Allison Pottern
@apottern.bsky.social
Writer, reader, marketing coach, tea drinker | SFWA | VP '23 | Forthcoming in @strangehorizons.bsky.social | Digging: white tea, dragons, puzzles, short stories | she/her #specfic #sff
linktr.ee/newyearnewyoustories
pottern.com | pottern.substack.com
linktr.ee/newyearnewyoustories
pottern.com | pottern.substack.com
Pinned
Allison Pottern
@apottern.bsky.social
· Sep 2
Just booked a writing retreat, so, er, I'd love to fit in a couple more clients/workshops for fall to help offset the cost!
I'm a writer, editor, & marketing coach. My sweet spot is helping authors w forthcoming titles navigate the book marketing engine + plan for launch. (pottern.com) 🧵
I'm a writer, editor, & marketing coach. My sweet spot is helping authors w forthcoming titles navigate the book marketing engine + plan for launch. (pottern.com) 🧵
Reposted by Allison Pottern
As we enter the New Year remember fear of making bad art is holding you back. Fear of people not liking your work is holding you back. Rejection is holding you back
You'll make bad art, you'll have people not like your work, and you'll be rejected. Moving past it is half the job of being a creative
You'll make bad art, you'll have people not like your work, and you'll be rejected. Moving past it is half the job of being a creative
December 28, 2025 at 4:09 PM
As we enter the New Year remember fear of making bad art is holding you back. Fear of people not liking your work is holding you back. Rejection is holding you back
You'll make bad art, you'll have people not like your work, and you'll be rejected. Moving past it is half the job of being a creative
You'll make bad art, you'll have people not like your work, and you'll be rejected. Moving past it is half the job of being a creative
Reposted by Allison Pottern
If you like a book?
Review it. Ask your library to buy it. If you can afford it, buy a copy for a friend. Recommend it wherever you're social. Send the author an email, or a skeet, or a Ko-Fi. Write fanfic. Blow under the wings of the paper airplane so it can fly a little farther.
Review it. Ask your library to buy it. If you can afford it, buy a copy for a friend. Recommend it wherever you're social. Send the author an email, or a skeet, or a Ko-Fi. Write fanfic. Blow under the wings of the paper airplane so it can fly a little farther.
December 24, 2025 at 2:23 AM
If you like a book?
Review it. Ask your library to buy it. If you can afford it, buy a copy for a friend. Recommend it wherever you're social. Send the author an email, or a skeet, or a Ko-Fi. Write fanfic. Blow under the wings of the paper airplane so it can fly a little farther.
Review it. Ask your library to buy it. If you can afford it, buy a copy for a friend. Recommend it wherever you're social. Send the author an email, or a skeet, or a Ko-Fi. Write fanfic. Blow under the wings of the paper airplane so it can fly a little farther.
New year, new cover, same cutting-edge speculative fiction. Hot off the presses, the PB edition now also has the new cover!
(Panic shopping right now? Ebook's on supersale at Smashwords! Or tell your reading loved one you'll have them the perfect bokish gift for NYE) books2read.com/newyearnewyo...
(Panic shopping right now? Ebook's on supersale at Smashwords! Or tell your reading loved one you'll have them the perfect bokish gift for NYE) books2read.com/newyearnewyo...
December 23, 2025 at 10:41 PM
New year, new cover, same cutting-edge speculative fiction. Hot off the presses, the PB edition now also has the new cover!
(Panic shopping right now? Ebook's on supersale at Smashwords! Or tell your reading loved one you'll have them the perfect bokish gift for NYE) books2read.com/newyearnewyo...
(Panic shopping right now? Ebook's on supersale at Smashwords! Or tell your reading loved one you'll have them the perfect bokish gift for NYE) books2read.com/newyearnewyo...
Reposted by Allison Pottern
Enjoy the quiet moments of beauty, like these winter bell jellies, this season.❄️🔔🪼
There’s wonder in ocean life, and caring for it helps us all.
There’s wonder in ocean life, and caring for it helps us all.
December 22, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Enjoy the quiet moments of beauty, like these winter bell jellies, this season.❄️🔔🪼
There’s wonder in ocean life, and caring for it helps us all.
There’s wonder in ocean life, and caring for it helps us all.
Reposted by Allison Pottern
Thought-provoking panel with @mdbell79.bsky.social @jennahanchey.bsky.social* & Tanvir Ahmed.
Some ideas that are new to me, including "liquid resistance."
(*@storyhour.bsky.social alum)
Some ideas that are new to me, including "liquid resistance."
