Sax Brightwell 🇨🇦
@saxbrightwell.neocities.org
(they/them)
Writer of romantic science fiction series "Secrets of Sleipnir."
Buy direct: https://payhip.com/SaxBrightwell
Buy in stores: https://books2read.com/ap/RD62br/Sax-Brightwell
Blog: https://saxbrightwell.dreamwidth.org/
Writer of romantic science fiction series "Secrets of Sleipnir."
Buy direct: https://payhip.com/SaxBrightwell
Buy in stores: https://books2read.com/ap/RD62br/Sax-Brightwell
Blog: https://saxbrightwell.dreamwidth.org/
Pinned
I write steamy, queer, romantic science fiction set on a far-future alien world. 🌶️📚🪐 💕📚💙
You can buy my books directly at payhip.com/SaxBrightwell or on all major platforms at books2read.com/ap/RD62br/Sa...
You can also find me blogging at saxbrightwell.dreamwidth.org
You can buy my books directly at payhip.com/SaxBrightwell or on all major platforms at books2read.com/ap/RD62br/Sa...
You can also find me blogging at saxbrightwell.dreamwidth.org
#WordWeavers Nov 25/11: Does your Current MC share any traits with you?
Fiyeli is an atheist, is attracted to men, doesn't suffer fools gladly, would rather walk than ride a horse, doesn't fare the best on night shifts, and has increasing niblings.
Fiyeli is an atheist, is attracted to men, doesn't suffer fools gladly, would rather walk than ride a horse, doesn't fare the best on night shifts, and has increasing niblings.
November 25, 2025 at 11:41 AM
#WordWeavers Nov 25/11: Does your Current MC share any traits with you?
Fiyeli is an atheist, is attracted to men, doesn't suffer fools gladly, would rather walk than ride a horse, doesn't fare the best on night shifts, and has increasing niblings.
Fiyeli is an atheist, is attracted to men, doesn't suffer fools gladly, would rather walk than ride a horse, doesn't fare the best on night shifts, and has increasing niblings.
#WritersCoffeeClub 25/11: What are some tips you can share to avoid 'clunky' phrasing?
1. Let it sit until you slightly forget writing it then come back and read it. Can you tell WTF you're on about? If no:
2. Read it aloud. If it sounds like nothing that has ever come out of a living- 1/2
1. Let it sit until you slightly forget writing it then come back and read it. Can you tell WTF you're on about? If no:
2. Read it aloud. If it sounds like nothing that has ever come out of a living- 1/2
November 25, 2025 at 11:35 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 25/11: What are some tips you can share to avoid 'clunky' phrasing?
1. Let it sit until you slightly forget writing it then come back and read it. Can you tell WTF you're on about? If no:
2. Read it aloud. If it sounds like nothing that has ever come out of a living- 1/2
1. Let it sit until you slightly forget writing it then come back and read it. Can you tell WTF you're on about? If no:
2. Read it aloud. If it sounds like nothing that has ever come out of a living- 1/2
#WordWeavers 24/11: What’s the strangest animal product your MCs eat?
Cheese. But the "cows" are more like huge velvet worms covered in woolly symbiotes. The "milk" was originally slime spat to defend against "horses" (don't even get me started on those) and became a nutritious bribe for- 1/2
Cheese. But the "cows" are more like huge velvet worms covered in woolly symbiotes. The "milk" was originally slime spat to defend against "horses" (don't even get me started on those) and became a nutritious bribe for- 1/2
November 24, 2025 at 10:32 AM
#WordWeavers 24/11: What’s the strangest animal product your MCs eat?
Cheese. But the "cows" are more like huge velvet worms covered in woolly symbiotes. The "milk" was originally slime spat to defend against "horses" (don't even get me started on those) and became a nutritious bribe for- 1/2
Cheese. But the "cows" are more like huge velvet worms covered in woolly symbiotes. The "milk" was originally slime spat to defend against "horses" (don't even get me started on those) and became a nutritious bribe for- 1/2
#WritersCoffeeClub 24/11: How do you make sure a reader has room to process and absorb ideas?
Space them out a bit, interspersed with action of some kind. A great way is to make idea-talk into actual dialogue. If that doesn't work, I treat the POV character's thought like a line of dialogue.
Space them out a bit, interspersed with action of some kind. A great way is to make idea-talk into actual dialogue. If that doesn't work, I treat the POV character's thought like a line of dialogue.
November 24, 2025 at 10:11 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 24/11: How do you make sure a reader has room to process and absorb ideas?
Space them out a bit, interspersed with action of some kind. A great way is to make idea-talk into actual dialogue. If that doesn't work, I treat the POV character's thought like a line of dialogue.
Space them out a bit, interspersed with action of some kind. A great way is to make idea-talk into actual dialogue. If that doesn't work, I treat the POV character's thought like a line of dialogue.
