M.A. Ruth
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maruthauthor.bsky.social
M.A. Ruth
@maruthauthor.bsky.social
250 followers 220 following 440 posts
M.A. Ruth is a college English adjunct. They have an MFA in creative writing and a BA in English-minor in Gender Studies. M.A. Ruth writes poetry and YA novels.

Website: melruth.com
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Reposted by M.A. Ruth
marinestjean.bsky.social
#SapphicSnips *rare*
Josh is trying.
#lesfic #sapphic
“She could tell me,” Josh started, but Kyle held up his hand. “Why would she do that? She barely knows you. And you tell everyone everything.” Josh’s mouth hung open, “But Lisa…” “If she’s friends with Lisa, she’s in a very rare group ‘cause Pat has only two settings – ignore and attack. And if she’s attacking you, she likes you better than if she’s ignoring you.” Kyle shrugged. “I don’t even think she can talk to anyone without mocking them to keep up a wall of plausible deniability. Maybe if she’d had a normal childhood, she’d be different, but she’s not.” Josh stared at his beer. It had no more answers than he did.
September 28, 2025 at 8:36 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
Has anyone had any success as a freelance writer through Upwork? I am in need of work, and am wondering if it is worth it.

#writing #amwriting #writingcommunity
August 28, 2025 at 7:53 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
#Wednesday #HumpDay #indieauthors #WritingCommunity #snippetshare #WritingQ #Snippets

Page 133 from Inferno
August 13, 2025 at 5:38 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
Got hired as a ghostwriter so probably putting my WIP on hold for a little bit.

But I’ll still be writing fiction, so I’m happy with it.
August 11, 2025 at 10:07 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips Real
was coming down off his last fix, was pocketing funeral home decor. I’m not sure how much he’d get for silver lined picture frames and brass candlesticks, but he seemed to think it was enough to be worth possibly getting caught. I couldn’t help but wonder why nobody questioned his choice in clothing. The trench coat was bad enough, but the zoot suit style jacket and baggy pants with large pockets should have been a dead giveaway. Though I must admit, I kind of liked the jacket. Had a real retro feel, you know? Anyway, by the time I was buried—which let me tell you I was not happy about, I wanted to be cremated with my ashes made into a tree, or, placed on a wooden boat, set on fire, and pushed out to sea—I was more than happy for the reaper to come take me away. Which he did. Let me just say, I was extremely disappointed that my reaper ended up being a pockmarked tween with large glasses rather than a sexy, solemn woman. I would have followed her anywhere. Instead, I followed the nerd through my closet door that somehow morphed into a portal into Limbo, which raised a lot of questions. I knew he was a reaper because he showed me his official Reaper Identification Card…his RIC if you would… but I thought reapers were supposed to be black robed skeleton monsters that carried scythes and said clipped, jarring things like “Follow the River Styx,” or some crap like that. But this reaper appeared to be human. If that’s the case, then how does one become a reaper? Is it like a job you can apply for? Do you need special training? Is there a Reaper college? How many years of experience do you need for an entry level position? “Is that a pocket protector?” I’d never seen one in real life, but I’d heard about them. Apparently, they do in fact exist.
August 11, 2025 at 2:15 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
#QueerWriters

My main goal is 5pages per day Monday through Friday. Weekends are hard to write during.

#Goals #WritingCommunity #AmWriting
rjmartinwrites.com 🏳️‍🌈RJ Martin - Queer. Cat Parent. Author. @rjmartinwrites.com · Aug 11
#QueerWriters #Goals

Just keep writing. Just keep writing.

#WritingCommunity #LGBTQWriters
amaralynn.bsky.social AmaraJLynn💎🌌🌺BACK NOW: GEMS & STAR FLOWERS! @amaralynn.bsky.social · Aug 11
#queerwriters Monday: Goals Day!

What do you hope to accomplish this week? Can be anything, big or small! Let us know so we can cheer you on!

#WritingCommunity #lgbtqwriters
August 11, 2025 at 2:12 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
Nope! While I do enjoy certain tropes, I tend to just go with what feels right in the moment. Especially when writing.

#PretendPanel
karamoonauthor.com Kara Moon (the artist formerly known as Hiria Dunning) @karamoonauthor.com · Aug 9
#pretendpanel it's time for another of those divisive questions...

August 9th: Do you think in tropes when selecting what you want to read and/or write?

