SF Layzell
@sflayzell.bsky.social
I write queer stories & edit books sometimes https://sflayzell.com/
Buy Cottonopolis, a MG set in 1840s Manchester, shortlisted for Little Rebels https://sflayzell.com/cottonopolis/
Views mine, contact via website
Buy Cottonopolis, a MG set in 1840s Manchester, shortlisted for Little Rebels https://sflayzell.com/cottonopolis/
Views mine, contact via website
Pinned
SF Layzell
@sflayzell.bsky.social
· Oct 11
Happy Bookshop Day! Last week I visited my book Cottonopolis at radical booksellers Housmans nr Kings Cross London. If only I could stretch big enough to hug the whole shop.
If you're after a historical LGBTQ novel for readers young and old, find it here ❤️🏳️🌈
housmans.com/product/cott...
If you're after a historical LGBTQ novel for readers young and old, find it here ❤️🏳️🌈
housmans.com/product/cott...
Time to squeeze a fresh lemon on my #ShroveTuesday poem, 'pancake day in district 12', alternatively titled 'katniss and peeta get a divorce', published in @feralpoetryandart.bsky.social 🥞🍋
feralpoetry.net/pancake-day-...
feralpoetry.net/pancake-day-...
‘pancake day in district twelve’ by S.F. Layzell – FERAL: A Journal of Poetry and Art
feralpoetry.net
February 17, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Time to squeeze a fresh lemon on my #ShroveTuesday poem, 'pancake day in district 12', alternatively titled 'katniss and peeta get a divorce', published in @feralpoetryandart.bsky.social 🥞🍋
feralpoetry.net/pancake-day-...
feralpoetry.net/pancake-day-...
Reposted by SF Layzell
So sorry! Here it is again: uk.bookshop.org/shop/letterb...
Letterbox Library Bookshop UK
Since 1983, Letterbox Library has been a leading children's bookseller and education supplier, bringing teachers, librarians and parents the best in inclusive children's books. By “inclusive”, we mean...
uk.bookshop.org
February 17, 2026 at 1:38 PM
So sorry! Here it is again: uk.bookshop.org/shop/letterb...
Reposted by SF Layzell
Give trans kids a chance to be kids.
February 16, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Give trans kids a chance to be kids.
Reposted by SF Layzell
I cannot wait to read this book!
UK readers, if you’re planning to pre-order my new book The Queer Bookshelf about the history (and present and future) of LGBTQ+ literature, this is a pretty excellent deal. www.waterstones.com/book/the-que...
February 17, 2026 at 7:43 AM
I cannot wait to read this book!
Reposted by SF Layzell
In Alaska, we recognize Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. Her words really resonate today.
“Asking you to give me equal rights implies that they are yours to give.
Instead, I must demand that you stop trying to deny me the rights that all people deserve.”
“Asking you to give me equal rights implies that they are yours to give.
Instead, I must demand that you stop trying to deny me the rights that all people deserve.”
February 16, 2026 at 3:20 PM
In Alaska, we recognize Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. Her words really resonate today.
“Asking you to give me equal rights implies that they are yours to give.
Instead, I must demand that you stop trying to deny me the rights that all people deserve.”
“Asking you to give me equal rights implies that they are yours to give.
Instead, I must demand that you stop trying to deny me the rights that all people deserve.”
Reposted by SF Layzell
Ever looked through a Victorian telescope at the night sky?
You can – and you don’t need to be an expert.
Read on to discover where you can enjoy open lectures, observatory tours, and hands-on stargazing. Bill Barton reports.
#NorwichScienceFestival #Astronomy
You can – and you don’t need to be an expert.
Read on to discover where you can enjoy open lectures, observatory tours, and hands-on stargazing. Bill Barton reports.
#NorwichScienceFestival #Astronomy
Spectacular astronomy in Suffolk: past, present, and future
Discover Suffolk’s astronomical heritage – from a Victorian observatory to today’s passionate amateur and professional stargazers
eastangliabylines.co.uk
February 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Ever looked through a Victorian telescope at the night sky?
You can – and you don’t need to be an expert.
Read on to discover where you can enjoy open lectures, observatory tours, and hands-on stargazing. Bill Barton reports.
#NorwichScienceFestival #Astronomy
You can – and you don’t need to be an expert.
Read on to discover where you can enjoy open lectures, observatory tours, and hands-on stargazing. Bill Barton reports.
