Sarah Kate Ishii—Fantasy Author | Author Coach
@SarahKateIshii
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#FantasyBooks for adults and children | Author Coach at Storycraft Gateway | Black coffee, dragons, the ocean wind, and warrior women MCs. Drafting 36499/80000
Brisbane, Australia
Joined October 2019
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Pinned Tweet
Finally fixed my LinkTree 😭🥹
PSA to any writer to remind them to update it regularly.
And it's something you constantly uplevel as you learn the best way to show your work.
Life's a constant growth journey.
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If you're a writer, a creative, an illustrator, a designer, a book nerd, a narrator, or a reader, come say hi.
I want a feed that encourages authors, art, the human soul, and everything that makes us thrive.
Creativity is key to the human condition and I want to live that.
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When did you REALLY get into reading?
What age did it really hit you?
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So far people have reported just 2 typos/weird grammar bits in my book, and I had a review saying I should've got a proofreader 😭 like just 2 and they said that?? I've seen more in books by big names published by trade. I know I shouldn't care much but I'm still new to this.
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Do other authors deliberately write really quotable lines in their books? Coz I keep getting asked what my favourite quote is from my book and I have no idea. Do I have to build that stuff in going forward?
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If you write magic in your books, what are the consequences of using magic?
I want to see people getting addicted to it, overdose, losing part of their humanity, being unable to do anything without magic. Replacing life force with magic ability.
What do you have?
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Okay, so I'm a fantasy nerd and LOVE when authors go hard on their worldbuilding and get sucked into their own universe.
Writers of ANY genre: tell me your best nerdy worldbuilding admittal. Do you have a whole notebook/doc dedicated to your worldbuilding ideas?
Do you draw it?
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Who else wants illustrations in adult fantasy books?
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As an author, do you ever just sit and think about the things you come up with and think 'WTF? Am I okay? How could I think of that?'
Sometimes I scare myself.
#WritingCommunity
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Writers, what grammar error really grinds your gears each time you see it?
I'll admit mine is apostrophes where not needed in plurals.
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Do reviews really impact whether you'd read a book or not?
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Let's do an algo fix! If you're a writer or illustrator, come and say hi!
I want to see more great creatives in my feed in this weird world of AI that I frankly don't care about.
Give me my human artists and the people who show we have souls!
#writingcommunity
#booktwitter
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Anyone got oldies as the MCs in their books?
Holler out, because we need more oldies in stories!
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@QEisenacher
This is one of the most reassuring writing tweets I've seen XD Plus I'm a sucker for Going Postal, so I think I'd recommend that :)
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Thoughts about having songs or poetry in novels? E.g. like a character singing or reciting in a fantasy book?
#BookTwitter
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Fantasy readers: if a book doesn't contain romance, does it put you off reading it?
It seems everything is romance these days.
#FantasyBooks
#WritingCommunity
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Remember: someone out there will want to read what you wrote.
Keep writing.
#WritingCommunity
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Controversial question for the writers here: what do you draft on? computer? phone? notebook? typewriter?
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Do you ever get so attached to a character in your WIP that writing their tough moments feels like betrayal? 😭
I'm sorrrrryyyyy, okay?! BUT IT'LL BE GOOD FOR YOU IN THE END.
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Plot tip: It's okay to let your characters have fun. I know writing advice often says 'every scene needs to further the plot', but not every scene needs to be a heavy plot movement. That makes it stiff. Show the softer side too, like characters interacting with each other.
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Any other authors here parents and trying to write in the weird odd schedules that we have to live?
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Do you schedule time to read into your every day? How does that work for you?
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Any other authors have SUCH BAD HANDWRITING that if they hand wrote their drafts they'd never be able to read it?
What's the story about?
Feck if I know. 🤷♀️😅
#WritingCommunity
#FantasyBooks
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Kill your darlings 😈
Okay, but that scene you REALLY like that might not serve your book?
Can you cut it from the book but save it and release it on your blog/newsletter as a special extra to treat your readers to something 'hidden' and cool? Like cut movie scenes?
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You know how there's that stereotype authors always google the weirdest things?
What have you researched for your WIP recently?
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Today I went to a tattoo expo and I’m just in awe at the skills of all those artists 🤩
So writers: do your characters have tattoos?
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How do you overcome writer's block?
Let's create a list so people who need it can come check it out and try it.
For me, it's listening to inspiring music, and writing in small doses each day until the snowball effect takes over and I can write more and more and it all unknots.
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Editing tip: proofread backwards.
On that final final final check?
Read your book backwards.
Sounds tedious, but you'll find those annoying niggly final spelling errors and typos or missing punctuations.
#WritingTips
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Question for the authors! What's one piece of advice you'd give to a new writer just starting out?
