James ~Yes Mum, I’m still doing “the writing bit”~
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jamesfinegan.bsky.social
James ~Yes Mum, I’m still doing “the writing bit”~
@jamesfinegan.bsky.social
440 followers 340 following 190 posts
Wannabe Author. Writes a lot of fantasy and a thruppence of sci-fi. A lover of Shakespeare, space, and sudoku. Married to an absolute lad. He/him

jamesfineganauthor.com
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jamesfinegan.bsky.social
October 25 Wrap-up!

✍️ Good start on Not Technically Ghosts part 2 edits!

👨‍💼 On the path to getting new day-job!

🔀 Mostly fixed a Not Technically Ghosts side plot that had been bugging me!

#WritingCommunity #amediting
Me (blond pale goblin, wearing skeleton design black jumper, offering a semi smile that suggests I’m doing this under duress), background corner of a large clock, white wall. Overlaid text: October 25 - wrap up — Good start on Not Technically Ghosts part 2 edits! — On the way to getting new day-job! — 99% fixed a Not Technically Ghosts side plot that had been bugging me!
October 31, 2025 at 11:32 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
Welp if I keep writing much more of this I’ll have no choice but to count Witch-wip as my new side project! (Christopher does NOT approve of me arranging pages on his side of the couch)
#WritingCommunity #amwriting
Various handwritten pages and doodles arranged over a black couch. Standard issue cat staring unimpressed in the foreground.
October 14, 2025 at 11:14 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
September 25 Wrap-up!

✍️ NEARLY finished Not Technically Ghosts (part 1) edits!

🚴‍♂️ Got on a new health kick!

🧙‍♀️ Started a new witchy wip! (Madam Quail’s Totally Legitimate Witching School Where Absolutely No One Gets Eaten)

#WritingCommunity #amediting #amwriting
Me (partially blond pale goblin offering a half smile), background laptop on wooden table. Overlaid text: September 25 - wrap up — NEARLY finished Not Technically Ghosts (part 1) edits — got on a new “health kick” (80% successful??) — started a new wip! Madam Quail’s Totally Legitimate Witching School Where AbsolutelyNo One Gets Eaten
October 1, 2025 at 11:48 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
Alright I’ve got the full layout for every pseudo-chapter/ switch in Not Technically Ghosts. Much easier now to see where things can and NEED to shift for better flow ahead of the bigger edits.
#WritingCommunity #amediting
Numerous typed cutouts arranged into 5 rows of varying length on a wooden floor
September 8, 2025 at 11:40 AM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
August 25 Wrap-up! (Do I do that now? Guess we'll see at end of September? What is this pose??)

✍️ Off to a good start with Not Technically Ghosts (part 1) edits
🏠Moved house (not writing, but big stuff)
🖼️Took part in a bunch of #pitch events

#WritingCommunity #amediting
Me (vaguely blond goblin-boy in white and orange stripy t-shirt) giving thumbs up. In background open laptop on dark couch. Picture of London visible on wall. Text overlaid in purple bubbles: "August 25 - Wrap-up" "Started Not Technically Ghosts (Part 1) edits!" "Moved house!" "Took part in a bunch of #pitch events!"
August 31, 2025 at 4:08 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
Ryan & Albert live 200 years apart - but once per day a time-slip lets them meet. Now they need to solve the mystery of Clarence Hall before they accidentally change history!

Oh… and try not to fall for each other in the process!

NOT TECHNICALLY GHOSTS

#PosterPit #W #YA #F #R
Movie-style poster for Not Technically Ghosts Ballroom divided in two by blue energy. Left half shades of gold a silhouette boy casually leans against divide. Right half monochrome silhouette boy leans his head back on divide. Top of poster fading font: Not Technically Ghosts Top text - from the queer mind that will (eventually!) bring you Spirit Rider The Royal Problem Below title - Congrats on finding the guy of your dreams! (Less congrats on him living 200 years away!)Quotes in film festival style wreaths - “Fake dates” “Defying fates” “Heartwarming YA” “Dumbass x Bookworm”Bottom text - This is that part at the bottom of movie posters which I think more than anything else makes them Look like movie posters there are supposed to be names of people involved in the production but I already did that with the Spirit Rider Poster so this one is mostly just filler sorry I couldn’t think of a good joke no wait “knock knock” “WHo’s there?” “To” “To Who?” “No, no, it’s - To Whom” Ba-dum Tiss
August 16, 2025 at 4:12 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
The worst thing Sam ever had to deal with was telekinetic ducks. That’s until the Grim Reaper HERSELF appears in his living room. Now Sam & Grim must work together to solve a royal mystery, with reality itself at stake!

