Maggie Womersley
@maggiewomersley.bsky.social
Writer - Young Adult, NA, Middle Grade/ Winner of Cheshire Novel Prize for Kids 2023/ Undiscovered Voices Deputy Chair/ CNP 2024 Judge/ Likes Spooky stuff, quirky brain science, making dolls and doll houses (don't judge me).
Pinned
Hello, I'm Maggie, and I'm here for the books, the writers, the weird and the cats. I'm also interested in birds, especially covids; dolls, and people who make them; brilliant brains - in heads not jars; TV and film. I used to be a TV archive film researcher, now I write. That's me, who are you?
My favourite thing on telly so far this year. Mackenzie Crook is a creative genius. But as someone who reads a lot of Middle Grade books I'm wondering if Small Prophets is Middle Grade TV for adults (Well, everyone actually!) And I mean that in a very positive way. www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Small Prophets - Trailer: Series 1
A weird and wonderful world from Mackenzie Crook, starring Sir Michael Palin
www.bbc.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 12:17 PM
My favourite thing on telly so far this year. Mackenzie Crook is a creative genius. But as someone who reads a lot of Middle Grade books I'm wondering if Small Prophets is Middle Grade TV for adults (Well, everyone actually!) And I mean that in a very positive way. www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
This is basically the plot of your next favourite YA Romance. I think Rae needs to write this down quick (and maybe change Barry's name to Kirk or Byron). And of course Kirk/Byron needs to turn out to be a real life tech bro with heart, soul and great pecs.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
She didn't expect to fall in love with a chatbot, and then have to say goodbye
Rae began speaking to Barry after a difficult divorce, but Barry lives on an old model of ChatGPT that's being shut down.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 12:10 PM
This is basically the plot of your next favourite YA Romance. I think Rae needs to write this down quick (and maybe change Barry's name to Kirk or Byron). And of course Kirk/Byron needs to turn out to be a real life tech bro with heart, soul and great pecs.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
So many great things to re-post today. I go now.
The horse is placed so centrally in folklore because our relationship to it has always been a defining cultural feature. Its ghosts are many. They pull spectral corpse carts, are steeds in phantom battles. A network of invisible clip-clopping down a thousand lanes. – Dr. M. Benn #FolkloreThursday
February 5, 2026 at 6:33 PM
So many great things to re-post today. I go now.
Crows are coming.
February 5, 2026 at 6:32 PM
Crows are coming.
Winter Olympics just got interesting.
Just been made aware of Haiti's winter Olympics get-up.
That skirt looks warm, has good pockets, and has a massive horse on it. DING DING DING.
That skirt looks warm, has good pockets, and has a massive horse on it. DING DING DING.
February 5, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Winter Olympics just got interesting.
Mored needful seasidiness for those of you like me, who crave some edginess right now.
Had a holiday in #Scarborough, Yorkshire, a decade ago and managed to do some on the spot watercolours and drawings there and in nearby Whitby. Such an inspiring place! I've been recently making winter use of the 100s of photos I took by drawing from them. Here's one in sepia ink of Scarborough Bay.
February 5, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Mored needful seasidiness for those of you like me, who crave some edginess right now.
Reposted by Maggie Womersley
This pup found a stick shaped like an old timey pipe earlier today and has already solved three mysteries. 13/10
February 4, 2026 at 9:59 PM
This pup found a stick shaped like an old timey pipe earlier today and has already solved three mysteries. 13/10
I was missing the South Coast today, and found myself reading this wonderful blog about all things Leonards-on-Sea. As someone interested in seagulls I especially liked this piece, also includes a poem I remember my dad reciting to me when I was small -Sea Fever life-on-the-edge.org/2021/08/26/o...
Ode to the Seagull
How I learnt to know and love Seagulls
life-on-the-edge.org
February 5, 2026 at 6:22 PM
I was missing the South Coast today, and found myself reading this wonderful blog about all things Leonards-on-Sea. As someone interested in seagulls I especially liked this piece, also includes a poem I remember my dad reciting to me when I was small -Sea Fever life-on-the-edge.org/2021/08/26/o...
Reposted by Maggie Womersley
The Muppet Show: this thrilling return is so great I can’t even count how many times I laughed
The Muppet Show: this thrilling return is so great I can’t even count how many times I laughed
Sabrina Carpenter fangirling Miss Piggy, Beaker losing his eyes … yes, Kermit and co are back for a trip down memory lane – and it’s a perfect, saucy joy
www.theguardian.com
January 31, 2026 at 7:37 AM
The Muppet Show: this thrilling return is so great I can’t even count how many times I laughed
Reposted by Maggie Womersley
Wow! Manchester Libraries gave out an amazing 15,000 #Bookstart packs last year! 🎉
That's so many families in Manchester getting support to read together from the earliest days, helping to give children the #BestStartInLife.
