v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 12h#WIPSnips 15Oct: pass Sunday passes in a haze, Monday in a daze, but by Tuesday morning Judith finds herself restless. She could use another three hours of sleep, but her mind won't let her. In order to rest she had to push herself past her limits--but her body had never been efficient. #WriteSky 091
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 12h#WIPSnips 14Oct: territory Patrice pulls into her driveway and cuts the engine without rolling up the windows. Her own car is in the garage. She'd been saying for years she'd get rid of it, but she had enough lectures and meetings scattered throughout the region that having a vehicle was worth it. 030
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 12h#WIPSnips 13Oct: blue Philippa Sutton's baby blue VW Bug is the only other car in the lot. To his surprise, she's standing outside, leaning against the passenger door. #BlackWriters #QueerWriters #WriteSky 050
Reposted by v. h. king✨#WIPSnips✨ A Daily Writing Share Tag @wipsnips.bsky.social · 13/10/2026The #WIPSnips word for October 13th is "blue" #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts 2711613
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 12h#WIPSnips 12 Oct: pulse He dodges the splinter aimed at his throat, ducks under one that would have sliced through his shoulder, turns before a third shard could graze his neck. His eyes stay red, but they pulse with yellow flares. (1/2) #BlackWriters #WriteSky 130
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 14/10/2026To live, anyway. Isn't that what the last poem said?vhwriting.comPeace OutStruggling to keep struggling. Still. 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 12/10/2026I wasn't looking for closure, but I may have accidentally DIY'd some of the best exposure therapy I didn't know I needed.vhwriting.comRenaissanceReturn. Reflect. Rebirth. From BUTTER to TN and back again into the life I'm still living. 000
Reposted by v. h. kingZig Zag Claybourne @zzclaybourne.bsky.social · 10/10/2026"There’s always that part of us that wants to witness us feeling good." Sincerely hoping some part of you is able to show yourself a good time.zzclaybourne.comWe, You, & I — ZZ Claybourne“How do you feel?” is the most important question we can ask ourselves right now, but only if we really slow down to answer it, but focus is not something a lot of us have in abundance these days. The... 073
Reposted by v. h. kingMastafran (4/4 Commissions Slots Full) @mastafran.com · 10/10/2026If you want merch from me too, you can check out my online shop!mastafran.comShop - MastaFran ComicsEven when not at conventions, you can still find my incredible stickers, comics, and more from the Mastafran Art Store! 062
Reposted by v. h. kingZig Zag Claybourne @zzclaybourne.bsky.social · 11/10/2026Rain this morning doesn't sound orderly at all. Arrhythmic plips. Sections hitting the roof a little behind the beat. Wind keeps fumbling tempo changes. I see what nature's doing, tho. It's a Miles Davis morning. Making me hear the silences between sound as music instead of emptiness. Well played. 091
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 11/10/2026#WIPSnips 10 Oct: fuzzy Ninety minutes pass and there's another round of cordial corporate speak that she mostly doesn't hear. The world is getting blurry and bright at the edges, fuzzy and fraught. Under the table, she grips his hand for a moment. Hard. 080
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 10/10/2026#WIPSnips 9 Oct: raid..... which, if you're on the receiving end, is kind of like an ambush??? “And if you don’t have a plan before this hearing, that’s going to be an ambush too,” Myra crossed her arms and leaned on the table. “I need you to assume that Alan is going to show up.” #BlackWriters 040
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 08/10/2026#WIPSnips 7 Oct: compare Gigi was reminding him to see Judith through different eyes. Whose eyes, he wasn't sure, but it helped him think through how Judith thought they were perceived by others and then compare that to how he saw Judith. #BlackWriters #QueerWriters #WriteSky 050
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 07/10/2026As I continue to absorb and digest everything from BUTTER weeks later, some of it is coming out the best way I know how: more poems. The power of Black art just keeps nourishing, overflowing, refilling me again and again and again.vhwriting.comHard-Headed DayDreamsFor that 7-year-old kid, biking through construction sites with her big brother and refusing to cry when she skinned her elbows and scraped her knees. (She totally cried.) 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 06/10/2026#WIPSnips 6 Oct: rice Dinner was Cornish-hens, broiled brussel sprouts and carrots, and honey-garlic rice. Before middle school, his mom had come over at least twice a week and had dinner with them. #BlackWriters #QueerWriters #WriteSky 070
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 05/10/2026#WIPSnips 5 Oct: wall The toilet paper is somewhere out the door, a train in its wake. The side of the toilet has blood smears like fat thumb prints. The wall of the tub has several streaks. She can't tell if the wood paneling on the sink cabinet was already chipped or if she'd done that too. 030
