Valerie Valdes
@valerievaldes.bsky.social
aka Lia Amador. Sci-fi, fantasy, and romance writer. MtG story scribe. Co-editor of Escape Pod. Variety game streamer. VPXX/16. https://linktr.ee/valerievaldes
Pinned
Books
CHILLING EFFECT CHILLING EFFECT Finalist for the 2021 Arthur C. Clarke Award! 2020 International Latino Book Awards Best Novel – Fantasy/Sci-Fi Captain Eva Innocente and the crew of La Sirena…
candleinsunshine.com
It’s been a while since my last intro thread, so… If you followed me without knowing who I am, let me sum up:
I write sci-fi, fantasy and romance novels! My latest is Witch You Would, written under my pen name Lia Amador, a fantasy romcom about a magical reality show. candleinsunshine.com/books/
I write sci-fi, fantasy and romance novels! My latest is Witch You Would, written under my pen name Lia Amador, a fantasy romcom about a magical reality show. candleinsunshine.com/books/
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
With the caveat that there are much more important things in need of financial support in our fucked up times, the support page for the Ignytes is back up for the 2026 cycle.
ignyteawards.fiyahlitmag.com/support/
ignyteawards.fiyahlitmag.com/support/
support - The Ignyte Awards
We live in immensely difficult times and hope our supporters are utilizing their discretionary income to prioritize giving to causes which aid in our collective survival and the dismantling of oppress...
ignyteawards.fiyahlitmag.com
February 18, 2026 at 11:08 PM
With the caveat that there are much more important things in need of financial support in our fucked up times, the support page for the Ignytes is back up for the 2026 cycle.
ignyteawards.fiyahlitmag.com/support/
ignyteawards.fiyahlitmag.com/support/
Today I learned not everyone sees this when they close their eyes en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphene
Phosphene - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
February 18, 2026 at 10:32 PM
Today I learned not everyone sees this when they close their eyes en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphene
Me after Dandadan episode one: I wish anime didn’t treat attempted rape as a joke
Me after Dandadan episode eight (?): Is the trivialization of sexual assault actually the problem, society treats it like reports of alien abductions or ghost visitation?
Me: Is this Darling in the Franxx again hnngh
Me after Dandadan episode eight (?): Is the trivialization of sexual assault actually the problem, society treats it like reports of alien abductions or ghost visitation?
Me: Is this Darling in the Franxx again hnngh
February 16, 2026 at 5:55 AM
Me after Dandadan episode one: I wish anime didn’t treat attempted rape as a joke
Me after Dandadan episode eight (?): Is the trivialization of sexual assault actually the problem, society treats it like reports of alien abductions or ghost visitation?
Me: Is this Darling in the Franxx again hnngh
Me after Dandadan episode eight (?): Is the trivialization of sexual assault actually the problem, society treats it like reports of alien abductions or ghost visitation?
Me: Is this Darling in the Franxx again hnngh
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
Please listen for all the times I whisper “oh my god” in horror when listening to Ash’s writing process
So @kmveohongs.bsky.social and I pressed record, then edit, then things escalated to distribute, and now here we are. Please enjoy the first part of this 4-part standalone podcast with series potential thanksbutnotforme.com
Thanks, but Not for Me
Two writers embark on the often hair-raising journey to become published novelists: a standalone podcast with series potential.
thanksbutnotforme.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Please listen for all the times I whisper “oh my god” in horror when listening to Ash’s writing process
Baby wanted to make these so here they are! I am easily persuaded, or perhaps she is very persuasive.
February 14, 2026 at 9:29 PM
Baby wanted to make these so here they are! I am easily persuaded, or perhaps she is very persuasive.
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
ICYMI, I'm at 79% of my goal, and I'd appreciate any donation, no matter how small.
Please keep sharing. I'm planning to have a small giveaway as a token of my appreciation, and anyone who donated since the start of Feb will be eligible.
Details to come soon! Watch this space.
Please keep sharing. I'm planning to have a small giveaway as a token of my appreciation, and anyone who donated since the start of Feb will be eligible.
