Jay Heltzer
@jayheltzer.bsky.social
Writer of fiction, microfiction and #5amWritersClub devotee, w/ some bass trombone on the side.
I love humor, good humans, and creativity. I ask of at least one from everyone, but all three is fine too.
Low Notes: https://jayheltzer.substack.com
I love humor, good humans, and creativity. I ask of at least one from everyone, but all three is fine too.
Low Notes: https://jayheltzer.substack.com
Hey #WritingCommunity, since everything sucks, make it better by w/ a Virtual Donut Party this Fri, 10/17, 5am ET.
Are you a poet and you didn't even know it?
We're talking poetry and song lyrics. You don't have to be a poetic expert. Come learn and discuss w/ the #5amWritersClub
DM for the Zoom.
Are you a poet and you didn't even know it?
We're talking poetry and song lyrics. You don't have to be a poetic expert. Come learn and discuss w/ the #5amWritersClub
DM for the Zoom.
October 15, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Hey #WritingCommunity, since everything sucks, make it better by w/ a Virtual Donut Party this Fri, 10/17, 5am ET.
Are you a poet and you didn't even know it?
We're talking poetry and song lyrics. You don't have to be a poetic expert. Come learn and discuss w/ the #5amWritersClub
DM for the Zoom.
Are you a poet and you didn't even know it?
We're talking poetry and song lyrics. You don't have to be a poetic expert. Come learn and discuss w/ the #5amWritersClub
DM for the Zoom.
It's no myth! There's another #5amWritersClub Virtual Donut Party this Friday 9/26 at 5am ET.
RETELLING MYTHS: what kinds, what types, how to adapt, how to recapture. Join us as Shawn Anderson and Betsy Ellor take us through their process to recreate your favorite myths.
DM for the Zoom.
RETELLING MYTHS: what kinds, what types, how to adapt, how to recapture. Join us as Shawn Anderson and Betsy Ellor take us through their process to recreate your favorite myths.
DM for the Zoom.
September 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM
It's no myth! There's another #5amWritersClub Virtual Donut Party this Friday 9/26 at 5am ET.
RETELLING MYTHS: what kinds, what types, how to adapt, how to recapture. Join us as Shawn Anderson and Betsy Ellor take us through their process to recreate your favorite myths.
DM for the Zoom.
RETELLING MYTHS: what kinds, what types, how to adapt, how to recapture. Join us as Shawn Anderson and Betsy Ellor take us through their process to recreate your favorite myths.
DM for the Zoom.
Here it is, the 1st draft of my next book. It looks great but Act 3 doesn't resolve (yet), character arcs aren't logical (yet), the protag doesn't change enough (yet), but it's here, and ready for the #5amWritersClub retreat this weekend. See y'all next week on the other side of #JourneytoJupiter!
September 17, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Here it is, the 1st draft of my next book. It looks great but Act 3 doesn't resolve (yet), character arcs aren't logical (yet), the protag doesn't change enough (yet), but it's here, and ready for the #5amWritersClub retreat this weekend. See y'all next week on the other side of #JourneytoJupiter!
The next #5amWritersClub Virtual Donut Party is TOMORROW! Fri 9/5 at 5am ET on Zoom.
We're talking about THE VARIOUS PATHS TO PUBLICATION. Perfect for those of you, like me, who want to know what all the options are.
Join us, will you? DM for the Zoom link.
We're talking about THE VARIOUS PATHS TO PUBLICATION. Perfect for those of you, like me, who want to know what all the options are.
Join us, will you? DM for the Zoom link.
September 4, 2025 at 9:38 AM
The next #5amWritersClub Virtual Donut Party is TOMORROW! Fri 9/5 at 5am ET on Zoom.
We're talking about THE VARIOUS PATHS TO PUBLICATION. Perfect for those of you, like me, who want to know what all the options are.
Join us, will you? DM for the Zoom link.
We're talking about THE VARIOUS PATHS TO PUBLICATION. Perfect for those of you, like me, who want to know what all the options are.
Join us, will you? DM for the Zoom link.
Who wants to discuss the ART OF THE GENRE SENTENCE?
