Ryan T. Pozzi
@ryantpozzi.bsky.social
Former nonprofit executive | Author of The Mess That Made Them (forthcoming from Bloomsbury in 2026) | Interested in creativity, cultural myth, fraud, and forgotten histories | BOTN Nominee | Rep: Anderson Literary Agency | www.ryantpozzi.com
Photographic proof of how deeply our cat, Fritz, loves Elizabeth. Any time he finds an article of her clothing, it instantly becomes his new napping spot. #caturday
February 14, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Photographic proof of how deeply our cat, Fritz, loves Elizabeth. Any time he finds an article of her clothing, it instantly becomes his new napping spot. #caturday
This week, our online community passed 17,000. That's nuts.
Does everybody know everybody? I'll be honest with you. I'm having trouble remembering all your names.
Does everybody know everybody? I'll be honest with you. I'm having trouble remembering all your names.
February 14, 2026 at 4:04 PM
This week, our online community passed 17,000. That's nuts.
Does everybody know everybody? I'll be honest with you. I'm having trouble remembering all your names.
Does everybody know everybody? I'll be honest with you. I'm having trouble remembering all your names.
On This Day in History: February 14, 1991
The movie adaptation of Thomas Harris' The Silence of the Lambs opens. Truly successful adaptations that become distinctly their own work of art are rare. This one stays strange and razor-sharp, then goes on, quite rightly, to win five major Academy Awards.
The movie adaptation of Thomas Harris' The Silence of the Lambs opens. Truly successful adaptations that become distinctly their own work of art are rare. This one stays strange and razor-sharp, then goes on, quite rightly, to win five major Academy Awards.
February 14, 2026 at 3:41 PM
On This Day in History: February 14, 1991
The movie adaptation of Thomas Harris' The Silence of the Lambs opens. Truly successful adaptations that become distinctly their own work of art are rare. This one stays strange and razor-sharp, then goes on, quite rightly, to win five major Academy Awards.
The movie adaptation of Thomas Harris' The Silence of the Lambs opens. Truly successful adaptations that become distinctly their own work of art are rare. This one stays strange and razor-sharp, then goes on, quite rightly, to win five major Academy Awards.
On This Day in History: February 14, 1989
Ayatollah Khomeini issues a fatwa calling for Salman Rushdie and his publishers to be killed over The Satanic Verses, with a bounty attached. When any government puts a price tag on speech, it's telling you exactly what it fears. #booksky
Ayatollah Khomeini issues a fatwa calling for Salman Rushdie and his publishers to be killed over The Satanic Verses, with a bounty attached. When any government puts a price tag on speech, it's telling you exactly what it fears. #booksky
February 14, 2026 at 2:07 PM
On This Day in History: February 14, 1989
Ayatollah Khomeini issues a fatwa calling for Salman Rushdie and his publishers to be killed over The Satanic Verses, with a bounty attached. When any government puts a price tag on speech, it's telling you exactly what it fears. #booksky
Ayatollah Khomeini issues a fatwa calling for Salman Rushdie and his publishers to be killed over The Satanic Verses, with a bounty attached. When any government puts a price tag on speech, it's telling you exactly what it fears. #booksky
Reposted by Ryan T. Pozzi
Not sure who needs to hear this but the voter fraud rate is a mere 0.000003%. Anyone telling you otherwise is making shit up so they can take away your right to vote.
February 14, 2026 at 12:10 AM
Not sure who needs to hear this but the voter fraud rate is a mere 0.000003%. Anyone telling you otherwise is making shit up so they can take away your right to vote.
What do you suppose some authors get out of happening across a conversation online between commercially stuggling authors and launching into a defense of their platform and a diatribe about how successful they?
Even if that's true, who was helped by this? Are you asserting dominance or...?
Even if that's true, who was helped by this? Are you asserting dominance or...?
