HMH Murray
@nillcord.bsky.social
Writer of space opera and fanfiction
NYC Midnight Finalist SS 2024
Futurescapes 2022
Codexian SFWA
http://hmhmurray.substack.com
https://books2read.com/u/47LkkR
NYC Midnight Finalist SS 2024
Futurescapes 2022
Codexian SFWA
http://hmhmurray.substack.com
https://books2read.com/u/47LkkR
Pinned
In the end, reading it out loud beats everything, doesn't it? I just caught some extremely minor things on Chapter 5 doing it..
hmhmurray.substack.com/p/chapter-5-...
This is a pretty terrible rendition, talking way too fast, mumbling, door opening and closing, heater kicking on...
hmhmurray.substack.com/p/chapter-5-...
This is a pretty terrible rendition, talking way too fast, mumbling, door opening and closing, heater kicking on...
A few comments on this book I am reading. I do actually like it, it's just this is what is hitting my critical eye:
No one has hair that is so dark red it is black.
What I think is the big reveal re the ancient civilization seems so obvious I'm not sure how the Chantry can keep it quiet.
No one has hair that is so dark red it is black.
What I think is the big reveal re the ancient civilization seems so obvious I'm not sure how the Chantry can keep it quiet.
December 12, 2025 at 10:39 PM
A few comments on this book I am reading. I do actually like it, it's just this is what is hitting my critical eye:
No one has hair that is so dark red it is black.
What I think is the big reveal re the ancient civilization seems so obvious I'm not sure how the Chantry can keep it quiet.
No one has hair that is so dark red it is black.
What I think is the big reveal re the ancient civilization seems so obvious I'm not sure how the Chantry can keep it quiet.
Reposted by HMH Murray
Do you love meaty fantasies with complex plots, big worlds, and lengthy setups? Have you gotten shy about picking up new series because you're scared they'll never finish?
NOT HERE, FRIEND.
🪐📚🌈
books2read.com/PathofEndles...
promotional prices available on Google
NOT HERE, FRIEND.
🪐📚🌈
books2read.com/PathofEndles...
promotional prices available on Google
December 11, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Do you love meaty fantasies with complex plots, big worlds, and lengthy setups? Have you gotten shy about picking up new series because you're scared they'll never finish?
NOT HERE, FRIEND.
🪐📚🌈
books2read.com/PathofEndles...
promotional prices available on Google
NOT HERE, FRIEND.
🪐📚🌈
books2read.com/PathofEndles...
promotional prices available on Google
Today's editing message: let it sit, let it sit, let it sit.
It seems a lot more clunky than I thought it did a few days ago. I'm questioning why Nate doesn't know one obvious thing and trying to backfill that.
But let's talk a bit about stuff a character should wonder about...
It seems a lot more clunky than I thought it did a few days ago. I'm questioning why Nate doesn't know one obvious thing and trying to backfill that.
But let's talk a bit about stuff a character should wonder about...
December 10, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Today's editing message: let it sit, let it sit, let it sit.
It seems a lot more clunky than I thought it did a few days ago. I'm questioning why Nate doesn't know one obvious thing and trying to backfill that.
But let's talk a bit about stuff a character should wonder about...
It seems a lot more clunky than I thought it did a few days ago. I'm questioning why Nate doesn't know one obvious thing and trying to backfill that.
But let's talk a bit about stuff a character should wonder about...
In the end, reading it out loud beats everything, doesn't it? I just caught some extremely minor things on Chapter 5 doing it..
hmhmurray.substack.com/p/chapter-5-...
This is a pretty terrible rendition, talking way too fast, mumbling, door opening and closing, heater kicking on...
hmhmurray.substack.com/p/chapter-5-...
This is a pretty terrible rendition, talking way too fast, mumbling, door opening and closing, heater kicking on...
December 9, 2025 at 5:28 PM
In the end, reading it out loud beats everything, doesn't it? I just caught some extremely minor things on Chapter 5 doing it..
hmhmurray.substack.com/p/chapter-5-...
This is a pretty terrible rendition, talking way too fast, mumbling, door opening and closing, heater kicking on...
hmhmurray.substack.com/p/chapter-5-...
This is a pretty terrible rendition, talking way too fast, mumbling, door opening and closing, heater kicking on...
Drafting action scene, writing sentences like those highlighted below, while painful, is part of the process.
December 8, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Drafting action scene, writing sentences like those highlighted below, while painful, is part of the process.
Editing tip of the day: pick your revelations carefully. Make sure you don't offload a major piece of lore in an aside without some careful thought about it being there, or the possibility of perhaps saying less.
