Tessera

Jess Mahler

@jessmahler.bsky.social

Jess writes queer fantasy with aromantic, neurodivergent, and generally 'weird' characters. https://books2read.com/ap/nAEEOn/Jess-Mahler PFP is head, shoulders, and part of the wings of a gryphon

1372 Posts861 Follower 209 Folgt

Dr. Damien P. Williams, dread portent down from a mountain cave @wolven.blacksky.app · 2w ago

The details of this are less horrible than I'd anticipated, frankly. Still not great, and not a LOT of enforcement mechisms, but better than I'd thought. My main worry is that it'll be seen as solving a problem that it more realistically just barely begins to address

John Scalzi @scalzi.com · 2w ago

Krissy and I are off to the lawyers today to do some updates on wills and estate planning. Writers and other creative people, I cannot stress enough to you the importance of having a concrete plan for your work in the event of your passing. Don't leave it to chance!

Sonia Sulaiman @soniasulaiman.bsky.social · 2w ago

Ahem. *gets up to podium* I have a book. You can buy it from me. It’s really good. Very good book. Lots of words. Short stories inspired by Palestinian folklore. Queer, and many people say the words are beautiful. Please buy. soniasulaiman.com/product/mune...

Muneera and the Moon: Stories Inspired by Palestinian Folklore

There was…and there was not. In these stories inspired by Palestinian folklore, a daughter of darkness, a djinn, pours out her soul to the moon. Time travelers discover that the battle of Meg…

soniasulaiman.com

Jess Mahler @jessmahler.bsky.social · 2w ago

For folks who are tired of censorship of romance and erotica stories: None Website with Left Smut is a passion project of Rambling Chantrix It lists works written by people who consider themselves erotica authors with positions anywhere between progressive and revolutionary. none.website

None Website with Left Smut

A manifesto and catalog of leftward erotica.

none.website

Weeknight Writers @weeknightwriters.bsky.social · last mo.

After much debate, I've decided to put the #WeeknightWriters chat on a two-week hiatus while I prep some big fall events Chat will be back September third, but the first big announcement will happen before then so make sure you're subscribed to our waiting list/newsletter so you don't miss it

Weeknight Writers Waiting List - Weeknight Writers

Unblock your writing Become part of a vibrant community With over 100 active members, Weeknight Writers is THE place to be for writers of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. We’ll provide everything...

weeknightwriters.com

✊🏼Indigiqueer Hummingbird @riotousmuse.bsky.social · last mo.

We haven't been public about this nightmarish grief, but @phoenix-rights.bsky.social 's dear law school friend died tragically while abroad shortly after his 29th birthday this past weekend. Any kindness appreciated. 🖤

Donate to Supporting Abe and his family, organized by Sarah Maher

It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend Abe. He was loved by… Sarah Maher needs your support for Supporting Abe and his family

gofundme.com

Neon Hemlock @neonhemlock.bsky.social · last mo.

Submissions are now open for speculative novelettes and/or tiny short story collection chapbooks. Word limit: 7,500 to 12,000 words. Limited print run. Will pay $100 and 25 copies. Deadline: October 15th. More info here: neonhemlock.submittable.com/submit/36598...

Neon Hemlock - Speculative Chapbook/Novelette

Neon Hemlock Press is open to submissions of speculative chapbook manuscripts from August 20 to October 15, 2026. We expect to publish at least one chapbook next year; if the stretch goal in our curre...

neonhemlock.submittable.com

Jess Mahler @jessmahler.bsky.social · last mo.

#WIPSnips Aug 20 -- footprint Amir is very new to being a hunt-priest and is just now learning some of what he is capable of.

