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justplaindan.croutch.ca
JustPlainDan 🇨🇦
@justplaindan.croutch.ca
1.1K followers 140 following 790 posts
IT by day, freelance writer by night, husband and father always. Golf fanatic, watcher of F1. Proud Canadian 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
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justplaindan.croutch.ca
JustPlainDan 🇨🇦 @justplaindan.croutch.ca · 2d
An #agentsguide for THE BLACKSMITH'S REBELLION
The Will of the Many X The Justice of the Kings

⚔️ Hidden histories and undiscovered powers
⚔️ Rebellion against illegitimate kings
⚔️ Reluctant leader tempted by power and greed
⚔️ Friends to enemies betrayal
An image of a sword on a black background that's glowing blue. Blue flames rise from the sword. The words "The Blacksmith's Rebellion" are written over top. A pitch for the Blacksmith's Rebellion Comps and themes for the blacksmith's rebellion. A sample of the writing text from The Blacksmith's rebellion. A block of text over a black and white image of wheat.
justplaindan.croutch.ca
An #agentsguide for THE BLACKSMITH'S REBELLION
The Will of the Many X The Justice of the Kings

⚔️ Hidden histories and undiscovered powers
⚔️ Rebellion against illegitimate kings
⚔️ Reluctant leader tempted by power and greed
⚔️ Friends to enemies betrayal
An image of a sword on a black background that's glowing blue. Blue flames rise from the sword. The words "The Blacksmith's Rebellion" are written over top. A pitch for the Blacksmith's Rebellion Comps and themes for the blacksmith's rebellion. A sample of the writing text from The Blacksmith's rebellion. A block of text over a black and white image of wheat.
February 6, 2026 at 12:30 PM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
#QueryTrenches People say querying is a roller coaster, but I suspect that's not a universal experience. My experience is just downhill, while others just get exhilaration. Every author’s journey is their own.
February 4, 2026 at 5:25 PM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
If these questpit posts are what am agent’s slush pile looks like, it's no wonder they have a hard time choosing. The talent out there is incredible!
January 31, 2026 at 1:19 PM
Reposted by JustPlainDan 🇨🇦
bvbodegom.bsky.social
CABIN IN THE WOODS × JOHN DIES AT THE END

When their detective friend is murdered at their annual gaming retreat, 5 dads must rely on years of #TTRPG experience—and puns—to solve the crime before they're all killed off like NPCs in a badly written supernatural campaign.

#QuestPit #A #H #MY #Q
The image, made with free non-AI stock pictures, shows a horror-comedy novel cover titled "DAD BODIES." The top of the cover reads "THE GAME JUST TOOK A DAD TURN" with "DAD" in a different color. The background features a haunted house with multiple towers and illuminated windows against a dark backdrop. At the center is a 20-sided die (D20) used in tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, with visible numbers including 1, 7, 13, and 19. The die is surrounded by red blood splatter effects. At the bottom of the cover are six men with expressions of terror and shock. One man is wearing a white shirt over his head. These men are the dads referenced in the title.
January 31, 2026 at 8:21 AM
Reposted by JustPlainDan 🇨🇦
emiliayoung.bsky.social
MARK OF A MAGPIE is #OnSubmission! 🐦‍⬛📖

When a small-town thief crosses paths with the kingdom’s big-shot assassin, an unlikely partnership is born; but can their goals align before their egos and secrets land them both a spot on the gallows?

