Chris Baty
@chrisbaty.bsky.social
Writer, former word nerd at Figma, and founder of NaNoWriMo.
Doing NaNoWriMo this fall? Check out www.nano2.org!
🏝️Alameda, CA
Doing NaNoWriMo this fall? Check out www.nano2.org!
🏝️Alameda, CA
I helped write the new NaNo 2.0 newsletter!
It comes with a free gift for you from our grumpy office leprechaun. sh1.sendinblue.com/adv2nuoholpf...
Also from me: How to save an ailing writing project by leveraging the mighty power of physics: nano2.org/posts/2025/a...
It comes with a free gift for you from our grumpy office leprechaun. sh1.sendinblue.com/adv2nuoholpf...
Also from me: How to save an ailing writing project by leveraging the mighty power of physics: nano2.org/posts/2025/a...
November 11, 2025 at 5:22 PM
I helped write the new NaNo 2.0 newsletter!
It comes with a free gift for you from our grumpy office leprechaun. sh1.sendinblue.com/adv2nuoholpf...
Also from me: How to save an ailing writing project by leveraging the mighty power of physics: nano2.org/posts/2025/a...
It comes with a free gift for you from our grumpy office leprechaun. sh1.sendinblue.com/adv2nuoholpf...
Also from me: How to save an ailing writing project by leveraging the mighty power of physics: nano2.org/posts/2025/a...
Scientists: We discovered a new 1.5" crustacean off the coast of Chile!
Popular Mechanics headline writer: www.popularmechanics.com/science/anim...
Popular Mechanics headline writer: www.popularmechanics.com/science/anim...
A New Predator Has Emerged From the Deepest, Darkest Part of the Ocean
What else is hiding down there?
www.popularmechanics.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Scientists: We discovered a new 1.5" crustacean off the coast of Chile!
Popular Mechanics headline writer: www.popularmechanics.com/science/anim...
Popular Mechanics headline writer: www.popularmechanics.com/science/anim...
Handpainted sign by www.analogsigns.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Handpainted sign by www.analogsigns.com
Wishing a wildly productive first day of NaNoWriMo to everyone writing!
If you'd like some company, NaNo 2.0 volunteers will be hosting word sprints today starting at noon Pacific: bsky.app/profile/nano...
If you'd like some company, NaNo 2.0 volunteers will be hosting word sprints today starting at noon Pacific: bsky.app/profile/nano...
bsky.app
November 1, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Wishing a wildly productive first day of NaNoWriMo to everyone writing!
If you'd like some company, NaNo 2.0 volunteers will be hosting word sprints today starting at noon Pacific: bsky.app/profile/nano...
If you'd like some company, NaNo 2.0 volunteers will be hosting word sprints today starting at noon Pacific: bsky.app/profile/nano...
The latest NaNo 2.0 newsletter has some of my writing in it! If you love stories of jewel thieves absconding with office microwaves, this one is for you.
Read the harrowing tale here: sh1.sendinblue.com/acoxmioholpf...
Read the harrowing tale here: sh1.sendinblue.com/acoxmioholpf...
Art thieves stole our microwave
sh1.sendinblue.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:25 PM
The latest NaNo 2.0 newsletter has some of my writing in it! If you love stories of jewel thieves absconding with office microwaves, this one is for you.
Read the harrowing tale here: sh1.sendinblue.com/acoxmioholpf...
Read the harrowing tale here: sh1.sendinblue.com/acoxmioholpf...
Totally in awe of the mood boards authors are creating for books they're writing next month.
As someone who struggles to visualize my scenes ("Phil was an older man with reddish hair and two eyeballs"), it is really inspiring to see stuff like this.
As someone who struggles to visualize my scenes ("Phil was an older man with reddish hair and two eyeballs"), it is really inspiring to see stuff like this.
I've plotted a whole novel for the upcoming @nano2point0.bsky.social !
This is the first time I've attempted #plotting rather than #pantsing and it has me so excited. I've made a mood board to mark the occasion, and plan on updating my journey as it happens 🥰
This is the first time I've attempted #plotting rather than #pantsing and it has me so excited. I've made a mood board to mark the occasion, and plan on updating my journey as it happens 🥰
October 20, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Totally in awe of the mood boards authors are creating for books they're writing next month.
As someone who struggles to visualize my scenes ("Phil was an older man with reddish hair and two eyeballs"), it is really inspiring to see stuff like this.
As someone who struggles to visualize my scenes ("Phil was an older man with reddish hair and two eyeballs"), it is really inspiring to see stuff like this.