At this weeks VDP (Fri 8/15 5am ET) we'll look at sentences that intro a character, describe a setting, or establish conflict, & how they vary between genres.
Set your alarm, bring a few fave examples, & Zoom in w/ us and the #5amWritersClub
At this weeks VDP (Fri 8/15 5am ET) we'll look at sentences that intro a character, describe a setting, or establish conflict, & how they vary between genres.
Set your alarm, bring a few fave examples, & Zoom in w/ us and the #5amWritersClub
August 13, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Who wants to discuss the ART OF THE GENRE SENTENCE?
At this weeks VDP (Fri 8/15 5am ET) we'll look at sentences that intro a character, describe a setting, or establish conflict, & how they vary between genres.
Set your alarm, bring a few fave examples, & Zoom in w/ us and the #5amWritersClub
At this weeks VDP (Fri 8/15 5am ET) we'll look at sentences that intro a character, describe a setting, or establish conflict, & how they vary between genres.
Set your alarm, bring a few fave examples, & Zoom in w/ us and the #5amWritersClub
This week's #5amWritersClub VDP is for all you short story submitters. Join us 7/25 @ 5amET via Zoom as we talk about
· Market Research
· Submission Requirements
· Manuscript Formatting
· Anthologies, Contests & Journals
· Awards Eligibility
· Author’s Rights
and more!
· Market Research
· Submission Requirements
· Manuscript Formatting
· Anthologies, Contests & Journals
· Awards Eligibility
· Author’s Rights
and more!
July 22, 2025 at 10:01 AM
This week's #5amWritersClub VDP is for all you short story submitters. Join us 7/25 @ 5amET via Zoom as we talk about
· Market Research
· Submission Requirements
· Manuscript Formatting
· Anthologies, Contests & Journals
· Awards Eligibility
· Author’s Rights
and more!
· Market Research
· Submission Requirements
· Manuscript Formatting
· Anthologies, Contests & Journals
· Awards Eligibility
· Author’s Rights
and more!
I've been at the #5amWritersClub each morning for the past week but, bah, it hasn't been great...
And that's okay.
One more week of int'l stardom at the #BaselTattoo before returning to normalcy. Or maybe, a creative rush is just around the corner. Only one way to find out... write on!
And that's okay.
One more week of int'l stardom at the #BaselTattoo before returning to normalcy. Or maybe, a creative rush is just around the corner. Only one way to find out... write on!
July 14, 2025 at 5:37 AM
I've been at the #5amWritersClub each morning for the past week but, bah, it hasn't been great...
And that's okay.
One more week of int'l stardom at the #BaselTattoo before returning to normalcy. Or maybe, a creative rush is just around the corner. Only one way to find out... write on!
And that's okay.
One more week of int'l stardom at the #BaselTattoo before returning to normalcy. Or maybe, a creative rush is just around the corner. Only one way to find out... write on!
My brain is still spinning from watching "The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical" yesterday. This play shouldn't exist and yet, they masterfully captured the madness of his mind and put it on stage.
Bringing his influence to today's #5amWritersClub, without destroying my liver.
Bringing his influence to today's #5amWritersClub, without destroying my liver.
June 29, 2025 at 9:44 AM
My brain is still spinning from watching "The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical" yesterday. This play shouldn't exist and yet, they masterfully captured the madness of his mind and put it on stage.
Bringing his influence to today's #5amWritersClub, without destroying my liver.
Bringing his influence to today's #5amWritersClub, without destroying my liver.
Writing Goal #3
Have a book release with tons of swag! (Doll Parts by @pennyzang.bsky.social, 8/26/25!)
Writing Goal #4
Enlist a passionate street team to shout out about your upcoming book release.
#5amWritersClub, where we try to be like Penny Zang!
Have a book release with tons of swag! (Doll Parts by @pennyzang.bsky.social, 8/26/25!)
Writing Goal #4
Enlist a passionate street team to shout out about your upcoming book release.
#5amWritersClub, where we try to be like Penny Zang!
May 29, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Writing Goal #3
Have a book release with tons of swag! (Doll Parts by @pennyzang.bsky.social, 8/26/25!)
Writing Goal #4
Enlist a passionate street team to shout out about your upcoming book release.
