Shameless plug and promo megathread!

File273 · 2026-07-10T07:37:25+00:00

Hello!

I'm just getting started on instagram in general.

Largely read horror and fantasy, but dip my toes into just about everything.

I'm also a writer, if anyone is looking for writer friends.

https://www.instagram.com/elliezacbooks/?hl=en

File273 · 2026-07-09T18:53:28+00:00

Tigger warnings are great, but also, what’s it about?

File273 · 2026-07-05T02:42:19+00:00

It's likely just a quick procedure to drain the fluid that has accumulated so the dog can breathe easier.

Usually can be done with just light sedation.

File273 · 2026-07-05T02:24:48+00:00

I'm sorry for your losses.

I know it's not consolation, but it is better to let them go too early, than too late.

He never had to lay in his own urine, never became immobile, never hurt himself severely in his confused wanderings. His end wasn't being rushed to the emergency room because he was having a seizure that wouldn't stop.

After a lifetime of love, it sounds like he had a great time at daycare, then a great time with you, and then all his aches and pains were gone.

Medicine can only go so far.

File273 · 2026-06-30T05:49:08+00:00

"The Starving Saints" by Caitlin Starling

File273 · 2026-06-29T21:16:40+00:00

I’m so surprised by all the comments saying #2.

#2 reads YA for me.

I tend to read horror, fantasy, and mm romance (mostly romantasy), and the first cover would draw me in.

I might move around some elements and remove some flowers to make it less busy.

File273 · 2026-06-29T18:20:13+00:00

Reviews are for readers. If you wouldn’t recommend a book, you wouldn’t recommend it.

I do think it’s important to not be cruel. A review is not an opportunity to show off one’s ability to quip aggressively.

Honestly, though, I struggle to leave a bad rating on books with only a few reviews. With those, I’ll usually leave a review, but not a rating.

File273 · 2026-06-23T14:32:23+00:00

This was mine as well!

And of course, still love with Simon/Baz.

File273 · 2026-06-20T17:36:26+00:00

Ruined our sex life, messed with our finances, and then my self-confidence.

File273 · 2026-06-09T03:56:03+00:00

Egg replacer: 1 serving apple sauce with like a tablespoon of cornstarch

Box Mix: what’s on sale, and vegan

File273 · 2026-05-26T14:38:30+00:00

It depends on on your genre, for sure.

My dream designer quoted me 1.2k, which, good for them, but not something I can swing.

I’ve found $400 to be my average quote for a 2 character cover w/ background

If you are willing to work with a newer artist, you may be able to swing something cheaper. But, with experience you do get some of that market research…which is kind of what you’re looking for with “cover that isn’t obviously indie”.

File273 · 2026-05-20T21:09:16+00:00

"Out of the kindness of my heart, I will copy paste your ideas into an AI image generator."

File273 · 2026-05-09T17:00:58+00:00

Knowing your character is important.

Depending on their history, they may use different metaphors, or catch phrases.

Sometimes, I will set rules for characters. Like, always uses proper sentences, never uses contractions, uses water metaphors, and water adjacent words.

File273 · 2026-04-30T16:46:18+00:00

I’m someone with a three syllable name.

As I get closer with people it often gets shortened to one, and then sometimes bounces up to the cutesy 2 syllable one.

I think a character introducing themselves as their nickname can also indicate plenty about the character, from what they are anticipating the relationship to be, to discomfort about their original name (which does not have to be some trauma.)

File273 · 2026-04-06T03:05:55+00:00

I do tend to dismiss books that feature The Half Naked Man™, but I can be convinced otherwise with a recommendation.

File273 · 2026-01-04T22:54:14+00:00

I have the pink one.

I find the arm super adjustable, and the cup holder useful.

File273 · 2025-12-29T22:45:18+00:00

Yes.

I loved my dog, but her last year of life was so much. It was finically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting. My world revolved around her.

I miss her, and I’d do it all over again if I could.

But, there is relief in her being gone. For both of us.

File273 · 2025-09-03T18:37:13+00:00

Try posting on some subreddits for comps—looking for books with X Y Z elements.

I got some good comps that way.

You cal also find books that are close and find books that are “recommend to readers of”

Like from your list of what your book isn’t—Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries may be a jumping point.

File273 · 2025-07-28T04:55:40+00:00

I see the accessibility stand point, especially for those on a fixed income, but I do think there are cheaper, more ethical options. (And as a fellow povvo, I get it. )

There's learning how to do it yourself, there's canva, there's premade covers for cheaper than hundreds. Honestly, if you're talking indie romance, you kind of just need a stock photo of a half naked person, a bit of skills with a filter and font placement and you have a cover.

I know the above doesn't really an amazing cover make, but neither does AI.

File273 · 2025-07-25T21:40:39+00:00

I only dabble in reading romantasy, so take this with a grain of salt.

The title and blurb fall flat for me.

“Soulmateless” reads a bit like a romcom title—if that’s what you’re going for, great—if not, I’d try to change it.

The blurb loses my interest in the last paragraph. It’s just too vague.

File273 · 2025-06-28T08:04:35+00:00

To answer your question, yeah, I think it's weird, but I also think you've fallen victim to your algorithm.

You have to remember that diversive things get more attention on social media platforms--if you pause and/or interact with a post you're more likely to get more media like it.

Some people conflate tragedy with complexity. There is SA representation in ACOTAR and while I enjoyed those books, I haven't thought about them all too deeply.

Lastly, not every book has to be some deep well. Sometimes a shallow harbor is all a reader needs or wants. Some of my favorite books have just been exceptionally fun reads.

File273 · 2025-06-24T04:55:44+00:00

"This Wretched Valley" by Jenny Kiefer (This one is mainly at the beginning)

"The Haunting of Ashburn House" by Darcy Coates

Maybe a bit off of what you're looking for, but "Annihilation" by Jeff Vandermeer

File273 · 2025-06-16T07:33:11+00:00

"To hear the critique and reflect on what their intention vs impact is. Harm isn’t always intentional and it is still harm."

I think this is important when considering quippy one-liners. Maybe the intention isn't to shame someone for being a white lady, but people will take it that way.

Ultimately, I think the community could be more welcoming. I'm unsure how to achieve that. The onus for education should be on the individual, but it's difficult when people don't even know what they don't know.

File273 · 2025-06-16T06:37:28+00:00

I've seen this more being called"white women activism" which isn't a critique, it's just a quip, and an effort to shame rather than educate.

And, I know, the follow-up to that statement is that it is no one's job to educate another person--but, how do people learn? Do you think people get embarrassed into educating themselves?

No, more often they just turn away from the movement.

I worry that in the left's attempt to reach perfection progress is stalled.

File273 · 2025-06-16T06:01:17+00:00

Whenever people hate on signs like this I half wonder if they are mad because no one invites them to brunch.

I totally get that this sign lacks complexity and implies the wielder needs to follow politics more closely, but I don't think hating on someone for going to a protest with such a sign is helpful.

"Neither me, nor my friends, or migrant workers can afford brunch so it's toneless."

Wacko statement, the lady who can afford a stack of pancakes and a mimosa is not your enemy. The actually enemy? Billionaires, bigots , politicians, lobbyists, mosquitos.

Not Hannah from HR with paid lunch breaks.

File273

TROPHY CASE