Austin Worley
@amworleywriter.bsky.social
Author of Fantasy, Science Fiction, & Romance | Published Poet | Amateur Astronomer | Avid Reader
Pinned
A skull glares down from an old oak tree. A skull carved with terrible curses.
Arlise Dun knows the horror of maledictions bound in blood. Even better, she knows how to break them. But if she's to save an innocent mother-to-be, she may have to endanger her own infant daughter...
Out on Dec. 19th!
Arlise Dun knows the horror of maledictions bound in blood. Even better, she knows how to break them. But if she's to save an innocent mother-to-be, she may have to endanger her own infant daughter...
Out on Dec. 19th!
Day 20 #DecemberWorldbuilders
The Tyrian Dominion is heavily reliant on slavery, from all kinds of manual labor to human sacrifices to fuel for blood rituals.
Almost everywhere else, it’s extremely illegal and despised due to the historical abuses of the Old Tyrian Dominion.
The Tyrian Dominion is heavily reliant on slavery, from all kinds of manual labor to human sacrifices to fuel for blood rituals.
Almost everywhere else, it’s extremely illegal and despised due to the historical abuses of the Old Tyrian Dominion.
#DecemberWorldbuilders, tell me honestly: how dark and dystopian is your world? Do they have slavery there? Is it based on anything like race, sex, or class? Can a person be freed? How bad is it for them?
December 20, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Day 20 #DecemberWorldbuilders
The Tyrian Dominion is heavily reliant on slavery, from all kinds of manual labor to human sacrifices to fuel for blood rituals.
Almost everywhere else, it’s extremely illegal and despised due to the historical abuses of the Old Tyrian Dominion.
The Tyrian Dominion is heavily reliant on slavery, from all kinds of manual labor to human sacrifices to fuel for blood rituals.
Almost everywhere else, it’s extremely illegal and despised due to the historical abuses of the Old Tyrian Dominion.
December 20, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Day 19 #DecemberWorldbuilders
Outside of Tyria and a few other areas, there are tons of paid servants. Most labor in noble and merchant households, but there are a lot of folk like laundresses who sell domestic services in cities.
Outside of Tyria and a few other areas, there are tons of paid servants. Most labor in noble and merchant households, but there are a lot of folk like laundresses who sell domestic services in cities.
#DecemberWorldbuilders. Hello, friends! In your world, are there people who make a living by helping with everyday chores? Paid servants or some kind of employee of the state whose job is to do routine tasks other people don't want to do?
December 20, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Day 19 #DecemberWorldbuilders
Outside of Tyria and a few other areas, there are tons of paid servants. Most labor in noble and merchant households, but there are a lot of folk like laundresses who sell domestic services in cities.
Outside of Tyria and a few other areas, there are tons of paid servants. Most labor in noble and merchant households, but there are a lot of folk like laundresses who sell domestic services in cities.
Reposted by Austin Worley
#DecemberWorldbuilders. Hello, friends! In your world, are there people who make a living by helping with everyday chores? Paid servants or some kind of employee of the state whose job is to do routine tasks other people don't want to do?
December 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#DecemberWorldbuilders. Hello, friends! In your world, are there people who make a living by helping with everyday chores? Paid servants or some kind of employee of the state whose job is to do routine tasks other people don't want to do?
Day 19 #FantasyIndiesDecember
Free Friday: It’s been a fantastic week, crowned by the standalone rerelease of “The Skull in the Tree”
This novelette is one of my favorite of my own stories, so I’m so happy to share it with the world in the form it deserves!
Free Friday: It’s been a fantastic week, crowned by the standalone rerelease of “The Skull in the Tree”
This novelette is one of my favorite of my own stories, so I’m so happy to share it with the world in the form it deserves!
December 20, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Day 19 #FantasyIndiesDecember
Free Friday: It’s been a fantastic week, crowned by the standalone rerelease of “The Skull in the Tree”
This novelette is one of my favorite of my own stories, so I’m so happy to share it with the world in the form it deserves!