Details to come soon! Watch this space.
Everyone's struggling & the world's on fire so I'm sorry to ask, but I need your help again.
If you could donate and/or share my Go Fund Me campaign, it would go a long way to helping me pay for increased costs for my breast cancer treatment. Details in my update.
www.gofundme.com/f/help-r-s-a...
If you could donate and/or share my Go Fund Me campaign, it would go a long way to helping me pay for increased costs for my breast cancer treatment. Details in my update.
www.gofundme.com/f/help-r-s-a...
Donate to Help R. S. A. Garcia Pay for Cancer Expenses, organized by Arula Ratnakar
Hi everyone,
I'm Rhonda, also known as R. S. A. Garcia, a speculative … Arula Ratnakar needs your support for Help R. S. A. Garcia Pay for Cancer Expenses
www.gofundme.com
February 14, 2026 at 4:16 PM
ICYMI, I'm at 79% of my goal, and I'd appreciate any donation, no matter how small.
Please keep sharing. I'm planning to have a small giveaway as a token of my appreciation, and anyone who donated since the start of Feb will be eligible.
Details to come soon! Watch this space.
Please keep sharing. I'm planning to have a small giveaway as a token of my appreciation, and anyone who donated since the start of Feb will be eligible.
Details to come soon! Watch this space.
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
Hugo nominations just opened, and Rhysling nominations close tomorrow, so here's another reminder that I did make some cool poetry last year (and wrote a lot of non-fiction about poetry, too)!
Brandon O’Brien | National Pray For A Bredren Month (extended)
@therisingtithes.bsky.social
· Nov 15
Everyone else is doing their awards nomination posts, so I guess I should do mine before I forget what I even wrote this year... 😅
Poetry has been a big deal for me, so considering any of my @seattlein2025.org poems for a Rhysling, or Con-Verse for a Best Related Work Hugo, would rock my world!
Poetry has been a big deal for me, so considering any of my @seattlein2025.org poems for a Rhysling, or Con-Verse for a Best Related Work Hugo, would rock my world!
February 14, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Hugo nominations just opened, and Rhysling nominations close tomorrow, so here's another reminder that I did make some cool poetry last year (and wrote a lot of non-fiction about poetry, too)!
My personal Dandadan experience.
Episode one: Ugh we’re doing the sexual assault thing, yuck
Episode two: Heh this is kinda funny
Episode three: I would die for chain smoking murder granny
Episode one: Ugh we’re doing the sexual assault thing, yuck
Episode two: Heh this is kinda funny
Episode three: I would die for chain smoking murder granny
February 14, 2026 at 5:34 AM
My personal Dandadan experience.
Episode one: Ugh we’re doing the sexual assault thing, yuck
Episode two: Heh this is kinda funny
Episode three: I would die for chain smoking murder granny
Episode one: Ugh we’re doing the sexual assault thing, yuck
Episode two: Heh this is kinda funny
Episode three: I would die for chain smoking murder granny
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes is a fabulous sci-fi romance series starter with a non-human love interest and psychic cats! It's only $1.99!
bookshop.org/a/1382/97800...
amzn.to/4aPCdgL
bookshop.org/a/1382/97800...
amzn.to/4aPCdgL
Chilling Effect: A Novel
A Novel
bookshop.org
February 13, 2026 at 6:18 PM
Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes is a fabulous sci-fi romance series starter with a non-human love interest and psychic cats! It's only $1.99!
bookshop.org/a/1382/97800...
amzn.to/4aPCdgL
bookshop.org/a/1382/97800...
amzn.to/4aPCdgL
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
⚔️ 95% funded and we have a backer train going! 🚂
Crom! Are we gonna fund before lunch? Will you be the one to get us there?
👉 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...
Crom! Are we gonna fund before lunch? Will you be the one to get us there?
👉 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...
February 13, 2026 at 1:48 PM
⚔️ 95% funded and we have a backer train going! 🚂
Crom! Are we gonna fund before lunch? Will you be the one to get us there?
