Diane Youngblood
@dmyoungblood.bsky.social
Indie adult fantasy author. Disabled. Knitter. Wife. Doggie mama. Desert dweller. Former accountant, data and BI analyst. She/her. INTP. LGBTQ+ ally
🚫 GenAI
https://linktr.ee/dmyoungblood
🚫 GenAI
https://linktr.ee/dmyoungblood
Pinned
🔹Keeper of the Sphere trilogy: contemporary fantasy with magic, trolls, and ancient gods; available at Amazon www.amazon.com/dp/B088FGNKTP
🔹Current project: first draft of historical fantasy series about the Oracle of Delphi; expected to be 8 books, ~1450 BCE to ~400 CE; currently on Book 6
🔹Current project: first draft of historical fantasy series about the Oracle of Delphi; expected to be 8 books, ~1450 BCE to ~400 CE; currently on Book 6
Day 23 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
I have no advice for dealing with imposter syndrome; I still haven't been able to deal with it effectively.
#WritingCommunity
I have no advice for dealing with imposter syndrome; I still haven't been able to deal with it effectively.
#WritingCommunity
November 23, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Day 23 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
I have no advice for dealing with imposter syndrome; I still haven't been able to deal with it effectively.
#WritingCommunity
I have no advice for dealing with imposter syndrome; I still haven't been able to deal with it effectively.
#WritingCommunity
Plan A (Air Force) failed due to bad eyesight
Plan B (police officer) failed due to bad eyesight
Plan C (accountant) I just stumbled into - began as data entry clerk for accts receivable dept
Plan D (data analyst) also stumbled into - had an affinity for it that was exploited
Plan B (police officer) failed due to bad eyesight
Plan C (accountant) I just stumbled into - began as data entry clerk for accts receivable dept
Plan D (data analyst) also stumbled into - had an affinity for it that was exploited
November 23, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Plan A (Air Force) failed due to bad eyesight
Plan B (police officer) failed due to bad eyesight
Plan C (accountant) I just stumbled into - began as data entry clerk for accts receivable dept
Plan D (data analyst) also stumbled into - had an affinity for it that was exploited
Plan B (police officer) failed due to bad eyesight
Plan C (accountant) I just stumbled into - began as data entry clerk for accts receivable dept
Plan D (data analyst) also stumbled into - had an affinity for it that was exploited
"I'm on a highway to Hell ..."
"When you call my name, it's like a little prayer
I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you there"
I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you there"
"That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight, losing my religion"
That's me in the spotlight, losing my religion"
November 23, 2025 at 4:44 PM
"I'm on a highway to Hell ..."
Day 22 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Another unedited snippet from Book 7 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. (Note: "placenta" meant cake in antiquity, not what it means now.)
#WritingCommunity
Another unedited snippet from Book 7 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. (Note: "placenta" meant cake in antiquity, not what it means now.)
#WritingCommunity
November 22, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Day 22 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Another unedited snippet from Book 7 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. (Note: "placenta" meant cake in antiquity, not what it means now.)
#WritingCommunity
Another unedited snippet from Book 7 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. (Note: "placenta" meant cake in antiquity, not what it means now.)
#WritingCommunity
Reskeet with a time you looked cool.
Well, *I* thought I looked cool.
(Context: this was my Match profile pic during my online dating years.)
Well, *I* thought I looked cool.
(Context: this was my Match profile pic during my online dating years.)
November 22, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Reskeet with a time you looked cool.
Well, *I* thought I looked cool.
(Context: this was my Match profile pic during my online dating years.)
Well, *I* thought I looked cool.
(Context: this was my Match profile pic during my online dating years.)
Day 21 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Free Friday: I got nothin' for today. Happy Friday! 🎉
#WritingCommunity
Free Friday: I got nothin' for today. Happy Friday! 🎉
#WritingCommunity
November 21, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Day 21 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Free Friday: I got nothin' for today. Happy Friday! 🎉
#WritingCommunity
Free Friday: I got nothin' for today. Happy Friday! 🎉
#WritingCommunity
Day 20 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Where do I find inspiration? E V E R Y W H E R E
It's annoying, actually, because I have way more story ideas than I could ever write about.
