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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd

@mcburnellauthor.bsky.social

2.7K followers 1K following 4.7K posts

Writer of epic fantasies. Lover of cities and odd words. Just here to tell stories. 🟦 🏳️‍⚧️they/ him https://mcburnell.itch.io/ https://books2read.com/mcburnell https://payhip.com/AuthorMCBurnell

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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · Aug 19

We're on the cusp now, friends. Climaxes waiting in the wings.

It's time to get weird: book 7 is live.

🪐📚 🌈📚 #Booksky
books2read.com/Under-a-Sign... OR mcburnell.itch.io/under-a-sign...

7) Background is a photo of a grassland under heavy stormclouds. Picture of a book cover called Under a Sign of Butterflies by MC Burnell depicting a tall man with a sword walking through a rocky grassland in the pouring rain. Text reads: The more powerful mages grow, the more they lose control. Volume 7 of the epic fantasy The Tipping World.

Dyafer had seen something flowing up the hill but not Seen it, and the explanation for this disconnect was obvious: she had imagined it, as one often did with monsters in the dark when one was scared. Because she was a mage, what she imagined became real. They had sat here at the top of this hill for days, fearful and feeling isolated, all of them waiting for this ancient power they couldn’t fight to come for them, and come it had. But it had actually been here all along, and now their fear was running riot in response.

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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 12m

I would finally take classes at the Italian longsword/ Medieval European Martial Arts dojo next door.
I would also pursue education as a sommelier entirely for fun's sake.

Bootstraps, a docuseries @bootstrapstv.bsky.social · 5h

If Universal Basic Income (UBI) were to give you more breathing room, what new hobbies or activities would you pursue that currently feel out of reach?

Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd

Kathleen Rowan 🌱 @rowanauthor.bsky.social · 20m

Gentlefolk, I give you -
the little guy of all time.

Alison Fisk @alisonfisk.bsky.social · Aug 30

Happy weekend!

From c. 3,600 years ago, here’s an ancient Egyptian bead in the form of a curled-up hedgehog! 🦔💙

Blue faience, c. 1985 -1650 BC.

National Museum of Scotland www.nms.ac.uk/search-our-c...

📷 by me

#Archaeology

My photo shows a blue spherical bead in the form of a hedgehog curled up in a defensive ball displayed on a grey background. It is made of Egyptian faience, a ceramic material with a shiny blue glaze. The hedgehog’s face, ears, feet and tail are shown in relief, and the quills are represented by black dots painted over the surface of the bead. A hole for threading runs through the sphere - it can just be seen on the right hand side of the bead. The hedgehog’s long ears suggest this is a desert hedgehog. Desert hedgehogs may have symbolized rebirth because they reappear after hibernating underground in winter. Dated c.1985 - 1650 BC. On display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 17m

It struck me this evening as I was hanging out with my dudes that AI is so unoriginal it can't even event its own weird shit. Nature already did the 'wait too many digits I don't get it how does that even work' thing, except nature's version is sweet and fuzzy.

A cat's paw, probably. White with ginger marks. The usual 4-toed foot is visible but there is another, longer toe alongside it, a tiny pinky digit growing off of it.

A cat's paw that looks like partial images of 2 cat's paws photoshopped awkwardly on top of each other. The fur is short, ginger and gray.

Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd

Aubrey 💖🏳️‍🌈 @clericofthevoid.bsky.social · 25m

My sapphic space fantasy is still on sale for ✨🌸$1 on my kofi🌸✨

Come get your cosmic lesbians holding hands while the horrors persist 🫶🏻

ko-fi.com/s/748ece637a

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Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd

Natasha O'Connor - Indie Author she/her @calling33.bsky.social · 3h

We all know there's so many amazing #indie #books out there waiting to be discovered, like gems in the rough 💎

Fortunately for you lot, we've compiled a list of some of them. Even better, they're on sale.

From rock stars to vengeful spirits, there's plenty of choice.

itch.io/b/3305/under...

📚

A collage of book covers from the bundle. Text says: Itch.io Under-rated Bundle. Oct 9 thru 13th Bringing your attention to the best books you've never heard of

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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 2h

*screeching in shared enthusiasm*

Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd

Valiant 🏳️‍⚧️ | Follow BOOM Goes the Bride on Backerkit! @valwrites.ca · 11h

OK team we fought hard yesterday & helped Aimee get uh... 17 more followers. That was the plan, i think. To increase her lead. Yayy!

