AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo
@ajvanbelle.bsky.social
Writer and scientist who cuddles dogs, builds worlds. Rep: Lauren Bieker. www.ajvanbelle.com. Rhysling & Best of the Net nominee.
Junior literary agent at The Booker Albert Agency.
Nonbinary/transmasc 🏳️⚧️
Junior literary agent at The Booker Albert Agency.
Nonbinary/transmasc 🏳️⚧️
Pinned
I am beyond thrilled to announce that Bloomsbury has acquired my YA nonfiction book A DOZEN DYSTOPIAS AND HOW TO DODGE THEM, about the real science behind fictional dystopian scenarios. This is an absolute dream project.
Sign up for my newsletter for updates! ⬇️
Sign up for my newsletter for updates! ⬇️
Reposted by AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo
@millieabecassis.com 's The Color of Time is Shiraki Press' third title this year, arriving on May 19, 2026!
Recently we asked her a few questions about her reading habits and faves.
Read the questions & answers and learn more about Millie at www.shirakipress.com/authors/mill...
Recently we asked her a few questions about her reading habits and faves.
Read the questions & answers and learn more about Millie at www.shirakipress.com/authors/mill...
January 26, 2026 at 8:02 PM
@millieabecassis.com 's The Color of Time is Shiraki Press' third title this year, arriving on May 19, 2026!
Recently we asked her a few questions about her reading habits and faves.
Read the questions & answers and learn more about Millie at www.shirakipress.com/authors/mill...
Recently we asked her a few questions about her reading habits and faves.
Read the questions & answers and learn more about Millie at www.shirakipress.com/authors/mill...
Reposted by AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo
“You never know who you're inspiring or uninspiring. People notice more than you think.”
― Amaka Imani Nkosazana
Think positive, and believe in your story, #turtlewriters! It may just change someone's life for the better! Good luck!❤️🙂🐢🍀 ((hugs)) #WritingCommunity
― Amaka Imani Nkosazana
Think positive, and believe in your story, #turtlewriters! It may just change someone's life for the better! Good luck!❤️🙂🐢🍀 ((hugs)) #WritingCommunity
January 25, 2026 at 8:21 PM
“You never know who you're inspiring or uninspiring. People notice more than you think.”
― Amaka Imani Nkosazana
Think positive, and believe in your story, #turtlewriters! It may just change someone's life for the better! Good luck!❤️🙂🐢🍀 ((hugs)) #WritingCommunity
― Amaka Imani Nkosazana
Think positive, and believe in your story, #turtlewriters! It may just change someone's life for the better! Good luck!❤️🙂🐢🍀 ((hugs)) #WritingCommunity
I had a lot of fun recording this podcast with The Funky Writer! Robert did a great job of making space for me to share honestly, so if you want an open glimpse of who I am as a writer and a person, give it a listen!
At 28:22, I read from my on-sub sci-fi book!
www.podbean.com/media/share/...
At 28:22, I read from my on-sub sci-fi book!
www.podbean.com/media/share/...
Author/Biologist A.J. Van Belle
Discussion with PHD Biologist and Prolific Writer A.J. Van Belle. We talk about her nomination for the Rhysling Award and authoring stories for children.
www.podbean.com
January 25, 2026 at 8:25 PM
I had a lot of fun recording this podcast with The Funky Writer! Robert did a great job of making space for me to share honestly, so if you want an open glimpse of who I am as a writer and a person, give it a listen!
At 28:22, I read from my on-sub sci-fi book!
www.podbean.com/media/share/...
At 28:22, I read from my on-sub sci-fi book!
www.podbean.com/media/share/...
Reposted by AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo
Climate change was settled science decades ago.
The failure was political.
Climate Denial in American Politics: #ClimateBrawl documents how climate denial became embedded in U.S. federal politics—and how it continues to obstruct climate action.
The failure was political.
Climate Denial in American Politics: #ClimateBrawl documents how climate denial became embedded in U.S. federal politics—and how it continues to obstruct climate action.
January 8, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Climate change was settled science decades ago.
The failure was political.
Climate Denial in American Politics: #ClimateBrawl documents how climate denial became embedded in U.S. federal politics—and how it continues to obstruct climate action.
