Ben Francisco
@benfrancisco.bsky.social
Queer Latinx fiction writer. Debut novel, VAL VEGA: SECRET AMBASSADOR OF EARTH, out now! Stories in Strange Horizons, Indiana Review, Podcastle, LCRW, and more. All things geeky and social justice-y welcome. They/Them.
https://linktr.ee/benfrancisco
https://linktr.ee/benfrancisco
Pinned
International Book Awards - Honoring Excellence in Independent & Mainstream Publishing
Celebrating the 16th Annual International Book Awards!
www.internationalbookawards.com
Squee! So honored and excited to learn that VAL VEGA: SECRET AMBASSAFOR OF EARTH is a finalist for the 2025 International Book Awards - in both the science fiction and young adult categories!
www.internationalbookawards.com/2025awardann...
www.internationalbookawards.com/2025awardann...
Reposted by Ben Francisco
So honored that Disgraced Return of the Kap's Needle was featured in Ben's favorite SF from 2025 alongside authors that are my inspiration! 🖤
Some of my favorite SF from 2025! Including some brilliant novels and novellas by @willalex.bsky.social @matthewkressel.net @nnedi.bsky.social @renanbernardo.com, Sarah Langan, @annaleen.bsky.social @victorpineiro.bsky.social and more!
benfrancisco.net/2026/02/14/f...
benfrancisco.net/2026/02/14/f...
Favorite Speculative Fiction Books from 2025
The year 2025 was a rough one in so many ways, but one good thing about it was lots of great new releases of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. With nominations underway for the Hugo Awards (and…
benfrancisco.net
February 14, 2026 at 10:22 PM
So honored that Disgraced Return of the Kap's Needle was featured in Ben's favorite SF from 2025 alongside authors that are my inspiration! 🖤
Some of my favorite SF from 2025! Including some brilliant novels and novellas by @willalex.bsky.social @matthewkressel.net @nnedi.bsky.social @renanbernardo.com, Sarah Langan, @annaleen.bsky.social @victorpineiro.bsky.social and more!
benfrancisco.net/2026/02/14/f...
benfrancisco.net/2026/02/14/f...
Favorite Speculative Fiction Books from 2025
The year 2025 was a rough one in so many ways, but one good thing about it was lots of great new releases of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. With nominations underway for the Hugo Awards (and…
benfrancisco.net
February 14, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Some of my favorite SF from 2025! Including some brilliant novels and novellas by @willalex.bsky.social @matthewkressel.net @nnedi.bsky.social @renanbernardo.com, Sarah Langan, @annaleen.bsky.social @victorpineiro.bsky.social and more!
benfrancisco.net/2026/02/14/f...
benfrancisco.net/2026/02/14/f...
Reposted by Ben Francisco
What an amazing list of Boricua speculative reading. Thank you Ben for highlighting so many wonderful works, including mine ❤️
If Bad Bunny's inspiring half-time show left you craving some great #SpeculativeFiction that's deeply rooted in Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican Diaspora, I have some recommendations for you!
February 11, 2026 at 5:09 AM
What an amazing list of Boricua speculative reading. Thank you Ben for highlighting so many wonderful works, including mine ❤️
If Bad Bunny's inspiring half-time show left you craving some great #SpeculativeFiction that's deeply rooted in Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican Diaspora, I have some recommendations for you!
February 10, 2026 at 3:12 AM
If Bad Bunny's inspiring half-time show left you craving some great #SpeculativeFiction that's deeply rooted in Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican Diaspora, I have some recommendations for you!
Awesome starter pack of Latinx SF authors!
I had to make a second Starter Pack! If you have any recs for Latinx Spec Fic authors, let me know and I'll try to add them when I can. Much love!
go.bsky.app/UtDuh4e
go.bsky.app/UtDuh4e
Reminder: In light of Bad Bunny's Superbowl performance spotlighting Latino culture, here's a hefty list of Latino speculative fiction authors I curated if anyone wants to take a gander and read some phenomenal work. Much love to all!
go.bsky.app/6BAmgpi
go.bsky.app/6BAmgpi
February 9, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Awesome starter pack of Latinx SF authors!
