Bethany Laurel
@bethanylaurel.bsky.social
Writer, artist, editor, gluten free sorcerer, and fiber gremlin. If you want me to yell, use “homespun” when you mean rough-spun.
Pinned
Balances is queer fantasy literary fiction. Just to be clear about the genre.
#writesky #writingcommunity #queerSFF
#writesky #writingcommunity #queerSFF
“It sounds like a kingdom easily conquered.”
Akieryon bared his teeth in a grin. “Others have made that mistake,” he said. “Two of my teachers at the Academy are well known for having turned back the Lawless One’s invasion.”
#WIPSnips #writingcommunity #writesky #excerpt #Balances
Akieryon bared his teeth in a grin. “Others have made that mistake,” he said. “Two of my teachers at the Academy are well known for having turned back the Lawless One’s invasion.”
#WIPSnips #writingcommunity #writesky #excerpt #Balances
January 31, 2026 at 6:50 AM
“It sounds like a kingdom easily conquered.”
Akieryon bared his teeth in a grin. “Others have made that mistake,” he said. “Two of my teachers at the Academy are well known for having turned back the Lawless One’s invasion.”
#WIPSnips #writingcommunity #writesky #excerpt #Balances
Akieryon bared his teeth in a grin. “Others have made that mistake,” he said. “Two of my teachers at the Academy are well known for having turned back the Lawless One’s invasion.”
#WIPSnips #writingcommunity #writesky #excerpt #Balances
The thing about having an aro time mage as a deuteragonist? Tempest has spent more of his life than not outside of linear time, he fears neither god nor man, and he WILL make that everyone else’s problem.
#ocsky #aromanticcharacter #writingcommunity #writesky
#ocsky #aromanticcharacter #writingcommunity #writesky
January 31, 2026 at 4:27 AM
The thing about having an aro time mage as a deuteragonist? Tempest has spent more of his life than not outside of linear time, he fears neither god nor man, and he WILL make that everyone else’s problem.
#ocsky #aromanticcharacter #writingcommunity #writesky
#ocsky #aromanticcharacter #writingcommunity #writesky
Reposted by Bethany Laurel
“Welcome To My Presence” - A new original painting up on jameshance.com today 🖤
✨🎨 Gesso / Acrylic Gouache
On Canvas Panel
✨🎨 Gesso / Acrylic Gouache
On Canvas Panel
January 30, 2026 at 1:43 AM
“Welcome To My Presence” - A new original painting up on jameshance.com today 🖤
✨🎨 Gesso / Acrylic Gouache
On Canvas Panel
✨🎨 Gesso / Acrylic Gouache
On Canvas Panel
“He’s a bard. He hardly counts.”
“Right. Comes and goes like a stray cat.”
“That’s unflattering. Jynn is sweet when you get to know him.”
“Creepy eyes notwithstanding.”
Tonata gave her brother a shove that nearly dislodged him from the bench. “Don’t be a bigot,” she said icily.
#queerwriterschat
“Right. Comes and goes like a stray cat.”
“That’s unflattering. Jynn is sweet when you get to know him.”
“Creepy eyes notwithstanding.”
Tonata gave her brother a shove that nearly dislodged him from the bench. “Don’t be a bigot,” she said icily.
#queerwriterschat
#QueerWritersChat
Question Four:
Share a scene / situation from your stories where a character resists.
Last question at :45!
@theodoresnapdragon.bsky.social #QueerWriters #writesky #writers
Question Four:
Share a scene / situation from your stories where a character resists.
Last question at :45!
@theodoresnapdragon.bsky.social #QueerWriters #writesky #writers
January 31, 2026 at 2:20 AM
“He’s a bard. He hardly counts.”
“Right. Comes and goes like a stray cat.”
“That’s unflattering. Jynn is sweet when you get to know him.”
“Creepy eyes notwithstanding.”
Tonata gave her brother a shove that nearly dislodged him from the bench. “Don’t be a bigot,” she said icily.
#queerwriterschat
“Right. Comes and goes like a stray cat.”
“That’s unflattering. Jynn is sweet when you get to know him.”
“Creepy eyes notwithstanding.”
Tonata gave her brother a shove that nearly dislodged him from the bench. “Don’t be a bigot,” she said icily.
#queerwriterschat
As an aroace writer who puts a little aspec into everything I write, always. That time when I wrote 140k words about trans King Arthur in a spite-fueled fugue is just a particularly extreme example (no, that book is not ready yet).