Original post: bsky.brid.gy/r/https://bs...
November 24, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Original post: bsky.brid.gy/r/https://bs...
#WordWeavers 23/11 Finding good cover artists, beta readers, & editors is hard. Shoutout who has helped you.
I am determined that this be one hobby that pays for itself, so right now I am my own editor and cover artist. Certain fandom friends have let me bounce ideas off them, including- 1/2
I am determined that this be one hobby that pays for itself, so right now I am my own editor and cover artist. Certain fandom friends have let me bounce ideas off them, including- 1/2
November 23, 2025 at 4:12 PM
#WordWeavers 23/11 Finding good cover artists, beta readers, & editors is hard. Shoutout who has helped you.
I am determined that this be one hobby that pays for itself, so right now I am my own editor and cover artist. Certain fandom friends have let me bounce ideas off them, including- 1/2
I am determined that this be one hobby that pays for itself, so right now I am my own editor and cover artist. Certain fandom friends have let me bounce ideas off them, including- 1/2
#WritersCoffeeClub 23/11: What's your niche?
Steamy queer romance in a sci-fi setting. Science: fairly soft - multiple phenomena are only not magic because I insist they're sufficiently-advanced technology or sufficiently-alien biology instead. Romance: devoted. Steam: humid. Straights: barely.
Steamy queer romance in a sci-fi setting. Science: fairly soft - multiple phenomena are only not magic because I insist they're sufficiently-advanced technology or sufficiently-alien biology instead. Romance: devoted. Steam: humid. Straights: barely.
https://media3.giphy.com/media/RJ78DjDX4OGQM/200.gif
Ron Swanson from Parks and Rec: "I know what I'm about, son."
media3.giphy.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:30 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub 23/11: What's your niche?
Steamy queer romance in a sci-fi setting. Science: fairly soft - multiple phenomena are only not magic because I insist they're sufficiently-advanced technology or sufficiently-alien biology instead. Romance: devoted. Steam: humid. Straights: barely.
Steamy queer romance in a sci-fi setting. Science: fairly soft - multiple phenomena are only not magic because I insist they're sufficiently-advanced technology or sufficiently-alien biology instead. Romance: devoted. Steam: humid. Straights: barely.
Original post: mastodon.social/@indivisible...
November 23, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Original post: mastodon.social/@indivisible...
Reposted by Sax Brightwell 🇨🇦
Literally EVERY parent should ban Roblox
Every parent whose career has to do with online safety also bans Roblox.
Every game designer parent I know bans Roblox for their kids
November 22, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Literally EVERY parent should ban Roblox
#WordWeavers 22/11: If any artist, dead or alive, could create your cover, who would you choose?
Michael Whelan.
Half the time I sort my books as romance first to see if they get more bites there, but in my heart they're sci-fi first, just with the high romance content I like at the same time.
Michael Whelan.
Half the time I sort my books as romance first to see if they get more bites there, but in my heart they're sci-fi first, just with the high romance content I like at the same time.
November 22, 2025 at 1:48 PM
#WordWeavers 22/11: If any artist, dead or alive, could create your cover, who would you choose?
Michael Whelan.
Half the time I sort my books as romance first to see if they get more bites there, but in my heart they're sci-fi first, just with the high romance content I like at the same time.
Michael Whelan.
Half the time I sort my books as romance first to see if they get more bites there, but in my heart they're sci-fi first, just with the high romance content I like at the same time.
#WritersCoffeeClub 22/11: What has been the biggest change to your style since you started out?
I'm starting to reference things from up to 4 books ago now, so I need to work in subtle 'refreshers' for people. Reminders and descriptions must be brief and natural to the POV, yet useful. It's tricky.
I'm starting to reference things from up to 4 books ago now, so I need to work in subtle 'refreshers' for people. Reminders and descriptions must be brief and natural to the POV, yet useful. It's tricky.
November 22, 2025 at 1:42 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub 22/11: What has been the biggest change to your style since you started out?
I'm starting to reference things from up to 4 books ago now, so I need to work in subtle 'refreshers' for people. Reminders and descriptions must be brief and natural to the POV, yet useful. It's tricky.
I'm starting to reference things from up to 4 books ago now, so I need to work in subtle 'refreshers' for people. Reminders and descriptions must be brief and natural to the POV, yet useful. It's tricky.
November update: Work and Money, Bread and Honey
saxbrightwell.dreamwidth.org/13740.html
saxbrightwell.dreamwidth.org/13740.html
November 22, 2025 at 12:54 AM
November update: Work and Money, Bread and Honey
saxbrightwell.dreamwidth.org/13740.html
saxbrightwell.dreamwidth.org/13740.html
Low Dawn has been selected for a Kobo promotion! Get 60% off in the US (or more, in Canada!) the first book in the Secrets of Sleipnir series as part of Kobo's Skip The Line sale here: www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/... #bookstodon #booksale 🌶️📚🪐 💕📚💙
Low Dawn eBook by Sax Brightwell - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo Canada
Read "Low Dawn Secrets of Sleipnir, #1" by Sax Brightwell available from Rakuten Kobo. A steamy queer romance on an alien world. A story of hidden histories, shattered destinies, and Really Big Animals.