👉 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...
Crom! Are we gonna fund before lunch? Will you be the one to get us there?
👉 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
Have you taken our survey yet?
Dream Foundry is launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for an improved software platform for Flights of Foundry. We're gathering ideas for what types of campaign rewards people want. Share your ideas!
Dream Foundry is launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for an improved software platform for Flights of Foundry. We're gathering ideas for what types of campaign rewards people want. Share your ideas!
Dream Foundry Crowdfunding Rewards Survey
Dream Foundry will be launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for an improved software platform for Flights of Foundry. This will allow us to move away from Webex. Ahead of that, we're gathering ideas for what types of campaign rewards people want. We appreciate any feedback or ideas you care to share!
forms.gle
February 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Have you taken our survey yet?
Dream Foundry is launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for an improved software platform for Flights of Foundry. We're gathering ideas for what types of campaign rewards people want. Share your ideas!
Dream Foundry is launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for an improved software platform for Flights of Foundry. We're gathering ideas for what types of campaign rewards people want. Share your ideas!
I didn’t include it in the post, but here’s the mood board I sent to my editor, and yes that’s Gale from BG3, which I have not yet played but have watched a lot. I’m not sure who the artist is, so if anyone knows, please share!
February 12, 2026 at 8:51 PM
I didn’t include it in the post, but here’s the mood board I sent to my editor, and yes that’s Gale from BG3, which I have not yet played but have watched a lot. I’m not sure who the artist is, so if anyone knows, please share!
Me: To stop my intrusive thoughts, I’m going to come up with the goofiest intrusive thought I can think of
My brain: I gotchu
My brain: Big Mouth Billy Bass singing Baby Shark
Me:
My brain:
Me:
My brain: Baaaaaby sh—
Me: NO
My brain: I gotchu
My brain: Big Mouth Billy Bass singing Baby Shark
Me:
My brain:
Me:
My brain: Baaaaaby sh—
Me: NO
February 12, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Me: To stop my intrusive thoughts, I’m going to come up with the goofiest intrusive thought I can think of
My brain: I gotchu
My brain: Big Mouth Billy Bass singing Baby Shark
Me:
My brain:
Me:
My brain: Baaaaaby sh—
Me: NO
My brain: I gotchu
My brain: Big Mouth Billy Bass singing Baby Shark
Me:
My brain:
Me:
My brain: Baaaaaby sh—
Me: NO
Witch Is Mine cover!
If you've been waiting for word on the sequel to Witch You Would, the wait is over! Witch Is Mine preorder links are now up, and so is the extremely adorable cover by artist Jess Miller. The benefit of writing a sequel, in terms of cover art, is that you've already set a…
If you've been waiting for word on the sequel to Witch You Would, the wait is over! Witch Is Mine preorder links are now up, and so is the extremely adorable cover by artist Jess Miller. The benefit of writing a sequel, in terms of cover art, is that you've already set a…
Witch Is Mine cover!
If you've been waiting for word on the sequel to Witch You Would, the wait is over! Witch Is Mine preorder links are now up, and so is the extremely adorable cover by artist Jess Miller. The benefit of writing a sequel, in terms of cover art, is that you've already set a precedent. It's good to maintain the format of what you've already got in some way, and change up the details to fit the new book.
candleinsunshine.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Witch Is Mine cover!
If you've been waiting for word on the sequel to Witch You Would, the wait is over! Witch Is Mine preorder links are now up, and so is the extremely adorable cover by artist Jess Miller. The benefit of writing a sequel, in terms of cover art, is that you've already set a…
If you've been waiting for word on the sequel to Witch You Would, the wait is over! Witch Is Mine preorder links are now up, and so is the extremely adorable cover by artist Jess Miller. The benefit of writing a sequel, in terms of cover art, is that you've already set a…
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
⚔️THE CROWDFUND FOR NEW EDGE SWORD & SORCERY 2026 IS LIVE⚔️
Three issues - our Timeworn Terra special - a New Jirel of Joiry story...