#queerwriterschat #writesky #writingcommunity
#queerwriterschat #writesky #writingcommunity
#QueerWritersChat
Question Three:
Has your writing ever been an act of resistance for you?
Next question at :35!
@theodoresnapdragon.bsky.social #QueerWriters #writesky #writers
Question Three:
Has your writing ever been an act of resistance for you?
Next question at :35!
@theodoresnapdragon.bsky.social #QueerWriters #writesky #writers
January 31, 2026 at 2:06 AM
As an aroace writer who puts a little aspec into everything I write, always. That time when I wrote 140k words about trans King Arthur in a spite-fueled fugue is just a particularly extreme example (no, that book is not ready yet).
#queerwriterschat #writesky #writingcommunity
#queerwriterschat #writesky #writingcommunity
I’m Bethany, and I write weird queer fantasy literary fiction.
I’m working on getting Balances, which is a story about a renegade angel finding home, ready for publication. I am also writing Tools if the Trade to avoid writing one specific scene in The Sword of Heaven.
#queerwriterschat #writesky
I’m working on getting Balances, which is a story about a renegade angel finding home, ready for publication. I am also writing Tools if the Trade to avoid writing one specific scene in The Sword of Heaven.
#queerwriterschat #writesky
Welcome to #QueerWritersChat!
To start things off, introduce yourself and tell us what you're working on! No links, please!
Next question at :15!
@theodoresnapdragon.bsky.social #QueerWriters #writesky #writers
To start things off, introduce yourself and tell us what you're working on! No links, please!
Next question at :15!
@theodoresnapdragon.bsky.social #QueerWriters #writesky #writers
January 31, 2026 at 2:02 AM
I’m Bethany, and I write weird queer fantasy literary fiction.
I’m working on getting Balances, which is a story about a renegade angel finding home, ready for publication. I am also writing Tools if the Trade to avoid writing one specific scene in The Sword of Heaven.
#queerwriterschat #writesky
I’m working on getting Balances, which is a story about a renegade angel finding home, ready for publication. I am also writing Tools if the Trade to avoid writing one specific scene in The Sword of Heaven.
#queerwriterschat #writesky
Reposted by Bethany Laurel
It's my birthday today, so I'm giving away one MASTER membership to the most excellent @worldanvil.bsky.social (World Anvil)!
All you need to do is share this post to enter :) I'll pick a winner on MONDAY Feb 2nd.
If you'd like to check out my book too, it's here: mybook.to/magicmapsand...
All you need to do is share this post to enter :) I'll pick a winner on MONDAY Feb 2nd.
If you'd like to check out my book too, it's here: mybook.to/magicmapsand...
January 30, 2026 at 12:39 PM
It's my birthday today, so I'm giving away one MASTER membership to the most excellent @worldanvil.bsky.social (World Anvil)!
All you need to do is share this post to enter :) I'll pick a winner on MONDAY Feb 2nd.
If you'd like to check out my book too, it's here: mybook.to/magicmapsand...
All you need to do is share this post to enter :) I'll pick a winner on MONDAY Feb 2nd.
If you'd like to check out my book too, it's here: mybook.to/magicmapsand...
Reposted by Bethany Laurel
Here's LOVE LOOKS LIKE LOLA, the first aroace picture book!
First-of-its-kind aspec representation looks like Lola
A little inside look at LOVE LOOKS LIKE LOLA, the first aroace picture book.
acedadadvice.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Here's LOVE LOOKS LIKE LOLA, the first aroace picture book!
Reposted by Bethany Laurel
January 30, 2026 at 11:11 PM
I do not personally enjoy romance as a genre (too aro for that I guess), but I will fight for your right to enjoy it. Don’t police each other’s hobbies, ffs.
January 30, 2026 at 11:05 PM
I do not personally enjoy romance as a genre (too aro for that I guess), but I will fight for your right to enjoy it. Don’t police each other’s hobbies, ffs.
Reposted by Bethany Laurel
In solidarity with all those standing up for our communities against the brutality of immigrant detention and ICE occupation, we're offering free ebooks of three crucial books about migrant justice and border abolition.
Free Ebooks: Abolish ICE, Abolish the Border
In solidarity with all those standing up for our communities against the brutality of immigrant detention and ICE occupation, we're offering free ebooks of three crucial books about migrant justice an...
www.haymarketbooks.org
January 30, 2026 at 3:50 PM
In solidarity with all those standing up for our communities against the brutality of immigrant detention and ICE occupation, we're offering free ebooks of three crucial books about migrant justice and border abolition.