Ok now let's get serious i need you to plaster this across your city. Wallpaper your house w it. Tattoo it on your forehead. Whatever it takes to WIN!!

#bookbazaar25

A square ad for my book. The cover is on the left, with a woman on a jetbike flying upsidedown reaching out to a very stoic looking woman below. Neon letters spell out BOOM GOES THE BRIDE. On the right big blue text spells out A GENRE BENDING DUOLOGY WITH FULL BORE ROMANCE. PULP SEX ACTION ANGST. A CYBER FANTASY DYSTOPIA IN SPACE. a QR below code leads to https://www.backerkit.com/c/admin/projects/boom-goes-the-bride/teaser_page/share.

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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 3h

Man did we pick a great time to adopt again. Reading the news is easier with one hand resting on the fuzz conked out beside me

Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 3h

Altho I personally love it,🤣

Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd

H.S. Kallinger (he/they) @xakana.bsky.social · 7h

We like to root for the underdogs, right? Well, here's a bundle of books that haven't received the attention they deserve.

It includes the 4th book in my Lost Humanity series, Predators! If you never got to continue past Bridges, this is your chance!

itch.io/b/3305/under...

Graphic that reads "Itch.io Under-Rated Bundle, Oct 9th-13th, Bringing attention to the best books you've never heard of." Text is brown on an off-white background with five yellow stars bordering it above and below. Around the text box are the following book covers: Predators by H.S. Kallinger, Zinmages by M.C. Burnell, The Spider's Friend by M.C. Burnell, Disappearance and Other Short Stories by PD Loupee, Memories of Sorcery and Sand by Joanna Maciejewska, Kranlian Rendezvous by Simon Wolfe, The Shadow of Arcadia by Alan K. Dell, Devil Deal by Janina Franck, The God Sun by Alan K. Dell, Water's Edge by Ellie Lieberman, The Third People by Lee Burton, The Crimson Knight by Zeta K. Pierce, The Lion by Lee Burton, Adventures In GameWorld : Game Start by Robert Rumery, All Through the House and Other Tales from a Random Place by Joachim Heijndermans, Soft Reboot by Joachim Heijndermans, Blue by Niranjan, Wizard's Debt by Niranjan, Ambushed by Natasha O'Connor, At First Belonging by Rob MacWolf, and Demon Hunters Inc : The Infestation by Robert Rumery.

Image of a redwood forest at night containing shadowy shapes with glowing eyes in the blue spaces between trees. H.S. Kallinger is written in green at the bottom. Title text, Predators, is a gradient of gray fading into blood red over the thin trees. The top reads 'Book Four of the Lost Humanity series' in white text.

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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 4h

Ready to discover your next hidden gem? Check out this amazing bundle of indies titles that don't yet have a lot of ratings on Zon or GR.

63 books for $38!!
🪐📚🩸📚
itch.io/b/3305/under...

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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 4h

Hell yeah!

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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 4h

amazing!!

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Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd

Katta Kis (she/her) @kattakis.bsky.social · 4h

Want to be one of the first fans of some great indie books? Check out this bundle on itch! Includes books from a wide selection of genres including my Pagans & Pop Stars contemporary angsty romances, Love in the Liner Notes & Love at the Rock Show.

📚💙🌈🌶️📢📦♿♾️

itch.io/b/3305/under...

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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 4h

What I like most about him is how generous he is with his time and his heart. He's convinced himself it's just duty, but he loves his people, and watching him interact with them is quietly wonderful.

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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 4h

#AwesomeCharacters
I think what makes Mairid most appealing is that he's an outsider. His peers are mean and rude to him even tho he's trying to talk sense, and who wants to be on the side of the asshole jocks?
He's also constantly scheming, and I imagine it's fun to get to be in on the secrets

Charlie Delta (has been a ghost this whole time! 👻) @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · 5h

Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters

What is your character's most endearing/compelling trait?

What is something about them that you think will make a reader invested in them and their story?

