Mel Starkicker
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starkicker.bsky.social
Mel Starkicker
@starkicker.bsky.social
180 followers 330 following 330 posts
"I'm a song about the song that once said something new."
Teacher. Drummer. Author. Cocker spaniel fan. ❤️ music.
🏳️‍🌈🥁🎸🐶
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starkicker.bsky.social
Mel Starkicker @starkicker.bsky.social · 6d
#QueerWriters #WriteSky #lesfic #sapphic #BookSky

Act 5: I finish writing the book and eventually share it with the world
Note: MC is a much better singer/guitarist than I am 🫣
starkicker.bsky.social Mel Starkicker @starkicker.bsky.social · 24d
A story in five acts:

Act 1: I wrote a song.
Act 2: I wrote a story inspired by said song
Act 3: I recorded the song
Act 4: I'm uploading the song to bluesky because maybe people will like it?
Act 5: idk... I lied, there's only four acts-- for now.
starkicker.bsky.social
I just finished book 1 a couple weeks ago, and am working my way through book 2. Plotting out book 3. And wistfully thinking about maybe book 4+.
So nothing to promote yet. Maybe next year 🤞

#Novmemeber #QueerWriters #WriteSky #lesfic #sapphic #BookSky #WIP
sagetgreene.bsky.social Sage T. Greene, Author @sagetgreene.bsky.social · 3h
#Novmemeber 30

Thanks for a great month! Now... PROMOTE YOURSELF!

Share links to your books, ko-fis, writing samples, websites—whatever you'd like to promote today!

Be sure to check everyone out and spread the love!

(Thanks for participating in Novmemeber, everyone! 🫶)
—💚🌿
30. Tell us where to buy/support and don't be subtle! A prompt game for the month of November, titled #Novmemeber (as in meme). Hosted by @sagetgreene.bsky.social . The bottom says "Have fun, interact, and remember alt text!" There is a silly emoji face with wild eyes and tongue sticking out, and some fall-style leaves in the corners.
November 30, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Reposted by Mel Starkicker
kleighdiaz.bsky.social
Naught for me, but I'll always share for these lovely folks!

Thanks for hosting, @sagetgreene.bsky.social! This was a lot of fun. ♥️

#WritingCommunity #Novmemeber
Stack of novels: "The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle" by Steve Hugh Westenra, "Sordaneon" by L.L. Stephens, "Soulkeeper" by T.D. Gonzalez, "Against an Alpine Sky" by Nicole Leland, "Wings in the Valley" by Aud Connelly, "Dance of Demons" by Alyssa Lauseng, "The Ghost Princess" by M. Walsh, and "Etheri" by Sage T. Greene
November 30, 2025 at 5:39 AM
Reposted by Mel Starkicker
annavernerauthor.bsky.social
#Novmemeber 30

Was very fun! Thanks @sagetgreene.bsky.social 👏

I am still finishing my WIP The Kings Raven which is the sequel to my first book.

My first book The Assassins Raven is available on Amazon and my Itch (free to download)

anna-verner.itch.io
The book cover for The Assassins Raven by Anna Verner written in black with a yellow background. The tagline He fights but she kills is at the top. On the side is a picture of a black feather with a curved sword over it.
November 30, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Reposted by Mel Starkicker
evelynleighauthor.bsky.social
Did you know that I wrote a sapphic story that’ll have your pum pum thumping like a rabbit’s foot? 😻

It’s centered around 2 femme bisexual Black women at a kink club and it’s HOT AF. 🥵

Oh, and you can preorder it NOW. www.amazon.com/Tenth-Muse-R...
November 29, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Reposted by Mel Starkicker
bywaterbooks.bsky.social
🏳️‍🌈📚 Hope isn't lost—it’s just seriously pissed off. 😡
👀 Reclamation arrives December 9th.
🔥 You don't want to miss this one.
⏳ Preorder it today—everywhere dangerous queer books are sold.

#SapphicBookSky #QueerDystopia #RomanticThriller #LGBTQBooks #QueerLit @kristen_zimmer_author
Square deep blue image with digital circles in lighter blue. It features a paperback copy of Reclamation by Kristen Zimmer and a Bywater Books Logo. It Says, Preorder Today.
November 29, 2025 at 3:02 PM
starkicker.bsky.social
Ooh, this is gonna be interesting...🌶️🌶️🌶️

#QueerWriters #WriteSky #lesfic #sapphic #BookSky #Smutcember #WritingPrompts
lizzieblackwood.bsky.social Lizzie Blackwood @lizzieblackwood.bsky.social · 2d
On the subject of getting stuffed and gobbled...