The failure was political.
Climate Denial in American Politics: #ClimateBrawl documents how climate denial became embedded in U.S. federal politics—and how it continues to obstruct climate action.
I am soooo lucky I have this little guy to cuddle with
January 23, 2026 at 5:19 AM
I am soooo lucky I have this little guy to cuddle with
I still have several full manuscripts in my queue. If you're waiting for an answer, thank you for trusting me with your work and for your patience as I read! 💜
January 22, 2026 at 7:57 PM
I still have several full manuscripts in my queue. If you're waiting for an answer, thank you for trusting me with your work and for your patience as I read! 💜
I'm opening to queries days 1-5 of each month, starting Feb. 1. Excited to read!!!
Here's my current wish list!
YA: all genres
MG: all genres, but upper MG only, for kids age 10-13. I'm not open to younger chapter books at the moment
Keep reading for adult wish list! ⬇️
Here's my current wish list!
YA: all genres
MG: all genres, but upper MG only, for kids age 10-13. I'm not open to younger chapter books at the moment
Keep reading for adult wish list! ⬇️
January 22, 2026 at 7:53 PM
I'm opening to queries days 1-5 of each month, starting Feb. 1. Excited to read!!!
Here's my current wish list!
YA: all genres
MG: all genres, but upper MG only, for kids age 10-13. I'm not open to younger chapter books at the moment
Keep reading for adult wish list! ⬇️
Here's my current wish list!
YA: all genres
MG: all genres, but upper MG only, for kids age 10-13. I'm not open to younger chapter books at the moment
Keep reading for adult wish list! ⬇️
Reposted by AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo
oooo I missed this when it came out, pls read and vote for it
I minored in classics and a *very big thing* that came up is that you do not learn the modern history of Greece. You get this crystallized box of myths and you're never taught that the descendants of those people have been through shit
I minored in classics and a *very big thing* that came up is that you do not learn the modern history of Greece. You get this crystallized box of myths and you're never taught that the descendants of those people have been through shit
Please vote, if you can, for These Marbles Were Never White. You can read it here: www.khoreomag.com/non-fiction/...
These Marbles Were Never White
The year is 2025. Matt Damon wears a red broom on his head in his first promotional image as the protagonist in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film adaptation of The Odyssey,1 and I’m already too exhaus...
www.khoreomag.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:22 PM
oooo I missed this when it came out, pls read and vote for it
I minored in classics and a *very big thing* that came up is that you do not learn the modern history of Greece. You get this crystallized box of myths and you're never taught that the descendants of those people have been through shit
I minored in classics and a *very big thing* that came up is that you do not learn the modern history of Greece. You get this crystallized box of myths and you're never taught that the descendants of those people have been through shit
Reposted by AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo
I am so beyond emotional right now, because my @khoreo.bsky.social non-fiction essay about the importance of Greek and BIPOC voices in Greek myth adaptations, the angriest thing I’ve ever written, has been longlisted in the Best Short Non Fiction category in the @bsfa.bsky.social Awards.
January 22, 2026 at 1:44 PM
I am so beyond emotional right now, because my @khoreo.bsky.social non-fiction essay about the importance of Greek and BIPOC voices in Greek myth adaptations, the angriest thing I’ve ever written, has been longlisted in the Best Short Non Fiction category in the @bsfa.bsky.social Awards.
My short story, "Of Seagrass Fins and Slippery Fingers," is BSFA longlisted!!!
Read it here in @augursociety.bsky.social augursociety.org/aug... or DM me for a copy for awards consideration.
Vote here: www.bsfa.co.uk/bsfa-...
Creepy lake darkness + a determined mother + a thread of hope
Read it here in @augursociety.bsky.social augursociety.org/aug... or DM me for a copy for awards consideration.
Vote here: www.bsfa.co.uk/bsfa-...
Creepy lake darkness + a determined mother + a thread of hope
January 22, 2026 at 2:59 PM
My short story, "Of Seagrass Fins and Slippery Fingers," is BSFA longlisted!!!
Read it here in @augursociety.bsky.social augursociety.org/aug... or DM me for a copy for awards consideration.
