Michael Bettendorf
@beardedbetts.bsky.social
Writer. Eater of Books. Lover of Comics. Library Tech. Drummer. Burrito enthusiast. He/Him husband. '23 Brave New Weird recipient, '25 Pushcart, '21 BOTN, & '21 BSF nominated. TRVE CVLT out now @Tenebrous Press.
www.michaelbettendorfwrites.com.
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 read this bad boy. Was it performative? Who knoooows?!
November 10, 2025 at 11:54 PM
I read this bad boy. Was it performative? Who knoooows?!
What is that feeling? You've felt it before. A visceral tug, threatening to fragment every bit of your being. A desire to performatively read what you please. Attention-starved Others judge you while you mind your goddamn business. It doesn't bother you. You've given into the abyss, and it is trve.
November 10, 2025 at 6:33 PM
What is that feeling? You've felt it before. A visceral tug, threatening to fragment every bit of your being. A desire to performatively read what you please. Attention-starved Others judge you while you mind your goddamn business. It doesn't bother you. You've given into the abyss, and it is trve.
If you're around Lincoln this weekend, swing by the inaugural Nerd Fest. I'll be hanging with @anthonyengebretson.bsky.social, slinging some @tenebrouspress.bsky.social books, including TRVE CVLT by yours trvly. #LNK
www.lincolnnerdfest.com
www.lincolnnerdfest.com
Lincoln Nerd Fest
Lincoln Nerd Fest is a family friendly convention that offers opportunities to buy, sell and trade as you explore artist alley. Hop in on a DND one shot or join an MTG, Pokemon or Lorcana tournament....
www.lincolnnerdfest.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:38 PM
If you're around Lincoln this weekend, swing by the inaugural Nerd Fest. I'll be hanging with @anthonyengebretson.bsky.social, slinging some @tenebrouspress.bsky.social books, including TRVE CVLT by yours trvly. #LNK
www.lincolnnerdfest.com
www.lincolnnerdfest.com
It's officially release day for @itsmedavidcorse.bsky.social 's Cerulean Sky! Huge congratulations to you, bud 💙
Give it a peek and consider ordering it at polymathpress.com
Give it a peek and consider ordering it at polymathpress.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:04 PM
It's officially release day for @itsmedavidcorse.bsky.social 's Cerulean Sky! Huge congratulations to you, bud 💙
Give it a peek and consider ordering it at polymathpress.com
Give it a peek and consider ordering it at polymathpress.com
David's new book Cerulean officially drops tomorrow. Y'all should check it out!
Congratulations on the release. Hope you had a blast at thr launch @itsmedavidcorse.bsky.social 🩵
Congratulations on the release. Hope you had a blast at thr launch @itsmedavidcorse.bsky.social 🩵
November 10, 2025 at 12:04 AM
David's new book Cerulean officially drops tomorrow. Y'all should check it out!
Congratulations on the release. Hope you had a blast at thr launch @itsmedavidcorse.bsky.social 🩵
Congratulations on the release. Hope you had a blast at thr launch @itsmedavidcorse.bsky.social 🩵
When I worked at Target over a decade ago, I was working a shift, sick as shit, but couldn't afford to take time off (they kept me at 38-39 hours so I couldn't get benefits). Our head store manager saw me and said, "you should try to look happier."
"Store employees are now required to smile if they are within 10 feet of a shopper.
They also must make eye contact with and wave to or greet the customer.
If they’re within four feet, the employee should ask how the customer’s day is going or if they need help."
🙄 Won't stop the boycott, y'all.
They also must make eye contact with and wave to or greet the customer.
If they’re within four feet, the employee should ask how the customer’s day is going or if they need help."
🙄 Won't stop the boycott, y'all.
Target is now requiring its employees to smile more
As the holiday season fast approaches, Target is urging its employees to add a little more “jolly” to their work routine.
www.wilx.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:03 PM
When I worked at Target over a decade ago, I was working a shift, sick as shit, but couldn't afford to take time off (they kept me at 38-39 hours so I couldn't get benefits). Our head store manager saw me and said, "you should try to look happier."
