JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
@jcmberne.bsky.social
Author of the Hybrid Helix, a space opera; first 5-book arc is complete!
https://a.co/d/0XRSsUC
https://linktr.ee/jcmberne
Usually apolitical here, but if you're curious, I'm so far left that checking out my politics might give you whiplash.
https://a.co/d/0XRSsUC
https://linktr.ee/jcmberne
Usually apolitical here, but if you're curious, I'm so far left that checking out my politics might give you whiplash.
Pinned
I'm Joe, a writer of space opera (The Hybrid Helix: DBZ meets DS9 with a touch of B5 and a heaping dollop of Invincible).
Also a martial artist and fan of South Asian pop culture (Tollywood films and Bollywood music).
I only follow back if I can tell we share an interest (art counts).
Also a martial artist and fan of South Asian pop culture (Tollywood films and Bollywood music).
I only follow back if I can tell we share an interest (art counts).
Dropping on my channel Wed Jan 28 at 7PM EST!
Had a great time chatting w/ @jcmberne.bsky.social; interview will drop tomorrow. We talk influences, writing advice, and the versions of Sam Adams that you didn't get to see. #booksky #writersky #authorsky #writingcommunity #urbanfantasy #booktube
HEAR YE, HEAR YE: I'm thrilled to report that @jcmberne.bsky.social will be interviewing me for his channel. We'll announce a release date soon. Watch this space. #writingcommunity #booksky #authorsky #writersky
January 28, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Dropping on my channel Wed Jan 28 at 7PM EST!
Woot!
HEAR YE, HEAR YE: I'm thrilled to report that @jcmberne.bsky.social will be interviewing me for his channel. We'll announce a release date soon. Watch this space. #writingcommunity #booksky #authorsky #writersky
January 26, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Woot!
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
Any RPG that has the tag line "Unlubed singularity” shouldn’t be missed!
Checkout the Beardy Takeover with
@jannywurts.bsky.social
@hollytinsl3y.bsky.social
@jcmberne.bsky.social
& my bearded brothers
@tombookbeard.bsky.social
@dbrook.bsky.social
@davidtlist.bsky.social
Episode links below
Checkout the Beardy Takeover with
@jannywurts.bsky.social
@hollytinsl3y.bsky.social
@jcmberne.bsky.social
& my bearded brothers
@tombookbeard.bsky.social
@dbrook.bsky.social
@davidtlist.bsky.social
Episode links below
January 26, 2026 at 8:02 AM
Any RPG that has the tag line "Unlubed singularity” shouldn’t be missed!
Checkout the Beardy Takeover with
@jannywurts.bsky.social
@hollytinsl3y.bsky.social
@jcmberne.bsky.social
& my bearded brothers
@tombookbeard.bsky.social
@dbrook.bsky.social
@davidtlist.bsky.social
Episode links below
Checkout the Beardy Takeover with
@jannywurts.bsky.social
@hollytinsl3y.bsky.social
@jcmberne.bsky.social
& my bearded brothers
@tombookbeard.bsky.social
@dbrook.bsky.social
@davidtlist.bsky.social
Episode links below
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
We are all Alex Pretti
January 25, 2026 at 4:05 PM
We are all Alex Pretti
I love this tech for cars.
Run a field of solar panels connected to these things and you produce gasoline in a renewable manner.
Meaning we can keep our cars lighter and safer, reduce dependency on rare elements, and be happier.
www.jalopnik.com/2083556/new-...
Run a field of solar panels connected to these things and you produce gasoline in a renewable manner.
Meaning we can keep our cars lighter and safer, reduce dependency on rare elements, and be happier.
www.jalopnik.com/2083556/new-...
New York Startup Builds Fridge-Sized Machine That Can Turn Air Into Gasoline - Jalopnik
While it's not quite the free energy it sounds like at first, Aircela's technology in its current state has some practical, small-scale applications.
www.jalopnik.com
January 25, 2026 at 2:47 PM
I love this tech for cars.
