iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Tom Maddalena (he/him)

Michael Lee Bross @nocturnalmask.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Jackson-Fletcher Publishing is open to submissions for our new annual protest anthology, "Burn the Map". For all voices shouting outrage over the current political climate in the US, submit your poems, short fictions, essays, photography or graphic art for consideration. tinyurl.com/BurnTheMap

Jackson-Fletcher Publishing House. Burn the Map. Annual Anthology

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

First half of my weekly goal is done! Chapter 4 is done. I tried to leave the chapter off with an intense note. Hopefully I hit it. Either way, I think the story is going pretty well. Next chapter introduces another character & some subtle clues! #WritingCommunity #booksky #writesky #queerwriters

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Reposted by Tom Maddalena (he/him)

Stoic @stoic1.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” -Nelson Mandela

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Hello fellow #QueerWriters! My weekly plans are "simple". Finish Chapter 4. Start Chapter 5. So far, Cahpter 4 is very dialogue heavy & I'm trying to make a happy feeling feast also seem strange & off. I may, or may not, end up keeping it later. We will see! 🤷‍♂️ #WritingCommunity #booksky #writesky

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Another 900 words down & chapter 4 is almost done! Oddly enough, I'm not sure I will even keep this scene in the book, but I can determine that later. It takes place during a feast hosted by Nero. It's meant to seem fun but with an off feeling. #WritingCommunity #booksky #writesky #queerwriters

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Reposted by Tom Maddalena (he/him)

Stoic @stoic1.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will.” -Epictetus

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Rough draft for chapter 3 is done! I started chapter 4 today and wrote about 1400 words in total. Aside from a bit of a slow, less motivated, start to the week, I'm pretty happy with what I've written so far. Maybe I can finish chapter 4 by Friday? #WritingCommunity #booksky #writesky #queerwriters

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Reposted by Tom Maddalena (he/him)

Maxime Jaz🌈🏳️‍⚧️ @maximejaz.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

RELEASE DAY! Fans of the trilogy... Avid KU readers... Readers who have yet to discover it and like to read epic queer love stories set in Ancient Rome... Omnia Vincit Amor - The Complete Trilogy is out now! 3 books in one eBook! 3 new illustrations... and of course, on Kindle Unlimited!🎉❤️‍🔥🌈

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

As a lover of Ancient Rome, I'm very happy I found this post! I'll be adding them to my read list. Congrats on the release!

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

I got a good bit of writing done this morning. It got to the point where chapter 2 started becoming too long, and since I personally like smaller chapters, I split it up. The rough draft of chapter 2 is now done, and chapter 3 is almost done! 😊 #WritingCommunity #booksky #writesky #queerwriters

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

They did seem to show up today! I felt inspired. Thank you Writing Gods!😝

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Happy #QueerWriters Monday y'all! I will try to finish my rough draft of chapter 2 this week. I shouldn't have an issue with that since it's almost done already. Once that's done, I want to see how far into chapter 3 I can get! Happy writing 😀 #WritingCommunity #lgbtqwriters

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

I got my Ray Bradbury approved 1000 words today. Still chipping away at the chapter, but getting very close to the end. I already know what I'm doing with chapter three & I'm pretty sure it will be a shorter, calmer, chapter. Only time will tell! #WritingCommunity #booksky #writesky #queerwriters

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

I’m about halfway through section 3 of chapter 2. Im hoping that by the end of the week I’ll be fully done with the chapter. The introduction of Nero has been pretty fun. I’m just making sure to not over due it, “Gladiator II” style… #writingcommunity #booksky #writesky #queerwriters

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

@wmarybeard.bsky.social Did the ancient Romans have a "Yes sir" equivalent when speaking with the Emperor? What might someone (a General/ Senator) call the Emperor when directly speaking to him? I can't seem to find a definitive answer. If you see this, I greatly appreciate you and your time!