The more re-posts this gets, the more bonus content we'll add to this year's issues!
Go here to learn more and back the magazine👉 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...
Three issues - our Timeworn Terra special - a New Jirel of Joiry story...
The more re-posts this gets, the more bonus content we'll add to this year's issues!
Go here to learn more and back the magazine👉 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...
February 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM
⚔️THE CROWDFUND FOR NEW EDGE SWORD & SORCERY 2026 IS LIVE⚔️
Three issues - our Timeworn Terra special - a New Jirel of Joiry story...
The more re-posts this gets, the more bonus content we'll add to this year's issues!
Go here to learn more and back the magazine👉 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...
Three issues - our Timeworn Terra special - a New Jirel of Joiry story...
The more re-posts this gets, the more bonus content we'll add to this year's issues!
Go here to learn more and back the magazine👉 www.backerkit.com/c/projects/b...
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
This morning I bring you feral offerings of the GOBLIN MARKET, only a little bit cursed.
Pre-order it as a gift for the future chaos goblins we all must become. 🍄✨ @reactorsff.bsky.social reactormag.com/cover-reveal...
Pre-order it as a gift for the future chaos goblins we all must become. 🍄✨ @reactorsff.bsky.social reactormag.com/cover-reveal...
Read the First Chapter of A.J. Hackwith's Goblin Market - Reactor
A heartfelt fantasy arriving October 2026
reactormag.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:36 PM
This morning I bring you feral offerings of the GOBLIN MARKET, only a little bit cursed.
Pre-order it as a gift for the future chaos goblins we all must become. 🍄✨ @reactorsff.bsky.social reactormag.com/cover-reveal...
Pre-order it as a gift for the future chaos goblins we all must become. 🍄✨ @reactorsff.bsky.social reactormag.com/cover-reveal...
Sometimes you find out your next book is trickling into preorder places because a very cool reader just finished your last book and went to look for more!
Time to update my website again…
Time to update my website again…
February 11, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Sometimes you find out your next book is trickling into preorder places because a very cool reader just finished your last book and went to look for more!
Time to update my website again…
Time to update my website again…
Realized my profile header talked about my book coming out in September… went ahead and updated that now that we’re in February. 🫠
February 10, 2026 at 9:56 PM
Realized my profile header talked about my book coming out in September… went ahead and updated that now that we’re in February. 🫠
I had the pleasure of narrating this one, and of having flashbacks to sticking my son’s hand down the front of my shirt every time I nursed him because I had to figure out a way to stop the hair grabbing!
My Rapunzel retelling "Parsley Girl, Parsley Girl, Let Down Your Trichobezoar" is out @podcastle.org today! Inspired by pondering how Rapunzel's mother could so easily give up her firstborn to the enchantress, reframed by infertility (bc I've been there) and plant lore. podcastle.org/2026/02/10/p...
PodCastle 930: Parsley Girl, Parsley Girl, Let Down Your Trichobezoar - PodCastle
Parsley Girl, Parsley Girl, Let Down Your Trichobezoar by Natalie Zutter If I were your mother, I would share with you this cautionary tale: Once there was a couple who yearned for a child. When the...
podcastle.org
February 10, 2026 at 7:19 PM
I had the pleasure of narrating this one, and of having flashbacks to sticking my son’s hand down the front of my shirt every time I nursed him because I had to figure out a way to stop the hair grabbing!
Me: Time to get up!
Son: What if I don’t want to?
Me: Alas, you still have to.
Son: What if I’m a lad??
Son: What if I don’t want to?
Me: Alas, you still have to.
Son: What if I’m a lad??
February 10, 2026 at 12:29 PM
Me: Time to get up!
Son: What if I don’t want to?
Me: Alas, you still have to.
Son: What if I’m a lad??
Son: What if I don’t want to?
Me: Alas, you still have to.
Son: What if I’m a lad??
