Tina Writes
@tinaduncan.bsky.social
Autistic research pharmacologist living with chronic pain. Scottish, trad fiddle, pipe bands, sewing, writing.
#WIPSnips - moist
“Moistened” is as close as I get, and even then, there’s only one.
This is from Book 1 (The Last Changer), from the moment Magnus (a salamander/fire elemental) realises that despite his initial misgivings, his little experiment actually worked.
“Moistened” is as close as I get, and even then, there’s only one.
This is from Book 1 (The Last Changer), from the moment Magnus (a salamander/fire elemental) realises that despite his initial misgivings, his little experiment actually worked.
December 16, 2025 at 8:48 AM
#WIPSnips - moist
“Moistened” is as close as I get, and even then, there’s only one.
This is from Book 1 (The Last Changer), from the moment Magnus (a salamander/fire elemental) realises that despite his initial misgivings, his little experiment actually worked.
“Moistened” is as close as I get, and even then, there’s only one.
This is from Book 1 (The Last Changer), from the moment Magnus (a salamander/fire elemental) realises that despite his initial misgivings, his little experiment actually worked.
#DeckTheHalls
For Judgement, we have the Mer-King, Glaucus. As the only immortal among the merfolk (and one older than most vampires), he remembers the fae from before. With the reopening of the portals, and the return of war on the horizon, he has a chance to redeem himself from his past.
For Judgement, we have the Mer-King, Glaucus. As the only immortal among the merfolk (and one older than most vampires), he remembers the fae from before. With the reopening of the portals, and the return of war on the horizon, he has a chance to redeem himself from his past.
#DeckTheHalls
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: JUDGEMENT
Who or what from your writing would you put on it and how does it fit the meanings?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: JUDGEMENT
Who or what from your writing would you put on it and how does it fit the meanings?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
December 16, 2025 at 7:35 AM
#DeckTheHalls
For Judgement, we have the Mer-King, Glaucus. As the only immortal among the merfolk (and one older than most vampires), he remembers the fae from before. With the reopening of the portals, and the return of war on the horizon, he has a chance to redeem himself from his past.
For Judgement, we have the Mer-King, Glaucus. As the only immortal among the merfolk (and one older than most vampires), he remembers the fae from before. With the reopening of the portals, and the return of war on the horizon, he has a chance to redeem himself from his past.
#WIPSnips - blanket
The moment Cassie and the wolf come to terms with being unintentionally linked to each other (but only after enough howling in Fae to drive both Ben and George absolutely up the wall).
The moment Cassie and the wolf come to terms with being unintentionally linked to each other (but only after enough howling in Fae to drive both Ben and George absolutely up the wall).
December 15, 2025 at 9:18 AM
#WIPSnips - blanket
The moment Cassie and the wolf come to terms with being unintentionally linked to each other (but only after enough howling in Fae to drive both Ben and George absolutely up the wall).
The moment Cassie and the wolf come to terms with being unintentionally linked to each other (but only after enough howling in Fae to drive both Ben and George absolutely up the wall).
#DeckTheHalls
The sun.
Lily starts off as upright in Book 1, but turns reversed as the events of the plot go on.
In Book 2, the sun is Stinvuul, the dragon-boy. Despite nearly dying in a house fire, and facing a total language barrier with his rescuers, he’s an optimistic little bundle of joy.
The sun.
Lily starts off as upright in Book 1, but turns reversed as the events of the plot go on.
In Book 2, the sun is Stinvuul, the dragon-boy. Despite nearly dying in a house fire, and facing a total language barrier with his rescuers, he’s an optimistic little bundle of joy.
#DeckTheHalls
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: THE SUN
Who or what from your writing would you put on it and how does it fit the meanings?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: THE SUN
Who or what from your writing would you put on it and how does it fit the meanings?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
December 15, 2025 at 7:52 AM
#DeckTheHalls
The sun.
Lily starts off as upright in Book 1, but turns reversed as the events of the plot go on.
In Book 2, the sun is Stinvuul, the dragon-boy. Despite nearly dying in a house fire, and facing a total language barrier with his rescuers, he’s an optimistic little bundle of joy.
The sun.
Lily starts off as upright in Book 1, but turns reversed as the events of the plot go on.
In Book 2, the sun is Stinvuul, the dragon-boy. Despite nearly dying in a house fire, and facing a total language barrier with his rescuers, he’s an optimistic little bundle of joy.