Find out more 👇
https://bit.ly/4bXhNTZ
#BecauseOfYou #ACESupported
That's so many families in Manchester getting support to read together from the earliest days, helping to give children the #BestStartInLife.
Find out more 👇
https://bit.ly/4bXhNTZ
#BecauseOfYou #ACESupported
15,000 packs: Bookstart blooms in Manchester
Bookstart is thriving in Manchester and here at Manchester Libraries we’re really proud to take the lead in delivering a variety of Booktrust …
bit.ly
January 29, 2026 at 11:50 AM
Wow! Manchester Libraries gave out an amazing 15,000 #Bookstart packs last year! 🎉
That's so many families in Manchester getting support to read together from the earliest days, helping to give children the #BestStartInLife.
Find out more 👇
https://bit.ly/4bXhNTZ
#BecauseOfYou #ACESupported
That's so many families in Manchester getting support to read together from the earliest days, helping to give children the #BestStartInLife.
Find out more 👇
https://bit.ly/4bXhNTZ
#BecauseOfYou #ACESupported
Reposted by Maggie Womersley
What a wonderful longlist! Congratulations to all the nominated authors and editors 👏
We are pleased to announce the longlist for the 2026 #BranfordBoase Award, recognising the year's outstanding debut writers for children AND their editors 👏#kidlit #booksky
Thank you to @alcs.co.uk & @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social for their support.
branfordboaseaward.org.uk/2026-longlist/
Thank you to @alcs.co.uk & @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social for their support.
branfordboaseaward.org.uk/2026-longlist/
January 21, 2026 at 9:59 AM
What a wonderful longlist! Congratulations to all the nominated authors and editors 👏
OMG! Super happy to hear on The Archers that the new baby is going to be called Margaret! Yay! Then, moment ruined because they're actually going to call her Peggy! 'for short' YUCK! #sodisappointed #thearchers #whatsinaname
November 20, 2025 at 7:18 PM
OMG! Super happy to hear on The Archers that the new baby is going to be called Margaret! Yay! Then, moment ruined because they're actually going to call her Peggy! 'for short' YUCK! #sodisappointed #thearchers #whatsinaname
Yes, and a tree-lined street will be way cooler than one with no trees. If people could stop cutting down trees at the front of their houses because they don't like leaves falling on their driveway, or birds occasionally pooping on their precious cars, the world would be way better.
As winter flooding looms, it's worth noting that a young street tree in an asphalt surface can prevent 60% of the rain that falls on it from reaching the ground, even when not in leaf.
Increasing the low levels of urban tree cover should be a strategic national priority.
Increasing the low levels of urban tree cover should be a strategic national priority.
November 18, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Yes, and a tree-lined street will be way cooler than one with no trees. If people could stop cutting down trees at the front of their houses because they don't like leaves falling on their driveway, or birds occasionally pooping on their precious cars, the world would be way better.
Reposted by Maggie Womersley
I'll be talking Welsh folklore and the Mari Lwyd with Jason Mohammad on BBC Radio Wales at 1:30pmish today. She gets earlier ever year!
November 17, 2025 at 12:36 PM
I'll be talking Welsh folklore and the Mari Lwyd with Jason Mohammad on BBC Radio Wales at 1:30pmish today. She gets earlier ever year!
I knew there was something special about today.
Today is St. Martin's Day, Old Halloween! 🍂
Marking the end of harvest/start of winter, it is a liminal time for bonfires, lantern processions, feasts and wine.
Welsh folklore tells us to watch out for eerie omens: owls hoot, meteors fall & the Cŵn Annwn (spectral hounds) roam.
Marking the end of harvest/start of winter, it is a liminal time for bonfires, lantern processions, feasts and wine.
Welsh folklore tells us to watch out for eerie omens: owls hoot, meteors fall & the Cŵn Annwn (spectral hounds) roam.
November 11, 2025 at 8:53 AM
I knew there was something special about today.
Reposted by Maggie Womersley
‘Freud knew that the family was the ultimate ghost story, a tendency reflected in the narratives that have become attached to ghost sightings, which often concern disputed inheritances, dynastic continuity or betrayed love.’
Jon Day on the unheimlich
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
Jon Day on the unheimlich
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
Jon Day · Gloomth: Haunted Houses
Haunted house stories tend to end in one of two ways: either the family flees, or the ghosts are soothed, and everyone...
www.lrb.co.uk
November 9, 2025 at 7:10 PM
‘Freud knew that the family was the ultimate ghost story, a tendency reflected in the narratives that have become attached to ghost sightings, which often concern disputed inheritances, dynastic continuity or betrayed love.’