Reposted by Ben Francisco
Since PR is getting tons of eyes on it because of the lovely Bad Bunny - do some research into Puerto Rico and take some time to learn it's history. His performance was full of symbolism 🐸
Not an accident that Bad Bunny used the light blue version of the Puerto Rican flag, with its roots in movements for independence and liberation.
boricuaguide.com/puerto-rico-...
boricuaguide.com/puerto-rico-...
February 9, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Since PR is getting tons of eyes on it because of the lovely Bad Bunny - do some research into Puerto Rico and take some time to learn it's history. His performance was full of symbolism 🐸
Reposted by Ben Francisco
#BadBunny's performers continued to dance and party outside the stadium after the #SuperBowl #HalftimeShow
February 9, 2026 at 1:58 AM
#BadBunny's performers continued to dance and party outside the stadium after the #SuperBowl #HalftimeShow
Not an accident that Bad Bunny used the light blue version of the Puerto Rican flag, with its roots in movements for independence and liberation.
boricuaguide.com/puerto-rico-...
boricuaguide.com/puerto-rico-...
February 9, 2026 at 2:31 AM
Not an accident that Bad Bunny used the light blue version of the Puerto Rican flag, with its roots in movements for independence and liberation.
boricuaguide.com/puerto-rico-...
boricuaguide.com/puerto-rico-...
Wepa, Bad Bunny!
Seguimos aquí!
Seguimos aquí!
February 9, 2026 at 2:09 AM
Wepa, Bad Bunny!
Seguimos aquí!
Seguimos aquí!
Reposted by Ben Francisco
In case you missed the moment.
Art is powerful
Art is powerful
February 9, 2026 at 2:05 AM
In case you missed the moment.
Art is powerful
Art is powerful
My review of Wonder Man is up at @reactorsff.bsky.social! It's Marvel's first cozy bromance and I am here for it.
"Wonder Man is the most distinctive MCU entry since WandaVision and among the highest quality Disney+ shows that Marvel has produced."
It's a standalone, the show's heart is in its grounded relationships, and Josh Gad plays Olaf in the club. If you're not watching Wonder Man, you're missing out:
It's a standalone, the show's heart is in its grounded relationships, and Josh Gad plays Olaf in the club. If you're not watching Wonder Man, you're missing out:
Wonder Man Brings a Cozy Hollywood Bromance to the MCU - Reactor
Wonder Man offers the freshest take on the MCU since WandaVision
reactormag.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:01 PM
My review of Wonder Man is up at @reactorsff.bsky.social! It's Marvel's first cozy bromance and I am here for it.
Reposted by Ben Francisco
"Wonder Man is the most distinctive MCU entry since WandaVision and among the highest quality Disney+ shows that Marvel has produced."
It's a standalone, the show's heart is in its grounded relationships, and Josh Gad plays Olaf in the club. If you're not watching Wonder Man, you're missing out:
It's a standalone, the show's heart is in its grounded relationships, and Josh Gad plays Olaf in the club. If you're not watching Wonder Man, you're missing out:
Wonder Man Brings a Cozy Hollywood Bromance to the MCU - Reactor
Wonder Man offers the freshest take on the MCU since WandaVision
reactormag.com
February 2, 2026 at 6:46 PM
"Wonder Man is the most distinctive MCU entry since WandaVision and among the highest quality Disney+ shows that Marvel has produced."
It's a standalone, the show's heart is in its grounded relationships, and Josh Gad plays Olaf in the club. If you're not watching Wonder Man, you're missing out:
It's a standalone, the show's heart is in its grounded relationships, and Josh Gad plays Olaf in the club. If you're not watching Wonder Man, you're missing out:
Reposted by Ben Francisco
US General Strike and nationwide shutdown today. If you are at work, go home, if you need to shop wait for another day, are you sitting in school? walk out right now.
Those outside of the US, boycott. #3E #Goodvsevil #generalstrike #iceout #justiceforpretti #justiceforgood
Those outside of the US, boycott. #3E #Goodvsevil #generalstrike #iceout #justiceforpretti #justiceforgood
January 30, 2026 at 4:13 PM
US General Strike and nationwide shutdown today. If you are at work, go home, if you need to shop wait for another day, are you sitting in school? walk out right now.
Those outside of the US, boycott. #3E #Goodvsevil #generalstrike #iceout #justiceforpretti #justiceforgood
Those outside of the US, boycott. #3E #Goodvsevil #generalstrike #iceout #justiceforpretti #justiceforgood
Reposted by Ben Francisco
Fiction submissions are open now!
