Jess Slaven Scribes
@jessslaven.bsky.social
Writer and creative, currently in the progress of getting my first book published. More soon…
Hey #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
I’m quite straightforward in this. I have one big planning document that I keep all my world building bits and pieces in.
This includes important locations, character bios and also the approximate story structure.
I add to it as I go and it is pretty gigantic now 😂
I’m quite straightforward in this. I have one big planning document that I keep all my world building bits and pieces in.
This includes important locations, character bios and also the approximate story structure.
I add to it as I go and it is pretty gigantic now 😂
#JanuaryWorldbuilders What apps, programs, tools have you used to help with your worldbuilding? Do you use anything for storing notes, making maps, randomly generating names, keeping a timeline or a calendar? Tell us about it! Please no GenAI🚫
January 31, 2026 at 9:19 PM
Hey #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
I’m quite straightforward in this. I have one big planning document that I keep all my world building bits and pieces in.
This includes important locations, character bios and also the approximate story structure.
I add to it as I go and it is pretty gigantic now 😂
I’m quite straightforward in this. I have one big planning document that I keep all my world building bits and pieces in.
This includes important locations, character bios and also the approximate story structure.
I add to it as I go and it is pretty gigantic now 😂
Hey #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
Bioluminescence has been a big one. How it looks, what early thoughts about it were, honestly I kinda fell down a rabbit hole with it.
Fun fact scientists think it evolved in the earth’s ancient oceans 100s of millions of years ago.
Which is just the coolest.
Bioluminescence has been a big one. How it looks, what early thoughts about it were, honestly I kinda fell down a rabbit hole with it.
Fun fact scientists think it evolved in the earth’s ancient oceans 100s of millions of years ago.
Which is just the coolest.
#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 10:50 PM
Hey #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
Bioluminescence has been a big one. How it looks, what early thoughts about it were, honestly I kinda fell down a rabbit hole with it.
Fun fact scientists think it evolved in the earth’s ancient oceans 100s of millions of years ago.
Which is just the coolest.
Bioluminescence has been a big one. How it looks, what early thoughts about it were, honestly I kinda fell down a rabbit hole with it.
Fun fact scientists think it evolved in the earth’s ancient oceans 100s of millions of years ago.
Which is just the coolest.
Hi #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
So plans for this year are to publish book A1 (the one I’ve been posting about) in the first quarter/third of the year.
Hopefully that’ll give me time to finish a first draft of A2 (the sequel) and start writing B1 (unrelated first book in a series) by the end of 2026
So plans for this year are to publish book A1 (the one I’ve been posting about) in the first quarter/third of the year.
Hopefully that’ll give me time to finish a first draft of A2 (the sequel) and start writing B1 (unrelated first book in a series) by the end of 2026
We're in the extra days of January! From here until Feb, I'll ask some broader questions, #JanuaryWorldbuilders
Today's Q: What are you planning to work on this year? Particularly in regards to writing and worldbuilding, but feel free to talk about anything
Today's Q: What are you planning to work on this year? Particularly in regards to writing and worldbuilding, but feel free to talk about anything
January 30, 2026 at 10:42 PM
Hi #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
So plans for this year are to publish book A1 (the one I’ve been posting about) in the first quarter/third of the year.
Hopefully that’ll give me time to finish a first draft of A2 (the sequel) and start writing B1 (unrelated first book in a series) by the end of 2026
So plans for this year are to publish book A1 (the one I’ve been posting about) in the first quarter/third of the year.
Hopefully that’ll give me time to finish a first draft of A2 (the sequel) and start writing B1 (unrelated first book in a series) by the end of 2026
Apologies for vanishing to anyone who noticed. I am unfortunately down with a horrid sickness and looking at my phone was making my brain scream at me.
I’m feeling a bit better so will be posting once more, and who knows, some of it might even be coherent 😂
I’m feeling a bit better so will be posting once more, and who knows, some of it might even be coherent 😂
January 30, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Apologies for vanishing to anyone who noticed. I am unfortunately down with a horrid sickness and looking at my phone was making my brain scream at me.
