Amanda Downum
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stillsostrange.bsky.social
Amanda Downum
@stillsostrange.bsky.social
SFF writer, mortician, and monster about town. She/her.
I need to set the arterial system to music so my students remember it.
November 11, 2025 at 2:59 PM
8th graders aren't really the age group I'd choose to talk to about a career in mortuary science, but it turns out they enjoy playing with modeling wax.
October 21, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Reposted by Amanda Downum
What happens in the group chat stays in the group chat…until it doesn’t.

CONFESSIONS FROM THE GROUP CHAT IS OUT NOW!

Want copies of my cozy Deer Hill Anonymous books of your own? You can order from anywhere, request at your library, or get a signed copy from my friends at One More Page.
October 21, 2025 at 1:34 PM
This week I'll be working a career fair for thousands of 8th graders. Pray for me.
October 20, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Reposted by Amanda Downum
As someone on day 3 of a migraine, this is a little too close to the bone
October 18, 2025 at 9:47 AM
The handsome skeleton on the left is Fred. His friend with the hat doesn't have a name yet. Suggestions?
August 27, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Reposted by Amanda Downum
August 27, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Reposted by Amanda Downum
Norwegian home invasion.
August 17, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Reposted by Amanda Downum
today we learn about formaldehyde with @stillsostrange.bsky.social in today's Ask A Necromancer!

"To be clear, a dead body in and of itself is nothing to be afraid of, even a smelly one. [...] Dead is not the problem; it’s the pathogens that may still be alive."

⬇️💀🖤

psychopomp.com/deadlands/is...
Ask a Necromancer: Fun with Formaldehyde - PSYCHOPOMP.COM
To be clear, a dead body in and of itself is nothing to be afraid of, even a smelly one. We’ve moved beyond the miasma theory of medicine. Dead is not the problem; it’s the pathogens that may still be...
psychopomp.com
August 11, 2025 at 1:38 PM
The things I find in my classroom.
July 13, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Reposted by Amanda Downum
"You know, as an example, red lead was used to make cheddar... A can of coffee could be coffee, but it could be ground bone, or charred shells, or dirt." Deborah Blum on our bad food past -- and how to avoid it being our future:
buttondown.com/theswordandt...
How to Not Get Poisoned in America
The minute I saw that Robert Kennedy Jr., a notorious disease-loving health crank, was going to be responsible for the nation’s health—and the health of its...
buttondown.com
April 30, 2025 at 4:11 PM
I'm sharing some of my early Ask a Necromancer essays on Patreon, and hopefully answering new questions. Check it out, all you morbid children.

www.patreon.com/posts/130698...
To All the Morbid Children | Amanda Downum
Get more from Amanda Downum on Patreon
www.patreon.com
June 5, 2025 at 7:38 AM
I forgot to share the final version of my emotional support severed head from last semester.
May 28, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Remmick is a perfect gentleman about everything... except banana flavored amoxicillin. I'd probably choose violence too if someone tried to squirt that down my throat, so I can't really blame him.
May 28, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Does anyone know anyone in a driveable-from-Richmond area who could adopt my handsome friend? My house is at cat-pacity, and I don't want to turn him back outside knowing he's FIV+.
May 27, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Cat update: Remmick got in a carrier more politely than any cat I know. Poor baby is FIV positive and needs antibiotics for his mangled ear, but is otherwise doing well at the vet.
May 27, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Guess who came in for dinner? Now I just have to convince him to get in a carrier tomorrow morning without murdering me.
May 27, 2025 at 12:22 AM
This is Remmick. He believes in equality. He wants to come inside. He wants your stories and kibble. He's going to receive some bonus healthcare next week. If anyone has a few extra dollars they could contribute to fellowship and love (and vaccines and flea treatment), we would be truly grateful.
May 19, 2025 at 5:35 PM
I'm going to start posting flyers around campus inviting people to join me in donning dinosaur costumes and benignly rampaging.
March 19, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Yesterday I got MOHS surgery. The process was pretty cool and the doctor didn't mind my constant nerd questions. The local anesthesia and Tylenol have definitely worn off now, though.
March 6, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Okay, context for my severed head collection. The head on the left was my (in progress) final project for Restorative Art in mortuary school. He was made with Plastilina art clay. The head on the right is my current project, using Dodge's modeling wax. (1/?)
February 23, 2025 at 5:41 PM
I'm making a new friend!
February 23, 2025 at 1:45 AM
The dead need your questions! Does anyone have queries for the Necromancer? @thedeadlands.com
February 21, 2025 at 10:08 PM