#NorwichScienceFestival #Astronomy
Reposted by SF Layzell
“The first thought that comes to my mind when I see ‘Alex Wheatle Reading Room’…it feels like he’s accomplished his goal, that he’s got more people reading of all ages…his legacy continues and lives on.”
February 12, 2026 at 1:19 PM
“The first thought that comes to my mind when I see ‘Alex Wheatle Reading Room’…it feels like he’s accomplished his goal, that he’s got more people reading of all ages…his legacy continues and lives on.”
Reposted by SF Layzell
🪧✊🏽📣Dear fans of social justice children’s books:
You likely heard that the #LittleRebelsAward for Radical Children’s Fiction is on ⏸️/seeking funding.
The smallest thing you can do to offer support is to follow the award at @littlerebsprize.bsky.social
+ Insta
Thank you!
#KidLitUK
You likely heard that the #LittleRebelsAward for Radical Children’s Fiction is on ⏸️/seeking funding.
The smallest thing you can do to offer support is to follow the award at @littlerebsprize.bsky.social
+ Insta
Thank you!
#KidLitUK
📣Little Rebels Award Folk!
An Announcement:
Award organisers @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social & @housmansbookshop.bsky.social are pausing the Little Rebels Award for Radical Fiction this year.
Full announcement below.
#KidLitUK
An Announcement:
Award organisers @letterboxlibrary.bsky.social & @housmansbookshop.bsky.social are pausing the Little Rebels Award for Radical Fiction this year.
Full announcement below.
#KidLitUK
February 16, 2026 at 1:42 PM
🪧✊🏽📣Dear fans of social justice children’s books:
You likely heard that the #LittleRebelsAward for Radical Children’s Fiction is on ⏸️/seeking funding.
The smallest thing you can do to offer support is to follow the award at @littlerebsprize.bsky.social
+ Insta
Thank you!
#KidLitUK
You likely heard that the #LittleRebelsAward for Radical Children’s Fiction is on ⏸️/seeking funding.
The smallest thing you can do to offer support is to follow the award at @littlerebsprize.bsky.social
+ Insta
Thank you!
#KidLitUK
Reposted by SF Layzell
Sharing merfolk on the lead-up to my online talk for @folkloretodmorden.bsky.social
Here’s a very enjoyable book I just finished reading. The Mermaid the Witch and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall 🧜🏿
Sapphic love and nonbinary rep!
Here’s a very enjoyable book I just finished reading. The Mermaid the Witch and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall 🧜🏿
Sapphic love and nonbinary rep!
February 14, 2026 at 1:37 PM
Sharing merfolk on the lead-up to my online talk for @folkloretodmorden.bsky.social
Here’s a very enjoyable book I just finished reading. The Mermaid the Witch and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall 🧜🏿
Sapphic love and nonbinary rep!
Here’s a very enjoyable book I just finished reading. The Mermaid the Witch and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall 🧜🏿
Sapphic love and nonbinary rep!
Reposted by SF Layzell
Celebrate with us the launch of the special section on “Diversity and Inclusion in International YA Sports Fiction”, guest edited by Drs Carla Plieth and Sarah Layzell. Monday Feb 16, 13:00- 14:00 GMT on MS Teams. Registration: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/RBPDsHMiJZ
Microsoft Forms
forms.cloud.microsoft
February 13, 2026 at 7:11 AM
Celebrate with us the launch of the special section on “Diversity and Inclusion in International YA Sports Fiction”, guest edited by Drs Carla Plieth and Sarah Layzell. Monday Feb 16, 13:00- 14:00 GMT on MS Teams. Registration: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/RBPDsHMiJZ
Reposted by SF Layzell
Earlier this week, @alomshaha.bsky.social was chatting about how the message of loving each other should inform more public discourse (beyond religion).
So, for #KidsBooksFriday this week what kids books help kids to understand the importance of love in all its forms?
#KidLitUK #UKKidLit #KidLit
So, for #KidsBooksFriday this week what kids books help kids to understand the importance of love in all its forms?
#KidLitUK #UKKidLit #KidLit
February 13, 2026 at 7:43 AM
Earlier this week, @alomshaha.bsky.social was chatting about how the message of loving each other should inform more public discourse (beyond religion).
So, for #KidsBooksFriday this week what kids books help kids to understand the importance of love in all its forms?
#KidLitUK #UKKidLit #KidLit
So, for #KidsBooksFriday this week what kids books help kids to understand the importance of love in all its forms?