#WritingAdvice
#WritingCommunity
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The new editions of Origin Curse and Dark Tides are live! You can now get your own copy for immersive fantasy epic adventure from your chosen eBook store 🥳
OC:
DT:
Time to read 😉
#DarkFantasy
#FantasyBooks
#ReadingCommunity
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What's your MC's hobby? Too often the MCs focus only on their mission or the plot, but I love to hear about their hobbies in their downtime when the main story isn't rolling.
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@SketchesbyBoze
Oh this. Aragorn should be the pinnacle role model of manliness. Humble, interesting, tender, loves his bros, and broods darkly in the corner at the right times.
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Writers, introduce your WIP!
My current WIP is a noble bright high fantasy about a female prison guard seeking a better life, getting hired by chance as a royal guardian, and then accidentally getting caught up in a civil war/rebellion.
But which side is she on? 👀
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If you wrote a book about a ghost, what kind of book would it be?
Thriller?
Horror?
Cosy mystery?
Comical?
Cute?
I think I love the idea of something light-hearted and funny. A cosy fantasy of sorts.
#WritingCommunity
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Do you have an idea of how many books you want to publish?
One? Three? Five? No idea, just want to write for life?
It's so interesting to hear how everyone has their own plans and ideas on this.
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How do we feel about the protagonist being killed at the end of a book?
#BookTwitter
#FantasyBooks
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Between your first draft and second draft, do you completely rewrite, or just work into the original?
What works best for you?
#WritingCommunity
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I want to talk about schooling in fantasy books.
How do your people learn?
Are there schools for children? Do they study at home? Do they not 'study'? Do universities exist?
I want to see more of how they all learn 🤩
#Worldbuilding
#WritingCommunity
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Think about your fantasy/sci-fi world.
Why does the map end where it does?
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The big writing question ...
Are you a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in the middle?
Why does this work best for you?
#WritingCommunity
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Worldbuilding question to help you write about magic:
What does it feel like to do magic?
Are there any physical responses in the characters' bodies?
#WritingCommunity
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Have you seen these stats? 🧵
💠The average self-published book sells 250 copies.
💠The average self-published author makes $1,000 per year from their books.
💠33% of self-published authors make less than $500 per year.
1/3 ...
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Writing a villain:
Give them one admirable quality. Something the reader can relate to.
People aren't ALL bad.
#WritingCommunity
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Writers, what do you do to relax?
Recently I've been enjoying replaying Zelda: Breath of the Wild. I don't game much so this is a new luxury.
Make sure you treat yourself to downtime.
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Remember, there will be someone out there who wants to read your book :)
Reading is so subjective. We all experience writing differently. If one reader doesn't like it, someone else might LOVE it.
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Currently doing an author rebrand and so excited and loving it so far.
So a question: where are you in your author branding journey?
Not thought about it? Don't care? Not started but want to do a bit? Or so down with your author brand?
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Hey
#WritingCommunity
! 👋 I'm Sarah, a fantasy author in Brisbane 🐨
📚Published:
- 2 epic fantasy adult books
- Whimsical children's picture book
📝 Currently Writing:
- Noblebright fantasy YA
- Urban neon-Tokyo fantasy
✨ Myths & legends, folklore, magic, anime, boy mama
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I know I don't post enough to 'market' my books. But it still feels so ick to do so. Too bold to just say 'hey if you love epic fantasy check out the 'Zon for my books and grab a copy!'
How does one get over that feeling?
But seriously, if you love fantasy ...
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Do you (or do you plan to if not there yet) format your own books or do you work with a typesetter?
Why?
I use a typesetter. It's her job. She's a pro. She knows the trends and the tricks. Makes my books look trade-quality. I love her work. Worth it.
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Today I learned most authors here on
#BookTwitter
are night owls.
Where are my other early birds at?
#WritingCommunity
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What season does your WIP take place in, or is it something you don't think about?
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I have a really self-indulgent, incredible, amazing, full magic WIP I really want to work on but I know I'm not ready to do it justice yet.
Instead I just have to daydream about it.
Anyone else have a WIP concept like that?
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Let your characters goof off. Let them be kids. Even as adults we have moments we act like children or mess around and laugh with our friends.
Let your characters do that too.
It's not all darkness and plot. Readers love the fluff too.
#WritingTips
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People who write fantasy or sci-fi: do characters in your books wear glasses? Or if not, how do people with bad eyesight handle things?
#WritingCommunity
#FantasyBooks
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Does make up exist in your world?
How does your character interact with it?
Not kidding. I'm so bad at makeup. I admire those who find time to learn how to be good at it.
But it's a big thing, right?
Let's add it to fantasy too.
#WritingCommunity
#Worldbuilding
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Readers of Twitter! Any book recommendations? I’m pondering what to get myself for my birthday next month and thinking of something beyond my usual choices! Help needed!
#booklovers
#readerscommunity
#writerscommunity
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It's sad to hear these, knowing behind these numbers are peoples' dreams and life goals.
What can you do to give your book the best chance? Edit well, market well, get pro cover art done. Think of it as a small business. Strategise.
Let's break the starving artist trope.
