Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Author Kim Palmer @lovekimpalmer.bsky.social · Jul 7

New Project I am #querying to help the unrepresented people like me in #fiction who suffer from #hidradenitissuppurativa

4 book, for stages of #lifewithhs

Reposted by Author Kim Palmer

DocLB2 @doclb2.bsky.social · Feb 13

"Books are meat and medicine
and flame and flight and flower
steel, stitch, cloud and clout,
and drumbeats on the air."
~ Gwendolyn Brooks 📚📚

#BlackHistoryMonth #BlackSky

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Reposted by Author Kim Palmer

Manuscript Wish List® @manuscriptwishlist.bsky.social · Feb 12

Good news! You can search Bluesky #MSWL just as well as Twitter Advanced Search.

We recommend searching #MSWL with:

* Your genre

* Possible comp titles

* Date range (if you do frequent searches)

* Keywords related to your book

Demo here! youtu.be/LnZt1MCjKZE

How To Search #MSWL On Bluesky: Genre, Comps, Date, Keywords

YouTube video by The Manuscript Academy, LLC

youtu.be

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Reposted by Author Kim Palmer

Amanda Moser @amandaeditsbooks.com · Feb 13

Happy #MSWL day 🎉

I’d LOVE to receive more manuscripts in:

🧚 Fantasy

💞 Romance

📚 Literary Fiction

🎬 Screenplays

AND/OR

🕰️ Historical Fiction genres.

I’m fully stocked in:
🚫 YA
🚫 Nonfiction
🚫 Sci-fi

Reach me on amandaeditsbooks.com!

Amanda Moser - Literary Editor

Amanda Moser is a freelance editor supporting authors of novels and series fiction. Services include proofreading, line editing, and developmental editing.

amandaeditsbooks.com

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Reposted by Author Kim Palmer

Gert Ramm 🦋 @rammwriter.bsky.social · Feb 13

With the adrenaline of #questpit and #mswl wearing off, it's time to look to future events. Here are the upcoming pits on 🦋.

#cupit #sludgepit #writingcommunity #amquerying

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Reposted by Author Kim Palmer

✿ E.L Blackwood @evelynlblackwood.bsky.social · Feb 12

Introducing the three POV & the lovely Widow for my novel Threads of Aerythel: Dragonfly - a dark epic fantasy. Check out all my questpit posts for a full picture!

#questpit #A #Q #DF #LGBT Post 2/4

Isolde Ridelle
Eye color is lilac
Hair color is ptinum
Signet is the emerald signet

Isolde Ridelle has spent her life in the quiet village of Rosewater, far from war and the unseen forces that shape the empire of Delheim. When she is hunted for reasons she does not understand, she is thrust into a world of forbidden magic, shifting allegiances, and a legacy she never asked for.

Isolde, on the contrary, admired the old stone cottages, with their pastel-colored window shutters, well-tended flowerbeds, and ornate awnings. Many of the houses had stood there for several generations, worn by time but no less loved. It was that steadfast spirit that characterized her childhood. Burdenless.

Name: Elara Eastwell
Eye color is Amber
Hair is chestnut
Signet is the ruby signet

Elara Eastwell, a devoted weaver bound by sacred oaths, uncovers secrets that threaten the very foundation of her order. The deeper she delves, the more she is forced to ask whether upholding her vows is worth the cost—or if breaking them is the only way to protect what truly matters.

Elara raised a brow, Cassandra's warm breath close to her lips. She wanted more—and loathed to admit it. There was provocation in the way she smiled that could not be overlooked. She might have fallen into the Widow's web, but she was too careful. The Weaver had already learned that lesson.

Name: Aleric Belmont
Eye Color: Blue
Hair: Blonde
Region: Delheim
Signet: Sapphire Signet

Description:
As Sigilbearer of The Circle, Aleric Belmont is no stranger to power,
but the ruins hold more than redemption. When old sins resurface,
he must decide whether atonement is within his grasp or if it was never
his to claim.

Excerpt:
Aleric stood by an old brazier and warmed his hands above the crackling
flames. They fought the freeze but could never win. He lingered for a half
hour or more, breathing in the musty scent of dust and the deep, earthy
smell of leather bindings. He once relished the quiet, when he could
settle undisturbed into the depths of his thoughts. The illusion of peace
could never last. Now, his own mind had become a prison.

