Valerie Valdes
@valerievaldes.bsky.social
Sci-fi, fantasy, and romance writer. MtG story scribe. Co-editor of Escape Pod. Variety game streamer. VPXX/16. https://linktr.ee/valerievaldes
Pinned
Valerie Valdes
@valerievaldes.bsky.social
· Sep 13
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
Happy Friday/Saturday new friends! If you followed me without knowing who I am and what I do, let me sum up:
I write books! My latest is Where Peace Is Lost, a space fantasy with Mandalorian vibes. Check out the full list here: candleinsunshine.com/books/
I write books! My latest is Where Peace Is Lost, a space fantasy with Mandalorian vibes. Check out the full list here: candleinsunshine.com/books/
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
Don't miss this awesome poetry event on Wednesday evening!
Did you know WorldCon had its first-ever poet laureate this year? Now you know -- it's Brandon O'Brien and you can hear him read his work at our event Wednesday night! Register now!
@therisingtithes.bsky.social
@therisingtithes.bsky.social
The event is free to all but space is limited!
November 11, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Don't miss this awesome poetry event on Wednesday evening!
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
@niadavenport.bsky.social has been an incredible part of the SSF community. She's someone who has helped many others, including myself.
Please donate, if you can, to help her and her family through this awful loss.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ni...
Please donate, if you can, to help her and her family through this awful loss.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ni...
Donate to Support Nia and Her Children After Tragic Loss, organized by Lindsey Hart
Our hearts are with Nia, a beloved friend, author and advocate who has pou… Lindsey Hart needs your support for Support Nia and Her Children After Tragic Loss
www.gofundme.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:05 PM
@niadavenport.bsky.social has been an incredible part of the SSF community. She's someone who has helped many others, including myself.
Please donate, if you can, to help her and her family through this awful loss.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ni...
Please donate, if you can, to help her and her family through this awful loss.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ni...
New book cover art is so good, my delight levels are stratospheric 💖📚🦚🐉
November 10, 2025 at 8:06 PM
New book cover art is so good, my delight levels are stratospheric 💖📚🦚🐉
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
Things are terrible so here is something that brings me joy. Doing SFF reading recommendations for TV characters is one of my favorite columns I do at Reactor. I love getting to combine my love of books, my love of TV, and my talent for tailored recommendations. Links in the thread. 1/
November 10, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Things are terrible so here is something that brings me joy. Doing SFF reading recommendations for TV characters is one of my favorite columns I do at Reactor. I love getting to combine my love of books, my love of TV, and my talent for tailored recommendations. Links in the thread. 1/
If you don’t derive any benefit from the act of writing, no pleasure or catharsis or satisfaction, why are you doing it? This isn’t meant to be an aggressive question, I’m not demanding an answer, but it’s a thing you may want to ask yourself. Life is short and you could do something else?
Sometimes I wonder if our many years of jokes about writers hating writing and doing anything but writing, etc, have convinced people that the writing part is the hurdle and the goal is just to have a thing in hand. But I am here to tell you: the writing is the best part. The act is the thing.
November 9, 2025 at 8:03 PM
If you don’t derive any benefit from the act of writing, no pleasure or catharsis or satisfaction, why are you doing it? This isn’t meant to be an aggressive question, I’m not demanding an answer, but it’s a thing you may want to ask yourself. Life is short and you could do something else?
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
#DEAL ALERT! Calling all one-clickers because THE DREAM RUNNERS @shvetathakrar.com is on #sale on #Kindle for a limited time only!
amzn.to/48azU5J
#TheDreamRunners #ad
amzn.to/48azU5J
#TheDreamRunners #ad
The Dream Runners
A lush tapestry of dreams, myth, and magic—perfect for fans of Holly Black, Roshani Chokshi, and Margaret Rogerson.
amzn.to
November 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM
#DEAL ALERT! Calling all one-clickers because THE DREAM RUNNERS @shvetathakrar.com is on #sale on #Kindle for a limited time only!
amzn.to/48azU5J
#TheDreamRunners #ad
amzn.to/48azU5J
#TheDreamRunners #ad
Baby: Why is the trash can full of bread dough?
Me: Oh. Oh no.
Flashback to yesterday when I threw away a bag of expired frozen bread dough, not a single solitary thought in my entirely translucent head about it.
Me: Oh. Oh no.
