austin (🛤️ is querying 🛤️)
@austinsgrace.bsky.social
he/she | atx/va/dc | writer of queer stories and maker of hyperspecific playlists | shortlisted for #RevPit ‘25
Pinned
#AwesomeCharacters
everyone’s mostly a city kid, tbh.
Nathan and Jensen grew up in a city-dwelling family where everyone worked, so trips out to nature were infrequent but fairly cherished as a break from monotony. when Nathan ends up in a small town he initially misses city living, but finds
1/
everyone’s mostly a city kid, tbh.
Nathan and Jensen grew up in a city-dwelling family where everyone worked, so trips out to nature were infrequent but fairly cherished as a break from monotony. when Nathan ends up in a small town he initially misses city living, but finds
1/
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
How does your character feel about nature?
Do they like the outdoors? Have good survival skills?
Or do they prefer the comforts and amenities of a city?
Some combination of both?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
How does your character feel about nature?
Do they like the outdoors? Have good survival skills?
Or do they prefer the comforts and amenities of a city?
Some combination of both?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 25, 2025 at 11:10 PM
#AwesomeCharacters
everyone’s mostly a city kid, tbh.
Nathan and Jensen grew up in a city-dwelling family where everyone worked, so trips out to nature were infrequent but fairly cherished as a break from monotony. when Nathan ends up in a small town he initially misses city living, but finds
1/
everyone’s mostly a city kid, tbh.
Nathan and Jensen grew up in a city-dwelling family where everyone worked, so trips out to nature were infrequent but fairly cherished as a break from monotony. when Nathan ends up in a small town he initially misses city living, but finds
1/
ugh need to write more today but feeling really really unconfident in myself & riddled with anxiety… horrors begone please i just want to write my silly books
November 25, 2025 at 6:26 PM
ugh need to write more today but feeling really really unconfident in myself & riddled with anxiety… horrors begone please i just want to write my silly books
my god this is the gayest thing he's done and he's canonically had sex with multiple men at this point
November 24, 2025 at 8:22 PM
my god this is the gayest thing he's done and he's canonically had sex with multiple men at this point
i’m just a [redacted], looking at my email inbox, asking for some last good news to close out the year
November 24, 2025 at 5:43 PM
i’m just a [redacted], looking at my email inbox, asking for some last good news to close out the year
this is an *excellent* question for #Lovember and is really making me think…
he will never, ever admit it (not even to himself) but Evan was Nathan’s first love, & part of the reason he’s so hostile to him now is that he’s realized how ill-suited they are (& always have been)
1/
he will never, ever admit it (not even to himself) but Evan was Nathan’s first love, & part of the reason he’s so hostile to him now is that he’s realized how ill-suited they are (& always have been)
1/
Today's random #Lovember #WritingPrompt for the #WriteSky #WritingCommunity:
Would your character(s) still fall for their first love(s)?
If it doesn't make sense to answer for romantic love, you can talk about some other sort of "first love".
Would your character(s) still fall for their first love(s)?
If it doesn't make sense to answer for romantic love, you can talk about some other sort of "first love".
November 24, 2025 at 3:01 PM
this is an *excellent* question for #Lovember and is really making me think…
he will never, ever admit it (not even to himself) but Evan was Nathan’s first love, & part of the reason he’s so hostile to him now is that he’s realized how ill-suited they are (& always have been)
1/
he will never, ever admit it (not even to himself) but Evan was Nathan’s first love, & part of the reason he’s so hostile to him now is that he’s realized how ill-suited they are (& always have been)
1/
so was anyone going to tell me the new mumford & sons album has a song called icarus ft gigi perez or was i just supposed to let that happen to me
November 24, 2025 at 1:57 AM
so was anyone going to tell me the new mumford & sons album has a song called icarus ft gigi perez or was i just supposed to let that happen to me
#AwesomeCharacters
Nathan’s hair is dark and naturally curly, and he’s still figuring out how he wants to wear it after being in prison for so long- he went in as a young man with longer hair, but kept it shorter on the inside out of necessity + ease of care
1/
Nathan’s hair is dark and naturally curly, and he’s still figuring out how he wants to wear it after being in prison for so long- he went in as a young man with longer hair, but kept it shorter on the inside out of necessity + ease of care
1/
November 24, 2025 at 12:10 AM
#AwesomeCharacters
Nathan’s hair is dark and naturally curly, and he’s still figuring out how he wants to wear it after being in prison for so long- he went in as a young man with longer hair, but kept it shorter on the inside out of necessity + ease of care
1/
Nathan’s hair is dark and naturally curly, and he’s still figuring out how he wants to wear it after being in prison for so long- he went in as a young man with longer hair, but kept it shorter on the inside out of necessity + ease of care
1/
#AwesomeCharacters
Nathan was touchier before prison- now he’s v concerned with only touching people when needed or asked for, & even then he isn’t gratuitous
Lawrence uses touch for a lot of supplemental sensing, so he’s way more inclined toward contact (even outside of his inner circle)
1/
Nathan was touchier before prison- now he’s v concerned with only touching people when needed or asked for, & even then he isn’t gratuitous
Lawrence uses touch for a lot of supplemental sensing, so he’s way more inclined toward contact (even outside of his inner circle)
1/
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
How does your character feel about physical touch?