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 05/10/2026Last year, it took me two and a half weeks to find my words for BUTTER. This year it's a month later. Some things you just have to savor.vhwriting.comBUTTER: ReturnsThree years in. One month later. BUTTER keeps giving. 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 04/10/2026#WIPSnips 4 Oct: contract "I'll have a full contract to you by the end of the day," Marc said, going back to his computer screen. "I expect it signed by 10AM tomorrow. You leave the day after. Troy will be your detail." #BlackWriters #QueerWriters #WriteSky 060
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 04/10/2026#WIPSnips 3 Oct: petal She didn't ask to see it. She simply let her fingers trace where she knew it to be. He'd shown her the lily on his shoulder years ago. It was high enough to be covered by short sleeves, but she'd spied the edge of a petal one night when he'd held her. #BlackWriters 030
Reposted by v. h. kingZig Zag Claybourne @zzclaybourne.bsky.social · 02/10/2026I suppose insomnia brought on by excitement is like insomnia that at least went to the gym and ate well. Benefits. 031
Reposted by v. h. kingZig Zag Claybourne @zzclaybourne.bsky.social · 01/10/2026What day is it? Why, it's the start of Black Speculative Fiction Month! 094
Reposted by v. h. kingStrange Horizons @strangehorizons.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Strange Horizons Fiction Submissions are open now! Check out our website for the fiction guidelines including the link to our Moksha submission portal ⬇️ strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti... (The window closes when we reach 1,000 submissions. Stories must be 5,000 words or less.) 27758
Reposted by v. h. kingMorgan @morgcity.bsky.social · 01/10/2026I’ll be vending at Black Girl Book Fair this year! Make sure you sign up so you can access the catalogue. Tickets are FREE.99. Hope to see y’all there! It’s VIRTUAL! www.blackgirlbookfair.com 0146
Reposted by v. h. kingMastafran (4/4 Commissions Slots Full) @mastafran.com · 01/10/2026Sure it's International Raccoon Day, but screw that, it's Spooky Month! It's time to acknowledge the existence of Claudia once again! 411526
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 02/10/2026#WIPSnips 1 Oct: injury He'd tell her not to, because it wasn't safe driving and if they got into an accident and she were hurt it'd be a company liability on top of the obvious risk of concussions, broken bones, and significant spinal injury. But he'd let her do it, and he wouldn't mind. 020
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 30/09/2026#WIPSnips 30 Sept: guard She would not break. She would be bold in the face of whatever life threw at them, and what was more, she wouldn't wait to be derailed. She would arm herself, and her people, and she would make sure to guard the heart of the man who hadn't yet realized he was hers. 040
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Have you ever had to beat your mind at its own games? Or, yknow, at least distract it long enough to catch a break.vhwriting.comIcing on the Coffin, Nail in the CakeDefiance. Absurdity. Lessons I didn't learn in therapy. 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 30/09/2026#WIPSnips 29 Sept: well "Carry me to bed," she said. Turner pulled in a breath and slowly let it out. If he went absolutely still--well, he wasn’t sure she would notice, but he didn't want to alarm her. "Not yet," he said, kissing her temple. "You're bleeding." #BlackWriters #QueerWriters 180
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 29/09/2026#WIPSnips 28 Sept: prime "Yes, unfortunately the man who usually brings me my morning tea is away at a work thing. How unlucky." "I'm sure he misses you dearly." "Pshh--nonsense. I'm a pickled old cabbage, wrinkled past her prime." "Perhaps he likes your sour bite." #BlackWriters #QueerWriters 160
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 29/09/2026#WIPSnips 27 Sept: delay He was giving her time, which she appreciated. But he also knew she'd get more discouraged, the longer the inevitable was delayed. Halfway through her second taco, he said, "I still think you should take the rest of the week." #BlackWriters #QueerWriters #WriteSky 140
Reposted by v. h. kingChantal James @chantalalive.blacksky.app · 26/09/2026Y'all say you support Black writing. Put y'all damn money where your mouth is. @fiyahlitmag.bsky.social is one of our most important journals publishing speculative work by Black writers established as so for a while, & @tonyarmoore.com is my mutual & my comrade as a Black writer, so cop this shit. 33022
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 26/09/2026#WIPSnips 26 Sept: observe He feels the same as when James had looked at him, after he'd asked if James believed in ghosts. Not foolish, not small, but...observed. #BlackWriters #QueerWriters #WriteSky 080
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 25/09/2026#WIPSnips 25 Sept: nation (using 'empire" instead) Mostly, it was a luxurious life above Empire Law; a life of power and influence; a life of gaurunteed safety. A birthright James didn't give a shit about. #BlackWriters #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #QueerWriters 080
