Rachel Unger
@rachelunger.bsky.social
Writer, cyclist, stubbornly hopeful, frequently annoyed. She/her.
Links for my fiction are collected at https://www.rachelunger.com
Links for my fiction are collected at https://www.rachelunger.com
Friends - I want your recommendations for lighthearted queer holiday stories!
I loved Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun and'Nathan Burgoine's Faux Ho Ho. (Think along the lines of One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston.)
What've you got? Bonus points for ace representation!
I loved Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun and'Nathan Burgoine's Faux Ho Ho. (Think along the lines of One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston.)
What've you got? Bonus points for ace representation!
October 31, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Friends - I want your recommendations for lighthearted queer holiday stories!
I loved Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun and'Nathan Burgoine's Faux Ho Ho. (Think along the lines of One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston.)
What've you got? Bonus points for ace representation!
I loved Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun and'Nathan Burgoine's Faux Ho Ho. (Think along the lines of One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston.)
What've you got? Bonus points for ace representation!
When I say it's been a bit since I read X-Men comics, I mean it was the Age of Apocalypse.
October 19, 2025 at 9:14 PM
When I say it's been a bit since I read X-Men comics, I mean it was the Age of Apocalypse.
For those who missed it, the Story Hour reading from last week was recorded - you can listen to me and @laurenparker.bsky.social read stories about salt and ominous birds (and tacos) here: youtu.be/GFu85wShG4w
October 8, 2025 Story Hour: Rachel Unger and Lauren Parker
YouTube video by Story Hour
youtu.be
October 14, 2025 at 12:31 AM
For those who missed it, the Story Hour reading from last week was recorded - you can listen to me and @laurenparker.bsky.social read stories about salt and ominous birds (and tacos) here: youtu.be/GFu85wShG4w
On Spec is magnificent - I've read stories in their issues that will stay with me. Both times they published my work, the editor worked with me to do multiple rounds of edits to a highly polished final product. I'm so sad they're closing up shop, but I hope everyone goes on to wonderful things.
With our new issue, we are making the sad announcement that this will be the final year for On Spec. See www.onspec.ca for details.
October 11, 2025 at 3:16 AM
On Spec is magnificent - I've read stories in their issues that will stay with me. Both times they published my work, the editor worked with me to do multiple rounds of edits to a highly polished final product. I'm so sad they're closing up shop, but I hope everyone goes on to wonderful things.
It's going to be a great time - come listen tomorrow night at 7pm Pacific!
Last week ushered in Spookymonth like a full house (of Usher)…and this week, our hand is all queens. To wit: Lauren Parker makes her Story Hour debut, Rachel Unger is again among us! Join us Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. PDT! @laurenparker.bsky.social @rachelunger.bsky.social www.storyhour2020.com
October 7, 2025 at 8:49 PM
It's going to be a great time - come listen tomorrow night at 7pm Pacific!
The other evening, I had a wonderful time introducing @pronouncedlahra.bsky.social to The Magnus Archives. We listened to the first 2 episodes.
I would like to thank @rustyquill.com but also formally apologize to my friends and family for my upcoming absence, as there are 5 seasons.
I would like to thank @rustyquill.com but also formally apologize to my friends and family for my upcoming absence, as there are 5 seasons.
October 6, 2025 at 11:46 PM
The other evening, I had a wonderful time introducing @pronouncedlahra.bsky.social to The Magnus Archives. We listened to the first 2 episodes.
I would like to thank @rustyquill.com but also formally apologize to my friends and family for my upcoming absence, as there are 5 seasons.
I would like to thank @rustyquill.com but also formally apologize to my friends and family for my upcoming absence, as there are 5 seasons.
This pulled up a happy memory: I started reading horror because my godmother let me have access to her novels as soon as I snuck in and started reading. It's why I have a shelf of Bunnicula, Christopher Pike, and LJ Smith - so the kids in my life can find them one day.
I’m just begging people to publish new horror lists that include middle grade and YA ffs
They read adult horror because of US
They read adult horror because of US
October 3, 2025 at 9:47 PM
This pulled up a happy memory: I started reading horror because my godmother let me have access to her novels as soon as I snuck in and started reading. It's why I have a shelf of Bunnicula, Christopher Pike, and LJ Smith - so the kids in my life can find them one day.