The window will be open until January 21st 2026 at 3 p.m. UTC.
For additional information about submitting including our Moksha link ⬇️
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
The window will be open until January 21st 2026 at 3 p.m. UTC.
For additional information about submitting including our Moksha link ⬇️
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
January 19, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Fiction submissions are open now!
The window will be open until January 21st 2026 at 3 p.m. UTC.
For additional information about submitting including our Moksha link ⬇️
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
The window will be open until January 21st 2026 at 3 p.m. UTC.
For additional information about submitting including our Moksha link ⬇️
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
Reposted by Ben Francisco
Strange Horizons will be open to general fiction submissions for 48 hours beginning January 19th, 2026 at 3 p.m. UTC and ending January 21st, 2026 at 3 p.m. UTC.
There will be no cap.
See our fiction submission guidelines for more information on how to submit:
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
There will be no cap.
See our fiction submission guidelines for more information on how to submit:
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
December 15, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Strange Horizons will be open to general fiction submissions for 48 hours beginning January 19th, 2026 at 3 p.m. UTC and ending January 21st, 2026 at 3 p.m. UTC.
There will be no cap.
See our fiction submission guidelines for more information on how to submit:
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
There will be no cap.
See our fiction submission guidelines for more information on how to submit:
strangehorizons.com/submit/ficti...
Reposted by Ben Francisco
Kaleidotrope will re-open to submissions in 2026. Not until April, but forewarned is forearmed! 😀
Guidelines
kaleidotrope.net
January 2, 2026 at 1:09 AM
Kaleidotrope will re-open to submissions in 2026. Not until April, but forewarned is forearmed! 😀
Reposted by Ben Francisco
I’d be grateful if folks followed this project on Kickstarter 🖤
Aiming right now to go live in January, depending on when I get all my materials ready.
We have some exciting invited authors and @mspencerdraws.bsky.social is on board for interior illustrations.
Aiming right now to go live in January, depending on when I get all my materials ready.
We have some exciting invited authors and @mspencerdraws.bsky.social is on board for interior illustrations.
December 24, 2025 at 4:28 PM
I’d be grateful if folks followed this project on Kickstarter 🖤
Aiming right now to go live in January, depending on when I get all my materials ready.
We have some exciting invited authors and @mspencerdraws.bsky.social is on board for interior illustrations.
Aiming right now to go live in January, depending on when I get all my materials ready.
We have some exciting invited authors and @mspencerdraws.bsky.social is on board for interior illustrations.
Reposted by Ben Francisco
Well lookie here! It's my best of/most notable/favorite young adult science fiction, fantasy, and horror books of 2025! reactormag.com/notable-youn...
Notable Young Adult Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror of 2025 - Reactor
Check out 30 of the best young adult titles of the year
reactormag.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Well lookie here! It's my best of/most notable/favorite young adult science fiction, fantasy, and horror books of 2025! reactormag.com/notable-youn...
Reposted by Ben Francisco
For what remains of Puerto Rican Heritage Month, I wanted to share work by other Puerto Rican authors
Today, I wanted to shout out @tropicaleccentric.bsky.social whose novel, "Andújar: the Robot Gentleman of San Juan" is a delight
Today, I wanted to shout out @tropicaleccentric.bsky.social whose novel, "Andújar: the Robot Gentleman of San Juan" is a delight
November 21, 2025 at 1:08 PM
For what remains of Puerto Rican Heritage Month, I wanted to share work by other Puerto Rican authors
Today, I wanted to shout out @tropicaleccentric.bsky.social whose novel, "Andújar: the Robot Gentleman of San Juan" is a delight
Today, I wanted to shout out @tropicaleccentric.bsky.social whose novel, "Andújar: the Robot Gentleman of San Juan" is a delight
Love this piece on "box-words" in SF, using examples from EMBASSYTOWN, which I happen to be reading now and am loving. Mieville has a unique knack for making it a readerly joy to puzze thru the neologisms!
For this month's newsletter, I wrote about inventing neologisms and what Ursula K. Le Guin called "box-words," with examples from China Miéville's excellent novel EMBASSYTOWN. Includes an assist from Samuel Delany, who helped me see how to introduce terms to readers without unnecessary exposition.