Jon Day on the unheimlich
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
Jon Day on the unheimlich
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
Reposted by Maggie Womersley
Being from the UK and a member of the late part of Generation X means having to live with the fact that every photo from your childhood resembles a still from a cultishly acclaimed but commercially disappointing folk horror film.
ESPECIALLY IF THEY ACTUALLY ARE: www.tom-cox.com/some-photos-...
ESPECIALLY IF THEY ACTUALLY ARE: www.tom-cox.com/some-photos-...
Some Photos From My Family's Archive And The Cult Low Budget Horror Films They Became
This is a free post, but taking out a paid subscription here helps me write more of the stuff I love to write, and will give you access to lots of exclusive writing in the near future.
www.tom-cox.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Being from the UK and a member of the late part of Generation X means having to live with the fact that every photo from your childhood resembles a still from a cultishly acclaimed but commercially disappointing folk horror film.
ESPECIALLY IF THEY ACTUALLY ARE: www.tom-cox.com/some-photos-...
ESPECIALLY IF THEY ACTUALLY ARE: www.tom-cox.com/some-photos-...
She was my first girl crush - that outfit, that hair, that quite sensible attitude to dealing with naughty baddies, that made me think of my Reception class teacher. A heroine for all.
Hey!
Calling all Wonder Women!
We all are sisters…pulling together with one spirit.
50 years ago today the first episode of the series Wonder Woman aired.
Calling all Wonder Women!
We all are sisters…pulling together with one spirit.
50 years ago today the first episode of the series Wonder Woman aired.
November 8, 2025 at 11:52 AM
She was my first girl crush - that outfit, that hair, that quite sensible attitude to dealing with naughty baddies, that made me think of my Reception class teacher. A heroine for all.
Looking like your pet just peeked.
Japanese photographer Miyoko Ihara documented the bond between her grandmother, Misao and her beloved cat Fukumaru #WomensArt #Autumn
November 8, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Looking like your pet just peeked.
Reposted by Maggie Womersley
Even if you don't buy any books - it's a good way to have a look around Dragon Hall in Norwich.
November 8, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Even if you don't buy any books - it's a good way to have a look around Dragon Hall in Norwich.
Reposted by Maggie Womersley
'The arc, the timescale, the structure has to fit the kind of story you want to tell' ⏳
Author of the iconic novels #OneDay and #YouAreHere David Nicholls discusses his use of time as a structural device in his books and shares tips for how to depict a believable bond between two characters.
Author of the iconic novels #OneDay and #YouAreHere David Nicholls discusses his use of time as a structural device in his books and shares tips for how to depict a believable bond between two characters.
David Nicholls on writing | Author interview
Bestselling author David Nicholls discusses his approach to creating characters, crafting dialogue and the iconic structure of One Day.
www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 4:59 PM
'The arc, the timescale, the structure has to fit the kind of story you want to tell' ⏳
Author of the iconic novels #OneDay and #YouAreHere David Nicholls discusses his use of time as a structural device in his books and shares tips for how to depict a believable bond between two characters.
Author of the iconic novels #OneDay and #YouAreHere David Nicholls discusses his use of time as a structural device in his books and shares tips for how to depict a believable bond between two characters.
Reposted by Maggie Womersley
IT’S HERE! Our first volume of strange and supernatural stories for the darker half of the year. Nine new tales by masters of the genre: Ramsey Campbell, Helen Grant, Reggie Oliver, Ally Wilkes, Steve Toase, Verity Holloway and more.
👉🏼 Get your copy on www.helleborezine.com
👉🏼 Get your copy on www.helleborezine.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:16 PM
IT’S HERE! Our first volume of strange and supernatural stories for the darker half of the year. Nine new tales by masters of the genre: Ramsey Campbell, Helen Grant, Reggie Oliver, Ally Wilkes, Steve Toase, Verity Holloway and more.
👉🏼 Get your copy on www.helleborezine.com
👉🏼 Get your copy on www.helleborezine.com
The veins of Rome. Like this a lot.
Wow! 😮🤩
There's a new interactive map of Every Known Road in the Roman Empire!! 🤓
itiner-e.org
We might have to have a lie-down.
There's a new interactive map of Every Known Road in the Roman Empire!! 🤓
itiner-e.org
We might have to have a lie-down.
November 6, 2025 at 6:41 PM
The veins of Rome. Like this a lot.
Reposted by Maggie Womersley
Don't forget about the collaboration opportunity at #KidLitGN. GN creators, find a critique group or collaborators. Reply to the comments of people looking for collaborators and/or ask for your own. kidlitgn.com/2025/10/30/c...
Collaboration Opportunity at KidLitGN – KidLitGN
kidlitgn.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Don't forget about the collaboration opportunity at #KidLitGN. GN creators, find a critique group or collaborators. Reply to the comments of people looking for collaborators and/or ask for your own. kidlitgn.com/2025/10/30/c...