SJ Groenewegen
@sjgroenewegen.co.uk
SFF author, trans-inclusive feminist, gay, non-binary, autistic. BEM.
Website: https://www.sjgroenewegen.co.uk - includes links to all my publications.
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/sjgroenewegen - new posts every Wednesday on politics and/or writing.
Website: https://www.sjgroenewegen.co.uk - includes links to all my publications.
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/sjgroenewegen - new posts every Wednesday on politics and/or writing.
Pinned
We are in a bad place but people are resisting. I wrote about how that's happening, & why we must keep going: ko-fi.com/post/Its-Bee...
Related reminder: UK Government consultation on immigration is ending on 12 Feb: ko-fi.com/post/How-to-... Link's in the article; please complete it if you can.
Related reminder: UK Government consultation on immigration is ending on 12 Feb: ko-fi.com/post/How-to-... Link's in the article; please complete it if you can.
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
We're thrilled to announce the panel of authors who will select the recipient of the 2026 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction:
Nicola Griffith
Mat Johnson
Fonda Lee
Darcie Little Badger
Peter Rock
Anyone can nominate work for this $25,000 prize; nominations will be open March 1st through 31st.
Nicola Griffith
Mat Johnson
Fonda Lee
Darcie Little Badger
Peter Rock
Anyone can nominate work for this $25,000 prize; nominations will be open March 1st through 31st.
February 2, 2026 at 8:58 PM
We're thrilled to announce the panel of authors who will select the recipient of the 2026 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction:
Nicola Griffith
Mat Johnson
Fonda Lee
Darcie Little Badger
Peter Rock
Anyone can nominate work for this $25,000 prize; nominations will be open March 1st through 31st.
Nicola Griffith
Mat Johnson
Fonda Lee
Darcie Little Badger
Peter Rock
Anyone can nominate work for this $25,000 prize; nominations will be open March 1st through 31st.
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
This place is getting much worse for alt-text recently! Include it for your own images and don't repost images that don't have it (except to add alt text yourself if you feel it's important to share it anyway).
February 2, 2026 at 4:35 PM
This place is getting much worse for alt-text recently! Include it for your own images and don't repost images that don't have it (except to add alt text yourself if you feel it's important to share it anyway).
Alt-text for the image in the quoted post: CITY DROP
17TH - 18TH OCTOBER 2026
15% OFF ALL ENTRY TICKETS
15% SALE NOW ON
EXTENDED UNTIL 2ND FEB
WWW.CONFUZEDEVENTS.COM
#MotherlandFortSalem
17TH - 18TH OCTOBER 2026
15% OFF ALL ENTRY TICKETS
15% SALE NOW ON
EXTENDED UNTIL 2ND FEB
WWW.CONFUZEDEVENTS.COM
#MotherlandFortSalem
We have extended our sale on entry tickets for 1 final day!
You now have until midnight tonight (pst) to grab your ticket at a 15% discount!
confuzedevents1.ticketspice.com/city-drop-mo...
#switches #talder #motherlandfortsalem
You now have until midnight tonight (pst) to grab your ticket at a 15% discount!
confuzedevents1.ticketspice.com/city-drop-mo...
#switches #talder #motherlandfortsalem
February 2, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Alt-text for the image in the quoted post: CITY DROP
17TH - 18TH OCTOBER 2026
15% OFF ALL ENTRY TICKETS
15% SALE NOW ON
EXTENDED UNTIL 2ND FEB
WWW.CONFUZEDEVENTS.COM
#MotherlandFortSalem
17TH - 18TH OCTOBER 2026
15% OFF ALL ENTRY TICKETS
15% SALE NOW ON
EXTENDED UNTIL 2ND FEB
WWW.CONFUZEDEVENTS.COM
#MotherlandFortSalem
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
The Cymera Prize for Speculative Short Fiction is open to any writer living in Scotland or Scottish by birth or inclination, aged at least 14 years.