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

FYI, Nero likely wasn't even in Rome when the Great Fire happened. There's definitely a chance he was involved, but he likely didn't play a lyre as his city burned, & if he did, it was definitely not a fiddle. The fiddle, as we know it, wasn't invented for about 1000 more years. #TheMoreYouKnow

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

I've decided to break Chapter 2 into 4 smaller sections since they all take place in a specific area, Roma, but the scenes are fairly different. I just finished up section 2 of 4. Section 3 introduces Emperor Nero... so that should be fun! 😂 #WritingCommunity #booksky #writesky #queerwriters

media.tenor.com

a cartoon of a man holding a lyre in front of a burning city

Alt: a cartoon of a man holding a lyre in front of a burning city

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

I need to find more of that! Jurassic Park was my first ever favorite novel as a kid. Crichton became one of my favorite authors ever since.

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

I wasn't able to get much writing done today, but I'm about half way done with chapter 2. The chapter has been more dialogue heavy, which is good, because it allows me to practice another thing that I don't have much experience in. Trucking along! #WritingCommunity #booksky #writesky #queerwriters

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

I still definitely appreciate your input! It seems like everyone I’ve asked, here and around me, seem to agree and it’s what feels right to me so I’m going the Latin route! Thanks again 😊

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Thank you for your input! I want to stick to the Latin names personally, so I'll probably just do that. I feel like I need to keep it as historically accurate as I can. Thanks again!

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

E.g.: Roma (Latin) vs. Rome (Eng.) or Via Cassia (Latin) vs. Cassian Way (Eng.). Formiae (Latin) vs. Formia (Eng./Italian). My historical brain wants to use the Latin, but that can be tricky for some readers. Should I use a mix or stick with one? #WritingCommunity #booksky #writesky #queerwriters

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Writing question for y'all. I'm writing a book that takes place in Ancient Rome. I'm trying my hardest to remain historically accurate even though the story is pure fiction. When using Roman cities and roads, should I use the Latin versions or English versions?

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

It shouldn't change anything too seriously. More of just having to figure out where specific characters are supposed to be and how they got there. I may have to add a few scenes to make it all connect, but I'm not opposed to doing that!

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

It’s not a major turn, but that my original idea of how to start my second chapter wouldn’t work because of a minor historical inaccuracy, so I had to come up with an entirely different beginning. It’s been somewhat challenging but I’m chipping away!

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

I think I’m most excited to just get the general story written. Crafting the chapters and going on these unexpected journeys while writing them has been pretty fun so far!

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

I also managed to get the word manage in this post 3 times. It was a day today 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

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Reposted by Tom Maddalena (he/him)

Addy Bross 🌈 they/xe @aebrossbooks.com · 09/04/2026

If you were looking to add some great stories to your collection and support some autistic voices and representation at the same time, look NO FURTHER! This collection has 34 works by autistic authors, with autistic main characters and characters. itch.io/b/3598/autis...

Autistic SFF (+ a lil romance & more) itch.io bundle.

34 works of fiction by autistic authors, many with autistic main characters & autistic side characters. Other rep includes some queer main characters. There's fantasy, sci-fi, horror, romance, and more. Novels, a few novellas, and short stories.

April 1st - April 14th

https://itch.io/b/3598/autistic-sff-a-lil-romance-more

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

I’ll also add that I’m fortunate enough to have a couple really good friends who are both published authors and editors and they have both agreed to help me through the process. But like I said, I’m always keeping my options open.

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

I’ll say no for the moment but I’m definitely keeping my options open for when I continue to progress!

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Okay, I went back and managed to spill out another 600 words from my brain. I managed to get the dreaded first paragraph of the second chapter done, and also managed to start some of the dialogue too. Overall... not too bad! #WritingCommunity #booksky #writesky #queerwriters

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Thank you very much and I'll certainly keep that in mind! So far, I'm mostly just going straight through although, I have gone back a few times to touch up some things that were bothering me too much. But I haven't dug deep into a revision at the moment.