Fiye...
www.kobo.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Low Dawn has been selected for a Kobo promotion! Get 60% off in the US (or more, in Canada!) the first book in the Secrets of Sleipnir series as part of Kobo's Skip The Line sale here: www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/... #bookstodon #booksale 🌶️📚🪐 💕📚💙
Original post: mastodon.scot/@raymierusse...
November 21, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Original post: mastodon.scot/@raymierusse...
#WordWeavers 21/11: Is writing an escape for you, or does stress make it hard to write?
I always feel better after successfully getting some words out, but if things are bad sometimes the barrier to initiation - sitting down, setting up, and Wording - seems insurmountably high, especially when- 1/2
I always feel better after successfully getting some words out, but if things are bad sometimes the barrier to initiation - sitting down, setting up, and Wording - seems insurmountably high, especially when- 1/2
November 21, 2025 at 12:14 PM
#WordWeavers 21/11: Is writing an escape for you, or does stress make it hard to write?
I always feel better after successfully getting some words out, but if things are bad sometimes the barrier to initiation - sitting down, setting up, and Wording - seems insurmountably high, especially when- 1/2
I always feel better after successfully getting some words out, but if things are bad sometimes the barrier to initiation - sitting down, setting up, and Wording - seems insurmountably high, especially when- 1/2
#WritersCoffeeClub 21/11: What are some preconceptions about writers you'd like to see challenged?
That it's a viable primary career for anyone who wants it to be, when it's really more like trying to work as an actor or musician - right down to the lottery-like chances of success. 1/2
That it's a viable primary career for anyone who wants it to be, when it's really more like trying to work as an actor or musician - right down to the lottery-like chances of success. 1/2
November 21, 2025 at 12:06 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub 21/11: What are some preconceptions about writers you'd like to see challenged?
That it's a viable primary career for anyone who wants it to be, when it's really more like trying to work as an actor or musician - right down to the lottery-like chances of success. 1/2
That it's a viable primary career for anyone who wants it to be, when it's really more like trying to work as an actor or musician - right down to the lottery-like chances of success. 1/2
Original post: defcon.social/@fl0und3r/11...
November 20, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Original post: defcon.social/@fl0und3r/11...
#WritersCoffeeClub 20/11: How did you find your writerly voice?
I don't know, it just is, like my speaking voice. So I guess I found it through the effort and encouragement of those who taught me to write - like speech, just at 5 instead of 2.
I don't know, it just is, like my speaking voice. So I guess I found it through the effort and encouragement of those who taught me to write - like speech, just at 5 instead of 2.
November 20, 2025 at 1:47 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub 20/11: How did you find your writerly voice?
I don't know, it just is, like my speaking voice. So I guess I found it through the effort and encouragement of those who taught me to write - like speech, just at 5 instead of 2.
I don't know, it just is, like my speaking voice. So I guess I found it through the effort and encouragement of those who taught me to write - like speech, just at 5 instead of 2.
#WordWeavers 20/11: Has the Covid pandemic affected how or where you write?
It led me into a dystopian fandom, then into 2 hopepunk fandoms, the 2nd of which triggered the creative cascade that culminated in my transition to original fiction. Which is more "what" than "how" but there it is.
It led me into a dystopian fandom, then into 2 hopepunk fandoms, the 2nd of which triggered the creative cascade that culminated in my transition to original fiction. Which is more "what" than "how" but there it is.
November 20, 2025 at 1:33 PM
#WordWeavers 20/11: Has the Covid pandemic affected how or where you write?
It led me into a dystopian fandom, then into 2 hopepunk fandoms, the 2nd of which triggered the creative cascade that culminated in my transition to original fiction. Which is more "what" than "how" but there it is.
It led me into a dystopian fandom, then into 2 hopepunk fandoms, the 2nd of which triggered the creative cascade that culminated in my transition to original fiction. Which is more "what" than "how" but there it is.
#WritersCoffeeClub 19/11: What's something (even if fantastical!) which could improve your process?
-no day job (in theory)
-desire to write things that fit the tradpub algorithm better (or at all), connecting me with an editor
-life coach goblin to shove me to my keyboard and confiscate my phone
-no day job (in theory)
-desire to write things that fit the tradpub algorithm better (or at all), connecting me with an editor
-life coach goblin to shove me to my keyboard and confiscate my phone
November 19, 2025 at 5:03 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub 19/11: What's something (even if fantastical!) which could improve your process?
