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holfelderwatson.bsky.social
❄️Two Nerds in a Trench Coat❄️
@holfelderwatson.bsky.social
970 followers 600 following 3.7K posts
Hey there! We are two nerds in a trench coat, coauthoring queer action/adventure and magical realism fiction with diverse representation.

Come on in, ask us anything, and stick around for the stories!

ALC Holfelder (they/them)
SB Watson (she/her)
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holfelderwatson.bsky.social
❄️Two Nerds in a Trench Coat❄️ @holfelderwatson.bsky.social · 7d
Hi! It is we, Holfelder & Watson, two nerds in a trench coat, writing queer action/adventure stories ft queer love subplots.
#LL&MM: queer love wrapped up in a murder mystery. Beta stages
#Cursed: queer love wrapped up in magical realism. WIP
#WOTV: queer love, family, & soul-eaters. WIP
Welcome!
Reposted by ❄️Two Nerds in a Trench Coat❄️
mythjae.bsky.social
It's #AceWeek ✨
I'm an aro/ace writer, artist, and editor! And even if it's not blatantly on page, all of my stories have at least one asexual and/or aromantic character.
I'll list a few of them below 👇🏽
mythjae.bsky.social Jasmine W. @mythjae.bsky.social · Oct 14
Hi, I'm Jasmine Walls, an award-winning writer, editor, sometimes artist, and hot chocolate connoisseur. My work is unapologetically queer, inclusive, and heartfelt.

For my full portfolio: www.jasminewalls.com

I'm open for writing work, ready with original pitches, and viciously anti-AI.
The cover of BROOMS, a witchy southern graphic novel with an entirely BIPOC cast. Written by Jasmine Walls, Illustrated by Teo DuVall, with colors by Bex Glendining, and lettering by Ariana Maher. The cover of 'The Last Session Volume 1, Roll For Initiative' graphic novel showing a group of D&D players and their respective in-game characters. Art by Dozerdraws, written by Jasmine Walls, and letterer by Micah Myers. The cover of Vixen: NYC, drawn by Vasco Georgiev, showing a young Black woman in a cropped orange cardigan and high waisted blue panets with her hair half down and straightened, and half in braids. SHe is surrounded by ghostly glowing animal spirits, incliding a racoon, tiger, dog, eagle, an monkey on her shoulder, and a snake wrapped around her like a friend. She is gazing around a night-time New York City street in wonder. Written by Jasmine Walls, Inks by Manou Azumi, Backgrounds by Toby Fan, Flats by Hailey Stewart, Renders by BBM, Letters by Micah Myers The cover of MIDST: The Valorous Farmer, drawn by Will Kirkby. It shows two hands in torn up gloves and a pale face reflected in a broken rearview mirror, with dark hair and green eyes. A broken chain hangs from the mirror and nearby is a brass locket with a green floral design. There is rubble and smashed metal all around, making it clear this was a crashed vehicle. The comic was written by me (Jasmine Walls), Illustrated by Aviv Or, with colors by Quinton Winter, and letters by Jim Campbell.
October 20, 2024 at 3:17 PM
Reposted by ❄️Two Nerds in a Trench Coat❄️
avalach.bsky.social
QRP with your flower art 🌸✨

This illustration I painted for the book „Wie Schatten in der Dämmerung“ by Laura May Strange
February 18, 2026 at 2:36 PM
Reposted by ❄️Two Nerds in a Trench Coat❄️
ddwardiswriting.bsky.social
Hot Take:

Most Indie authors don't know how to market their books.

... It's me. I'm most Indie authors.
How to support and author budget Write a review Recommend to a friend Follow their social media Share their content Engage with their posts Subscribe to their newsletter Give them a shout out Cheer them on Your favorite authors will thank you
February 18, 2026 at 11:54 AM
Reposted by ❄️Two Nerds in a Trench Coat❄️
tomsbrown.bsky.social
And a third one for the librarians.
Added cat at no additional charge.
Stack of books with a regal cat resting atop, Set in a vast ornate library. Also present, a raven and the shadow of a dog. Pencil drawing with colour applied.
February 18, 2026 at 1:21 PM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
Oh I hate timelines. Fixing the timeline for #LL&MM has been a pain in the *ass*. But that's probably because that story was all kinds of chopped salad for a while. #Cursed and #WOTV are being written much more linearly and calmly.
#FebOutlining #WriteSky
amtuomala.bsky.social A.M. Tuomala @amtuomala.bsky.social · 19h
#FebOutlining How do you manage timelines--not just for your story, but for the things that happened before it (and possibly the things that will happen after it)?
Image of a black typewriter seen at an angle; the text above it reads, "#FebOutlining Day #18 - Timelines." Original photo by Connor Scott McManus on Pexels.
February 18, 2026 at 1:38 PM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
Two chars come to mind here. From #LL&MM, Liam Turner is a character full of abandonment (his father, his ex), loss (his mother) and hardship (being trans in the rural rust belt is not an easy thing to do). From #Cursed, Tristan uhhhh welp, he's lost everything, even his memories.
#AllHandsOnDeck
zprospero.bsky.social Zed Prospero @zprospero.bsky.social · 1d
#AllHandsOnDeck