Run a field of solar panels connected to these things and you produce gasoline in a renewable manner.
Meaning we can keep our cars lighter and safer, reduce dependency on rare elements, and be happier.
www.jalopnik.com/2083556/new-...
Run a field of solar panels connected to these things and you produce gasoline in a renewable manner.
Meaning we can keep our cars lighter and safer, reduce dependency on rare elements, and be happier.
www.jalopnik.com/2083556/new-...
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
My short story "The Diner at the Duty of Intersection and Despair" was published at @uncannymagazine.bsky.social in Jul/Aug 2025. Chosen one narrative goes wrong, Justin and Bright have to save the world (and sort out their relationship)
www.uncannymagazine.com/article/the-...
www.uncannymagazine.com/article/the-...
January 22, 2026 at 5:57 PM
My short story "The Diner at the Duty of Intersection and Despair" was published at @uncannymagazine.bsky.social in Jul/Aug 2025. Chosen one narrative goes wrong, Justin and Bright have to save the world (and sort out their relationship)
www.uncannymagazine.com/article/the-...
www.uncannymagazine.com/article/the-...
Adrian has great taste!
Do YOU have great taste?
Maybe you should check this list and make sure you've read any of the books listed that you haven't heard of before!
If in doubt, it's always good to read in alphabetical order by author's last name.
Do YOU have great taste?
Maybe you should check this list and make sure you've read any of the books listed that you haven't heard of before!
If in doubt, it's always good to read in alphabetical order by author's last name.
Part two of “What’s on my TBR for 2026?”I can’t wait to read these books by @sunyidean.com @johngwynneauthor.bsky.social @jcmberne.bsky.social @shannonchakraborty.bsky.social @scottpalmerauthor.bsky.social @marklawrenceauthor.bsky.social and more.
What are you all planning to read this year?
What are you all planning to read this year?
January 21, 2026 at 2:33 PM
Adrian has great taste!
Do YOU have great taste?
Maybe you should check this list and make sure you've read any of the books listed that you haven't heard of before!
If in doubt, it's always good to read in alphabetical order by author's last name.
Do YOU have great taste?
Maybe you should check this list and make sure you've read any of the books listed that you haven't heard of before!
If in doubt, it's always good to read in alphabetical order by author's last name.
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
The Hunted by Steven Max Russo: Who is the Predator, Who is the Prey?
irresponsiblereader.com/2026/01/20/t...
irresponsiblereader.com/2026/01/20/t...
January 20, 2026 at 7:46 PM
The Hunted by Steven Max Russo: Who is the Predator, Who is the Prey?
irresponsiblereader.com/2026/01/20/t...
irresponsiblereader.com/2026/01/20/t...
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
The Beardy Takeover: Episode One will be going live on 25th January at 9pm (UK) , 4pm (EST) and 8am (26th in Aus). Join the Beardsmen along with the incredible @jannywurts.bsky.social, the epic @jcmberne.bsky.social and @hollytinsl3y.bsky.social, who somehow got herself invited. See you there!
January 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM
The Beardy Takeover: Episode One will be going live on 25th January at 9pm (UK) , 4pm (EST) and 8am (26th in Aus). Join the Beardsmen along with the incredible @jannywurts.bsky.social, the epic @jcmberne.bsky.social and @hollytinsl3y.bsky.social, who somehow got herself invited. See you there!