#DeckTheHalls
This is another one I struggled to find one for in my WIP.
I think I’ll have to go for Cassie’s best friend, Magda. She is a fairly powerful witch, and yet rarely uses her magic. She sees value in doing things the slow, human way, that most other witches lack the patience for.
This is another one I struggled to find one for in my WIP.
I think I’ll have to go for Cassie’s best friend, Magda. She is a fairly powerful witch, and yet rarely uses her magic. She sees value in doing things the slow, human way, that most other witches lack the patience for.
#DeckTheHalls
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: TEMPERANCE
Who or what from your writing would you put on it and how does it fit the meanings?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: TEMPERANCE
Who or what from your writing would you put on it and how does it fit the meanings?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
December 14, 2025 at 3:29 PM
#DeckTheHalls
This is another one I struggled to find one for in my WIP.
I think I’ll have to go for Cassie’s best friend, Magda. She is a fairly powerful witch, and yet rarely uses her magic. She sees value in doing things the slow, human way, that most other witches lack the patience for.
This is another one I struggled to find one for in my WIP.
I think I’ll have to go for Cassie’s best friend, Magda. She is a fairly powerful witch, and yet rarely uses her magic. She sees value in doing things the slow, human way, that most other witches lack the patience for.
#WIPSnips - line
Wolf has been hiding himself away. Finally Cassie find him, and can see why. Another magic is changing him, and it’s Cassie’s fault.
Wolf has been hiding himself away. Finally Cassie find him, and can see why. Another magic is changing him, and it’s Cassie’s fault.
December 14, 2025 at 9:04 AM
#WIPSnips - line
Wolf has been hiding himself away. Finally Cassie find him, and can see why. Another magic is changing him, and it’s Cassie’s fault.
Wolf has been hiding himself away. Finally Cassie find him, and can see why. Another magic is changing him, and it’s Cassie’s fault.
#DeckTheHalls
The Devil card is Jake.
Jake is a vampire that becomes addicted to Fae blood, even though it is destroying his immortality. Zalroth uses that addiction to bind him to their cause. Jake hates it, but under the influence of an oath, he has no choice but to follow orders.
The Devil card is Jake.
Jake is a vampire that becomes addicted to Fae blood, even though it is destroying his immortality. Zalroth uses that addiction to bind him to their cause. Jake hates it, but under the influence of an oath, he has no choice but to follow orders.
December 13, 2025 at 4:42 PM
#DeckTheHalls
The Devil card is Jake.
Jake is a vampire that becomes addicted to Fae blood, even though it is destroying his immortality. Zalroth uses that addiction to bind him to their cause. Jake hates it, but under the influence of an oath, he has no choice but to follow orders.
The Devil card is Jake.
Jake is a vampire that becomes addicted to Fae blood, even though it is destroying his immortality. Zalroth uses that addiction to bind him to their cause. Jake hates it, but under the influence of an oath, he has no choice but to follow orders.
#WIPSnips - control.
This is a continuation of the discussion between Cassie and Assara that I posted in my #DeckTheHalls Tower post yesterday.
If you call on Cù Sìth, you will regret it. Assara wants to try anyway. Cassie has experience with the Cù Sìth, and knows it’s an immensely stupid idea.
This is a continuation of the discussion between Cassie and Assara that I posted in my #DeckTheHalls Tower post yesterday.
If you call on Cù Sìth, you will regret it. Assara wants to try anyway. Cassie has experience with the Cù Sìth, and knows it’s an immensely stupid idea.
December 13, 2025 at 10:17 AM
#WIPSnips - control.
This is a continuation of the discussion between Cassie and Assara that I posted in my #DeckTheHalls Tower post yesterday.
If you call on Cù Sìth, you will regret it. Assara wants to try anyway. Cassie has experience with the Cù Sìth, and knows it’s an immensely stupid idea.
This is a continuation of the discussion between Cassie and Assara that I posted in my #DeckTheHalls Tower post yesterday.
If you call on Cù Sìth, you will regret it. Assara wants to try anyway. Cassie has experience with the Cù Sìth, and knows it’s an immensely stupid idea.
Very few of my antagonists set out to be evil. They all have a backstory and reasons as to how they ended up as they are. Most are not the “top of the chain” either.
I do not consider all of my antagonists evil. A few are unrepentantly so, and I've no shortage of war crimes and nuanced serial killers.