To his relief, both the goddess and Iberto had encouraged him to check on his chosen brother, though of course neither would tell him where to find Soren.
He hadn't known what to do and had gone back to the great hall only in desperation. But when he returned to the corner where they had huddled the night before, he realized he was seeing the faint shapes of footprints on the ground. Footprints that existed only in his mind, for the floor was smooth and clean as if it had just been polished.
Trusting his goddess (a strange thought still — his goddess) Amir followed the foot prints — Soren's trail he had realized. Now he stood before the door and knocked.
He had his hand raised to knock a second time when the door opened suddenly and Soren stood before him. Without thinking, Amir flung himself forward and Soren met him half way. Soren was short and slight, but he wrapped his arms around Amir and held so tight that Amir nearly lost his breath. “Little brother,” Amir said with a choking laugh. “I need air, little brother.”

✨#WIPSnips✨ A Daily Writing Share Tag@wipsnips.bsky.social · last mo.

The #WIPSnips word for August 20th is "footprint" #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

WIPSnips a bluesky writing community tag
August 20 - footprint
Share a line from your WIP with the daily word for inspiration
Use #WIPSnips. Don't forget Alt Text for graphics
Synonyms, variation and vibes are fine.
Support others on the #WIPSnips tag!
Hosted by rosie-j-potter.bsky.social

The image behind the text is a border that is dark blue with gold stars with a black background with neon blue border. An illustrated caticorn holding a pencil and writing in a book with a rose behind one ear is in the lower right corner. A different version of the same illustrated caticorn is curled up writing in the lower left corner

🔺 IM [comms open]@infectedmaiden.bsky.social · last mo.

Human artists! Use one piece only to convince people to follow you! 🩸

HolBat(Commission open on November)@kholbatar.bsky.social · last mo.

Human artists! Use one piece only to convince people to follow you!

Jess Mahler @jessmahler.bsky.social · last mo.

#AugustWorldbuilders 20 For most priests there is no drawback to using divine magic. However each godde has one 'Called', who functions as high priest. The Called become avatars of their godde, and lose some of their humanity in the process.

Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle)@kiraofthewind.com · last mo.

#AugustWorldbuilders Are there any drawbacks to using magic in your world? Interpret in any way you wish. Could be an actual physical or mental cost to using magic, destruction caused by magic in the hands of the wrong people, or perhaps a legal/societal issue

MonthlyWorldbuilders prompts daily feed card
#AugustWorldbuilders
Hosted by Kira of the Wind
Week 3: Magic 1
20. Are there any drawbacks to using magic?

The background shows space full of stars and nebulas. The colors are mostly blue and pinkish-purple. A bright star shines off to the side

Lili Saintcrow @lilithsaintcrow.com · last mo.

I know I’m in the soggy middle of a book when I start thinking things like, “Hm, I could be cleaning the microwave instead of doing this…”

The Autistic Rabbi(nical Student) | Mati [he/they]@autisticrabbi.bsky.social · last mo.

One of the hardest things I teach my fellow autistic folx is to notice themselves BEFORE crisis. Not when the cup is overflowing - but when it’s halfway there. What does 40% dysregulated feel like? 60%? 80%?

Jess Mahler @jessmahler.bsky.social · last mo.

#FantasyIndiesAugust 19 Author tips One of the things that really helped me was CJ Cheryth's inversion of the old 'write what you know' chestnut. "Know what you write."

Jess Mahler @jessmahler.bsky.social · last mo.

#WIPSnips Aug 19 -- anymore I really need a new title for this WIP, in the meantime, have a snippet.

Kira studied his expression, scowl still in place. "How is it that you do not? You removed me from my family, from my friends, and did so by force and binding."

"From your family and friends? A monster I may be, but I know that pain too well to willingly inflict it on anyone." Iberto cocked his head, studying her. Kira stared back, confused. "Did they turn from you because of what you have become?"

"I have not seen them since the day you dragged me here!" The pain of it ripped at her. Not her family so much – they had never approved of her and she rarely saw them anymore. But her friends who had become like family, who had taken her into their lives and hearts… they knew only that she had disappeared. She didn’t even have a way to tell them that she was safe. She lowered her voice and looked away. "I am Called now. I cannot leave my god."

The Hunt-Called’s eyes widened and he shook his head. "Not since…” his words trailed off, and he moved to stand before Kira, holding a hand out to her. "Come."