I’m feeling a bit better so will be posting once more, and who knows, some of it might even be coherent 😂
I’m feeling a bit better so will be posting once more, and who knows, some of it might even be coherent 😂
Heyo #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
Not a war, but there is a little bit of a coup brewing in the shadows of the Halls.
It is building subtly, and the consequences of it succeeding could be devastating for the future of the Woods and village both.
So unfortunately Una has no choice but to get involved.
Not a war, but there is a little bit of a coup brewing in the shadows of the Halls.
It is building subtly, and the consequences of it succeeding could be devastating for the future of the Woods and village both.
So unfortunately Una has no choice but to get involved.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders We talked about weapons and armor, now for the wars. This week's worldbuilding questions are about your fictional world's wars and militaries. Today's Q: Are there any current wars in your WIP and is your MC involved?
January 22, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Heyo #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
Not a war, but there is a little bit of a coup brewing in the shadows of the Halls.
It is building subtly, and the consequences of it succeeding could be devastating for the future of the Woods and village both.
So unfortunately Una has no choice but to get involved.
Not a war, but there is a little bit of a coup brewing in the shadows of the Halls.
It is building subtly, and the consequences of it succeeding could be devastating for the future of the Woods and village both.
So unfortunately Una has no choice but to get involved.
Una is absolutely plotting her way out. Whether that means fighting, sneaking or talking she’ll do whatever she has to.
Meanwhile the Abomination would probably be fine lounging for a bit. If only to lie in weight for the first person to come by their cell door.
#AwesomeCharacters #WriteSky
Meanwhile the Abomination would probably be fine lounging for a bit. If only to lie in weight for the first person to come by their cell door.
#AwesomeCharacters #WriteSky
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Hypothetical today!
Your characters have been arrested and thrown in the dungeon! How are they handling it?
Resigned acceptance? Angrily demanding a lawyer? Already planning their escape? Catching a nap?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Hypothetical today!
Your characters have been arrested and thrown in the dungeon! How are they handling it?
Resigned acceptance? Angrily demanding a lawyer? Already planning their escape? Catching a nap?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
January 21, 2026 at 2:35 PM
Una is absolutely plotting her way out. Whether that means fighting, sneaking or talking she’ll do whatever she has to.
Meanwhile the Abomination would probably be fine lounging for a bit. If only to lie in weight for the first person to come by their cell door.
#AwesomeCharacters #WriteSky
Meanwhile the Abomination would probably be fine lounging for a bit. If only to lie in weight for the first person to come by their cell door.
#AwesomeCharacters #WriteSky
Hey #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
I’ve mentioned before that the Strangers use magics over physical weapons.
While there are not laws on its use, there is certainly a hierarchy that restricts how others use it.
After all the Queen That Is and Was needs to know exactly what is going on in her Halls.
I’ve mentioned before that the Strangers use magics over physical weapons.
While there are not laws on its use, there is certainly a hierarchy that restricts how others use it.
After all the Queen That Is and Was needs to know exactly what is going on in her Halls.
Good morning, #JanuaryWorldbuilders! What kind of laws exist regarding the use of weapons in your world? Can anyone use or carry them? Are they usable only by a certain class? Or only after you've been trained in its use? Are some weapons banned entirely?
January 21, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Hey #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
I’ve mentioned before that the Strangers use magics over physical weapons.
While there are not laws on its use, there is certainly a hierarchy that restricts how others use it.
After all the Queen That Is and Was needs to know exactly what is going on in her Halls.
I’ve mentioned before that the Strangers use magics over physical weapons.
While there are not laws on its use, there is certainly a hierarchy that restricts how others use it.
After all the Queen That Is and Was needs to know exactly what is going on in her Halls.
I’ve never used placeholder names exactly. The closest I’ve come to that is shifting around side characters’ names after I changed my mind about it.
Coming up with character names is a whole event for me. The exception to this was Una, I found her name really quickly.
#AwesomeCharacters #WriteSky
Coming up with character names is a whole event for me. The exception to this was Una, I found her name really quickly.
