Howard Aiken 📚
@howard-aiken.bsky.social
Blogger, writer, and reader. Looking for an agent for my real-world 14th-century historical fiction trilogy "Cruz Espada."
Blog: https://unexpectedangles.wordpress.com
Blog: https://unexpectedangles.wordpress.com
Pinned
#WordWeavers 12. Are bodily functions omitted or discussed in your stories?
In one of my stories - set during the Black Death - they are relevant, so they get mentioned. Otherwise no.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
In one of my stories - set during the Black Death - they are relevant, so they get mentioned. Otherwise no.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
December 12, 2025 at 11:52 AM
#WordWeavers 12. Are bodily functions omitted or discussed in your stories?
In one of my stories - set during the Black Death - they are relevant, so they get mentioned. Otherwise no.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
In one of my stories - set during the Black Death - they are relevant, so they get mentioned. Otherwise no.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
Today, I am a member of the #5amwritersclub. There was a scene in Volume 1 that I wasn't happy with. 1344 AD. The Pope's intelligence and security chief was recruiting a new candidate into "the Entity." Hard to find the Stasi/KGB ambience - I've never lived that life.
#writing #histfic #writesky
#writing #histfic #writesky
December 12, 2025 at 5:15 AM
Today, I am a member of the #5amwritersclub. There was a scene in Volume 1 that I wasn't happy with. 1344 AD. The Pope's intelligence and security chief was recruiting a new candidate into "the Entity." Hard to find the Stasi/KGB ambience - I've never lived that life.
#writing #histfic #writesky
#writing #histfic #writesky
#WordWeavers Dec 10
Who is your most chaotic character?
I included a neurodivergent character in my 14th-century #histfic. His behaviour seems chaotic and upsets the people around him who don't understand his condition.
#writing #writesky
Who is your most chaotic character?
I included a neurodivergent character in my 14th-century #histfic. His behaviour seems chaotic and upsets the people around him who don't understand his condition.
#writing #writesky
December 10, 2025 at 10:01 PM
#WordWeavers Dec 10
Who is your most chaotic character?
I included a neurodivergent character in my 14th-century #histfic. His behaviour seems chaotic and upsets the people around him who don't understand his condition.
#writing #writesky
Who is your most chaotic character?
I included a neurodivergent character in my 14th-century #histfic. His behaviour seems chaotic and upsets the people around him who don't understand his condition.
#writing #writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.10 — Is it ethical to base characters on real people? What is the limit?
Living people? Not if you name them. Dead people? No problem if they've been dead for 600 years. Just one of the advantages of #writing #histfic set in the 14th century.
#writesky #writingcommunity
Living people? Not if you name them. Dead people? No problem if they've been dead for 600 years. Just one of the advantages of #writing #histfic set in the 14th century.
#writesky #writingcommunity
December 10, 2025 at 9:10 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.10 — Is it ethical to base characters on real people? What is the limit?
Living people? Not if you name them. Dead people? No problem if they've been dead for 600 years. Just one of the advantages of #writing #histfic set in the 14th century.
#writesky #writingcommunity
Living people? Not if you name them. Dead people? No problem if they've been dead for 600 years. Just one of the advantages of #writing #histfic set in the 14th century.
#writesky #writingcommunity
#WordWeavers 8 Dec: Does your world have any weird laws, practices or beliefs?
In 14th-century western Europe the Catholic church was the only church. The worst punishment short of execution was excommunication, and to be accused of sorcery or witchcraft could result in a death sentence.
#writing
In 14th-century western Europe the Catholic church was the only church. The worst punishment short of execution was excommunication, and to be accused of sorcery or witchcraft could result in a death sentence.
#writing
December 8, 2025 at 10:19 AM
#WordWeavers 8 Dec: Does your world have any weird laws, practices or beliefs?
In 14th-century western Europe the Catholic church was the only church. The worst punishment short of execution was excommunication, and to be accused of sorcery or witchcraft could result in a death sentence.