#5amWritersClub, where we try to be like Penny Zang!
Have a book release with tons of swag! (Doll Parts by @pennyzang.bsky.social, 8/26/25!)
Writing Goal #4
Enlist a passionate street team to shout out about your upcoming book release.
#5amWritersClub, where we try to be like Penny Zang!
Not a fancy expensive pen, but a classy one all the same.
May 25, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Not a fancy expensive pen, but a classy one all the same.
We did it again! Brought the #5amWritersClub together for another Virtual Donut Party where we shared knowledge, clapped for each other, and left inspired.
Be jealous or be there next time.
Be jealous or be there next time.
May 2, 2025 at 11:46 AM
We did it again! Brought the #5amWritersClub together for another Virtual Donut Party where we shared knowledge, clapped for each other, and left inspired.
Be jealous or be there next time.
Be jealous or be there next time.
And we've got guest faculty too! Wanna learn from the best? @ralphwalker.bsky.social @juliafgreen.bsky.social @pennyzang.bsky.social and Caroline Manring! Click back to the OP, fill out the form, block your calendar and LFG to Jupiter!
#5amWritersClub #WritersRetreat
#5amWritersClub #WritersRetreat
April 7, 2025 at 10:13 AM
And we've got guest faculty too! Wanna learn from the best? @ralphwalker.bsky.social @juliafgreen.bsky.social @pennyzang.bsky.social and Caroline Manring! Click back to the OP, fill out the form, block your calendar and LFG to Jupiter!
#5amWritersClub #WritersRetreat
#5amWritersClub #WritersRetreat
Hey, #5amWritersClub, we've got another Virtual Donut Party this Friday, March 21 at 5 am ET. We're going loosey-goosey with an open hang/Q&A/talk shop kind of morning.
Here's your chance to meet some of your favorite morning writers. DM me for the Zoom link and show up.
Here's your chance to meet some of your favorite morning writers. DM me for the Zoom link and show up.
March 19, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Hey, #5amWritersClub, we've got another Virtual Donut Party this Friday, March 21 at 5 am ET. We're going loosey-goosey with an open hang/Q&A/talk shop kind of morning.
Here's your chance to meet some of your favorite morning writers. DM me for the Zoom link and show up.
Here's your chance to meet some of your favorite morning writers. DM me for the Zoom link and show up.
Virtual Donut Parties are the best part of your totally free membership into the #5amWritersClub. Love these people. We're talking indie bookstores today. Be jealous!
February 7, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Virtual Donut Parties are the best part of your totally free membership into the #5amWritersClub. Love these people. We're talking indie bookstores today. Be jealous!
My first book love was The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster (1929-2021) & illustrated by Jules Feiffer. On news of Feiffer's recent passing (1/17/25), I remind you to find the book that amazed you that made you first say "I didn't know you could do that!"
RIP!
#5amWritersClub
RIP!
#5amWritersClub
January 21, 2025 at 12:31 PM
My first book love was The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster (1929-2021) & illustrated by Jules Feiffer. On news of Feiffer's recent passing (1/17/25), I remind you to find the book that amazed you that made you first say "I didn't know you could do that!"
RIP!
#5amWritersClub
RIP!
#5amWritersClub
Gearing up for another writing session with my favorite #GreenLantern magic mug.
#5amWritersClub, where surprises still lurk, waiting for the heat of the moment to bring them out.
#5amWritersClub, where surprises still lurk, waiting for the heat of the moment to bring them out.
January 21, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Gearing up for another writing session with my favorite #GreenLantern magic mug.
#5amWritersClub, where surprises still lurk, waiting for the heat of the moment to bring them out.
#5amWritersClub, where surprises still lurk, waiting for the heat of the moment to bring them out.
A good time was had by all!
I love my #5amWritersClub!
Thanks @hoosusannah.bsky.social for being a fantastic and brilliant co-host!
I love my #5amWritersClub!
Thanks @hoosusannah.bsky.social for being a fantastic and brilliant co-host!
January 17, 2025 at 12:07 PM
A good time was had by all!
I love my #5amWritersClub!