February 13, 2026 at 5:35 PM
What do you suppose some authors get out of happening across a conversation online between commercially stuggling authors and launching into a defense of their platform and a diatribe about how successful they?
Even if that's true, who was helped by this? Are you asserting dominance or...?
Even if that's true, who was helped by this? Are you asserting dominance or...?
An executive fancy person at my publisher subscribed to Life on the Midlist.
I'd like to think of it as high level support, but sometimes I get worked up and saying inconveniently true things so it could just as easily be surveillance.
Could I even blame them? I'd probably keep an eye on me.
I'd like to think of it as high level support, but sometimes I get worked up and saying inconveniently true things so it could just as easily be surveillance.
Could I even blame them? I'd probably keep an eye on me.
February 13, 2026 at 3:37 PM
An executive fancy person at my publisher subscribed to Life on the Midlist.
I'd like to think of it as high level support, but sometimes I get worked up and saying inconveniently true things so it could just as easily be surveillance.
Could I even blame them? I'd probably keep an eye on me.
I'd like to think of it as high level support, but sometimes I get worked up and saying inconveniently true things so it could just as easily be surveillance.
Could I even blame them? I'd probably keep an eye on me.
On This Day in History: February 12, 1994
Thieves swipe Edvard Munch’s The Scream from Oslo’s National Gallery and leave a note saying, “Thanks for the poor security.”
Undercover investigators posing as buyers lure the thieves into a handoff, recovering it undamaged three months later.
Thieves swipe Edvard Munch’s The Scream from Oslo’s National Gallery and leave a note saying, “Thanks for the poor security.”
Undercover investigators posing as buyers lure the thieves into a handoff, recovering it undamaged three months later.
February 12, 2026 at 4:11 PM
On This Day in History: February 12, 1994
Thieves swipe Edvard Munch’s The Scream from Oslo’s National Gallery and leave a note saying, “Thanks for the poor security.”
Undercover investigators posing as buyers lure the thieves into a handoff, recovering it undamaged three months later.
Thieves swipe Edvard Munch’s The Scream from Oslo’s National Gallery and leave a note saying, “Thanks for the poor security.”
Undercover investigators posing as buyers lure the thieves into a handoff, recovering it undamaged three months later.
On This Day in History: February 12, 1938
Judy Blume is born in Elizabeth, New Jersey. A formative author for folks in my generation, her work has sold more than 80 million copies, and the National Book Foundation honored her with the 2004 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
Judy Blume is born in Elizabeth, New Jersey. A formative author for folks in my generation, her work has sold more than 80 million copies, and the National Book Foundation honored her with the 2004 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
February 12, 2026 at 3:17 PM
On This Day in History: February 12, 1938
Judy Blume is born in Elizabeth, New Jersey. A formative author for folks in my generation, her work has sold more than 80 million copies, and the National Book Foundation honored her with the 2004 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
Judy Blume is born in Elizabeth, New Jersey. A formative author for folks in my generation, her work has sold more than 80 million copies, and the National Book Foundation honored her with the 2004 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
I tried to write/revise for a journal submission deadline today. It was a disaster. I sit down to do the words nearly every day. Some days, I just don't have it.
Looks like admin today instead. 🤷♂️ #writingcommunity
Looks like admin today instead. 🤷♂️ #writingcommunity
February 12, 2026 at 2:38 PM
I tried to write/revise for a journal submission deadline today. It was a disaster. I sit down to do the words nearly every day. Some days, I just don't have it.
Looks like admin today instead. 🤷♂️ #writingcommunity
Looks like admin today instead. 🤷♂️ #writingcommunity
PEN NEWS: After testing so many pens...
so so many pens...
I have chosen the uni-ball AIR micro as my primary signing pen.
It's one of the smoothest, most consistent ink flow pens I've ever used plus it's got a ton of cool angle and line thickness features and it's shape and design are striking.
so so many pens...
I have chosen the uni-ball AIR micro as my primary signing pen.