Flashback to yesterday when I threw away a bag of expired frozen bread dough, not a single solitary thought in my entirely translucent head about it.
November 9, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Baby: Why is the trash can full of bread dough?
Me: Oh. Oh no.
Flashback to yesterday when I threw away a bag of expired frozen bread dough, not a single solitary thought in my entirely translucent head about it.
Me: Oh. Oh no.
Flashback to yesterday when I threw away a bag of expired frozen bread dough, not a single solitary thought in my entirely translucent head about it.
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
Reminder: Today at 11 am Eastern I'll be streaming "The Long Dark" to raise money for NY Common Pantry! With giveaways for each goal! Let's see how long I last.
www.twitch.tv/nkjemisin
If you don't feel like watching the game, you can also donate directly at tiltify.com/@nkjemisin/s...
www.twitch.tv/nkjemisin
If you don't feel like watching the game, you can also donate directly at tiltify.com/@nkjemisin/s...
nkjemisin - Twitch
nkjemisin streams live on Twitch! Check out their videos, sign up to chat, and join their community.
www.twitch.tv
November 9, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Reminder: Today at 11 am Eastern I'll be streaming "The Long Dark" to raise money for NY Common Pantry! With giveaways for each goal! Let's see how long I last.
www.twitch.tv/nkjemisin
If you don't feel like watching the game, you can also donate directly at tiltify.com/@nkjemisin/s...
www.twitch.tv/nkjemisin
If you don't feel like watching the game, you can also donate directly at tiltify.com/@nkjemisin/s...
I have been cruelly tricked into reading In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan and it is TOO GOOD and all I want to do is READ and instead I have to WRITE and okay I am enjoying the writing too HOWEVER this book is such a delight and how dare life impede my enjoyment of it
November 8, 2025 at 10:49 PM
I have been cruelly tricked into reading In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan and it is TOO GOOD and all I want to do is READ and instead I have to WRITE and okay I am enjoying the writing too HOWEVER this book is such a delight and how dare life impede my enjoyment of it
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
If you wrote an SF/F/H story that was published in 2025 (or read a story that you thought was great), tell me about it in this thread!
Authors, also send your story to me here: johnjosephadams.com/basff-submis... (Please read the guidelines before submitting.)
Authors, also send your story to me here: johnjosephadams.com/basff-submis... (Please read the guidelines before submitting.)
November 7, 2025 at 1:48 PM
If you wrote an SF/F/H story that was published in 2025 (or read a story that you thought was great), tell me about it in this thread!
Authors, also send your story to me here: johnjosephadams.com/basff-submis... (Please read the guidelines before submitting.)
Authors, also send your story to me here: johnjosephadams.com/basff-submis... (Please read the guidelines before submitting.)
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
The Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart Kickstarter just crossed the $250k mark, which means we'll be writing a brand-new adventure site for the book!
Next: at $300k, we'll add even *more* adversaries. <3
www.kickstarter.com/projects/dun...
Next: at $300k, we'll add even *more* adversaries. <3
www.kickstarter.com/projects/dun...
Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart
The ENNIE Award winning adventure redesigned for Daggerheart. Levels 1-10 eldritch horror Campaign where Hope dies and Fear reigns.
www.kickstarter.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:49 PM
The Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart Kickstarter just crossed the $250k mark, which means we'll be writing a brand-new adventure site for the book!
Next: at $300k, we'll add even *more* adversaries. <3
www.kickstarter.com/projects/dun...
Next: at $300k, we'll add even *more* adversaries. <3
www.kickstarter.com/projects/dun...
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
I made a video to promote this In Defense of Romance panel I'm moderating on 11/22, 2pm, @ B&N Perimeter in ATL w/ @runwithskizzers.bsky.social @julianwinters.bsky.social @delilahsdawson.bsky.social @vanessariley.com
We will have free stuff! We'll have a REC LIST & you can buy all the books!
We will have free stuff! We'll have a REC LIST & you can buy all the books!
November 6, 2025 at 10:12 PM
I made a video to promote this In Defense of Romance panel I'm moderating on 11/22, 2pm, @ B&N Perimeter in ATL w/ @runwithskizzers.bsky.social @julianwinters.bsky.social @delilahsdawson.bsky.social @vanessariley.com
We will have free stuff! We'll have a REC LIST & you can buy all the books!
We will have free stuff! We'll have a REC LIST & you can buy all the books!