#QuestPit #YA #A #F #RF
#OS #DIS #EditorsGuide #Editors
Editor's Guide To MARK OF A MAGPIE Crossover Romantic Fantasy 118k Words Text is on a piece of parchment. Behind the parchment are blue seas and gold flower outlines. Blurb One for Sorrow, Two for Joy, Three for a Girl, Four for a Boy… Ryn is a small-town thief who has a knack for being overconfident in her abilities, but by day she’s a beloved tavern girl with the liver of steel that carries her reputation. On her most daring break-in yet, she runs face first into the kingdom’s last living assassin, Seven, and he’s just offered her the opportunity of a century: a ticket of attendance to the King’s upcoming courtship gathering. It’s a partnership she’d be a fool to take up, but with her family scattered across the sea after the draft, a fool is what she’ll need to be to find them. Five for Silver, Six for Gold… Seven is set on his own plans, however much they interfere with hers, and they won’t be the only ones in attendance with hidden agendas. Once whispers of the past begin to resurface and nobles begin dying around them, it’s survival of the cunning and silver-tongued. The castle is under lockdown, and all bets for the crown are placed on their capture. Seven for a Secret, Never to Be Told. Text is on a piece of parchment. Behind the parchment are blue seas and gold flower outlines. Tropes and Themes - Thief x Assassin - Mental Health Rep - Identity vs Duty - Class Difference - Forced Proximity - Secret Code - Morally Gray - Women's Wrongs - Unlikely Allies to Lovers Comps: Throne of Glass's castle-setting murder mystery and theme of "who you are versus what you have to do" meets the banter-heavy dialogue, strong female protagonist, and nautical setting of Daughter of the Pirate King. Text is on a piece of parchment. Beside the text are two headshot drawings: one of a girl with brown hair pulled back by braids, and the other of a black-haired boy with a worried expression. Behind the parchment are blue seas and gold flower outlines. The Atmosphere: There is a collage of pictures on a parchment paper. Picture one is of a boy crouched down with his head covered as a fire burns in the background. Picture two is of two hands tied to a pole on the beach. Picture three shows a person wrapping up the wounded hand of another. Picture four shows an old piece of parchment with unreadable script. Picture five is of an island with a castle and small village surrounding it. Picture six is of a girl on the run with a dagger in hand. Picture seven shows a bottle of alcohol. Picture eight has a medieval alleyway. And picture eight shows a ship's crew enjoying a sunset. There is text below the collage that says: ON SUBMISSION NOW! Represented by Amanda Wooden at SBR Media, contact information available on my website! Behind the parchment, with gold flower outlines surrounding it.
January 31, 2026 at 5:01 AM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
THE BLACKSMITH’S REBELLION, an epic fantasy where apprentice blacksmith Ari discovers a long-buried history, putting him on a path where he must choose between loyalty to the illegitimate king he’s always known or fighting to restore the rightful rulers to power. #F #Q #A #questpit #agentsguide
A black image with a blue sword emanating blue smoke sits behind the words, "the blacksmith's rebellion". A longer pitch for the book The Blacksmith's Rebellion for the bluepitch event. A list of themes and comps for the book pitched in this gallery. A writing sample from the book set over a background of an expansive wheat field. The text is an excerpt of the books writing.
January 31, 2026 at 5:00 AM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
My publishing dream is to one day get an invitation to the debut authors Discord server. #amquerying
January 30, 2026 at 9:04 PM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
I'm not sure why, but I have a good feeling about #questpit on the 31st. No good reason to, I simply do. I'm also keen to see all of the other pitches. It’s a glimpse into the incredible talents out there!
January 30, 2026 at 8:05 AM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
Today I learned about something called the “poop shivers”, and now my life will never be the same.
January 28, 2026 at 5:49 PM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
To the foreign intelligence officers out there reading this, either as I type it from my phone or scrape my social media feeds: Hello there.
January 25, 2026 at 6:10 PM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
I'm only being half glib when I say: The best way to get ICE out of Minnesota is for the state to join Canada. Happy to have them.
January 16, 2026 at 10:58 PM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
Joining #BluePit📖 late? Consider liking/sharing the below post and share the love!
justplaindan.croutch.ca JustPlainDan 🇨🇦 @justplaindan.croutch.ca · 26d
THE BLACKSMITH’S REBELLION, an epic fantasy where apprentice blacksmith Ari discovers a long-buried history, putting him on a path where he must choose between loyalty to the illegitimate king he’s always known or fighting to restore the rightful rulers to power. #F #Q #A #bluepit📖 #agentsguide
A black image with a blue sword emanating blue smoke sits behind the words, "the blacksmith's rebellion". A longer pitch for the book The Blacksmith's Rebellion for the bluepitch event. A list of themes and comps for the book pitched in this gallery. A writing sample from the book set over a background of an expansive wheat field. The text is an excerpt of the books writing.
January 13, 2026 at 7:42 PM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
The Avon River Canal in Bathampton, UK. The charm levels are off the scale.
A canal boat sits in front of a series of cottages that line a calm canal.
January 13, 2026 at 6:32 PM
Reposted by JustPlainDan 🇨🇦
jlwrites.bsky.social
CANTICLE (Adult Epic Fantasy)

