Mike Struan
@mikestruan.com
Author of Dam Breakers and Alchemical Green
Husband of wonderful guy
Owner of cheeky corgi
Working on my next novel; check out my page on https://books.mikestruan.com
Open to DMs and replies! Love to chat!
Husband of wonderful guy
Owner of cheeky corgi
Working on my next novel; check out my page on https://books.mikestruan.com
Open to DMs and replies! Love to chat!
Pinned
Mike Struan
@mikestruan.com
· 19d
Why yes! It's only a little more than one month until my second novel releases on February 22nd.
#WeeknightWriters 💙📚🪐
Words are unable to describe how nervous I feel!
In case anyone actually wants to give it a look, pre-orders *are* possible:
books.mikestruan.com/AlchemicalDr...
#WeeknightWriters 💙📚🪐
Words are unable to describe how nervous I feel!
In case anyone actually wants to give it a look, pre-orders *are* possible:
books.mikestruan.com/AlchemicalDr...
Sure, here are my words of wisdom:
Don't take life advice from anyone. Including me. Especially not because they're older. Be yourself 💛!
Don't take life advice from anyone. Including me. Especially not because they're older. Be yourself 💛!
If you’re over 30, quote this with some life advice 🤌🏼
January 28, 2026 at 10:53 AM
Sure, here are my words of wisdom:
Don't take life advice from anyone. Including me. Especially not because they're older. Be yourself 💛!
Don't take life advice from anyone. Including me. Especially not because they're older. Be yourself 💛!
Hey, I'm Mike. Software Dev by day, Fantasy author by night. I've got a mischievous corgi (will provide pictures on request, also got a column in my newsletter) and a wonderful husband.
Right now, I'm working on Alchemical Green. (1/3)
#WritersLiftWednesday #Writers #Authors #WritersLift #BookSky 💙📚
Right now, I'm working on Alchemical Green. (1/3)
#WritersLiftWednesday #Writers #Authors #WritersLift #BookSky 💙📚
January 28, 2026 at 10:16 AM
Hey, I'm Mike. Software Dev by day, Fantasy author by night. I've got a mischievous corgi (will provide pictures on request, also got a column in my newsletter) and a wonderful husband.
Right now, I'm working on Alchemical Green. (1/3)
#WritersLiftWednesday #Writers #Authors #WritersLift #BookSky 💙📚
Right now, I'm working on Alchemical Green. (1/3)
#WritersLiftWednesday #Writers #Authors #WritersLift #BookSky 💙📚
Reposted by Mike Struan
🧵1/2
Hi! I'm Kathy — a writer and an aspiring author currently working on my first draft of my first manuscript. It's a cozy fantasy and my passion project that I hope to self publish one day. I also have many more ideas for books I'd love to write in the future, some more fleshed out than others.
Hi! I'm Kathy — a writer and an aspiring author currently working on my first draft of my first manuscript. It's a cozy fantasy and my passion project that I hope to self publish one day. I also have many more ideas for books I'd love to write in the future, some more fleshed out than others.
Let's hear from you writers, tell us a little bit about yourself, what projects you've on the go, what you've written, any events in the near future, or just drop your bio and links and follow and support each other
#WritersLiftWednesday #Writers #Authors #WritersLift #BookSky 💙📚
alt text please
#WritersLiftWednesday #Writers #Authors #WritersLift #BookSky 💙📚
alt text please
January 28, 2026 at 9:59 AM
🧵1/2
Hi! I'm Kathy — a writer and an aspiring author currently working on my first draft of my first manuscript. It's a cozy fantasy and my passion project that I hope to self publish one day. I also have many more ideas for books I'd love to write in the future, some more fleshed out than others.
Hi! I'm Kathy — a writer and an aspiring author currently working on my first draft of my first manuscript. It's a cozy fantasy and my passion project that I hope to self publish one day. I also have many more ideas for books I'd love to write in the future, some more fleshed out than others.
Good disclaimer. Sad that it's necessary.
There's been a few wars in the world of Alchemical Green. This is the one that ended the orc nation. Under a power-hungry queen, the empire spread too far and lacked order. Internal unrest followed and split the people in two. 1/2
#JanuaryWorldbuilders
There's been a few wars in the world of Alchemical Green. This is the one that ended the orc nation. Under a power-hungry queen, the empire spread too far and lacked order. Internal unrest followed and split the people in two. 1/2
#JanuaryWorldbuilders
#JanuaryWorldbuilders, tell me why a war, either historical or current, started in your world. If this is your first time seeing my prompts: please note that these are for fictional worlds of our own creations! Please no discussions of real wars unless it relates to your fictional story!
January 28, 2026 at 9:16 AM
Good disclaimer. Sad that it's necessary.