#WritingCommunity
Where do I find inspiration? E V E R Y W H E R E
It's annoying, actually, because I have way more story ideas than I could ever write about.
#WritingCommunity
November 20, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Day 20 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Where do I find inspiration? E V E R Y W H E R E
It's annoying, actually, because I have way more story ideas than I could ever write about.
#WritingCommunity
Where do I find inspiration? E V E R Y W H E R E
It's annoying, actually, because I have way more story ideas than I could ever write about.
#WritingCommunity
You know you're Chronically Ill when you get emails from your local imaging facility celebrating Black Friday deals of $100 off certain imaging services.
#ChronicIllness
#ChronicIllness
November 20, 2025 at 5:35 PM
You know you're Chronically Ill when you get emails from your local imaging facility celebrating Black Friday deals of $100 off certain imaging services.
#ChronicIllness
#ChronicIllness
The good news: I no longer have a sore throat. Yay!
The bad news: I'm coughing up a lung and the Snot Factory ™️has begun its ramped-up production.
Headcolds suck.
The bad news: I'm coughing up a lung and the Snot Factory ™️has begun its ramped-up production.
Headcolds suck.
November 20, 2025 at 5:33 PM
The good news: I no longer have a sore throat. Yay!
The bad news: I'm coughing up a lung and the Snot Factory ™️has begun its ramped-up production.
Headcolds suck.
The bad news: I'm coughing up a lung and the Snot Factory ™️has begun its ramped-up production.
Headcolds suck.
Saw my pain specialist today, my normal monthly appointment. I told her about my shoulder issues and after asking a couple of questions, diagnosed me with bicep tendonitis. I need to rest it and ice it some more, and may need PT.
So I guess that means I need to not write for a while again. Ugh.
So I guess that means I need to not write for a while again. Ugh.
November 19, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Saw my pain specialist today, my normal monthly appointment. I told her about my shoulder issues and after asking a couple of questions, diagnosed me with bicep tendonitis. I need to rest it and ice it some more, and may need PT.
So I guess that means I need to not write for a while again. Ugh.
So I guess that means I need to not write for a while again. Ugh.
Day 19 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
The writing itself is fairly easy-going for me but the authoring part is not. For example, marketing. I hate marketing and self-promotion. Which is why I don't do it. 🤣
#WritingCommunity
The writing itself is fairly easy-going for me but the authoring part is not. For example, marketing. I hate marketing and self-promotion. Which is why I don't do it. 🤣
#WritingCommunity
November 19, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Day 19 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
The writing itself is fairly easy-going for me but the authoring part is not. For example, marketing. I hate marketing and self-promotion. Which is why I don't do it. 🤣
#WritingCommunity
The writing itself is fairly easy-going for me but the authoring part is not. For example, marketing. I hate marketing and self-promotion. Which is why I don't do it. 🤣
#WritingCommunity
I have suddenly become *obsessed* with cotton hankies. Like, I want to buy a bunch and use them instead of tissues.
Why am I like this? 🤦♀️
Why am I like this? 🤦♀️
November 19, 2025 at 4:32 PM
I have suddenly become *obsessed* with cotton hankies. Like, I want to buy a bunch and use them instead of tissues.
Why am I like this? 🤦♀️
Why am I like this? 🤦♀️
Day 18 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Dee Connor, the MC of my Keeper trilogy, will always be one of my favorite characters, along with Kevin and Arddhu.
In my Oracle of Delphi series WIP, there are a handful of Pythiai I've liked more than others. But my fave is Chara, the dog.
#WritingCommunity
Dee Connor, the MC of my Keeper trilogy, will always be one of my favorite characters, along with Kevin and Arddhu.
In my Oracle of Delphi series WIP, there are a handful of Pythiai I've liked more than others. But my fave is Chara, the dog.
#WritingCommunity
November 18, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Day 18 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Dee Connor, the MC of my Keeper trilogy, will always be one of my favorite characters, along with Kevin and Arddhu.
In my Oracle of Delphi series WIP, there are a handful of Pythiai I've liked more than others. But my fave is Chara, the dog.