Name: Cassandra
Eye color: Brown
Region: Alphentine
Hair colro: Dark
Signet: Onyx Signet

Cassandra El'Diar, known as the Black Widow, is the head of the sigilbearers and a formidable agent of The Circle. As wielder of the onyx signet Yndral, she commands both political influence and ancient magic in her tireless mission to safeguard what she believes most precious. Behind her carefully measured authority lies deeper motives that blur the lines between protection and possession.

Cassandra observed a brilliant Frucalen with ribbed leaves and intricate petals. The mauve flower released a sweet, fruity fragrance—The Weaver's favorite. Elara could not help but wonder at her game. Everything felt intentional, and she would not put it past the Widow to have planned every minute detail of their meeting.

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Reposted by Author Kim Palmer

Caroline @carolinewu.bsky.social · Feb 12

Clara’s never been anywhere wilder than a soccer field—until she answers a letter from her mysterious aunt and is transported to a world where everyone can use plant magic. Botanical shenanigans ensue 🌱

🍄 Stardew Valley vibes
🌻 cozy, whimsical, cottagecore
🍄 found family

#Q #MG #F #questpit

Collage of cottagecore images: a valley with a waterfall at the end, a barn, a plant growing

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Author Kim Palmer @lovekimpalmer.bsky.social · Feb 13

(part 2) My first attempt at an #AgentGuide!
An #Dark #Romantacy where a princess and the assassin hired to kill her are bound by fate and a mysterious necklace; allying as they uncover the truth behind their mutual enemy and the force that draws them together. #F #RF #DR #A #Q #questpit

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Author Kim Palmer @lovekimpalmer.bsky.social · Feb 13

My first attempt at an #AgentGuide!
An #Dark #Romantacy where a princess and the assassin hired to kill her are bound by fate and a mysterious necklace; allying as they uncover the truth behind their mutual enemy and the force that draws them together. #F #RF #DR #A #Q #questpit

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Author Kim Palmer @lovekimpalmer.bsky.social · Feb 12

Life of Syn
A Tale of Love, Loss, and Destiny in a Magical Realm
Synopsis: Unexpectedly transported to the magical realm Eldoria, Taylor must navigate the new world, choose between two destined mates, and find a way back to her daughter.
#A #RF #F
#questpit

Engaging Story: A captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure with a "why choose" element.
Relatable Protagonist: Readers will connect with Taylor's struggles and her journey of self-discovery, especially her experiences as a mother facing extraordinary circumstances.
Unique World-Building: Explore the rich and magical world of Eldoria.

Step into the enchanting world of Eldoria with "Life of Syn," a captivating why-choose romantasy novella. Join Taylor, an exhausted mother unexpectedly whisked away from her reality to a magical realm. As she grapples with the challenges of this new world, she finds herself torn between two destined mates, each offering a unique love and connection.

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Author Kim Palmer @lovekimpalmer.bsky.social · Feb 12

An #epic #romantacy in which a princess and the assassin hired to kill her are bound by fate and a mysterious necklace; forming an alliance as they uncover the truth behind their mutual enemy and the force that draws them together. #F #RF #DR
#A
#Q
#WritingCommunity #questpit

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Reposted by Author Kim Palmer

Dawn Berkoski @dawnberkoski.bsky.social · Jan 24

PITCH: In a world controlled by corporate vampires, two men struggle for autonomy. Will a chance meeting lead them to freedom~or a web of subterfuge, where every thread brings a monster offering death or permanent confinement? #YouDeservepIt 📖 💙📚 #Q #R

Power Hungry CEO x Abandoned Puppy Bartender

Comp Board

I Am Chosen by Dawn Berkoski

PITCH: In a world controlled by corporate vampires, two men struggle for autonomy. Will a chance meeting lead them to freedom, or a web of subterfuge, where every thread brings a monster offering death or permanent confinement?

Power Hungry CEO x Abandoned Puppy, Bartender

COMP TITLES
Interview With The Vampire
A Blue Bloods Novel
Yakuza

I Am Chosen
By Dawn Berkoski
77,000 M/M Paranormal Romance
Dark and a little spicy meets silly-sweet

Think:
Blue Bloods (minus the angels and school) x Interview With The Vampire (add more humor) x Japanese Yakuza (cracking skulls in London)

Tropes
* Forbidden Love
* Fish Out of Water
* Forced Proximity
* Dark Secrets
* Unequal Power Structure
* High Action Chase Scenes
* Emotional Growth Arcs + Satisfying End

Quotes

"He was leaving. He was leaving New York for good. But instead of freedom, he wondered if he was headed toward greater danger."
~Jason Allard (Protagonist)