Free Friday: It’s been a fantastic week, crowned by the standalone rerelease of “The Skull in the Tree”
This novelette is one of my favorite of my own stories, so I’m so happy to share it with the world in the form it deserves!
Day 18 #DecemberWorldbuilders
Maintenance for weapons and armor is a big one for Arlise, especially since she’s so often out in the elements. She also takes the lead on care for her unit’s mounts and pack animals, as she’s good with horses, mules, and donkeys
Maintenance for weapons and armor is a big one for Arlise, especially since she’s so often out in the elements. She also takes the lead on care for her unit’s mounts and pack animals, as she’s good with horses, mules, and donkeys
#DecemberWorldbuilders. What tasks does your MC (or another important character) have to do on a regular basis? Do they have a house to keep clean? Adventuring gear to upkeep? Animals to care for? Or, perhaps they have other people to do all that work for them?
December 19, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Day 18 #DecemberWorldbuilders
Maintenance for weapons and armor is a big one for Arlise, especially since she’s so often out in the elements. She also takes the lead on care for her unit’s mounts and pack animals, as she’s good with horses, mules, and donkeys
Maintenance for weapons and armor is a big one for Arlise, especially since she’s so often out in the elements. She also takes the lead on care for her unit’s mounts and pack animals, as she’s good with horses, mules, and donkeys
Day 18 #FantasyIndiesDecember
Favorite Holidays: Christmas, Halloween, and probably Thanksgiving round out the top three for me🎄🎃🦃
Favorite Holidays: Christmas, Halloween, and probably Thanksgiving round out the top three for me🎄🎃🦃
December 19, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Day 18 #FantasyIndiesDecember
Favorite Holidays: Christmas, Halloween, and probably Thanksgiving round out the top three for me🎄🎃🦃
Favorite Holidays: Christmas, Halloween, and probably Thanksgiving round out the top three for me🎄🎃🦃
Day 17 #DecemberWorldbuilders
Arlise has the skills to make minor repairs to her armor and other equipment, but for anything serious, she turns to the blacksmiths, tailors, and other skilled craftsmen who serve in support roles with the Order of Watchers.
Arlise has the skills to make minor repairs to her armor and other equipment, but for anything serious, she turns to the blacksmiths, tailors, and other skilled craftsmen who serve in support roles with the Order of Watchers.
Greetings, #DecemberWorldbuilders. This week we're talking about the routine chores our characters do. In your setting, who makes or repairs clothes/armor? Do you have tailors or blacksmiths? Have any of your main characters had to learn any of these skills?
December 17, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Day 17 #DecemberWorldbuilders
Arlise has the skills to make minor repairs to her armor and other equipment, but for anything serious, she turns to the blacksmiths, tailors, and other skilled craftsmen who serve in support roles with the Order of Watchers.
Arlise has the skills to make minor repairs to her armor and other equipment, but for anything serious, she turns to the blacksmiths, tailors, and other skilled craftsmen who serve in support roles with the Order of Watchers.
Day 17 #FantasyIndiesDecember
Charles R. Saunders! I’d heard wonderful things about Imaro but wasn’t able to get my hands on a copy until the Gollancz reprint earlier this year.
It’s a shame he never really received the recognition he deserved in his own lifetime😔
Charles R. Saunders! I’d heard wonderful things about Imaro but wasn’t able to get my hands on a copy until the Gollancz reprint earlier this year.
It’s a shame he never really received the recognition he deserved in his own lifetime😔
December 17, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Day 17 #FantasyIndiesDecember
Charles R. Saunders! I’d heard wonderful things about Imaro but wasn’t able to get my hands on a copy until the Gollancz reprint earlier this year.
It’s a shame he never really received the recognition he deserved in his own lifetime😔
Charles R. Saunders! I’d heard wonderful things about Imaro but wasn’t able to get my hands on a copy until the Gollancz reprint earlier this year.