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
This afternoon I'll be streaming a walk-through of the Dungeons of Drakkenheim beta campaign frame for Daggerheart and talking a bit about the project in general.
1pm EDT at twitch.tv/turbotango, then at youtube.com/@mikeunderwood tomorrow morning.
1pm EDT at twitch.tv/turbotango, then at youtube.com/@mikeunderwood tomorrow morning.
November 5, 2025 at 1:28 PM
This afternoon I'll be streaming a walk-through of the Dungeons of Drakkenheim beta campaign frame for Daggerheart and talking a bit about the project in general.
1pm EDT at twitch.tv/turbotango, then at youtube.com/@mikeunderwood tomorrow morning.
1pm EDT at twitch.tv/turbotango, then at youtube.com/@mikeunderwood tomorrow morning.
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
Its SHIGIDI paperback release day, US & Canada! Its been a long, lovely journey but my award-winning novel about African gods on a supernatural heist at the British museum finally hits stores in a new format, with a new cover + a bonus short story! Get it y'all🙏🏾
Art by @stephenembleton.bsky.social
Art by @stephenembleton.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Its SHIGIDI paperback release day, US & Canada! Its been a long, lovely journey but my award-winning novel about African gods on a supernatural heist at the British museum finally hits stores in a new format, with a new cover + a bonus short story! Get it y'all🙏🏾
Art by @stephenembleton.bsky.social
Art by @stephenembleton.bsky.social
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
You build worlds for a living. And some dreams, you know, are literally worth more than others.
I have a new story out in Clarkesworld, alongside @tadethompson.bsky.social, @izom-chisom.bsky.social,
@spires.bsky.social y.social, and others!
clarkesworldmagazine.com/ashing-giwa_...
I have a new story out in Clarkesworld, alongside @tadethompson.bsky.social, @izom-chisom.bsky.social,
@spires.bsky.social y.social, and others!
clarkesworldmagazine.com/ashing-giwa_...
November 2, 2025 at 10:46 PM
You build worlds for a living. And some dreams, you know, are literally worth more than others.
I have a new story out in Clarkesworld, alongside @tadethompson.bsky.social, @izom-chisom.bsky.social,
@spires.bsky.social y.social, and others!
clarkesworldmagazine.com/ashing-giwa_...
I have a new story out in Clarkesworld, alongside @tadethompson.bsky.social, @izom-chisom.bsky.social,
@spires.bsky.social y.social, and others!
clarkesworldmagazine.com/ashing-giwa_...
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
The weird ads begin today. Whatever could this egg have to do with my book?📚💙💕
Maybe preorder Opus please? 🌈🚀💫 #BookSky 🌈📚
Signed copy: ko-fi.com/s/994d56a7cb
Amazon & get me a pretty banner: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...
Itch: anotherindiewriter.itch.io/opus
Everywhere else: books2read.com/opus
Maybe preorder Opus please? 🌈🚀💫 #BookSky 🌈📚
Signed copy: ko-fi.com/s/994d56a7cb
Amazon & get me a pretty banner: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...
Itch: anotherindiewriter.itch.io/opus
Everywhere else: books2read.com/opus
November 1, 2025 at 1:07 PM
The weird ads begin today. Whatever could this egg have to do with my book?📚💙💕
Maybe preorder Opus please? 🌈🚀💫 #BookSky 🌈📚
Signed copy: ko-fi.com/s/994d56a7cb
Amazon & get me a pretty banner: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...
Itch: anotherindiewriter.itch.io/opus
Everywhere else: books2read.com/opus
Maybe preorder Opus please? 🌈🚀💫 #BookSky 🌈📚
Signed copy: ko-fi.com/s/994d56a7cb
Amazon & get me a pretty banner: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...
Itch: anotherindiewriter.itch.io/opus
Everywhere else: books2read.com/opus
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
Bumping this more visibly, as due to rescheduling I have extra spots open right now!
I have openings in my editing calendar. I do developmental edits of novellas and novels, and work with multiple genres. More information here: www.kathowardbooks.com/editing and I'm always happy to answer questions.
October 31, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Bumping this more visibly, as due to rescheduling I have extra spots open right now!
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
Hey US and Canada folks! My Nebula, World Fantasy & Locus award nominated novel SHIGIDI will (finally!) be out in paperback on Nov 4. If you couldn't get the hardcover when it came out (understandably so!) here's your chance.
