José Pablo Iriarte
@labyrinthrat.bsky.social
Spec fic author and middle grade novelist. Cuban-American ceterosexual enby. They/them.
Debut MG novel BENNY RAMÍREZ AND THE NEARLY DEPARTED is a Norton, BSFA, Ignyte, and Florida SSYRA finalist!!!
https://linktr.ee/labyrinthrat
Debut MG novel BENNY RAMÍREZ AND THE NEARLY DEPARTED is a Norton, BSFA, Ignyte, and Florida SSYRA finalist!!!
https://linktr.ee/labyrinthrat
Pinned
Just a reminder, if you've got young-at-heart readers in your life who love funny ghost stories. 😊
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
Physical media. Get physical media. Paramount won't come into your house and steal that. Probably.
December 27, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Physical media. Get physical media. Paramount won't come into your house and steal that. Probably.
Thank you so much! I'm happy you enjoyed it! 😊
What a great story, sir! Two characters very different from one another + fun to read, and the 3rd, um, main character, who was SO great. (Happy to hear the info from the helpful customer service guy as well.) @stefansecho.bsky.social's reading was perfect but #3's rendition was just a riot!
Re-sharing for the daytime crowd--I've got a new short story out today! It's totes magotes not about AI! Really!
You can listen to the podcast or read the text for free, or you can support the work Lightspeed is doing by buying the issue or subscribing!
www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/hagi...
You can listen to the podcast or read the text for free, or you can support the work Lightspeed is doing by buying the issue or subscribing!
www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/hagi...
December 27, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Thank you so much! I'm happy you enjoyed it! 😊
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
So this whole "editorial" is garbage, but I want to note that she goes on to suggest three books by white men to "diversify your reading." The three authors she suggests died in 1982, 1963, and 1961. If you want to solve the made-up problem of a lack of opportunities for contemporary white dudes...
@startribune.com finally stands up for the truly forgotten! White men! Can't make this shit up
www.startribune.com/2026-reading...
www.startribune.com/2026-reading...
Opinion | You can’t be diverse if you exclude white men
Those year-end book lists that claim to be all about diversity often seem to miss this one major demographic, Annie Holmquist writes.
www.startribune.com
December 26, 2025 at 5:31 PM
So this whole "editorial" is garbage, but I want to note that she goes on to suggest three books by white men to "diversify your reading." The three authors she suggests died in 1982, 1963, and 1961. If you want to solve the made-up problem of a lack of opportunities for contemporary white dudes...
Help me understand the Starbucks news. Are we still boycotting?
December 27, 2025 at 2:14 AM
Help me understand the Starbucks news. Are we still boycotting?
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
It's not anecdotal, it's small batch artisanal farm to table data!
December 26, 2025 at 4:18 PM
It's not anecdotal, it's small batch artisanal farm to table data!
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
Talking to one of these types at a con who asked how I 'got in' with so many 'famous writers' who I'd been talking to and I said "we made friends before anyone knew who we were decades ago by striking up interesting conversations and enjoying each other's company" and he kept re-asking the question.
They have come to the convention hoping to "break in" and then find themselves -- shocker! -- a "nobody in the book world." Yeah no shit! We all are! I have gently told guys like this a million times that it takes most of us *years* of hard work but they do not believe that could be true for them. +
December 26, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Talking to one of these types at a con who asked how I 'got in' with so many 'famous writers' who I'd been talking to and I said "we made friends before anyone knew who we were decades ago by striking up interesting conversations and enjoying each other's company" and he kept re-asking the question.
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
Just a thing about this: a common statement in writing is that you can fix crap, but you can't fix a blank page.
I have heard AI apologists claim that this is why it's fine to generate a first draft.
Now, to be clear, fuck this.
But also: an AI draft is a fucking blank page.
I have heard AI apologists claim that this is why it's fine to generate a first draft.
Now, to be clear, fuck this.
But also: an AI draft is a fucking blank page.
I know I don’t talk about writing much. It is because I am writing so slowly.