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
AN AMATEUR WITCH’S GUIDE TO MURDER from @alcovepress.bsky.social / @crookedlanebooks.bsky.social is part of the Kindle Monthly Deal!!!! Meaning the kindle version is super duper cheap at $1.99 right now!
Check it: a.co/d/2uKGgdU
Check it: a.co/d/2uKGgdU
February 1, 2026 at 4:09 PM
AN AMATEUR WITCH’S GUIDE TO MURDER from @alcovepress.bsky.social / @crookedlanebooks.bsky.social is part of the Kindle Monthly Deal!!!! Meaning the kindle version is super duper cheap at $1.99 right now!
Check it: a.co/d/2uKGgdU
Check it: a.co/d/2uKGgdU
I’m guessing the burst of new follows is thanks to @pedroiniguez.bsky.social so if you’re not following Pedro yet, get to it! Dale! Rápido veloz!
It’s been a while since my last intro thread, so… If you followed me without knowing who I am, let me sum up:
I write sci-fi, fantasy and romance novels! My latest is Witch You Would, written under my pen name Lia Amador, a fantasy romcom about a magical reality show. candleinsunshine.com/books/
I write sci-fi, fantasy and romance novels! My latest is Witch You Would, written under my pen name Lia Amador, a fantasy romcom about a magical reality show. candleinsunshine.com/books/
Books
CHILLING EFFECT CHILLING EFFECT Finalist for the 2021 Arthur C. Clarke Award! 2020 International Latino Book Awards Best Novel – Fantasy/Sci-Fi Captain Eva Innocente and the crew of La Sirena…
candleinsunshine.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:11 PM
I’m guessing the burst of new follows is thanks to @pedroiniguez.bsky.social so if you’re not following Pedro yet, get to it! Dale! Rápido veloz!
It’s been a while since my last intro thread, so… If you followed me without knowing who I am, let me sum up:
I write sci-fi, fantasy and romance novels! My latest is Witch You Would, written under my pen name Lia Amador, a fantasy romcom about a magical reality show. candleinsunshine.com/books/
I write sci-fi, fantasy and romance novels! My latest is Witch You Would, written under my pen name Lia Amador, a fantasy romcom about a magical reality show. candleinsunshine.com/books/
Books
CHILLING EFFECT CHILLING EFFECT Finalist for the 2021 Arthur C. Clarke Award! 2020 International Latino Book Awards Best Novel – Fantasy/Sci-Fi Captain Eva Innocente and the crew of La Sirena…
candleinsunshine.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:57 PM
It’s been a while since my last intro thread, so… If you followed me without knowing who I am, let me sum up:
I write sci-fi, fantasy and romance novels! My latest is Witch You Would, written under my pen name Lia Amador, a fantasy romcom about a magical reality show. candleinsunshine.com/books/
I write sci-fi, fantasy and romance novels! My latest is Witch You Would, written under my pen name Lia Amador, a fantasy romcom about a magical reality show. candleinsunshine.com/books/
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes is $1.99! I loooove this whole series!
bookshop.org/a/1382/97800...
amzn.to/4ajJGDs
bookshop.org/a/1382/97800...
amzn.to/4ajJGDs
Chilling Effect: A Novel
A Novel
bookshop.org
February 9, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes is $1.99! I loooove this whole series!
bookshop.org/a/1382/97800...
amzn.to/4ajJGDs
bookshop.org/a/1382/97800...
amzn.to/4ajJGDs
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
Reminder: In light of Bad Bunny's Superbowl performance spotlighting Latino culture, here's a hefty list of Latino speculative fiction authors I curated if anyone wants to take a gander and read some phenomenal work. Much love to all!
go.bsky.app/6BAmgpi
go.bsky.app/6BAmgpi
February 9, 2026 at 5:14 AM
Reminder: In light of Bad Bunny's Superbowl performance spotlighting Latino culture, here's a hefty list of Latino speculative fiction authors I curated if anyone wants to take a gander and read some phenomenal work. Much love to all!
go.bsky.app/6BAmgpi
go.bsky.app/6BAmgpi