-no day job (in theory)
-desire to write things that fit the tradpub algorithm better (or at all), connecting me with an editor
-life coach goblin to shove me to my keyboard and confiscate my phone
-no day job (in theory)
-desire to write things that fit the tradpub algorithm better (or at all), connecting me with an editor
-life coach goblin to shove me to my keyboard and confiscate my phone
#WordWeavers 19/11: Are there any emotions that are hard for you to write?
Emotions, not really. Ugly and cruel ACTIONS based on certain emotions, definitely. I won't be getting inside an abuser's head anytime soon.
Emotions, not really. Ugly and cruel ACTIONS based on certain emotions, definitely. I won't be getting inside an abuser's head anytime soon.
November 19, 2025 at 4:57 PM
#WordWeavers 19/11: Are there any emotions that are hard for you to write?
Emotions, not really. Ugly and cruel ACTIONS based on certain emotions, definitely. I won't be getting inside an abuser's head anytime soon.
Emotions, not really. Ugly and cruel ACTIONS based on certain emotions, definitely. I won't be getting inside an abuser's head anytime soon.
#WordWeavers 18/11: What do your MC and SC disagree on?
How Evret's ancestors first brought people to Sleipnir. He thinks things were already going wrong, whereas Fiyeli is mostly just glad they did it, however imperfectly, so there WAS a colony for Evret's generation to circle back to.
How Evret's ancestors first brought people to Sleipnir. He thinks things were already going wrong, whereas Fiyeli is mostly just glad they did it, however imperfectly, so there WAS a colony for Evret's generation to circle back to.
November 18, 2025 at 7:24 PM
#WordWeavers 18/11: What do your MC and SC disagree on?
How Evret's ancestors first brought people to Sleipnir. He thinks things were already going wrong, whereas Fiyeli is mostly just glad they did it, however imperfectly, so there WAS a colony for Evret's generation to circle back to.
How Evret's ancestors first brought people to Sleipnir. He thinks things were already going wrong, whereas Fiyeli is mostly just glad they did it, however imperfectly, so there WAS a colony for Evret's generation to circle back to.
#WritersCoffeeClub 18/11: Do you include real-world quotations in your work?
I only did it once, mostly because it amused me to then call it "ancient poetry." I now see that move as debut novel insecurity; given the scene to write over again I would fake an original ancient poem instead.
I only did it once, mostly because it amused me to then call it "ancient poetry." I now see that move as debut novel insecurity; given the scene to write over again I would fake an original ancient poem instead.
November 18, 2025 at 5:18 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub 18/11: Do you include real-world quotations in your work?
I only did it once, mostly because it amused me to then call it "ancient poetry." I now see that move as debut novel insecurity; given the scene to write over again I would fake an original ancient poem instead.
I only did it once, mostly because it amused me to then call it "ancient poetry." I now see that move as debut novel insecurity; given the scene to write over again I would fake an original ancient poem instead.
#WritersCoffeeClub 17/11: What role does race play in your work?
I have one named white character, and 1/3rd of his purpose* is to describe his features as mildly exotic, establishing white people as a minority, around and included but not in charge. Every other major character gets at least- 1/4
I have one named white character, and 1/3rd of his purpose* is to describe his features as mildly exotic, establishing white people as a minority, around and included but not in charge. Every other major character gets at least- 1/4
November 17, 2025 at 11:56 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 17/11: What role does race play in your work?
I have one named white character, and 1/3rd of his purpose* is to describe his features as mildly exotic, establishing white people as a minority, around and included but not in charge. Every other major character gets at least- 1/4
I have one named white character, and 1/3rd of his purpose* is to describe his features as mildly exotic, establishing white people as a minority, around and included but not in charge. Every other major character gets at least- 1/4
#WordWeavers 17/11: How athletic are your characters?
All the main cast have great endurance, especially after walking and riding all over much of the continent. Maunat's the only one who does saddle acrobatics. Evret has his genetic gifts.
The state of orthopedic surgery is a bit crap, so- 1/2
All the main cast have great endurance, especially after walking and riding all over much of the continent. Maunat's the only one who does saddle acrobatics. Evret has his genetic gifts.
The state of orthopedic surgery is a bit crap, so- 1/2
November 17, 2025 at 11:27 AM
#WordWeavers 17/11: How athletic are your characters?
All the main cast have great endurance, especially after walking and riding all over much of the continent. Maunat's the only one who does saddle acrobatics. Evret has his genetic gifts.
The state of orthopedic surgery is a bit crap, so- 1/2
All the main cast have great endurance, especially after walking and riding all over much of the continent. Maunat's the only one who does saddle acrobatics. Evret has his genetic gifts.
The state of orthopedic surgery is a bit crap, so- 1/2