(*@storyhour.bsky.social alum)
Resistance in Speculative Fiction and Beyond
YouTube video by Humanities Institute
www.youtube.com
December 20, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Thought-provoking panel with @mdbell79.bsky.social @jennahanchey.bsky.social* & Tanvir Ahmed.
Some ideas that are new to me, including "liquid resistance."
(*@storyhour.bsky.social alum)
Some ideas that are new to me, including "liquid resistance."
(*@storyhour.bsky.social alum)
Reposted by Allison Pottern
Fam heads up on a call for submissions: please share with a Black Horror writer who you know would eat this up. Look at that dream editing duo: @mauricebroaddus.bsky.social and @chesyaburke.bsky.social 🔥🔥🔥 Deadline January 14th, 2026...!
blog.flametreepublishing.com/fantasy-goth...
blog.flametreepublishing.com/fantasy-goth...
Black Horror | Call for Submissions
We are very excited to announce a new call for submissions which is now open!
blog.flametreepublishing.com
December 21, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Fam heads up on a call for submissions: please share with a Black Horror writer who you know would eat this up. Look at that dream editing duo: @mauricebroaddus.bsky.social and @chesyaburke.bsky.social 🔥🔥🔥 Deadline January 14th, 2026...!
blog.flametreepublishing.com/fantasy-goth...
blog.flametreepublishing.com/fantasy-goth...
Reposted by Allison Pottern
"This promise of an AI future, is really just a collective anxiety that wealthy people have about how well they're gonna be able to control us in the future."
- @tressiemcphd.bsky.social with an absolute mic drop moment about AI bullshit.
Incredible words.
Listen to all of it!
- @tressiemcphd.bsky.social with an absolute mic drop moment about AI bullshit.
Incredible words.
Listen to all of it!
December 19, 2025 at 12:24 PM
"This promise of an AI future, is really just a collective anxiety that wealthy people have about how well they're gonna be able to control us in the future."
- @tressiemcphd.bsky.social with an absolute mic drop moment about AI bullshit.
Incredible words.
Listen to all of it!
- @tressiemcphd.bsky.social with an absolute mic drop moment about AI bullshit.
Incredible words.
Listen to all of it!
Going into 2026 like...
December 19, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Going into 2026 like...
Love Small Beer Press, check out their sale!
[Spelled coupon wrong 4 times writing this (How?!?)]
25% off a bunch of our books from now until year end using code
SBP25
smallbeerpress.com/not-a-journa...
indiepubs.com/collections/...
25% off a bunch of our books from now until year end using code
SBP25
smallbeerpress.com/not-a-journa...
indiepubs.com/collections/...
December 17, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Love Small Beer Press, check out their sale!
Look, maybe you're buying gifts for everyone right now and feeling a little burned out. Maybe you need to get yourself a little pick me up. Maybe that's a deeply discounted ebook of awesome speculative fiction.
www.smashwords.com/books/view/1...
www.smashwords.com/books/view/1...
New Year, New You: A Speculative Anthology of Reinvention
New Year's resolutions and self-help gurus ask us to reinvent ourselves—be better, prettier, perfect. But the writers in this anthology know that reinvention contains both potential and pitfalls. From...
www.smashwords.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Look, maybe you're buying gifts for everyone right now and feeling a little burned out. Maybe you need to get yourself a little pick me up. Maybe that's a deeply discounted ebook of awesome speculative fiction.
www.smashwords.com/books/view/1...
www.smashwords.com/books/view/1...
Reposted by Allison Pottern
To make @writingexcuses.bsky.social retreats accessible for more people, we have two types of scholarships: Out of Excuses (need-based) and Writers of Color. Applications are due on Dec. 31 for the 2026 retreat. I sincerely hope you'll apply to join us: writingexcuses.com/scholarships/
December 16, 2025 at 5:42 PM
To make @writingexcuses.bsky.social retreats accessible for more people, we have two types of scholarships: Out of Excuses (need-based) and Writers of Color. Applications are due on Dec. 31 for the 2026 retreat. I sincerely hope you'll apply to join us: writingexcuses.com/scholarships/
Reposted by Allison Pottern
Apply to work in our great creative writing program!
The Creative Writing Program in the Department of English at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities campus) invites applications for the Edelstein-Keller Endowed Visiting Writer Chairship: hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/371...
The Creative Writing Program in the Department of English at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities campus) invites applications for the Edelstein-Keller Endowed Visiting Writer Chairship: hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/371...
Careers
The Visiting Writer Chair will consult closely with, and work under the direction of, the Director and Assistant Director of Creative Writing on Edelstein-Keller annual programming. The programming is facilitated by staff support and agreed upon by the Creative Writing Program faculty.
hr.myu.umn.edu
December 10, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Apply to work in our great creative writing program!
The Creative Writing Program in the Department of English at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities campus) invites applications for the Edelstein-Keller Endowed Visiting Writer Chairship: hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/371...
The Creative Writing Program in the Department of English at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities campus) invites applications for the Edelstein-Keller Endowed Visiting Writer Chairship: hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/371...
I had a really good writing day yesterday, the kind where you lose yourself in the work. I think my brain was grateful to disconnect from this reality for a bit and work through some stuff on the page.
My creative friends, may you have a moment to dig into your art this week. You deserve it.
My creative friends, may you have a moment to dig into your art this week. You deserve it.
December 16, 2025 at 1:55 PM
I had a really good writing day yesterday, the kind where you lose yourself in the work. I think my brain was grateful to disconnect from this reality for a bit and work through some stuff on the page.
My creative friends, may you have a moment to dig into your art this week. You deserve it.
My creative friends, may you have a moment to dig into your art this week. You deserve it.
The writing retreats were excellent and now I'm opening up my 2026 calendar to new clients + workshops! Have a book launching soon? Or are you seeking a fresh look at your creativity or career? We'll make you actionable marketing a/o writing goals that meet you where you are + where you want to be!
Just booked a writing retreat, so, er, I'd love to fit in a couple more clients/workshops for fall to help offset the cost!
I'm a writer, editor, & marketing coach. My sweet spot is helping authors w forthcoming titles navigate the book marketing engine + plan for launch. (pottern.com) 🧵
I'm a writer, editor, & marketing coach. My sweet spot is helping authors w forthcoming titles navigate the book marketing engine + plan for launch. (pottern.com) 🧵
December 10, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The writing retreats were excellent and now I'm opening up my 2026 calendar to new clients + workshops! Have a book launching soon? Or are you seeking a fresh look at your creativity or career? We'll make you actionable marketing a/o writing goals that meet you where you are + where you want to be!
THIS! If you can't afford our book but want to review it, we're happy to provide a free ARC. Or you can find free at many libraries via Hoopla & Biblioboard (or request it!)
Think of any purchase or reading decision you've made based on ratings. A book review or rating is a huge gift to any author!
Think of any purchase or reading decision you've made based on ratings. A book review or rating is a huge gift to any author!
"I can't afford to support my favorite author right now, I—"
Reviews.
Reviews are free AND they are a gift to authors that can keep on giving (i.e., exposure, marketing, algo boosts, etc.)
Please, give the gift of reviews to your authors this holiday season. It really can make a difference!
Reviews.
Reviews are free AND they are a gift to authors that can keep on giving (i.e., exposure, marketing, algo boosts, etc.)
Please, give the gift of reviews to your authors this holiday season. It really can make a difference!
December 10, 2025 at 3:21 PM
THIS! If you can't afford our book but want to review it, we're happy to provide a free ARC. Or you can find free at many libraries via Hoopla & Biblioboard (or request it!)
Think of any purchase or reading decision you've made based on ratings. A book review or rating is a huge gift to any author!
Think of any purchase or reading decision you've made based on ratings. A book review or rating is a huge gift to any author!
I saw myself
a ring of bone
in the clear stream
of it all
and vowed
always to be open to it
that all of it
might flow through
but then I heard
"ring of bone"
where ring is what a
bell does
(Lew Welch)
a ring of bone
in the clear stream
of it all
and vowed
always to be open to it
that all of it
might flow through
but then I heard
"ring of bone"
where ring is what a
bell does
(Lew Welch)
Which lines of poetry live rent-free in your head?
December 9, 2025 at 7:12 PM
I saw myself
a ring of bone
in the clear stream
of it all
and vowed
always to be open to it
that all of it
might flow through
but then I heard
"ring of bone"
where ring is what a
bell does
(Lew Welch)
a ring of bone
in the clear stream
of it all
and vowed
always to be open to it
that all of it
might flow through
but then I heard
"ring of bone"
where ring is what a
bell does
(Lew Welch)
My lovelies, our award-winning anthology is part of @smashwords.bsky.social end-of-year mega sale and we couldn't be more excited to get this book in your hands in time for 2026 with its beautiful new cover! Snag the ebook for only $2.50! www.smashwords.com/books/view/1... #indiebooks
New Year, New You: A Speculative Anthology of Reinvention
New Year's resolutions and self-help gurus ask us to reinvent ourselves—be better, prettier, perfect. But the writers in this anthology know that reinvention contains both potential and pitfalls. From...
www.smashwords.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:56 PM
My lovelies, our award-winning anthology is part of @smashwords.bsky.social end-of-year mega sale and we couldn't be more excited to get this book in your hands in time for 2026 with its beautiful new cover! Snag the ebook for only $2.50! www.smashwords.com/books/view/1... #indiebooks
Hey y'all, @flashpointsf.bsky.social has a very modest KS goal to keep the lights on via some very reasonably priced rewards! Help support a home for paying SFF flash online!