🔥 Ideologically opposed sister bards
🎶 Artistic expression-based magic
💜 Sapphic romance subplot
👑 Female driven cast
💫Culturally diverse worldbuilding
🩸 Mortal-Divine blood feud

#bluepit📖 #F #A #Q #LGBT #POC
A dark background of fire with white text, dialogue from a fantasy novel
January 13, 2026 at 3:35 PM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
For the consideration of those just joining us for #BluePit
justplaindan.croutch.ca JustPlainDan 🇨🇦 @justplaindan.croutch.ca · 26d
THE BLACKSMITH’S REBELLION, an epic fantasy where apprentice blacksmith Ari discovers a long-buried history, putting him on a path where he must choose between loyalty to the illegitimate king he’s always known or fighting to restore the rightful rulers to power. #F #Q #A #bluepit📖 #agentsguide
A black image with a blue sword emanating blue smoke sits behind the words, "the blacksmith's rebellion". A longer pitch for the book The Blacksmith's Rebellion for the bluepitch event. A list of themes and comps for the book pitched in this gallery. A writing sample from the book set over a background of an expansive wheat field. The text is an excerpt of the books writing.
January 13, 2026 at 12:29 PM
Reposted by JustPlainDan 🇨🇦
nnichols.bsky.social
Everpresence

Hunger Games X Foundation

Technology is power. No one knows that better than Fin Goldingay, the heir to Everpresence, the company that runs the world. He alone has the chance to fight his family’s corrosive power.

All he has to do is care.

#BluePit📖 #A #SF #Q
Collage featuring futuristic images - particle accelerator, dystopian skyline and the moon
January 13, 2026 at 11:15 AM
Reposted by JustPlainDan 🇨🇦
emmajuned.bsky.social
There’s a world where everyone has superpowers—except one girl. She is THE DAMSEL. Tired of being told to look pretty and scream for her new reality TV show, tired of the bullying, tired of a world not made for her, she needs to punch something emmajuned.itch.io #bluepit📖 #YA #SF #P #OV #LGBT #ND
A pretty blonde girl wears casual clothes and ties up wrist supports ready to punch things. Art by MJJ
January 13, 2026 at 7:19 AM
Reposted by JustPlainDan 🇨🇦
juliemarchbooks.bsky.social
⚒️ PREORDER NOW ⚒️
On a remote mining colony where bodies tend to pile up, one disabled convict and his squad of underdogs are tired of catering to mega-capitalists' feelings.

OMEGA SQUAD: A novella, out 2/28/26
#BluePit📖 #A #SF #P #DIS #OV
juliemarchbooks.itch.io/omega-squad
Cover of "Omega Squad" by Julie March on top of a photo of an ice cave. White text around the cover reads: "Disabled Wrath;" "Gang of Underdogs;" "Evil Corporation;" and "Novella." At the bottom, white text reads, "Pre-order now. Releases 2/28/26," along with the logo for itchio and the word "wide." Cover description: Book cover for "Omega Squad" by Julie March, part of the "Archives of the VerdTech Resistance" series. Background is a silhouette of a man holding a ring light over his head like a halo, overlaid against a composite image of four red moons in space. All text is white and futuristic. The title is bold and semi-transparent. All other text is thinner, opaque, and reminiscent of a digital clock or old computer program.
January 13, 2026 at 5:19 AM
Reposted by JustPlainDan 🇨🇦
ivytwoods.bsky.social
An #editorsguide to 🌲THE LAND OF UNDYING SUMMER🌲
This romantic fantasy has:
🐻‍❄️ Canadian subarctic inspired setting
🌋Roots in animistic religion
⚡️A physics based magic system
👵🏽 Crotchety immortals
🏠 Complex family dynamics
🌎 Accessible worldbuilding