It’s a shame he never really received the recognition he deserved in his own lifetime😔
Day 16 #DecemberWorldbuilders
On missions, Arlise and her comrades tend to fall back on rations in need of little or no cooking. When able, they often rely on the hospitality of others, as common folk tend to fall all over themselves to aid Watchers.
On missions, Arlise and her comrades tend to fall back on rations in need of little or no cooking. When able, they often rely on the hospitality of others, as common folk tend to fall all over themselves to aid Watchers.
#DecemberWorldbuilders, what food-related chores do your characters do? Are any of them farmers, fishers, cooks, gatherers? Do they do the bare minimum they need while on an adventure? Or do they have other people to cook for them?
December 17, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Day 16 #DecemberWorldbuilders
On missions, Arlise and her comrades tend to fall back on rations in need of little or no cooking. When able, they often rely on the hospitality of others, as common folk tend to fall all over themselves to aid Watchers.
On missions, Arlise and her comrades tend to fall back on rations in need of little or no cooking. When able, they often rely on the hospitality of others, as common folk tend to fall all over themselves to aid Watchers.
12/16 #QueerPrompts
Arlise prefers night, since it’s one of the few times she has peace and quiet while out on the road as a Watcher.
Arlise prefers night, since it’s one of the few times she has peace and quiet while out on the road as a Watcher.
December 17, 2025 at 12:15 AM
12/16 #QueerPrompts
Arlise prefers night, since it’s one of the few times she has peace and quiet while out on the road as a Watcher.
Arlise prefers night, since it’s one of the few times she has peace and quiet while out on the road as a Watcher.
Day 16 #FantasyIndiesDecember
I’m fond of Elder Scrolls elves. They’re not mere “humans with pointy ears”. The mer are as diverse as humans are, they’ve got deep and intriguing lore, and a lot of stuff about them is downright WEIRD.
I’m fond of Elder Scrolls elves. They’re not mere “humans with pointy ears”. The mer are as diverse as humans are, they’ve got deep and intriguing lore, and a lot of stuff about them is downright WEIRD.
December 17, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Day 16 #FantasyIndiesDecember
I’m fond of Elder Scrolls elves. They’re not mere “humans with pointy ears”. The mer are as diverse as humans are, they’ve got deep and intriguing lore, and a lot of stuff about them is downright WEIRD.
I’m fond of Elder Scrolls elves. They’re not mere “humans with pointy ears”. The mer are as diverse as humans are, they’ve got deep and intriguing lore, and a lot of stuff about them is downright WEIRD.
Day 15 #DecemberWorldbuilders
For nomadic Helsans (the Riddervolk), one common environmental-related chore is the collection of bison/cattle “chips”. Since the steppes are so bare of trees whose wood can be used for kindling, there isn’t much else to burn.
For nomadic Helsans (the Riddervolk), one common environmental-related chore is the collection of bison/cattle “chips”. Since the steppes are so bare of trees whose wood can be used for kindling, there isn’t much else to burn.
Hey there, #DecemberWorldbuilders! This week is devoted to more mundane worldbuilding: chores. This week, I'll ask how your worldbuilding affects the normal everyday lives of your characters. Today: how does the environment /climate affect their daily lives? What tasks to they perform?
December 16, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Day 15 #DecemberWorldbuilders
For nomadic Helsans (the Riddervolk), one common environmental-related chore is the collection of bison/cattle “chips”. Since the steppes are so bare of trees whose wood can be used for kindling, there isn’t much else to burn.
For nomadic Helsans (the Riddervolk), one common environmental-related chore is the collection of bison/cattle “chips”. Since the steppes are so bare of trees whose wood can be used for kindling, there isn’t much else to burn.
Day 15 #FantasyIndiesDecember
Overall, this year was pretty good, but a wisdom tooth I’d been assured wouldn’t be an issue deciding to MAKE itself an issue definitely marked a low point for me. It really derailed my September and October!