#writing
In 14th-century western Europe the Catholic church was the only church. The worst punishment short of execution was excommunication, and to be accused of sorcery or witchcraft could result in a death sentence.
#writing
#WritersCoffeeClub Dec 7.: What future writing goals are you working towards with your present work?
I'm about to start #writing Volume 3 of my "Cruz Espada" #histfic trilogy. The three books are set before during and after the Black Death, so I'm currently researching the 1350s.
#books #writesky
I'm about to start #writing Volume 3 of my "Cruz Espada" #histfic trilogy. The three books are set before during and after the Black Death, so I'm currently researching the 1350s.
#books #writesky
December 7, 2025 at 7:20 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub Dec 7.: What future writing goals are you working towards with your present work?
I'm about to start #writing Volume 3 of my "Cruz Espada" #histfic trilogy. The three books are set before during and after the Black Death, so I'm currently researching the 1350s.
#books #writesky
I'm about to start #writing Volume 3 of my "Cruz Espada" #histfic trilogy. The three books are set before during and after the Black Death, so I'm currently researching the 1350s.
#books #writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub 6 Dec
How has your past writing shaped your present writing?
My past #writing was articles for glossy sports magazines and various blogs. Nothing longer than 2k words. Now I write novels and am currently two books into a planned #histfic trilogy. It all helped.
#writingcommunity
How has your past writing shaped your present writing?
My past #writing was articles for glossy sports magazines and various blogs. Nothing longer than 2k words. Now I write novels and am currently two books into a planned #histfic trilogy. It all helped.
#writingcommunity
December 6, 2025 at 10:56 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 6 Dec
How has your past writing shaped your present writing?
My past #writing was articles for glossy sports magazines and various blogs. Nothing longer than 2k words. Now I write novels and am currently two books into a planned #histfic trilogy. It all helped.
#writingcommunity
How has your past writing shaped your present writing?
My past #writing was articles for glossy sports magazines and various blogs. Nothing longer than 2k words. Now I write novels and am currently two books into a planned #histfic trilogy. It all helped.
#writingcommunity
#WordWeavers 4/12: 1hat’s the worst thing about the world of your story?
The 14th century? Plenty to choose from: plague, political and ecclesiastical corruption, lethal antisemitism, wars, the Inquisition. You wouldn't have liked it.
#writing #histfic #books #writingcommunity #writesky
The 14th century? Plenty to choose from: plague, political and ecclesiastical corruption, lethal antisemitism, wars, the Inquisition. You wouldn't have liked it.
#writing #histfic #books #writingcommunity #writesky
December 4, 2025 at 8:34 AM
#WordWeavers 4/12: 1hat’s the worst thing about the world of your story?
The 14th century? Plenty to choose from: plague, political and ecclesiastical corruption, lethal antisemitism, wars, the Inquisition. You wouldn't have liked it.
#writing #histfic #books #writingcommunity #writesky
The 14th century? Plenty to choose from: plague, political and ecclesiastical corruption, lethal antisemitism, wars, the Inquisition. You wouldn't have liked it.
#writing #histfic #books #writingcommunity #writesky
#WordWeavers 3/12: What’s the best thing about the world of your story?
The fact that for the purposes of my fictional plot, I imagined the Papacy having an "intelligence and security" department - and then discovered that it really did!
#writing #histfic #books #WriteSky #writingcommunity
The fact that for the purposes of my fictional plot, I imagined the Papacy having an "intelligence and security" department - and then discovered that it really did!
#writing #histfic #books #WriteSky #writingcommunity
December 3, 2025 at 10:42 AM
#WordWeavers 3/12: What’s the best thing about the world of your story?
The fact that for the purposes of my fictional plot, I imagined the Papacy having an "intelligence and security" department - and then discovered that it really did!
#writing #histfic #books #WriteSky #writingcommunity
The fact that for the purposes of my fictional plot, I imagined the Papacy having an "intelligence and security" department - and then discovered that it really did!
#writing #histfic #books #WriteSky #writingcommunity
#WritersCoffeeClub 3/12: Do genre conventions provide an essential framework, or stifle original storytelling?