#WritingCommunity
Dee Connor, the MC of my Keeper trilogy, will always be one of my favorite characters, along with Kevin and Arddhu.
In my Oracle of Delphi series WIP, there are a handful of Pythiai I've liked more than others. But my fave is Chara, the dog.
#WritingCommunity
Day 17 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
I have way too many hobbies - I've had to put some on the back burner lately: knitting, coloring, playing my lyre, and learning to draw.
Other hobbies include casual gaming (like Marvel Puzzle Quest), reading, and crafting (my #PythiaFeltDoll).
#WritingCommunity
I have way too many hobbies - I've had to put some on the back burner lately: knitting, coloring, playing my lyre, and learning to draw.
Other hobbies include casual gaming (like Marvel Puzzle Quest), reading, and crafting (my #PythiaFeltDoll).
#WritingCommunity
November 17, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Day 17 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
I have way too many hobbies - I've had to put some on the back burner lately: knitting, coloring, playing my lyre, and learning to draw.
Other hobbies include casual gaming (like Marvel Puzzle Quest), reading, and crafting (my #PythiaFeltDoll).
#WritingCommunity
I have way too many hobbies - I've had to put some on the back burner lately: knitting, coloring, playing my lyre, and learning to draw.
Other hobbies include casual gaming (like Marvel Puzzle Quest), reading, and crafting (my #PythiaFeltDoll).
#WritingCommunity
I can't stop laughing. 🤣
We like to look good and we like the good-lookin'. It's a vicious cycle.
Phoenix among most sinful U.S. cities with high lust ranking
We like to look good and we like the good-lookin'. It's a vicious cycle.
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:01 PM
I can't stop laughing. 🤣
Day 16 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
When I wrote my Keeper of the Sphere trilogy, I was definitely a pantser. But with the Oracle of Delphi series, there's just way too many historical facts to keep track of, so I've had to mostly do plotting.
#WritingCommunity
When I wrote my Keeper of the Sphere trilogy, I was definitely a pantser. But with the Oracle of Delphi series, there's just way too many historical facts to keep track of, so I've had to mostly do plotting.
#WritingCommunity
November 16, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Day 16 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
When I wrote my Keeper of the Sphere trilogy, I was definitely a pantser. But with the Oracle of Delphi series, there's just way too many historical facts to keep track of, so I've had to mostly do plotting.
#WritingCommunity
When I wrote my Keeper of the Sphere trilogy, I was definitely a pantser. But with the Oracle of Delphi series, there's just way too many historical facts to keep track of, so I've had to mostly do plotting.
#WritingCommunity
Thinking of selling all my DnD stuff. We don't play anymore, and it's just taking up space. 🤔
November 16, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Thinking of selling all my DnD stuff. We don't play anymore, and it's just taking up space. 🤔
Day 15 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Another unedited snippet from Book 7 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. Here, the Sanctuary has just celebrated the renewal of the Athenian Pythais festival in 137 BCE. 11 Athenian girls served as Kanephoroi, or Basket-Bearers, in the procession.
#WritingCommunity
Another unedited snippet from Book 7 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. Here, the Sanctuary has just celebrated the renewal of the Athenian Pythais festival in 137 BCE. 11 Athenian girls served as Kanephoroi, or Basket-Bearers, in the procession.
#WritingCommunity
November 15, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Day 15 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Another unedited snippet from Book 7 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. Here, the Sanctuary has just celebrated the renewal of the Athenian Pythais festival in 137 BCE. 11 Athenian girls served as Kanephoroi, or Basket-Bearers, in the procession.
#WritingCommunity
Another unedited snippet from Book 7 of my Oracle of Delphi series WIP. Here, the Sanctuary has just celebrated the renewal of the Athenian Pythais festival in 137 BCE. 11 Athenian girls served as Kanephoroi, or Basket-Bearers, in the procession.
#WritingCommunity
Husband has been sick all week with a bad cold. Now guess who has a sore throat?
Yeah.
Still having shoulder problems too. And every time I go outside I get bit by mosquitoes. Three more from last night. Total of ten now.
