Jo Warren
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writerjo.bsky.social
Jo Warren
@writerjo.bsky.social
170 followers 170 following 94 posts
Writer, educator, mom (of 3 humans and 2 cats), book lover, political junkie, MFA student (?!), collector of craft supplies that occasionally get used, sports fan. My blood type is “caffeinated.”
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writerjo.bsky.social
@mikeduncan.bsky.social's description of Diocletian's visit to Rome sounds like my freshman English classes. Degrees of familiarity, disrespect, and vulgarity that I haven't seen in a long time.
November 20, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Reposted by Jo Warren
tatermagoo.bsky.social
October 26, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Reposted by Jo Warren
tessaemberly.bsky.social
Well, I have a rejection. We all have to start somewhere, right?
October 27, 2025 at 5:39 AM
writerjo.bsky.social
How much writing was I doing for finals? Well, I lost a 57-day streak on both Wordle and Connections yesterday. Didn't "fail" on either of them--I just didn't find time to do them. Onto the next streak?
October 27, 2025 at 5:40 AM
writerjo.bsky.social
Back now that my finals are in. Today's #WIPSnips is "hat."

Back to "Power Play." Sam's daydreaming, but business calls in the form of the POTUS.

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
I let Emma handle the introductions as I dropped into an available chair. Rude, possibly, but I was in no state of mind to introduce Alex to anyone. My mind replayed the scene on the dance floor. The encore was as pleasant as the original performance and I let my mind wander to the possibilities of how Alex’s dance floor prowess could translate to other venues. My mental meanderings were soon interrupted when a hand landed on my shoulder. The hand belonged to Rusty Gaines. The president’s personal assistant, a young man who was always eager to do the commander-in-chief’s bidding at the drop of a hat, stood at my elbow. “Samantha, do you know where Mr. Roth has gotten to?” I raised my eyebrows. “He said he had an event of some kind. Cheryl would know his schedule far better than I do. Have you asked her?”
October 27, 2025 at 5:38 AM
writerjo.bsky.social
Back to “Power Play”—Sam meets Alex for the first time.

#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
October 16, 2025 at 2:14 AM
Reposted by Jo Warren
davekeating.substack.com
Los Angeles has just declared a state of emergency.

Not because of wildfires. Not because of riots. But because of an invasion by federal government troops.

We can see where this is going.
Los Angeles County declares state of emergency over immigration raids
Los Angeles County officials voted on Tuesday to declare a state of emergency over ongoing federal immigration raids.
abcnews.go.com
October 15, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Reposted by Jo Warren
lucyashwood.bsky.social
Those watching say nothing, only stare and whisper to themselves. She watched the whispers collect, twisting together. She felt them press against her. They tear through her hair and slap her face. "This is not what I meant." The whispers push closer, reaching inside her to squeeze organs. #WIPSnips
October 14, 2025 at 2:20 AM
Reposted by Jo Warren
bea-evans.bsky.social
#WIPSnips - Ultimate

I didn't have this word, or any number of other synonyms, so I went with "perfect", which showed up as "perfection" in this historical MM romance short.
White text on a black background that obscures the picture of a four-wheeled carriage. The text reads: He did not invite himself into a man’s home. Rarely was he invited, either. He might be asked to accompany a man elsewhere, of course. Or he suggested the Rose as he had with Dormont the night before. Thoughts of that tryst had been alternately warming and cooling him all day depending on which part of the evening he was remembering at the moment, during or immediately afterwards. He had been surprised to see Dormont at the ball tonight. And truly shocked to be addressed. The way Dormont had fled the Rose last night, Philip had assumed he would never see the man again, let alone have him initiate a conversation. “Did I do something to disturb you last night?” Philip asked softly. “What?” Dormont jerked. “You left so suddenly,” Philip said, “I thought I must have…” “No,” Dormont cut him off. “You did nothing wrong. You are,” he hesitated and Philip wondered if he ought to interrupt to save him from having to come up with what to say next. He drew breath to speak and choked when Dormont whispered, “perfection.” Perfection? How ridiculous.
October 14, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Reposted by Jo Warren
rosejudson.bsky.social
Today in Other People's Cats: Desperately Seeking Scritches
A black-and-white cat with yellow eyes, perched on top of a low brick wall, approaches the cameraperson, mid-meow.
October 14, 2025 at 9:29 AM
writerjo.bsky.social
Fun discovery looking for "ultimate." I have two different versions of "Something More" lurking in my files. Neveah's mom has a different name in each. Oops!

#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
Though Sybelle had refused ultimately, the offer had only further solidified the relationship between the two families. The connection between Nevaeh and Kessler, forged as young teenagers, held a hint of promise, but Nevaeh wondered if there would ever be something more. Before the destruction of the castle, many of the young girls in Castle City had dreamed of the day they would hold their wedding, with a handsome groom waiting for them at the foot of the castle on the lush lawn. Nevaeh had not grown up with these stories, but she had imagined Kessler waiting there for her. His smile in her dream was only matched by her own as her thoughts wove her very own version of happily-ever-after.
October 14, 2025 at 11:48 PM
writerjo.bsky.social
The final paragraphs of my opening scene (for now) from "The Hidden Court."

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WIPSnips
“Seriously?” Georgia asked after the call ended. “Now you can call me Lady Georgia?” “Your official title, for the time, is Her Serene Highness Lady Georgia of the Ducal State of Kalivique, Heir to the Alpenrose Throne. The investiture ceremony in Alpenbloom tomorrow will elevate you to Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Georgia. This way to the car, please.” Georgia allowed herself to be led to the car—a limo, really. “I suppose there’s no hope of getting you to just call me Georgia?” Anthony allowed himself a smile. “Not at all—Your Highness.”
October 13, 2025 at 1:16 AM
writerjo.bsky.social
Apparently, I don't use the word "prize" very often. "Treasure" was the best I could do. What's that? It's "Something More." Neveah and Kessler are back on a hike, but her books are never far away.

#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
The woman had no authority over Kessler, Nevaeh knew. Kessler could have ignored Lorel’s pleas and discontinued his studies—no one would have questioned the mayor’s son. But his loyalty to Nevaeh and his appreciation for Lorel led him to slog through the textbooks salvaged from the ruins of the Normal School while Nevaeh did the same. The girl knew without looking that Kessler wore his ever-present backpack on their impromptu hike, and that he carried her treasured books everywhere he went. Nevaeh quickened her steps, knowing they would not have long at the ridge if they dawdled. Despite her illness, Lorel managed tolerably well on her own, but night would arrive within two hours, and with it the danger of scavengers and vagabonds, increasing the danger to all of them, and with it Lorel’s worry. Nevaeh’s mother had taken to her bed, in complete shock after the violent death of her husband six months earlier, and had never fully recovered. The trail had become steep as Nevaeh had wandered through her thoughts, and Kessler offered his hand to help her over a small creek. Often dry, the recent rains had swollen the waters and made the hike treacherous to the unwary. Though she had not seen the trails in months, Lorel knew the land around
October 11, 2025 at 2:39 AM
writerjo.bsky.social
October 8, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Reposted by Jo Warren
telaranrhiod.bsky.social
Lost in my own mind….

#wordprompt
#writingcommunity
#VSS365 #Whistpr #VSSDaily
#VSSMagic #Emoetry #WIPSnips
#BlueSkyRelay #WoTtober
#WeirdMicro
Lost Sometimes I feel like an #insect Unworthy of notice, hiding. Never finding my #niche I see others #beaming, shining in Light They’ve been #granted special things Not a depraved hack like me. I hide in the darkness, as the #rain pours. That’s where I feel #safe. Secure. This appears to be my niche in life My goals often #clash, though… My feelings is #ineffable always. Never easy to say or explain. Lost in my own mind, between all Thoughts and feelings’ clash Safe, but never found. #VSS365 Clash #Whistpr Insect #VSSDaily Grant #VSSMagic Niche #Emoetry Beaming #WIPSnips Safe #BlueSkyRelay Ineffable #WoTtober Rain #WeirdMicro Depraved Hack
October 7, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Reposted by Jo Warren
faythompsonauthor.bsky.social
Here is the flyer for the Book Fest event. This is located in Sparks, Nevada (adjacent to Reno, Nevada) right across from the Nugget Casino. If you are in the area please stop by and visit our tables. We love guests.

#writingcommunity #booksky #bookfest #renonevada #NV #bookevent
book fest flyer!!!
October 8, 2025 at 12:46 AM
writerjo.bsky.social
Up for a short writing challenge? Join me in the @nycmidnight.bsky.social 250-word Microfiction Challenge on December 5th! Learn more at nycmidnight.com/250
The 250-word Microfiction Challenge — nycmidnight
The 250-word Microfiction Challenge is an international creative writing competition that challenges participants to create very short stories based on genre, action, and word assignments in 48 hours.
nycmidnight.com
October 8, 2025 at 12:16 AM
writerjo.bsky.social
Royal to the rescue! From “The Queen of Reality.”

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #WritingPrompts
October 7, 2025 at 2:17 AM
writerjo.bsky.social
Today's word: "hunt." We ended up with "look"instead. Georgia's having an Alice-in-Wonderland-ish moment.

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #WIPSnips
Georgia would have slapped him if Anthony hadn't seemed so sincere. “Look, I don’t know your game, but you need to give it up. I’m not royalty. I’m not going with you. I’m going back to work before I lose my job.” That would never happen, Georgia knew, but she had to get away from this Anthony character before losing what she was certain would be the last of her sanity. He was still following her. “That simply won’t do, Your Highness. There is an event tomorrow you must attend in Alpenbloom.” Georgia stopped. “Where on earth is Alpenbloom?” “Heavens, what have they taught you in these schools of yours?” Anthony demanded,
October 5, 2025 at 3:56 AM
writerjo.bsky.social
“Hibernate” wasn’t promising, but Georgia does sleep, apparently. 🙃 And she has woke up somewhere that may as well be Oz.

#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
October 4, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Reposted by Jo Warren
mandrn.bsky.social
Morticia Addams might be my favorite fictional character. Soft-spoken but SO witty and sharp as a knife. Face card never declines, body tea, and always serving a look! She's so joyfully macabre, but also such a loving mother and wife. Like that's THE icon, iktr.
October 3, 2025 at 2:43 PM
writerjo.bsky.social
“Salmon” was a bust, but “fish” made it into “Power Play”. Sam is playing investigator.

#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
October 3, 2025 at 3:14 AM
writerjo.bsky.social
Today, “river.” This is a scene from an untitled piece from one of my MFA classes.

#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
October 2, 2025 at 3:23 AM
writerjo.bsky.social
And my family would take all of these babies. Adorable Maine Coons.
democratcats.bsky.social Democrat Cats @democratcats.bsky.social · Sep 30
Morning Kittens
October 1, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Reposted by Jo Warren
faythompsonauthor.bsky.social
Once you write your first series you understand the resting phenomenon much more. More story shows up. Then you learn that one novel may flower into 10. You may have a series brain and not know it. Resting allows you to find out. Readers love series.

#writingcommunity #booksky #writingseries
September 30, 2025 at 2:49 PM