Depends on the genre. Fanfiction is a straitjacket. Historical fiction is constrained only by reality, and not even reality if you add fantasy into the mix.
#writing #histfic #writesky
Depends on the genre. Fanfiction is a straitjacket. Historical fiction is constrained only by reality, and not even reality if you add fantasy into the mix.
#writing #histfic #writesky
December 3, 2025 at 10:33 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 3/12: Do genre conventions provide an essential framework, or stifle original storytelling?
Depends on the genre. Fanfiction is a straitjacket. Historical fiction is constrained only by reality, and not even reality if you add fantasy into the mix.
#writing #histfic #writesky
Depends on the genre. Fanfiction is a straitjacket. Historical fiction is constrained only by reality, and not even reality if you add fantasy into the mix.
#writing #histfic #writesky
#PennedPossibilities 861 — Has your MC ever committed a crime? If so, what have they done?
He's not a violent person, but he is a trained member of a military order serving in the security and intelligence service of the Papacy. He has killed in the line of duty, and (once) for personal revenge.
He's not a violent person, but he is a trained member of a military order serving in the security and intelligence service of the Papacy. He has killed in the line of duty, and (once) for personal revenge.
December 2, 2025 at 11:06 AM
#PennedPossibilities 861 — Has your MC ever committed a crime? If so, what have they done?
He's not a violent person, but he is a trained member of a military order serving in the security and intelligence service of the Papacy. He has killed in the line of duty, and (once) for personal revenge.
He's not a violent person, but he is a trained member of a military order serving in the security and intelligence service of the Papacy. He has killed in the line of duty, and (once) for personal revenge.
#WordWeavers 2/12: What does your MC’s home smell like?
His childhood home smelled of orange blossom early in the year, then thyme and rosemary in the heat of summer. And sometimes leather, when his father brought his work home.
#writing #histfic #writesky
His childhood home smelled of orange blossom early in the year, then thyme and rosemary in the heat of summer. And sometimes leather, when his father brought his work home.
#writing #histfic #writesky
December 2, 2025 at 10:52 AM
#WordWeavers 2/12: What does your MC’s home smell like?
His childhood home smelled of orange blossom early in the year, then thyme and rosemary in the heat of summer. And sometimes leather, when his father brought his work home.
#writing #histfic #writesky
His childhood home smelled of orange blossom early in the year, then thyme and rosemary in the heat of summer. And sometimes leather, when his father brought his work home.
#writing #histfic #writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub 2 Dec
What do you dislike as a reader and thus avoid in your own work?
The easy answer is "bad writing". The more nuanced answer is writing which is trying too hard for a popular style or genre and getting it wrong. The best books don't have comp titles.
#writing #histfic #books
What do you dislike as a reader and thus avoid in your own work?
The easy answer is "bad writing". The more nuanced answer is writing which is trying too hard for a popular style or genre and getting it wrong. The best books don't have comp titles.
#writing #histfic #books
December 2, 2025 at 10:43 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 2 Dec
What do you dislike as a reader and thus avoid in your own work?
The easy answer is "bad writing". The more nuanced answer is writing which is trying too hard for a popular style or genre and getting it wrong. The best books don't have comp titles.
#writing #histfic #books
What do you dislike as a reader and thus avoid in your own work?
The easy answer is "bad writing". The more nuanced answer is writing which is trying too hard for a popular style or genre and getting it wrong. The best books don't have comp titles.
#writing #histfic #books
#WritersCoffeeClub 1/12: From where did the inspiration for your current WIP come?
From my previous novel. The main male character clearly had an interesting life-story behind him, and it had to be told.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
From my previous novel. The main male character clearly had an interesting life-story behind him, and it had to be told.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
December 1, 2025 at 4:27 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub 1/12: From where did the inspiration for your current WIP come?
From my previous novel. The main male character clearly had an interesting life-story behind him, and it had to be told.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
From my previous novel. The main male character clearly had an interesting life-story behind him, and it had to be told.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
#WordWeavers 30/11: When writing, do you consider your topics to avoid book bannings or fallout of any sort?