SPIRIT RIDER: THE ROYAL PROBLEM
#PosterPit #Q #F #MG / #YA
Movie-poster style image for Spirit Rider The Royal Problem Snowy blue background. Fiery blue sword pointing down over silhouette multi-towered castle. Central title in gold and blue- Spirit Rider The Royal Problem Top text - Accessible fantasy - All the heart - All the snark - Telekinetic ducks!! “Quotes” within film-festival style wreath “I liked how it was 95k words” “A fun MG/YA crossover” Below quotes - Ace cinnamon roll teen doing his best - The grim reaper herself trying to keep him alive Bottom text - James A. Finegan - Finicorp Productions Presents Spirit Rider: The Royal Problem Starring A combination of unknown and big-name actors Music By Some good composer like hans zimmer Editor Me so they don’t cut anything important Production Designer Also me (no one else will pay for this) Written by Me (shocker!) Directed by Someone with good vision but who appreciates this is a fantasy that knows it’s fantasy - CURRENTLY QUERYING!
August 16, 2025 at 10:15 AM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
Welcome to my #AgentsGuide for
SPIRIT RIDER: THE ROYAL PROBLEM

💁‍♂️Ace cinnamon-roll trying his best
💀Snarky Reaper turned mentor
👑A Royal Mystery
😵‍💫Demonic possession
🎩Charming psychopath antagonist
🦆Telekinetic ducks!!

#QueerPit #Q #F #MG / #YA
Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. Grim Reaper silhouette in background. 'An Agent's Guide To:' 'Spirit Rider:' 'The Royal Problem' 'James A. Finegan' 'Fun & Epic Fantasy' 'MG / YA Crossover' '95k Words' 'Now Querying!' 'Cinnamon-roll MC, just trying his best.' 'Snarky Reaper, turned reluctant mentor' 'Demonic possession, magician duels, royal balls!' 'Telekinetic ducks!!!!!!' Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. Crown icon at header 'Pitch' The worst thing Sam ever had to deal with was telekinetic ducks... That's until the Grim Reaper HERSELF appears in his living room. Now Sam and Grim must work together to solve a royal mystery, before a power-hungry magician deletes free-will from the universe! Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. 'Moodboard' Spirit Rider The Royal Problem moodboard with pictures 1- a snowy village with a central snowy church 2- a ruin amongst deep snow 3- a palatial hall 4- silhouette of a grim reaper 5- a malevolent duck in snow 6- a golden crown 7- body shot of dark suited person 8- blue flames Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. 'Snippet' “Mystrum — ancient language of the magicians,” Grim said. “You’d better figure it out or ninety-percent of all spell-books on the planet will be useless to you.” “Right, yeah,” Sam muttered, wondering who else in the Palace could help him read the symbols. Then a new thought came upon him. Dare he ask? “What if you…?” “Absolutely not!” Grim said flatly, hurrying off the Terrace and back indoors. Sam followed. “Come on! You’re really good at magic! You could teach me!” “Flattery, really? Do you think I’m simple?” “Right, OK. So I guess you’re really not good at magic? Only someone who’s good at magic would want to teach me.” “Reverse psychology? Pathetic.” “How about —?” Grim whipped around, scythe raised, eyes flaming as she bellowed, “Drop it now before I tear out your tongue!” “Empty threat — you need me for bait,” Sam countered. Smirking, the fire went from her eyes and she stormed off. “It’d be improper. I'm a killer, not a teacher." "I don't care." "Others might." Then Sam finally had it. "Logic," he said firmly. "You need me alive if you want the best chance to catch Acheron. If I knew some magic then I'd be able to look after myself better and I'd be alive longer." Grim froze mid-step, then turned slowly, scowling at him. "You're getting too clever." "So you'll do it?" Sam said eagerly. "It would be hard," she said with a nasty smile. "Fine by me." Sam grinned. "Very hard," Grim said, somewhat less certainly. "Even better."
August 15, 2025 at 8:09 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
The worst thing Sam ever had to deal with was telekinetic ducks. That’s until the Grim Reaper HERSELF appears in his living room. Now Sam & Grim must work together to solve a royal mystery, with reality itself at stake!

