J.A.W. McCarthy
@jawmccarthy.bsky.social
2x Bram Stoker & 2x Shirley Jackson Award finalist. Author of SLEEP ALONE and SOMETIMES WE’RE CRUEL. Stories: Best Horror of the Year Vol 13, PseudoPod, Vastarien, Split Scream 3, more. Cat & lipstick enthusiast. She/Jen. Rep: Lane Heymont. jawmccarthy.com
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Hey, new friends, about me:
I’m the author of the sex, drugs & rock & roll, queer succubi novella SLEEP ALONE, the collection SOMETIMES WE’RE CRUEL, & numerous horror stories involving monstrous women and Thai folklore. I like it dark, sad, & decadently deranged. Prose 🖤er. Beauty in the grotesque.
I’m the author of the sex, drugs & rock & roll, queer succubi novella SLEEP ALONE, the collection SOMETIMES WE’RE CRUEL, & numerous horror stories involving monstrous women and Thai folklore. I like it dark, sad, & decadently deranged. Prose 🖤er. Beauty in the grotesque.
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Call your reps. Let them know that if they vote for ICE funding, you will not vote for them ever again.
Representatives need to feel the heat. NO on ICE funding. No excuses.
Representatives need to feel the heat. NO on ICE funding. No excuses.
So the House is going to vote TOMORROW on the DHS funding bill that includes funding for ICE.
There's a real chance we can get Dems to vote NO on any bill with ICE funding to sink it.
Once it goes to the Senate we likely lose this chance.
24 hours. Go.
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/no-f...
There's a real chance we can get Dems to vote NO on any bill with ICE funding to sink it.
Once it goes to the Senate we likely lose this chance.
24 hours. Go.
www.fightforthefuture.org/actions/no-f...
No Funding for ICE Surveillance Tech!
www.fightforthefuture.org
January 22, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Call your reps. Let them know that if they vote for ICE funding, you will not vote for them ever again.
Representatives need to feel the heat. NO on ICE funding. No excuses.
Representatives need to feel the heat. NO on ICE funding. No excuses.
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
right now the floor for me is abolish ICE and put every agent on trial and the average elected democrat is like what if we told them to cut it out
January 22, 2026 at 12:31 AM
right now the floor for me is abolish ICE and put every agent on trial and the average elected democrat is like what if we told them to cut it out
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
"get rid of these baby-snatchimg freaks" is so simple and so universally appealing, and our ossified so-called representatives can't even bring themselves to say it
January 22, 2026 at 2:23 AM
"get rid of these baby-snatchimg freaks" is so simple and so universally appealing, and our ossified so-called representatives can't even bring themselves to say it
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
'Why aren't they in the streets' is answered almost every day in my small town by people in the streets! Rather than asking 'why aren't they in the streets' it's worth asking 'why isn't your media showing them in the streets' and 'who is served by downplaying resistane in its myriad forms.'
The idea that there are no protests in the US and no one is standing up to Trump is proving incredibly hard to kill over here in Germany. It’s become dogma, utterly detached from empirical reality.
I wonder if the people who keep talking like that understand they’re perpetuating regime propaganda.
I wonder if the people who keep talking like that understand they’re perpetuating regime propaganda.
January 21, 2026 at 3:48 PM
'Why aren't they in the streets' is answered almost every day in my small town by people in the streets! Rather than asking 'why aren't they in the streets' it's worth asking 'why isn't your media showing them in the streets' and 'who is served by downplaying resistane in its myriad forms.'
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Mamdani: "I am in support of abolishing ICE. What we see is an entity that has no interest in fulfilling its stated reason to exist. We're seeing a government agency that is supposed to be enforcing some kind of immigration law, but instead what it's doing is terrorizing people."
January 20, 2026 at 4:56 PM
Mamdani: "I am in support of abolishing ICE. What we see is an entity that has no interest in fulfilling its stated reason to exist. We're seeing a government agency that is supposed to be enforcing some kind of immigration law, but instead what it's doing is terrorizing people."
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
New post in Noglesque: My art reception 1/23, SGJ to visit Boise 2/28, & Some Recent Books I've Loved
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
Upcoming Boise Events 1/23 and 2/28 & Recent Books I've Loved
Jan 23 Art Reception, Feb 28 Stephen Graham Jones in Boise, & recent readings
open.substack.com
January 20, 2026 at 7:48 PM
New post in Noglesque: My art reception 1/23, SGJ to visit Boise 2/28, & Some Recent Books I've Loved
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
open.substack.com/pub/christin...