@hookandquillpress.com has graciously entrusted me with hosting #Smutcember, a hashtag prompt game for sharing our thoughts on love, attraction, and sex in fiction!

First prompt launches Dec. 1st (🧵1/5)

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
#Smutcember, a bluesky writing prompt game hosted by@lizzieblackwood.bsky.social & @hookandquillpress.com Black and white blurry background of a couple on a bed. Two columns of questions reading: 1) Introduce yourself, your works, & your characters 2) What is your spice comfort level? 3) Do you prefer to read or write smut? 4) Do you read different kinds of smut than you write, or is that Venn diagram a circle? 5) How do you build chemistry between your characters? 6) Snip Saturday! Share a First Kiss <3 7) What is something that your characters find physically attractive about the other(s)? 8) Do you prefer a slow burn or fast feelings? 9) Do you prefer to write the build up, the act itself, or the aftercare? 10) Do you struggle with sharing your smutty writing? 11) Name your favorite self-indulgent pairing (tall/short, knight/princess, master/servant) 12) Do you prefer to write sex scenes for a new relationship or in an established one? 13) Snip Saturday! Share a Forbidden Moment ;) 14) What is something that your characters find emotionally attractive about the other(s)? 15) How do you decide how “far” to take a scene in a written work? Do you have varying levels based on certain factors? 16) How do you handle perspectives in sexy scenes? Do you focus on one POV at a time or switch around? 17) How do your characters view their relationship as changing before and after sex? 18) Name your favorite sense to rely on when describing sexy scenes. 19) Have you ever been surprised by which of your characters hook up? 20) Snip Saturday! Share an Almost~ Moment 21) Are there any characters you wanted to get together, but couldn’t get it to work? 22) If you were to write a sexy AU for any of your characters, what’s the set up, and who’s hooking up? 23) Who of your friends & family has read your smut? 24) What’s your best advice for writing smut? 25) Do you plan your characters with specific kinks? 26) How well do your characters communicate? 27) Snip Saturday! Share…
November 29, 2025 at 4:00 PM
starkicker.bsky.social
From the "Let's start a band" section of a work in progress.

#QueerWriters #WriteSky #lesfic #sapphic #BookSky #WIPSnips
A screen grab from a work in progress. It reads: Izzy couldn't help but be impressed by Julie's confidence. She had picked up guitars like she knew what she was doing. "I taught myself two chords last night," Julie said proudly, holding up the guitar like a trophy. "The internet is magic." "Imagine what you could do with a library card," Izzy teased. "You know they have whole books dedicated to learning the guitar." "You and your books, Isabell Brewer," Julie teased back.
November 29, 2025 at 8:54 AM
starkicker.bsky.social
It's been... almost 210,000 words over 3 different projects.

#QueerWriters #WriteSky #lesfic #sapphic #BookSky #WIP #WritingPrompts
November 29, 2025 at 6:56 AM
starkicker.bsky.social
Introduce yourself with five animals you have seen in the wild:

1. Moose
2. Brown bear
3. European adder
4. Little auk
5. Beaver
charliedeltawrites.bsky.social Charlie Delta 🦊🐐 @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · 1d
Introduce yourself with five animals you have seen in the wild:

-Osprey
-Red-tailed hawk
-Porcupine
-Crow
-Raccoon
kiraofthewind.com Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle) @kiraofthewind.com · 1d
Introduce yourself with five animals you have seen in the wild:

-sea lion
-American bison
-marmots
-fireflies
-cougar
November 28, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Reposted by Mel Starkicker
woodenvelt.bsky.social
#AwesomeCharacters

I was in a food coma yesterday, sorry. Spencer always wears his holy symbol, which looks like an infinity sign with wings. It was a gift from his grandfather upon graduating seminary school. He also often carries a spade.

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #Wrencer
charliedeltawrites.bsky.social Charlie Delta 🦊🐐 @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · 2d
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters

What is something your character always carries with them?

In a purse, a bag, a secret pouch, a pocket?

Is there something they never travel without? Why?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 28, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Reposted by Mel Starkicker
bywaterbooks.bsky.social
🏳️‍🌈📚 Black Friday deals so good they’ll dog-ear your heart.
👀 👉 All titles, now through Dec. 1st.
🐶👂Coupon Code: GiveThanks25

#SapphicBookSky #LGBTQIABooks #LGBTQBooks #QueerLit #BookDeals
Square black image with ripped paper in the middle revealing a red background. On the red, it reads: Ebooks and paperbacks. Black Friday. 25% Off Sale. Beneath in a red box is the Bywater Books URL: bywaterbooks.com, and beneath that is the Bywater Books logo.
November 28, 2025 at 4:20 PM
starkicker.bsky.social
Oh there are so many I could choose...
Let's go with Alex Lahey's "Isabella"

#QueerWriters #WriteSky #lesfic #sapphic #BookSky #WIP #WritingPrompts

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJix...
November 28, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Reposted by Mel Starkicker
titaniatempest.bsky.social
#lesficfri prompt #thank

Excerpt from #AThousandReasons (releasing soon!!)