#bluepit📖 #A #F #R #FR #OS soon 👀
On a background of a foggy coniferous forest. The background of the four images fit together to show a stream with rocks working its way between two hills in the forest, both covered with trees. In white text: An Editor’s Guide To The Land of Undying Summer by Ivy T. Woods Adult Romantic Fantasy 108,000 words On a background of a foggy coniferous forest. The background of the four images fit together to show a stream with rocks working its way between two hills in the forest, both covered with trees. On the left side of the picture is an ink drawn map of a continent. In white text: Pitch When a half-dead priestess is forced to work with a wandering mage to figure out why mages are dwindling among her people, they develop a reluctant camaraderie. But when he kills a guard, her people’s distrust escalates into a full-scale uprising, leaving the two loners to save the living, the dead, and each other. Though not necessarily in that order. On a background of a foggy coniferous forest. The background of the four images fit together to show a stream with rocks working its way between two hills in the forest, both covered with trees. In white text: Comps The atmosphere and vibes of: - The Gilded Crown by Marianne Gordon - Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang The Humour Of: - Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher On a background of a foggy coniferous forest. The background of the four images fit together to show a stream with rocks working its way between two hills in the forest, both covered with trees. In white text Chapter One - The End of Darkness No Guide could resist the Call of Return forever. But this time, when Tilaani’s trembling hands closed on the spiked rocks of the Wolf’s Fangs, the agonizing need for the missing part of herself had dulled to an aching throb. The Call would take her eventually. But not today. Today, she was already running late. “Shit!” Tilaani snatched her cloak from the icy stalagmite she had been using as a hanger and staggered to a slim crack in the cliff face. It had been a century since the passage had opened in one of El’Drek’s rages but the frozen stone was still jagged, tugging at her shirt as she sidled through, thin cloak clutched in one hand. Wind whistled through the crevice, peppering her exposed skin with hard snow. It melted, steaming as it touched her. Time within the cavern had always been malleable, misaligned with the world outside. Shinac had always claimed the shifts were random but Tilaani had her doubts. It always seemed to stretch whenever she was in a hurry. She wouldn’t put it past any of the dead—either Blessed or Barred—to extend time merely to inconvenience her. And now, backing up this theory, the sun was high overhead and the few hours she had spent being lectured by the Ancients had become nearly an entire night and day in the land of the living. Allak would be insufferable if she was late.
January 13, 2026 at 5:30 AM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
THE BLACKSMITH’S REBELLION, an epic fantasy where apprentice blacksmith Ari discovers a long-buried history, putting him on a path where he must choose between loyalty to the illegitimate king he’s always known or fighting to restore the rightful rulers to power. #F #Q #A #bluepit📖 #agentsguide
A black image with a blue sword emanating blue smoke sits behind the words, "the blacksmith's rebellion". A longer pitch for the book The Blacksmith's Rebellion for the bluepitch event. A list of themes and comps for the book pitched in this gallery. A writing sample from the book set over a background of an expansive wheat field. The text is an excerpt of the books writing.
January 13, 2026 at 5:00 AM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
This post dedicated to @jeffvandermeer.bsky.social.
justplaindan.croutch.ca JustPlainDan 🇨🇦 @justplaindan.croutch.ca · 27d
“Pay no heed to the sign, tourist…”
A seagull sits next to a sign saying don't feed the seagulls.
January 12, 2026 at 8:45 PM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
#EpicFantasy #BluePitHype fans, I’m dropping a new and improved version of my pitch for The Blacksmith’s Rebellion during the event tomorrow. Be sure to check it out! #Fantasy
January 12, 2026 at 8:18 PM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
“Pay no heed to the sign, tourist…”
A seagull sits next to a sign saying don't feed the seagulls.
January 12, 2026 at 3:36 PM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
I can't help but jump back into this writing thing. Here goes 2026!
January 11, 2026 at 2:49 PM
justplaindan.croutch.ca
I wrote the anti-HIGMA post. Not out of spite, but in hopes it helps you land your agent. Read here: iustplaindan.substack.com/p/the-query-... #amwriting #writingcommunity #amquerying
An image with a laptop, pen, and writing pad sitting on a wooden desk faded into the background. In the foreground are the words, "The query leter that got me 0 full requests and 80+ rejections".
January 8, 2026 at 5:13 PM