A hint is sometimes more intriguing than the entire enchilada. Except--
A hint is sometimes more intriguing than the entire enchilada. Except--
December 7, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Editing tip of the day: pick your revelations carefully. Make sure you don't offload a major piece of lore in an aside without some careful thought about it being there, or the possibility of perhaps saying less.
A hint is sometimes more intriguing than the entire enchilada. Except--
A hint is sometimes more intriguing than the entire enchilada. Except--
books2read.com/u/47LkkR
PROMOTE YOUR BOOKS! EVERYONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR PUBLISHED BOOKS!
A failed smuggler takes a job she's not allowed to refuse: pilot a living ship for a trio out to save the galaxy.
She knows they're liars, but they're so stinking charming...
& she's a liar too.
PROMOTE YOUR BOOKS! EVERYONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR PUBLISHED BOOKS!
A failed smuggler takes a job she's not allowed to refuse: pilot a living ship for a trio out to save the galaxy.
She knows they're liars, but they're so stinking charming...
& she's a liar too.
December 7, 2025 at 1:33 PM
books2read.com/u/47LkkR
PROMOTE YOUR BOOKS! EVERYONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR PUBLISHED BOOKS!
A failed smuggler takes a job she's not allowed to refuse: pilot a living ship for a trio out to save the galaxy.
She knows they're liars, but they're so stinking charming...
& she's a liar too.
PROMOTE YOUR BOOKS! EVERYONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR PUBLISHED BOOKS!
A failed smuggler takes a job she's not allowed to refuse: pilot a living ship for a trio out to save the galaxy.
She knows they're liars, but they're so stinking charming...
& she's a liar too.
Reposted by HMH Murray
Reposted by HMH Murray
I hereby vow to do more stuff boring people hate about my writing like 1) insert numbered lists in the middle of exposition, 2) invent stupid lowbrow neologisms like 'weirdnesses', 3) capitalize words whenever I fucking feel like it, 4) say fuck, 5) use esoteric vocab for simple shit like colors
I think it would be fun if writers who love language started intentionally writing more strangely as AI flattens written "content" into a mono-voice. it would cool I think if writers responded by focusing their individual efforts on cultivating a really unique voice that's hard to copy
December 7, 2025 at 12:24 AM
I hereby vow to do more stuff boring people hate about my writing like 1) insert numbered lists in the middle of exposition, 2) invent stupid lowbrow neologisms like 'weirdnesses', 3) capitalize words whenever I fucking feel like it, 4) say fuck, 5) use esoteric vocab for simple shit like colors
Atm my final chapter is about 5% fight scene and 70% a lively debate about child custody arrangements. While well-written and heartfelt, I am facing facts that is not a good ratio for the final chapter. Also a lot of info dumping.
But I Haz Plan. If I ever sleep tonight, tomorrow I change.
But I Haz Plan. If I ever sleep tonight, tomorrow I change.
December 6, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Atm my final chapter is about 5% fight scene and 70% a lively debate about child custody arrangements. While well-written and heartfelt, I am facing facts that is not a good ratio for the final chapter. Also a lot of info dumping.
But I Haz Plan. If I ever sleep tonight, tomorrow I change.
But I Haz Plan. If I ever sleep tonight, tomorrow I change.
Reposted by HMH Murray
Prologue for the soon-to-be published #2 in our trilogy of stories - below in black. Looking for an escape from "The Crazy" in our current world? Snippets will be posted in the BLOG pages.
epsilon-indi.com
epsilon-indi.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Prologue for the soon-to-be published #2 in our trilogy of stories - below in black. Looking for an escape from "The Crazy" in our current world? Snippets will be posted in the BLOG pages.
epsilon-indi.com
epsilon-indi.com
Today's lesson in editing: I think I wrote my way through the problem, hallelujah. I've said before that a lot of writing is pattern recognition... Sometimes that's seeing a theme that's been weaving through the book(s) all along, and realizing its logical conclusion.
Also, the word "nonplussed."
Also, the word "nonplussed."
December 5, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Today's lesson in editing: I think I wrote my way through the problem, hallelujah. I've said before that a lot of writing is pattern recognition... Sometimes that's seeing a theme that's been weaving through the book(s) all along, and realizing its logical conclusion.
Also, the word "nonplussed."
Also, the word "nonplussed."
Reposted by HMH Murray
Okay. I have this #scifibook series that #scifireaders have kind of liked. It’s a bit like The Expanse and Firefly with a large splash of Aliens (the movie) action. My friend Cory @flameinc.bsky.social or @tailwindprojects.bsky.social is offering a chance of the first 3 books for zero cost! #scifi
December 3, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Okay. I have this #scifibook series that #scifireaders have kind of liked. It’s a bit like The Expanse and Firefly with a large splash of Aliens (the movie) action. My friend Cory @flameinc.bsky.social or @tailwindprojects.bsky.social is offering a chance of the first 3 books for zero cost! #scifi
Today's edits: backfilling a scene out of its white room.