Thanks @hoosusannah.bsky.social for being a fantastic and brilliant co-host!
I love my #5amWritersClub!
Thanks @hoosusannah.bsky.social for being a fantastic and brilliant co-host!
January 17, 2025 at 9:58 AM
That’s looks a lot nicer than my dinky little space heater.
January 15, 2025 at 10:51 AM
That’s looks a lot nicer than my dinky little space heater.
Feels like I haven't had a genuine snow day in forever.
Dear brain, please engage with my WIP all day. Thnx.
#5amWritersClub, where snow + quiet makes the perfect setting to #MakeThingsWorse in your story.
Dear brain, please engage with my WIP all day. Thnx.
#5amWritersClub, where snow + quiet makes the perfect setting to #MakeThingsWorse in your story.
January 6, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Feels like I haven't had a genuine snow day in forever.
Dear brain, please engage with my WIP all day. Thnx.
#5amWritersClub, where snow + quiet makes the perfect setting to #MakeThingsWorse in your story.
Dear brain, please engage with my WIP all day. Thnx.
#5amWritersClub, where snow + quiet makes the perfect setting to #MakeThingsWorse in your story.
Happy Holidays!
Still up early? You can always write.
#5amWritersClub, where your body clock invites you to be creative, even on holidays.
Still up early? You can always write.
#5amWritersClub, where your body clock invites you to be creative, even on holidays.
December 25, 2024 at 9:39 AM
Happy Holidays!
Still up early? You can always write.
#5amWritersClub, where your body clock invites you to be creative, even on holidays.
Still up early? You can always write.
#5amWritersClub, where your body clock invites you to be creative, even on holidays.
The next #5amWritersClub Virtual Donut Party is Friday, 12/27/24 at 5am ET.
By then, you'll be overwhelmed by your TBR tower, sick of invading family, and you'll want to return to chatting about craft at 5am, like normal people.
Join us for a free-form, open mic chat about writing. DM for the Zoom
By then, you'll be overwhelmed by your TBR tower, sick of invading family, and you'll want to return to chatting about craft at 5am, like normal people.
Join us for a free-form, open mic chat about writing. DM for the Zoom
December 21, 2024 at 5:47 PM
The next #5amWritersClub Virtual Donut Party is Friday, 12/27/24 at 5am ET.
By then, you'll be overwhelmed by your TBR tower, sick of invading family, and you'll want to return to chatting about craft at 5am, like normal people.
Join us for a free-form, open mic chat about writing. DM for the Zoom
By then, you'll be overwhelmed by your TBR tower, sick of invading family, and you'll want to return to chatting about craft at 5am, like normal people.
Join us for a free-form, open mic chat about writing. DM for the Zoom
Today is “supposed“ to be different. It’s Saturday, first day of winter, first day of winter break, blah blah blah…
That’s a great story. Now, write another one.
#5amWritersClub, where it’s early enough that calendars don’t matter.
That’s a great story. Now, write another one.
#5amWritersClub, where it’s early enough that calendars don’t matter.
December 21, 2024 at 10:05 AM
Today is “supposed“ to be different. It’s Saturday, first day of winter, first day of winter break, blah blah blah…
That’s a great story. Now, write another one.
#5amWritersClub, where it’s early enough that calendars don’t matter.
That’s a great story. Now, write another one.
#5amWritersClub, where it’s early enough that calendars don’t matter.
Time to face this SHIT day head on! (So Happy It's Thursday!)
As you enter the #5amWritersClub, may your mug be warm, your words cold as ice, and your imagination cruel enough to make things worse for your characters.
Go! Sip! Write!
As you enter the #5amWritersClub, may your mug be warm, your words cold as ice, and your imagination cruel enough to make things worse for your characters.
Go! Sip! Write!
December 19, 2024 at 9:32 AM
Time to face this SHIT day head on! (So Happy It's Thursday!)
As you enter the #5amWritersClub, may your mug be warm, your words cold as ice, and your imagination cruel enough to make things worse for your characters.
Go! Sip! Write!
As you enter the #5amWritersClub, may your mug be warm, your words cold as ice, and your imagination cruel enough to make things worse for your characters.
Go! Sip! Write!