Friends, who wants free fiction? Next Wednesday Oct 8 I'll be reading a horror story on @storyhour.bsky.social at 7pm Pacific! If you're interested in creepy birds, generational abuse, and why Nora's grandmother's house is strewn with salt, come hang out: www.storyhour2020.com
#horror #livereading
#horror #livereading
Home | Story Hour
www.storyhour2020.com
October 3, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Friends, who wants free fiction? Next Wednesday Oct 8 I'll be reading a horror story on @storyhour.bsky.social at 7pm Pacific! If you're interested in creepy birds, generational abuse, and why Nora's grandmother's house is strewn with salt, come hang out: www.storyhour2020.com
#horror #livereading
#horror #livereading
Share your favorite black and white movie? Don't mind if I do: decider.com/wp-content/u...
September 24, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Share your favorite black and white movie? Don't mind if I do: decider.com/wp-content/u...
@abigailkemske.bsky.social asked what comfort reads people turn to in times of stress - but character limits, so here's a thread.
1) A Psalm for the Wild Built - Becky Chambers
A journey of personal discovery, but it's also a road trip story while the characters make tea. Gentle, kind, quiet.
1) A Psalm for the Wild Built - Becky Chambers
A journey of personal discovery, but it's also a road trip story while the characters make tea. Gentle, kind, quiet.
September 12, 2025 at 5:13 PM
@abigailkemske.bsky.social asked what comfort reads people turn to in times of stress - but character limits, so here's a thread.
1) A Psalm for the Wild Built - Becky Chambers
A journey of personal discovery, but it's also a road trip story while the characters make tea. Gentle, kind, quiet.
1) A Psalm for the Wild Built - Becky Chambers
A journey of personal discovery, but it's also a road trip story while the characters make tea. Gentle, kind, quiet.
In case no one has told you, the world needs your zombie story (and by the world, I mean me.) You should submit it here: twisteddreamspress.com/call-for-sub...
Don't overthink it. Send it now (so I can read it in glorious paperback form.)
#publicserviceannouncement @twisteddreamspress.bsky.social
Don't overthink it. Send it now (so I can read it in glorious paperback form.)
#publicserviceannouncement @twisteddreamspress.bsky.social
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: WOT Anthology - Twisted Dreams Press
Twisted Dreams Press is now accepting submissions for a new anthology series! It is seven books with ten stories in each book. The first anthology will be published in June. The others will follow in ...
twisteddreamspress.com
September 9, 2025 at 8:17 PM
In case no one has told you, the world needs your zombie story (and by the world, I mean me.) You should submit it here: twisteddreamspress.com/call-for-sub...
Don't overthink it. Send it now (so I can read it in glorious paperback form.)
#publicserviceannouncement @twisteddreamspress.bsky.social
Don't overthink it. Send it now (so I can read it in glorious paperback form.)
#publicserviceannouncement @twisteddreamspress.bsky.social
Editing: the process of adding more words to a draft that is already ~1000 words too long.
September 4, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Editing: the process of adding more words to a draft that is already ~1000 words too long.
Libby knows when your attention wanders - when you’ve spent too long in the dealers room, when you emerge with a book stack heavier than some house pets. When you put your phone down to read 1 chapter.
Libby doesn’t share well. So it delivers 3 holds at once, to remind you of true devotion.#WorldCon
Libby doesn’t share well. So it delivers 3 holds at once, to remind you of true devotion.#WorldCon
August 16, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Libby knows when your attention wanders - when you’ve spent too long in the dealers room, when you emerge with a book stack heavier than some house pets. When you put your phone down to read 1 chapter.
Libby doesn’t share well. So it delivers 3 holds at once, to remind you of true devotion.#WorldCon
Libby doesn’t share well. So it delivers 3 holds at once, to remind you of true devotion.#WorldCon
Who's going to WorldCon this week? I'm reading with Broad Universe on Wed and I'll be at the SFWA networking event - otherwise I'm trying to remember I can't actually attend EVERY panel. #broaduniverse #worldcon #firehoseprogramming Who wants to come hang out?
August 11, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Who's going to WorldCon this week? I'm reading with Broad Universe on Wed and I'll be at the SFWA networking event - otherwise I'm trying to remember I can't actually attend EVERY panel. #broaduniverse #worldcon #firehoseprogramming Who wants to come hang out?