Are they fans of a handshake, hug, pat on the back, etc?
Do they prefer to keep their distance?
Does it matter how close they are to the other person?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
How does your character feel about physical touch?
Are they fans of a handshake, hug, pat on the back, etc?
Do they prefer to keep their distance?
Does it matter how close they are to the other person?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 21, 2025 at 11:15 PM
#AwesomeCharacters
Nathan was touchier before prison- now he’s v concerned with only touching people when needed or asked for, & even then he isn’t gratuitous
Lawrence uses touch for a lot of supplemental sensing, so he’s way more inclined toward contact (even outside of his inner circle)
1/
Nathan was touchier before prison- now he’s v concerned with only touching people when needed or asked for, & even then he isn’t gratuitous
Lawrence uses touch for a lot of supplemental sensing, so he’s way more inclined toward contact (even outside of his inner circle)
1/
i had a very darling flashback scene about Lawrence’s summer at a school for the blind (he hated it, it was a scare tactic from his parents) where he also has his first (unrequited) crush (the school headmistress’ younger brother)- both his dad and his sister appear on page too!
What's something you wanted to include in your last book that just didn't make the cut for one reason or another? #WritingPrompt
November 21, 2025 at 3:56 PM
i had a very darling flashback scene about Lawrence’s summer at a school for the blind (he hated it, it was a scare tactic from his parents) where he also has his first (unrequited) crush (the school headmistress’ younger brother)- both his dad and his sister appear on page too!
“what’s even happening up until now then” evil family trauma and the horrors of being known. thanks for asking
broke 43k on B&W today yayyyy
they have only just acknowledged that they are friends noooo
they have only just acknowledged that they are friends noooo
November 21, 2025 at 1:54 AM
“what’s even happening up until now then” evil family trauma and the horrors of being known. thanks for asking
broke 43k on B&W today yayyyy
they have only just acknowledged that they are friends noooo
they have only just acknowledged that they are friends noooo
November 21, 2025 at 1:48 AM
broke 43k on B&W today yayyyy
they have only just acknowledged that they are friends noooo
they have only just acknowledged that they are friends noooo
#AwesomeCharacters
YES!!!
ok, bear with me, because if there’s 2 things i love to use in storytelling/character building, it’s food and music
1/
YES!!!
ok, bear with me, because if there’s 2 things i love to use in storytelling/character building, it’s food and music
1/
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
It is character potluck day! Everyone is gathering for a meal!
What is your character bringing? Do they have a favorite dish/something they make in a pinch?
Bringing ice or crudité is also acceptable!
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
It is character potluck day! Everyone is gathering for a meal!
What is your character bringing? Do they have a favorite dish/something they make in a pinch?
Bringing ice or crudité is also acceptable!
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 20, 2025 at 11:45 PM
#AwesomeCharacters
YES!!!
ok, bear with me, because if there’s 2 things i love to use in storytelling/character building, it’s food and music
1/
YES!!!
ok, bear with me, because if there’s 2 things i love to use in storytelling/character building, it’s food and music
1/
HTCH & B&W are set in 20th century America so they’ve got the standard ones, but only B&W sees holidays on the page- specifically, the gift-giving around Christmas (& Hanukkah, but Evan’s relationship w religion is…complicated) and a big New Year’s party that definitely serves as a turning point!
Are there any holidays in your setting? What do they celebrate? what are their origins? #WritingPrompt
November 20, 2025 at 4:35 PM
HTCH & B&W are set in 20th century America so they’ve got the standard ones, but only B&W sees holidays on the page- specifically, the gift-giving around Christmas (& Hanukkah, but Evan’s relationship w religion is…complicated) and a big New Year’s party that definitely serves as a turning point!
Reposted by austin (🛤️ is querying 🛤️)
happy tdor everyone 🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️ i see you and i love you and we are here and we remember 🩵🩷🤍
November 20, 2025 at 2:50 PM
happy tdor everyone 🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️ i see you and i love you and we are here and we remember 🩵🩷🤍
tbh haven’t gotten much writing done this week but my mental health has been so light and joyous and full of whimsy that i will NOT let the demon of productivity get me down ✋
November 20, 2025 at 3:15 AM
tbh haven’t gotten much writing done this week but my mental health has been so light and joyous and full of whimsy that i will NOT let the demon of productivity get me down ✋
Reposted by austin (🛤️ is querying 🛤️)
Today is the day to repost this meme about International Men's Day, one of the most unironically wholesome memes that has ever been made.