There's been a few wars in the world of Alchemical Green. This is the one that ended the orc nation. Under a power-hungry queen, the empire spread too far and lacked order. Internal unrest followed and split the people in two. 1/2
#JanuaryWorldbuilders
There's been a few wars in the world of Alchemical Green. This is the one that ended the orc nation. Under a power-hungry queen, the empire spread too far and lacked order. Internal unrest followed and split the people in two. 1/2
#JanuaryWorldbuilders
I focus a lot on facial expressions and head movements (nodding, shaking) for my #AwesomeCharacters. Probably a bit too much. *takes notes*
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Technical question!
What is your favorite feature to describe about your character?
Hair, eyes, facial expression, hands, posture? Other?
Does it help visualize? Tell us about their emotions? Something else?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Technical question!
What is your favorite feature to describe about your character?
Hair, eyes, facial expression, hands, posture? Other?
Does it help visualize? Tell us about their emotions? Something else?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
January 28, 2026 at 9:06 AM
I focus a lot on facial expressions and head movements (nodding, shaking) for my #AwesomeCharacters. Probably a bit too much. *takes notes*
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Kragh is a huge procrastinator, but I didn't use that exact word. At the same time (and that's a trait I share with him), he's not very patient.
Also, apparently, he likes to startle cats.
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WIPSnips
Also, apparently, he likes to startle cats.
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WIPSnips
January 28, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Kragh is a huge procrastinator, but I didn't use that exact word. At the same time (and that's a trait I share with him), he's not very patient.
Also, apparently, he likes to startle cats.
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WIPSnips
Also, apparently, he likes to startle cats.
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WIPSnips
I'm currently writing book 2 in a series of 4. I already have a vague idea of the story that comes after that. I don't know what it will be called or if it's going to be a series or a single book.
But I already do know both main characters, one of them by name.
#WritingQ #WritingCommunity
But I already do know both main characters, one of them by name.
#WritingQ #WritingCommunity
How clear of a picture did you have in your head for your main character when you began writing? How much about them changed since finishing a story?
#WritingCommuntiy #WritingQ
#WritingCommuntiy #WritingQ
January 27, 2026 at 8:25 PM
I'm currently writing book 2 in a series of 4. I already have a vague idea of the story that comes after that. I don't know what it will be called or if it's going to be a series or a single book.
But I already do know both main characters, one of them by name.
#WritingQ #WritingCommunity
But I already do know both main characters, one of them by name.
#WritingQ #WritingCommunity
At first, Kragh just wants to be normal and like everybody else. Which is silly of him, and a real bad idea. And not something he'll ever be. Sorry, big green guy, I don't make the rules.
#WritingPrompt
#WritingPrompt
What's something your MC wants that you know they're never going to get? Why? Are they not doing enough to earn it? Is it something they don't actually need? etc. #WritingPrompt
January 27, 2026 at 8:16 PM
At first, Kragh just wants to be normal and like everybody else. Which is silly of him, and a real bad idea. And not something he'll ever be. Sorry, big green guy, I don't make the rules.
#WritingPrompt
#WritingPrompt
January 27, 2026 at 9:16 AM
For my #AwesomeCharacters, Kragh would eat it, even if it was tomatoes, and he'd try to be stealthy about not liking it.
Because the moment Valir would notice, he'd make a scene, full unbearable noble mode. Karen has nothing on him.
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Because the moment Valir would notice, he'd make a scene, full unbearable noble mode. Karen has nothing on him.
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Silly one today! They messed up your character's meal at a restaurant! It is not something they want.
What do they do?
Eat it without complaint? Politely ask for a remake? Leave without paying? Cause a scene?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Silly one today! They messed up your character's meal at a restaurant! It is not something they want.
What do they do?
Eat it without complaint? Politely ask for a remake? Leave without paying? Cause a scene?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
January 27, 2026 at 7:49 AM
For my #AwesomeCharacters, Kragh would eat it, even if it was tomatoes, and he'd try to be stealthy about not liking it.
Because the moment Valir would notice, he'd make a scene, full unbearable noble mode. Karen has nothing on him.
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Because the moment Valir would notice, he'd make a scene, full unbearable noble mode. Karen has nothing on him.
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
As paradox as it may seem, the largest scale weapon of conquest are the border demarcations. There's an alchemical infused border ward around the country, and certain people can not cross it.
Not much of a weapon, I admit, until you make them movable. Which they did.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders
Not much of a weapon, I admit, until you make them movable. Which they did.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders
Heya, #JanuaryWorldbuilders! Today's military/warfare question: What are some large-scale weapons or siege engines used in your world? Have you ever written a scene with those? Also, feel free to yap about siege warfare in general. What other strategies do they employ?
January 27, 2026 at 7:46 AM
As paradox as it may seem, the largest scale weapon of conquest are the border demarcations. There's an alchemical infused border ward around the country, and certain people can not cross it.
