Kai Gottschalk
@kybrarian.bsky.social
I'm Kai! They/them. Library worker, writer in progress. Here be books and creatures and brainweirds and queerness.
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
recommendation thread! I would love links for places who sell really nice Hanukkah cards. (NOT generic winter / seasons greetings and NOT “Christmas iconography but make it blue.”) my preference is indie / small press / support artists directly. who has sites they like?
November 15, 2025 at 10:26 PM
recommendation thread! I would love links for places who sell really nice Hanukkah cards. (NOT generic winter / seasons greetings and NOT “Christmas iconography but make it blue.”) my preference is indie / small press / support artists directly. who has sites they like?
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
One way I have found to mourn someone is to set up a monthly sustaining donation to a mutual aid effort they cared about. If you can join me in honoring Alice Wong, @sfdirewolf.bsky.social with a sustaining donation today, please do. Thank you Alice, and I will not let the bastards grind me down.
November 15, 2025 at 12:34 PM
One way I have found to mourn someone is to set up a monthly sustaining donation to a mutual aid effort they cared about. If you can join me in honoring Alice Wong, @sfdirewolf.bsky.social with a sustaining donation today, please do. Thank you Alice, and I will not let the bastards grind me down.
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
Want to honour Alice Wong and her work? Provide alt text on all damn image posts! 🔥
Want to honor Alice Wong and her work? Wear a damn mask!
November 15, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Want to honour Alice Wong and her work? Provide alt text on all damn image posts! 🔥
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
Reminder! @solarisbooks.bsky.social has a bunch of horror and horror-adjacent ebooks for sale, including four of mine, for several more days! :D
Remember, horror is in your HEART, not a CALENDAR 💀
geni.us/Solarissale
Remember, horror is in your HEART, not a CALENDAR 💀
geni.us/Solarissale
November 15, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Reminder! @solarisbooks.bsky.social has a bunch of horror and horror-adjacent ebooks for sale, including four of mine, for several more days! :D
Remember, horror is in your HEART, not a CALENDAR 💀
geni.us/Solarissale
Remember, horror is in your HEART, not a CALENDAR 💀
geni.us/Solarissale
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
this goes right along with my theory that the AI obsession in *users* is often bc…
1. they were never educated (esp "ipad generation") & don't know how computers work
2. our tools and services are all SO AWFUL NOW, degraded at best, actively user-hostile at worst
1. they were never educated (esp "ipad generation") & don't know how computers work
2. our tools and services are all SO AWFUL NOW, degraded at best, actively user-hostile at worst
November 15, 2025 at 6:47 PM
this goes right along with my theory that the AI obsession in *users* is often bc…
1. they were never educated (esp "ipad generation") & don't know how computers work
2. our tools and services are all SO AWFUL NOW, degraded at best, actively user-hostile at worst
1. they were never educated (esp "ipad generation") & don't know how computers work
2. our tools and services are all SO AWFUL NOW, degraded at best, actively user-hostile at worst
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
Respect Alice Wong’s call here:
“When I am in public spaces and see most people unmasked either because they think the virus is a hoax, that masking is virtue signaling & a sign of weakness, aren't thinking about it, or that they simply don’t care, I feel like an expendable burden not worth saving.”
“When I am in public spaces and see most people unmasked either because they think the virus is a hoax, that masking is virtue signaling & a sign of weakness, aren't thinking about it, or that they simply don’t care, I feel like an expendable burden not worth saving.”
COVID Isn’t Going Anywhere. Masking Up Could Save My Life.
"When I am in public spaces and see most people unmasked, I feel like an expendable burden not worth saving."
www.teenvogue.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Respect Alice Wong’s call here:
“When I am in public spaces and see most people unmasked either because they think the virus is a hoax, that masking is virtue signaling & a sign of weakness, aren't thinking about it, or that they simply don’t care, I feel like an expendable burden not worth saving.”
“When I am in public spaces and see most people unmasked either because they think the virus is a hoax, that masking is virtue signaling & a sign of weakness, aren't thinking about it, or that they simply don’t care, I feel like an expendable burden not worth saving.”
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
And your library (in most cases!) wants to buy what you want to read! Find out collection development policy! Fill out those suggestion forms!
Libraries purchase books. When you see a book at the library, it isn’t “free”
the library bought it.
which in turn means that the community bought it.
In other words, library books are not lost sales for authors and publishers; they’re positive sales. Active sales. Those are bought.
the library bought it.
which in turn means that the community bought it.