✨#WIPSnips✨ A Daily Writing Share Tag@wipsnips.bsky.social · last mo.

The #WIPSnips word for August 19th is "anymore" #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

WIPSnips a bluesky writing community tag
August 19 - anymore
Share a line from your WIP with the daily word for inspiration
Use #WIPSnips. Don't forget Alt Text for graphics
Synonyms, variation and vibes are fine.
Support others on the #WIPSnips tag!
Hosted by rosie-j-potter.bsky.social

The image behind the text is a border that is dark blue with gold stars with a black background with neon blue border. An illustrated caticorn holding a pencil and writing in a book with a rose behind one ear is in the lower right corner. A different version of the same illustrated caticorn is curled up writing in the lower left corner

Kate Heartfield @kateheartfield.com · last mo.

Oh hey, there's a 10th anniversary edition of INDIGENOUS WRITES by Chelsea Vowel coming out. This book is such a valuable resource for writers and readers, for consumers and producers of news or opinion (which we all are.) Highest recommendation.

Indigenous Writes

“Reading Indigenous Writes, you feel that you are having a conversation over coffee with a super-smart friend, someone who refuses to simplify, who chooses to amplify, who is unafraid to kick against ...

portageandmainpress.com

Jess Mahler @jessmahler.bsky.social · last mo.

#AugustWorldbuilders Since all magic is divine magic, the goddes are strongly associated with it.

Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle)@kiraofthewind.com · last mo.

#AugustWorldbuilders, are there any entities associated with magic in your world? For instance, Gods associated with magic, spirits, animal familiars, summoned creatures, or anything you can think of?

MonthlyWorldbuilders prompts daily feed card
#AugustWorldbuilders
Hosted by Kira of the Wind
Week 3: Magic 1
19. Any animals, spirits, entities, etc. associated with magic? What about familiars?

The background shows space full of stars and nebulas. The colors are mostly blue and pinkish-purple. A bright star shines off to the side

Jess Mahler @jessmahler.bsky.social · last mo.

#WIPSnips Aug 18 -- press Had to go pretty deep in the WIP to find this. Montu has a question for Kira

"How… how can you just… accept the D-the Hunt-Called?"

Kira grunted in surprise, then lowered herself to sit on the ground nearby. "You don't ask the easy questions. Of course, none of us do really, or we wouldn't be here.

"I wouldn't talk about this with most people, but I feel like I owe you, so…”

"I don't intend to pry. I'm only trying to understand." If he apologized and did not press, there would be other opportunities, but they would not come so easily as this one.

Kira nodded and jiggled her leg as she thought. "No, it's a fair question. Especially from you.

"The simple answer is, we need each other. I haven't forgiven him, but I understand what he did, and why, and he has been trying to... make it up to me, I guess you could say. But at the end of the day, the big thing is that neither of us can do this -- save the goddes -- alone. So we work together. And sooner or later I'm going to find the 'other way' so he can never do to anyone else what he did to me again!"

✨#WIPSnips✨ A Daily Writing Share Tag@wipsnips.bsky.social · last mo.

The #WIPSnips word for August 18th is "press" #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

WIPSnips a bluesky writing community tag
August 18 - press
Share a line from your WIP with the daily word for inspiration
Use #WIPSnips. Don't forget Alt Text for graphics
Synonyms, variation and vibes are fine.
Support others on the #WIPSnips tag!
Hosted by rosie-j-potter.bsky.social

The image behind the text is a border that is dark blue with gold stars with a black background with neon blue border. An illustrated caticorn holding a pencil and writing in a book with a rose behind one ear is in the lower right corner. A different version of the same illustrated caticorn is curled up writing in the lower left corner

Jess Mahler @jessmahler.bsky.social · last mo.

#WIPSnips Aug 17 -- Dark Might have shared this one before, but it's been long enough it can't hurt to share again.