#57: Worldbuilding with Neologisms and "Box-Words"
China Miéville, Ursula K. Le Guin, Samuel Delany
mattbell.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Love this piece on "box-words" in SF, using examples from EMBASSYTOWN, which I happen to be reading now and am loving. Mieville has a unique knack for making it a readerly joy to puzze thru the neologisms!
Reposted by Ben Francisco
In "Puerto Rico: A National History", Jorell Meléndez-Badillo talks about how "Diasporicans" make circular migrations, and "jumping the puddle" becomes a way to reconnect with the cultures of the archipelago
2/2
strangehorizons.com/wordpress/fi...
2/2
strangehorizons.com/wordpress/fi...
Brincando Charcos (Jumping Puddles)
“Dónde estámos?” Mateo asks, wiping the wetness out of his hair. We’re both sopping wet. Charcos may get you there fast, but it’s not the cleanest way to travel.
strangehorizons.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:33 PM
In "Puerto Rico: A National History", Jorell Meléndez-Badillo talks about how "Diasporicans" make circular migrations, and "jumping the puddle" becomes a way to reconnect with the cultures of the archipelago
2/2
strangehorizons.com/wordpress/fi...
2/2
strangehorizons.com/wordpress/fi...
Reposted by Ben Francisco
I really did take the weekend off on this, didn't I? Lol catching up. . .
For what remains of Puerto Rican Heritage Month, I wanted to share work by other Puerto Rican authors
Check out @benfrancisco.bsky.social's playful take on that most Puerto Rican of customs, "jumping the puddle" 1/2
For what remains of Puerto Rican Heritage Month, I wanted to share work by other Puerto Rican authors
Check out @benfrancisco.bsky.social's playful take on that most Puerto Rican of customs, "jumping the puddle" 1/2
For what remains of Puerto Rican Heritage Month, I wanted to share work by other Puerto Rican authors
Today, I wanted to shout out @tropicaleccentric.bsky.social whose novel, "Andújar: the Robot Gentleman of San Juan" is a delight
Today, I wanted to shout out @tropicaleccentric.bsky.social whose novel, "Andújar: the Robot Gentleman of San Juan" is a delight
November 24, 2025 at 3:24 PM
I really did take the weekend off on this, didn't I? Lol catching up. . .
For what remains of Puerto Rican Heritage Month, I wanted to share work by other Puerto Rican authors
Check out @benfrancisco.bsky.social's playful take on that most Puerto Rican of customs, "jumping the puddle" 1/2
For what remains of Puerto Rican Heritage Month, I wanted to share work by other Puerto Rican authors
Check out @benfrancisco.bsky.social's playful take on that most Puerto Rican of customs, "jumping the puddle" 1/2
Such an awesome event! And so lovely to have the chance for a sweet reunion with my old college roomie and fellow Boricua writer @victorpineiro.bsky.social! BBB is always great but this was an especially amazing line-up of four all-star writers I admire!
Thanks for coming out for BBB's Nov. reading last night w/ authors @franwilde.bsky.social @scottedelman.bsky.social @victorpineiro.bsky.social & @yumewrites.bsky.social ! 🍸📖🎙️
Next up on 12/16: @csecooney.bsky.social @kradec.bsky.social #GeorgiaDay & #JamiletteCintron!
More pics: shorturl.at/DgrAU
Next up on 12/16: @csecooney.bsky.social @kradec.bsky.social #GeorgiaDay & #JamiletteCintron!
More pics: shorturl.at/DgrAU
November 20, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Such an awesome event! And so lovely to have the chance for a sweet reunion with my old college roomie and fellow Boricua writer @victorpineiro.bsky.social! BBB is always great but this was an especially amazing line-up of four all-star writers I admire!
Reposted by Ben Francisco
Alt text: An illustration playing off Garth Williams’s work in Charlotte’s Web. A b&w pen & ink style sketch of a pig from the back staring at a spider’s web between two posts, with the words FUCK ICE woven into the web’s center. A politically engaged spider dangles down from the web.
November 17, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Alt text: An illustration playing off Garth Williams’s work in Charlotte’s Web. A b&w pen & ink style sketch of a pig from the back staring at a spider’s web between two posts, with the words FUCK ICE woven into the web’s center. A politically engaged spider dangles down from the web.