In other words, library books are not lost sales for authors and publishers; they’re positive sales. Active sales. Those are bought.
November 16, 2025 at 2:20 AM
And your library (in most cases!) wants to buy what you want to read! Find out collection development policy! Fill out those suggestion forms!
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
November 15, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
Pick up books and put them on a table.
Ask the librarian a question.
Use a computer.
Use Libby or Hoopla or something else to stream video on your phone.
Look at the wide selection of magazines and newspapers there.
Ask the librarian a question.
Use a computer.
Use Libby or Hoopla or something else to stream video on your phone.
Look at the wide selection of magazines and newspapers there.
1. Visit the library and just hang out. The library keeps count of visitors!
2. Bring your own book to the library and read. See item number one above
3. Borrow a CD like David Bowie Ziggy Stsrdust
4. Borrow a DVD like marvel’s Iron Man
5. Attend a workshop!
6. Attend two!!
2. Bring your own book to the library and read. See item number one above
3. Borrow a CD like David Bowie Ziggy Stsrdust
4. Borrow a DVD like marvel’s Iron Man
5. Attend a workshop!
6. Attend two!!
November 16, 2025 at 4:21 AM
Pick up books and put them on a table.
Ask the librarian a question.
Use a computer.
Use Libby or Hoopla or something else to stream video on your phone.
Look at the wide selection of magazines and newspapers there.
Ask the librarian a question.
Use a computer.
Use Libby or Hoopla or something else to stream video on your phone.
Look at the wide selection of magazines and newspapers there.
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
Our beloved Alice Wong has joined the ancestors. It was one of the great honors of my life to call Alice my friend, co-author & co-conspirator. She was a true genius, a force of nature the likes of which the world has never seen before. I love you, Alice, and am equal parts grateful and devastated
November 15, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Our beloved Alice Wong has joined the ancestors. It was one of the great honors of my life to call Alice my friend, co-author & co-conspirator. She was a true genius, a force of nature the likes of which the world has never seen before. I love you, Alice, and am equal parts grateful and devastated
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
HOLY SHIT. They found the genes for fibromyalgia - and it's *not* autoimmune, it's the central nervous system. It's very cool to see some progress made on the thing that's ruined my life since late teenage years!
Medical Republic: 'Fibromyalgia finally gets a genetic fingerprint'
'Additionally, certain risk loci overlapped with long covid (BPTF) and ME/CFS (OLFM4, RABGAP1L/GPR52), two poorly characterised disorders, albeit with different lead variants.'
www.medicalrepublic.com.au/fibromyalgia...
'Additionally, certain risk loci overlapped with long covid (BPTF) and ME/CFS (OLFM4, RABGAP1L/GPR52), two poorly characterised disorders, albeit with different lead variants.'
www.medicalrepublic.com.au/fibromyalgia...
Fibromyalgia finally gets a genetic fingerprint - Medical Republic
A massive global study links the chronic pain condition to 26 genes associated with brain signalling, marking a turning point in understanding its biological roots.
www.medicalrepublic.com.au
November 14, 2025 at 4:09 AM
HOLY SHIT. They found the genes for fibromyalgia - and it's *not* autoimmune, it's the central nervous system. It's very cool to see some progress made on the thing that's ruined my life since late teenage years!
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
“Is there such a thing as 'Indian' science fiction? A short history and new anthology of speculative writing from India” —
www.moneycontrol.com/books/is-the...
A new interview with @moneycontrol.bsky.social on the IF Anthology of New Indian SFF and the history of Indian SFF.
www.moneycontrol.com/books/is-the...
A new interview with @moneycontrol.bsky.social on the IF Anthology of New Indian SFF and the history of Indian SFF.
November 14, 2025 at 12:47 PM
“Is there such a thing as 'Indian' science fiction? A short history and new anthology of speculative writing from India” —
www.moneycontrol.com/books/is-the...
A new interview with @moneycontrol.bsky.social on the IF Anthology of New Indian SFF and the history of Indian SFF.
www.moneycontrol.com/books/is-the...
A new interview with @moneycontrol.bsky.social on the IF Anthology of New Indian SFF and the history of Indian SFF.