Genre breakdown:
Devil is Fine- Weird West/Horror
# E0E0E0 Sky- SF/surreal
Never Odd or Even- Weird SF/Horror/Slipstream
Complete Collapse- SF/Cyberpunk
Lunar Wilderness- Weird SF
Counter Offer- Weird SF
Drabble Set- Cyberpunk/tech-noir
Traced in Air- SF/ecohorror
Cat-SF/Cyberpunk
Jesus&Joker-CNF
Devil is Fine- Weird West/Horror
# E0E0E0 Sky- SF/surreal
Never Odd or Even- Weird SF/Horror/Slipstream
Complete Collapse- SF/Cyberpunk
Lunar Wilderness- Weird SF
Counter Offer- Weird SF
Drabble Set- Cyberpunk/tech-noir
Traced in Air- SF/ecohorror
Cat-SF/Cyberpunk
Jesus&Joker-CNF
It's already getting to be that time of year. I've got a handful of stories eligible for awards this year. I appreciate any consideration.
💚💀🤘
Also, enjoy my best dog, Laser-Clover.
💚💀🤘
Also, enjoy my best dog, Laser-Clover.
November 9, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Genre breakdown:
Devil is Fine- Weird West/Horror
# E0E0E0 Sky- SF/surreal
Never Odd or Even- Weird SF/Horror/Slipstream
Complete Collapse- SF/Cyberpunk
Lunar Wilderness- Weird SF
Counter Offer- Weird SF
Drabble Set- Cyberpunk/tech-noir
Traced in Air- SF/ecohorror
Cat-SF/Cyberpunk
Jesus&Joker-CNF
Devil is Fine- Weird West/Horror
# E0E0E0 Sky- SF/surreal
Never Odd or Even- Weird SF/Horror/Slipstream
Complete Collapse- SF/Cyberpunk
Lunar Wilderness- Weird SF
Counter Offer- Weird SF
Drabble Set- Cyberpunk/tech-noir
Traced in Air- SF/ecohorror
Cat-SF/Cyberpunk
Jesus&Joker-CNF
Had an excellent time at Barnes & Noble Southpointe in #LNK talking horror, writing, our anti-AI sentiments. They are such wonderful hosts and local authors are very fortunate to have one of our B&N locations not only support, but openly advocate for us. Shout-out to Ally. You're gem and a real one.
November 9, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Had an excellent time at Barnes & Noble Southpointe in #LNK talking horror, writing, our anti-AI sentiments. They are such wonderful hosts and local authors are very fortunate to have one of our B&N locations not only support, but openly advocate for us. Shout-out to Ally. You're gem and a real one.
Reposted by Michael Bettendorf
Hails to The Line-Up!
They agree that @rascalhartley.bsky.social's DEAR STUPID PENPAL is a must-read.
This unique blend of sci-fi, cosmic horror, buddy comedy & romance is one of the best things you'll read all...ever.
Out next Tuesday, order now here:
store.tenebrouspress.com
They agree that @rascalhartley.bsky.social's DEAR STUPID PENPAL is a must-read.
This unique blend of sci-fi, cosmic horror, buddy comedy & romance is one of the best things you'll read all...ever.
Out next Tuesday, order now here:
store.tenebrouspress.com
I hope you have an appetite for horror… 🩸 📚 @laurelhightower.bsky.social @shortwavebooks.bsky.social @wildhuntbooks.bsky.social @rascalhartley.bsky.social @tenebrouspress.bsky.social @riengray.bsky.social @slashichorrorpress.bsky.social
4 Terrifying New Releases from Indie and Small Presses in November 2025
Looking for your next horror read? Here are four November 2025 indie and small press releases you won't want to miss.
the-line-up.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Hails to The Line-Up!
They agree that @rascalhartley.bsky.social's DEAR STUPID PENPAL is a must-read.
This unique blend of sci-fi, cosmic horror, buddy comedy & romance is one of the best things you'll read all...ever.
Out next Tuesday, order now here:
store.tenebrouspress.com
They agree that @rascalhartley.bsky.social's DEAR STUPID PENPAL is a must-read.
This unique blend of sci-fi, cosmic horror, buddy comedy & romance is one of the best things you'll read all...ever.
Out next Tuesday, order now here:
store.tenebrouspress.com
I'll be hanging with a bunch of local authors tomorrow and will be doing a panel where I get to chat writing, horror, and the stuff. TRVE CVLT continues to lurk, luring folks into the abyss.
Thank you to everyone who has been on the journey with me.
💀💜🤘
See ya tomorrow #LNK at Barnes & Noble south.