I helped write the first NaNo 2.0 newsletter that just went out!
It's here: sh1.sendinblue.com/ackpx6oholpf...
We want these to feel like a writing buddy who lives in your inbox, cheers you on, and makes way too many jokes about imaginary Norwegian history museums.
Subscribe: nano2.org/subscribe
It's here: sh1.sendinblue.com/ackpx6oholpf...
We want these to feel like a writing buddy who lives in your inbox, cheers you on, and makes way too many jokes about imaginary Norwegian history museums.
Subscribe: nano2.org/subscribe
October 18, 2025 at 1:57 PM
I helped write the first NaNo 2.0 newsletter that just went out!
It's here: sh1.sendinblue.com/ackpx6oholpf...
We want these to feel like a writing buddy who lives in your inbox, cheers you on, and makes way too many jokes about imaginary Norwegian history museums.
Subscribe: nano2.org/subscribe
It's here: sh1.sendinblue.com/ackpx6oholpf...
We want these to feel like a writing buddy who lives in your inbox, cheers you on, and makes way too many jokes about imaginary Norwegian history museums.
Subscribe: nano2.org/subscribe
Spotted in a window in Fort Bragg, CA.
October 13, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Spotted in a window in Fort Bragg, CA.
Newbie cat parent with a question. We adopted two strays a few months ago—a mom and her orange tabby son.
Every time they see us they act like they haven't eaten in weeks, so we've been feeding them 3 times a day. That's too much, right? We want to dial it back, but we fear their hangry wrath.
Every time they see us they act like they haven't eaten in weeks, so we've been feeding them 3 times a day. That's too much, right? We want to dial it back, but we fear their hangry wrath.
October 9, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Newbie cat parent with a question. We adopted two strays a few months ago—a mom and her orange tabby son.
Every time they see us they act like they haven't eaten in weeks, so we've been feeding them 3 times a day. That's too much, right? We want to dial it back, but we fear their hangry wrath.
Every time they see us they act like they haven't eaten in weeks, so we've been feeding them 3 times a day. That's too much, right? We want to dial it back, but we fear their hangry wrath.
How much planning do you *really* need to do for #NaNoWriMo?
NaNo 2.0’s Maria Berejan lays out the options: nano2.org/posts/2025/h...
Do you have a favorite novel planning tip or approach you’d be willing to share? I'll drop mine below! 👇
NaNo 2.0’s Maria Berejan lays out the options: nano2.org/posts/2025/h...
Do you have a favorite novel planning tip or approach you’d be willing to share? I'll drop mine below! 👇
October 8, 2025 at 7:28 PM
How much planning do you *really* need to do for #NaNoWriMo?
NaNo 2.0’s Maria Berejan lays out the options: nano2.org/posts/2025/h...
Do you have a favorite novel planning tip or approach you’d be willing to share? I'll drop mine below! 👇
NaNo 2.0’s Maria Berejan lays out the options: nano2.org/posts/2025/h...
Do you have a favorite novel planning tip or approach you’d be willing to share? I'll drop mine below! 👇
There's another Chris Baty who lives in England and I keep getting added to his work email threads.
I can't help but think this is the universe feeding me valuable material for #NaNoWriMo.
I can't help but think this is the universe feeding me valuable material for #NaNoWriMo.
October 7, 2025 at 6:58 PM
There's another Chris Baty who lives in England and I keep getting added to his work email threads.
I can't help but think this is the universe feeding me valuable material for #NaNoWriMo.
I can't help but think this is the universe feeding me valuable material for #NaNoWriMo.
Reposted by Chris Baty
When it’s tough to quiet your inner editor, remember Terry Pratchett: "The first draft is just you telling yourself the story." You can always go back and edit, but first you’ve got to get something on the page. Check out NaNo2.org for resources & inspiration as you dig into #Preptober. #NaNoWriMo
October 6, 2025 at 2:38 PM
When it’s tough to quiet your inner editor, remember Terry Pratchett: "The first draft is just you telling yourself the story." You can always go back and edit, but first you’ve got to get something on the page. Check out NaNo2.org for resources & inspiration as you dig into #Preptober. #NaNoWriMo
Anthropic is settling the class action lawsuit brought by authors, and there’s now an easy way to see if your book was involved. secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com/lookup
If you've ever published an ebook, be sure to check! "No Plot? No Problem!" was on the list, and filing a claim was easy.
If you've ever published an ebook, be sure to check! "No Plot? No Problem!" was on the list, and filing a claim was easy.