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
COLD SNAP e-arcs are now available for reviewers, librarians, bookstore buyers, etc! Click on the link below to request a copy. If you prefer to get your arcs from NetGalley, that option will be coming in February🥶
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
January 20, 2026 at 6:32 PM
COLD SNAP e-arcs are now available for reviewers, librarians, bookstore buyers, etc! Click on the link below to request a copy. If you prefer to get your arcs from NetGalley, that option will be coming in February🥶
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
We're still looking for someone in the Inland Empire area to adopt or foster this little tortoiseshell kitty. I'm willing to drive halfway to L.A. if anyone there wants to meet up to take her.
A neighbor was taken to a care facility, and her little tortoiseshell kitty was left behind. I can't take her in but I've been feeding her and giving her water every day. No one in the neighbor's family can take her in. Is there anyone in the Inland Empire area that could foster or adopt her?
January 19, 2026 at 9:21 PM
We're still looking for someone in the Inland Empire area to adopt or foster this little tortoiseshell kitty. I'm willing to drive halfway to L.A. if anyone there wants to meet up to take her.
The new @shortwavebooks.bsky.social edition of SLEEP ALONE is releasing almost exactly three years after the original (within one day!) and that’s pretty damn magical and you should totally preorder a copy for some of that magic 🌟
SLEEP ALONE is out in two months!
This new edition of @jawmccarthy.bsky.social's short novel also includes the bonus story "With Animals". Pre-orders available now everywhere books are sold!
"Instantly intoxicating." – @haileypiperfights.bsky.social
shortwavepublishing.com/catalog/slee...
This new edition of @jawmccarthy.bsky.social's short novel also includes the bonus story "With Animals". Pre-orders available now everywhere books are sold!
"Instantly intoxicating." – @haileypiperfights.bsky.social
shortwavepublishing.com/catalog/slee...
January 20, 2026 at 12:13 AM
The new @shortwavebooks.bsky.social edition of SLEEP ALONE is releasing almost exactly three years after the original (within one day!) and that’s pretty damn magical and you should totally preorder a copy for some of that magic 🌟
Absolutely thrilled that my story “Demon in Repose” gets to share a TOC with these fabulous writers! Ever wonder how the projectionist of your nightmares really feels? What if Fuseli had it all wrong? Also look at this stunning cover!
Our ✨January 2026 issue✨ is ready at last!
Subscribers will get it January 26th, and everyone else can read it February 2nd!
It's taken a long time to get the issue ready, but take a look at that 😍TOC😍! The wait was well worth it!
Subscribe through Patreon:
www.patreon.com/c/HavenSpecM...
Subscribers will get it January 26th, and everyone else can read it February 2nd!
It's taken a long time to get the issue ready, but take a look at that 😍TOC😍! The wait was well worth it!
Subscribe through Patreon:
www.patreon.com/c/HavenSpecM...
January 19, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Absolutely thrilled that my story “Demon in Repose” gets to share a TOC with these fabulous writers! Ever wonder how the projectionist of your nightmares really feels? What if Fuseli had it all wrong? Also look at this stunning cover!
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
no honor, no dignity. a lifetime of trying to atone for the wrong they’re doing will not be enough. The appropriate posture for them all this morning is on their knees in the Minnesota cold begging the God of the universe, Who is against them, for forgiveness
How much more in your face can it be?
"Why are you asking me for my paperwork?"
"Because of your accent."
"You have an accent too."
"Where were you born sir?"
"Where were you born at?"
"Put your hands behind your back."
"Why are you asking me for my paperwork?"
"Because of your accent."
"You have an accent too."
"Where were you born sir?"
"Where were you born at?"
"Put your hands behind your back."
January 18, 2026 at 2:17 PM
no honor, no dignity. a lifetime of trying to atone for the wrong they’re doing will not be enough. The appropriate posture for them all this morning is on their knees in the Minnesota cold begging the God of the universe, Who is against them, for forgiveness
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
#BuyMyBooks SPLIT SCREAM VOL. 3: in which my art horror novelette “So Quiet, So White” is paired with a bloody and brilliant novelette from JAW McCarthy. Available now from @tenebrouspress.bsky.social & yours truly!