Ever wanted to hear me read one of my stories? I'll be at the Broad Universe Rapid Fire reading in Seattle next Wednesday (8/13) evening as part of WorldCon, so come hang out! Here's a link to the schedule in case the time changes: seattlein2025.org/program-and-...
Schedule
Worldcon features hundreds of hours of panel programming presented by hundreds of panelists, covering such diverse subjects as science fiction, fantasy, horror, science, costuming, art, writing, genre...
seattlein2025.org
August 7, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Ever wanted to hear me read one of my stories? I'll be at the Broad Universe Rapid Fire reading in Seattle next Wednesday (8/13) evening as part of WorldCon, so come hang out! Here's a link to the schedule in case the time changes: seattlein2025.org/program-and-...
The wonderful folks at Hicklebee's Bookstore in San Jose @hicklebees.bsky.social will order this in for you and ship it to your doorstep - I know, because they obtained a copy for me! Indies don't always have stock but they can make books happen for readers!
August 7, 2025 at 1:08 AM
The wonderful folks at Hicklebee's Bookstore in San Jose @hicklebees.bsky.social will order this in for you and ship it to your doorstep - I know, because they obtained a copy for me! Indies don't always have stock but they can make books happen for readers!
When we got a new high-sided litter box, I did not expect we'd purchased a new toy. The kitten is hanging over the side, digging madly with both paws, throwing litter everywhere. It's like watching a little kid with a treasure chest at a chain restaurant. Spoiler: that's not treasure in there.
August 6, 2025 at 3:17 PM
When we got a new high-sided litter box, I did not expect we'd purchased a new toy. The kitten is hanging over the side, digging madly with both paws, throwing litter everywhere. It's like watching a little kid with a treasure chest at a chain restaurant. Spoiler: that's not treasure in there.
Sometimes, you need a romp. This book combined sharp observations, gentle absurdity, and the warmth of community.
This line slayed me, for all the times I've felt overwhelmed and still kept going: “We are who we had available.”https://lynnstrong.com/books/haroun/
#arc
@lynnstrong.bsky.social
This line slayed me, for all the times I've felt overwhelmed and still kept going: “We are who we had available.”https://lynnstrong.com/books/haroun/
#arc
@lynnstrong.bsky.social
Haroun and the Study of Mischief
Would you like to be an Advance Review Copy (ARC) reader? Sign up before August 7, 2025 at the ARC application form! Or if you prefer, NetGalley is available too. Available for preorder at: Amazon …
lynnstrong.com
August 6, 2025 at 2:29 AM
Sometimes, you need a romp. This book combined sharp observations, gentle absurdity, and the warmth of community.
This line slayed me, for all the times I've felt overwhelmed and still kept going: “We are who we had available.”https://lynnstrong.com/books/haroun/
#arc
@lynnstrong.bsky.social
This line slayed me, for all the times I've felt overwhelmed and still kept going: “We are who we had available.”https://lynnstrong.com/books/haroun/
#arc
@lynnstrong.bsky.social
This was such a great anthology to be in - my story is kind of an HGTV project how-to for door hanging, only the door in question is supernatural. I read it aloud at StokerCon in San Diego with fellow table of contents author @randeedawn.com and had a great time! @cronegirlspress.bsky.social
@rachelunger.bsky.social honors us with her story "Red in Stile and Rail" which we proudly feature in our anthology "Stories We Tell After Midnight Volume 3" which is available now, if you're craving a collection of short horror to keep you up at night.
💙📚👀📢📚😱 #horror #horrorstory #book #horrorlover
💙📚👀📢📚😱 #horror #horrorstory #book #horrorlover
August 4, 2025 at 10:29 PM
This was such a great anthology to be in - my story is kind of an HGTV project how-to for door hanging, only the door in question is supernatural. I read it aloud at StokerCon in San Diego with fellow table of contents author @randeedawn.com and had a great time! @cronegirlspress.bsky.social
Everything is more challenging when you have a kitten attendant. Sleeping past breakfast time. Putting on clothing uninterrupted. Walking across a room in a straight line. Sitting alone feeling sad and overwhelmed because your body isn't doing what you want. Kittens interfere with all of it.