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
#FantasyIndiesJanuary 15
Last, Current & Next reads
Last: Prey of Angels by JCM Berne @jcmberne.bsky.social (thanks for the ARC! Rohan's adventures are always fun😁)
Current: I'm editing Rites of Departure (one of my upcoming books)
Next: I'm not sure yet, but it will probably be one of these:
Last, Current & Next reads
Last: Prey of Angels by JCM Berne @jcmberne.bsky.social (thanks for the ARC! Rohan's adventures are always fun😁)
Current: I'm editing Rites of Departure (one of my upcoming books)
Next: I'm not sure yet, but it will probably be one of these:
January 15, 2026 at 12:30 PM
#FantasyIndiesJanuary 15
Last, Current & Next reads
Last: Prey of Angels by JCM Berne @jcmberne.bsky.social (thanks for the ARC! Rohan's adventures are always fun😁)
Current: I'm editing Rites of Departure (one of my upcoming books)
Next: I'm not sure yet, but it will probably be one of these:
Last, Current & Next reads
Last: Prey of Angels by JCM Berne @jcmberne.bsky.social (thanks for the ARC! Rohan's adventures are always fun😁)
Current: I'm editing Rites of Departure (one of my upcoming books)
Next: I'm not sure yet, but it will probably be one of these:
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
It has been 3 years since No Heart for a Thief came out! In celebration, all Malitu books are on sale for $0.99 through January 18.
Listen to the audio for your sneak peak at the No Heart for a Thief audiobook coming soon, narrated by Daniel C-M Ryder.
Listen to the audio for your sneak peak at the No Heart for a Thief audiobook coming soon, narrated by Daniel C-M Ryder.
January 15, 2026 at 12:18 PM
It has been 3 years since No Heart for a Thief came out! In celebration, all Malitu books are on sale for $0.99 through January 18.
Listen to the audio for your sneak peak at the No Heart for a Thief audiobook coming soon, narrated by Daniel C-M Ryder.
Listen to the audio for your sneak peak at the No Heart for a Thief audiobook coming soon, narrated by Daniel C-M Ryder.
Tracking my UPS delivery feels like cyberstalking.
(I kind of have to watch it, they're delivering stuff that needs a signature).
(I kind of have to watch it, they're delivering stuff that needs a signature).
January 14, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Tracking my UPS delivery feels like cyberstalking.
(I kind of have to watch it, they're delivering stuff that needs a signature).
(I kind of have to watch it, they're delivering stuff that needs a signature).
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
Did another thing that's partly me complaining that blind people can't rely on upcoming release lists because there's no way to know if there'll be an audio book. Also me being happy Buda's Wagon finally gets an audio version. youtu.be/5jBDdQyoWnU
A Random Number Of Books I Might Read And Talk ABout in 2026
YouTube video by Raf Blutaxt
youtu.be
January 13, 2026 at 11:23 PM
Did another thing that's partly me complaining that blind people can't rely on upcoming release lists because there's no way to know if there'll be an audio book. Also me being happy Buda's Wagon finally gets an audio version. youtu.be/5jBDdQyoWnU
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
Ok, as noted by @renay.bsky.social, it is officially award season, so I am going to list my set of tagged books (and the occasional story), and some comments about them. Maybe, after the list is done, I'll try deciding my favorites. The initial list is in reverse chronological order.
#HugoAwards
#HugoAwards
January 12, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Ok, as noted by @renay.bsky.social, it is officially award season, so I am going to list my set of tagged books (and the occasional story), and some comments about them. Maybe, after the list is done, I'll try deciding my favorites. The initial list is in reverse chronological order.
#HugoAwards
#HugoAwards
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
Shielf of the Mothership: Turn Seven of the Hybrid Helix, by @jcmberne.bsky.social. Another series I mention frequently, it is a fun superhero space opera fantasy. Note the "fantasy" part please, and ignore any physics. This one explains a *lot more* of the universe setting. Best Series as well.
January 12, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Shielf of the Mothership: Turn Seven of the Hybrid Helix, by @jcmberne.bsky.social. Another series I mention frequently, it is a fun superhero space opera fantasy. Note the "fantasy" part please, and ignore any physics. This one explains a *lot more* of the universe setting. Best Series as well.
