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steveblackman.bsky.social
Writer, but not the one who did The Umbrella Academy. Or the wrestler. Rep'd by @CallenJMartin @BLM_Agency
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I just finished listening to ALBION, written and read beautifully by Anna Hope. It's stunningly lyrical yet accessible, filled with urgent, essential themes. I sobbed at the end, which the book deserved, but the people in the coffee shop around me didn't. Thanks, Tom Rowley, for the recommendation.

submitted 46 days ago • 0 comments

Hang on. I wasn't worried being eaten by trolls before...

submitted 47 days ago • 1 comment

Excellent book post today! Thank you, @chickenhousebooks.bsky.social for sending me this gorgeous copy of The Binding Spell by Marisa Linton @mlinton.bsky.social. Full of dark academia, folk horror and the supernatural, you say? Count me in!

submitted 106 days ago • 0 comments

Writers’ dubious web searches #324: What is the best animal urine for tanning leather?

submitted 147 days ago • 1 comment

You know it’s an early start when you’ve finished your coffee before the #5amwritersclub

submitted 154 days ago • 0 comments

It’s 0700 in London. The sky’s a deep blue, and there’s a bright dot low in the western sky that I *think* is #Jupiter. It’s so far away, but so clear, and it’s giving me that vertigo feeling of looking out into space. It’s a lot for a Friday morning.

submitted 200 days ago • 1 comment

So much fun last night with @trientertainment.bsky.social @royalalberthall.bsky.social. Gregg Wallace, Nitro, bookshelves and the World Cup of Christmas tunes. I can’t lie, I was hugely disappointed it only ran 25 minutes over! Thank you, Marina Hyde, @richardosman1.bsky.social and the orchestra.

submitted 201 days ago • 1 comment

Yesterday, over the annual family Christmas lunch, my brother, nephews and I agreed to play #Whamageddon. I officially lost at 18:37 today.

submitted 205 days ago • 0 comments

So, I wasn't able to join #NaNoWriMo this year, but I started a new story today, and have given myself until New Year's Day to complete a first draft. (Yeah, I know.) I'm calling it #ChrimboWriMo. Hop on board if you like; there's loads of room on the magical story sleigh.

submitted 205 days ago • 0 comments

You know what would **really** disrupt the publishing industry? Fair contracts and decent pay for authors. No AI training without the creator’s consent. Artists and translators on the cover. No NDAs for ghostwriters.

submitted 209 days ago • 40 comments

ITS A SCAM! Publishers DON’T charge YOU to make YOUR books, they PAY you. These guys aren’t tryna “Disrupt” anything, they’re depending on people who are desperately looking to be published to part with their money. It’s far cheaper to learn to write or self publish.

submitted 209 days ago • 12 comments

Thank you, Chicken House, for today's exceptional book post. That's my reading needs sorted for a little while! Can't wait to dive in to: THE ZOMBIE PROJECT @alicenuttallbooks.bsky.social and THE WILDERNESS OF GIRLS @madelineclaire.bsky.social. Reviews to follow!

submitted 209 days ago • 2 comments

I was attacked in the street a moment ago! Out of nowhere my head was nudged hard from behind, and something scratched my scalp. I turned, just as the raven that had flown into me fluttered past and landed on the ground. The stink-eye he gave me made it clear he thought it was my fault. Bully.

submitted 209 days ago • 1 comment

Well said John Bothwell from Durham. Well said indeed! 😆

submitted 211 days ago • 53 comments

I’m writing while listening to the @mynoise.bsky.social soundscape of The Name of the Rose. I’ve set my earbuds to ‘immersive’ and it is like I’m there! Thanks @joannaoldman.bsky.social for the intro.

submitted 211 days ago • 0 comments

This isn't disruptive. It's a cynical reframing of vanity publishing but on a digital platform. Depressing and irritating. Was their brief to the photographer: 'try to make us look as much like a stock photo as possible'? tinyurl.com/e5rv3d66

submitted 211 days ago • 2 comments

It's always such a treat to be involved – even in a tiny way – with this glorious magazine, and this issue (Chaos & Calm) is a stunner. As always it's filled with the best writers and illustrators; hope you enjoy my review of Brian Dungan's action-packed new book Wintour's Game.

submitted 211 days ago • 1 comment

🔥😎OUR CHAOS & CALM ISSUE IS OUT NOW😎🔥 Packed full of new author interviews, #illustrations, #BookRecommendations, #WritingTips and more, we're delighted to share this brand new issue - FREE - with our readers here👇 paperboundmag.com/issues

submitted 211 days ago • 2 comments

I love names that are also sentences, so was delighted to have proof that Harriet Waters (in Silo). Does anyone have evidence that Jeremy Irons, or that Britney Spears? Any others?

submitted 212 days ago • 5 comments

Still buzzing after seeing Juno & the Paycock at the Gielgud yesterday. The entire cast was on its A-game for the final day. Mark Rylance in particular gave a stunning performance as the malingering Captain Jack – masterful physical comedy that was also quietly heartbreaking. Much like the play.

submitted 212 days ago • 0 comments

Take a moment to subscribe to Kesia's newsletter and receive absolute gems like this one. Go on, you deserve it.

submitted 213 days ago • 1 comment

Is there a word for the feeling you’re left with when you read a widely-loved story but really don’t understand what all the fuss is about? (Apart from disappointment?)

submitted 216 days ago • 3 comments