The highlights are paragraph breaks mostly. And at least one wrong comma.
In this section I tried to change Our Heroine's voice to be a lot less... Feldelroyan, and a lot more something colder.
The highlights are paragraph breaks mostly. And at least one wrong comma.
In this section I tried to change Our Heroine's voice to be a lot less... Feldelroyan, and a lot more something colder.
December 4, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Today's edits: backfilling a scene out of its white room.
The highlights are paragraph breaks mostly. And at least one wrong comma.
In this section I tried to change Our Heroine's voice to be a lot less... Feldelroyan, and a lot more something colder.
The highlights are paragraph breaks mostly. And at least one wrong comma.
In this section I tried to change Our Heroine's voice to be a lot less... Feldelroyan, and a lot more something colder.
Today's editing tip or agony: remember, all that snappy dialogue?
You can always write more. Sometimes there's a stoploss point when you're trying to bring in a new action beat where it's probably worth getting rid of the old snappy dialogue.
You can always write more. Sometimes there's a stoploss point when you're trying to bring in a new action beat where it's probably worth getting rid of the old snappy dialogue.
December 4, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Today's editing tip or agony: remember, all that snappy dialogue?
You can always write more. Sometimes there's a stoploss point when you're trying to bring in a new action beat where it's probably worth getting rid of the old snappy dialogue.
You can always write more. Sometimes there's a stoploss point when you're trying to bring in a new action beat where it's probably worth getting rid of the old snappy dialogue.
I don't like killing off characters. One issue already I've had with the sequel is the number of times I have not killed off characters. I actually had to not bring back two from the dead, despite my inclination.
(Lee's mom and Hana Stubblefield.)
(Lee's mom and Hana Stubblefield.)
December 4, 2025 at 2:27 AM
I don't like killing off characters. One issue already I've had with the sequel is the number of times I have not killed off characters. I actually had to not bring back two from the dead, despite my inclination.
(Lee's mom and Hana Stubblefield.)
(Lee's mom and Hana Stubblefield.)
Reposted by HMH Murray
#HorrorWritersChat
I'm Rebecca! I mostly write SF/F, but I've got some horror-gothic-mystery stories out. Horror's one of my favourite genres and I'd love to pen a long novel in the genre one day.
Thinking about Matt a lot. He was such a kind, sweet soul who was always cheerful and supportive.
I'm Rebecca! I mostly write SF/F, but I've got some horror-gothic-mystery stories out. Horror's one of my favourite genres and I'd love to pen a long novel in the genre one day.
Thinking about Matt a lot. He was such a kind, sweet soul who was always cheerful and supportive.
#HorrorWritersChat Q1
Thanks for attending our gathering today.
First, introduce yourself & share the horror subgenres you write.
Then, please share a happy memory you have of Matt OR a happy memory of being part of this community he started.
If the feelings are too raw right now, post a candle 🕯️
Thanks for attending our gathering today.
First, introduce yourself & share the horror subgenres you write.
Then, please share a happy memory you have of Matt OR a happy memory of being part of this community he started.
If the feelings are too raw right now, post a candle 🕯️
December 3, 2025 at 7:37 PM
#HorrorWritersChat
I'm Rebecca! I mostly write SF/F, but I've got some horror-gothic-mystery stories out. Horror's one of my favourite genres and I'd love to pen a long novel in the genre one day.
Thinking about Matt a lot. He was such a kind, sweet soul who was always cheerful and supportive.
I'm Rebecca! I mostly write SF/F, but I've got some horror-gothic-mystery stories out. Horror's one of my favourite genres and I'd love to pen a long novel in the genre one day.
Thinking about Matt a lot. He was such a kind, sweet soul who was always cheerful and supportive.
Now at editing phase where I'm excising things because although I like them, they are mostly just Nate. Explaining.
We probably need less Natesplainjng and more violence.
We probably need less Natesplainjng and more violence.
December 3, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Now at editing phase where I'm excising things because although I like them, they are mostly just Nate. Explaining.
We probably need less Natesplainjng and more violence.
We probably need less Natesplainjng and more violence.
This is so bad.
Apparently every Chinese academic in any field of “interest” to the PLA is getting their visa rejected for, more or less, presumptively being a spy. My friend’s visa is denied because she studies “neuroscience.” What she actually studies is jaw pain - but ICE is flatly rejecting all appeals.