It's one of the smoothest, most consistent ink flow pens I've ever used plus it's got a ton of cool angle and line thickness features and it's shape and design are striking.
February 11, 2026 at 2:38 PM
PEN NEWS: After testing so many pens...
so so many pens...
I have chosen the uni-ball AIR micro as my primary signing pen.
It's one of the smoothest, most consistent ink flow pens I've ever used plus it's got a ton of cool angle and line thickness features and it's shape and design are striking.
so so many pens...
I have chosen the uni-ball AIR micro as my primary signing pen.
It's one of the smoothest, most consistent ink flow pens I've ever used plus it's got a ton of cool angle and line thickness features and it's shape and design are striking.
Happy book birthday to Ibis and my online pal @justinhayneswriter.com.
Sure, I'm impressed by major award shortlists and invitations to festivals across the country, but I'm more impressed by authors who are good literary citizens and Jay is a great one.
Can't wait for his sophomore effort!
Sure, I'm impressed by major award shortlists and invitations to festivals across the country, but I'm more impressed by authors who are good literary citizens and Jay is a great one.
Can't wait for his sophomore effort!
February 11, 2026 at 12:14 PM
Happy book birthday to Ibis and my online pal @justinhayneswriter.com.
Sure, I'm impressed by major award shortlists and invitations to festivals across the country, but I'm more impressed by authors who are good literary citizens and Jay is a great one.
Can't wait for his sophomore effort!
Sure, I'm impressed by major award shortlists and invitations to festivals across the country, but I'm more impressed by authors who are good literary citizens and Jay is a great one.
Can't wait for his sophomore effort!
On This Day in History: Feb. 10, 1967
The 25th Amendment is ratified, spelling out what happens when a president dies, resigns, is removed, or is unable to serve, and how a vacant vice presidency gets filled.
I do love anniversaries...
The 25th Amendment is ratified, spelling out what happens when a president dies, resigns, is removed, or is unable to serve, and how a vacant vice presidency gets filled.
I do love anniversaries...
February 11, 2026 at 12:18 AM
On This Day in History: Feb. 10, 1967
The 25th Amendment is ratified, spelling out what happens when a president dies, resigns, is removed, or is unable to serve, and how a vacant vice presidency gets filled.
I do love anniversaries...
The 25th Amendment is ratified, spelling out what happens when a president dies, resigns, is removed, or is unable to serve, and how a vacant vice presidency gets filled.
I do love anniversaries...
Terrible confession: While I have been reading essays online and listening to my usual bookish podcasts, I haven't read a proper book in 2026.
Recommend anything. No constraints. If you're one of those folks who is SUPER serious about recs, Goodreads wll show you the 29 I read last year. #booksky
Recommend anything. No constraints. If you're one of those folks who is SUPER serious about recs, Goodreads wll show you the 29 I read last year. #booksky
February 10, 2026 at 5:24 PM
Terrible confession: While I have been reading essays online and listening to my usual bookish podcasts, I haven't read a proper book in 2026.
Recommend anything. No constraints. If you're one of those folks who is SUPER serious about recs, Goodreads wll show you the 29 I read last year. #booksky
Recommend anything. No constraints. If you're one of those folks who is SUPER serious about recs, Goodreads wll show you the 29 I read last year. #booksky
Some portion of my morning has been spent actively trying not to scream all over the place about what a pile Jim Pillen is.
Madated existence of TPUSA clubs in every Nebraska high school? 🤢🤮
Madated existence of TPUSA clubs in every Nebraska high school? 🤢🤮
February 10, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Some portion of my morning has been spent actively trying not to scream all over the place about what a pile Jim Pillen is.
Madated existence of TPUSA clubs in every Nebraska high school? 🤢🤮
Madated existence of TPUSA clubs in every Nebraska high school? 🤢🤮
Life on the Midlist is ready to go. This week, we're talking about staying connected to your purpose as a creative, even in the face of self-doubt, and how encouraging others can make that easier.