#KidLitUK #UKKidLit #KidLit
Reposted by SF Layzell
Telling parents is downright dangerous. It will very clearly put many trans and non-binary young people at risk of abuse, bullying, potentially homelessness, among other things. This is the exact opposite of "protecting children". It's transphobia as policy.
February 12, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Telling parents is downright dangerous. It will very clearly put many trans and non-binary young people at risk of abuse, bullying, potentially homelessness, among other things. This is the exact opposite of "protecting children". It's transphobia as policy.
Reposted by SF Layzell
Labour has brought back section 28 against trans and non-binary individuals. I lived through section 28 last time. I suffered the harms of it. This will do the same thing. Not even allowing young people to socially transition is plain wrong. It prevents them finding their own identity.
February 12, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Labour has brought back section 28 against trans and non-binary individuals. I lived through section 28 last time. I suffered the harms of it. This will do the same thing. Not even allowing young people to socially transition is plain wrong. It prevents them finding their own identity.
Reposted by SF Layzell
If you're a UK citizen who cares about the wellbeing of trans kids you have until April 22nd to do everything in your power to make sure these new rules do not come into effect. Lives are literally on the line.
Respond at this link 👇
Respond at this link 👇
February 12, 2026 at 6:38 PM
If you're a UK citizen who cares about the wellbeing of trans kids you have until April 22nd to do everything in your power to make sure these new rules do not come into effect. Lives are literally on the line.
Respond at this link 👇
Respond at this link 👇
Reposted by SF Layzell
Inherited grief. The things your family carries that never get named but shape every room they enter. I keep circling back to it. It’s not supernatural, but it behaves like a haunting. I’d rather write about ancient gods, honestly. This is closer to the bone. #HorrorWritersChat
Q2.
This question is not about the comfortable places that we go with horror. But the uncomfortable ones. The ones that turn us inside out even as we write them. The ones that make us wonder who we are, at the end. #HorrorWritersChat
This question is not about the comfortable places that we go with horror. But the uncomfortable ones. The ones that turn us inside out even as we write them. The ones that make us wonder who we are, at the end. #HorrorWritersChat
February 11, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Inherited grief. The things your family carries that never get named but shape every room they enter. I keep circling back to it. It’s not supernatural, but it behaves like a haunting. I’d rather write about ancient gods, honestly. This is closer to the bone. #HorrorWritersChat
Reposted by SF Layzell
I don't actually promo much of late but I will this time.
It's a domestic noir more than a horror: about menopausal ladies bumping off bad guys with poisoned tea.
It's quite irreverent and rather funny, I think. But there's something about the Aunties. I really like them.
#HorrorWritersChat
It's a domestic noir more than a horror: about menopausal ladies bumping off bad guys with poisoned tea.
It's quite irreverent and rather funny, I think. But there's something about the Aunties. I really like them.
#HorrorWritersChat
February 11, 2026 at 8:02 PM
I don't actually promo much of late but I will this time.
It's a domestic noir more than a horror: about menopausal ladies bumping off bad guys with poisoned tea.
It's quite irreverent and rather funny, I think. But there's something about the Aunties. I really like them.
#HorrorWritersChat
It's a domestic noir more than a horror: about menopausal ladies bumping off bad guys with poisoned tea.
It's quite irreverent and rather funny, I think. But there's something about the Aunties. I really like them.
#HorrorWritersChat
I'm working on a couple of ghost stories, plus my queer historical Fen rebels novel. There's a flavour of it in this story: northerngravy.com/the-lantern-...
Thanks Eryn for hosting!
#HorrorWritersChat
Thanks Eryn for hosting!
#HorrorWritersChat
February 11, 2026 at 8:03 PM
I'm working on a couple of ghost stories, plus my queer historical Fen rebels novel. There's a flavour of it in this story: northerngravy.com/the-lantern-...
Thanks Eryn for hosting!
#HorrorWritersChat
Thanks Eryn for hosting!
#HorrorWritersChat
Haunted schools. I've put it off because it's a sharp stick poking at unexamined childhood traumas. But it's a very persistent sharp stick so I will have to write it eventually.
Q3:
Here at #HorrorWritersChat we really do like to peel back those insecurities and fears and expose them to the light. You can do this.
Which scene do you keep putting off? And why?
Here at #HorrorWritersChat we really do like to peel back those insecurities and fears and expose them to the light. You can do this.
Which scene do you keep putting off? And why?