Submissions are open from Monday 12th January 2026 until 8pm BST on Sunday 22nd March 2026.
www.cymerafestival.co.uk/2026-prize
Submissions are open from Monday 12th January 2026 until 8pm BST on Sunday 22nd March 2026.
www.cymerafestival.co.uk/2026-prize
2026 Prize — CYMERA
www.cymerafestival.co.uk
February 2, 2026 at 2:10 PM
The Cymera Prize for Speculative Short Fiction is open to any writer living in Scotland or Scottish by birth or inclination, aged at least 14 years.
Submissions are open from Monday 12th January 2026 until 8pm BST on Sunday 22nd March 2026.
www.cymerafestival.co.uk/2026-prize
Submissions are open from Monday 12th January 2026 until 8pm BST on Sunday 22nd March 2026.
www.cymerafestival.co.uk/2026-prize
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
Trans in the Machine: Chronicling the new Cyberpunk Canon is now live!
The crowdfund runs all month.
Accessible pricing and a portion of funds go to good causes.
Let’s make this happen together!
🔗 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/s...
The crowdfund runs all month.
Accessible pricing and a portion of funds go to good causes.
Let’s make this happen together!
🔗 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/s...
February 2, 2026 at 7:20 AM
Trans in the Machine: Chronicling the new Cyberpunk Canon is now live!
The crowdfund runs all month.
Accessible pricing and a portion of funds go to good causes.
Let’s make this happen together!
🔗 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/s...
The crowdfund runs all month.
Accessible pricing and a portion of funds go to good causes.
Let’s make this happen together!
🔗 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/s...
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
There are only 4 spots left on the Milford Writer's Retreat, 9-16 May at @gladlib.bsky.social. Includes an en suite room, breakfast & dinner, & access to a SILENT library where you can write to your heart's content! More info here:
www.milfordsf.co.uk/retreats.htm
www.milfordsf.co.uk/retreats.htm
February 2, 2026 at 10:47 AM
There are only 4 spots left on the Milford Writer's Retreat, 9-16 May at @gladlib.bsky.social. Includes an en suite room, breakfast & dinner, & access to a SILENT library where you can write to your heart's content! More info here:
www.milfordsf.co.uk/retreats.htm
www.milfordsf.co.uk/retreats.htm
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
The @kickstarter.com has launched!
For fans of Scotland, dark fantasy, folklore and mythology, haunted swords, talking cats, old cats, audiobooks, and indie productions.
Open to pledges big and small.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/tri...
For fans of Scotland, dark fantasy, folklore and mythology, haunted swords, talking cats, old cats, audiobooks, and indie productions.
Open to pledges big and small.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/tri...
Call of the Black Wing - An Audiobook
Bringing the tale of Fiadh and her quest for revenge though Scottish folklore and mythology to your ears
www.kickstarter.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:50 AM
The @kickstarter.com has launched!
For fans of Scotland, dark fantasy, folklore and mythology, haunted swords, talking cats, old cats, audiobooks, and indie productions.
Open to pledges big and small.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/tri...
For fans of Scotland, dark fantasy, folklore and mythology, haunted swords, talking cats, old cats, audiobooks, and indie productions.
Open to pledges big and small.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/tri...
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
Oh hey, is there a new Morag and Seamus story out?
There is!
Check out a cozy post-apocalyptic take on the legend of Tam Lin here:
clarkesworldmagazine.com/moore_02_26/
There is!
Check out a cozy post-apocalyptic take on the legend of Tam Lin here:
clarkesworldmagazine.com/moore_02_26/
The Iron Piper by Fiona Moore
Clarkesworld Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazine and Podcast.
clarkesworldmagazine.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:39 AM
Oh hey, is there a new Morag and Seamus story out?
There is!
Check out a cozy post-apocalyptic take on the legend of Tam Lin here:
clarkesworldmagazine.com/moore_02_26/
There is!
Check out a cozy post-apocalyptic take on the legend of Tam Lin here:
clarkesworldmagazine.com/moore_02_26/
Take heed of this if you're visiting the UK and want to hire a car...
