Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars out now!✨Charlotte Saulter✨
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writerlythings.bsky.social
Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars out now!✨Charlotte Saulter✨
@writerlythings.bsky.social
790 followers 490 following 450 posts
Order Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars @ https://books2read.com/PRDS
Writer of dark epic fantasy. Fan of tortured heroes, tragic pasts and stories with the feels. Servant of a schizophrenic black cat.
https://charlotte-saulter.com

#MECFS
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writerlythings.bsky.social
Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars out now!✨Charlotte Saulter✨ @writerlythings.bsky.social · 23d
Worldbuilding isn’t just imagination, it’s research and going down too many Google rabbit holes. For hours.
Here are a few of the things I researched to build the magic, culture, and brutality of my world. Would this convince you to read my fantasy book?
If you like:
✨ morally grey characters
...
As an inspiration for my magic system, Wu Xing is not just Wood, Fire, Metal, Water, and Earth. It's emotion and connection. Creation and destruction. I love how widely this philosophy can be applied, linking colours, emotions, virtues, seasons, even organs. And while writing my characters, some of their elemental associations emerged completely by accident yet they matched them perfectly. I wanted my magic to have side effects. Nobody gets away without paying in some way for using their powers. One character's side effect is low mood and sometimes irritability -- a Qi blockage. Another character becomes pale and fatigued due to low iron in the blood -- a blood and Qi deficiency. But I also wanted to better understand some of the concepts behind (TCM) and use traditional herbs or remedies when treating or healing my characters. Though in some cultures branding is part of tribal traditions or religious practices, historically, it was often not a choice but used as punishment or in slavery. One of the characters in Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars has been branded. Whether the brand was forced on them or something they chose would reveal too much, but suffice it to say those scars define their identity and how they see themselves. In Tianlu, the mere mention, let alone practice, of magic is punishable by death. And Lingchi is a brutal and bloody execution method but I didn't research it for the gore or the shock value. I wanted to understand the reasons for using it beyond the obvious, the spiritual consequences tied to the Confucian beliefs about body, family honor, and the afterlife. There's so much to this I just might make a separate post about this. (let me know if that's something you're interested in).
writerlythings.bsky.social
CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON x THE BONE SHARD DAUGHTER.
If you want character-driven fantasy with weight, scars, and slow-burn bonds, Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars one’s for you.

#indieauthor #fantasy #booksky #sff #darkfantasy
PHOENIX RISES DRAGON SOARS CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON meets THE BONE SHARD DAUGHTER If that sounds like your kind of fantasy, Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars might be your next read. This story blends atmospheric, sweeping beauty with a grounded, elemental magic system linked to the wielder’s emotions. Instead of flashy battles, it focuses on the aftermath of violence: the grief, the guilt, and how fragile bonds can still grow in the dark. You’ll follow four fugitives bound by necessity, each burdened by their own history, mistakes, and scars. Their powers cost them. Their choices matter. And nothing comes easy. Not trust. Not healing. And definitely not survival. If you’re into: ✨ character-driven fantasy ✨ morally complicated protagonists ✨ elemental magic with weight ✨ slow-burn tension and found connections Then you’ll want to pick up Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars.
December 4, 2025 at 5:45 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
A lot of choices for "number", but this one is from a scene I've loved writing so much because it shows my MMC in a very different light from his usual persona.

#amediting #writingcommunity #writers #writesky #writingprompts #fantasywriters #WIPSnips #fantasy
“Eighty-eight,” he whispered at last and turned left. He remembered the row’s number because it was considered good luck, and he’d never understood how it was lucky that he’d had to bury his mother here.
November 30, 2025 at 7:44 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
Do you love your #fantasy tropes? Are you always looking for the one trope that gives you the feels? Here are some of the tropes you can find in Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars.
Which one is your favourite?
And if my list makes you want to read PRDS it's on sale for $2.99/£1.99 until Sunday.
#booksky
magical mentor, morally grey, enemies to lovers, forbidden magic, trauma and redemption, found family, he falls first
November 28, 2025 at 5:02 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
It's Black Friday and of course Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars is on SALE! Get it now for $2.99 / €2.69 / £1.99. Ends Sunday!

#SFF #Fantasy #booksky #Indieauthor #darkfantasy
If you crave fantasy where every decision leaves scars, Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars is for you. Follow four broken souls - a mercenary, a noblewoman, a disgraced general, and a shamaness - as they confront their pasts, wield forbidden power, and form a fragile found family in a world that wants them dead.
November 28, 2025 at 10:52 AM
writerlythings.bsky.social
Wow, just look at that amazing review of Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars! 😍
I am honestly a little moved because I feel oddly understood as a writer now😄
www.instagram.com/p/DRcVGHUjE0...

(Pssst! I've dropped the price for Black Friday week! Link is in my bio).