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
2025 Author Adjacent Guests Part II:
@ryanskeff.bsky.social (AGAIN)
Sam Paisley
@mikemollman.bsky.social
@jcmberne.bsky.social
@mikelmelwasul.bsky.social
Rosaire Bushey
J. Alex Giguere
@nicholaswfuller.bsky.social
E.L. Montague
@jamesldulin.bsky.social
@ryanskeff.bsky.social (AGAIN)
Sam Paisley
@mikemollman.bsky.social
@jcmberne.bsky.social
@mikelmelwasul.bsky.social
Rosaire Bushey
J. Alex Giguere
@nicholaswfuller.bsky.social
E.L. Montague
@jamesldulin.bsky.social
January 12, 2026 at 12:50 PM
2025 Author Adjacent Guests Part II:
@ryanskeff.bsky.social (AGAIN)
Sam Paisley
@mikemollman.bsky.social
@jcmberne.bsky.social
@mikelmelwasul.bsky.social
Rosaire Bushey
J. Alex Giguere
@nicholaswfuller.bsky.social
E.L. Montague
@jamesldulin.bsky.social
@ryanskeff.bsky.social (AGAIN)
Sam Paisley
@mikemollman.bsky.social
@jcmberne.bsky.social
@mikelmelwasul.bsky.social
Rosaire Bushey
J. Alex Giguere
@nicholaswfuller.bsky.social
E.L. Montague
@jamesldulin.bsky.social
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
#FantasyIndiesJanuary 12
Shout out other indies
I think all indie authors deserve a shout out; doing what you do is hard.
But here are a few who have sequels coming out soon that I'm excited for:
@plstuart-author.bsky.social
@triempery.bsky.social
@cblansdell.bsky.social
@jcmberne.bsky.social
Shout out other indies
I think all indie authors deserve a shout out; doing what you do is hard.
But here are a few who have sequels coming out soon that I'm excited for:
@plstuart-author.bsky.social
@triempery.bsky.social
@cblansdell.bsky.social
@jcmberne.bsky.social
#FantasyIndiesJanuary 1
Hi, I'm AJ Calvin, author of 2 epic fantasy series (The Caein Legacy and The Relics of War), along with a standalone sci-fi (Wraith and the Revolution.)
I had to take a few months off these due to stress, but it's nice to be back at it. 😊Happy New Year!
Hi, I'm AJ Calvin, author of 2 epic fantasy series (The Caein Legacy and The Relics of War), along with a standalone sci-fi (Wraith and the Revolution.)
I had to take a few months off these due to stress, but it's nice to be back at it. 😊Happy New Year!
January 12, 2026 at 12:42 PM
#FantasyIndiesJanuary 12
Shout out other indies
I think all indie authors deserve a shout out; doing what you do is hard.
But here are a few who have sequels coming out soon that I'm excited for:
@plstuart-author.bsky.social
@triempery.bsky.social
@cblansdell.bsky.social
@jcmberne.bsky.social
Shout out other indies
I think all indie authors deserve a shout out; doing what you do is hard.
But here are a few who have sequels coming out soon that I'm excited for:
@plstuart-author.bsky.social
@triempery.bsky.social
@cblansdell.bsky.social
@jcmberne.bsky.social
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
January 8, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Looking to make a video:
What do you think (if any) is the difference between impossible things that are ascribed to technology (i.e. warp drives, artificial gravity) and magic (i.e. fireballs, pacts with demons)?
Are there 'rules' that should be followed for either case?
What do you think (if any) is the difference between impossible things that are ascribed to technology (i.e. warp drives, artificial gravity) and magic (i.e. fireballs, pacts with demons)?
Are there 'rules' that should be followed for either case?
January 7, 2026 at 6:38 PM
Looking to make a video:
What do you think (if any) is the difference between impossible things that are ascribed to technology (i.e. warp drives, artificial gravity) and magic (i.e. fireballs, pacts with demons)?
Are there 'rules' that should be followed for either case?
What do you think (if any) is the difference between impossible things that are ascribed to technology (i.e. warp drives, artificial gravity) and magic (i.e. fireballs, pacts with demons)?