Just got the word that the Trump administration is throwing a brilliant medical researcher friend of mine out of the country because they’re Chinese. Insane and unreal. Literally doing research in the US to help the US
December 2, 2025 at 10:11 PM
This is so bad.
Today's editing pass I mostly left the chapters alone and just fixed the copyedits. There's one structural plot thing I think needs tightening, but most of this section is solid, I think.
According to Kindle, this is an 800 page book.
My print version is hitting about 550 pages.
According to Kindle, this is an 800 page book.
My print version is hitting about 550 pages.
December 2, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Today's editing pass I mostly left the chapters alone and just fixed the copyedits. There's one structural plot thing I think needs tightening, but most of this section is solid, I think.
According to Kindle, this is an 800 page book.
My print version is hitting about 550 pages.
According to Kindle, this is an 800 page book.
My print version is hitting about 550 pages.
Very well said, articulating what I tend to wave my hands at and go... Uh, just make it more interesting. )
There's a time for tells, too: it's shorthand, and it can be subjective, too... But learning how to show effectively is one of the biggest steps, I think.
And it's hard.
There's a time for tells, too: it's shorthand, and it can be subjective, too... But learning how to show effectively is one of the biggest steps, I think.
And it's hard.
Am I the only one who always drew a blank when teachers said to "show don't tell"?
New post from the blog.
sheilajenne.com/2025/12/02/w...
New post from the blog.
sheilajenne.com/2025/12/02/w...
What they mean by “show don’t tell”
When writing, I always try to use the most concrete language I can.
sheilajenne.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Very well said, articulating what I tend to wave my hands at and go... Uh, just make it more interesting. )
There's a time for tells, too: it's shorthand, and it can be subjective, too... But learning how to show effectively is one of the biggest steps, I think.
And it's hard.
There's a time for tells, too: it's shorthand, and it can be subjective, too... But learning how to show effectively is one of the biggest steps, I think.
And it's hard.
Polla, in her own words.
I'm sure there's more mistakes than that errant comma still, but... This section makes me laugh, at least. Even if it is about the apocalypse. An apocalypse.
Maybe.
I'm sure there's more mistakes than that errant comma still, but... This section makes me laugh, at least. Even if it is about the apocalypse. An apocalypse.
Maybe.
December 1, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Polla, in her own words.
I'm sure there's more mistakes than that errant comma still, but... This section makes me laugh, at least. Even if it is about the apocalypse. An apocalypse.
Maybe.
I'm sure there's more mistakes than that errant comma still, but... This section makes me laugh, at least. Even if it is about the apocalypse. An apocalypse.
Maybe.
Editing conundrum of the day: realizing the chapter written two years ago no longer makes sense, motivation-wise, not in its current form... I need to chew on the more. It's kind of a standalone--in terms of only the final events matter to the rest of the book.
November 30, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Editing conundrum of the day: realizing the chapter written two years ago no longer makes sense, motivation-wise, not in its current form... I need to chew on the more. It's kind of a standalone--in terms of only the final events matter to the rest of the book.
This morning's adventure's in edits...
How did I even write that sentence??
I don't know.
Both hands of the figures(no apostrophe) hands were gloved....
I think that comma is wrong, too.
How did I even write that sentence??
I don't know.
Both hands of the figures(no apostrophe) hands were gloved....
I think that comma is wrong, too.
November 30, 2025 at 12:14 PM
This morning's adventure's in edits...
How did I even write that sentence??
I don't know.
Both hands of the figures(no apostrophe) hands were gloved....
I think that comma is wrong, too.
How did I even write that sentence??
I don't know.
Both hands of the figures(no apostrophe) hands were gloved....
I think that comma is wrong, too.
Motivation in narrative.
Irl, this is a complex and often arbitrary force. What just motivated me to eat that leftover fried chicken cold from the fridge? Laziness? The fact that bringing it upstairs to the kitchen would mean I would have to face all the undone chores up there? Motivation's sad
Irl, this is a complex and often arbitrary force. What just motivated me to eat that leftover fried chicken cold from the fridge? Laziness? The fact that bringing it upstairs to the kitchen would mean I would have to face all the undone chores up there? Motivation's sad
November 29, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Motivation in narrative.
Irl, this is a complex and often arbitrary force. What just motivated me to eat that leftover fried chicken cold from the fridge? Laziness? The fact that bringing it upstairs to the kitchen would mean I would have to face all the undone chores up there? Motivation's sad
Irl, this is a complex and often arbitrary force. What just motivated me to eat that leftover fried chicken cold from the fridge? Laziness? The fact that bringing it upstairs to the kitchen would mean I would have to face all the undone chores up there? Motivation's sad