How evil are your villains?
#WritingCommunity #WritingQ
How evil are your villains?
#WritingCommunity #WritingQ
December 12, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Very few of my antagonists set out to be evil. They all have a backstory and reasons as to how they ended up as they are. Most are not the “top of the chain” either.
After a major health scare, and weeks of stress-induced insomnia as I awaited results, I got the all-clear today.
I have a feeling I’ll crash and burn now the stress is letting go, so if I disappear from here for a bit, that’s why. Going to go sleep, and read some books.
Thank god for the NHS.
I have a feeling I’ll crash and burn now the stress is letting go, so if I disappear from here for a bit, that’s why. Going to go sleep, and read some books.
Thank god for the NHS.
December 12, 2025 at 10:36 AM
After a major health scare, and weeks of stress-induced insomnia as I awaited results, I got the all-clear today.
I have a feeling I’ll crash and burn now the stress is letting go, so if I disappear from here for a bit, that’s why. Going to go sleep, and read some books.
Thank god for the NHS.
I have a feeling I’ll crash and burn now the stress is letting go, so if I disappear from here for a bit, that’s why. Going to go sleep, and read some books.
Thank god for the NHS.
#DeckTheHalls
Well, you didn’t have to wait long for that one.
The Tower is the Cù Sìth, both upright and reversed in different parts. He is based on the old Scottish myth, and is the harbinger of death referenced in the working title for book 3.
If you call on Cù Sìth, you will regret it.
Well, you didn’t have to wait long for that one.
The Tower is the Cù Sìth, both upright and reversed in different parts. He is based on the old Scottish myth, and is the harbinger of death referenced in the working title for book 3.
If you call on Cù Sìth, you will regret it.
#DeckTheHalls
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: THE TOWER
Who or what from your writing would you put on it and how does it fit the meanings?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: THE TOWER
Who or what from your writing would you put on it and how does it fit the meanings?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
December 12, 2025 at 8:05 AM
#DeckTheHalls
Well, you didn’t have to wait long for that one.
The Tower is the Cù Sìth, both upright and reversed in different parts. He is based on the old Scottish myth, and is the harbinger of death referenced in the working title for book 3.
If you call on Cù Sìth, you will regret it.
Well, you didn’t have to wait long for that one.
The Tower is the Cù Sìth, both upright and reversed in different parts. He is based on the old Scottish myth, and is the harbinger of death referenced in the working title for book 3.
If you call on Cù Sìth, you will regret it.
My phone decided to shuffle my entire music library today, and this song popped up that I’d forgotten I had from a local Scottish band.
I had to share, because I think it’s underrated, and as relevant to today’s anti-immigration rhetoric as it was then.
youtu.be/pcBGW4l_9sE
I had to share, because I think it’s underrated, and as relevant to today’s anti-immigration rhetoric as it was then.
youtu.be/pcBGW4l_9sE
Ghosts - Lau
YouTube video by J Smith
youtu.be
December 11, 2025 at 7:31 PM
My phone decided to shuffle my entire music library today, and this song popped up that I’d forgotten I had from a local Scottish band.
I had to share, because I think it’s underrated, and as relevant to today’s anti-immigration rhetoric as it was then.
youtu.be/pcBGW4l_9sE
I had to share, because I think it’s underrated, and as relevant to today’s anti-immigration rhetoric as it was then.
youtu.be/pcBGW4l_9sE
#DeckTheHalls
Death is the Wolf.
Cassie meets him in Book 2, but in Book 3 he really comes to the fore. He causes massive change in Cassie’s outlook on both herself and the world. He pushes her to let go of her fear, and anger, and hatred, as those emotions are no longer serving her as they are.
Death is the Wolf.
Cassie meets him in Book 2, but in Book 3 he really comes to the fore. He causes massive change in Cassie’s outlook on both herself and the world. He pushes her to let go of her fear, and anger, and hatred, as those emotions are no longer serving her as they are.
#DeckTheHalls
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: DEATH
Who or what from your writing would you put on it and how does it fit the meanings?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: DEATH
Who or what from your writing would you put on it and how does it fit the meanings?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
December 11, 2025 at 9:21 AM
#DeckTheHalls
Death is the Wolf.
