye out! Curious what you’re gonna put John through now.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 08/08/2026

#10 - The Tree of Azathoth by @ctphipps.bsky.social Book 3 in the Cthulhu Armageddon series, and quite different from the previous 2. More a detective novel. I didn’t hate it, but definitely liked its predecessors more. Overall an enjoyable enough read.

Photo of the book “The Tree of Azathoth” by C.T. Phipps

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 08/08/2026

What I do find challenging when writing a romance in a different genre; making it present enough to make the romance arc believable, yet also making sure it’s not too much. One of the reasons I started writing a romance novel, was so I could fully focus on the romance. 2/2 #SumLuv

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 08/08/2026

Most of my writing has romance, whether it’s fantasy, actual romance, or a darker themed story. For the very simple reason that I’m a romantic and like romance. How prominent it’s present depends on the type of story. 1/2 #SumLuv

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Reposted by Tomas Raven

Indie Book Spotlight @bookspotlight.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

OH MY GOSH, JUST 14 AWAY!!! 🥳 If I can get to this milestone by today, then I’ll have made my goal ✨on✨ the one year anniversary of publication. 😱 If you like short fantasy reads with accidental magic and immortal knights and evil rulers, check it out! 🏹 [ #booksky ]

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 07/08/2026

You had me at “eldritch horrors”

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 07/08/2026

I don’t think setting plays a big part for me. “Dinner with a stranger” and my other two romance WIPs are set in the modern day, so I can focus on the characters rather than having to worry about the setting. #SumLuv

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 07/08/2026

Honestly, I was completely unprepared for how much I would love romance. When I started writing, I imagined myself a fantasy writer. But now I’m definitely en route to do fantasy and romance in equal measure.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 07/08/2026

I do. It was at the start of this year. I was 2 months into writing “Dinner with a stranger”, and decided to read some for inspiration/research how they are structured. So I looked up some that met my criteria and ordered them online. My first was The Love Hypothesis. #SumLuv

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 07/08/2026

Thank you! They really are, I love them. Still trying to write them a worthy final chapter 😅

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 04/08/2026

Victoria… feels something, an unexpected comfort, but proclaimed herself done with dating just before meeting him (she has her reasons). He’s just a nice, friendly guy to be friends with, *obviously* nothing more. Besides, Ethan’s surely taken already… right? #SumLuv 2/2

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 04/08/2026

Both quickly feel attraction, and both resist. For a while 😏 Ethan immediately finds Victoria attractive, but *obviously* she just wants to be friends. He’s *definitely* not afraid or inexperienced. Besides, surely someone that pretty can’t be interested in him in that way… right? #SumLuv 1/2

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 03/08/2026

Narrator: he did, in fact, let her sit. And he did not regret it (except for that one moment right after she sat down and he realised he was gonna have to make small talk)

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 03/08/2026

It’s 11 AM and my brain is still trying to wake up 🫠 (has been since my 5:45 alarm)

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 03/08/2026

Thank you! Yeah, I think a lot of people would find it weird if a stranger came up and asked to have dinner with them 😅 Though it’s not included in the snippet, it’s definitely a “screw it, what’s the worst that can happen” moment for Victoria. And not the last, either.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 03/08/2026

Ethan and Victoria meet when a combination of circumstances has them dine as complete strangers. Victoria is a little desperate. Ethan is mostly confused. But the mutual attraction is there right from the start 😏 #SumLuv

Ethan wasn’t sure he’d heard the woman correctly.
Would you be willing to share your table with me?
Wha…?
While trying to process the curious question and formulate a response, he took in the sight of her. She was pretty. Cute. Average build, somewhere between slim and slightly plump. And dressed to impress someone. There seemed to be a hint of desperation in her eyes, which he thought he’d also heard in her voice.
Then he finally uttered the only reasonable thing he could think of in response.
‘I’m sorry?’
The woman sighed. ‘Look, I know it’s a strange question. It’s just…’ She gestured at the chair opposite him. ‘This is literally the only seat still available on the entire square. I’ve had an… unforeseen change of plans tonight, I’m quite hungry, and I’d rather not have to drive home first before I can eat anything.’
Ethan stared at her, confused as hell and unsure what to do. His mind was in turmoil, skyrocketing his heartbeat as a heatwave soared through his body. He had mentally prepared himself for a number of things tonight, but a stranger asking to share his table hadn’t even been in the realm of possibilities. This wasn’t part of the plan. This wasn’t part of the plan at all. He was supposed to be out here, by himself, trying to enjoy his dinner. By himself. That meant no company. And that definitely didn’t mean a stranger joining him.
Even if that stranger was a pretty brunette.

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 02/08/2026

“Dinner with a stranger” features Ethan, an autistic male with zero experience in romance who doesn’t know how falling in love works and is scared of it. And Victoria, who has been unlucky in love due to being ghosted and an unfaithful ex, to the point where she just wants to give up. #SumLuv

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Tomas Raven @tomasraven.com · 02/08/2026

I’m Tomas, I started writing my romance novel “Dinner with a stranger” (I’ll give you one guess how my protagonists meet 😁) November last year, and am currently trying to write the final chapter 😅 Never really thought I’d be writing romance, but loving it! Two new WIPs already in the works! #SumLuv

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