Tempest manipulates time and space in order to acquire an appropriate meal to serve. He probably steals it.
#ocsky #writingcommunity #writesky
#ocsky #writingcommunity #writesky
January 30, 2026 at 10:48 PM
Tempest manipulates time and space in order to acquire an appropriate meal to serve. He probably steals it.
#ocsky #writingcommunity #writesky
#ocsky #writingcommunity #writesky
Hope and healing. It’s a little light, but it’s mine and I’m carrying it as far as I can.
#loreoutloud #writingcommunity
#loreoutloud #writingcommunity
Day 030 // WEEK 5: CARRYING THE LIGHT FORWARD
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Repost the daily prompt with #LoreOutLoud to feature your entry in Queer Authors 🌈✒️ Dive into the feed to explore all the amazing stories unfolding during our community event: bsky.app/profile/did:...
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#WriterSky #Writingcommunity #WritingPrompts
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Repost the daily prompt with #LoreOutLoud to feature your entry in Queer Authors 🌈✒️ Dive into the feed to explore all the amazing stories unfolding during our community event: bsky.app/profile/did:...
---
#WriterSky #Writingcommunity #WritingPrompts
January 30, 2026 at 10:46 PM
Hope and healing. It’s a little light, but it’s mine and I’m carrying it as far as I can.
#loreoutloud #writingcommunity
#loreoutloud #writingcommunity
Reposted by Bethany Laurel
EMERGENCY & RAPID RESPONSE FUND: Keep Minnesota Workers Safe chuffed.org/project/1671...
EMERGENCY & RAPID RESPONSE FUND: Keep Minnesota Workers Safe
The ICE occupation in the Twin Cities is ongoing, and low-wage and immigrant workers continue to face urgent threats to their safety and livelihoods. This campaign has met its original rent fund goal,...
chuffed.org
January 30, 2026 at 5:20 PM
EMERGENCY & RAPID RESPONSE FUND: Keep Minnesota Workers Safe chuffed.org/project/1671...
A lot of these strings attach to other books, don’t worry about it :)
January 30, 2026 at 10:36 PM
A lot of these strings attach to other books, don’t worry about it :)
“He meant to spare me anxiety,” Akieryon said, and he probably had.
“Don’t make excuses for him. He’s behaved badly and ought to be punished.” Jynn’s wicked grin suggested that Tempest would enjoy whatever punishment he devised.
#WIPSnips #writingcommunity #writesky #excerpt #Balances
“Don’t make excuses for him. He’s behaved badly and ought to be punished.” Jynn’s wicked grin suggested that Tempest would enjoy whatever punishment he devised.
#WIPSnips #writingcommunity #writesky #excerpt #Balances
January 30, 2026 at 10:33 PM
“He meant to spare me anxiety,” Akieryon said, and he probably had.
“Don’t make excuses for him. He’s behaved badly and ought to be punished.” Jynn’s wicked grin suggested that Tempest would enjoy whatever punishment he devised.
#WIPSnips #writingcommunity #writesky #excerpt #Balances
“Don’t make excuses for him. He’s behaved badly and ought to be punished.” Jynn’s wicked grin suggested that Tempest would enjoy whatever punishment he devised.
#WIPSnips #writingcommunity #writesky #excerpt #Balances
Reposted by Bethany Laurel
Hey, pals, this study is headed by Lisa Littman, noted transphobe and pseudoscientist. She's on the advisory board for the genocidal anti-trans group GENSPECT.
Do not, under any circumstance, participate in this junk study.
Do not, under any circumstance, participate in this junk study.
We want to ask anyone who comes across this study to avoid and not to participate in it.
www.reddit.com/r/traaaaaaan...
www.reddit.com/r/traaaaaaan...
From the traaaaaaannnnnnnnnns2 community on Reddit: PSA: Ayagdos study
Explore this post and more from the traaaaaaannnnnnnnnns2 community
www.reddit.com
January 30, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Hey, pals, this study is headed by Lisa Littman, noted transphobe and pseudoscientist. She's on the advisory board for the genocidal anti-trans group GENSPECT.
Do not, under any circumstance, participate in this junk study.
Do not, under any circumstance, participate in this junk study.
I’m definitely not telling my family when my first book goes to print
January 30, 2026 at 5:44 AM
I’m definitely not telling my family when my first book goes to print
Reposted by Bethany Laurel
Did I mention my first book is coming out in May?