But I want you to know that I am taking a part of this story that absolutely sucked and took me months to produce four of the worst chapters I have ever written and in the edit I figured out how to fix it.
But I want you to know that I am taking a part of this story that absolutely sucked and took me months to produce four of the worst chapters I have ever written and in the edit I figured out how to fix it.
December 24, 2025 at 3:55 AM
Just a thing about this: a common statement in writing is that you can fix crap, but you can't fix a blank page.
I have heard AI apologists claim that this is why it's fine to generate a first draft.
Now, to be clear, fuck this.
But also: an AI draft is a fucking blank page.
I have heard AI apologists claim that this is why it's fine to generate a first draft.
Now, to be clear, fuck this.
But also: an AI draft is a fucking blank page.
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
And I have three - THREE - previously published Christmas tales for you today, all free to read:
First, The North Pole Workshops, offering a timely warning about certain Christmas toys:
www.uncannymagazine.com/article/the-...
First, The North Pole Workshops, offering a timely warning about certain Christmas toys:
www.uncannymagazine.com/article/the-...
The North Pole Workshops - Uncanny Magazine
You have reached the Consumer Help Offices of the North Pole Workshops, specialists in making wishes come true. This call may be recorded for quality control, training, or other purposes. Please liste...
www.uncannymagazine.com
December 25, 2025 at 4:02 PM
And I have three - THREE - previously published Christmas tales for you today, all free to read:
First, The North Pole Workshops, offering a timely warning about certain Christmas toys:
www.uncannymagazine.com/article/the-...
First, The North Pole Workshops, offering a timely warning about certain Christmas toys:
www.uncannymagazine.com/article/the-...
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
ur friendly reminder that if you haven't eaten as much cheese as wanted this year, there's still time
December 25, 2025 at 2:27 PM
ur friendly reminder that if you haven't eaten as much cheese as wanted this year, there's still time
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
To the trans kids taking today holed up in their dysphoria hoodie, hang in there.
December 25, 2025 at 3:23 PM
To the trans kids taking today holed up in their dysphoria hoodie, hang in there.
Time to log off bsky for the day . . . I'm too old to be getting into fights with annoying strangers.
December 25, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Time to log off bsky for the day . . . I'm too old to be getting into fights with annoying strangers.
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
Tell me a story!
And does Bywater Books have some fantastic ones!
Through January 4th., take 25% off all Bywater Books/Amble Press ebooks and paperbacks (excluding preorders) with code MERRY25 at checkout!
bywaterbooks.com
❄️📚🐧
And does Bywater Books have some fantastic ones!
Through January 4th., take 25% off all Bywater Books/Amble Press ebooks and paperbacks (excluding preorders) with code MERRY25 at checkout!
bywaterbooks.com
❄️📚🐧
December 24, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Tell me a story!
And does Bywater Books have some fantastic ones!
Through January 4th., take 25% off all Bywater Books/Amble Press ebooks and paperbacks (excluding preorders) with code MERRY25 at checkout!
bywaterbooks.com
❄️📚🐧
And does Bywater Books have some fantastic ones!
Through January 4th., take 25% off all Bywater Books/Amble Press ebooks and paperbacks (excluding preorders) with code MERRY25 at checkout!
bywaterbooks.com
❄️📚🐧
Imma need somebody to explain number 3 to me.
Cockatiel minus Massachusetts?
Cockatiel minus Massachusetts?
December 24, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Imma need somebody to explain number 3 to me.
Cockatiel minus Massachusetts?
Cockatiel minus Massachusetts?
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
"Like Amazon Prime, but with human beings."
December 24, 2025 at 5:50 PM
"Like Amazon Prime, but with human beings."