Seems like an awful lot of positivity for me. 🤷♂️
Get it in your inbox: www.ryantpozzi.com/midlist
Seems like an awful lot of positivity for me. 🤷♂️
Get it in your inbox: www.ryantpozzi.com/midlist
February 10, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Life on the Midlist is ready to go. This week, we're talking about staying connected to your purpose as a creative, even in the face of self-doubt, and how encouraging others can make that easier.
Seems like an awful lot of positivity for me. 🤷♂️
Get it in your inbox: www.ryantpozzi.com/midlist
Seems like an awful lot of positivity for me. 🤷♂️
Get it in your inbox: www.ryantpozzi.com/midlist
On This Day in History: February 10, 1966
Jacqueline Susann’s Valley of the Dolls hits U.S. bookstores. She markets it with a street-level campaign, walking into bookshops, working the clerks, and handselling. Her approach helps turn a critically sneered-at novel into a monster seller. #Booksky
Jacqueline Susann’s Valley of the Dolls hits U.S. bookstores. She markets it with a street-level campaign, walking into bookshops, working the clerks, and handselling. Her approach helps turn a critically sneered-at novel into a monster seller. #Booksky
February 10, 2026 at 2:27 PM
On This Day in History: February 10, 1966
Jacqueline Susann’s Valley of the Dolls hits U.S. bookstores. She markets it with a street-level campaign, walking into bookshops, working the clerks, and handselling. Her approach helps turn a critically sneered-at novel into a monster seller. #Booksky
Jacqueline Susann’s Valley of the Dolls hits U.S. bookstores. She markets it with a street-level campaign, walking into bookshops, working the clerks, and handselling. Her approach helps turn a critically sneered-at novel into a monster seller. #Booksky
I was almost ended on the internet last week.
No details bc, in the end, it was a misunderstanding we've rectified and "name and shame" has no value in that situation. Take my word for it: I've never been so scared of having done something shitty online that I couldn't identify.
Nope. All good. 😌
No details bc, in the end, it was a misunderstanding we've rectified and "name and shame" has no value in that situation. Take my word for it: I've never been so scared of having done something shitty online that I couldn't identify.
Nope. All good. 😌
February 9, 2026 at 10:56 PM
I was almost ended on the internet last week.
No details bc, in the end, it was a misunderstanding we've rectified and "name and shame" has no value in that situation. Take my word for it: I've never been so scared of having done something shitty online that I couldn't identify.
Nope. All good. 😌
No details bc, in the end, it was a misunderstanding we've rectified and "name and shame" has no value in that situation. Take my word for it: I've never been so scared of having done something shitty online that I couldn't identify.
Nope. All good. 😌
We do have a confirmed cover for my debut, but, given that I couldn't have written the book at all without Elizabeth (my spouse) holding down her management job and doing a ton of "invisible" labor, maybe I should pull it and just put her face on the cover.
Thoughts? #writingcommunity
Thoughts? #writingcommunity
February 9, 2026 at 5:41 PM
We do have a confirmed cover for my debut, but, given that I couldn't have written the book at all without Elizabeth (my spouse) holding down her management job and doing a ton of "invisible" labor, maybe I should pull it and just put her face on the cover.
Thoughts? #writingcommunity
Thoughts? #writingcommunity
Reposted by Ryan T. Pozzi
On This Day in History: February 9, 1979
In case you thought composers like Stravinsky got to have all the "fun," Walter Hill’s The Warriors, adapted from Sol Yurick’s 1965 novel, hit U.S. theaters. Days later, violence got linked to screenings, and Paramount yanked ads and let theaters walk away.
In case you thought composers like Stravinsky got to have all the "fun," Walter Hill’s The Warriors, adapted from Sol Yurick’s 1965 novel, hit U.S. theaters. Days later, violence got linked to screenings, and Paramount yanked ads and let theaters walk away.