#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
#pretendpanel a daily prompt tag hosted by @hiriadunning.bsky.social August 9th: Do you think in tropes when selecting what you want to read and/or write? Please support your fellow #pretentpanel posters with replies, likes and reposts New #pretendpanel questions every Friday and Saturday. Hop in any time!
August 9, 2025 at 12:56 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
But not me, no, I was buzzed off the Hellquartz and felt like I could run a marathon, even if our earlier run in with Pluto said differently. Luckily, the cave-ins stayed in the same areas, and by the time we reached the fork, the tunnels were back to normal. Just dustier. Determining that we were safe, we decided to take a break. Ash and Ty sat Ben down so they could catch their breath. Ally came to lean beside me on the wall, reaching out a hand to brush a stray lock of hair from my face. “Are you okay? What happened?” I started to answer her then stopped. In my mad rush to escape I had forgotten about the cloak girl. “There was a girl…a cloak…she…” I looked around at our group and realized she wasn’t with us. “She’s gone.” I prayed she hadn’t gotten trapped when the floor caved in. Ally twisted her face in confusion, and it dawned on me that none of them had seen this girl before. “What girl?” I didn’t mind telling Ally the truth, but I wasn’t sure how much I could trust Ben, or even the others, so I shook my head in answer. “I’ll tell you later.” Ally didn’t look happy about it, but she knew better than to push and just nodded her understanding. Once we finished resting, we made our way back out of the cave. A relieved looking Mont rushed to greet us, Rodney and Katerina were nowhere to be seen. Mont went to help Ben, but Ben shook him off, preferring instead to try and walk on his own. I could tell that Mont was hurt by Ben’s coldness, but he tried to hide it and followed Ben back towards the houses in silence. I wasn’t sure what happened between them, but by the guilty look on Ty’s face, I had a feeling he was involved. It was a good thing Mont followed him, because about halfway back Ben collapsed and Mont ended up having to carry him the rest of the way to the infirmary.
August 9, 2025 at 12:54 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
#SummerOfStory

My book is based off Dante’s Inferno so the symbols and motifs were par for the course.

I didn’t add any to my second project though… at least I don’t think so.
cfranciswrites.bsky.social Charlotte Francis @cfranciswrites.bsky.social · Aug 8
Hello #SummerOfStory!

Day 8: Motifs and Symbols

The secret backbone of stories, or just fancy literary dressing? Do you plan them out, or do they sneak in by accident?

NB: These ideas are not my own. I'm not trying to tell anyone how to write, just prompt discussion.

#WritingPrompt
1: Title, Date, & Prompt Introduction A large, torn piece of lined paper displays the text "August 8th" at the top and the writing prompt "Motifs & Symbols" in bold, handwritten script. In the lower left, there’s a vintage typewriter with a note reading "TOOLS not RULES". A speech bubble on the right asks prompt questions about the use of motifs and symbols, and a blue butterfly motif appears beside it. The background is filled with palm fronds in teal tones. Transcription: August 8th Motifs & Symbols What’s your take on this writing technique? Have you used it before – or do you avoid it? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or tell us how you’d use it in a scene. 2: What and Why A torn sheet of lined paper with "What?" and "Why?" highlighted on strips of paper. This slide explains the difference between a symbol and a motif. A blue butterfly decorates the top right, with palm fronds as the backdrop. Transcription: What? A Symbol is a concrete element in a story (an object, person, sound, image) that is used to hint at a deeper idea or theme. It’s different to a Motif, which is when a distinctive feature or idea is repeated several times throughout a book to reinforce theme or mood. A symbol might only be used once, but a motif is defined by its repetition. Why? Symbols and motifs help readers connect with your work, reinforce key themes, and create deeper, more layered storytelling that resonates with shared human experience. 3: In Practice A grid of squared paper introduces "Motifs and Symbols in '1984'". On the left, under "Motif", there’s an image of a "Big Brother is Watching You" poster. Below, text explains how Big Brother functions as a motif. On the right, under "Symbol", there’s a photo of a glass paperweight being held in hands. The background includes palm fronds and a blue butterfly. Transcription: Motifs and Symbols in "1984" Motif: Big Brother functions as a motif by repeatedly appearing throughout the novel to symbolise the Party’s constant surveillance and psychological control. Appearing on posters, screens, and in discussion, Big Brother reinforces the themes of authoritarianism, manipulation, and the erasure of individuality. Symbol: The paperweight symbolises the fragile, enclosed world Winston shares with Julia and his longing for a past untouched by the Party. When it shatters, it marks the destruction of their relationship and the collapse of their brief escape from oppression. 4: What do you think? A large torn sheet of paper poses questions to the community about using motifs and symbols in writing, whether they develop naturally or are planned, and invites examples or snippets. The "TOOLS not RULES" speech bubble and blue butterfly are included on the right. The background is teal with palm fronds. Transcription: What do you think? Do you use motifs and symbols in your own writing? Do they develop naturally, or do you plan them ahead of time? Have you ever cut one that wasn’t working, or discovered one you didn’t know you’d written? Or do you take a different approach altogether? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or share an example you love (or hate). Hot takes welcome – just please don’t set anyone on fire!
August 9, 2025 at 12:29 AM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
#QueerWritersChat

Hiiiiiiii

I’m Mel aka MA. I am working on my second project which is kind of like Scooby Doo meets Riverdale meets the newer Power Rangers movie.
theodoresnapdragon.bsky.social Theo Transcendragons @theodoresnapdragon.bsky.social · Aug 9
Welcome to #QueerWritersChat! Thanks for participating!