#AwesomeCharacters #WriteSky
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Writing technical question!
Do you name your characters right away or do you use placeholder names?
Are the placeholders descriptive or just filler names you'll change?
Has a placeholder ever grown on you?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Writing technical question!
Do you name your characters right away or do you use placeholder names?
Are the placeholders descriptive or just filler names you'll change?
Has a placeholder ever grown on you?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
January 20, 2026 at 8:17 PM
I’ve never used placeholder names exactly. The closest I’ve come to that is shifting around side characters’ names after I changed my mind about it.
Coming up with character names is a whole event for me. The exception to this was Una, I found her name really quickly.
#AwesomeCharacters #WriteSky
Coming up with character names is a whole event for me. The exception to this was Una, I found her name really quickly.
#AwesomeCharacters #WriteSky
Hi #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
The Abomination, as they are called is very much a melee fighter.
They have fearsome claws, venomous terrible teeth and the tendrils exuding from their torso as additional limbs for grappling and tearing at their foes.
Not someone you want to be on the wrong side of.
The Abomination, as they are called is very much a melee fighter.
They have fearsome claws, venomous terrible teeth and the tendrils exuding from their torso as additional limbs for grappling and tearing at their foes.
Not someone you want to be on the wrong side of.
Hey there, #JanuaryWorldbuilders! Yesterday I asked about ranged weapons, so today is for melee/close-range weapons! Whacha got for me? Are people using swords and maces? Got any cool polearms? Or are your characters conducting business with their fists, teeth, and claws?
January 20, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Hi #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
The Abomination, as they are called is very much a melee fighter.
They have fearsome claws, venomous terrible teeth and the tendrils exuding from their torso as additional limbs for grappling and tearing at their foes.
Not someone you want to be on the wrong side of.
The Abomination, as they are called is very much a melee fighter.
They have fearsome claws, venomous terrible teeth and the tendrils exuding from their torso as additional limbs for grappling and tearing at their foes.
Not someone you want to be on the wrong side of.
Hiya #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
There isn’t that much call for long range weaponry in Prysena Village.
Slings are more common than bows, the magics around the Woods discourage villagers from hunting any big game.
As for the Strangers, they don’t use anything as “base” as weapons.
There isn’t that much call for long range weaponry in Prysena Village.
Slings are more common than bows, the magics around the Woods discourage villagers from hunting any big game.
As for the Strangers, they don’t use anything as “base” as weapons.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders. What kind of long-range weapons are used in your world? Do they have bows? Longbows? Slingshots or darts? Or is this an age of guns, spaceships, and rockets?
January 19, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Hiya #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
There isn’t that much call for long range weaponry in Prysena Village.
Slings are more common than bows, the magics around the Woods discourage villagers from hunting any big game.
As for the Strangers, they don’t use anything as “base” as weapons.
There isn’t that much call for long range weaponry in Prysena Village.
Slings are more common than bows, the magics around the Woods discourage villagers from hunting any big game.
As for the Strangers, they don’t use anything as “base” as weapons.
Today’s #WIPSnips is a moment just on the other side of danger, with Una more than a little out of it from her injuries.
While she is not alone, her companion in this moment is far from human and their true motives unknown.
At least it seems like they want her alive, for now…
#WriteSky
While she is not alone, her companion in this moment is far from human and their true motives unknown.
At least it seems like they want her alive, for now…
#WriteSky
January 19, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Hi #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
There is not a lot in the way of armour in my world, but that which does exist is worn by the Queen’s Eyes.
These are her protectors, enforcers and most loyal amongst the Halls.
Their armour is made of natural leathers and woven fabrics, all adorned with many, many eyes.
There is not a lot in the way of armour in my world, but that which does exist is worn by the Queen’s Eyes.
These are her protectors, enforcers and most loyal amongst the Halls.
Their armour is made of natural leathers and woven fabrics, all adorned with many, many eyes.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders Heya! I can't let it ONLY be weapon talk this week! What kind of armor do your characters wear? Or what kind generally is made in your world? What material is it made from?