February 11, 2026 at 7:54 PM
Haunted schools. I've put it off because it's a sharp stick poking at unexamined childhood traumas. But it's a very persistent sharp stick so I will have to write it eventually.
Reposted by SF Layzell
OK, so here we go, #HorrorWritersChat bods.
You know the drill. Four questions, repost as many as you like, no links: promo at the end.
First I want to know.
What makes you write the kind of horror that you write?
You know the drill. Four questions, repost as many as you like, no links: promo at the end.
First I want to know.
What makes you write the kind of horror that you write?
February 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
OK, so here we go, #HorrorWritersChat bods.
You know the drill. Four questions, repost as many as you like, no links: promo at the end.
First I want to know.
What makes you write the kind of horror that you write?
You know the drill. Four questions, repost as many as you like, no links: promo at the end.
First I want to know.
What makes you write the kind of horror that you write?
Reposted by SF Layzell
Come hear me waffle!
*Announcement*
I have been invited to speak at an online meeting of Cartoonists Northwest (USA) on the 21st February 2026 at 8pm GMT!
You are welcome to join and hear me speak about my art and how I flog dead horses
Sign up here!
www.eventbrite.com/e/cartoonist...
I have been invited to speak at an online meeting of Cartoonists Northwest (USA) on the 21st February 2026 at 8pm GMT!
You are welcome to join and hear me speak about my art and how I flog dead horses
Sign up here!
www.eventbrite.com/e/cartoonist...
February 11, 2026 at 7:24 AM
Come hear me waffle!
Reposted by SF Layzell
Join us this Friday at House of books and friends, Manchester for a book swap social! Bring a book to swap and get a Fly on the Wall Press title and tote of your choice! Come make new friends and grab a cuppa this Pal-entines day :D
fly-on-the-wall-press.eventcube.io/events/92694...
fly-on-the-wall-press.eventcube.io/events/92694...
February 10, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Join us this Friday at House of books and friends, Manchester for a book swap social! Bring a book to swap and get a Fly on the Wall Press title and tote of your choice! Come make new friends and grab a cuppa this Pal-entines day :D
fly-on-the-wall-press.eventcube.io/events/92694...
fly-on-the-wall-press.eventcube.io/events/92694...
Reposted by SF Layzell
I urge you to fill in this consultation if you can - with this very helpful support from Amnesty International - although AND because ! it is heart-breaking that this country has sunk so low that Amnesty suggest in a number of cases to provide no answer as the terms of the question are so evil
The UK government is proposing radical and punitive changes to settlement rules. This is settlement, not citizenship. The consultation is open until 12 February; please respond to it and oppose these evil proposals. Amnesty have a good guide: www.amnesty.org.uk/resources/gu...
Guidance for responding to 'A Fairer Pathway to Settlement' consultation
We are Amnesty International UK. We are ordinary people from across the world standing up for humanity and human rights.
www.amnesty.org.uk
February 10, 2026 at 5:43 PM
I urge you to fill in this consultation if you can - with this very helpful support from Amnesty International - although AND because ! it is heart-breaking that this country has sunk so low that Amnesty suggest in a number of cases to provide no answer as the terms of the question are so evil
Little Rebels shines a light on radical books that confront and represent the realities of children's lives, what shapes people, how we love, how we fight back. Being shortlisted is one of the proudest moments of my career.
Sad news, but as always, there is a spark of hope. Can anyone help?
Sad news, but as always, there is a spark of hope. Can anyone help?
The organisers of the vital Little Rebels Award @littlerebelsprize.bsky.social have paused this year's prize as they look for funding for a part time award administrator. Can you help? They hope to regroup and come back with a bang in 2027. Find out more:
booksforkeeps.co.uk/little-rebel...
booksforkeeps.co.uk/little-rebel...
February 11, 2026 at 7:53 AM
Little Rebels shines a light on radical books that confront and represent the realities of children's lives, what shapes people, how we love, how we fight back. Being shortlisted is one of the proudest moments of my career.
Sad news, but as always, there is a spark of hope. Can anyone help?
Sad news, but as always, there is a spark of hope. Can anyone help?
Reposted by SF Layzell
You can go along to Central Library in Cambridge on Saturday 21st Feb to meet Sarah Hagger-Holt and find out more about The Fights That Make Us
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-fights...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-fights...
February 10, 2026 at 10:48 AM
You can go along to Central Library in Cambridge on Saturday 21st Feb to meet Sarah Hagger-Holt and find out more about The Fights That Make Us
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-fights...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-fights...