Thank you to everyone who has been on the journey with me.
💀💜🤘
See ya tomorrow #LNK at Barnes & Noble south.
Trve Cvlt turns 1 today! If you asked me what my 30s would look like, I wouldn't have guessed it'd be this. Thank you @tenebrouspress.bsky.social Drums by yours truly. Guitars/vocals/production by @rynstonecowboy.bsky.social
I have the coolest friends and
I'm grateful for all of you 💀💜🤘
I have the coolest friends and
I'm grateful for all of you 💀💜🤘
November 8, 2025 at 2:33 AM
I'll be hanging with a bunch of local authors tomorrow and will be doing a panel where I get to chat writing, horror, and the stuff. TRVE CVLT continues to lurk, luring folks into the abyss.
Thank you to everyone who has been on the journey with me.
💀💜🤘
See ya tomorrow #LNK at Barnes & Noble south.
Thank you to everyone who has been on the journey with me.
💀💜🤘
See ya tomorrow #LNK at Barnes & Noble south.
Reposted by Michael Bettendorf
Good literary translation requires understanding (language, culture, genre--on both sides of the translation) and an ability to write well. "AI" can't do that. There are no shortcuts. Treat your work and foreign language readers with the respect they deserve. You won't fool anyone with this.
Amazon has launched a new AI-driven translation service, Kindle Translate, for Kindle Direct Publishing authors 👇 #BookSky
Amazon launches AI translation service for indie authors
ebx.sh
November 7, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Good literary translation requires understanding (language, culture, genre--on both sides of the translation) and an ability to write well. "AI" can't do that. There are no shortcuts. Treat your work and foreign language readers with the respect they deserve. You won't fool anyone with this.
Yeah, we're doing this shit.
🤎🤘🐍
🤎🤘🐍
November 5, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Yeah, we're doing this shit.
🤎🤘🐍
🤎🤘🐍
If you're around Lincoln, NE swing by the Southpointe Barnes & Noble this Saturday from 11-4 for this year's author fest. There will be a bunch of us hanging out. I'll be doing a horror/thriller panel at 3. #LNK
November 4, 2025 at 3:36 PM
If you're around Lincoln, NE swing by the Southpointe Barnes & Noble this Saturday from 11-4 for this year's author fest. There will be a bunch of us hanging out. I'll be doing a horror/thriller panel at 3. #LNK
Whoooo! Mark your calendars! Only a week away ❤️🔥
November 4, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Whoooo! Mark your calendars! Only a week away ❤️🔥
This sounds awesome! If you're around, go out and hang with cool folks for a good cause! 💀💚🤘
Yo, Tenebrous Cult!
Friend o'the press Wendy Wagner has been busy pulling together a great fundraiser to support the Oregon Food Bank, which is in (even more) desperate need these days.
Tenebrous will be on site, helping out in any way we can. Come join us next Monday at the Rose City Book Pub🖤☠️
Friend o'the press Wendy Wagner has been busy pulling together a great fundraiser to support the Oregon Food Bank, which is in (even more) desperate need these days.
Tenebrous will be on site, helping out in any way we can. Come join us next Monday at the Rose City Book Pub🖤☠️
PDX peeps! What are you doing next Monday? How about attending STORYTELLING AGAINST HUNGER, a 5-hour marathon of author readings & open mic fun that's a fundraiser for the @oregonfoodbank.bsky.social ????
Rose City Book Pub, 4 pm - 9pm. bit.ly/43i9s8D
Rose City Book Pub, 4 pm - 9pm. bit.ly/43i9s8D
November 4, 2025 at 12:55 AM
This sounds awesome! If you're around, go out and hang with cool folks for a good cause! 💀💚🤘
Reposted by Michael Bettendorf
Extrasensory Overload and Katabatic Circus (Volume 1) are on sale for the holidays!
angrygablepress.com/2025/11/03/h...
angrygablepress.com/2025/11/03/h...
November 3, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Extrasensory Overload and Katabatic Circus (Volume 1) are on sale for the holidays!
angrygablepress.com/2025/11/03/h...
angrygablepress.com/2025/11/03/h...
It's already getting to be that time of year. I've got a handful of stories eligible for awards this year. I appreciate any consideration.
💚💀🤘
Also, enjoy my best dog, Laser-Clover.
💚💀🤘
Also, enjoy my best dog, Laser-Clover.