Vote here: www.bsfa.co.uk/bsfa-...
Creepy lake darkness + a determined mother + a thread of hope
Read it here in @augursociety.bsky.social augursociety.org/aug... or DM me for a copy for awards consideration.
Vote here: www.bsfa.co.uk/bsfa-...
Creepy lake darkness + a determined mother + a thread of hope
I often don't tell people I'm aware they've lied to me if there's nothing to be gained by doing so.
Sure I let you hand me that brochure about the bridge in Brooklyn, but I didn't call the number. 😁
Sure I let you hand me that brochure about the bridge in Brooklyn, but I didn't call the number. 😁
January 21, 2026 at 2:49 PM
I often don't tell people I'm aware they've lied to me if there's nothing to be gained by doing so.
Sure I let you hand me that brochure about the bridge in Brooklyn, but I didn't call the number. 😁
Sure I let you hand me that brochure about the bridge in Brooklyn, but I didn't call the number. 😁
My 12yo dog just led me on a 4-kilometer trek around town, with him choosing the route. Long may the little guy trundle over hill, stream, and drainage ditch!
January 18, 2026 at 4:57 PM
My 12yo dog just led me on a 4-kilometer trek around town, with him choosing the route. Long may the little guy trundle over hill, stream, and drainage ditch!
So thrilled to be working with Destenie for her smart and engrossing MG fantasy adventure. ✨ And many more books to come, I'm sure! 🔥
Very excited that I can now announce that after 3 years of querying 4 fantasy novels, I have signed a contract with agent @ajvanbelle.bsky.social who will represent my fiction. Check out the author page: share.google/2kzigReeO44n...
Destenie Nock
Destenie Nock is a researcher, educator, and storyteller who writes about kids facing impossible odds, along with the unfair systems stacked against them. Drawing on her experience as a foster mom...
share.google
January 16, 2026 at 2:35 AM
So thrilled to be working with Destenie for her smart and engrossing MG fantasy adventure. ✨ And many more books to come, I'm sure! 🔥
Reposted by AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo
Interview with my excellent agent, A.J.
My agent spotlight interview is up at Literary Rambles. There's also a query critique giveaway you can enter! http://www.literaryr...
January 14, 2026 at 10:11 PM
Interview with my excellent agent, A.J.
Looking up some scientific details while working on A Dozen Dystopias and How to Dodge Them, my book on the real science behind fictional dystopian scenarios, and Google clearly thinks I'm working on homework assignments.
Thanks anyway but this is more fun than homework! 😎
Thanks anyway but this is more fun than homework! 😎
January 14, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Looking up some scientific details while working on A Dozen Dystopias and How to Dodge Them, my book on the real science behind fictional dystopian scenarios, and Google clearly thinks I'm working on homework assignments.
Thanks anyway but this is more fun than homework! 😎
Thanks anyway but this is more fun than homework! 😎
My agent spotlight interview is up at Literary Rambles. There's also a query critique giveaway you can enter! http://www.literaryr...
January 14, 2026 at 9:56 PM
My agent spotlight interview is up at Literary Rambles. There's also a query critique giveaway you can enter! http://www.literaryr...
Reposted by AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo
Strange Horizons fiction submissions open next Monday!
The window will be open for 48 hours from 3 p.m. UTC on January 19th 2026 to 3 p.m. UTC on January 21st 2026.
There will be no cap.
More information on submitting, including the link to our Moksha portal ⬇️
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
The window will be open for 48 hours from 3 p.m. UTC on January 19th 2026 to 3 p.m. UTC on January 21st 2026.
There will be no cap.
More information on submitting, including the link to our Moksha portal ⬇️
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
January 12, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Strange Horizons fiction submissions open next Monday!
The window will be open for 48 hours from 3 p.m. UTC on January 19th 2026 to 3 p.m. UTC on January 21st 2026.
There will be no cap.
More information on submitting, including the link to our Moksha portal ⬇️
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
The window will be open for 48 hours from 3 p.m. UTC on January 19th 2026 to 3 p.m. UTC on January 21st 2026.
There will be no cap.