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
I’m sure all the people who were very concerned about wokescold mobs destroying academic freedom are super vocally upset about this
If you’re wondering why your friends in academia are a little on edge right now, it’s because an eighteen-year-old who hasn’t done the reading, doesn’t look at the assignment, and has does no critical thinking skills more complex than “because I think it’s in the Bible” can literally end your career
The University of Oklahoma has removed an instructor who was accused by a student of religious discrimination over a failing grade on a psychology paper in which she cited the Bible and argued that promoting a “belief in multiple genders” was “demonic.” https://cnn.it/4b6g3rd
December 24, 2025 at 8:09 PM
I’m sure all the people who were very concerned about wokescold mobs destroying academic freedom are super vocally upset about this
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
Invariably, studies have found that breaking with parents is a last resort for young people.
These articles endorse a parent's right to abuse their kid, or be a hateful person who is a misery to be around and have a forgive-and-forget, grin-and-bear-it relationship later.
These articles endorse a parent's right to abuse their kid, or be a hateful person who is a misery to be around and have a forgive-and-forget, grin-and-bear-it relationship later.
Yeah, no thanks.
Stop guilting people about being estranged from family members. It someone is they likely have personal reasons for being so.
Stop guilting people about being estranged from family members. It someone is they likely have personal reasons for being so.
December 24, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Invariably, studies have found that breaking with parents is a last resort for young people.
These articles endorse a parent's right to abuse their kid, or be a hateful person who is a misery to be around and have a forgive-and-forget, grin-and-bear-it relationship later.
These articles endorse a parent's right to abuse their kid, or be a hateful person who is a misery to be around and have a forgive-and-forget, grin-and-bear-it relationship later.
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
If you’re wondering why your friends in academia are a little on edge right now, it’s because an eighteen-year-old who hasn’t done the reading, doesn’t look at the assignment, and has does no critical thinking skills more complex than “because I think it’s in the Bible” can literally end your career
The University of Oklahoma has removed an instructor who was accused by a student of religious discrimination over a failing grade on a psychology paper in which she cited the Bible and argued that promoting a “belief in multiple genders” was “demonic.” https://cnn.it/4b6g3rd
Oklahoma instructor removed from teaching for failing a Bible-based gender essay | CNN
The University of Oklahoma has removed an instructor who was accused by a student of religious discrimination over a failing grade on a psychology paper in which she cited the Bible and argued that promoting a “belief in multiple genders” was “demonic.”
cnn.it
December 24, 2025 at 6:21 PM
If you’re wondering why your friends in academia are a little on edge right now, it’s because an eighteen-year-old who hasn’t done the reading, doesn’t look at the assignment, and has does no critical thinking skills more complex than “because I think it’s in the Bible” can literally end your career
explain ur username
When I joined my first web forum, back when nobody with any sense used their real name, my handle was Icarus. (¡Ho jatraqueros!) When I got my first blog (Blogger!) I named it Icarus's Labyrinth. From there it was a short trip to "lab rat," or LabyrinthRat.
When I joined my first web forum, back when nobody with any sense used their real name, my handle was Icarus. (¡Ho jatraqueros!) When I got my first blog (Blogger!) I named it Icarus's Labyrinth. From there it was a short trip to "lab rat," or LabyrinthRat.
explain ur username
when i was driving to work in louisville the phrase “talk wordy to me” popped into my head. that spawned an editing and etymolgy blog under that title, which i ran for years, and parlayed into a job at the boston globe and also into twitter, which parlayed into fireside
when i was driving to work in louisville the phrase “talk wordy to me” popped into my head. that spawned an editing and etymolgy blog under that title, which i ran for years, and parlayed into a job at the boston globe and also into twitter, which parlayed into fireside
EXPLAIN UR USERNAME 🎤
WEATHER IS HAPPENING
WEATHER IS HAPPENING
December 24, 2025 at 8:30 PM
explain ur username
When I joined my first web forum, back when nobody with any sense used their real name, my handle was Icarus. (¡Ho jatraqueros!) When I got my first blog (Blogger!) I named it Icarus's Labyrinth. From there it was a short trip to "lab rat," or LabyrinthRat.