To start things off, introduce yourself and tell us what you're working on! Feel free to also mention your favorite part of summer :)

Next question at :10!

@amaralynn.bsky.social #QueerWriters #writesky #writers #writingq #lgbtq
QueerWritersChat Question One: Introduce yourself and your current project Hosts: @amaralynn and @theodoresnapdragon Every Friday 8pm EST All LGBTQIAP writers and allies welcome Background: gray wood with multicolor art supplies around the border.
August 9, 2025 at 12:25 AM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
I identify with my heroes more. I put so much of myself into my MC. She’s basically a fragment of me.
susansavagelee.bsky.social Susan Savage Lee @susansavagelee.bsky.social · Aug 8
Do you identify more with your heroes or villains? For me, it’s always the heroes #writingq #WritingCommunity
August 8, 2025 at 8:51 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
#QueerPrompts free Friday

Enjoy the opening to my book

Fun fact: Ro never specifies she’s lesbian, just falls hard for Ally throughout the book.

#QueerWriters #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #WriteSky
August 8, 2025 at 2:11 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
#SpphicLineShare #wip #lesficfri #queerwriters

This scene isn’t very sapphic but the MCs are.
August 8, 2025 at 2:05 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
#MythAugust

I wasn’t doing these then realized my book is based on Dante’s Inferno which can be considered mythic.

Demonology is very important in this novel. My favorite is Belphegar, mostly because the name is fun to say haha.

I can’t say more without giving away a plot twist. 😬
professoremily.bsky.social Prof Emily @professoremily.bsky.social · Aug 8
#MythAugust Day 8

For the next 7 days, choose one god/spirit in particular to yap about in detail. 😊

Give us a basic intro to this god. Who are they? Why did you pick them? Keep in mind we'll be going more in depth about them throughout the next week!

#WritingCommunity #Writers #Writesky
#MythAugust prompt for Aug 8: Choose one specific god or spirit to yap about & introduce them! If you want to do multiple gods, feel free to make multiple posts. Background image features a classic painting of Thor wielding his hammer with lightning, about to smote his enemies. Below the hashtag in small text it says "Presented by @professoremily.bsky.social." At the bottom of the image in small text it says "Feel free to yap about a fantasy mythology you already have, or use these prompts to create a new one! Don't forget to interact with others :-)"
August 8, 2025 at 1:57 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
#PretendPanel

Stupid thumbs lol
maruthauthor.bsky.social M.A. Ruth @maruthauthor.bsky.social · Aug 8
#PremtendPanel

It’s funny, my two projects couldn’t be more different from each other.

Inferno is a romantasy and PHMC is a mystery. Both YA. I guess you could say YA is my favorite genre.At least to write.
karamoonauthor.com Kara Moon (the artist formerly known as Hiria Dunning) @karamoonauthor.com · Aug 8
#pretendpanel, continuing on our reader/writer topic, I'm going to ask a question that I will struggle to answer... I'm so bad at picking favourites!

August 8th: Do you have favourite genres to read and/or write?

#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
August 8, 2025 at 1:55 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
#PremtendPanel

It’s funny, my two projects couldn’t be more different from each other.

Inferno is a romantasy and PHMC is a mystery. Both YA. I guess you could say YA is my favorite genre.At least to write.
karamoonauthor.com Kara Moon (the artist formerly known as Hiria Dunning) @karamoonauthor.com · Aug 8
#pretendpanel, continuing on our reader/writer topic, I'm going to ask a question that I will struggle to answer... I'm so bad at picking favourites!

August 8th: Do you have favourite genres to read and/or write?

#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
#pretendpanel a daily prompt tag hosted by @hiriadunning.bsky.social August 8th: Do you have favourite genres to read and/or write? Please support your fellow #pretentpanel posters with replies, likes and reposts New #pretendpanel questions every Friday and Saturday. Hop in any time!
August 8, 2025 at 1:54 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
Didn’t have frequent so went with repeat.

#WIPSnips #WritingSky #WritingPrompt #WriteSky #AmWriting #WritingCommunity
August 7, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Reposted by M.A. Ruth
joannechocolat.bsky.social
Unsolicited writing advice, no: 760:
Not all writing happens at your desk. Thinking, planning, noticing, asking questions, reading, researching, dreaming - all can be part of the process.
(Also, tea.)
August 7, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Reposted by M.A. Ruth
m-walshwrites.com
Katrina Lamont used to the Chosen One. She had a destiny that she fulfilled.

But everyone died anyway.

Now, she's a drifter. A drunk. A broken woman waiting to die.

