Andrew Hiller

Gentle reminder: if you're reading for 2025 awards, please consider my two short stories

Thank you!

a black and white photo of a little girl making a funny face ALT: a black and white photo of a little girl making a funny face

I think I have been accused of over-exuberance to which I say...

Who me?

As long as we're killing cliches, sometimes there's nothing more fascinating than to discover how the sausage is made. Sure, it can be messy and gross, but it also can be alchemical and wondrous.

Based on the graphic, I'm assuming the announcement is about a road trip to recover the fabled guitar pick of lyricism.

Okay, probably not, but the markers look like guitar picks :)

Just wrapped up writing novella two of this year. This one is in collaboration with @phokion.bsky.social, and is being serialised by @grimdarkmagazine.bsky.social. You should check it out!

Your poetry in a salve :)

Yep. On top of which "Voice" is an underrated tool. A good narrative voice can raise the level of the story by several notches.

Sometimes, a great "voice" can even trump plot.

Consider Ali for best poetry
Quoth the raven
"Evermore!"

I think we will find "kill your darlings" even worse advice in these AI days. Those unique descriptions and oddball associations are what makes us stand out from pablum writing.

There's nothing wrong with spare and pithy, but sometimes it's okay to let the prose have fun.

You will be visited by three spirits

Ooh... been there.

Take care.

Movie you’ve watched more than six times with a gif. Hard mode: no Stars (Wars nor Trek), LOTR, or Marvel, Disney Animated or Pixar.

This movie holds a dear place in my heart because it came out in the year my first play was produced in New York. I endured nearly every hardship depicted in the play

Forest by Joyce Chng It’s been a month since Sally passed away. The house is quiet without her laughter, the pitter-patter of her feet. There is nothing, nothing, nothing—an emptiness filling every room and everyone.

Mushrooms, living forever, grief and loss.

One of my accepted stories this year.

inner-worlds.ghost.io/forest-by-jo...

All I want for Christmas is my (or one of my friends)’ books on The NY Times best seller list 🥸

Nebula nominations are open!

I'd love it if you'd consider reading "Laser Eyes Ain't Everything", which Locus called a "sharp satire" and is all my rage and desired catharsis about disability accommodations. Also superheroes. And puns.

www.diabolicalplots.com/dp-fiction-1...

So, instead of a party rocket it's a picnic rocket.

Mmmm, musings (no need to reply!).

In total, I earned (for this year) $900 in total, from Patreon. This is for ONE year, not per month.

Give or take, plus royalties from books and stuff - $1000 odd. In total. I am not counting per month.

This is not a way to earn a living.

I'm that nerd, too, and my playlists vary widely. Everything from Celtic folk to jazz to classic rock. It's funny though, once a story finds its soundtrack it wants on a loop like a three-year old with a Disney cartoon.

I find that each work has its own musical demands. Glad Iron Maiden rocks your newest.

Get more from Beneath Ceaseless Skies on Patreon creating an online fantasy magazine & podcast

Today is Giving Tuesday, for donating to nonprofits. BCS's parent co. is a 501c3 nonprofit, so donations & Patreon support are tax deductible (consult a tax professional). We'd appreciate your support. www.patreon.com/beneath_ceas... www.beneath-ceaseless-skies.com/support-bcs/...

It's not you.

The system is just overflooded and broken.

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Happy Birthday

Some things never change. I turned in the files to the audiobook this year. I worked hard, did the best, I can do, and am proud of the tape.

BUT

I still feel like a student awaiting the red ink and grade of their teacher.

Handsomest Gentlest by M. R. Robinson, Haven Spec Magazine Fiction and Poetry for the 21st Century!

A heartbreaking ghost story about a Very Good Boy, even if he's a hell dog by @mruthrobinson.bsky.social
www.havenspec.com/handsomest-g...

if you eat food, use metal or plastic tools, drink clean water, drive on roads, read, have electricity, light bulbs, etc.

You did not lift yourself up by your own bootstraps. You had help.

a man wearing a pink apron and a pink headband is making a face . ALT: a man wearing a pink apron and a pink headband is making a face .

"Spam! Spam! Spam! Spam!" is a wonderful refain and fun song, but not a pleasant reality.

Maybe related.

The phrase "pulled myself up entirely by my own bootstraps" has always bothered me. No one is entirely independent or self suficient. Someone taught Mr. Bootstraps, fed fed him, protects him so he can be independent. Etc. We need so much support for it to be possible to go it alone.

I named my fists War and Peace. Thankfully, my dominant hand is peace and War has gotten a bet atrophic.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for the holidays is to give someone else a gift. Let's bring these stories into the world.

Let's bring your stories into the world, too.

only a few days left!!

LUCKILY, this wasn't a special sale! That's right! You can buy and read my novellas for the same price they always are whenever you like!