I wrote last week about the ABYSMAL experience I had hiring a car through SIXT in a lengthy review.
SIXT got back to me, and I do believe in the right of reply, so I’ve updated the article with their reply (and my response to same)
#SIXT #EV #Rental #CarHire
alexreviewstech.com/sixt-ev-hire...
SIXT got back to me, and I do believe in the right of reply, so I’ve updated the article with their reply (and my response to same)
#SIXT #EV #Rental #CarHire
alexreviewstech.com/sixt-ev-hire...
SIXT EV Hire UK Review: DO NOT HIRE - Alex Reviews Tech
Why you should NEVER hire an EV (or any other car) from SIXT UK -- plus bonus tourist UK EV charging tips for your next holiday!
alexreviewstech.com
February 1, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Take heed of this if you're visiting the UK and want to hire a car...
@tanaudel.bsky.social congratulations for those shortlistings!
February 1, 2026 at 9:40 PM
@tanaudel.bsky.social congratulations for those shortlistings!
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
They haven't posted yet, but the bluesky account for SMOFcon 43 -- a convention for convention runners to think and talk about how to run better conventions -- is now live. Follow
@smofcon43.bsky.social - this year will be in Lisbon 4-6 December www.smofconlisbon.org
@smofcon43.bsky.social - this year will be in Lisbon 4-6 December www.smofconlisbon.org
SMOFcon 43
SMOFcon 43 - A convention for people who run science fiction, fantasy, and horror conventions. December 4-6, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal.
www.smofconlisbon.org
January 31, 2026 at 6:28 PM
They haven't posted yet, but the bluesky account for SMOFcon 43 -- a convention for convention runners to think and talk about how to run better conventions -- is now live. Follow
@smofcon43.bsky.social - this year will be in Lisbon 4-6 December www.smofconlisbon.org
@smofcon43.bsky.social - this year will be in Lisbon 4-6 December www.smofconlisbon.org
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
Our first newsletter just went out. As well as news about PictCon the newsletters will offer a round up of sf groups and events in Scotland. Please do sign up! PictCon.com
January 31, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Our first newsletter just went out. As well as news about PictCon the newsletters will offer a round up of sf groups and events in Scotland. Please do sign up! PictCon.com
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
Please read this thread.
I qualify.
I'm obviously not going to go work for Grok, but boy, I certainly would like one of the writing jobs that everybody in the comments is being so sarcastic about making more than that, bc I tell you what, I sure as fuck am not making more than that and you guys KNOW how much I write.
I'm obviously not going to go work for Grok, but boy, I certainly would like one of the writing jobs that everybody in the comments is being so sarcastic about making more than that, bc I tell you what, I sure as fuck am not making more than that and you guys KNOW how much I write.
X is hiring a creative writing specialist at $40 an hour to make Grok better at writing and a true LOL at the qualifications
January 31, 2026 at 9:11 AM
Please read this thread.
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
Here's a free article about metaphor, from a linguistic point of view. It shows how metaphors work and the many things they can illuminate.
It also exposes a critical weakness of "AI."
Good for writers, and good for those who use metaphors, which is everyone!
www.patreon.com/posts/metaph...
It also exposes a critical weakness of "AI."
Good for writers, and good for those who use metaphors, which is everyone!
www.patreon.com/posts/metaph...
Metaphor and your Mind (and a critical weakness of "AI") | Under the Surface - the Worlds of Juliette Wade
Get more from Under the Surface - the Worlds of Juliette Wade on Patreon
www.patreon.com
January 31, 2026 at 2:01 AM
Here's a free article about metaphor, from a linguistic point of view. It shows how metaphors work and the many things they can illuminate.
It also exposes a critical weakness of "AI."
Good for writers, and good for those who use metaphors, which is everyone!
www.patreon.com/posts/metaph...
It also exposes a critical weakness of "AI."
Good for writers, and good for those who use metaphors, which is everyone!
www.patreon.com/posts/metaph...
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
To make a comparison reveals us.
With "AI," there's nothing to reveal.
