Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Amanda McNeil (she/her)

@mcneilauthor.bsky.social

870 followers 390 following 580 posts

Author. Fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, closed-door romance, horror). Nonfiction as Amanda Nevius (book reviews, discussion guides, fashion). Vintage-inspired notebook designer. Queer. Sober. Married. linktr.ee/opinionsofawolf

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · 12d

Thank you!! I think in this case it was less brave and more had no idea it would be more difficult than thread, LOL.

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · 13d

Goodness this is adorable

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · 13d

If you’ve ever looked at a handmade piece and thought, “That looks peaceful,” this episode is your reminder: creative chaos counts as crafting too. ✨
What DIY have you tried because it “looked easy” only to find out….not so much?

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · 13d

The project taught me that “shirring” (those cute stretchy seams you see on dresses) is deceptively difficult.
Let’s just say my sewing machine and I had some tension issues… literally and emotionally. 😅 (Did you know crying is a rite of passage for shirring? I sure didn’t!)

1 2

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · 13d

This week, I’m sharing how what was supposed to be a quick DIY project — turning a too-big fall dress into a skirt — became a full-blown sewing adventure. 🧵🍂
🎧 Watch here: Upcycling a Dress into a Shirred Skirt for Fall
youtu.be/s7l7NffY7hc
#Crafting #Sewing #DIY #Upcycling #Podcast

Upcycling a Dress into a Shirred Skirt for Fall

YouTube video by Acutely Amanda

youtu.be

2 4

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · 16d

The next time you feel like social media is inescapable, think about that 34.3%.

I know I will be.

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · 16d

Sometimes it feels like EVERYONE is on social media.

But that's patently untrue.

About 1/3 of people are not.

They can't ALL be children. (Especially with how many children have social media).

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · 16d

Only 68.7% of the world's population uses the internet. *The internet.*

65.7% of the world's population uses social media. (Shout out to that 3% on the internet but not on social media).

This statistic really surprised me.

#BookSky 📚💙 #digitaldetox #socialmedia

1 3

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · 18d

I love this thanks for sharing.

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · 20d

If that resonates, I hope you’ll stick around.
Let’s build a quieter corner of the internet together.

What phrase brings you peace when the world is loud?

🫶

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · 20d

That koan kept circling my mind during a road trip for my 10th anniversary with my husband.

I don’t want to add to the firehose.
I want to be a brook in a meadow.
A place to breathe.

This fall, I’m letting silence speak more often.
Building something alive with meaning.

1 2

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · 20d

Sometimes the world feels like a firehose aimed at your face. And we’re all under pressure to add to that flood. But this fall, I’m choosing something else.

One phrase that brings peace is better than a thousand words that have no use.

#Koan #CreativeLiving #RecoveryPosse #FallVibes #BookSky 📚💙

2 2

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · Sep 20

Curious—what’s one little swap you’ve made that helps you scroll less? Or if you haven’t yet, what would you try?

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · Sep 20

I’ll be honest: it didn’t happen all at once. My hands were used to grabbing my phone,. But each time I chose creating over scrolling, it gets a little easier. Now my days feel calmer and more intentional.

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · Sep 20

I’ve been slowly replacing doomscrolling with something better: crafts. 🪡🎨

This week it was coloring + cross stitch—and the difference in my mood has been huge.

#Crafting #DIY #MindfulLiving #CreativeHabits #BookSky 📚💙

1 2

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · Sep 12

Urban fantasy doesn’t have to stay urban.
Sometimes the strangest magic shows up in the woods behind your house. 🌌

Would you believe in Bigfoot if she turned up in your hometown?

#fantasybooks #indieauthor #paranormalromance #BookSky 📚💙

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · Sep 12

Tova’s world has always been rooted in paranormal Boston. 🌆
But the sequel expands into central Massachusetts, where forests, backroads, and small towns hide their own supernatural secrets. 🌲👀

Bigfoot is just the beginning…

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · Sep 12

👣 Bigfoot has arrived in the Tova Gallagher universe—
but not in Boston.

This week’s Acutely Amanda short story takes us to Leominster, MA, where cryptids walk among the pines. 🌲✨

🎧 Watch/listen here:
youtu.be/qQKKR5UDh7E
#urbanfantasy #specfic #Bigfoot #BookSky 📚💙

Bigfoot Speaks from Leominster Urban Fantasy Short Story

YouTube video by Acutely Amanda

youtu.be

1 1

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · Sep 7

Aw poor spruce. At least it hung in there for you!

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · Sep 6

Thank you!

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · Sep 6

Nitrous is a great option for those who can have it! (It’s contraindicated for me personally.)

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · Sep 6

The leaves are gorgeous 😍

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · Sep 6

Zone 6! This particular species was first discovered in Ohio - similar zone to me.

1 1

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · Sep 6

Aren’t they? The first time I saw one at an arboretum I knew I wanted one someday.

1 1

Amanda McNeil (she/her) @mcneilauthor.bsky.social · Sep 6

Love this! Thank you for sharing. I’m really looking forward to the golden leaves.