The surprising thing was that everything ached. Iberto had expected death to be stillness. But every muscle in his body cried its mistreatment, his hands and feet worst of all.
At first, he could see nothing, but then a pair of eyes gleamed at him and he /remembered./
“Goddess.” Almost he slid to his knees, but he was no longer a child, no longer a supplicant. He was hers.
“Iberto, child of Marg and Yulen. I call you by name.”
“I have answered, Goddess.” He knew his way around the dark room because she wished him to. “What quarry do you set me?”
The statue flickered and before him was a great cat, black as night and as tall as he. The goddess spun away, her tail whipping around to smack his knee, staggering him, and leapt away.
Iberto-that-was would have been terrified. He knew that, remembered it. Laughed joyously as he gave chase.

✨#WIPSnips✨ A Daily Writing Share Tag@wipsnips.bsky.social · last mo.

Welcome to a new week of #WIPSnips! The word for August 17th is "dark" #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

WIPSnips a bluesky writing community tag
August 17 - dark
Share a line from your WIP with the daily word for inspiration
Use #WIPSnips. Don't forget Alt Text for graphics
Synonyms, variation and vibes are fine.
Support others on the #WIPSnips tag!
Hosted by rosie-j-potter.bsky.social

The image behind the text is a border that is dark blue with gold stars with a black background with neon blue border. An illustrated caticorn holding a pencil and writing in a book with a rose behind one ear is in the lower right corner. A different version of the same illustrated caticorn is curled up writing in the lower left corner

Jess Mahler @jessmahler.bsky.social · last mo.

#AugustWorldbuilders 17 Hey, I'm back! (Finally) The only magic in my world is divine magic, and all magic users are priests. They are trained by their goddes and by other priests. In general, priests are revered by the populace, but seen as threats by the monks who control the temple networks.

Kira of the Wind (Erika McCorkle)@kiraofthewind.com · last mo.

#AugustWorldbuilders, we're talking about magic some more! What are magic-users called in your world, and how are they trained? How are users of magic treated in your world, in general? Is it a legal practice?

MonthlyWorldbuilders prompts daily feed card
#AugustWorldbuilders
Hosted by Kira of the Wind
Week 3: Magic 1
17. What are magic users called? How are they trained?

The background shows space full of stars and nebulas. The colors are mostly blue and pinkish-purple. A bright star shines off to the side

Jess Mahler @jessmahler.bsky.social · last mo.

#QueerWriters Monday 17 I haven't done any writing since June, and it's the worst fucking time with school starting, but I really want to get back to it again. So for this week I want to go back and review where I left off, my character notes, etc, so I can (hopefully) do a bit of writing next week.

AmaraJLynn 🦹 drafting Fire & Feathers@amaralynn.bsky.social · last mo.

#queerwriters Monday: Goals Day! What do you hope to accomplish this week? Can be anything, big or small! Let us know so we can cheer you on! #WritingCommunity #lgbtqwriters

Background: a plain background with colored pencils along the bottom half.
Text:
#Queerwriters
What are your goals this week?

Monday, Saturday, Sunday
All LGBTQIAP writers welcome

Usman @litlaunch06.bsky.social · last mo.

Nothing humbles a writer like rereading something they wrote 6 months ago. #writingcommunity #writerslife #writing

Feena van @feenavan2099.bsky.social · 2mo ago

PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN.

Post nicht verfügbar.

Jess Mahler @jessmahler.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Working my way through the first chapter of The Great Transformation. Quite a crash course in European history of the 19th century. Had to look up several terms. Never hearing 'haute' pronounced before did not help my understanding of 'haute finance' Keeping wikipedia close. #BookSky #DailyReading

Jess Mahler @jessmahler.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Finally back to my supposed-to-be-daily reading. On the intro to The Great Transformation and the simple yet elegant explanation of Polanyi's 'fictitious commodities' just... It was one of those moments where someone says something so obvious that somehow never occured to you.

unsafe & still in need aka britt 🖕🏾@liminalclown-e.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Gotta go try to do care tasks without passing out. Pls keep us inside+alive. I would like to not worry about this stalling for 12 hours? Pls don’t make me look & feel more silly... Linktr.ee/hiitsbritt #mutualaid #bipocmutualaid #disabilitycrowdfund #mutualaidrequest #mutualaidvoid #homelesssky