I've never given book bans a thought.
#writing #histfic
I've never given book bans a thought.
#writing #histfic
December 1, 2025 at 12:11 AM
#WordWeavers 30/11: When writing, do you consider your topics to avoid book bannings or fallout of any sort?
I've never given book bans a thought.
#writing #histfic
I've never given book bans a thought.
#writing #histfic
#writersCoffeeClub Nov 30: Share some good things about how your work went this month!
Feedback from my beta readers has been good. More work to do, of course, but making solid progress.
#writing #histfic #books #writingcommunity
#writesky
Feedback from my beta readers has been good. More work to do, of course, but making solid progress.
#writing #histfic #books #writingcommunity
#writesky
December 1, 2025 at 12:06 AM
#writersCoffeeClub Nov 30: Share some good things about how your work went this month!
Feedback from my beta readers has been good. More work to do, of course, but making solid progress.
#writing #histfic #books #writingcommunity
#writesky
Feedback from my beta readers has been good. More work to do, of course, but making solid progress.
#writing #histfic #books #writingcommunity
#writesky
#WordWeavers Nov 29: When writing gets hard, what keeps you going?
Hope. Hope that one day, a literary agent will read my work and see what I see. A growing library of #histfic stories transferable to #cinema, #TV and #computergames.
#writing #books #writingcommunity
#writesky
Hope. Hope that one day, a literary agent will read my work and see what I see. A growing library of #histfic stories transferable to #cinema, #TV and #computergames.
#writing #books #writingcommunity
#writesky
November 29, 2025 at 7:17 AM
#WordWeavers Nov 29: When writing gets hard, what keeps you going?
Hope. Hope that one day, a literary agent will read my work and see what I see. A growing library of #histfic stories transferable to #cinema, #TV and #computergames.
#writing #books #writingcommunity
#writesky
Hope. Hope that one day, a literary agent will read my work and see what I see. A growing library of #histfic stories transferable to #cinema, #TV and #computergames.
#writing #books #writingcommunity
#writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub Nov 28: In what ways do you see yourself reflected in your own work?
It isn't me reflected in my work. It's my tastes and preferences, my choices and my aversions. The things I write about and the things I avoid shape my work, but I would not say they create a reflection of me.
It isn't me reflected in my work. It's my tastes and preferences, my choices and my aversions. The things I write about and the things I avoid shape my work, but I would not say they create a reflection of me.
November 29, 2025 at 7:02 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub Nov 28: In what ways do you see yourself reflected in your own work?
It isn't me reflected in my work. It's my tastes and preferences, my choices and my aversions. The things I write about and the things I avoid shape my work, but I would not say they create a reflection of me.
It isn't me reflected in my work. It's my tastes and preferences, my choices and my aversions. The things I write about and the things I avoid shape my work, but I would not say they create a reflection of me.
Latest blog - on the common pattern emerging from the process of #writing: unexpectedangles.wordpress.com/2025/11/27/p...
#books #writesky #writingcommunity
#books #writesky #writingcommunity
Patterns, by Howard Aiken
With the second volume of my “Cruz Espada” trilogy now with beta readers I’m taking a moment to think about the experience of writing. The two volumes are very different. Volume one spans more th…
unexpectedangles.wordpress.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Latest blog - on the common pattern emerging from the process of #writing: unexpectedangles.wordpress.com/2025/11/27/p...
#books #writesky #writingcommunity
#books #writesky #writingcommunity
#PennedPossibilities 854—What genres might you try outside of your chosen one(s)? Is there anything specific you would like to work on?
I think I'll stick with #writing #histfic, but I'd like one day to write about ancient Rome. I'd need to do much more research first though 🤔
#writesky
I think I'll stick with #writing #histfic, but I'd like one day to write about ancient Rome. I'd need to do much more research first though 🤔
#writesky
November 27, 2025 at 9:50 AM
#PennedPossibilities 854—What genres might you try outside of your chosen one(s)? Is there anything specific you would like to work on?
I think I'll stick with #writing #histfic, but I'd like one day to write about ancient Rome. I'd need to do much more research first though 🤔
#writesky
I think I'll stick with #writing #histfic, but I'd like one day to write about ancient Rome. I'd need to do much more research first though 🤔
#writesky
#WordWeavers 27 Nov
When it comes to your writing, what are you thankful for?
My alpha and beta readers, and the fact that I don't have to rely on my writing to pay my bills. That said, I do hope that one day I'll be published and earning some money for my work.
#writing #histfic #books
When it comes to your writing, what are you thankful for?
My alpha and beta readers, and the fact that I don't have to rely on my writing to pay my bills. That said, I do hope that one day I'll be published and earning some money for my work.
#writing #histfic #books
November 27, 2025 at 9:39 AM
#WordWeavers 27 Nov
When it comes to your writing, what are you thankful for?
My alpha and beta readers, and the fact that I don't have to rely on my writing to pay my bills. That said, I do hope that one day I'll be published and earning some money for my work.
#writing #histfic #books
When it comes to your writing, what are you thankful for?
My alpha and beta readers, and the fact that I don't have to rely on my writing to pay my bills. That said, I do hope that one day I'll be published and earning some money for my work.
#writing #histfic #books
#WritersCoffeeClub 27 Nov
Do you prefer writing serialised, sequential, or standalone works? Why?
I'm currently writing a #histfic trilogy, a biography set before, during, and after the Black Death. After that I have plans for a series linked not by a character but by the organisation he worked for
Do you prefer writing serialised, sequential, or standalone works? Why?
I'm currently writing a #histfic trilogy, a biography set before, during, and after the Black Death. After that I have plans for a series linked not by a character but by the organisation he worked for
November 27, 2025 at 9:21 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 27 Nov
Do you prefer writing serialised, sequential, or standalone works? Why?
I'm currently writing a #histfic trilogy, a biography set before, during, and after the Black Death. After that I have plans for a series linked not by a character but by the organisation he worked for
Do you prefer writing serialised, sequential, or standalone works? Why?
I'm currently writing a #histfic trilogy, a biography set before, during, and after the Black Death. After that I have plans for a series linked not by a character but by the organisation he worked for
#WritersCoffeeClub 23 Nov
What's your niche?
Real-world historical fiction novels based on actual events and without dragons, magic, or other fantasy elements. Current WIP is a trilogy set in the 14th century before, during, and after the plague.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
What's your niche?
Real-world historical fiction novels based on actual events and without dragons, magic, or other fantasy elements. Current WIP is a trilogy set in the 14th century before, during, and after the plague.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
November 23, 2025 at 9:33 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 23 Nov
What's your niche?
Real-world historical fiction novels based on actual events and without dragons, magic, or other fantasy elements. Current WIP is a trilogy set in the 14th century before, during, and after the plague.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
What's your niche?
Real-world historical fiction novels based on actual events and without dragons, magic, or other fantasy elements. Current WIP is a trilogy set in the 14th century before, during, and after the plague.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity
#writesky
#WritersCoffeeClub Nov 13: Name the oldest work to have inspired you.
Boccaccio’s "Decameron" was a kind of meta-inspiration for Book Two of the trilogy, which (like the Decameron) takes place during the 14th-century Black Death.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
Boccaccio’s "Decameron" was a kind of meta-inspiration for Book Two of the trilogy, which (like the Decameron) takes place during the 14th-century Black Death.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
November 18, 2025 at 7:01 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub Nov 13: Name the oldest work to have inspired you.
Boccaccio’s "Decameron" was a kind of meta-inspiration for Book Two of the trilogy, which (like the Decameron) takes place during the 14th-century Black Death.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky
Boccaccio’s "Decameron" was a kind of meta-inspiration for Book Two of the trilogy, which (like the Decameron) takes place during the 14th-century Black Death.
#writing #histfic #writingcommunity #writesky