Are there 'rules' that should be followed for either case?
"Catpissman" could just be a Disney Marvel show next year.
I don't want to bring my partner, child, or friend to your store if catpissman is there. I can get my stuff on the Internet. I probably spend as much money or more than he does, I just don't make gaming my whole identity.
January 7, 2026 at 6:07 PM
"Catpissman" could just be a Disney Marvel show next year.
Reposted by JCM Berne; author of Wistful Ascending
Xmas Book Haul
Wings So Soft - @danifinnwrites.bsky.social
The Winds of War - @moewanders.bsky.social
Partial Function - @jcmberne.bsky.social
Umbra - Amber Toro
Excalibur's King by Miriam Yvette
A Dragon of the Veil - @nicksnapeauthor.bsky.social
As Born to Rule the Storm - @catebaumer.bsky.social
Wings So Soft - @danifinnwrites.bsky.social
The Winds of War - @moewanders.bsky.social
Partial Function - @jcmberne.bsky.social
Umbra - Amber Toro
Excalibur's King by Miriam Yvette
A Dragon of the Veil - @nicksnapeauthor.bsky.social
As Born to Rule the Storm - @catebaumer.bsky.social
January 6, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Xmas Book Haul
Wings So Soft - @danifinnwrites.bsky.social
The Winds of War - @moewanders.bsky.social
Partial Function - @jcmberne.bsky.social
Umbra - Amber Toro
Excalibur's King by Miriam Yvette
A Dragon of the Veil - @nicksnapeauthor.bsky.social
As Born to Rule the Storm - @catebaumer.bsky.social
Wings So Soft - @danifinnwrites.bsky.social
The Winds of War - @moewanders.bsky.social
Partial Function - @jcmberne.bsky.social
Umbra - Amber Toro
Excalibur's King by Miriam Yvette
A Dragon of the Veil - @nicksnapeauthor.bsky.social
As Born to Rule the Storm - @catebaumer.bsky.social
Favorite cities I've visited:
1. Reykjavík
2. Capris
3. Prague
4. Reykjavík
5. Rome
6. Budapest
7. Bergen
8. Stockholm
9. Stavanger
10. Reykjavík
1. Reykjavík
2. Capris
3. Prague
4. Reykjavík
5. Rome
6. Budapest
7. Bergen
8. Stockholm
9. Stavanger
10. Reykjavík
Favourite cities I've visited.
1. Los Angeles
2. San Francisco
3. Amsterdam
4. Edinburgh
5. Dublin
6. Barcelona
7. Paris
8. Rijeka
9. Bath
10. Glasgow
(Not counting Bristol, because I live there).
1. Los Angeles
2. San Francisco
3. Amsterdam
4. Edinburgh
5. Dublin
6. Barcelona
7. Paris
8. Rijeka
9. Bath
10. Glasgow
(Not counting Bristol, because I live there).
January 6, 2026 at 12:07 AM
Favorite cities I've visited:
1. Reykjavík
2. Capris
3. Prague
4. Reykjavík
5. Rome
6. Budapest
7. Bergen
8. Stockholm
9. Stavanger
10. Reykjavík
1. Reykjavík
2. Capris
3. Prague
4. Reykjavík
5. Rome
6. Budapest
7. Bergen
8. Stockholm
9. Stavanger
10. Reykjavík
If I could sell every day like I did yesterday I'd be making a profit as an author (not a huge profit, but enough to pay for covers and editing and audio and still have enough left to treat my wife to a nice dinner).
Why do these days crop up? I wish I knew.
Why do these days crop up? I wish I knew.
January 5, 2026 at 9:26 PM
If I could sell every day like I did yesterday I'd be making a profit as an author (not a huge profit, but enough to pay for covers and editing and audio and still have enough left to treat my wife to a nice dinner).
Why do these days crop up? I wish I knew.
Why do these days crop up? I wish I knew.