Help a Black Femme *Live* | Linktree

Unhoused, marginalized, and chronically ill household will not survive or thrive without help. Please care.💔

linktr.ee

unsafe & still in need aka britt 🖕🏾@liminalclown-e.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Thank you friends, for a collective $42. 💘 Everyone else: still need $1867. Pls send literally anything? 💔 Progress is not being made fast enough & idk what else to say. Linktr.ee/hiitsbritt #mutualaid #bipocmutualaid #disabilitycrowdfund #mutualaidrequest #mutualaidvoid #homelesssky

American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 2mo ago

NEW: A federal book banning bill has been introduced in the Senate. It's time to make our voices heard. Tell your Senators to REJECT pro-censorship legislation like S. 4925 that would limit the freedom to read! We need every advocate to speak out against censorship: action.ala.org/campaign/S4925

Show up for our libraries. ALA 150, American Library Association.

Jess Mahler @jessmahler.bsky.social · 2mo ago

#WIPSnips July 16 -- rush Reimund gets the first look at his new quarters. This snippet is from Bound by His Oath, a lost colony sci-fi romance, now 25% off on Smashwords www.smashwords.com/books/view/1...

The lord’s quarters were smaller than those of a proper castle. But what the modernized burg lacked in size, it more than made up for in comfort. Or at least that’s how it seemed to Reimund as he sat on the first bed he had seen in weeks. His fingers traced the design of the quilted blanket that covered the bed as he stared about the room trying to take it all in.

The colors of the quilt were reflected in the hangings that lined the walls of the room, blocking the drafts that any building this size had. The floor was, presumably, stone like the rest of the burg, but no one could have seen the stone under the layers of woven rushes covered by a thick carpet. The bed was made of dark wood, covered with simple but skilled carvings. The bed hangings were double layered, the outer layer thick with embroidery, the inner layer a light undyed cloth that would let sunlight through in the summer months.

Reimund’s dazed eyes had seen little of the outer room of the suite, but he suspected it was just as finely appointed.

✨#WIPSnips✨ A Daily Writing Share Tag@wipsnips.bsky.social · 2mo ago

The #WIPSnips word for July 16th is "rush" #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

WIPSnips a bluesky writing community tag
July 16 - rush
Share a line from your WIP with the daily word for inspiration
Use #WIPSnips. Don't forget Alt Text for graphics
Synonyms, variation and vibes are fine.
Support others on the #WIPSnips tag!
Hosted by rosie-j-potter.bsky.social

The image behind the text is a border that is dark blue with gold stars with a black background with neon blue border. An illustrated caticorn holding a pencil and writing in a book with a rose behind one ear is in the lower right corner. A different version of the same illustrated caticorn is curled up writing in the lower left corner

MashedBex | trying to kick cancer's ass @bexmashaba.bsky.social · 2mo ago

i’m sorry for asking again, but can anyone help me get food? i don’t have anything left & i was hoping to get a parcel from the foodbank near me, but i’m still on the waiting list. anything helps ❤️ paypal.me/thelongestroad

Pay RMM Creative using PayPal.Me

Go to paypal.me/thelongestroad and type in the amount. Since it’s PayPal, it's easy and secure. Don’t have a PayPal account? No worries.

paypal.me

Jess Mahler @jessmahler.bsky.social · 2mo ago

#WIPSnips Jully 11 -- attack Reimund isn't in a good situation here...

The fight was chaos and confusion. Reimund had heard that the Anglish were deadly fighters in their beloved mountains, but he’d never imagined anything like this close ranged whirling combat.

The first attack had taken out a full tenth of his men. Outnumbered, unable to retreat… he was down at least another tenth, probably more.

Shamed, but seeing no other answer save dying, he stepped back from the front line and pulled the battle horn from his belt. The solemn call for surrender rang across the battlefield.

✨#WIPSnips✨ A Daily Writing Share Tag@wipsnips.bsky.social · 2mo ago

The #WIPSnips word for July 11th is "attack" #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts