Michael Bettendorf
@beardedbetts.bsky.social
Writer. Eater of Books. Lover of Comics. Library Tech. Drummer. Burrito enthusiast. He/Him husband.
Author of TRVE CVLT, Midwestern Chrome (2026), Help! I Can't Stop Shitting Snakes (2027).
www.michaelbettendorfwrites.com.
Author of TRVE CVLT, Midwestern Chrome (2026), Help! I Can't Stop Shitting Snakes (2027).
www.michaelbettendorfwrites.com.
Pinned
Michael Bettendorf Author | Linktree
Writer. Eater of Books. Lover of Comics. Library Tech. Drummer. Burrito slut.
linktr.ee
Find my experimental black metal horror gamebook published by @tenebrouspress.bsky.social as well as my other links here:
linktr.ee/BeardedBetts
linktr.ee/BeardedBetts
🤘 🔥 🚬
I'm beyond proud of this, and incredibly grateful it's already getting people excited!
I'm beyond proud of this, and incredibly grateful it's already getting people excited!
Boy, the world needs any reason it can right now to get excited for the future. Cheers, Koji (& @drewsof.bsky.social) 🖤☠️
February 13, 2026 at 11:48 PM
🤘 🔥 🚬
I'm beyond proud of this, and incredibly grateful it's already getting people excited!
I'm beyond proud of this, and incredibly grateful it's already getting people excited!
For the morning crowd - I'm feeling sufficiently spoiled by @kojiadae.bsky.social's review of my upcoming release, Midwestern Chrome.
@tenebrouspress.bsky.social
💙🦾🚬
@tenebrouspress.bsky.social
💙🦾🚬
I got a sneak peak at Michael Bettendorf's Midwestern Chrome and omg, the world is in for a treat.
Go Read Midwestern Chrome
About a month ago, I received an arc of Midwestern Chrome by Michael Bettendorf. I knew I’d like the book because Tenebrous has a keen eye for weird books with emotional resonance. When I saw the cover, I suspected I might love it. But honestly, I wasn’t ready to become obsessed with it. The book is a collection of cyber-noir short stories.
kojiadae.ink
February 13, 2026 at 3:36 PM
For the morning crowd - I'm feeling sufficiently spoiled by @kojiadae.bsky.social's review of my upcoming release, Midwestern Chrome.
@tenebrouspress.bsky.social
💙🦾🚬
@tenebrouspress.bsky.social
💙🦾🚬
This is so incredibly kind @kojiadae.bsky.social 💙 Thank you so much. This made my week!
I'm so excited to see this connecting with folks already. I'm so proud of this book, and I can't wait for y'all to get your mitts on it.
I'm so excited to see this connecting with folks already. I'm so proud of this book, and I can't wait for y'all to get your mitts on it.
I got a sneak peak at Michael Bettendorf's Midwestern Chrome and omg, the world is in for a treat.
Go Read Midwestern Chrome
About a month ago, I received an arc of Midwestern Chrome by Michael Bettendorf. I knew I’d like the book because Tenebrous has a keen eye for weird books with emotional resonance. When I saw the cover, I suspected I might love it. But honestly, I wasn’t ready to become obsessed with it. The book is a collection of cyber-noir short stories.
kojiadae.ink
February 12, 2026 at 9:55 PM
This is so incredibly kind @kojiadae.bsky.social 💙 Thank you so much. This made my week!
I'm so excited to see this connecting with folks already. I'm so proud of this book, and I can't wait for y'all to get your mitts on it.
I'm so excited to see this connecting with folks already. I'm so proud of this book, and I can't wait for y'all to get your mitts on it.
Reposted by Michael Bettendorf
Thanks for the Publisher's Weekly Starred Review! Please read the review and consider whether you would enjoy this book.
If so, it's a great time to preorder!
If so, it's a great time to preorder!
She's a star! 🌟 Thank you to @publisherswkly.bsky.social for your review of THE CELLAR BELOW THE CELLAR 🌌
Read the full review here: www.publishersweekly.com/9781955765411
Preorders are open for THE CELLAR BELOW THE CELLAR, out March 25th! www.apexbookcompany.com/products/the...
Read the full review here: www.publishersweekly.com/9781955765411
Preorders are open for THE CELLAR BELOW THE CELLAR, out March 25th! www.apexbookcompany.com/products/the...
February 10, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Thanks for the Publisher's Weekly Starred Review! Please read the review and consider whether you would enjoy this book.
If so, it's a great time to preorder!
If so, it's a great time to preorder!
Eyyyy this bad boy is out today! @ericfomley.bsky.social knows his way around drabbles, micros, and flash - and you'll find nothing but the best in Anomaly's Year One Anthology!
Anomaly's Year One anthology drops this Tuesday. I'm grateful to have a piece included in here alongside both familiar and unfamiliar faces. If you're into micros, these stories are unsettling and swing hard. www.amazon.com/dp/B0G59YKK61
Anomaly: Year One (Shacklebound Books)
Anomaly: Year One (Shacklebound Books) - Kindle edition by Fomley, Eric. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Anomaly: Year One (Shacklebound Books).
www.amazon.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:58 AM
Eyyyy this bad boy is out today! @ericfomley.bsky.social knows his way around drabbles, micros, and flash - and you'll find nothing but the best in Anomaly's Year One Anthology!
Been knee-deep in revisions of Midwestern Chrome this week, so I haven't been writing much new stuff. Early readers have been digging this quite a bit, though, so that's been really cool to hear. Thank you to y'all for such kind words.
Can't wait for y'all to plug in, bliss out, and bood.
💀💙🚬
Can't wait for y'all to plug in, bliss out, and bood.
💀💙🚬
Update your neural implants to read Midwestern Chrome this summer. @tenebrouspress.bsky.social
February 8, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Been knee-deep in revisions of Midwestern Chrome this week, so I haven't been writing much new stuff. Early readers have been digging this quite a bit, though, so that's been really cool to hear. Thank you to y'all for such kind words.
Can't wait for y'all to plug in, bliss out, and bood.
💀💙🚬
Can't wait for y'all to plug in, bliss out, and bood.
💀💙🚬
Reposted by Michael Bettendorf
My conference paper was accepted! 🎉
Has reading or writing speculative fiction supported your mental health in any way?
If it has, please please take 10 mins to tell me about it here: www.cognitoforms.com/InnerWorlds1...
Thank you! ❤️
#SFF #SciFi #Horror #Fantasy #SpecFic
Has reading or writing speculative fiction supported your mental health in any way?
If it has, please please take 10 mins to tell me about it here: www.cognitoforms.com/InnerWorlds1...
Thank you! ❤️
#SFF #SciFi #Horror #Fantasy #SpecFic
Inner Worlds Madness, Health and Creativity Survey | Cognito Forms
www.cognitoforms.com
February 8, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Anomaly's Year One anthology drops this Tuesday. I'm grateful to have a piece included in here alongside both familiar and unfamiliar faces. If you're into micros, these stories are unsettling and swing hard. www.amazon.com/dp/B0G59YKK61
Anomaly: Year One (Shacklebound Books)
Anomaly: Year One (Shacklebound Books) - Kindle edition by Fomley, Eric. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Anomaly: Year One (Shacklebound Books).
www.amazon.com
February 8, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Anomaly's Year One anthology drops this Tuesday. I'm grateful to have a piece included in here alongside both familiar and unfamiliar faces. If you're into micros, these stories are unsettling and swing hard. www.amazon.com/dp/B0G59YKK61
Reposted by Michael Bettendorf
This week on the blog some fascinating cosmic horror with added living with a totalitarian government in the form of The Night Ship by Alex Woodroe www.runalongtheshelves.net/blog/2026/2/...
The Night Ship by Alex Woodroe — Runalong The Shelves
I would like to thank Flame Tree Press and Random Things Tours for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review Publisher - Flame Tree Press Published - Out Now Pric...
www.runalongtheshelves.net
February 7, 2026 at 9:07 AM
This week on the blog some fascinating cosmic horror with added living with a totalitarian government in the form of The Night Ship by Alex Woodroe www.runalongtheshelves.net/blog/2026/2/...
Got another really lovely blurb from an ARC reader today...stay tuned, the channels won't be dead for long. You'll find clarity in the static.
Update your neural implants to read Midwestern Chrome this summer. @tenebrouspress.bsky.social
February 7, 2026 at 12:13 AM
Got another really lovely blurb from an ARC reader today...stay tuned, the channels won't be dead for long. You'll find clarity in the static.
Reposted by Michael Bettendorf
Only two days until the release of our Winter 2026 "Metamorphosis" issue! 🦋
Here's a sneak peek at the cover, featuring this gorgeous piece, "Apollo and Daphne," by our art contributor Mallory Caloca.
Here's a sneak peek at the cover, featuring this gorgeous piece, "Apollo and Daphne," by our art contributor Mallory Caloca.
February 6, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Only two days until the release of our Winter 2026 "Metamorphosis" issue! 🦋
Here's a sneak peek at the cover, featuring this gorgeous piece, "Apollo and Daphne," by our art contributor Mallory Caloca.
Here's a sneak peek at the cover, featuring this gorgeous piece, "Apollo and Daphne," by our art contributor Mallory Caloca.
Growing up in the prime PSX, N64, and Dreamcast era means so much of my brain's pause music is just sick ass jungle dnb and breakcore beats.
February 6, 2026 at 5:24 PM
Growing up in the prime PSX, N64, and Dreamcast era means so much of my brain's pause music is just sick ass jungle dnb and breakcore beats.
Look, I can blab about my stuff all day, but this kinda thing speaks more than I'll ever be able to.
💀💜🤘
💀💜🤘
JFC, just finished my second journey through @beardedbetts.bsky.social’s Trve Cvlt… and OH MY GOD WHAT THE FUCK
February 6, 2026 at 1:23 PM
Look, I can blab about my stuff all day, but this kinda thing speaks more than I'll ever be able to.
💀💜🤘
💀💜🤘
Update your neural implants to read Midwestern Chrome this summer. @tenebrouspress.bsky.social
February 5, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Update your neural implants to read Midwestern Chrome this summer. @tenebrouspress.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Bettendorf
I'm feeling too spoiled by some kind words by early readers of Midwestern Chrome. Thank you @drewsof.bsky.social.
@ivygrimes.bsky.social left a lovely review over on Goodreads as well.
Y'all are in for a treat this August. Only @tenebrouspress.bsky.social
💀💜🤘
@ivygrimes.bsky.social left a lovely review over on Goodreads as well.
Y'all are in for a treat this August. Only @tenebrouspress.bsky.social
💀💜🤘
February 3, 2026 at 1:20 AM
I'm feeling too spoiled by some kind words by early readers of Midwestern Chrome. Thank you @drewsof.bsky.social.
@ivygrimes.bsky.social left a lovely review over on Goodreads as well.
Y'all are in for a treat this August. Only @tenebrouspress.bsky.social
💀💜🤘
@ivygrimes.bsky.social left a lovely review over on Goodreads as well.
Y'all are in for a treat this August. Only @tenebrouspress.bsky.social
💀💜🤘
Reposted by Michael Bettendorf
NEW EPISODE
@alexwoodroe.com stops by to talk about her work at @tenebrouspress.bsky.social, her new novel THE NIGHT SHIP, and of course, the '80s Kid Nightmare that is RETURN TO OZ!
LISTEN NOW:
@alexwoodroe.com stops by to talk about her work at @tenebrouspress.bsky.social, her new novel THE NIGHT SHIP, and of course, the '80s Kid Nightmare that is RETURN TO OZ!
LISTEN NOW:
Episode 64: Return to Oz with Alex Woodroe
Listen to The Scares That Shaped Us on RedCircle
redcircle.com
February 4, 2026 at 6:05 PM
NEW EPISODE
@alexwoodroe.com stops by to talk about her work at @tenebrouspress.bsky.social, her new novel THE NIGHT SHIP, and of course, the '80s Kid Nightmare that is RETURN TO OZ!
LISTEN NOW:
@alexwoodroe.com stops by to talk about her work at @tenebrouspress.bsky.social, her new novel THE NIGHT SHIP, and of course, the '80s Kid Nightmare that is RETURN TO OZ!
LISTEN NOW:
I'm feeling too spoiled by some kind words by early readers of Midwestern Chrome. Thank you @drewsof.bsky.social.
@ivygrimes.bsky.social left a lovely review over on Goodreads as well.
Y'all are in for a treat this August. Only @tenebrouspress.bsky.social
💀💜🤘
@ivygrimes.bsky.social left a lovely review over on Goodreads as well.
Y'all are in for a treat this August. Only @tenebrouspress.bsky.social
💀💜🤘
February 3, 2026 at 1:20 AM
I'm feeling too spoiled by some kind words by early readers of Midwestern Chrome. Thank you @drewsof.bsky.social.
@ivygrimes.bsky.social left a lovely review over on Goodreads as well.
Y'all are in for a treat this August. Only @tenebrouspress.bsky.social
💀💜🤘
@ivygrimes.bsky.social left a lovely review over on Goodreads as well.
Y'all are in for a treat this August. Only @tenebrouspress.bsky.social
💀💜🤘
Reposted by Michael Bettendorf
Win a copy of @kristalstittle.bsky.social's KAYAK!
Add our upcoming sci-fi/horror epic to your to-read list on Goodreads and you'll be entered to win one of five print copies🖤☠️
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
Add our upcoming sci-fi/horror epic to your to-read list on Goodreads and you'll be entered to win one of five print copies🖤☠️
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
Book giveaway for Kayak by Kristal Stittle Feb 02-Feb 16, 2026
Enter to win one of 5 free copies available. Giveaway dates from Feb 02-Feb 16, 2026. YOU'LL NEVER LEAVE THE WATER AGAIN.We're giving away 5 first edit...
www.goodreads.com
February 2, 2026 at 6:09 PM
Win a copy of @kristalstittle.bsky.social's KAYAK!
Add our upcoming sci-fi/horror epic to your to-read list on Goodreads and you'll be entered to win one of five print copies🖤☠️
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
Add our upcoming sci-fi/horror epic to your to-read list on Goodreads and you'll be entered to win one of five print copies🖤☠️
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
Reposted by Michael Bettendorf
Post-collapse stories have always felt more honest to me than post-apocalypse ones. Less spectacle, more consequence.