#booksky #Fantasy #SFF #Indieauthor
L. E. Garrison on Instagram: "Recently finished this indie gem and wanted to share my thoughts. Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars, by the incredible @csaulterauthor is the first in an epic fantasy series ins...
4 likes, 3 comments - garrison_writes on November 24, 2025: "Recently finished this indie gem and wanted to share my thoughts. Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars, by the incredible @csaulterauthor is the firs...
www.instagram.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:57 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
Can I convince you to read Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars by showing you what readers said?
It's free to read on Kindle Unlimited and also available here: books2read.com/b/prds/

#booksky #indieauthor #fantasy
November 22, 2025 at 8:50 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
This is what Kiki does to help me when I struggle to add the scene to Book 2 that I know needs adding desperately but doesn't want to be written: Nothing! Absolutely nothing!

What kind of #catsupervisor is she even? Can't rely on anyone these days 😋😆

Happy #caturday! 😸
November 22, 2025 at 4:51 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
Well, there's only 2 "thirds" in Book 2 and the other not only gives too much of what happens away but might also be a bit inappropriate. So here's a bit that tells you very little.
#amwriting #writingcommunity #writers #writesky #writingprompts #fantasywriters #WIPSnips #SFF #Fantasy #WIP
Well, at least the structure was mostly wooden. His magic should work here. He now remembered Huizhong mentioning that even years after felling a tree, life remained in its remnants. The shoots his involuntary release of Wuxing had produced earlier were proof of that. He just hoped he wouldn’t need it. The third door opened and the subdued chatter of too many men reached Longwei’s ears. At last, Shun led him into the large common room with ceilings at least two storeys high and stairs leading to an upper level. Three large tables with benches on either side stood in the middle of the open space and were almost fully occupied.
November 19, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Reposted by Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars out now!✨Charlotte Saulter✨
bigbeardybooks.bsky.social
Let's hear from you writers, tell us a little bit about yourself, what projects you've on the go, what you've written, any events in the near future, or just drop your bio and links and follow and support each other

#WritersLiftWednesday #Writers #Authors #WritersLift #BookSky 💙📚

alt text please
A sketch of a small pile of books with the words “Meet the Author” superimposed
November 19, 2025 at 5:52 AM
writerlythings.bsky.social
Worldbuilding isn’t just imagination, it’s research and going down too many Google rabbit holes. For hours.
Here are a few of the things I researched to build the magic, culture, and brutality of my world. Would this convince you to read my fantasy book?
If you like:
✨ morally grey characters
...
As an inspiration for my magic system, Wu Xing is not just Wood, Fire, Metal, Water, and Earth. It's emotion and connection. Creation and destruction. I love how widely this philosophy can be applied, linking colours, emotions, virtues, seasons, even organs. And while writing my characters, some of their elemental associations emerged completely by accident yet they matched them perfectly. I wanted my magic to have side effects. Nobody gets away without paying in some way for using their powers. One character's side effect is low mood and sometimes irritability -- a Qi blockage. Another character becomes pale and fatigued due to low iron in the blood -- a blood and Qi deficiency. But I also wanted to better understand some of the concepts behind (TCM) and use traditional herbs or remedies when treating or healing my characters. Though in some cultures branding is part of tribal traditions or religious practices, historically, it was often not a choice but used as punishment or in slavery. One of the characters in Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars has been branded. Whether the brand was forced on them or something they chose would reveal too much, but suffice it to say those scars define their identity and how they see themselves. In Tianlu, the mere mention, let alone practice, of magic is punishable by death. And Lingchi is a brutal and bloody execution method but I didn't research it for the gore or the shock value. I wanted to understand the reasons for using it beyond the obvious, the spiritual consequences tied to the Confucian beliefs about body, family honor, and the afterlife. There's so much to this I just might make a separate post about this. (let me know if that's something you're interested in).
November 17, 2025 at 8:45 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
So many choices again in Book 2, but I like this one especially since this basically sums up Shufang's hopes for Book 2.

#amediting #writingcommunity #writers #writesky #writingprompts #fantasywriters #WIPSnips #SFF #Fantasy #WIP #Indieauthor
Shufang straightened and squared her shoulders. It did not matter. She deserved more than to be some stranger’s property. She would find a way out, would rather starve on the streets than spend her life living according to the Lessons on Deference and Purity. And perhaps she could find her way back to Huizhong and Jindai, eventually.
November 17, 2025 at 8:11 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
I saw the word and knew immediately that I'd be sharing a few sentences from this scene in Book 2. Had to remove the name of one character, though, otherwise it would give away too much.
#amediting #writingcommunity #writers #writesky #writingprompts #fantasywriters #WIPSnips #Fantasy #WIP
Empress Guangling regarded him silently. He had made much progress under her tutelage, and in such a short time, too. Perhaps he deserved a show of her approval. Crouching beside him in a rustle of silk, she put her hand on his bowed head and spoke to him so softly only he could hear, “I appreciate this has been difficult for you. I will accept your sacrifice. You may take her punishment this once.”
November 15, 2025 at 7:25 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
Soooo many 'weeks' in Book 2, but I had to skip past 20 or so to find one that doesn't spoiler the hell out of my imaginary readers who will one day surely buy Book 1 and 2 and 3 🤣