Submit a Claim
secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com
October 4, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Anthropic is settling the class action lawsuit brought by authors, and there’s now an easy way to see if your book was involved. secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com/lookup
If you've ever published an ebook, be sure to check! "No Plot? No Problem!" was on the list, and filing a claim was easy.
If you've ever published an ebook, be sure to check! "No Plot? No Problem!" was on the list, and filing a claim was easy.
Before it shut down, #NaNoWriMo offered 100% non-boring creative writing workbooks and curriculum to K-12 classrooms.
NaNo 2.0's resident educator @lambradley.bsky.social preserved and updated all of it, and it's now available for free on our site! nano2.org/posts/2025/i... 📚
NaNo 2.0's resident educator @lambradley.bsky.social preserved and updated all of it, and it's now available for free on our site! nano2.org/posts/2025/i... 📚
October 3, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Before it shut down, #NaNoWriMo offered 100% non-boring creative writing workbooks and curriculum to K-12 classrooms.
NaNo 2.0's resident educator @lambradley.bsky.social preserved and updated all of it, and it's now available for free on our site! nano2.org/posts/2025/i... 📚
NaNo 2.0's resident educator @lambradley.bsky.social preserved and updated all of it, and it's now available for free on our site! nano2.org/posts/2025/i... 📚
After they closed NaNoWriMo, I started chatting with some folks about keeping November’s writing adventure going in a more DIY form. Today, we launched a site! www.nano2.org.
Sweaty origin story here: nano2.org/posts/2025/w...
We’ll be noveling next month, and we’d love to have you join us!
Sweaty origin story here: nano2.org/posts/2025/w...
We’ll be noveling next month, and we’d love to have you join us!
October 2, 2025 at 3:06 PM
After they closed NaNoWriMo, I started chatting with some folks about keeping November’s writing adventure going in a more DIY form. Today, we launched a site! www.nano2.org.
Sweaty origin story here: nano2.org/posts/2025/w...
We’ll be noveling next month, and we’d love to have you join us!
Sweaty origin story here: nano2.org/posts/2025/w...
We’ll be noveling next month, and we’d love to have you join us!
Gah, so excited that @heavyweight.bsky.social is back.
If you love heartfelt audio stories told with self-deprecating humor and an impeccable soundtrack, Heavyweight is the perfect salve for these trying times.
New episode only made me cry twice. www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/hea...
If you love heartfelt audio stories told with self-deprecating humor and an impeccable soundtrack, Heavyweight is the perfect salve for these trying times.
New episode only made me cry twice. www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/hea...
#59 Etta - Heavyweight Podcast - Pushkin
Gregor's parents are pushing 90. Gregor wants to move them out of their big Victorian home. But they refuse. So, he's come up with a bold plan.
www.pushkin.fm
September 24, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Gah, so excited that @heavyweight.bsky.social is back.
If you love heartfelt audio stories told with self-deprecating humor and an impeccable soundtrack, Heavyweight is the perfect salve for these trying times.
New episode only made me cry twice. www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/hea...
If you love heartfelt audio stories told with self-deprecating humor and an impeccable soundtrack, Heavyweight is the perfect salve for these trying times.
New episode only made me cry twice. www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/hea...
I will cheerfully pay Apple 3 billion dollars to add a tapback that captures the emotional middle ground between ❤️ and 👍.
June 11, 2025 at 11:46 PM
I will cheerfully pay Apple 3 billion dollars to add a tapback that captures the emotional middle ground between ❤️ and 👍.
I just saw that they’re shutting down NaNoWriMo. 😭
I had a sense the new crew who took over last year were struggling. But it’s incredibly sad to have it end like this.
Ugh. So many feelings.
I had a sense the new crew who took over last year were struggling. But it’s incredibly sad to have it end like this.
Ugh. So many feelings.
April 2, 2025 at 9:15 PM
I just saw that they’re shutting down NaNoWriMo. 😭
I had a sense the new crew who took over last year were struggling. But it’s incredibly sad to have it end like this.
Ugh. So many feelings.
I had a sense the new crew who took over last year were struggling. But it’s incredibly sad to have it end like this.
Ugh. So many feelings.
This is heartbreaking.
U.S. citizen child recovering from brain cancer deported to Mexico with undocumented parents
The Texas family was on their way to an emergency medical checkup, they said, when they were detained at an immigration checkpoint.
www.nbcnews.com
March 13, 2025 at 3:31 PM
This is heartbreaking.