She'll get worse before she gets better.

#QuestPit #P #A #SFF
Mood board for KATRINA LAMONT of the fantasy novel series GRAYLANDS. Images emphasize her brooding, somber and potentially violent character with hints of her noble and tragic past as a failed chosen one and fallen princess. Top Row - a woman, played by Nell Tiger Free in THE FIRST OMEN, lies curled on a bed and looks troubled - a woman, played by Kristen Stewart in SNOW WHITE & THE HUNTSMAN, stands in battle armor with a shield - a woman, played by Krysten Ritter in JESSICA JONES, drinks from a bottle of liquor Second Row - the ruined head of a statue depicting a king lies in the woods - a woman, played by Nell Tiger Free in THE FIRST OMEN, is in bed with a hangover and looks haggard - a moody forest Third Row - a woman, played by Samara Weaving in READY OR NOT, smokes a cigarette while covered in blood - a woman, played by Alexandra Daddario in WE SUMMON THE DARKNESS, grins maniacally while holding a lit lighter - a woman, played by Melissa Barrera in SCREAM 5, holds a knife with blood splattered on her face
August 6, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Reposted by M.A. Ruth
goodwords.bsky.social
POTIONS UNINCORPORATED

Think HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE x THE SPELLSHOP

💜 Chronic Illness Rep
🌱 Plant Magic
💚 Bisexual Witches
🐈‍⬛ A Snarky Familiar
😈 Evil Pharmaceutical Potion Company
☀️ Grumpy X Sunshine Romance
☕ Cozy Vibes

#QuestPit #Q #A #R #F #chronicillnessrep #ownvoices #LGBTQ #cozyfantasy
Potions Unincorporated is written on a black journal with ivy stems and a mushroom on the cover. The tropes are listed with arrows on the right side: Grumpy x Sunshine, Found Family, Evil Pharma Potion Company, Plant Magic, Chronic Illness Rep, Cozy Vibes The Pitch is written on a lavender field background: A curmudgeonly witch with a chronic illness must work with a cheerful thief to stand up to a greedy pharmaceutical company A garden of comps is written on a leaf. The background is brown soil with plants next to comp titles: Legends and Lattes, The Spellshop, Howl's Moving Castle, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and Under The Whispering Door. A snippet highlights the main character's relationship with her familiar, Toad. In the snippet they discuss Linatta's ex girlfriend and Toad's hatred of hats. A book is open below the image and has wildflowers growing out of the inside spine.
August 6, 2025 at 4:04 AM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
#QuestPit

Dante’s Inferno x Sapphic YA Romantasy

When Ro ends 🆙 in Hell, she never dreams she’d be the one to save Hell from a demon uprising. With her LI, Ally, Ro travels the 9 levels searching for Lucifer’s missing sword. Will she save the day…and her heart?

🌙 Love
🌙 Adventure
🌙 Betrayal
August 6, 2025 at 11:31 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
#FantastIndiesAugust

I write mostly in the morning. It’s when I’m the most awake and least distracted as the dogs are still sleeping lol.
charliedeltawrites.bsky.social Charlie Delta @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · Aug 5
#FantasyIndiesAugust

I am definitely a night writer. Partly because I work during the day, but mainly because I have always been a night person.

Also, I engage in Bedtime Procrastination, and stay up way too late to make time for the things I enjoy.
#FantasyIndiesAugust prompts
August 5, 2025 at 10:31 PM
maruthauthor.bsky.social
Day 4: My MC 17 and since it is set after Ro dies, she will stay that age

Day 5: I honestly got inspired randomly one night and just pantsed my way through most of the story lol

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky
professoremily.bsky.social Prof Emily @professoremily.bsky.social · Aug 5
Skipped a day again, so it's a twofer today!

Day 4 - Mireia & Kena both start off at 13yo, and they'll be 18 by the end of the series. Babies ❤️

Day 5 - I made both of them up in an early brainstorming session when I was first conceptualizing my #Atlantis trilogy.

#WritingCommunity #Writesky
30 Days, 30 Facts about my MC prompt list Day 4: How old are they when your story starts? Day 5: Did you make them up for this story or have they been a part of you for longer?
August 5, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Reposted by M.A. Ruth
faythompsonauthor.bsky.social
By requesting a detailed marketing plan six months before launch you become able to organize your own marketing campaign for your novel. Marketing is all about becoming visible to your future readers. Usually by spending money for visibility access. Plan on it.

#writingcommunity #booksky #money
August 4, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Reposted by M.A. Ruth
faythompsonauthor.bsky.social
You can also find out who in your town is good at marketing. You can call them for a consult to help you generate a plan. Don't get 'sold' on them doing the work for you. Yes, you might be lazy or frightened to be responsible for your own novel marketing.

#writingcommunity #booksky #moneystuff
August 4, 2025 at 6:23 PM