Cassie meets him in Book 2, but in Book 3 he really comes to the fore. He causes massive change in Cassie’s outlook on both herself and the world. He pushes her to let go of her fear, and anger, and hatred, as those emotions are no longer serving her as they are.
Death is the Wolf.
Cassie meets him in Book 2, but in Book 3 he really comes to the fore. He causes massive change in Cassie’s outlook on both herself and the world. He pushes her to let go of her fear, and anger, and hatred, as those emotions are no longer serving her as they are.
#DeckTheHalls
Upright would be Az’gor, the Unseelie King’s exiled younger brother.
He exudes authority and power, but has far more self-control in every aspect than his older brother ever had, and quite frankly would have made a far better, and more stable King. He still has a reckless streak-
Upright would be Az’gor, the Unseelie King’s exiled younger brother.
He exudes authority and power, but has far more self-control in every aspect than his older brother ever had, and quite frankly would have made a far better, and more stable King. He still has a reckless streak-
#DeckTheHalls
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. Tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: THE EMPEROR
Who or what from your writing would go on it and how does it fit?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. Tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: THE EMPEROR
Who or what from your writing would go on it and how does it fit?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
December 10, 2025 at 11:08 AM
#DeckTheHalls
Upright would be Az’gor, the Unseelie King’s exiled younger brother.
He exudes authority and power, but has far more self-control in every aspect than his older brother ever had, and quite frankly would have made a far better, and more stable King. He still has a reckless streak-
Upright would be Az’gor, the Unseelie King’s exiled younger brother.
He exudes authority and power, but has far more self-control in every aspect than his older brother ever had, and quite frankly would have made a far better, and more stable King. He still has a reckless streak-
#WIPSnips - pipe
George finds his old room has been largely emptied in his long absence. Thankfully, they at least left his clothes behind.
George finds his old room has been largely emptied in his long absence. Thankfully, they at least left his clothes behind.
December 10, 2025 at 10:51 AM
#WIPSnips - pipe
George finds his old room has been largely emptied in his long absence. Thankfully, they at least left his clothes behind.
George finds his old room has been largely emptied in his long absence. Thankfully, they at least left his clothes behind.
#DeckTheHalls
So much debate over who to choose for this, but I think upright will be Ben, but not because he’s the love interest!
Ben becomes bonded to Cassie, and over the course of book 2 they have to learn to work in harmony with each other, and not choose their own desires over each other.
So much debate over who to choose for this, but I think upright will be Ben, but not because he’s the love interest!
Ben becomes bonded to Cassie, and over the course of book 2 they have to learn to work in harmony with each other, and not choose their own desires over each other.
#DeckTheHalls
A much anticipated one!
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. Tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: THE LOVERS
Who or what from your writing would go on it and how does it fit?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
A much anticipated one!
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. Tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: THE LOVERS
Who or what from your writing would go on it and how does it fit?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
December 9, 2025 at 7:12 PM
#DeckTheHalls
So much debate over who to choose for this, but I think upright will be Ben, but not because he’s the love interest!
Ben becomes bonded to Cassie, and over the course of book 2 they have to learn to work in harmony with each other, and not choose their own desires over each other.
So much debate over who to choose for this, but I think upright will be Ben, but not because he’s the love interest!
Ben becomes bonded to Cassie, and over the course of book 2 they have to learn to work in harmony with each other, and not choose their own desires over each other.
Reposted by Tina Writes
#WIPSnips - design
Not even the immortality from his vampirism can save Ben now, but a fae gives Cassie a little hope - a piece of ancient fae magic might be able to.
Not even the immortality from his vampirism can save Ben now, but a fae gives Cassie a little hope - a piece of ancient fae magic might be able to.
December 9, 2025 at 9:06 AM
#WIPSnips - design
Not even the immortality from his vampirism can save Ben now, but a fae gives Cassie a little hope - a piece of ancient fae magic might be able to.
Not even the immortality from his vampirism can save Ben now, but a fae gives Cassie a little hope - a piece of ancient fae magic might be able to.
Reposted by Tina Writes
All right, Booksky: it's my 2025 Books of the Year post! Get your book recs here.
Featuring lashings of romance and SFFH, a fair bit of murder, and some extremely specific history nerding, like you weren't expecting that.
Featuring lashings of romance and SFFH, a fair bit of murder, and some extremely specific history nerding, like you weren't expecting that.