We're matching up our work to the Minor Arcana Tarot Cards. Tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!

Today's card is: FIVE OF PENTACLES

Who or what from your writing does it fit?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts
#AllHandsOnDeck What image would you put on this card from your writing? What would it mean if it was upright or reversed? FIVE OF PENTACLES Upright: Hardship, Loss, Abandonment Reversed: Welcome, Recovery, Forgiveness
February 18, 2026 at 1:35 PM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
Magic isn't so much something you benefit from as it is something you *are*. Even the Skilled humans (non-Ancient beings) just...are magic. You could no more stop using it than you could being yourself (unless something Big Bad comes along....*teehee*).
#FebChantment #WriteSky
professoremily.bsky.social Prof Emily @professoremily.bsky.social · 1d
#Febchantment Day 18

Why do people want to do magic in the first place? What benefits do they get from it?

What makes magic worth the trouble or risk for people, especially if it's extremely difficult and/or dangerous?

Do they even have a choice at all?

#writingcommunity #writesky
#Febchantment prompt for Feb 18: What benefits do people get from using magic? What makes it worth the trouble or risk? Text is white letters on a blue background featuring a magic book with lots of sparkles, and a yellow octopus dressed as Glinda the Good Witch sitting in the bottom right corner. Hosted by @professoremily.bsky.social
February 18, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Reposted by ❄️Two Nerds in a Trench Coat❄️
foxenlock.bsky.social
I always thought being aro meant no romantic feelings ever

No wonder it took me ages to accept being aro spec

That’s why it’s vital to show all aro experiences in stories

So, Grab this amazing Aro Awareness Week bundle

Includes my 1920s fantasy featuring two aro/ace MCs

itch.io/b/3517/aroma...
Aro-spec Bundle graphic, featuring the covers of the 23 works (1 audiobook, 3 comics/graphic novels, 17 books, and 2 visual novels) in this bundle, stating the bundle price ($23) and the dates the bundle is available on Itch, (15-21 Feb).
February 18, 2026 at 8:39 AM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
I struggle writing non-kind characters. I struggle writing characters that are not emotionally intelligent. It's a problem.

Partly because I'm not interested in conflict that arises from characters being just plain assholes. It's just not my thing. I overcorrect into "why is everyone so NICE" [1/2]
cjaralore.bsky.social 🌈CJ Aralore @cjaralore.bsky.social · 2d
#QueerPrompts February 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day: How kind do you tend to write characters?
Graphics: The background is pink hearts. The border has hearts in the colors of the pride flags with positive sayings: Self love, found family, pride, you are loved, BFF, community, be safe, you matter, unite!, love is love, be yourself, equal rights, queer joy, stand up, speak out, love wins, you are beautiful, better together. Text: "February 2025" on top and "#QueerPrompts" and "Host: @CJAralore" on the bottom in a rainbow font. Center text is: #QueerPrompts February 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day: How kind do you tend to write characters?
February 17, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Reposted by ❄️Two Nerds in a Trench Coat❄️
cknightwrites.bsky.social
There are folks who say "cheap" editors are a red flag. That we must be scamming if we arent charging standard rates.