SPIRIT RIDER: THE ROYAL PROBLEM
#QueerPit #Q #F #MG / #YA
Spirit Rider The Royal Problem moodboard with pictures 1- a snowy village with a central snowy church 2- a ruin amongst deep snow 3- a palatial hall 4- silhouette of a grim reaper 5- a malevolent duck in snow 6- a golden crown 7- body shot of dark suited person 8- blue flames
August 15, 2025 at 3:06 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
As thankful as I am having had multiple beta-readers for the opening of Not Technically Ghosts - collating & debating the various comments into a coherent list has been a (pleasant) headache! Great stuff to begin edits though!
#WritingCommunity #editing
Barely-legible editing notes written in green ink on a torn scrap of paper
August 11, 2025 at 6:50 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
We are go go go - for editing Not Technically Ghosts! The plan? Ehh, reread it and if there’s a bit I don’t like 100% then tweak/cut until I do? Also don’t notably increase the wordcount unless absolutely necessary.

#editing #WritingCommunity
Me (blond vaguely feral goblin-boy in blue hoody, rainbow spatter t-shirt) smiling(?) uncomfortably with an open laptop.
August 10, 2025 at 12:13 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
Ryan & Albert live 200 years apart - but once per day a time-slip lets them meet. Now they need to solve the mystery of Clarence Hall before they accidentally change history!

Oh… and try not to fall for each other in the process!

NOT TECHNICALLY GHOSTS

#QuestPit #W #YA #LGBT
Red and black writing over background: wintery branches over a blue sky. ‘NOT TECHNICALLY GHOSTS’ ‘James A. Finegan’ ‘Feel-good LGBTQ+ time-travel rom-com’ ‘YA’ ‘85k words (pre-edit estimate)’ ‘Heartstopper x The Lakehouse’ ‘Dual POV’ Red and black writing over background: wintery branches and peak of a ruined building over a blue sky. ‘Pitch’ ‘Ryan & Albert live 200 years apart - but once per day a time-slip lets them meet. Now they need to solve the mystery of Clarence Hall before they accidentally change history! Oh… and try not to fall for each other in the process!’ Red and black writing over background: wintery branches and snow over a blue sky. ‘Moodboard’ Not Technically Ghosts moodboard with pictures 1- An abandoned ruinous hall 2- person on bicycle silhouetted against sunset 3- person from behind, red hoodie, in forest 4- two hands reaching for one another 5- person in night-time woodlands shining a torch 6- black and white person Victorian suit, sitting with book 7- Victorian library multiple high book filled shelves, arches through 8- Victorian school room, old wood desk, blackboard on a stand Red and black writing over background: wintery branches, snow, and ruined building over a blue sky. ‘Snippet’ “How about this Saturday?” Hesitating, I realise history isn’t my strong suit and so I have to add, “Does your time have Saturdays yet? Do you know what that is?” Albert frowns, quirking his brow, before something registers and his eyes widen fearfully. “When the sun sets all the people of my primitive era quail in terror, our minds too addled to ever mark the passing of the days.” “So…?” “Yes!” Albert groans, a smirk creeping up his cheek, “Saturday is a known concept.”
August 6, 2025 at 2:05 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
The worst thing Sam ever had to deal with was telekinetic ducks. That’s until the Grim Reaper HERSELF appears in his living room. Now Sam & Grim must work together to solve a royal mystery, with reality itself at stake!