Today on SOLRAD, we feature David Barclay's essay focused on Collapse Stories in Comics which explores the distinction between post-apocalyptic spectacle and post-collapse storytelling.
solrad.co/essay-why-co...
@debbido.bsky.social l
solrad.co/essay-why-co...
@debbido.bsky.social l
Essay: Why Collapse Stories Don’t Need Spectacle by David Barclay - SOLRAD
Today on SOLRAD, we feature David Barclay's essay focused on Collapse Stories in Comics The piece explores the distinction between post-apocalyptic spectacle and post-collapse storytelling, arguing th...
solrad.co
February 2, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Post-collapse stories have always felt more honest to me than post-apocalypse ones. Less spectacle, more consequence.
Finally carved out some time to submit a bunch of stories to @inkfoundry.bsky.social this morning. Sorry for the onslaught of links. I promise I'm not a bot 😅
February 1, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Finally carved out some time to submit a bunch of stories to @inkfoundry.bsky.social this morning. Sorry for the onslaught of links. I promise I'm not a bot 😅
It's no surprise that a seaside bloke always manages to pull off seaside stories with precision. Lit fic. Horror. Lit tinged horror. Doesn't matter, Steven does it right.
🖤 Trembling With Fear – new issue 🖤
Featuring “The Ocean Sings And I Must Go” by Steven Patchett, plus drabbles from Nicolette M. Ward, Don Tucker, and F.M. Scott.
🔗 horrortree.com/trembling-wi...
🖋️ @stevenpatchett.bsky.social
🖋️ @shadowsbetween.bsky.social
🖋️ @fmscottauthor.bsky.social
Featuring “The Ocean Sings And I Must Go” by Steven Patchett, plus drabbles from Nicolette M. Ward, Don Tucker, and F.M. Scott.
🔗 horrortree.com/trembling-wi...
🖋️ @stevenpatchett.bsky.social
🖋️ @shadowsbetween.bsky.social
🖋️ @fmscottauthor.bsky.social
February 1, 2026 at 4:12 PM
It's no surprise that a seaside bloke always manages to pull off seaside stories with precision. Lit fic. Horror. Lit tinged horror. Doesn't matter, Steven does it right.
Spent all day painting. Room looks nice, but man. There's my Saturday. Adulthood sometimes.
February 1, 2026 at 3:00 AM
Spent all day painting. Room looks nice, but man. There's my Saturday. Adulthood sometimes.
Slowly but surely working on some new stories, though. Have a handful being published soon, and I'll spout about em when I can.
In the meantime, Midwestern Chrome is out in...a few months, followed by Help! I Can't Stop Shitting Snakes in about a year.
Stay weird, be good to one another.
In the meantime, Midwestern Chrome is out in...a few months, followed by Help! I Can't Stop Shitting Snakes in about a year.
Stay weird, be good to one another.
January 31, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Slowly but surely working on some new stories, though. Have a handful being published soon, and I'll spout about em when I can.
In the meantime, Midwestern Chrome is out in...a few months, followed by Help! I Can't Stop Shitting Snakes in about a year.
Stay weird, be good to one another.
In the meantime, Midwestern Chrome is out in...a few months, followed by Help! I Can't Stop Shitting Snakes in about a year.
Stay weird, be good to one another.
Reposted by Michael Bettendorf
After some delays, we can finally announce our contributors for the Winter 2026 "Metamorphosis" Issue! To be released Feb 8! 🎉
Fiction: Henry Cecchini, Samuel Cromwell, Amanda Fetters, Rachael Raine Rivers @RachaelRaineRivers, Elizabeth Rose
(1/3)
Fiction: Henry Cecchini, Samuel Cromwell, Amanda Fetters, Rachael Raine Rivers @RachaelRaineRivers, Elizabeth Rose
(1/3)
January 30, 2026 at 6:56 PM
After some delays, we can finally announce our contributors for the Winter 2026 "Metamorphosis" Issue! To be released Feb 8! 🎉
Fiction: Henry Cecchini, Samuel Cromwell, Amanda Fetters, Rachael Raine Rivers @RachaelRaineRivers, Elizabeth Rose
(1/3)
Fiction: Henry Cecchini, Samuel Cromwell, Amanda Fetters, Rachael Raine Rivers @RachaelRaineRivers, Elizabeth Rose
(1/3)
Reposted by Michael Bettendorf
This is the harshest thing I've ever seen someone say about the planet devouring plagiarism machine, and I fuckin love it.
January 26, 2026 at 1:26 PM
This is the harshest thing I've ever seen someone say about the planet devouring plagiarism machine, and I fuckin love it.