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
The union is asking that you not patronize any Starbucks, even ones that aren't unionized, for the duration! Time to find your new favoriteocal coffee shop. To donate to their strike fund: sbworkersunited.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:16 PM
The union is asking that you not patronize any Starbucks, even ones that aren't unionized, for the duration! Time to find your new favoriteocal coffee shop. To donate to their strike fund: sbworkersunited.org
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
ALT Text benefits everyone
Alt text helps with accessibility, identifying/explaining elements you might not get to in your posts and makes your posts/work more discoverable - Make sure to toggle it on to “require alt text” in your settings
Alt text helps with accessibility, identifying/explaining elements you might not get to in your posts and makes your posts/work more discoverable - Make sure to toggle it on to “require alt text” in your settings
November 13, 2025 at 11:41 PM
ALT Text benefits everyone
Alt text helps with accessibility, identifying/explaining elements you might not get to in your posts and makes your posts/work more discoverable - Make sure to toggle it on to “require alt text” in your settings
Alt text helps with accessibility, identifying/explaining elements you might not get to in your posts and makes your posts/work more discoverable - Make sure to toggle it on to “require alt text” in your settings
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
If you want to read a delightful novella and/or a short story with a bit of heat, I will send them to you! It would mean a lot to me if we could get some traction on this so they're not falling behind on bills while they deal with the ongoing investigation.
My bestie’s family could use some help recovering after their Veteran father was scammed. Anyone who donates can email me with proof and I will send you my novella AND my short story for your reading pleasure in either PDF or EPUB format.
krismadiganwrites (@) gmail.com
gofund.me/bfa375acc
krismadiganwrites (@) gmail.com
gofund.me/bfa375acc
November 12, 2025 at 10:56 PM
If you want to read a delightful novella and/or a short story with a bit of heat, I will send them to you! It would mean a lot to me if we could get some traction on this so they're not falling behind on bills while they deal with the ongoing investigation.
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
Things are crap, as usual, so have an adorable baby Weency, who has learnt to find her light like she's on America's Next Top Model.
November 12, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Things are crap, as usual, so have an adorable baby Weency, who has learnt to find her light like she's on America's Next Top Model.
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
Oh yay!
"It’s a quick, engaging read that feels both recognizable and wholly unique. And like the best space opera, it is vast in scope while intimate in relationships."
"It’s a quick, engaging read that feels both recognizable and wholly unique. And like the best space opera, it is vast in scope while intimate in relationships."
Got a review of Bogi Takács's latest space opera, Song of Spores. This weird, fun sci-fi story is out now from Broken Eye Books.
bookjockeyalex.com/2025/11/10/r...
bookjockeyalex.com/2025/11/10/r...
Review: “Song of Spores” by Bogi Takács
Release Date: November 4, 2025Publisher: Broken Eye BooksGenre: Space opera, Science fiction Description Hugo Award winner Bogi Takács spins a tale of adventure, mystery, and political intrigue in …
bookjockeyalex.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Oh yay!
"It’s a quick, engaging read that feels both recognizable and wholly unique. And like the best space opera, it is vast in scope while intimate in relationships."
"It’s a quick, engaging read that feels both recognizable and wholly unique. And like the best space opera, it is vast in scope while intimate in relationships."
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
This is such an amazing idea. Please share and encourage people to participate!
LGBTQReads Bookish Holiday Drive
The holidays are right around the corner, and we here in the LGBTQReads community know things are particularly tight this season. And so, if you're struggling to afford gifts for a loved one who happens to be a queer lit fan, or you yourself just need a moment of…
The holidays are right around the corner, and we here in the LGBTQReads community know things are particularly tight this season. And so, if you're struggling to afford gifts for a loved one who happens to be a queer lit fan, or you yourself just need a moment of…
LGBTQReads Bookish Holiday Drive
The holidays are right around the corner, and we here in the LGBTQReads community know things are particularly tight this season. And so, if you're struggling to afford gifts for a loved one who happens to be a queer lit fan, or you yourself just need a moment of bookish respite, you can fill out this form to be matched with a bookish donation from one of many contributing authors and agents!
lgbtqreads.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:07 PM
This is such an amazing idea. Please share and encourage people to participate!
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
"Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day I would paint a picture of hot Bowser for official material, announced by Miyamoto himself. 😭 I laughed so hard in disbelief while painting, you have no idea lol"
November 12, 2025 at 5:22 PM
"Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day I would paint a picture of hot Bowser for official material, announced by Miyamoto himself. 😭 I laughed so hard in disbelief while painting, you have no idea lol"
Patron of the Day: "I have a complaint about this book. Actually, it's about the author bio. I don't want to know this about a person! I"m not going to read this book!"
My manager: ...okay?