Best Books of 2025 – KJ Charles
kjcharleswriter.com
December 8, 2025 at 10:52 AM
All right, Booksky: it's my 2025 Books of the Year post! Get your book recs here.
Featuring lashings of romance and SFFH, a fair bit of murder, and some extremely specific history nerding, like you weren't expecting that.
Featuring lashings of romance and SFFH, a fair bit of murder, and some extremely specific history nerding, like you weren't expecting that.
#DeckTheHalls
The High Priestess for my WIP would have to be Mòrag, aka the Baobhan Sith (Scottish vampire myth) or the Green Woman. Without being too spoilery, also the real villain in The Last Changer.
She is mysterious to all but herself, and relies heavily on her intuition. Sometimes too much.
The High Priestess for my WIP would have to be Mòrag, aka the Baobhan Sith (Scottish vampire myth) or the Green Woman. Without being too spoilery, also the real villain in The Last Changer.
She is mysterious to all but herself, and relies heavily on her intuition. Sometimes too much.
#DeckTheHalls
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: THE HIGH PRIESTESS
Who or what from your writing would you put on it and how does it fit the meanings?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: THE HIGH PRIESTESS
Who or what from your writing would you put on it and how does it fit the meanings?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity
December 8, 2025 at 3:28 PM
#DeckTheHalls
The High Priestess for my WIP would have to be Mòrag, aka the Baobhan Sith (Scottish vampire myth) or the Green Woman. Without being too spoilery, also the real villain in The Last Changer.
She is mysterious to all but herself, and relies heavily on her intuition. Sometimes too much.
The High Priestess for my WIP would have to be Mòrag, aka the Baobhan Sith (Scottish vampire myth) or the Green Woman. Without being too spoilery, also the real villain in The Last Changer.
She is mysterious to all but herself, and relies heavily on her intuition. Sometimes too much.
#DeckTheHalls Knew from the start that the Chariot was going to be a tricky one for me.
Was going to go for George, but I think he fits more with Strength.
So it’s going to have to be the gryphon, Shulnir, for having such self-discipline and strength of will that Zalroth couldn’t break him.
Was going to go for George, but I think he fits more with Strength.
So it’s going to have to be the gryphon, Shulnir, for having such self-discipline and strength of will that Zalroth couldn’t break him.
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: THE CHARIOT
What character (or whatever fits here) of yours would you put on it and how do they fit the meanings?
#WriteSky #WritingPrompts
Today's card is: THE CHARIOT
What character (or whatever fits here) of yours would you put on it and how do they fit the meanings?
#WriteSky #WritingPrompts
December 7, 2025 at 4:30 PM
#DeckTheHalls Knew from the start that the Chariot was going to be a tricky one for me.
Was going to go for George, but I think he fits more with Strength.
So it’s going to have to be the gryphon, Shulnir, for having such self-discipline and strength of will that Zalroth couldn’t break him.
Was going to go for George, but I think he fits more with Strength.
So it’s going to have to be the gryphon, Shulnir, for having such self-discipline and strength of will that Zalroth couldn’t break him.
#DeckTheHalls
The Wheel of Fortune has to be the portals. Nobody truly knows how many there are, or where they all go. What lies on the other side could be wonder, or death. Only the Travellers have the intuition to travel the full network (relatively) unscathed.
#WritingCommunity
The Wheel of Fortune has to be the portals. Nobody truly knows how many there are, or where they all go. What lies on the other side could be wonder, or death. Only the Travellers have the intuition to travel the full network (relatively) unscathed.
#WritingCommunity
#DeckTheHalls
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: WHEEL OF FORTUNE
What character (or whatever fits here) of yours would you put on it and how do they fit the meanings?
We're matching up our work to the Major Arcana Tarot Cards. So, tell us how your characters (or places, things, or events) match up!
Today's card is: WHEEL OF FORTUNE
What character (or whatever fits here) of yours would you put on it and how do they fit the meanings?
December 7, 2025 at 11:23 AM
#DeckTheHalls
The Wheel of Fortune has to be the portals. Nobody truly knows how many there are, or where they all go. What lies on the other side could be wonder, or death. Only the Travellers have the intuition to travel the full network (relatively) unscathed.
#WritingCommunity
The Wheel of Fortune has to be the portals. Nobody truly knows how many there are, or where they all go. What lies on the other side could be wonder, or death. Only the Travellers have the intuition to travel the full network (relatively) unscathed.
#WritingCommunity