More information on submitting, including the link to our Moksha portal ⬇️
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
January 14, 2026 at 12:14 AM
I love how this makes it look like there's a wilderness growing out of the room instead of a ceiling.
My reflection in my office window this morning. I've got my daylight lamp on bright, because it's DARK out there!
January 12, 2026 at 4:29 PM
I love how this makes it look like there's a wilderness growing out of the room instead of a ceiling.
My reflection in my office window this morning. I've got my daylight lamp on bright, because it's DARK out there!
January 12, 2026 at 4:03 PM
My reflection in my office window this morning. I've got my daylight lamp on bright, because it's DARK out there!
Reposted by AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo
We need stories only you can tell.
Keep going. Keep writing.
You’ve got this. 💙📚📝
Keep going. Keep writing.
You’ve got this. 💙📚📝
January 12, 2026 at 1:29 AM
We need stories only you can tell.
Keep going. Keep writing.
You’ve got this. 💙📚📝
Keep going. Keep writing.
You’ve got this. 💙📚📝
Reposted by AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo
January 11, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Reposted by AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo
Hey, y'all...
*My* #SubmissionSunday means:
Set aside however much time on Sundays—5, 15...120 mins—to submit your #shortstories, #flashfiction, #CNF, and #poetry to your favorite lit mags/zines.
Okay? Great. Let's skip to the queue!
Today, my first sub is to @doricliterary.bsky.social. And, you? 🤔
*My* #SubmissionSunday means:
Set aside however much time on Sundays—5, 15...120 mins—to submit your #shortstories, #flashfiction, #CNF, and #poetry to your favorite lit mags/zines.
Okay? Great. Let's skip to the queue!
Today, my first sub is to @doricliterary.bsky.social. And, you? 🤔
January 11, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Hey, y'all...
*My* #SubmissionSunday means:
Set aside however much time on Sundays—5, 15...120 mins—to submit your #shortstories, #flashfiction, #CNF, and #poetry to your favorite lit mags/zines.
Okay? Great. Let's skip to the queue!
Today, my first sub is to @doricliterary.bsky.social. And, you? 🤔
*My* #SubmissionSunday means:
Set aside however much time on Sundays—5, 15...120 mins—to submit your #shortstories, #flashfiction, #CNF, and #poetry to your favorite lit mags/zines.
Okay? Great. Let's skip to the queue!
Today, my first sub is to @doricliterary.bsky.social. And, you? 🤔
Reposted by AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo
A lot of things clicked into place for me when I figured out that a writing career isn’t a sprint but it ALSO isn’t a marathon. It’s a relay, a never-ending relay with different batons moving forward at different intervals & you gotta keep going & grab it when it comes to you & pass it ahead after.
A lot of people want to believe there's a secret formula to it, but it's really this.
Most things you read by me, I wrote 2 years before they were published.
I'm prepping for 2026 releases I wrote in 2024.
I'll be editing 2027 things that I wrote in 2025.
I'll be writing 2028 things this year.
Most things you read by me, I wrote 2 years before they were published.
I'm prepping for 2026 releases I wrote in 2024.
I'll be editing 2027 things that I wrote in 2025.
I'll be writing 2028 things this year.
The true secret to my long career: As a midlist writer hanging on to my career one book at a time, I can only control the work I do, not outcomes.
So I work: Drafting Novel W while waiting for edit notes on Novel F. When edits & draft are done, I'll return to the half finished & overdue Novel L.
So I work: Drafting Novel W while waiting for edit notes on Novel F. When edits & draft are done, I'll return to the half finished & overdue Novel L.
January 11, 2026 at 4:38 AM
A lot of things clicked into place for me when I figured out that a writing career isn’t a sprint but it ALSO isn’t a marathon. It’s a relay, a never-ending relay with different batons moving forward at different intervals & you gotta keep going & grab it when it comes to you & pass it ahead after.
Reposted by AJ Van Belle/Alexandra Vivelo
The most powerful weapon we will ever have is the ability to imagine a world that’s better than the one we live in.
January 11, 2026 at 3:47 AM
The most powerful weapon we will ever have is the ability to imagine a world that’s better than the one we live in.