November 3, 2025 at 5:27 PM
It's already getting to be that time of year. I've got a handful of stories eligible for awards this year. I appreciate any consideration.
💚💀🤘
Also, enjoy my best dog, Laser-Clover.
💚💀🤘
Also, enjoy my best dog, Laser-Clover.
Fun to wake up with a new story going live! I hope y'all dig this one and get ready for Vol. 1 of @sluggerfiction.bsky.social to drop soon! Shoutout to Emma for the awesome interior artwork too!
A Cat Walked Across the Keyboard by Michael Bettendorf @beardedbetts.bsky.social is our first story in SLUGGER Vol. 1! It's free to read and posted on our website (sluggerfiction.com/horror-ficti...) Interior art by Emma Fujikawa!
November 2, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Fun to wake up with a new story going live! I hope y'all dig this one and get ready for Vol. 1 of @sluggerfiction.bsky.social to drop soon! Shoutout to Emma for the awesome interior artwork too!
They couldn't have said it better. From an experimental CYOA style black metal book, a cyberpunk-scuzz-noir collection, a dude shitting snakes...body horror peewee football, surreal/weird Nic Cage...it's always been about doing my own shit & eternal love to everyone letting me get away with it 💚💀🤘
Hell yeah @beardedbetts.bsky.social doing his own shit 🐍
Once in awhile very important literature crosses your path and you must look in the mirror and ask: am I going to publish a book about a guy who shits snakes? Yes I am. Yes I am. Very excited for @beardedbetts.bsky.social wtf bizarro body horror novel to come out Jan 2027. 🐍 💩 🧑⚕️
October 31, 2025 at 4:58 PM
They couldn't have said it better. From an experimental CYOA style black metal book, a cyberpunk-scuzz-noir collection, a dude shitting snakes...body horror peewee football, surreal/weird Nic Cage...it's always been about doing my own shit & eternal love to everyone letting me get away with it 💚💀🤘
A top-tier Midna-moment.
One of my favorite memories with Midna is the time I took a selfie with her and she started yawning, but it looked like she had a big smile. I sent it in to Jones Soda and they chose it to print on a label. Lots of people think their pets are pretty enough to be models. I know for sure mine is.
October 31, 2025 at 3:34 PM
A top-tier Midna-moment.
No tricks, just treats 🤎🤘🐍
Y'all's initial reception has been very kind. I can't tell ya how much it means to me. Wish I could hand you the book today, but you'll have to wait. In the meantime, stay weird n be kind.
Y'all's initial reception has been very kind. I can't tell ya how much it means to me. Wish I could hand you the book today, but you'll have to wait. In the meantime, stay weird n be kind.
Once in awhile very important literature crosses your path and you must look in the mirror and ask: am I going to publish a book about a guy who shits snakes? Yes I am. Yes I am. Very excited for @beardedbetts.bsky.social wtf bizarro body horror novel to come out Jan 2027. 🐍 💩 🧑⚕️
October 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM
No tricks, just treats 🤎🤘🐍
Y'all's initial reception has been very kind. I can't tell ya how much it means to me. Wish I could hand you the book today, but you'll have to wait. In the meantime, stay weird n be kind.
Y'all's initial reception has been very kind. I can't tell ya how much it means to me. Wish I could hand you the book today, but you'll have to wait. In the meantime, stay weird n be kind.
People don't need AI, but people do need fucking food. Fucking ghouls.
October 30, 2025 at 9:24 PM
People don't need AI, but people do need fucking food. Fucking ghouls.
Every once in a while, my brain does this sort of thing, and every once in a while, it turns into something, and I couldn't be more thrilled that @clashbooks.bsky.social is behind this thing 100% with so much enthusiasm. Here's to a something slithering your way soon 🐍🤎🤘
Once in awhile very important literature crosses your path and you must look in the mirror and ask: am I going to publish a book about a guy who shits snakes? Yes I am. Yes I am. Very excited for @beardedbetts.bsky.social wtf bizarro body horror novel to come out Jan 2027. 🐍 💩 🧑⚕️
October 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Every once in a while, my brain does this sort of thing, and every once in a while, it turns into something, and I couldn't be more thrilled that @clashbooks.bsky.social is behind this thing 100% with so much enthusiasm. Here's to a something slithering your way soon 🐍🤎🤘