At least they’re all gone now😅
Overall, this year was pretty good, but a wisdom tooth I’d been assured wouldn’t be an issue deciding to MAKE itself an issue definitely marked a low point for me. It really derailed my September and October!
At least they’re all gone now😅
December 16, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Day 15 #FantasyIndiesDecember
Overall, this year was pretty good, but a wisdom tooth I’d been assured wouldn’t be an issue deciding to MAKE itself an issue definitely marked a low point for me. It really derailed my September and October!
At least they’re all gone now😅
Overall, this year was pretty good, but a wisdom tooth I’d been assured wouldn’t be an issue deciding to MAKE itself an issue definitely marked a low point for me. It really derailed my September and October!
At least they’re all gone now😅
Day 14 #DecemberWorldbuilders
By ancient custom, selkie elders join the household of their eldest daughter, granddaughter, niece, etc. once they’re too old for the exertion of changing skins.
In turn, elders help out with childcare and homemaking duties.
By ancient custom, selkie elders join the household of their eldest daughter, granddaughter, niece, etc. once they’re too old for the exertion of changing skins.
In turn, elders help out with childcare and homemaking duties.
#DecemberWorldbuilders, hello! Does your world do anything special in regards to elder or child care? For elders: do they have group homes? Anyone who can visit to help them out? or are they in generational homes? For children: do schools exist? Daycare?
December 14, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Day 14 #DecemberWorldbuilders
By ancient custom, selkie elders join the household of their eldest daughter, granddaughter, niece, etc. once they’re too old for the exertion of changing skins.
In turn, elders help out with childcare and homemaking duties.
By ancient custom, selkie elders join the household of their eldest daughter, granddaughter, niece, etc. once they’re too old for the exertion of changing skins.
In turn, elders help out with childcare and homemaking duties.
Day 14 #FantasyIndiesDecember
My best comps for “Seven Tears on the Tide” are Paladin’s Strength and Of Deeds Most Valiant, but I need to find more👀
More paladin fantasy adventure romances, please!
My best comps for “Seven Tears on the Tide” are Paladin’s Strength and Of Deeds Most Valiant, but I need to find more👀
More paladin fantasy adventure romances, please!
December 14, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Day 14 #FantasyIndiesDecember
My best comps for “Seven Tears on the Tide” are Paladin’s Strength and Of Deeds Most Valiant, but I need to find more👀
More paladin fantasy adventure romances, please!
My best comps for “Seven Tears on the Tide” are Paladin’s Strength and Of Deeds Most Valiant, but I need to find more👀
More paladin fantasy adventure romances, please!
Day 13 #DecemberWorldbuilders
Lots of heraldry in southern Anura. House Dun, which Arlise was born into and heir of, has a hawk in scarlet and ash. My brother did an awesome job bringing theirs to life based on an old sketch
Lots of heraldry in southern Anura. House Dun, which Arlise was born into and heir of, has a hawk in scarlet and ash. My brother did an awesome job bringing theirs to life based on an old sketch
December 14, 2025 at 12:35 AM
Day 13 #DecemberWorldbuilders
Lots of heraldry in southern Anura. House Dun, which Arlise was born into and heir of, has a hawk in scarlet and ash. My brother did an awesome job bringing theirs to life based on an old sketch
Lots of heraldry in southern Anura. House Dun, which Arlise was born into and heir of, has a hawk in scarlet and ash. My brother did an awesome job bringing theirs to life based on an old sketch
Day 12 #DecemberWorldbuilders
Overall, spouses and children tend to be the main beneficiaries.
Illegitimacy only really exists in patrilineal cultures, and even then, Elissene ones demand these children be left an inheritance (if known).
Now, when it comes to thrones…🧵
Overall, spouses and children tend to be the main beneficiaries.
Illegitimacy only really exists in patrilineal cultures, and even then, Elissene ones demand these children be left an inheritance (if known).