Plus my usual fibro, arthritis, and back issues.
This sucks.
Yeah.
Still having shoulder problems too. And every time I go outside I get bit by mosquitoes. Three more from last night. Total of ten now.
Plus my usual fibro, arthritis, and back issues.
This sucks.
November 15, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Husband has been sick all week with a bad cold. Now guess who has a sore throat?
Yeah.
Still having shoulder problems too. And every time I go outside I get bit by mosquitoes. Three more from last night. Total of ten now.
Plus my usual fibro, arthritis, and back issues.
This sucks.
Yeah.
Still having shoulder problems too. And every time I go outside I get bit by mosquitoes. Three more from last night. Total of ten now.
Plus my usual fibro, arthritis, and back issues.
This sucks.
Day 14 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Posting my pets! The awesome Terror Twins: Bailey-Boo on the right, and Cara the Wee Hellbeastie on the left. 💙
#WritingCommunity
Posting my pets! The awesome Terror Twins: Bailey-Boo on the right, and Cara the Wee Hellbeastie on the left. 💙
#WritingCommunity
November 14, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Day 14 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Posting my pets! The awesome Terror Twins: Bailey-Boo on the right, and Cara the Wee Hellbeastie on the left. 💙
#WritingCommunity
Posting my pets! The awesome Terror Twins: Bailey-Boo on the right, and Cara the Wee Hellbeastie on the left. 💙
#WritingCommunity
Fascinating.
NEW: The first two years of Massachusetts' millionaire tax has raised $3 billion more than expected.
And rather than driving the rich away, IPS researchers found that the number of millionaires has *increased.*
Tax the rich. Greg Ryan in @bloomberg.com:
And rather than driving the rich away, IPS researchers found that the number of millionaires has *increased.*
Tax the rich. Greg Ryan in @bloomberg.com:
Millionaire Tax That Inspired Mamdani Fuels $5.7 Billion Haul in Massachusetts
A millionaire levy in Massachusetts that New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani holds up as a model for taxing the rich has generated $3 billion more in revenue than expected without forcing...
www.bloomberg.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Fascinating.
Reading Roller's Historical and Topographical Guide to the Geography of Strabo, I thought this was a great paragraph. Hilarious, even.
#WritingCommunity #HistoricalFiction
#WritingCommunity #HistoricalFiction
November 13, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Reading Roller's Historical and Topographical Guide to the Geography of Strabo, I thought this was a great paragraph. Hilarious, even.
#WritingCommunity #HistoricalFiction
#WritingCommunity #HistoricalFiction
Day 13 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
I am privileged to write in a dedicated home office, with my research books close at hand.
#WritingCommunity
I am privileged to write in a dedicated home office, with my research books close at hand.
#WritingCommunity
November 13, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Day 13 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
I am privileged to write in a dedicated home office, with my research books close at hand.
#WritingCommunity
I am privileged to write in a dedicated home office, with my research books close at hand.
#WritingCommunity
Day 12 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Good writing advice: try different tools and processes and do what works for you
Bad writing advice: 🤐
#WritingCommunity
Good writing advice: try different tools and processes and do what works for you
Bad writing advice: 🤐
#WritingCommunity
November 12, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Day 12 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Good writing advice: try different tools and processes and do what works for you
Bad writing advice: 🤐
#WritingCommunity
Good writing advice: try different tools and processes and do what works for you
Bad writing advice: 🤐
#WritingCommunity
Day 11 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Genres:
I write fantasy.
I read sci-fi, fantasy, and historical fiction; and a metric shit-ton of historical nonfiction.
#WritingCommunity
Genres:
I write fantasy.
I read sci-fi, fantasy, and historical fiction; and a metric shit-ton of historical nonfiction.
#WritingCommunity
November 11, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Day 11 of #FantasyIndiesNovember
Genres:
I write fantasy.
I read sci-fi, fantasy, and historical fiction; and a metric shit-ton of historical nonfiction.
#WritingCommunity
Genres:
I write fantasy.
I read sci-fi, fantasy, and historical fiction; and a metric shit-ton of historical nonfiction.
#WritingCommunity