My rates are how I start the fight for indie authors to get what you deserve—especially marginalized indies. Actually affordable professional edits.

cknightwritesediting.carrd.co/
CKnightWrites
Charlie Knight's Carrd
cknightwritesediting.carrd.co
February 17, 2026 at 2:52 PM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
As a POTSie, I second this. Hydrate before you die-drate!
astridabellauthor.com Astrid E. Abell — Pre-order Inarora’s Excursion! @astridabellauthor.com · 1d
Good morning team. Remember to drink something hydrating today.
February 17, 2026 at 3:02 PM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
I (holfelder) wanted to make this cute, but I've got a headache. So, here are my answers for #ASAW :) I love talking about being aro-spec, so feel free to ask any questions that you might have about my journey to this place of understanding. :)
#Aromantic
Oh goodness, I’m not sure. It’s been a long time growing in the last 10 years, really, and it’s only gotten stronger as time goes on. I realized I was asexual first. Then I slowly came to understand that I’ve always “fallen in love” with my best friends, and that I really can’t separate romantic/platonic affection. I would have happily moved in with my adult bff and helped her raise her kids even though there was no chance of an actual “relationship” (she is very straight). Somewhere around then I was like “oh. Huh.” I was far enough into my journey of queerness to actually feel like a piece of me slotted into place finally. I wasn’t trying to be someone else. I was able to just be *me*. Yep! Quoiromantic! It’s a microlabel that essentially means that I can’t figure out the difference between romantic and platonic affection/attraction. I can’t. No idea what “romance” even is? Does it exist? Who knows. I’ve started using gray-romantic as it takes less explaining, and also includes the “well maybe I feel that? Sometimes? I don’t know, y’all.” I don’t actually have any :) It’s a bit hard to explain sometimes, but I’m confident and comfortable in my identity, and so is my wife (Yes, I’m married! To the final boss of best friends forever haha!) I struggle with this question because a lot of the things that I love about being arospec really just have to do with the shoving off of amatonormativity, which anyone can do. I appreciate the fact that I can comfortably tell my friends that I love them. I’m comfortable not having to engage in stereotypical expressions of “romance” - I do what makes me and my wife feel comfortable and cared for. Sanal MacTavish, from Life, Love & the Monongahela Murders is aroace. They are interested in a relationship, but are terrified of being misunderstood, due to a previous failed relationship. They are pretty romance repulsed, but, like me, don’t see things like cuddling, touching, and being emotionally intimate as “romantic” inherently.
February 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
Eyyyyy! Congrats to the first four original Nancy Drew novels entering the public domain! I didn't know this. I (Holfelder) grew up on Nancy Drew and strive to create that same atmosphere in my writing: something fun and entertaining and cozy.
#WriteSky
minikinetic.bsky.social Julian @minikinetic.bsky.social · 1d
My illustrations celebrating Nancy Drew entering the public domain
February 17, 2026 at 2:37 PM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
PEETSBORGH. (Pittsburgh)
All three of my WIPS ft Pittsburgh. #WOTV is partially set there, and #LL&MM & #Cursed are set wholly in the city. Part of my rewrites include grounding the stories more firmly in the city. #Cursed fts Hazelwood & Squirrel Hill homes.
#FebOutlining #WriteSky
A picture of the Point, from the Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Skyline is in the background. A picture of a classic golden bridge with the city skyline of Pittsburgh behind it.
February 17, 2026 at 2:32 PM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
A short lil bit of Liam being insecure about his gender.

To clarify, he had a shitty ex who literally told him he would never be "man enough." As Liam is pondering this, he realizes that Sanal does not give a *shit* about gender norms.

(Yes, it's Tuesday. I was also #thinking) #WriteSky
Liam pauses. Man enough? He snorts softly. Man enough for Sanal ‘Fuck Gender’ MacTavish? Maybe I am an idiot. “What’s going through your head, Liam?” Liam grins ruefully. “I’m just...I’m an idiot, sometimes.” Sanal tilts their head. “What?”
February 17, 2026 at 2:22 PM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
Don't believe in writer's block? Excuse the heck outta me but uh, it's very real! For me, it's usually because I'm fatigued and need a break, but it takes many forms for everyone. Also, check out this resource!!! :)
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
weeknightwriters.bsky.social Weeknight Writers @weeknightwriters.bsky.social · 1d
Good morning! Some writers don’t believe in writer’s block

We do believe in it - and more importantly, we believe it can be overcome

In fact, we've created the FREE Writer's Block Buster to help you defeat it weeknightwriters.com...
Close-up of snow-covered tree branches on a night sky backdrop, overlaid with the words "Good morning! Some writers don’t believe in writer’s block We do believe in it - and more importantly, we believe it can be overcome"
February 17, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Reposted by ❄️Two Nerds in a Trench Coat❄️
chirunax.bsky.social
If you see this, post something monochromatic
February 16, 2026 at 2:02 PM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
Thirty two followers away from 1k!!

I'm so excited to be approaching this milestone. Gotta figure out what to *do*. I don't have any active works out right now so uhhhhh help? Any ideas? What do people do for 1k followers?