SPLIT SCREAM Vol. 3 - Two Novelettes (softcover; includes eBook)
SPLIT SCREAM has a new home at Tenebrous Press! The third volume of editor Alex Ebenstein's acclaimed series is back in print, featuring two novelettes: So Quiet, So White – Patrick Barb Roger Grimsby...
store.tenebrouspress.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:32 PM
#BuyMyBooks SPLIT SCREAM VOL. 3: in which my art horror novelette “So Quiet, So White” is paired with a bloody and brilliant novelette from JAW McCarthy. Available now from @tenebrouspress.bsky.social & yours truly!
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
I could write a lot of words about what I can do for your website--stuff about engagement, being up-to-date, etc.--or, I can let past client @jawmccarthy.bsky.social put it much more simply.
Want a website that works--correctly? Let's connect: sonoraconsults.com
Want a website that works--correctly? Let's connect: sonoraconsults.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:50 PM
I could write a lot of words about what I can do for your website--stuff about engagement, being up-to-date, etc.--or, I can let past client @jawmccarthy.bsky.social put it much more simply.
Want a website that works--correctly? Let's connect: sonoraconsults.com
Want a website that works--correctly? Let's connect: sonoraconsults.com
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Just a friendly reminder that today is the last day to recommend works for the Stoker Awards!
bramstokerawards.horror.org/the-bram-sto...
bramstokerawards.horror.org/the-bram-sto...
The Bram Stoker Awards® – The Bram Stoker Awards
bramstokerawards.horror.org
January 15, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Just a friendly reminder that today is the last day to recommend works for the Stoker Awards!
bramstokerawards.horror.org/the-bram-sto...
bramstokerawards.horror.org/the-bram-sto...
Really enjoyed this one. Can’t help but point to one of my favorite movies, Green Room, and recommend that if you’re a fan too, grab this book 🎸
🎸 OUT NOW 🎸
Indie rock band Darrow Foroi is on their way to play a protest show in Florida. Genderfluid singer, Lo, intends to mark their first public step into exploring their identity. When the faire is attacked by sentient neofascist music, Darrow Foroi have to fight for their very existence.
Indie rock band Darrow Foroi is on their way to play a protest show in Florida. Genderfluid singer, Lo, intends to mark their first public step into exploring their identity. When the faire is attacked by sentient neofascist music, Darrow Foroi have to fight for their very existence.
January 15, 2026 at 3:17 AM
Really enjoyed this one. Can’t help but point to one of my favorite movies, Green Room, and recommend that if you’re a fan too, grab this book 🎸
@charliesqueerbooks.bsky.social is one of my favorite bookstores. It’s not only full of queer books in every genre, but it’s a cute place to hang out. I’ve been so happy to spot friends’ books on the horror shelves. Consider helping them out with an online purchase: charliesqueerbooks.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:53 AM
@charliesqueerbooks.bsky.social is one of my favorite bookstores. It’s not only full of queer books in every genre, but it’s a cute place to hang out. I’ve been so happy to spot friends’ books on the horror shelves. Consider helping them out with an online purchase: charliesqueerbooks.com
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
It seems insane to try to market books at a time like this, but times like this is why I wrote this book. A punk band vs sentient neofascist music. This one is for all the angry queers who just need to fucking scream right now.
🚨NEW RELEASE! 🚨
@TTmaddenwrites is serving evil music in this wild ride of a book. The music will literally devour you. Are you ready?
Releasing January 15. Preorder now.
Link in comment.
@TTmaddenwrites is serving evil music in this wild ride of a book. The music will literally devour you. Are you ready?
Releasing January 15. Preorder now.
Link in comment.
January 9, 2026 at 8:26 PM
It seems insane to try to market books at a time like this, but times like this is why I wrote this book. A punk band vs sentient neofascist music. This one is for all the angry queers who just need to fucking scream right now.
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Halloween People! Every HWA member has one week to recommend favorite 2025-published horror to the Bram Stoker Award Recommended Reading List. Your rec could be the lucky #8 to put a fantastic work on the ballot! Please share, but please don't ask/beg/trade for recs you worked on.
January 8, 2026 at 6:19 PM
Halloween People! Every HWA member has one week to recommend favorite 2025-published horror to the Bram Stoker Award Recommended Reading List. Your rec could be the lucky #8 to put a fantastic work on the ballot! Please share, but please don't ask/beg/trade for recs you worked on.
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
So living with my parents abruptly became unsafe (mentally/emotionally) and I'm leaving ASAP. I have somewhere to go, but it's out of state. I'm packing now but I have to register my car before I go and that's $500. Anything helps. 🫀
Venmo: probablyharmless
PayPal: theohillwriter at gmail
Venmo: probablyharmless
PayPal: theohillwriter at gmail
January 7, 2026 at 5:27 PM
So living with my parents abruptly became unsafe (mentally/emotionally) and I'm leaving ASAP. I have somewhere to go, but it's out of state. I'm packing now but I have to register my car before I go and that's $500. Anything helps. 🫀
Venmo: probablyharmless
PayPal: theohillwriter at gmail
Venmo: probablyharmless
PayPal: theohillwriter at gmail
Hell yeah hell yeah hell yeah I’ll be babbling excitedly all day 👀
Announcing my new novel, NIGHTJARS, out September 29, 2026 from St. Martin's Press. Pre-orders are open now.
This one is leaner, bloodier, darker, and full of my grim heart. I can't wait for you to nestle under its wing.
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
Does the nightjar remember the night?
This one is leaner, bloodier, darker, and full of my grim heart. I can't wait for you to nestle under its wing.
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
Does the nightjar remember the night?
January 7, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Hell yeah hell yeah hell yeah I’ll be babbling excitedly all day 👀
I used to quit many things I started. My past is littered with abandoned projects (still haven’t finished painting my walls after 14 yrs). I even gave up writing for like 15 yrs! So I’m reminding myself that I’ve been back at writing for 8 yrs, finishing my work and doing pretty good. I love this…
January 7, 2026 at 1:21 AM
I used to quit many things I started. My past is littered with abandoned projects (still haven’t finished painting my walls after 14 yrs). I even gave up writing for like 15 yrs! So I’m reminding myself that I’ve been back at writing for 8 yrs, finishing my work and doing pretty good. I love this…
42k words into my second novel and all I can do is keep writing until someone wants it, keeping writing after someone publishes it, keep writing even if no one ever wants it.
January 6, 2026 at 11:07 PM
42k words into my second novel and all I can do is keep writing until someone wants it, keeping writing after someone publishes it, keep writing even if no one ever wants it.
Finally listened to @talestoterrify.bsky.social ‘s production of “Lamai” and wow! @nikolledoolin.bsky.social did such a fantastic job bringing my story to life. I hope you’ll give it a listen. The wall is waiting with arms to hold you…
talestoterrify.com/episodes/727...
talestoterrify.com/episodes/727...
727 | J. A. W. McCarthy – Tales to Terrify
Welcome to episode 727. We have one tale for you this week, about a young woman who seeks comfort in […]
talestoterrify.com
January 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Finally listened to @talestoterrify.bsky.social ‘s production of “Lamai” and wow! @nikolledoolin.bsky.social did such a fantastic job bringing my story to life. I hope you’ll give it a listen. The wall is waiting with arms to hold you…
talestoterrify.com/episodes/727...
talestoterrify.com/episodes/727...
Of course I loved THE SHAPES OF OUR SCREAMS. A band as family, fighting for each other, autonomy and survival—that’s a big hell yeah from me 🎶 Highly recommended, especially if you enjoyed Sleep Alone 🎸
A gigantic thank you to @jawmccarthy.bsky.social for this spectacular blurb for THE SHAPES OF OUR SCREAMS. A punk band vs. sentient neofascist music, coming this month from @slashichorrorpress.bsky.social
www.slashichorrorpress.com/product-page...
www.slashichorrorpress.com/product-page...
January 2, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Of course I loved THE SHAPES OF OUR SCREAMS. A band as family, fighting for each other, autonomy and survival—that’s a big hell yeah from me 🎶 Highly recommended, especially if you enjoyed Sleep Alone 🎸
Reposted by J.A.W. McCarthy
Beginning of the year plea: I am always on the lookout for collections of weird fiction by nonwhite authors, especially those that will be published in 2026. If you wrote one or are publishing one or just know of one, please get in touch. doomsdayer.wordpress.com/contact
January 1, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Beginning of the year plea: I am always on the lookout for collections of weird fiction by nonwhite authors, especially those that will be published in 2026. If you wrote one or are publishing one or just know of one, please get in touch. doomsdayer.wordpress.com/contact