With only 10 days left, this year's Kickstarter is not trending in a hopeful direction...
This funding is what keeps us online. If you can, we would deeply appreciate your support.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fla...
This funding is what keeps us online. If you can, we would deeply appreciate your support.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/fla...
Flash Point SF 2025
An online literary publication for science fiction & fantasy short stories under 1000 words.
www.kickstarter.com
December 9, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Hey y'all, @flashpointsf.bsky.social has a very modest KS goal to keep the lights on via some very reasonably priced rewards! Help support a home for paying SFF flash online!
You will be visited by three spirits
December 9, 2025 at 1:25 PM
You will be visited by three spirits
Reposted by Allison Pottern
Strange Horizons will be open to fiction submissions from Indigenous authors only on November 3rd at 9am UTC!
The window will close after 500 submissions are received.
More information:
strangehorizons.com/wordpress/no...
If you sent us a story in April or June, you CANNOT submit in this window.
The window will close after 500 submissions are received.
More information:
strangehorizons.com/wordpress/no...
If you sent us a story in April or June, you CANNOT submit in this window.
October 27, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Strange Horizons will be open to fiction submissions from Indigenous authors only on November 3rd at 9am UTC!
The window will close after 500 submissions are received.
More information:
strangehorizons.com/wordpress/no...
If you sent us a story in April or June, you CANNOT submit in this window.
The window will close after 500 submissions are received.
More information:
strangehorizons.com/wordpress/no...
If you sent us a story in April or June, you CANNOT submit in this window.
Reposted by Allison Pottern
Looking for some queer reads these holidays? Duck Prints Press is participating in the Transmute: Winter Magic bundle on itch.io. This bundle contains 7 wintery tales staring non-binary or transgender characters, by non-binary and transgender authors! Check it out: itch.io/b/3419/trans...
December 5, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Looking for some queer reads these holidays? Duck Prints Press is participating in the Transmute: Winter Magic bundle on itch.io. This bundle contains 7 wintery tales staring non-binary or transgender characters, by non-binary and transgender authors! Check it out: itch.io/b/3419/trans...
Reposted by Allison Pottern
We just need a few more subscribers and we'll be able to raise our fiction payment rates in the new year. Help us out. We're so close!
Get more from Bourbon Penn on Patreon
creating a Weird Literary Journal
patreon.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:50 PM
We just need a few more subscribers and we'll be able to raise our fiction payment rates in the new year. Help us out. We're so close!
Reposted by Allison Pottern
me: i should promote that i'm releasing 30 brand-new Anti-Planner PDFs on black friday for $9.95
🧠: probably
me: also if they buy a book they get all 60 PDFs for free
🧠: ok hear me out
me:
🧠: what if you overthink it & don’t post until saturday night
🧠: probably
me: also if they buy a book they get all 60 PDFs for free
🧠: ok hear me out
me:
🧠: what if you overthink it & don’t post until saturday night
All Products | Dani Donovan / Anti-Planner
anti-planner.com
November 30, 2025 at 2:47 AM
me: i should promote that i'm releasing 30 brand-new Anti-Planner PDFs on black friday for $9.95
🧠: probably
me: also if they buy a book they get all 60 PDFs for free
🧠: ok hear me out
me:
🧠: what if you overthink it & don’t post until saturday night
🧠: probably
me: also if they buy a book they get all 60 PDFs for free
🧠: ok hear me out
me:
🧠: what if you overthink it & don’t post until saturday night
Post you favorite THE LORD OF THE RINGS character. Wrong answers only.
November 29, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Post you favorite THE LORD OF THE RINGS character. Wrong answers only.
Reposted by Allison Pottern
Coming VERY SOON (tuesday)! WE WILL RISE AGAIN, an anthology of speculative fiction, essays, and interviews about activism that @cxorlando.bsky.social called "An incredibly important book" - pre-order now!
We Will Rise Again
From genre luminaries, esteemed organizers, and exciting new voices in fiction, an anthology of stories, essays, and interviews that offer transfor...
www.simonandschuster.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Coming VERY SOON (tuesday)! WE WILL RISE AGAIN, an anthology of speculative fiction, essays, and interviews about activism that @cxorlando.bsky.social called "An incredibly important book" - pre-order now!