SPIRIT RIDER: THE ROYAL PROBLEM
#QuestPit #Q #F #MG / #YA
Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. Grim Reaper silhouette in background. 'An Agent's Guide To:' 'Spirit Rider:' 'The Royal Problem' 'James A. Finegan' 'Fun & Epic Fantasy' 'MG / YA Crossover' '95k Words' 'Now Querying!' 'Cinnamon-roll MC, just trying his best.' 'Snarky Reaper, turned reluctant mentor' 'Demonic possession, magician duels, royal balls!' 'Telekinetic ducks!!!!!!' Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. 'Moodboard' Spirit Rider The Royal Problem moodboard with pictures 1- a snowy village with a central snowy church 2- a ruin amongst deep snow 3- a palatial hall 4- silhouette of a grim reaper 5- a malevolent duck in snow 6- a golden crown 7- body shot of dark suited person 8- blue flames Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. 'Snippet' “Mystrum — ancient language of the magicians,” Grim said. “You’d better figure it out or ninety-percent of all spell-books on the planet will be useless to you.” “Right, yeah,” Sam muttered, wondering who else in the Palace could help him read the symbols. Then a new thought came upon him. Dare he ask? “What if you…?” “Absolutely not!” Grim said flatly, hurrying off the Terrace and back indoors. Sam followed. “Come on! You’re really good at magic! You could teach me!” “Flattery, really? Do you think I’m simple?” “Right, OK. So I guess you’re really not good at magic? Only someone who’s good at magic would want to teach me.” “Reverse psychology? Pathetic.” “How about —?” Grim whipped around, scythe raised, eyes flaming as she bellowed, “Drop it now before I tear out your tongue!” “Empty threat — you need me for bait,” Sam countered. Smirking, the fire went from her eyes and she stormed off. “It’d be improper.I’m a killer, not a teacher.” “I don’t care.” “Others might.” Then Sam finally had it. “Logic,” he said firmly. “You need me alive if you want the best chance to catch Acheron. If I knew some magic then I’d be able to look after myself better and I’d be alive longer.” Grim froze mid-step, then turned slowly, scowling at him. “You’re getting too clever.” “So you’ll do it?” Sam said eagerly. “It would be hard,” she said with a nasty smile. “Fine by me,” Sam grinned. “Very hard,” Grim said, somewhat less certainly. “Even better.”
August 6, 2025 at 11:50 AM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
🏳️‍🌈Happy Pride Month!🏳️‍🌈
By book about gay ghosts-who-aren't-ghosts is booking DONE!

May 22 - First notes
Jul 23 - Off phone, made official side project
Mar 24 - Upgraded to main project
Jun 25 - Finished 1st draft!

Ah now I need to edit it
#WritingCommunity #amwriting #amediting
Not Technically Ghosts moodboard with pictures 1- An abandoned ruinous hall 2- person on bicycle silhouetted against sunset 3- person from behind, red hoodie, in forest 4- two hands reaching for one another 5- person in night-time woodlands shining a torch 6- black and white person Victorian suit, sitting with book 7- Victorian library multiple high book filled shelves, arches through 8- Victorian school room, old wood desk, blackboard on a stand
June 30, 2025 at 2:05 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
Just finished reading:

They Hate Each Other - @amandawoody.bsky.social

Effortlessly heartwarming, with a playful layer of snark. Dylan + Jonah had me pulling out my hair (in a good way), cheering them on, and eventually wishing them the world. Enjoys the stars guys.
#amreading
Angled ‘They Hate Each Other’ book cover Two guys lean either side of the title -one smirking, casual, the other more surly- purple silhouette trees/neighbourhood and a sunset/early evening sky. ‘Amanda Woody’ ‘They Hate Each Other’ ‘(A Romance)’
May 13, 2025 at 7:47 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
Well I know one person who takes *comfort* in my stories! 🐈
#WritingCommunity
Standard issue cat sleeping soundly amongst handwritten pages, using one as a ‘pillow’ on a black couch. Edge of a laptop visible.
May 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
"We're in the endgame now"
#WritingCommunity #amwriting
Black text on white background. Part 4: Fuck you, History!
April 19, 2025 at 5:29 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
Overeager fireworks pepper the new-year’s-Eve sky as I cycle through the graveyard, hoping the ghosts are out partying.