Not much of a weapon, I admit, until you make them movable. Which they did.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders
Not much of a weapon, I admit, until you make them movable. Which they did.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders
Flaws. People aren't perfect at everything. They make bad decisions and let emotions get the better of them. They fail and get frustrated. They love and forget caution. They are broken and beautiful from the rainbow lights refracting from their imperfections.
#writingq #WritingCommunity
#writingq #WritingCommunity
What makes a character believable to you? #writingq #WritingCommunity
January 26, 2026 at 8:34 PM
Flaws. People aren't perfect at everything. They make bad decisions and let emotions get the better of them. They fail and get frustrated. They love and forget caution. They are broken and beautiful from the rainbow lights refracting from their imperfections.
#writingq #WritingCommunity
#writingq #WritingCommunity
There's a guy, Fennew, in Kragh's home village, who made it a sport to provoke the half-orc until he explodes, leading to violent fistfights and a lost canine on Fennew's side.
Luckily, Kragh left the village in book 1, so that's over.
What? Oh, just in: Fennew returns in book 2. Damn Kragh's luck.
Luckily, Kragh left the village in book 1, so that's over.
What? Oh, just in: Fennew returns in book 2. Damn Kragh's luck.
Does your MC have any particular rivalries or enemies that are important to them? Who is it? Why is beating them so important? #WritingPrompt
January 26, 2026 at 3:43 PM
There's a guy, Fennew, in Kragh's home village, who made it a sport to provoke the half-orc until he explodes, leading to violent fistfights and a lost canine on Fennew's side.
Luckily, Kragh left the village in book 1, so that's over.
What? Oh, just in: Fennew returns in book 2. Damn Kragh's luck.
Luckily, Kragh left the village in book 1, so that's over.
What? Oh, just in: Fennew returns in book 2. Damn Kragh's luck.
Okay, let's see for my #AwesomeCharacters.
Kraghtol would have trouble keeping attention in high school, but would enjoy about every subject. He'd be naturally gifted in PE, even though his favorite would be biology.
(1/2)
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Kraghtol would have trouble keeping attention in high school, but would enjoy about every subject. He'd be naturally gifted in PE, even though his favorite would be biology.
(1/2)
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Hypothetical! In an alternate reality where your characters are all going to a modern-day high school, what is their favorite subject (if any)?
Would they join any extracurriculars? Why?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Hypothetical! In an alternate reality where your characters are all going to a modern-day high school, what is their favorite subject (if any)?
Would they join any extracurriculars? Why?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
January 26, 2026 at 11:06 AM
Okay, let's see for my #AwesomeCharacters.
Kraghtol would have trouble keeping attention in high school, but would enjoy about every subject. He'd be naturally gifted in PE, even though his favorite would be biology.
(1/2)
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Kraghtol would have trouble keeping attention in high school, but would enjoy about every subject. He'd be naturally gifted in PE, even though his favorite would be biology.
(1/2)
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
I agree. The school would be a much better place without these pesky students, asking ridiculous questions about mountains in the middle of the night. It's in-sur-mountable.
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WIPSnips
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WIPSnips
January 26, 2026 at 10:54 AM
I agree. The school would be a much better place without these pesky students, asking ridiculous questions about mountains in the middle of the night. It's in-sur-mountable.
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WIPSnips
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WIPSnips
The collection of various types of fey are actually one of the eight major races in Alchemical Green, possibly the weirdest of them. They live carefree lives in the Teal Forest and don't involve themselves much with the struggles of the other races.
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
Day 25
While I know this prompt has had a *ton* of overlap so far, surely there's something left to add to humanoid day? 😁🧚🧝 Stretching the idea of 'critters' again but eh, valid enough for me!
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
While I know this prompt has had a *ton* of overlap so far, surely there's something left to add to humanoid day? 😁🧚🧝 Stretching the idea of 'critters' again but eh, valid enough for me!
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
January 25, 2026 at 4:21 PM
The collection of various types of fey are actually one of the eight major races in Alchemical Green, possibly the weirdest of them. They live carefree lives in the Teal Forest and don't involve themselves much with the struggles of the other races.
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
#Writing #WritingPrompts #Critterary
Kragh has trouble focusing on just one thing at a time. *And* he doesn't want to focus too much on what's directly in front of him right now. Truth be told, him stumbling or running into things is just normal. Being different is hard.
#WIPSnips
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
#WIPSnips
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
January 25, 2026 at 9:11 AM
Kragh has trouble focusing on just one thing at a time. *And* he doesn't want to focus too much on what's directly in front of him right now. Truth be told, him stumbling or running into things is just normal. Being different is hard.
#WIPSnips
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
#WIPSnips
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
We did this once for main characters, but today let's do it for our antagonists!