When I joined my first web forum, back when nobody with any sense used their real name, my handle was Icarus. (¡Ho jatraqueros!) When I got my first blog (Blogger!) I named it Icarus's Labyrinth. From there it was a short trip to "lab rat," or LabyrinthRat.
Here's a writing take: None of the so-called "bad advice" is actually bad advice. It just may not be for every writer in every situation and every moment. When I present, I'm always reminding people up front that YMMV. But lately I get tired of seeing actually solid advice crapped on.
December 23, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Here's a writing take: None of the so-called "bad advice" is actually bad advice. It just may not be for every writer in every situation and every moment. When I present, I'm always reminding people up front that YMMV. But lately I get tired of seeing actually solid advice crapped on.
I never blamed Biden for the rough economy--I understood that the pandemic's toll would take some time to dig out of, and that the pandemic was worse than it might have been thanks to Trump's incompetence. There was never a question in my mind that I would vote for Harris. <1/2>
December 23, 2025 at 12:28 PM
I never blamed Biden for the rough economy--I understood that the pandemic's toll would take some time to dig out of, and that the pandemic was worse than it might have been thanks to Trump's incompetence. There was never a question in my mind that I would vote for Harris. <1/2>
A) This is the stupidest take on Al Gore's internet.
2) If this is true we should tax billionaires 99% (1% of a billion dollars is 10 million dollars, btw) because they are perpetual motion^h^h^h^h money machines.
2) If this is true we should tax billionaires 99% (1% of a billion dollars is 10 million dollars, btw) because they are perpetual motion^h^h^h^h money machines.
December 22, 2025 at 12:33 AM
A) This is the stupidest take on Al Gore's internet.
2) If this is true we should tax billionaires 99% (1% of a billion dollars is 10 million dollars, btw) because they are perpetual motion^h^h^h^h money machines.
2) If this is true we should tax billionaires 99% (1% of a billion dollars is 10 million dollars, btw) because they are perpetual motion^h^h^h^h money machines.
I love how Del Sol shirts change from an ugly black and white design you would never have paid for into a forgettable color design you probably also would not have bought, but put em both together, and sign us up!
December 21, 2025 at 4:30 PM
I love how Del Sol shirts change from an ugly black and white design you would never have paid for into a forgettable color design you probably also would not have bought, but put em both together, and sign us up!
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
It is completely glorious how shit this looks. Just magnificent work. Slightly different lettering. A bit wonky. Didn’t even remove “THE” at the beginning of the second line. Chef’s kiss.
December 19, 2025 at 9:02 PM
It is completely glorious how shit this looks. Just magnificent work. Slightly different lettering. A bit wonky. Didn’t even remove “THE” at the beginning of the second line. Chef’s kiss.
Re-sharing for the daytime crowd--I've got a new short story out today! It's totes magotes not about AI! Really!
You can listen to the podcast or read the text for free, or you can support the work Lightspeed is doing by buying the issue or subscribing!
www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/hagi...
You can listen to the podcast or read the text for free, or you can support the work Lightspeed is doing by buying the issue or subscribing!
www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/hagi...
HagioClass - Lightspeed Magazine
Hayley stands by the exit to the bookstore, eyeing the torrent coming down in sheets over the parking lot. Behind her, Matt hides the tiniest of fist pumps and says, “You don’t want to go out in that....
www.lightspeedmagazine.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Re-sharing for the daytime crowd--I've got a new short story out today! It's totes magotes not about AI! Really!
You can listen to the podcast or read the text for free, or you can support the work Lightspeed is doing by buying the issue or subscribing!
www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/hagi...
You can listen to the podcast or read the text for free, or you can support the work Lightspeed is doing by buying the issue or subscribing!
www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/hagi...
Reposted by José Pablo Iriarte
suddenly they believe in systemic discrimination, fascinating
The collective delusion here is useful in that it has provoked conservatives to dispense with decades of bootstrap rhetoric and reveal what they would say if they thought black people were people, that is to say, if these things were happening to them
December 19, 2025 at 1:24 PM
suddenly they believe in systemic discrimination, fascinating