Now, when it comes to thrones…🧵
#DecemberWorldbuilders, tell me about inheritance in your world. How does it work? When a person passes away, who gets their stuff? Do bastard children have a claim? Do they even have a concept of bastard children? For those of you writing monarchies, who inherits the throne?
December 13, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Day 12 #DecemberWorldbuilders
Overall, spouses and children tend to be the main beneficiaries.
Illegitimacy only really exists in patrilineal cultures, and even then, Elissene ones demand these children be left an inheritance (if known).
Now, when it comes to thrones…🧵
Overall, spouses and children tend to be the main beneficiaries.
Illegitimacy only really exists in patrilineal cultures, and even then, Elissene ones demand these children be left an inheritance (if known).
Now, when it comes to thrones…🧵
Day 12 #FantasyIndiesDecember
Favorite Holiday Songs: Let’s see…
-We Three Kings👑
-Hark, the Herald Angels Sing😇
-Let it Snow🌨️
-Jingle Bell Rock🔔
…and, finally, Auld Lang Syne. Overshadowed by all the Christmas songs, but excellent in its own right!
Favorite Holiday Songs: Let’s see…
-We Three Kings👑
-Hark, the Herald Angels Sing😇
-Let it Snow🌨️
-Jingle Bell Rock🔔
…and, finally, Auld Lang Syne. Overshadowed by all the Christmas songs, but excellent in its own right!
December 13, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Day 12 #FantasyIndiesDecember
Favorite Holiday Songs: Let’s see…
-We Three Kings👑
-Hark, the Herald Angels Sing😇
-Let it Snow🌨️
-Jingle Bell Rock🔔
…and, finally, Auld Lang Syne. Overshadowed by all the Christmas songs, but excellent in its own right!
Favorite Holiday Songs: Let’s see…
-We Three Kings👑
-Hark, the Herald Angels Sing😇
-Let it Snow🌨️
-Jingle Bell Rock🔔
…and, finally, Auld Lang Syne. Overshadowed by all the Christmas songs, but excellent in its own right!
Day 11 #DecemberWorldbuilders
Carmun isn’t much of a character herself, being an oversized crablike sea monster, but one of the traits she does show is an intense “mother bear” attitude towards her eggs, nest, and hatchlings. She’s prepared to die for them (and does).
Carmun isn’t much of a character herself, being an oversized crablike sea monster, but one of the traits she does show is an intense “mother bear” attitude towards her eggs, nest, and hatchlings. She’s prepared to die for them (and does).
Good mornevening, #DecemberWorldbuilders! Tell me about your villain's relationship with their family. If you don't have a villain, pick another character who is either antagonistic or maybe just a foil for the MC. Does their villainy get in the way of having a family?
December 12, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Day 11 #DecemberWorldbuilders
Carmun isn’t much of a character herself, being an oversized crablike sea monster, but one of the traits she does show is an intense “mother bear” attitude towards her eggs, nest, and hatchlings. She’s prepared to die for them (and does).
Carmun isn’t much of a character herself, being an oversized crablike sea monster, but one of the traits she does show is an intense “mother bear” attitude towards her eggs, nest, and hatchlings. She’s prepared to die for them (and does).
12/11 #QueerPrompts
You might not think it at first, but Arlise is actually an excellent dancer. A lot of the footwork and poise required for swordsmanship carries over onto the dance floor. She just hasn’t had a lot of opportunities to show off those skills as a Watcher.
You might not think it at first, but Arlise is actually an excellent dancer. A lot of the footwork and poise required for swordsmanship carries over onto the dance floor. She just hasn’t had a lot of opportunities to show off those skills as a Watcher.
December 12, 2025 at 12:59 AM
12/11 #QueerPrompts
You might not think it at first, but Arlise is actually an excellent dancer. A lot of the footwork and poise required for swordsmanship carries over onto the dance floor. She just hasn’t had a lot of opportunities to show off those skills as a Watcher.