Free article:
www.patreon.com/posts/metaph...
With "AI," there's nothing to reveal.
Free article:
www.patreon.com/posts/metaph...
Metaphor and your Mind (and a critical weakness of "AI") | Under the Surface - the Worlds of Juliette Wade
Get more from Under the Surface - the Worlds of Juliette Wade on Patreon
www.patreon.com
January 31, 2026 at 3:08 AM
To make a comparison reveals us.
With "AI," there's nothing to reveal.
Free article:
www.patreon.com/posts/metaph...
With "AI," there's nothing to reveal.
Free article:
www.patreon.com/posts/metaph...
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
The Society of Authors joins forces with other creator-led organisations to co-launch Brave New World?, a groundbreaking report on the onset of a creative jobs crisis in the UK. More and a link to download the report here. Essential reading.
societyofauthors.org/2026/01/30/b...
#JusticeForCreators
societyofauthors.org/2026/01/30/b...
#JusticeForCreators
Brave New World: Justice for creators in the age of GenAI - The Society of Authors
We have joined forces with other creator-led organisations to co-launch a ground-breaking report showing the onset of a creative jobs crisis in the UK.
societyofauthors.org
January 30, 2026 at 9:44 AM
The Society of Authors joins forces with other creator-led organisations to co-launch Brave New World?, a groundbreaking report on the onset of a creative jobs crisis in the UK. More and a link to download the report here. Essential reading.
societyofauthors.org/2026/01/30/b...
#JusticeForCreators
societyofauthors.org/2026/01/30/b...
#JusticeForCreators
Short, crucial thread.
Calling LLMs "AI" is a huge metaphorical trap.
Early uses of the phrase were more humble about what they were attempting and less self-aggrandizing.
The marketing of LLMs as "AI" is baiting your subconscious to believe they are actually intelligent - more than that, that they are people. 1/5
Early uses of the phrase were more humble about what they were attempting and less self-aggrandizing.
The marketing of LLMs as "AI" is baiting your subconscious to believe they are actually intelligent - more than that, that they are people. 1/5
January 30, 2026 at 5:27 AM
Short, crucial thread.
Just watched The Magnificent Seven (1960) and was struck by how Mexican and mixed heritage it is, and it's message (from the Japanese original) is quite radical to keep for a US film.
January 29, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Just watched The Magnificent Seven (1960) and was struck by how Mexican and mixed heritage it is, and it's message (from the Japanese original) is quite radical to keep for a US film.
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
The cost of the paperback version of my short story collection Into The Dark is going to rise at the end of Jan to $9.99 (or the equivalent in your local money). 📈
(The electronic version will stay at $2.99, so if you prefer reading on your Kindle there's no rush.)
books.fatpigeons.com/y14l8u74pl
(The electronic version will stay at $2.99, so if you prefer reading on your Kindle there's no rush.)
books.fatpigeons.com/y14l8u74pl
Short Stories of Science Fiction and Horror
Seven thrilling stories of Science Fiction and Horror take you from the heart of a Large Hadron Supercollider in the present day to the darkness of the far future when time itself has stopped.
Within ...
books.fatpigeons.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:15 PM
The cost of the paperback version of my short story collection Into The Dark is going to rise at the end of Jan to $9.99 (or the equivalent in your local money). 📈
(The electronic version will stay at $2.99, so if you prefer reading on your Kindle there's no rush.)
books.fatpigeons.com/y14l8u74pl
(The electronic version will stay at $2.99, so if you prefer reading on your Kindle there's no rush.)
books.fatpigeons.com/y14l8u74pl
This time 'national' means England and Wales, not the UK. So Police Scotland and PSNI are not involved directly.
A move like this was on the agenda prior to 2010, and partially achieved, but Labour ultimately bungled it. Curious to see how things develop this time around.
A move like this was on the agenda prior to 2010, and partially achieved, but Labour ultimately bungled it. Curious to see how things develop this time around.
A new national police force is the right move, but the case for merging local forces is much weaker
@cassiarowland.bsky.social gives her verdict on the home secretary's proposals on police reform www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/poli...