August 4, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Everything is more challenging when you have a kitten attendant. Sleeping past breakfast time. Putting on clothing uninterrupted. Walking across a room in a straight line. Sitting alone feeling sad and overwhelmed because your body isn't doing what you want. Kittens interfere with all of it.
Today is the day - my story "Fire Season" is available in issue 15 from Blood Tree Literature! 😃 It explores the aftermath of a fire, and is the lead-off piece of the issue! www.bloodtreeliterature.com/issue-15
Blood Tree Literature — Issue 15
www.bloodtreeliterature.com
July 31, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Today is the day - my story "Fire Season" is available in issue 15 from Blood Tree Literature! 😃 It explores the aftermath of a fire, and is the lead-off piece of the issue! www.bloodtreeliterature.com/issue-15
I'm lucky because I'm not dependent on my writing to put food on the table or pay rent - but these folks that #itchio shadowbanned need visibility and sales in order to have food and shelter.
The books can be purchased individually or bundled.
#booksky #disabled #queersolidarity #makecensorshipcost
The books can be purchased individually or bundled.
#booksky #disabled #queersolidarity #makecensorshipcost
I'm part of a group of disabled, queer writers launching two book sales today for Disability Pride, each with 20 books for $30. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Then Itch bowed to conservative pressure and hid them without warning.
This is bullshit. Please help us make them pay!
#MakeCensorshipCost #BookSky
Then Itch bowed to conservative pressure and hid them without warning.
This is bullshit. Please help us make them pay!
#MakeCensorshipCost #BookSky
Disability Pride Against Censorship
We’re Disabled and Queer — Itch.io and the Payment Processors Are Starving Us.
disabilitypac.carrd.co
July 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
I'm lucky because I'm not dependent on my writing to put food on the table or pay rent - but these folks that #itchio shadowbanned need visibility and sales in order to have food and shelter.
The books can be purchased individually or bundled.
#booksky #disabled #queersolidarity #makecensorshipcost
The books can be purchased individually or bundled.
#booksky #disabled #queersolidarity #makecensorshipcost
I'm late to my own party - just found a review from Tangent about my story Bargains: “...an unexpected gem. It’s a tale about loneliness, quiet courage, strength and pulling together... The end is the best kind"
Pardon me while I just exult in the corner for a bit.
Pardon me while I just exult in the corner for a bit.
July 25, 2025 at 2:28 AM
I'm late to my own party - just found a review from Tangent about my story Bargains: “...an unexpected gem. It’s a tale about loneliness, quiet courage, strength and pulling together... The end is the best kind"
Pardon me while I just exult in the corner for a bit.
Pardon me while I just exult in the corner for a bit.
Happy news: my story "Fire Season" will be the lead off piece in Blood Tree Literature's issue 15! The issue will be available later this summer. I'll post again with the link once it's live.
If you'd like a story now, I'm also in issue 5! www.bloodtreeliterature.com/i5-fiction/2...
If you'd like a story now, I'm also in issue 5! www.bloodtreeliterature.com/i5-fiction/2...
Blood Tree Literature — Afterimage
“In her dreams, Naomi was always driving. The road unrolled before her like a perforated ribbon, winding amongst the night- dark trees. Shapes loomed out of the gloom, bone white and twisted strange,...
www.bloodtreeliterature.com
June 29, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Happy news: my story "Fire Season" will be the lead off piece in Blood Tree Literature's issue 15! The issue will be available later this summer. I'll post again with the link once it's live.
If you'd like a story now, I'm also in issue 5! www.bloodtreeliterature.com/i5-fiction/2...
If you'd like a story now, I'm also in issue 5! www.bloodtreeliterature.com/i5-fiction/2...
Thanks to @lynnstrong.bsky.social for making me aware of the Queer Liberation Library, who are running a fundraiser right now to add more volumes to the virtual shelves: givebutter.com/Jr8Tfu
Queer Liberation Library 2025 Pride Fundraiser!
By Queer Liberation Library
givebutter.com
June 11, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Thanks to @lynnstrong.bsky.social for making me aware of the Queer Liberation Library, who are running a fundraiser right now to add more volumes to the virtual shelves: givebutter.com/Jr8Tfu