Dan
@thedanlines.bsky.social
thedanlines.co.uk || Just another writer wading through the WIPs || #writing
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Dan
@thedanlines.bsky.social
· Nov 18
A quick introduction post for all the new people -
Hi! I'm Dan, a full-time ecologist/aspiring writer in the UK.
Favourite genre⚔️ - SFF
Current WIP✍️ - Downdraft (standalone fantasy)
Favourite book💙📚 - Probably Gideon the Ninth?
Still figuring out this whole Bsky thing, but would love to connect!
Hi! I'm Dan, a full-time ecologist/aspiring writer in the UK.
Favourite genre⚔️ - SFF
Current WIP✍️ - Downdraft (standalone fantasy)
Favourite book💙📚 - Probably Gideon the Ninth?
Still figuring out this whole Bsky thing, but would love to connect!
Reposted by Dan
Writing Club Tip #84
"Don't be constrained by sprints"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writing #writingcommunity #writingtips
"Don't be constrained by sprints"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writing #writingcommunity #writingtips
November 12, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Writing Club Tip #84
"Don't be constrained by sprints"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writing #writingcommunity #writingtips
"Don't be constrained by sprints"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writing #writingcommunity #writingtips
Reposted by Dan
Writing Club Tip #184
"If struggling to change a section that is very ‘tell not show’, treat that section as just notes. It isn’t a section of finished writing, it is just a placeholder for you to expand upon and write it as ‘show not tell’"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writingcommunity #writingtips
"If struggling to change a section that is very ‘tell not show’, treat that section as just notes. It isn’t a section of finished writing, it is just a placeholder for you to expand upon and write it as ‘show not tell’"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writingcommunity #writingtips
September 9, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Writing Club Tip #184
"If struggling to change a section that is very ‘tell not show’, treat that section as just notes. It isn’t a section of finished writing, it is just a placeholder for you to expand upon and write it as ‘show not tell’"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writingcommunity #writingtips
"If struggling to change a section that is very ‘tell not show’, treat that section as just notes. It isn’t a section of finished writing, it is just a placeholder for you to expand upon and write it as ‘show not tell’"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writingcommunity #writingtips
Reposted by Dan
So I guess... if you were published by one of the big guys in the US, don't assume they registered the copyright for all of your books. Go look your books up and find out:
publicrecords.copyright.gov
publicrecords.copyright.gov
August 28, 2025 at 3:25 PM
So I guess... if you were published by one of the big guys in the US, don't assume they registered the copyright for all of your books. Go look your books up and find out:
publicrecords.copyright.gov
publicrecords.copyright.gov
Been rereading one of my favourite series: How to Survive Camping by @bonniequinn.bsky.social !
Such a good horror series with the inhuman rooted in folklore, and a good sprinkling of dry humour throughout. Highly recommend!
💙📚 #BookSky #WritingCommunity
Such a good horror series with the inhuman rooted in folklore, and a good sprinkling of dry humour throughout. Highly recommend!
💙📚 #BookSky #WritingCommunity
August 27, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Been rereading one of my favourite series: How to Survive Camping by @bonniequinn.bsky.social !
Such a good horror series with the inhuman rooted in folklore, and a good sprinkling of dry humour throughout. Highly recommend!
💙📚 #BookSky #WritingCommunity
Such a good horror series with the inhuman rooted in folklore, and a good sprinkling of dry humour throughout. Highly recommend!
💙📚 #BookSky #WritingCommunity
Reposted by Dan
you have been visited by the Skylight Napping Fox and will have good fortune for the rest of the week 🤗
August 6, 2025 at 11:27 PM
you have been visited by the Skylight Napping Fox and will have good fortune for the rest of the week 🤗
Reposted by Dan
Writing Club Tip #177
"Each chapter should have its own story plot structure internally"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writing #writingcommunity #writingtips
"Each chapter should have its own story plot structure internally"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writing #writingcommunity #writingtips
August 6, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Writing Club Tip #177
"Each chapter should have its own story plot structure internally"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writing #writingcommunity #writingtips
"Each chapter should have its own story plot structure internally"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writing #writingcommunity #writingtips
Made some good progress on Downdraft tonight! Ploughing ahead with rewrites which I can already tell are for the betterment of the story. Just ready to be done with them now!
And just time in time - starting to get restless about starting some new projects...
#WritingCommunity
And just time in time - starting to get restless about starting some new projects...
#WritingCommunity
July 23, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Made some good progress on Downdraft tonight! Ploughing ahead with rewrites which I can already tell are for the betterment of the story. Just ready to be done with them now!
And just time in time - starting to get restless about starting some new projects...
#WritingCommunity
And just time in time - starting to get restless about starting some new projects...
#WritingCommunity
Long week, but now settling in for some weekend writing! The goal is another chapter complete on the frame story for Downdraft.
Anyone else got weekend writing goals?
#WritingCommunity
Anyone else got weekend writing goals?
#WritingCommunity
July 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Long week, but now settling in for some weekend writing! The goal is another chapter complete on the frame story for Downdraft.
Anyone else got weekend writing goals?
#WritingCommunity
Anyone else got weekend writing goals?
#WritingCommunity
Reposted by Dan
HOUSE OF LEAVES x THE GIVER
Inside, the Tenement is an endless maze of halls & doors.
Outside, there is Nothing.
When Noah's mother mysteriously vanishes, it sets him on a journey to uncover the secrets of his surreal world... Even if it means tearing the whole thing down.
#BluePit📖 #W #YA #D #M
Inside, the Tenement is an endless maze of halls & doors.
Outside, there is Nothing.
When Noah's mother mysteriously vanishes, it sets him on a journey to uncover the secrets of his surreal world... Even if it means tearing the whole thing down.
#BluePit📖 #W #YA #D #M
July 13, 2025 at 4:49 AM
NAME OF THE WIND x GODKILLER
DOWNDRAFT
Valandra is a legend—the only delver to reach the bottom of the Abyss and return. But few know the costs of such a journey.
Decades later, as new threats form in the shadows, she must retell her story or finally face the consequences.
#Bluepit📖 #A #F #Q
DOWNDRAFT
Valandra is a legend—the only delver to reach the bottom of the Abyss and return. But few know the costs of such a journey.
Decades later, as new threats form in the shadows, she must retell her story or finally face the consequences.
#Bluepit📖 #A #F #Q
July 13, 2025 at 5:29 PM
I'm at the point of editing where I've finished one major task and need to start another - and even though it'll be super doable when I just do it, the procrastination is taking hold...
So anyway, no biscuits till I do a 15 minute sprint tonight
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AmEditing
So anyway, no biscuits till I do a 15 minute sprint tonight
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AmEditing
July 10, 2025 at 9:14 AM
I'm at the point of editing where I've finished one major task and need to start another - and even though it'll be super doable when I just do it, the procrastination is taking hold...
So anyway, no biscuits till I do a 15 minute sprint tonight
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AmEditing
So anyway, no biscuits till I do a 15 minute sprint tonight
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AmEditing
The secret to half of my writing - forcing myself to think about it even if I don't want to!
Writing Club Tip #77
"Create a writing environment to motivate yourself, e.g., Pavlovian conditioning"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writing #writingcommunity #writingtips
"Create a writing environment to motivate yourself, e.g., Pavlovian conditioning"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writing #writingcommunity #writingtips
July 2, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The secret to half of my writing - forcing myself to think about it even if I don't want to!
How do you handle writing goals? A little bit each day? Monthly targets? Or just write whenever there's a chance?
I try to set weekly goals to allow for those days where I can't spare even 15 minutes!
#WritingCommunity
I try to set weekly goals to allow for those days where I can't spare even 15 minutes!
#WritingCommunity
June 24, 2025 at 9:14 AM
How do you handle writing goals? A little bit each day? Monthly targets? Or just write whenever there's a chance?
I try to set weekly goals to allow for those days where I can't spare even 15 minutes!
#WritingCommunity
I try to set weekly goals to allow for those days where I can't spare even 15 minutes!
#WritingCommunity
Back into a busy week - but I at least have some writing goals!
Two chapters left of Downdraft for line editing. That's the main goal...
Then (if I have time), begin rewriting the last few chapters for the frame story.
Getting closer every week!
#WritingCommunity
Two chapters left of Downdraft for line editing. That's the main goal...
Then (if I have time), begin rewriting the last few chapters for the frame story.
Getting closer every week!
#WritingCommunity
June 23, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Back into a busy week - but I at least have some writing goals!
Two chapters left of Downdraft for line editing. That's the main goal...
Then (if I have time), begin rewriting the last few chapters for the frame story.
Getting closer every week!
#WritingCommunity
Two chapters left of Downdraft for line editing. That's the main goal...
Then (if I have time), begin rewriting the last few chapters for the frame story.
Getting closer every week!
#WritingCommunity
Reposted by Dan
Writing tip: As a writer, it's essential to find your voice. Have you tried your jacket pockets? Have you looked in the car? Perhaps it's on the nightstand or the bathroom sink? Have you checked on top of your head?
June 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Writing tip: As a writer, it's essential to find your voice. Have you tried your jacket pockets? Have you looked in the car? Perhaps it's on the nightstand or the bathroom sink? Have you checked on top of your head?
Reposted by Dan
Listen. The only way you can become a good writer is by being a shitty writer and doing it anyways. You can’t magically become a good writer by having a machine do some of the work for you. That just makes you a fraud.
June 21, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Listen. The only way you can become a good writer is by being a shitty writer and doing it anyways. You can’t magically become a good writer by having a machine do some of the work for you. That just makes you a fraud.
Turns out a 12km hike (in work clothes) in a yellow heat warning probably isn't the best idea
I'm sweating in places I didn't know it was possible to sweat in
I'm sweating in places I didn't know it was possible to sweat in
June 19, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Turns out a 12km hike (in work clothes) in a yellow heat warning probably isn't the best idea
I'm sweating in places I didn't know it was possible to sweat in
I'm sweating in places I didn't know it was possible to sweat in
I love the dialogue scenes where the characters just take it away with little effort from me!
I've been lucky enough to have quite a few in my current WIP, but I never get tired of them
I've been lucky enough to have quite a few in my current WIP, but I never get tired of them
What do you like writing the most?
A fight scene, a scene steeped in romantic tension, a comedy scene with funny banter that will make readers laugh out loud or a moody, descriptive world-building scene?
Which part of writing gets you excited for the day?
#amwriting #writesky #writingcommunity
A fight scene, a scene steeped in romantic tension, a comedy scene with funny banter that will make readers laugh out loud or a moody, descriptive world-building scene?
Which part of writing gets you excited for the day?
#amwriting #writesky #writingcommunity
June 16, 2025 at 12:23 PM
I love the dialogue scenes where the characters just take it away with little effort from me!
I've been lucky enough to have quite a few in my current WIP, but I never get tired of them
I've been lucky enough to have quite a few in my current WIP, but I never get tired of them
Settling in for Sunday editing—hoping to get through one of the longest chapters in Downdraft!
Anyone else working on a WIP today?
#WritingCommunity
Anyone else working on a WIP today?
#WritingCommunity
June 15, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Settling in for Sunday editing—hoping to get through one of the longest chapters in Downdraft!
Anyone else working on a WIP today?
#WritingCommunity
Anyone else working on a WIP today?
#WritingCommunity
Another older tip from my writing club—a simple one that I always forget!
It's always more fun to read something a friend is passionate about rather than trawling through goodreads (though that isn't a high bar...)
It's always more fun to read something a friend is passionate about rather than trawling through goodreads (though that isn't a high bar...)
Writing Club Tip #129
"Ask people for their favourite books/writings"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writing #writingcommunity #writingtips
"Ask people for their favourite books/writings"
@thedanlines.bsky.social
#writing #writingcommunity #writingtips
June 11, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Another older tip from my writing club—a simple one that I always forget!
It's always more fun to read something a friend is passionate about rather than trawling through goodreads (though that isn't a high bar...)
It's always more fun to read something a friend is passionate about rather than trawling through goodreads (though that isn't a high bar...)
First week at a new job this week! Definitely didn't miss the early mornings...
Still trying to figure out when to fit writing in, looks like it'll have to be #5amWritersClub or a quick late night sprint. Anyone else have a preference between the two?
Still trying to figure out when to fit writing in, looks like it'll have to be #5amWritersClub or a quick late night sprint. Anyone else have a preference between the two?
June 10, 2025 at 7:45 AM
First week at a new job this week! Definitely didn't miss the early mornings...
Still trying to figure out when to fit writing in, looks like it'll have to be #5amWritersClub or a quick late night sprint. Anyone else have a preference between the two?
Still trying to figure out when to fit writing in, looks like it'll have to be #5amWritersClub or a quick late night sprint. Anyone else have a preference between the two?
Reposted by Dan
Creatives: It's been a rough day and nothing can fix it.
Someone: I like that thing you created.
Creatives: [happily sobbing, weeping, wailing even]
Someone: I like that thing you created.
Creatives: [happily sobbing, weeping, wailing even]
June 6, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Creatives: It's been a rough day and nothing can fix it.
Someone: I like that thing you created.
Creatives: [happily sobbing, weeping, wailing even]
Someone: I like that thing you created.
Creatives: [happily sobbing, weeping, wailing even]
One thing I've really noticed in my most recent editing pass is dialogue tags—I've been using too many!
It's lovely to be able to cut words and make conversations stronger for it.
#WritingCommunity
It's lovely to be able to cut words and make conversations stronger for it.
#WritingCommunity
June 6, 2025 at 10:19 AM
One thing I've really noticed in my most recent editing pass is dialogue tags—I've been using too many!
It's lovely to be able to cut words and make conversations stronger for it.
#WritingCommunity
It's lovely to be able to cut words and make conversations stronger for it.
#WritingCommunity
I have discovered that biscuits are a great reward for editing.
I have unfortunately also discovered that I am very liberal with my rewards.
#WritingCommunity
I have unfortunately also discovered that I am very liberal with my rewards.
#WritingCommunity
June 5, 2025 at 1:49 PM
I have discovered that biscuits are a great reward for editing.
I have unfortunately also discovered that I am very liberal with my rewards.
#WritingCommunity
I have unfortunately also discovered that I am very liberal with my rewards.
#WritingCommunity
June 4, 2025 at 2:30 PM