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Reposted by Tom Maddalena (he/him)

Addy Bross 🌈 they/xe @aebrossbooks.com · 09/04/2026

New pinned post! Hello, y'all! I'm Addy & I'm a queer author 🌈🫶 My books: 🏴‍☠️ The Elysium Proposal - F/Enby Pirate Adventure Romantasy 💞 Where We Converge - M/M Contemporary Paranormal Romantasy 💻 CyberSnow - Ace, Sapphic, Trans, Cyberpunk retelling of Snow White bit.ly/AE-Bross aebrossbooks.itch.io

Bianca Nieve, only daughter and heiress to the Nieve fortune, finds herself on the wrong side of the law.

Taja Soliño, a hardware tech barely scraping by, finds herself helping a member of the family known for oppressing the city for their own gain.

Together, they might just be able to free themselves and the city of New Velles.

CyberSnow by A.E. Bross coming March 31, 2026.

Available Now!

Image of the Chicago cityscape in the distance, icy Lake Michigan in the forefront. Text over top reads: "Every so often, life gives us a shot at redemption. When Darius Adair is sent to help a stranger in the dead of night, he never expects that man to be a time traveler who threw himself back in order to stop a threat so severe, it endangered the world as they knew it. He also didn't expect to catch feelings for him."

Features the cover from Where We Converge by A.E. Bross.

Background of a cracked wall with a vine growing up the sides. Light text reads, "All Kyle wants to do is propose to the love of her life. Unfortunately, it seems that toxic family, a hopeless voyage, & the search for the Well of Eternal Life all have different ideas for how Kyle should be spending her time." The Elysium Proposal "Because nothing ever goes as planned..."

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Due to a character name change and previously unknown research that I needed to do, I managed to write an entire 39 words in my morning writing session today 😂 Chapter 2 is off to a hot start! 🤦 #WritingCommunity #booksky #writesky #queerwriters

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

At first, when my writer friends told me something similar, I was still worried about the first draft. I wanted to make it perfect, but after writing the first chapter, I completely understand and agree with the saying. It's a ROUGH draft, and that’s okay! Thanks again!

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Thank you Kate! I appreciate it! It's been a fun ride so far, between the research and the writing. It's also been very theraputic, which is a nice bonus. Thank you for the advice too!

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Happy #WriterShareWednesday! I've just started my first book. It takes place in Ancient Rome during the time of Nero. It's going to have action and adventure, betrayal and backstabbing, and plenty of drama. I'm only one chapter in, so its quite a WIP!

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Trying to be as historically accurate in a historical fiction book is a wild ride. I was incorrect about one small detail that makes my planned 2nd chapter impossible. I think I've figured a way around it but now I have to iron out some details... #WritingCommunity #booksky #writesky #queerwriters

media.tenor.com

a close up of a man 's face with his eyes closed .

Alt: a close up of a man 's face with his eyes closed .

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Such a great song with so many small and little details in the video too.

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Reposted by Tom Maddalena (he/him)

Addy Bross 🌈 they/xe @aebrossbooks.com · 08/04/2026

Tom got me motivated and I managed 1,500 words with the Darius and Morgan sequel today. Felt so good to be writing my boys again. 🥰

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Thank you! It's a historical fiction with a good bit of drama and takes place in the Ancient Rome. I've been studying the Romans since I was a kid, way before it became a meme haha, and I've had this story in my head ever since then. Now just trying to get it on paper!

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Thank you! I think that’s a good idea. Onward to chapter two!

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Thank you and I appreciate the advice! I think that’s what I’ll do. Especially since I’m pretty sure I know what I want the second chapter to be. I appreciate you!

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Tom Maddalena (he/him) @tomwrites.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Another 1000 words down & I think my first chapter rough draft is done! I'm still debating if I want to start the 2nd chapter & leave my 1st chapter in its rough form, or go back & fix up the 1st before moving on. Either way, today was productive! #WritingCommunity #booksky #writesky #queerwriters

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