"Now that he has chosen you, Alexander has all but forsaken our protection!"
~Tristan De La Salle (Thwarted Lover)

"Alexander and I have unfinished business."
-Shigekazu (Japanese Business Rival)

MAIN CHARACTERS
Alexander Grant Jason Allard
CEO of M-Corp Bartender
Control Issues Anxiety/Clingy
Likes: Likes:
Power + Money. Video Games +Pizza

Several photos are shown in this Moodboard for I Am Chosen, a paranormal romance written by Dawn Berkoski. From the top left, a glass of aged scotch surrounded by butterscotch candies, a CEO standing in a high rise office, staring out a window, a giant hotel clock surrounded by Christmas decor, a photo of art depicting demons rising from hell, a sunset with black, billowy clouds hovering over an orange stripe, a dirty cement staircase near a darkened entrance, and the city of London as viewed from the river. Photography, except the man, by Dawn Berkoski

Photo by Dawn Berkoski of a car speeding past a cemetery.View is from the driver’s perspective, looking out the side window.

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Reposted by Author Kim Palmer

L.M. du Plessis 🇳🇦 🇺🇦📚💙 ‪✨Drafting New Project✨ @smoking-gnu.bsky.social · Feb 12

And now, for the purposes of keeping the two pitches together on a pinned comment, I present both #Questpit pitches in one location, to be pinned:
bsky.app/profile/smok...

bsky.app/profile/smok...

L.M. du Plessis 🇳🇦 🇺🇦📚💙 ‪✨Drafting New Project✨ @smoking-gnu.bsky.social · Feb 12

#Questpit! I present to you, for your consideration (and with improved graphics) SUNDERED GALAXY!
#W
#A
#SF

Graphic for a pitch slide, showing a planet, moon with sun peeking out behind moon and starship.
Text reads: "An agents guide to SUNDERED GALAXY"
"A Space Opera Novel and the first of a series, currently standing at 146K words."

On a background of a half shrouded red planet, a block of text reading:
THE PITCH
Last week Anthony was just like like every other average guy. Now he's on a stolen alien warship with a small crew of alien prison escapees, an extra set of skin keeping him alive, and a mysterious and powerful fleet of unknown adversaries after him. All he wants is to just go home.

On top of a background showing a red nebula:
Comp titles listed as NOPHEK GLOSS X FARSCAPE, with title images for each one.

Tropes list, detailing:
•Fish out of water MC
•Space Odyssey
•Befriending the AI Android
•Diverse aliens, locations, FTL travel and space battles
•A galaxy divided by war.

On top of a background of a starry night sky:
An excerpt reading:
"Dozens of such empires die every century, often in the same manner as this. There are thousands of empires, unions, alliances, dominions or nations, or whatever variant of galactic government you'd care to mention, and they all shift and change and die. New ones rise up all the time. They are all like trees in a rain forest, quick to sprout and grow given the right circumstances, quick to fall and die and their corpse scavenged by everything around them."
- Kenam Suldaray, former operative of the confederacy of Vigilant Systems, on the nature of the galaxy.

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Reposted by Author Kim Palmer

Jennifer Luce @jenniferluce.bsky.social · Feb 12

When Keira's sister is taken, her fate intertwines with the God of Light as she faces the last remaining gods, vicious monsters of land & sea, & her own dark powers to find a shapeshifter who could be anyone & whose price for her sister will have her choose b/w love & duty
✨️ #Questpit #RF #F #Q #A 🌗

3 by 3 grid of pictures: a woman in a forest with a giant wolf; a silhouette of a woman; silhouette of a couple kissing; a woman reaching out to light; two hands touching; a woman surrounded by a phoenix; art of a winged person saving someone falling; silhouette of couple kissing in the sun; a crown and dagger

Crown of Amethysts
Na Romantic Fantasy 99,000 words
Shadow and Bone meets A Court of Thorns and Roses
Pitch: When Keira's sister is taken by a shapeshifter, her fate intertwines with the God of Light as she faces the last remaining gods, vicious monsters of land and sea, and her own dark powers to save her. But the enemy could be anyone, and his price for her sister will have her question the cost of love and duty.
Comp titles: a fate inked in blood and spark of the everflame.
Tropes and themes: love vs duty, found family, vengeance and betrayal, Forbidden and slow-burn romance, forced proximity, dark secrets and hidden truths, half the Gods are dead, and gods. Goddesses, mortals, and more.