February 9, 2026 at 2:33 PM
On This Day in History: February 9, 1979
In case you thought composers like Stravinsky got to have all the "fun," Walter Hill’s The Warriors, adapted from Sol Yurick’s 1965 novel, hit U.S. theaters. Days later, violence got linked to screenings, and Paramount yanked ads and let theaters walk away.
In case you thought composers like Stravinsky got to have all the "fun," Walter Hill’s The Warriors, adapted from Sol Yurick’s 1965 novel, hit U.S. theaters. Days later, violence got linked to screenings, and Paramount yanked ads and let theaters walk away.
On This Day in History: Febraury 8, 1874
Modest Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov premieres in St. Petersburg (Jan. 27 Old Style). An opera that treats power as a crime scene and the people as the witness. If history feels too polished, it’s probably propaganda not history.
Modest is a hero in my debut.
Modest Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov premieres in St. Petersburg (Jan. 27 Old Style). An opera that treats power as a crime scene and the people as the witness. If history feels too polished, it’s probably propaganda not history.
Modest is a hero in my debut.
February 8, 2026 at 2:49 PM
On This Day in History: Febraury 8, 1874
Modest Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov premieres in St. Petersburg (Jan. 27 Old Style). An opera that treats power as a crime scene and the people as the witness. If history feels too polished, it’s probably propaganda not history.
Modest is a hero in my debut.
Modest Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov premieres in St. Petersburg (Jan. 27 Old Style). An opera that treats power as a crime scene and the people as the witness. If history feels too polished, it’s probably propaganda not history.
Modest is a hero in my debut.
I'm crying about the lovely message of Dispatches From Elsewhere again.
My wife is sorta uncomfortable (still supportive) since historically she sees me cry once or twice a year since we connected in 2013 and I've cried about powerful art of some kind like six or seven times in the last two weeks.
My wife is sorta uncomfortable (still supportive) since historically she sees me cry once or twice a year since we connected in 2013 and I've cried about powerful art of some kind like six or seven times in the last two weeks.
February 8, 2026 at 2:32 AM
I'm crying about the lovely message of Dispatches From Elsewhere again.
My wife is sorta uncomfortable (still supportive) since historically she sees me cry once or twice a year since we connected in 2013 and I've cried about powerful art of some kind like six or seven times in the last two weeks.
My wife is sorta uncomfortable (still supportive) since historically she sees me cry once or twice a year since we connected in 2013 and I've cried about powerful art of some kind like six or seven times in the last two weeks.
Has anyone compiled a list of news outlets that my simple Gen X brain will still react to as credible that clearly aren't any more? Think New York Times, Washington Post, etc.
This is just to prevent me from consuming lies since I'm older now and I formed all my brand opinions in 1997ish. TIA
This is just to prevent me from consuming lies since I'm older now and I formed all my brand opinions in 1997ish. TIA
February 8, 2026 at 1:30 AM
Has anyone compiled a list of news outlets that my simple Gen X brain will still react to as credible that clearly aren't any more? Think New York Times, Washington Post, etc.
This is just to prevent me from consuming lies since I'm older now and I formed all my brand opinions in 1997ish. TIA
This is just to prevent me from consuming lies since I'm older now and I formed all my brand opinions in 1997ish. TIA
I know Rs won't care about this bc "it's a sign I'm not a real man" or whatever, but IN ADDITION to disenfranchising like zillions of married women who are trying to legally vote-
The SAVE Act, as proposed, would also have kept me from legally voting since I took my wife's name.
The SAVE Act, as proposed, would also have kept me from legally voting since I took my wife's name.
February 8, 2026 at 1:27 AM
I know Rs won't care about this bc "it's a sign I'm not a real man" or whatever, but IN ADDITION to disenfranchising like zillions of married women who are trying to legally vote-
The SAVE Act, as proposed, would also have kept me from legally voting since I took my wife's name.
The SAVE Act, as proposed, would also have kept me from legally voting since I took my wife's name.