January 18, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Hi #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
There is not a lot in the way of armour in my world, but that which does exist is worn by the Queen’s Eyes.
These are her protectors, enforcers and most loyal amongst the Halls.
Their armour is made of natural leathers and woven fabrics, all adorned with many, many eyes.
There is not a lot in the way of armour in my world, but that which does exist is worn by the Queen’s Eyes.
These are her protectors, enforcers and most loyal amongst the Halls.
Their armour is made of natural leathers and woven fabrics, all adorned with many, many eyes.
Hi #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
There is a specific artefact that Una comes across that is special not because it is magic but because it can negate it.
Given that Una is only human and can’t use the same workings as the Strangers, it can at least help to partially level the playing field in her favour.
There is a specific artefact that Una comes across that is special not because it is magic but because it can negate it.
Given that Una is only human and can’t use the same workings as the Strangers, it can at least help to partially level the playing field in her favour.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders, do you have any magical or otherwise special/important weapons or armor in your world? What do they do? Is there lore or a story behind how they came to be? Has is always been special or was it made that way through some critical event?
January 17, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Hi #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
There is a specific artefact that Una comes across that is special not because it is magic but because it can negate it.
Given that Una is only human and can’t use the same workings as the Strangers, it can at least help to partially level the playing field in her favour.
There is a specific artefact that Una comes across that is special not because it is magic but because it can negate it.
Given that Una is only human and can’t use the same workings as the Strangers, it can at least help to partially level the playing field in her favour.
In today’s #WIPSnips Una is navigating a confusing magical trap in the hopes of finally getting something to eat after days of hunger.
The consequences for failure is severe, but desperation can drive a person to take some terrible risks for just a slither of hope.
#WriteSky
The consequences for failure is severe, but desperation can drive a person to take some terrible risks for just a slither of hope.
#WriteSky
January 17, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Una is a naturally honest person, but she is also incredibly cautious. She’s not the kind of person to give her word on a whim, so she tends to keep it.
And now that she’s in the Dark of the Woods, attempting to break her word would be very, very dangerous.
#AwesomeCharacters #WriteSky
And now that she’s in the Dark of the Woods, attempting to break her word would be very, very dangerous.
#AwesomeCharacters #WriteSky
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Let's talk promises! Does your character make them easily, or does it take a lot to get them to make a promise? Does it depend on the promise, or the person?
What would it take to make them break that promise?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Let's talk promises! Does your character make them easily, or does it take a lot to get them to make a promise? Does it depend on the promise, or the person?
What would it take to make them break that promise?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
January 17, 2026 at 5:59 PM
Una is a naturally honest person, but she is also incredibly cautious. She’s not the kind of person to give her word on a whim, so she tends to keep it.
And now that she’s in the Dark of the Woods, attempting to break her word would be very, very dangerous.
#AwesomeCharacters #WriteSky
And now that she’s in the Dark of the Woods, attempting to break her word would be very, very dangerous.
#AwesomeCharacters #WriteSky
Hey #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
My main antagonist doesn’t use physical weapons. Rather, like most Strangers, he abhors them as base and brutish. Instead he wields odd magics to control the Woods and influence to manipulate his followers.
My main antagonist doesn’t use physical weapons. Rather, like most Strangers, he abhors them as base and brutish. Instead he wields odd magics to control the Woods and influence to manipulate his followers.
#JanuaryWorldbuilders. We talked about the MC (or another important character) yesterday. This time: what about their opposite? A villain? A foil? Someone else of importance in the story or lore? What weapon does that character use?
January 16, 2026 at 5:41 PM
Hey #JanuaryWorldbuilders!
My main antagonist doesn’t use physical weapons. Rather, like most Strangers, he abhors them as base and brutish. Instead he wields odd magics to control the Woods and influence to manipulate his followers.
My main antagonist doesn’t use physical weapons. Rather, like most Strangers, he abhors them as base and brutish. Instead he wields odd magics to control the Woods and influence to manipulate his followers.