#amediting #writingcommunity #writers #writesky #writingprompts #fantasywriters #WIPSnips #Fantasy #WIP #Indieauthor
At long last, he could follow the impulse he’d felt so often over the last weeks without restraint. To his surprise, he felt regret. He’d have to take life, would exchange the lives of the slaver and his men for the freedom of the people they’d condemned to slavery. Why did that suddenly bother him? He’d killed before, and more than once. Sometimes life just didn’t leave you another choice. He knew that, and yet…
November 14, 2025 at 7:29 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
I've chosen 'image' instead of 'picture', and this is from my favourite storyline in Book 2.
#amediting #WIP #Indieauthor #writingcommunity #writers #writesky #writingprompts #fantasywriters #WIPSnips
His eyes flew open, though he saw nothing but the image of Huizhong seared into his mind. He had been so full of resentment that day. Resentment for her taking from him the only choice he could still make after the Empress had taken everything else. But in this moment, was death still his only choice as it had been then? Or could he choose life today and forge a purpose of his own to give his life value?
November 9, 2025 at 3:39 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
It's the last day of my Birthday Week-ish and my SALE ends to day so make sure you grab your copy of Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars, the novel I wrote by the seat of my pants. Luckily anything that didn't work has been fixed in revisions. It's not a mess. I promise!
#indieauthor #fantasy #booksky #sff
November 9, 2025 at 9:01 AM
writerlythings.bsky.social
My Birthday Week-ish eBook SALE on Amazon ends tomorrow night, so get yours while you still can, or just read Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars on Kindle Unlimited for free.

#indieauthor #fantasy #booksky #sff #fantasywriters
November 8, 2025 at 8:36 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
A common enough word, but I had to skip through 10 or so of them to find a spoiler-free-ish paragraph in Book 2.
#amediting #writingcommunity #writers #writesky #writingprompts #fantasywriters #WIPSnips #WIP #Indieauthor #SFF
Oh, how she would love to walk these streets, talk to these people and hear their stories. Perhaps her mother’s family would allow her to see the city. Her father had never mentioned her mother’s background, but the way he had described her mother—educated, caring about everyone, and a little rebellious—she must have come from a very liberal family.
November 8, 2025 at 7:18 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
It's day 8 of my Birthday Week-ish and this is a weird one. I don't know if it's some kind of aphantasia but it means you won't find drawn out facial descriptions in my books. So far, it hasn't caused any issues but if you ever read Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars, you tell me.
#fantasy #booksky #sff
November 8, 2025 at 6:02 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
I have to say, it's getting really difficult to avoid spoilers recently. All the other 'movements' gave way too much away. Luckily I found this one.

#amediting #writingcommunity #writers #writesky #writingprompts #fantasywriters #WIPSnips #indieauthor
He shook his head, the movement sluggish as if he had no strength left. “Do not worry, I—” He froze, cocking his head towards the door as if listening for something. Then Huizhong heard it, too: the rustle of silk robes.
November 7, 2025 at 8:41 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
Day 7 and this fact reflects the reality of writing for many of us. Sure, some writers finish a whole novel in a month but that's not always the case. If you're a writer, have you struggled with writer's block? What got you out of it?
#indieauthor #fantasy #booksky #sff #writingcommunity #writesky
November 7, 2025 at 12:01 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
Day 6 of my Birthday Week-ish, and yes, I probably could've removed some scenes to make Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars less dark or left out romance or made it proper #grimdark to better fit into a box, but that felt wrong. It's a genre smoothie but it's what I wanted to read so I wrote it.
#booksky
November 6, 2025 at 10:15 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
Are you looking for a novel that blends dark fantasy, grimdark moments and a dash of romance into a delicious genre smoothie? My Birthday Week-ish SALE is still on until the 9th November! Get Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars now or read it on Kindle Unlimited.
books2read.com/b/PRDS
#booksky #fantasy #sff
November 6, 2025 at 8:30 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
Yes, got this one too. It appears in the opening scene of Book 2 of the Four Guardians, where we get to know the more or less mysterious antagonist of my trilogy a little better than Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars allowed.
#amediting #writingcommunity #writesky #writingprompts #fantasywriters #WIPSnips
Empress Guangling strolled through the Imperial Gardens, hands hidden inside warm gloves and attendants trailing behind her at a respectful distance. A thick blanket of brilliantly white snow covered the trees, shrubs, and pavilions, and the lake at the centre of the seemingly endless grounds had a thin layer of ice on it. If the weather held, she could soon walk on it, just like she had—giggling, slipping, and sliding—with Qianglei the year of their wedding. He had held out his hand to steady her and, had they been unwatched, she would have fallen into his arms and kissed him right then and there.
November 5, 2025 at 4:59 PM
writerlythings.bsky.social
Happy birthday to me! Hope all of you are having a wonderful day. My birthday wish is for people to read and love my book. That's why it's on KU. I don't need it to make me rich, I just want to make people feel something (hopefully not disgust 🤣)
#indieauthor # fantasy #booksky #sff
November 5, 2025 at 4:45 AM
writerlythings.bsky.social
One more day until it's my birthday and we continue with my music taste. I'll also admit that it was Linkin Park's first album Hybrid Theory that opened up my ears to metal. Any other metal heads amongst you? What was the band that got you into it and which type? #indieauthor # fantasy #booksky #sff
November 4, 2025 at 8:03 PM