#1stLinePit #WIP #F #R #YA #LGBT
Red and black writing over background: wintery branches over a blue sky. ‘NOT TECHNICALLY GHOSTS’ ‘James A. Finegan’ ‘Feel-good LGBTQ+ time-travel rom-com’ ‘YA’ ‘85k words (pre-edit estimate)’ ‘Heartstopper x The Lakehouse’ ‘Dual POV’ Red and black writing over background: wintery branches and peak of a ruined building over a blue sky. ‘Pitch’ ‘Ryan & Albert live 200 years apart - but once per day a time-slip lets them meet. Now they need to solve the mystery of Clarence Hall before they accidentally change history! Oh… and try not to fall for each other in the process!’ Red and black writing over background: wintery branches and snow over a blue sky. ‘Moodboard’ Not Technically Ghosts moodboard with pictures 1- An abandoned ruinous hall 2- person on bicycle silhouetted against sunset 3- person from behind, red hoodie, in forest 4- two hands reaching for one another 5- person in night-time woodlands shining a torch 6- black and white person Victorian suit, sitting with book 7- Victorian library multiple high book filled shelves, arches through 8- Victorian school room, old wood desk, blackboard on a stand Red and black writing over background: wintery branches, snow, and ruined building over a blue sky. ‘Snippet’ “How about this Saturday?” Hesitating, I realise history isn’t my strong suit and so I have to add, “Does your time have Saturdays yet? Do you know what that is?” Albert frowns, quirking his brow, before something registers and his eyes widen fearfully. “When the sun sets all the people of my primitive era quail in terror, our minds too addled to ever mark the passing of the days.” “So…?” “Yes!” Albert groans, a smirk creeping up his cheek, “Saturday is a known concept.”
April 5, 2025 at 6:05 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
The last thing Sam heard was a loud quack — as an unseen force launched him into the wintery air.

#1stLinePit #Q #F #MG / #YA
Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. Grim Reaper silhouette in background. 'An Agent's Guide To:' 'Spirit Rider:' 'The Royal Problem' 'James A. Finegan' 'Fun & Epic Fantasy' 'MG / YA Crossover' '95k Words' 'Now Querying!' 'Cinnamon-roll MC, just trying his best.' 'Snarky Reaper, turned reluctant mentor' 'Demonic possession, magician duels, royal balls!' 'Telekinetic ducks!!!!!!' Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. Crown icon at header 'Pitch' The worst thing Sam ever had to deal with was telekinetic ducks... That's until the Grim Reaper HERSELF appears in his living room. Now Sam and Grim must work together to solve a royal mystery, before a power-hungry magician deletes free-will from the universe! Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. 'Moodboard' Spirit Rider The Royal Problem moodboard with pictures 1- a snowy village with a central snowy church 2- a ruin amongst deep snow 3- a palatial hall 4- silhouette of a grim reaper 5- a malevolent duck in snow 6- a golden crown 7- body shot of dark suited person 8- blue flames Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. 'Snippet' “Mystrum — ancient language of the magicians,” Grim said. “You’d better figure it out or ninety-percent of all spell-books on the planet will be useless to you.” “Right, yeah,” Sam muttered, wondering who else in the Palace could help him read the symbols. Then a new thought came upon him. Dare he ask? “What if you…?” “Absolutely not!” Grim said flatly, hurrying off the Terrace and back indoors. Sam followed. “Come on! You’re really good at magic! You could teach me!” “Flattery, really? Do you think I’m simple?” “Right, OK. So I guess you’re really not good at magic? Only someone who’s good at magic would want to teach me.” “Reverse psychology? Pathetic.” “How about —?” Grim whipped around, scythe raised, eyes flaming as she bellowed, “Drop it now before I tear out your tongue!” “Empty threat — you need me for bait,” Sam countered. Smirking, the fire went from her eyes and she stormed off. “It’d be improper. I'm a killer, not a teacher." "I don't care." "Others might." Then Sam finally had it. "Logic," he said firmly. "You need me alive if you want the best chance to catch Acheron. If I knew some magic then I'd be able to look after myself better and I'd be alive longer." Grim froze mid-step, then turned slowly, scowling at him. "You're getting too clever." "So you'll do it?" Sam said eagerly. "It would be hard," she said with a nasty smile. "Fine by me." Sam grinned. "Very hard," Grim said, somewhat less certainly. "Even better."
April 5, 2025 at 3:58 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
Very late to the party with this one (when AREN’T I?) Finally finished reading Six of Crows and… yep it’s as amazing as everyone said! A twisty fantasy heist with gorgeous worldbuilding that had me from the start, plus an ending that DEMANDS I start book 2!
#amreading
Angled, Six of Crows book cover. Grey cloudy background, crow in profile mid-flight one wing dominates the cover. ‘Grishaverse’ ‘Six of Crows’ ‘Leigh Bardugo’
April 3, 2025 at 4:55 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
Agent's Guide for my #amquerying novel SPIRIT RIDER: THE ROYAL PROBLEM

Meeting the Grim Reaper usually means the end of the road. But for 13-year-old Sam Mundle - it's just the beginning!

SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT x PERCY JACKSON
#Q #F #MG / #YA
Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. Grim Reaper silhouette in background. 'An Agent's Guide To:' 'Spirit Rider:' 'The Royal Problem' 'James A. Finegan' 'Fun & Epic Fantasy' 'MG / YA Crossover' '95k Words' 'Now Querying!' 'Cinnamon-roll MC, just trying his best.' 'Snarky Reaper, turned reluctant mentor' 'Demonic possession, magician duels, royal balls!' 'Telekinetic ducks!!!!!!' Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. Crown icon at header 'Pitch' The worst thing Sam ever had to deal with was telekinetic ducks... That's until the Grim Reaper HERSELF appears in his living room. Now Sam and Grim must work together to solve a royal mystery, before a power-hungry magician deletes free-will from the universe! Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. 'Moodboard' Spirit Rider The Royal Problem moodboard with pictures 1- a snowy village with a central snowy church 2- a ruin amongst deep snow 3- a palatial hall 4- silhouette of a grim reaper 5- a malevolent duck in snow 6- a golden crown 7- body shot of dark suited person 8- blue flames Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. 'Snippet' “Mystrum — ancient language of the magicians,” Grim said. “You’d better figure it out or ninety-percent of all spell-books on the planet will be useless to you.” “Right, yeah,” Sam muttered, wondering who else in the Palace could help him read the symbols. Then a new thought came upon him. Dare he ask? “What if you…?” “Absolutely not!” Grim said flatly, hurrying off the Terrace and back indoors. Sam followed. “Come on! You’re really good at magic! You could teach me!” “Flattery, really? Do you think I’m simple?” “Right, OK. So I guess you’re really not good at magic? Only someone who’s good at magic would want to teach me.” “Reverse psychology? Pathetic.” “How about —?” Grim whipped around, scythe raised, eyes flaming as she bellowed, “Drop it now before I tear out your tongue!” “Empty threat — you need me for bait,” Sam countered. Smirking, the fire went from her eyes and she stormed off. “It’d be improper. I’m a killer, not a teacher.” “I don’t care.” “Others might.” Then Sam finally had it. “Logic,” he said firmly. “You need me alive if you want the best chance to catch Acheron. If I knew some magic then I’d be able to look after myself better and I’d be alive longer.” Grim froze mid-step, then turned slowly, scowling at him. “You’re getting too clever.” “So you’ll do it?” Sam said eagerly. “It would be hard,” she said with a nasty smile. “Fine by me,” Sam grinned. “Very hard,” Grim said, somewhat less certainly. “Even better.
April 1, 2025 at 8:33 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
Think I've narrowed the snippet for my Agent's Guide to one of these... Trying to get in the humour, the lightness, a little magic maybe. Just need to bite the bullet and pick one!
#WritingCommunity #amquerying
Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. 'Snippet' Nearby, the Reaper nursed a campfire, but looked up when Sam moved. “Ah good, you’re still alive. I know humans sometimes die in their sleep.” The Reaper approached, scythe in hand, and offered him a stick. A mostly-burnt pink blob was speared on the end. “Eat this.” “What is it?” Sam asked, cautiously taking the offering. “The pink thing is called a marshmallow. I once saw a picture of humans cooking them over a campfire. The other part is commonly referred to as a stick. You’re not traditionally meant to eat it, but it would be a good source of fibre.” Sam nibbled a tiny bit of the marshmallow, tasted the ashy strawberry flavour — and remembered what happened last night. “You kidnapped me!” he shouted, jumping up and throwing down the stick. “And your memory is still working. Also good to know. Now calm down, will you? Your stick’s going cold.” “You need to take me home right now!” “… You’re not going to eat your stick, are you?” Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. 'Snippet' Sam doubled over in front of Grim, desperately trying to catch his breath, whilst magicians skirted around the edges of the walkway, clearly preferring the threat of a deadly fall, over coming within two feet of her. She folded over her paper and gave Sam a pointed stare. “Where in the Underworld have you been? I told you to meet me here at first light and now it’s nearly —” “No,” Sam gasped between breaths, “just... no, OK? Last night, you said ‘meet me on the bridge.’ Do you know how many stupid bridges there are in this stupid city?” He gestured frantically at the dozens of walkways and bridges joining the towers. “Well —” “Six-hundred and seventy-nine!” Sam snapped. “I counted! I’d never have found you at all if I didn’t realise magicians were going half way around the city, rather than take a bridge even close to you!” Grim grinned. “But you did find me. You lose marks for time, but did manage it before nightfall. B minus." Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. 'Snippet' At the end of the portal, a second doorway rushed to meet him and Sam tumbled out, careening across a dining table, sending dishes and plates flying in all directions as he entered a small kitchen. Getting to his feet, Grim was at his side — evidently having missed the table — whilst a man, a woman, and a young girl pressed themselves fearfully against the wall. Sam tried to brush a mixture of gravy and mashed potato from his front. “Oh, this was a tailors last time I was here,” Grim said wistfully, then finally seemed to notice the family they’d interrupted. She swept past them and out the back door with a polite, “Good evening.” Amongst mounting awkwardness, Sam squeezed around the other side of the table. “Sorry about this. Portals, you know?” He wiggled his hands in a vague representation of the unpredictable chaos of the universe, then he stumbled over a chair as he ran to catch up with Grim. Text on patchy cyan and white background, golden leaf edges. 'Snippet' “Mystrum — ancient language of the magicians,” Grim said. “You’d better figure it out or ninety-percent of all spell-books on the planet will be useless to you.” “Right, yeah,” Sam muttered, wondering who else in the Palace could help him read the symbols. Then a new thought came upon him. Dare he ask? “What if you…?” “Absolutely not!” Grim said flatly, hurrying off the Terrace and back indoors. Sam followed. “Come on! You’re really good at magic! You could teach me!” “Flattery, really? Do you think I’m simple?” “Right, OK. So I guess you’re really not good at magic? Only someone who’s good at magic would want to teach me.” “Reverse psychology? Pathetic.” “How about —?” Grim whipped around, scythe raised, eyes flaming as she bellowed, “Drop it now before I tear out your tongue!” “Empty threat — you need me for bait,” Sam countered. Smirking, the fire went from her eyes and she stormed off. “It’d be improper. I’m a killer, not a teacher.” “I don’t care.” “Others might.” Then Sam finally had it. “Logic,” he said firmly. “You need me alive if you want the best chance to catch Acheron. If I knew some magic then I’d be able to look after myself better and I’d be alive longer.” Grim froze mid-step, then turned slowly, scowling at him. “You’re getting too clever.” “So you’ll do it?” Sam said eagerly. “It would be hard,” she said with a nasty smile. “Fine by me,” Sam grinned. “Very hard,” Grim said, somewhat less certainly. “Even better.”
March 29, 2025 at 2:40 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
Spirit Rider: The Royal Problem as told in random lines from The Complete Works of Shakespeare

#UnhingedPit #Q #F #MG / #YA
A roughly painted spiral graphic over white background . Various cut-out quotes highlighted in red at differing sizes and angles: ‘Except to steal your thoughts, my gentle queen’ ‘Whom I would save’ ‘I reap at thy too cruel hand!’ ‘What black magician conjures up this To stop devoted charitable deeds?’ ‘A quest of thoughts, all tenants to the heart’ ‘a duck’
March 28, 2025 at 3:34 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
There’s something very pure and artistic (and occasionally necessary) about writing by hand. Except then comes the part when I nEeD tO tYpE iT aLl Up!!!!!
I’m fine. It’s fine…
#WritingCommunity #amwriting
A spread of many handwritten Not Technically Ghosts pages
March 22, 2025 at 4:25 PM
jamesfinegan.bsky.social
Added to my notice-board collection!! Allowed me to meticulously spread out my Not Technically Ghosts notes so everything fits chronologically 🤤
#WritingCommunity #amwriting
Four cork/notice boards of varying sizes on a beige wall, covered in scraps of note pages relating to Not Technically Ghosts
February 25, 2025 at 7:43 PM