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What's a magical fantasy race you want to see more of in fantasy books?
Cyclops? Orc? Ogre? Dragonian?
Who has different fantasy races in their WIP?
#FantasyBooks
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Worldbuilding question to think about:
What happens in your world when people are sick?
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Character building question:
What are your characters' plans for the future?
You should know this about your main crew.
They don't necessarily plan the plot. They'd have had their own life goals and visions even if they were forced onto another path.
#WritingTips
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"What unites people? Armies? Gold? Flags? Stories. There's nothing more powerful than a good story." - Tyrion Lannister.
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Publishing scams are rife. Remember: no reputable publisher/agent will get aggressive or offended if you ask questions about your contract or deal. It's a business. It's EXPECTED to ask questions.
It's a red flag if you rightfully ask questions and they get aggressive.
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We're not here to gate keep.
You can call yourself a writer even if you write two words on a napkin a few times a week.
If it's just in your head while you organise your thoughts.
If that's how you see yourself and you love writing, go for it.
No need to be 'aspiring'.
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Writers, be honest, you have a favourite character in your work, don't you 😉
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Who needs self-editing advice? Find editing tough? Author/publisher/proofreader here with tips!
#writingcommunity
#writerly
#amediting
#amwriting
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I wanna see more food in fantasy books. Like, REAL food. Less gruel. What do they eat in your fantasy book's region? What makes the characters weak? What's unique to each culture?
#editingtip
#writingcommunity
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Remember, every character should have a goal.
They are their own person. In their head, they are a whole person, not a plot device.
Let them act as crazy as we are.
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You're allowed to change your mind.
Planned a scene a certain way? You can change it.
Got an MC that's just not working out? You can change them.
Plot all wrong? Change it up.
It's never too late to change it. It's your work. Do whatever you want with it :)
#WritingCommunity
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Tell me about a character in your WIP.
I'll tell you about a guy called Das. He's late teens, mute, communicates through hand signs, and is the servant/caretaker of the prince's 4 royal guardians. Works so fast and amazes the new guardian, Celyn, our MC.
#FantasyBooks
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I needed to see this. I love getting into a well world built world. And there is a difference between TOO much and TOO slow and a good amount of it, but these days it seems like things are too fast and hollow.
Thoughts?
I feel like most people don't give stories with a slow start a chance anymore and it sucks. I need to care about this character as a person before I care if they live or die.
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Your first book doesn't have to be a hit.
Don't put yourself under that much pressure.
Embrace being an amateur, and remember to be okay with making mistakes and giving yourself a learning journey with your writing.
#WritingCommunity
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Plus, I had a wonderful editing team, proofreader included, but we're all still human, so 🤷♀️ It can be fixed in a later edition. Far out.
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Got 1400 words done this morning before work. Was so happy. Especially as I was typing on my phone which is usually slower.
When writing goes right, am I right?
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I'm sure we all want to be full time writers, and give up the 9 - 5.
But first, test the waters.
Do you have the discipline and habit building to sit there every day and turn your writing into your 9 - 5? How will that make you feel?
#WritingCommunity
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@askamycollins
As a publisher/editor/author, all three hats hate it. Physical descriptions are crucial, even if it's only small clues. Don't need a list, but readers need a nudge in visualising the author's intended character so they have an idea as they read. They can fill in the rest.
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How to support your author friends:
Ask for their book in the local libraries. And then take them out now and then.
Authors DO get financial support if their books are regularly asked for and borrowed, through lending rights.
Check: different countries do it differently.
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When writing character dialects or accents, try to avoid the typical 'Ey now, wot is youse up to?' butchering in speech.
Instead, look at characteristics of speech patterns.
Some are very blunt. Others skip around the main point.
Others: 'You're a good girl, aren't you, now?'
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💠90% of self-published books sell less than 100 copies.
💠20% of self-published authors report making no income from their books.
(Stats courtesy of: )
2/3 ...
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Are you a plotter, pantser, or plantser?
(I'm a plantser--I plot key arcs and timelines and some chapter concepts and then pants away in between!)
#writingcommunity
#amwriting
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If you could cast anyone for your MC in a movie/show adaptation of your WIP, who would you want?
#WritingCommunity
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Most of my books are non romantic for the MCs. There might be some low-level background for other characters, but I just love my MCs to focus on other things.
Who here would vibe that?
Tryna find my people 🫶
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When line editing, look for filler words like 'just', 'very', 'really', 'so', etc.
It really tightens your prose.
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I have a book signing today! Wish me luck and all the nerdy book talk fun! 🥳
#BookTwitter
#FantasyBooks
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Trust yourself, your voice, your story.
Writers, share your work.
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Do you keep a spreadsheet of all your expenses and earnings as a published author?
If you're not published, but have started paying for editing etc, have you also started tracking the spending?
#WritingCommunity
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When was the last time you got a book out from the library?
(Library eBook and audiobook apps count too.)
#BookTwitter
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