👉👈
👉👈
January 29, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Did I mention my first book is coming out in May?
👉👈
👉👈
I’m doing a d&d campaign to flesh out the Ninth Sphere of Hell.
That is exactly as unhinged as it sounds.
#januaryworldbuilders #writingcommunity #writesky
That is exactly as unhinged as it sounds.
#januaryworldbuilders #writingcommunity #writesky
#JanuaryWorldbuilders, what research are you currently doing for your worldbuilding? Or what have you looked up recently? if nothing else, do you have any fun facts you want to share with the rest of us? 👀
January 30, 2026 at 5:27 AM
I’m doing a d&d campaign to flesh out the Ninth Sphere of Hell.
That is exactly as unhinged as it sounds.
#januaryworldbuilders #writingcommunity #writesky
That is exactly as unhinged as it sounds.
#januaryworldbuilders #writingcommunity #writesky
Reposted by Bethany Laurel
Baby shampoo mixed with water recommended as optimal treatment for pepper spray by an ophthalmologist, which speaking as a maker of soap & “personal care products” makes total sense. Milk products not recommended primarily due to risk of infection. Plain water is fine & much better than nothing!
The guy who makes funny doctor videos (who actually is an ophthalmologist) just made a couple on pepper spray generally and with contacts. We live in weird times.
What To Do If You Get Pepper Sprayed
YouTube video by Dr. Glaucomflecken
youtu.be
January 30, 2026 at 3:57 AM
Baby shampoo mixed with water recommended as optimal treatment for pepper spray by an ophthalmologist, which speaking as a maker of soap & “personal care products” makes total sense. Milk products not recommended primarily due to risk of infection. Plain water is fine & much better than nothing!
Reposted by Bethany Laurel
Discworld QOTD, from Thud!
“Beating people up in little rooms…he knew where that led. And if you did it for a good reason, you’d do it for a bad one. You couldn’t say ‘We’re the good guys’ and do bad-guy things.”
“Beating people up in little rooms…he knew where that led. And if you did it for a good reason, you’d do it for a bad one. You couldn’t say ‘We’re the good guys’ and do bad-guy things.”
Discworld QOTD, from Making Money
"‘Even tyrants have to obey the law.’ He paused, looking thoughtful, and continued: ‘No, I tell a lie, tyrants do not have to obey the law, obviously, but they do have to observe the niceties.’"
"‘Even tyrants have to obey the law.’ He paused, looking thoughtful, and continued: ‘No, I tell a lie, tyrants do not have to obey the law, obviously, but they do have to observe the niceties.’"
Discworld QOTD, from Thief of Time
“People like that don't need a reason apart from "because I can". They have a nightmare and try to make it happen.”
“People like that don't need a reason apart from "because I can". They have a nightmare and try to make it happen.”
January 29, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Discworld QOTD, from Thud!
“Beating people up in little rooms…he knew where that led. And if you did it for a good reason, you’d do it for a bad one. You couldn’t say ‘We’re the good guys’ and do bad-guy things.”
“Beating people up in little rooms…he knew where that led. And if you did it for a good reason, you’d do it for a bad one. You couldn’t say ‘We’re the good guys’ and do bad-guy things.”
Reposted by Bethany Laurel
Reading is a Gateway Drug for Writing - the next in my fun writing slogan series! I had a good time making this one, I hope you enjoy it
My Procreate art, description in alt text #reading #booksky #writersky #writing #writingcommunity #writerlife #procreateart #readingisagateway #booklovers #newart
My Procreate art, description in alt text #reading #booksky #writersky #writing #writingcommunity #writerlife #procreateart #readingisagateway #booklovers #newart
January 29, 2026 at 11:45 PM
Reading is a Gateway Drug for Writing - the next in my fun writing slogan series! I had a good time making this one, I hope you enjoy it
My Procreate art, description in alt text #reading #booksky #writersky #writing #writingcommunity #writerlife #procreateart #readingisagateway #booklovers #newart
My Procreate art, description in alt text #reading #booksky #writersky #writing #writingcommunity #writerlife #procreateart #readingisagateway #booklovers #newart
Akieryon wished he could still touch Tempest’s emotions. He wished he could know what Tempest was feeling right now, faced with the immediacy of showing the Imperial Dragon his transformation. Tempest had grown up here. Rathin had clearly had some sort of formative influence.
#WIPSnips #writesky
#WIPSnips #writesky
January 29, 2026 at 5:33 PM