You might not think it at first, but Arlise is actually an excellent dancer. A lot of the footwork and poise required for swordsmanship carries over onto the dance floor. She just hasn’t had a lot of opportunities to show off those skills as a Watcher.
Day 10 #DecemberWorldbuilders
Earc is very close with his family. Since his sister Blaine lost her husband and legs in a shark attack, he’s done a lot to care for her and support his niece in day-to-day life. Dunla considers him a surrogate father.
While it has hindered…
Earc is very close with his family. Since his sister Blaine lost her husband and legs in a shark attack, he’s done a lot to care for her and support his niece in day-to-day life. Dunla considers him a surrogate father.
While it has hindered…
#DecemberWorldbuilders, our next questions about families asks about your characters specifically. Today's is for the MC, but you can pick any character. Be aware tomorrow's will ask about a villain, so choose who you want to answer for wisely! What is your MC's relationship with their family like?
December 11, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Day 10 #DecemberWorldbuilders
Earc is very close with his family. Since his sister Blaine lost her husband and legs in a shark attack, he’s done a lot to care for her and support his niece in day-to-day life. Dunla considers him a surrogate father.
While it has hindered…
Earc is very close with his family. Since his sister Blaine lost her husband and legs in a shark attack, he’s done a lot to care for her and support his niece in day-to-day life. Dunla considers him a surrogate father.
While it has hindered…
Day 10 #FantasyIndiesDecember
I’d like to finish off Imaro by the end of the year and start The Quest for Cush, but we’ll see. That’s a fair bit to read in a few weeks with work and holidays😅
I’d like to finish off Imaro by the end of the year and start The Quest for Cush, but we’ll see. That’s a fair bit to read in a few weeks with work and holidays😅
December 11, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Day 10 #FantasyIndiesDecember
I’d like to finish off Imaro by the end of the year and start The Quest for Cush, but we’ll see. That’s a fair bit to read in a few weeks with work and holidays😅
I’d like to finish off Imaro by the end of the year and start The Quest for Cush, but we’ll see. That’s a fair bit to read in a few weeks with work and holidays😅
Day 9 #DecemberWorldbuilders
The scarlet lotus is an extremely effective contraceptive native to Tyria, Khosalla, and Sansiway. Tyria and Sansiway cultivate it at scale, so it’s widely available in both countries. Less so in southern Anura, where it fetches exorbitant sums.
The scarlet lotus is an extremely effective contraceptive native to Tyria, Khosalla, and Sansiway. Tyria and Sansiway cultivate it at scale, so it’s widely available in both countries. Less so in southern Anura, where it fetches exorbitant sums.
Good day, #DecemberWorldbuilders! How are reproductive rights and laws handled in your world? Remember, the ancient Romans had silphium which would prevent pregnancy. This is not too high-tech of a concept for 'low-tech' worlds (though perhaps not something that comes up).
December 9, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Day 9 #DecemberWorldbuilders
The scarlet lotus is an extremely effective contraceptive native to Tyria, Khosalla, and Sansiway. Tyria and Sansiway cultivate it at scale, so it’s widely available in both countries. Less so in southern Anura, where it fetches exorbitant sums.
The scarlet lotus is an extremely effective contraceptive native to Tyria, Khosalla, and Sansiway. Tyria and Sansiway cultivate it at scale, so it’s widely available in both countries. Less so in southern Anura, where it fetches exorbitant sums.
Reposted by Austin Worley
Good day, #DecemberWorldbuilders! How are reproductive rights and laws handled in your world? Remember, the ancient Romans had silphium which would prevent pregnancy. This is not too high-tech of a concept for 'low-tech' worlds (though perhaps not something that comes up).
December 9, 2025 at 5:00 AM
Good day, #DecemberWorldbuilders! How are reproductive rights and laws handled in your world? Remember, the ancient Romans had silphium which would prevent pregnancy. This is not too high-tech of a concept for 'low-tech' worlds (though perhaps not something that comes up).