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Reposted by Author Kim Palmer

Steph Whitaker ✨ is Querying @sw-writesya.bsky.social · Feb 12

Coralie can create monsters from shadows + is hunted by the govt. Seeking vengeance for her #monster Gran’s death, she infiltrates the Hunter Competition w/Warrick Kane, the guilt-ridden son of her enemy. But their alliance faces deadly secrets that could change the world.
#Questpit #YA #H #RF #Q

How to Slay a Monster is a young adult fantasy (horror) (monster) romance at 97k words by Stephanie Whitaker. Logline/Pitch: After awakening as an immortal with the power to create monsters from shadows, Coralie infiltrates a deadly hunter competition alongside Warrick, the guilt-ridden son of her enemy, to avenge her beloved (monster) Gran’s death. Bound by a fragile alliance, they must navigate monstrous threats, shifting loyalties, and terrifying truths that could destroy their world—and each other.

The Blurb:

Coralie Silvers died in a tragic car accident, only to awaken with a terrifying new power: the ability to create monsters from shadows and emotions. Alone and desperate, she conjures copies of her beloved Gran and Uncle for protection. Now a soul-devouring immortal posing as an average teenager, Coralie is hunted by a government that views her kind as a threat to humanity’s very existence.

Meanwhile, Warrick Kane, son of the ruthless leader of the Hunter Coalition, is haunted by guilt over his brother’s death during a training mission. Desperate to prove himself and redeem his family’s name, he enters the annual Hunter
Competition, fully aware that failure could cost him everything.

When Coralie learns the terrifying truth behind her monster-Gran’s demise, she seizes the chance for vengeance and infiltrates the competition alongside Warrick. As they navigate a treacherous landscape of shifting loyalties and deceit, Coralie and Warrick soon find themselves bound by a fragile alliance. Together, they must confront rival trainees, terrifying monsters, and their own inner demons. But with every choice they make, they risk not only their lives but unveiling terrifying truths that could very well shatter their world and tear them apart.

Photo Collage: The Dark is Afraid of Me. (center) Girl in upper Left corner - Boy in lower right corner (with bandages on his face and hand). Monster teeth and Claws. Blue sucker (boys fav). Purple Carnations (because monsters smell like flowers). Lighter (Coralie is afraid of fire) Moth Tattoo (on the back of Coralie's neck)

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Reposted by Author Kim Palmer

Jess Freed @jessfreedwrites.bsky.social · Feb 12

THE NIGHT CIRCUS x ONE DARK WINDOW

DARE TO BELIEVE is soon to be back in query inboxes after extensive edits with my SmoochPit mentor 💋

🤝 Deadly deals
⭐️ Star-crossed lovers
🎪 Eerie circus
🎶 Guilty as Sin? - TSwift
🖤 Dark & whimsical atmosphere
🌪️ Layered plot twists

#QuestPit #F #A

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Reposted by Author Kim Palmer

LadyBuzzard @ladybuzzard.bsky.social · Feb 11

"Women belong in all places where decisions are being made."
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg

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Author Kim Palmer @lovekimpalmer.bsky.social · Feb 12

An #epic #romantacy in which a princess and the assassin hired to kill her are bound by fate and a mysterious necklace; forming an alliance as they uncover the truth behind their mutual enemy and the force that draws them together. #F #RF #DR
#A
#Q
#WritingCommunity #questpit

Collage of images to represent the book series Desired Prey featuring a woman (black hair, honey skin, amber eyes) and man (Blonde hair, green eyes, pale skin)

Title: Desired Prey (Book 1)
Genre: Epic Fantasy Romance
Word Count: Approximately 81,000
Comparable Titles: From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout (2020), A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015)

Story Snapshot

Desired Prey tells the story of Dawn, an elven princess, whose sheltered life is shattered when she is rescued from an assassination attempt by Veron, a mysterious and alluring wolf. Dawn is thrust into the untamed Wolven world and grapples with questions of identity and belonging. As Dawn and Veron navigate the complexities of their growing connection and the dangers that surround them, they must confront the sacrifices they are willing to make for a love that transcends boundaries. The story delves into themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the enduring power of love and acceptance.

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Author Kim Palmer @lovekimpalmer.bsky.social · Jan 22

When you finally put up your book and remember you have other people in the home.
#readers #onyxstormrelease

Reposted by Author Kim Palmer

Sandra Newman @sannewman.bsky.social · Dec 2

Writers: yes, you are still a "real" writer if you
- have never published anything
- have no readers
- didn't write anything this month
- didn't write anything this year
- can't articulate words anymore
- can only float and mournfully wail
- were murdered ten years ago on this very spot

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