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 25/09/2026"It sounds like there's something else on your mind," Turner said. "And you're not saying it because you don't want HR involved." "It's not my business! I shouldn't be prying and I swear I'm not trying to--" Lisa put her hands up, shaking her head. "No, you know what, I'm just going to let it be." 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Pultman’s Isle: Part Four Relief. No word just yet, but Gretchen and Sanders can feel rescue in the air.vhwriting.comPultman’s Isle: Part FourRelief. No word just yet, but Gretchen and Sanders can feel rescue in the air. 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Pultman’s Isle: Part Three Land sirens. Of course Sanders would try talking to one.vhwriting.comPultman’s Isle: Part ThreeLand sirens. Of course Sanders would try talking to one. 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Pultman’s Isle: Part Two I'm sorry, did you say scream storms? Sentient thunderstorms that can trap you in a nightmare?vhwriting.comPultman’s Isle: Part TwoI'm sorry, did you say scream storms? Sentient thunderstorms that can trap you in a nightmare? 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Pultman’s Isle: Part One Not the first day stranded on an island, but it's the first time Sanders sees sunlight in over a week.vhwriting.comPultman’s Isle: Part OneNot the first day stranded on an island, but it's the first time Sanders sees sunlight in over a week. 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Libby & Birdy Part 4: Vials and Values Nearly twenty years and two kids later, Libby and Birdy are living out their story.vhwriting.comLibby & Birdy Part 4: Vials and ValuesNearly twenty years and two kids later, Libby and Birdy are living out their story. 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Libby & Birdy Part 3: Starting Over Means Carrying On Three months and a honeymoon later. not all surprises are good.vhwriting.comLibby & Birdy Part 3: Starting Over Means Carrying OnThree months and a honeymoon later. not all surprises are good. 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Mallie & Wick Part 3: I Don’t Think This is Food Poisoning So how did Wick end up taking Mallie's place?vhwriting.comMallie & Wick Part 3: I Don’t Think This is Food PoisoningSo how did Wick end up taking Mallie's place? 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Mallie & Wick Part 4: Home is Where You Hear the News Getting through a board meeting is one thing. Maintaining a shape-shift form while running on no sleep? Well...vhwriting.comMallie & Wick Part 4: Home is Where You Hear the NewsGetting through a board meeting is one thing. Maintaining a shape-shift form while running on no sleep? Well... 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Mallie & Wick Part 2: Deep Frowns and Deeper Pockets Super-sonic hearing is great, but it makes it hard to focus when you're giving a presentation to a board of directors. Except this is turning into more of a lecture...vhwriting.comMallie & Wick Part 2: Deep Frowns and Deeper PocketsSuper-sonic hearing is great, but it makes it hard to focus when you're giving a presentation to a board of directors. Except this is turning into more of a lecture... 010
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Mallie & Wick Part 1: This Little Trick of Mine Trading places a la body swap, because today is the Big Day and if Mallory can't make it to the office, then someone who looks like her will.vhwriting.comMallie & Wick Part 1: This Little Trick of MineTrading places a la body swap, because today is the Big Day and if Mallory can't make it to the office, then someone who looks like her will. 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Blood and Broken Altars: Part Four What does it mean to believe in the right things?vhwriting.comBlood and Broken Altars: Part FourWhat does it mean to believe in the right things? 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Blood and Broken Altars: Part Three A home destroyed. A narrow escape. And after all that, what do the gods leave you with?vhwriting.comBlood and Broken Altars: Part ThreeA home destroyed. A narrow escape. And after all that, what do the gods leave you with? 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Blood and Broken Altars: Part Two Sometimes magic stays. Leaving your home behind changes more than just you. Craft comes at a cost.vhwriting.comBlood and Broken Altars: Part TwoSometimes magic stays. Leaving your home behind changes more than just you. Craft comes at a cost. 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Blood and Broken Altars: Part One An incredible art installation takes Shadow's breath away. But that's not all...vhwriting.comBlood and Broken Altars: Part OneAn incredible art installation takes Shadow's breath away. But that's not all... 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Vengeful Spirits, Part Two: Enough to Make the Dead Switch Graves Okay, so this route is definitely hostile to newcomers. But maybe Kite isn't as new to this as we thought...vhwriting.comVengeful Spirits, Part Two: Enough to Make the Dead Switch GravesOkay, so this route is definitely hostile to newcomers. But maybe Kite isn't as new to this as we thought... 000
v. h. king @vhkingsink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Vengeful Spirits, Part Three: The Debt I Owe Maybe having Kite on this route isn't so bad after all...vhwriting.comVengeful Spirits, Part Three: The Debt I OweMaybe having Kite on this route isn't so bad after all... 000