Thanks for being here, btw. 💚
February 17, 2026 at 1:39 PM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
okay, it made me giggle. it gets reposted
orkneylibrary.bsky.social Orkney Library & Archive @orkneylibrary.bsky.social · 1d
Every year on #PancakeDay we bake a Peter Pancake 🥞
A stack of different copies of Peter Pan stacked on top of a book titled Cake
February 17, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Reposted by ❄️Two Nerds in a Trench Coat❄️
tomsbrown.bsky.social
Another for the librarians.
(and fans of clockwork toads. um.)
Vast ornate library inhabited by a cat, a clockwork toad, a raven and the shadow of a dog. Pencil with applied colour.
February 17, 2026 at 10:59 AM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
In which Sanal reveals why the other cops thinks they are a "bitch", among other things.

(Liam is using she/her here because Sanal uses those pronouns at work, and hasn't come out to Liam yet)

#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #LL&MM
Dr. MacTavish pauses, watching Liam for a moment. “I don’t bite, I promise.” She tilts her head. “Well, I do bite occasionally, but that’s mostly just for show.” She walks around her desk and motions Liam to follow her. “Come on.” “Just for show?” Liam can’t resist asking as he follows her down the hallway. “What do you mean?” Dr. MacTavish snorts. “It’s not easy being…well, me in this field.” She takes a deep breath. “My early days were tough, and I decided that the best way to get respect was to demand it.” She laughs softly. “I haven’t made many friends that way. I value respect more than being friendly with everyone.”
February 17, 2026 at 1:26 PM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
Magic is governed by it's own sanctioning bodies, separate from Untaught government. The Sorcerer's Guard is the local governing body in the US. There's also the Consortium of the Ancients, the larger & international version, for keeping an eye on international magical concerns. [1/2]
professoremily.bsky.social Prof Emily @professoremily.bsky.social · 2d
#Febchantment Day 17

What's the relationship between magic and the law in your world?

Is magic illegal? If so, how is the law enforced?

If it's legal, are there any specific techniques that ARE illegal or forbidden? Why?

Is magic perhaps used to *enforce* the law?

#writingcommunity #writesky
#Febchantment prompt for Feb 17: How is magic legally regulated? Is it completely illegal? If it is legal, are there some forbidden uses? Text is white letters on a blue background featuring a magic book with lots of sparkles, and a yellow octopus dressed as Glinda the Good Witch sitting in the bottom right corner. Hosted by @professoremily.bsky.social
February 17, 2026 at 1:19 PM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
Yeah, this is a writing blog.

Writing is political.

Let's make some changes.
February 17, 2026 at 1:14 PM
holfelderwatson.bsky.social
From #Cursed, this is Nix. He is confident, charismatic & passionate about making a difference in the world. He's outgoing & ready to step in to make a situation better. He's always dressed well, except at night when flannel pants & a tshirt should suffice. Right, Tristan?👀
#AllHandsOnDeck #WriteSky
zprospero.bsky.social Zed Prospero @zprospero.bsky.social · 2d
#AllHandsOnDeck

We're matching up our work to the Minor Arcana Tarot Cards. Tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!

Today's card is: QUEEN OF WANDS

Who or what from your writing does it fit?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
#WritingPrompts
#AllHandsOnDeck What image would you put on this card from your writing? What would it mean if it was upright or reversed? QUEEN OF WANDS Upright: Charismatic, Passionate, Confident Reversed: Demanding, Vengeful, Jealous
February 17, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Reposted by ❄️Two Nerds in a Trench Coat❄️
charliedeltawrites.bsky.social
Fox doesn't usually allow herself to indulge her anger like this, but here she takes a moment to fantasize, and it gets a little bit too real.
The obnoxious, spoiled jackass didn’t even know what suffering was. And part of her was dying to demonstrate for him. It wasn’t like he didn’t deserve it. He had poisoned her. Who would blame her? For a moment, Fox allowed the fantasy, stoked the righteous fury that had kindled in her blood. Unbidden, or at least unconsciously bidden, flames began to dance across her clenched fists, bright in the dim tunnels. And for just an instant, she could see what she would do to him, so clear that she could taste it, feel it, smell it. It was the smell that stopped her cold. She would never forget the sickly-sweet stench of burning flesh, never forget the first time… Tendrils of fear constricted her heart like a vice, strangling the anger, crushing it into nothingness. The flames died instantly. Whatever progress she had made, Fox still feared herself more than anything else. She likely always would.
February 17, 2026 at 5:33 AM