Is it also the thing you like best about them?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 5h

their fellow citizens in demanding he do better. The only alternative is what people generally call *a revolution*, and from the perspective of the person everyone assumes would then be in charge, that's a big ask. He just wants to be in love and hang out with his friends.
#PlotTober

Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 5h

#PlotTober 8
Well 1 of Jen's problems turns up out of the blue. They get like 20 minutes forewarning before it's at their stoop.
As far as the whole 'the king is a dick too busy being suspicious of our household to do his job' issue, hell. They already tried publicly shaming him and uniting their

Ange @gunsmile.bsky.social · 22h

#PlotTober Day 8: Conflicts for the MC

Answer the prompt on the card by quoting this post. Remember, answering a prompt is always optional. Even if you don't share it publicly, I hope the prompt encourages you to think about it privately.

#WritingCommunity #WritingPrompt #WriteSky

#PlotTober - a WIP plotting game by @gunsmile.bsky.social

8. What are some potential reasons the main character(s) haven't, couldn't, and/or can't pursue these goals yet? Consider other characters, backstory events, circumstances, environmental factors, etc.

Remember: Use the #PlotTober hashtag, engage with others, and have fun!

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Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd

💫Meagan Thompson-Mann is zhushing up her manuscript 🌿 @thecrumpet.bsky.social · 11h

October 8 #WIPsnips – “dungeon”

No dungeons in this snippet from “This Ends Now,” but the dank cellar of Lainey’s worst memories is where she keeps thoughts of her first, worst love. She’s forbidden herself from peeking inside—only terrors dwell there. Handsome, rotten terrors named Gregory Shipp.

The night before we left for Lost Acre, I broke one of my rules. I let myself peer inside the room I kept the bastard in, in the furthest, foulest corner of my mind’s cellar. Little Lainey lived there, too, and she was so sad, and he so awful, that I didn’t want to revisit their cheap little scenes. Nothing ever changed—the players jangled their bones the same, spoke the same, raved and cried and loved the same. There was nothing new to learn.

Looking this time through the keyhole, much seemed unchanged over the years, a bit dustier, a bit more faded. Little Lainey still made herself small, small, so small. Small enough to fit inside of him. And he—strong and tall and brilliant—reminded her in his seedy, silky tone that she hadn’t been quite as clever before he walked into her life and into her mind to sweep away the clutter. Without the clutter, there was more room for him, and wasn’t it marvelous that their thoughts and moods now echoed each other, chimed in each other’s tones? They’d become parts of one another.

Isn’t it romantic?

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Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd

University of Exeter Special Collections @exeterunispeccoll.bsky.social · 16h

Good morning to everyone but especially to all the octopuses, for today is their special day!

To celebrate World Octopus Day, here's an illustration of an octopus from the book 'The World of the Sea' by Moquin Tandon, published in 1869.

📷 Reserve 591.92 TAN

#WorldOctopusDay #OctopusDay #RareBooks

Cropped image showing an engraving of an octopus

Full-page engraving from a book. It shows an octopus lying on the seabed, with a squid and a cuttlefish coming towards. The cuttlefish is making a cloud. The engraving is captioned: 'Plate XI. A Poulpe. A Cuttle-Fish Making His Cloud. A Calmar'.

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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 5h

#OctoberWorldbuilders

Aha
ha ha
aaaaahahaha haha
I feel like his response would be something along the lines of 'thank you but I already have this convenient door to slam my hand in if I feel the need to be in pain for no good reason'

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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 5h

just got the proof of Bells ordered!!! eee there's a light at the end of the tunnel!

Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd

Deep Cuts in a Lovecraftian Vein @deepcuts.blog · 7h

"If a heavy book should fall from a tall shelf and strike your head so that you die, that is a mercy. It is quick. Some books kill their writers slowly, over months and years."
—Succo

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Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd @mcburnellauthor.bsky.social · 7h

oh hey, you can just unpin the Gemini thingy if you don't like looking at it

I can't believe that just happened it took 1 second wtf what planet do I even live on?!

Reposted by Pixies a/k/a Map Nerd

Read Indie Fantasy.com @blog.readindiefantasy.com · 7d

We've got a big announcement to make! For the entire month of November, we're going to be hosting an event celebrating indie and self-published SFF authors that we're calling... A Month of Rain and Reads!

But we'd like YOU to get involved! Find out more:
www.readindiefantasy.com/announcing-a...

A banner image showing a planner with autumnal decorations and stickers along with calligraphy spelling out A Month of Rain and Reads. There is a stack of indie books in the background and a cup of coffee.

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