(The author bio in question started "Briony Cameron is a queer, disabled author of Caribbean hearitage)
My manager: ...okay?
(The author bio in question started "Briony Cameron is a queer, disabled author of Caribbean hearitage)
November 12, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Patron of the Day: "I have a complaint about this book. Actually, it's about the author bio. I don't want to know this about a person! I"m not going to read this book!"
My manager: ...okay?
(The author bio in question started "Briony Cameron is a queer, disabled author of Caribbean hearitage)
My manager: ...okay?
(The author bio in question started "Briony Cameron is a queer, disabled author of Caribbean hearitage)
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
This article is required reading.
When I was writing my space opera trilogy a few years ago, I decided never to use the word "race" to refer to alien species. I used "species," "peoples," "civilizations," etc.
I've also tried to stop saying "human race" in casual conversation.
When I was writing my space opera trilogy a few years ago, I decided never to use the word "race" to refer to alien species. I used "species," "peoples," "civilizations," etc.
I've also tried to stop saying "human race" in casual conversation.
The far right is obsessed with Lord of the Rings and Musk keeps posting about "hobbits" because modern scientific racism owes more to fantasy worlds and gaming systems than genetic science, and they see both as effective mediums for right-wing propaganda www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Why Elon Musk Needs Dungeons and Dragons to Be Racist
The fantastical roots of “scientific racism”
www.theatlantic.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:16 PM
This article is required reading.
When I was writing my space opera trilogy a few years ago, I decided never to use the word "race" to refer to alien species. I used "species," "peoples," "civilizations," etc.
I've also tried to stop saying "human race" in casual conversation.
When I was writing my space opera trilogy a few years ago, I decided never to use the word "race" to refer to alien species. I used "species," "peoples," "civilizations," etc.
I've also tried to stop saying "human race" in casual conversation.
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
Please consider one of these vetted charities working in Palestine and refugee camps if you don't know anyone who can point you to a verified account with a way to actually get funds into Palestinian bank accounts. www.launchgood.com/communitypag...
Rebuilding Gaza | LaunchGood
Restoring communities, rebuilding lives, shaping a stronger future.
www.launchgood.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Please consider one of these vetted charities working in Palestine and refugee camps if you don't know anyone who can point you to a verified account with a way to actually get funds into Palestinian bank accounts. www.launchgood.com/communitypag...
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
In a significantly weirder case, "Sleeping Lady with Black Vase" is a 1928 oil painting by Róbert Berény. It was lost in WWII, and considered looted by the Nazis and likely destroyed afterwards in the chaos... until someone recognized it as set dressing in the movie "Stuart Little."
Yes, really.
Yes, really.
November 11, 2025 at 6:18 PM
In a significantly weirder case, "Sleeping Lady with Black Vase" is a 1928 oil painting by Róbert Berény. It was lost in WWII, and considered looted by the Nazis and likely destroyed afterwards in the chaos... until someone recognized it as set dressing in the movie "Stuart Little."
Yes, really.
Yes, really.
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
This is one of the things I hate most about modern capitalism. The idea of making money has been fully peeled away from delivering any kind of goods or services that people would want to pay money for.
What a thrill to be part of @talkingpointsmemo.com's series about the past 25 years of digital media! I wrote about why private equity goons destroyed Deadspin and why it matters.
There Are No Weird Blogs Anymore Cause It’s More Fruitful to Drive Them Out of Business
I learned many surprising lessons from my 20 months as editor-in-chief of...
talkingpointsmemo.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:21 PM
This is one of the things I hate most about modern capitalism. The idea of making money has been fully peeled away from delivering any kind of goods or services that people would want to pay money for.
Reposted by Kai Gottschalk
This year we have sold 31% of the advent calendars that we sold last year 😓
The art is so pretty and colorful 🥺
The facts are so good 🥺
Eels are so cool 🥺
Get an eel facts advent calendar at EelFacts.net
The art is so pretty and colorful 🥺
The facts are so good 🥺
Eels are so cool 🥺
Get an eel facts advent calendar at EelFacts.net
November 9, 2025 at 2:24 PM
This year we have sold 31% of the advent calendars that we sold last year 😓
The art is so pretty and colorful 🥺
The facts are so good 🥺
Eels are so cool 🥺
Get an eel facts advent calendar at EelFacts.net
The art is so pretty and colorful 🥺
The facts are so good 🥺
Eels are so cool 🥺
Get an eel facts advent calendar at EelFacts.net