Parenting advice I wish I'd followed: Shoot more videos!
Our son is 10 now, and the photos of him as a 3, 4, and 5 year old are great. But the random movies? Totally magical. I wish I'd taken so many more of them.
Our son is 10 now, and the photos of him as a 3, 4, and 5 year old are great. But the random movies? Totally magical. I wish I'd taken so many more of them.
March 6, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Parenting advice I wish I'd followed: Shoot more videos!
Our son is 10 now, and the photos of him as a 3, 4, and 5 year old are great. But the random movies? Totally magical. I wish I'd taken so many more of them.
Our son is 10 now, and the photos of him as a 3, 4, and 5 year old are great. But the random movies? Totally magical. I wish I'd taken so many more of them.
“The level of stupidity and negligence here is enraging.”
Perfect description of this entire administration.
Perfect description of this entire administration.
A Bureau of Land Management official involved in hiring said, “The level of stupidity and negligence here is enraging.”
“What if there’s nobody to show up? How many people died with garden hoses in their hands?” the person said. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
“What if there’s nobody to show up? How many people died with garden hoses in their hands?” the person said. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Trump's freeze stalls federal firefighter hiring
Crews helped battle the deadly Los Angeles-area wildfires, and now some worry a shortfall will weaken response capabilities as fire season approaches.
www.nbcnews.com
February 9, 2025 at 12:45 AM
“The level of stupidity and negligence here is enraging.”
Perfect description of this entire administration.
Perfect description of this entire administration.
I tried to (lazily) replicate the @sfgate.com findings that people in the Bay Area are being charged more for online hotel reservations than folks from Kansas City or Phoenix.
In my hour of distracted sleuthing, I couldn't find any examples of it. But I did find something even weirder.
In my hour of distracted sleuthing, I couldn't find any examples of it. But I did find something even weirder.
Hotel booking sites caught overcharging travelers from Bay Area
Popular hotel booking sites like Expedia and Hotels.com raise their prices substantially when San Franciscans use their online booking platforms.
www.sfgate.com
January 19, 2025 at 1:03 AM
I tried to (lazily) replicate the @sfgate.com findings that people in the Bay Area are being charged more for online hotel reservations than folks from Kansas City or Phoenix.
In my hour of distracted sleuthing, I couldn't find any examples of it. But I did find something even weirder.
In my hour of distracted sleuthing, I couldn't find any examples of it. But I did find something even weirder.
If you’re thinking about writing a novel or script next year and would like some support and camaraderie, it sounds like @lanidianerich.bsky.social has a few spots left in her Year of Writing Magically workshop. www.yearofwritingmagically.com
Can’t recommend Lani enough as a writing coach.
Can’t recommend Lani enough as a writing coach.
Year of Writing Magically | Year of Writing Magically
Join the transformative writing workshop led by New York Times bestselling author Lani Diane Rich. Learn to blend your unique style with expert storytelling craft. Whether you're a beginner or an e...
www.yearofwritingmagically.com
December 13, 2024 at 10:05 PM
If you’re thinking about writing a novel or script next year and would like some support and camaraderie, it sounds like @lanidianerich.bsky.social has a few spots left in her Year of Writing Magically workshop. www.yearofwritingmagically.com
Can’t recommend Lani enough as a writing coach.
Can’t recommend Lani enough as a writing coach.
Please share your apple sticker strategies!
The survey closes tomorrow and my monograph will be published in PLOS ONE on Friday.
The survey closes tomorrow and my monograph will be published in PLOS ONE on Friday.
Could you help me settle an argument?
The scenario: You’re in the kitchen, about to eat an apple. You peel this sticker off it.
Where does the sticker go next?
A. The trash
B. Your shirt
C. The counter
D. Elsewhere (please explain)
The scenario: You’re in the kitchen, about to eat an apple. You peel this sticker off it.
Where does the sticker go next?
A. The trash
B. Your shirt
C. The counter
D. Elsewhere (please explain)
December 5, 2024 at 5:56 AM
Please share your apple sticker strategies!
The survey closes tomorrow and my monograph will be published in PLOS ONE on Friday.
The survey closes tomorrow and my monograph will be published in PLOS ONE on Friday.
Parents Everywhere Sigh As Spotify Wrapped Once Again Raises a Toast To Their Deep Love Of Imagine Dragons
December 4, 2024 at 7:22 PM
Parents Everywhere Sigh As Spotify Wrapped Once Again Raises a Toast To Their Deep Love Of Imagine Dragons