@cassiarowland.bsky.social gives her verdict on the home secretary's proposals on police reform www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/poli...
A new national police force is the right move, but the case for merging local forces is much weaker | Institute for Government
There is much to welcome in the home secretary’s proposals on police reform.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 29, 2026 at 12:57 PM
This time 'national' means England and Wales, not the UK. So Police Scotland and PSNI are not involved directly.
A move like this was on the agenda prior to 2010, and partially achieved, but Labour ultimately bungled it. Curious to see how things develop this time around.
A move like this was on the agenda prior to 2010, and partially achieved, but Labour ultimately bungled it. Curious to see how things develop this time around.
This thread! If you've not already read it, then do. While it's based on a UK govt policy announcement, the lack of thinking behind it will apply elsewhere.
Top tip to journalists reporting on this, don't forget to ask the relevant ministers: 'By "national", do you mean the UK or only England?'
Top tip to journalists reporting on this, don't forget to ask the relevant ministers: 'By "national", do you mean the UK or only England?'
I think I might take one of these "under 20 minutes" AI skills courses the UK Govt. seems very keen on everyone doing and live-post it here... Maybe we can all learn something together! The press release sends me to aiskillshub.org.uk/aiskillsboost/ - let's go and see!
AI Skills Boost - AI Skills Hub
aiskillshub.org.uk
January 29, 2026 at 9:22 AM
This thread! If you've not already read it, then do. While it's based on a UK govt policy announcement, the lack of thinking behind it will apply elsewhere.
Top tip to journalists reporting on this, don't forget to ask the relevant ministers: 'By "national", do you mean the UK or only England?'
Top tip to journalists reporting on this, don't forget to ask the relevant ministers: 'By "national", do you mean the UK or only England?'
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
I wrote a thing about short stories, why they get rejected, and what you can apply to your own work.
clhellisen.beehiiv.com/p/a-view-fro...
clhellisen.beehiiv.com/p/a-view-fro...
A View from the Slush
clhellisen.beehiiv.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:15 PM
I wrote a thing about short stories, why they get rejected, and what you can apply to your own work.
clhellisen.beehiiv.com/p/a-view-fro...
clhellisen.beehiiv.com/p/a-view-fro...
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
There's a lot going on in the world today, but art is still here. Just a reminder that subs are still open on our Sapphic Specfic anthology, and will close on Feb 28! Submit here: www.scyllapublishing.com/anthology-su...
January 28, 2026 at 10:52 PM
There's a lot going on in the world today, but art is still here. Just a reminder that subs are still open on our Sapphic Specfic anthology, and will close on Feb 28! Submit here: www.scyllapublishing.com/anthology-su...
Just watched an episode of The Professionals with an amazing cast. It included Clarke Peters, Al Matthews, Charles Dance and Geoffrey Palmer.
January 28, 2026 at 8:39 PM
Just watched an episode of The Professionals with an amazing cast. It included Clarke Peters, Al Matthews, Charles Dance and Geoffrey Palmer.
Reposted by SJ Groenewegen
Book Quote Wednesday's word is 'yellow' #BookQW #Booksky
To try my writing without potentially committing to a series, take a look at The Cleaving, my standalone retelling of King Arthur's story from the perspective of the women involved.
Published by @angryrobotbooks.bsky.social
To try my writing without potentially committing to a series, take a look at The Cleaving, my standalone retelling of King Arthur's story from the perspective of the women involved.
Published by @angryrobotbooks.bsky.social
January 28, 2026 at 10:21 AM
Book Quote Wednesday's word is 'yellow' #BookQW #Booksky
To try my writing without potentially committing to a series, take a look at The Cleaving, my standalone retelling of King Arthur's story from the perspective of the women involved.
Published by @angryrobotbooks.bsky.social
To try my writing without potentially committing to a series, take a look at The Cleaving, my standalone retelling of King Arthur's story from the perspective of the women involved.
Published by @angryrobotbooks.bsky.social