Using 5 emojis or less, tell me about your antagonists! Capture their personality and/or role in the story!
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
We did this once for main characters, but today let's do it for our antagonists!
Using 5 emojis or less, tell me about your antagonists! Capture their personality and/or role in the story!
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
January 25, 2026 at 8:52 AM
#QueerPrompts
In my Debut Novel, Dam Breakers (books.mikestruan.com/DamBreakers), I had a token hetero couple getting back together as an... E-Plot. They certainly got their HEA in the end :)
In my Debut Novel, Dam Breakers (books.mikestruan.com/DamBreakers), I had a token hetero couple getting back together as an... E-Plot. They certainly got their HEA in the end :)
#QueerPrompts January 24: Any side character(s) get their happily-ever-afters?
January 24, 2026 at 7:19 PM
#QueerPrompts
In my Debut Novel, Dam Breakers (books.mikestruan.com/DamBreakers), I had a token hetero couple getting back together as an... E-Plot. They certainly got their HEA in the end :)
In my Debut Novel, Dam Breakers (books.mikestruan.com/DamBreakers), I had a token hetero couple getting back together as an... E-Plot. They certainly got their HEA in the end :)
Post a female character you love
January 24, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Post a female character you love
The corgi is very adamant today to be a good writing companion. 5/5, can recommend.
#Dogsky #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
#Dogsky #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
January 24, 2026 at 2:23 PM
The corgi is very adamant today to be a good writing companion. 5/5, can recommend.
#Dogsky #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
#Dogsky #WritingCommunity #WriteSky
Kragh is a healer, and has learned from his foster father, so, naturally, "bone" is an easy #WIPSnips!
This is a big day for him: For the very first time in his life, a patient has not only agreed but even requested to be treated by him and not his old man
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
This is a big day for him: For the very first time in his life, a patient has not only agreed but even requested to be treated by him and not his old man
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
January 24, 2026 at 10:36 AM
Kragh is a healer, and has learned from his foster father, so, naturally, "bone" is an easy #WIPSnips!
This is a big day for him: For the very first time in his life, a patient has not only agreed but even requested to be treated by him and not his old man
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
This is a big day for him: For the very first time in his life, a patient has not only agreed but even requested to be treated by him and not his old man
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
#QueerWritersChat
My entire Debut Novel was inspired by Avantasia's "The Raven Child" (although it contains neither Ravens nor children). I even mentioned the person behind the band in my thanks section.
youtu.be/CTN2ZzpQRh4
#QueerWriters #writesky #writers #lgbtq #writinginspiration
My entire Debut Novel was inspired by Avantasia's "The Raven Child" (although it contains neither Ravens nor children). I even mentioned the person behind the band in my thanks section.
youtu.be/CTN2ZzpQRh4
#QueerWriters #writesky #writers #lgbtq #writinginspiration
January 24, 2026 at 7:20 AM
#QueerWritersChat
My entire Debut Novel was inspired by Avantasia's "The Raven Child" (although it contains neither Ravens nor children). I even mentioned the person behind the band in my thanks section.
youtu.be/CTN2ZzpQRh4
#QueerWriters #writesky #writers #lgbtq #writinginspiration
My entire Debut Novel was inspired by Avantasia's "The Raven Child" (although it contains neither Ravens nor children). I even mentioned the person behind the band in my thanks section.
youtu.be/CTN2ZzpQRh4
#QueerWriters #writesky #writers #lgbtq #writinginspiration
#QueerWritersChat
That's a very good question I've been pondering, and I'm curious what the other answers are.
I tend to avoid putting in lyrics to my in-world songs. A character might summarize them, but I'm not much of a poet to actually write them.
#QueerWriters #writesky #writers #writing
That's a very good question I've been pondering, and I'm curious what the other answers are.
I tend to avoid putting in lyrics to my in-world songs. A character might summarize them, but I'm not much of a poet to actually write them.
#QueerWriters #writesky #writers #writing
#QueerWritersChat
Question Two:
Do you feature song lyrics in any of your work?
Next question at :25!
@amaralynn.bsky.social #QueerWriters #writesky #writers #writing
Question Two:
Do you feature song lyrics in any of your work?
Next question at :25!
@amaralynn.bsky.social #QueerWriters #writesky #writers #writing
January 24, 2026 at 7:11 AM
#QueerWritersChat
That's a very good question I've been pondering, and I'm curious what the other answers are.
I tend to avoid putting in lyrics to my in-world songs. A character might summarize them, but I'm not much of a poet to actually write them.
#QueerWriters #writesky #writers #writing
That's a very good question I've been pondering, and I'm curious what the other answers are.
I tend to avoid putting in lyrics to my in-world songs. A character might summarize them, but I'm not much of a poet to actually write them.
#QueerWriters #writesky #writers #writing