#RowanAndViv
Viv dropped her gaze to her wineglass, considering. Part of her burned to discuss it – and even more ill-advisedly, to repeat it – and Rowan being so gentle and thoughtful about it all wasn’t helping in the slightest. At last, she looked up and said carefully, “I… don’t want to pretend it didn’t happen.” Rowan released an explosive breath, and her lips curved so brightly it made Viv’s chest contract. “Thank God – because I’m quite sure I’ll be thinking about the way you kissed me every day for the rest of my life.” Viv smiled despite herself. “It wasn’t that spectacular.” Rowan raised both eyebrows. As high as they could go. “Fine,” Viv conceded after a beat. “Kissing you was… mind-blowing.” “I still can’t quite believe you did,” Rowan said with a slow shake of her head. “Stupidest thing I’ve ever done,” Viv sighed. “Was it?” Viv caught the falter in Rowan’s voice and replied softly, “Not because I regret it. Only because it could have disastrous consequences. You don’t need a tangle with Vivienne Vale on your CV, Rowan.”
November 28, 2025 at 10:54 AM
starkicker.bsky.social
Definitely going with vibes here. Chapter 29 #WIP

2nd verse, chorus, bridge, end of the song Julie (finally) wrote and then played for Izzy.

In actuality, this is the song that inspired the entire story (as heard in my pinned post).

#QueerWriters #WriteSky #lesfic #sapphic #BookSky #WIPSnips
A screen grab of text from a work in progress Secrets and smiles that get lost in the dark Where I wanna feel that little spark And I’ll be the one who tries to hold on And you’ll be the one who drags me along I needed to go, but I wanted to stay Where all of these words I’ve been trying to say They hang in the air and get left unsaid And it goes around and around in my head And these words remain unsaid And when the words finally come And I’m tired of feeling numb Your words are all I want Your voice is all I need Running Around and around in my head And these words remain unsaid.
November 28, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Reposted by Mel Starkicker
licoricemint.bsky.social
#AwesomeCharacters #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts #lesfic #sapphic #QueerWriters #LicoriceAndMint

Nat never takes off the enchanted leather spike bracelet Vola made for her.

Vola keeps a small notebook and pen in the jacket Nat gave her. So she always has something to write on.
charliedeltawrites.bsky.social Charlie Delta 🦊🐐 @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · 2d
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters

What is something your character always carries with them?

In a purse, a bag, a secret pouch, a pocket?

Is there something they never travel without? Why?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 28, 2025 at 12:49 AM
starkicker.bsky.social
Physical book. Reading is my escape from the screens I use for work and writing.

I would love audiobooks, but I just cannot focus on what they're saying, and I end up tuning them out. I blame open-concept classrooms of my youth.

#BookSky #WriteSky #Books #Authors #WritingCommunity
woodenvelt.bsky.social Samantha Breaux @woodenvelt.bsky.social · 2d
Welcome to #Bookvember Day 28!

Follow the directions on the prompt card and discuss your reading habits.

#BookSky #WriteSky #Books #Authors #WritingCommunity
Bookvember, a book share prompt game for writers and readers by @woodenvelt.bsky.social Day 28: How do you do your reading? Paperback, E-reader, audiobook? All of the above? What appeals to you about your favorite format? #Bookvember. Use alt text for images. Have fun and interact with others!
November 28, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Reposted by Mel Starkicker
thelesbianreview.com
New Review

Windburn by Milena McKay is a spicy sapphic romance filled to the brim with secrets, witches, and a chin lift or two.

@jennabeebs79.bsky.social
@reallymckay.bsky.social

buff.ly/vv6h4db
November 28, 2025 at 1:00 AM
starkicker.bsky.social
It doesn't start this way, by chapter 24 Julie always carries one of the blue, tortoise shell guitar picks that Izzy (LI) surprised her with.

#QueerWriters #WriteSky #lesfic #sapphic #BookSky #WIP #WritingPrompts
charliedeltawrites.bsky.social Charlie Delta 🦊🐐 @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · 2d
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters

What is something your character always carries with them?