Shoutout to all my fellow champs, chiefs, and kings. ✊
Shoutout to all my fellow champs, chiefs, and kings. ✊
November 19, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Today is the day to repost this meme about International Men's Day, one of the most unironically wholesome memes that has ever been made.
Shoutout to all my fellow champs, chiefs, and kings. ✊
Shoutout to all my fellow champs, chiefs, and kings. ✊
hmm…
Nathan = determination
Lawrence = loyalty
Evan = passion
Jensen = resilience
and i do see that these are two pairs of similar traits, which i think is funny, because i consider HTCH & B&W to be sideways mirrors of each other in many ways :)
Nathan = determination
Lawrence = loyalty
Evan = passion
Jensen = resilience
and i do see that these are two pairs of similar traits, which i think is funny, because i consider HTCH & B&W to be sideways mirrors of each other in many ways :)
What's your main character's greatest virtue? #WritingPrompt
November 19, 2025 at 1:57 AM
hmm…
Nathan = determination
Lawrence = loyalty
Evan = passion
Jensen = resilience
and i do see that these are two pairs of similar traits, which i think is funny, because i consider HTCH & B&W to be sideways mirrors of each other in many ways :)
Nathan = determination
Lawrence = loyalty
Evan = passion
Jensen = resilience
and i do see that these are two pairs of similar traits, which i think is funny, because i consider HTCH & B&W to be sideways mirrors of each other in many ways :)
#AwesomeCharacters
money? Nathan. probably everything else? Veronica 🤣
if Evan tells me anything other how to get through to the bartender at a crowded bar i’m politely saying no thank you❤️
money? Nathan. probably everything else? Veronica 🤣
if Evan tells me anything other how to get through to the bartender at a crowded bar i’m politely saying no thank you❤️
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Which of your characters would you turn to for advice?
Does it matter what the advice was on? Relationships? Money? Career? Other?
Is there anyone who's advice you would always do the exact opposite of?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Which of your characters would you turn to for advice?
Does it matter what the advice was on? Relationships? Money? Career? Other?
Is there anyone who's advice you would always do the exact opposite of?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 18, 2025 at 11:32 PM
#AwesomeCharacters
money? Nathan. probably everything else? Veronica 🤣
if Evan tells me anything other how to get through to the bartender at a crowded bar i’m politely saying no thank you❤️
money? Nathan. probably everything else? Veronica 🤣
if Evan tells me anything other how to get through to the bartender at a crowded bar i’m politely saying no thank you❤️
#AwesomeCharacters
SIDE CHARACTERS MY BELOVED!!
Nathan’s oldest brother Ian is the biggest AntagonistTM- their disagreements about family, wealth, and power (and how to balance the 3) spark how the brothers Gilliard end up in prison and Nathan’s eternal martyr complex
1/
SIDE CHARACTERS MY BELOVED!!
Nathan’s oldest brother Ian is the biggest AntagonistTM- their disagreements about family, wealth, and power (and how to balance the 3) spark how the brothers Gilliard end up in prison and Nathan’s eternal martyr complex
1/
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Let's do another side character day! Do you have any characters who disagree with your protagonist?
What do they disagree about?
Does your side character have a point or are they being foolish? A bit of both?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Let's do another side character day! Do you have any characters who disagree with your protagonist?
What do they disagree about?
Does your side character have a point or are they being foolish? A bit of both?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 18, 2025 at 2:37 AM
#AwesomeCharacters
SIDE CHARACTERS MY BELOVED!!
Nathan’s oldest brother Ian is the biggest AntagonistTM- their disagreements about family, wealth, and power (and how to balance the 3) spark how the brothers Gilliard end up in prison and Nathan’s eternal martyr complex
1/
SIDE CHARACTERS MY BELOVED!!
Nathan’s oldest brother Ian is the biggest AntagonistTM- their disagreements about family, wealth, and power (and how to balance the 3) spark how the brothers Gilliard end up in prison and Nathan’s eternal martyr complex
1/
and perennial note: HTCH and B&W are interrelated but not sequential! Nathan, Evan, & Jensen appear in both, but it’s my hope that people will be able to enjoy each story independent of the other’s context 🫶
November 18, 2025 at 12:31 AM
and perennial note: HTCH and B&W are interrelated but not sequential! Nathan, Evan, & Jensen appear in both, but it’s my hope that people will be able to enjoy each story independent of the other’s context 🫶
November 18, 2025 at 12:28 AM
November 18, 2025 at 12:25 AM
November 18, 2025 at 12:21 AM
November 18, 2025 at 12:16 AM