In a purse, a bag, a secret pouch, a pocket?

Is there something they never travel without? Why?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 28, 2025 at 5:26 AM
Reposted by Mel Starkicker
publisherswkly.bsky.social
★ Ashley Herring Blake’s endearing and believable second Clover Lake romance puts the enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes to excellent use. It's a well-paced, tension-filled sapphic romance that doubles as a celebration of personal growth and healing. @BerkleyPub buff.ly/TDmCVB5
November 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
starkicker.bsky.social
Only if it's divided into two books because it's so big of a book that it would be physically uncomfortable for the average human to read it. In that case, split in two & released at the same time is fine.

Otherwise, no ty
Secondary plots and hinting at things is fine though. Just not main plot.
woodenvelt.bsky.social Samantha Breaux @woodenvelt.bsky.social · 3d
Welcome to #Bookvember Day 27!

Follow the directions on the prompt card and discuss the tropes we love and hate.

#BookSky #WriteSky #Books #Authors #WritingCommunity
Bookvember, a book share prompt game for writers and readers by @woodenvelt.bsky.social Day 27: How do you feel about cliff hangers? Love them? Hate them? Is there a book you feel did a cliffhanger particularly well (or did it poorly)? #Bookvember. Use alt text for images. Have fun and interact with others!
November 27, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Reposted by Mel Starkicker
dcswanson.bsky.social
If you’ve lost your lust for #learning and you’re tired of being taught,
And your brain is only yearning for the latest app you bought,
Let me offer a suggestion: buy a paper book and read it-
Turning pages, without question, helps recharge the minds that need it.

#vss365
November 27, 2025 at 1:25 PM
starkicker.bsky.social
From a work in progress. Its appearance shows up just as a memory triggers for Julie that reminds her that some things are worth fighting for.

#QueerWriters #WriteSky #lesfic #sapphic #BookSky #WIP #WIPSnips
A screen grab from a work in progress. It reads: A page fell out of the binder and fluttered to the floor. Julie picked it up and held the page in her hand. All the air escaped from her lungs as recognition of what exactly she was holding overwhelmed her. She lowered herself to the floor and sat there staring at the loose page surrounded by disorganized memories and the smell of dust. She ran her fingers over the ticket stubs glued to the sheet. The print had faded with time, but she could still make out the name. “I remember this concert,” she whispered. It had been Julie’s idea.
November 27, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Reposted by Mel Starkicker
cathypegau.bsky.social
Get thee to the sale!
🏳️‍🌈 The @bywaterbooks.bsky.social Reader Appreciation Sale is ON!
👀 25% off all ebooks & paperbacks
📚 Build a bolder, queerer bookshelf
💣 Code: GIVETHANKS25
🚫 Ends Dec 1
👉 Grab your next favorite
bywaterbooks.com
#SapphicBooks #QueerLit #BookSale #LGBTQIABooks
bywaterbooks.com we are all stories Our annual reader appreciation sale now through December 1st Take 25% off all ebooks and paperbacks Coupon code: GIVETHANKS25
November 26, 2025 at 9:59 PM
starkicker.bsky.social
#QueerWriters #WriteSky #lesfic #sapphic #BookSky #WIP

Intro to chapter 8 of one of my current WIP. Went with a synonym with the same vibes as impede.
a screen grab of text from a work in progress. It reads: Lunch with Shannon had quietly become part of Jacqueline's new routine. Not every day--Shannon's schedule was unpredictable--but often enough that Jacqueline found herself noticing when she wasn't there. It was a strange feeling of befriending that Jacqueline found both disconcerting and destined to fail. Eventually Jacqueline would leave. Investing in anything here was a waste of time. Jacqueline knew that, but knowing didn't stop her. It didn't stop Shannon either.
November 26, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Reposted by Mel Starkicker
adregem.bsky.social
Here's my one and only use of the word "impede" across every WIP from the last 20+ years from an #UrbanFantasy I never really did anything with #WIPSnips #WIP #AmWriting #WritingPrompts #Writers #Writing #WritingCommunity #WriteSky #Paranormal
They were all laughing and relaxed, many of them nursing cokes or bottled water—not, I noticed, beer or any of beer’s more potent cousins, which is what I would have expected to see in a large gathering of college and high-school aged people sitting around an abandoned dam in the middle of the wilderness. I could guess at the reasons why, though I hadn’t really been given a primer on alcohol use in shifters: They either felt the alcohol would impede their ability to shift, hunt or otherwise participate in the ceremony, or (more likely) the alcohol in their bodies wouldn’t survive transformation, so what was the point.
November 26, 2025 at 3:06 PM