Its got African gods + a succubus + a heist at the British museum!
Its got African gods + a succubus + a heist at the British museum!
October 31, 2025 at 2:59 AM
Hey US and Canada folks! My Nebula, World Fantasy & Locus award nominated novel SHIGIDI will (finally!) be out in paperback on Nov 4. If you couldn't get the hardcover when it came out (understandably so!) here's your chance.
Its got African gods + a succubus + a heist at the British museum!
Its got African gods + a succubus + a heist at the British museum!
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
Before you hit the costume party don't forget to hit SEND! Subs for our next unthemed issue close Friday!
Pssst. One week left until our unthemed issue window closes. Send us your lovely words...!
fiyahlitmag.com/submissions/
fiyahlitmag.com/submissions/
October 27, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Before you hit the costume party don't forget to hit SEND! Subs for our next unthemed issue close Friday!
Coming back from a long trip, it’s such a relief to be home, sleeping in your own bed… And then the backlog of stuff you need to catch up on wraps around you and turns you into a groaning, shambling task list mummy.
October 30, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Coming back from a long trip, it’s such a relief to be home, sleeping in your own bed… And then the backlog of stuff you need to catch up on wraps around you and turns you into a groaning, shambling task list mummy.
I would be more cool with losing my hands and having wings instead if I could figure out how to fly but turns out that’s harder than you might expect
Everyone should post like they're a planeswalker. I think it would be silly.
October 30, 2025 at 2:27 AM
I would be more cool with losing my hands and having wings instead if I could figure out how to fly but turns out that’s harder than you might expect
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
do you like ebooks
do you like ebooks about haunted architecture
did you ever wish THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE was more ... SFnal?
just in time for the height of spooky season, my ROSE/HOUSE is on sale for only $2.99 at all ebook retailers! until November 2nd!
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
do you like ebooks about haunted architecture
did you ever wish THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE was more ... SFnal?
just in time for the height of spooky season, my ROSE/HOUSE is on sale for only $2.99 at all ebook retailers! until November 2nd!
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
Rose/House
Rose/House is a breathtaking and taut sci-fi gothic thriller from Arkady Martine, Hugo Award-winning author of A Memory Called Empire.“I’m a piece of arc...
us.macmillan.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:00 PM
do you like ebooks
do you like ebooks about haunted architecture
did you ever wish THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE was more ... SFnal?
just in time for the height of spooky season, my ROSE/HOUSE is on sale for only $2.99 at all ebook retailers! until November 2nd!
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
do you like ebooks about haunted architecture
did you ever wish THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE was more ... SFnal?
just in time for the height of spooky season, my ROSE/HOUSE is on sale for only $2.99 at all ebook retailers! until November 2nd!
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
ONE HOUR REMAINS IN OUR KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN! Last chance to grab a subscription + a short story critique from the brilliant Heather Clitheroe! @lectio.bsky.social is an editor and author of fiction in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Fusion Fragment, and elsewhere!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/hyb...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/hyb...
October 29, 2025 at 12:51 PM
ONE HOUR REMAINS IN OUR KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN! Last chance to grab a subscription + a short story critique from the brilliant Heather Clitheroe! @lectio.bsky.social is an editor and author of fiction in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Fusion Fragment, and elsewhere!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/hyb...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/hyb...
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
DEAD HAND RULE is out today! As an implacable enemy skitters nearer across the stars, Tara Abernathy gathers Gods and Deathless Kings alike to join forces. Of course, there's still a little fine print to be sorted out. But surely they'll be able to come together against the darkness. Any minute now.
October 28, 2025 at 4:04 PM
DEAD HAND RULE is out today! As an implacable enemy skitters nearer across the stars, Tara Abernathy gathers Gods and Deathless Kings alike to join forces. Of course, there's still a little fine print to be sorted out. But surely they'll be able to come together against the darkness. Any minute now.
Reposted by Valerie Valdes
DEAD HAND RULE is out tomorrow! The fine folks at Nerd Daily spoke with me about this penultimate book of the Craft Sequence, and what’s to come. thenerddaily.com/max-gladston...
Q&A: Max Gladstone, Author of 'Dead Hand Rule' | The Nerd Daily
We chat with author Max Gladstone about Dead Hand Rule, which is the latest epic installment in the Craft Wars series.
thenerddaily.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:51 PM
DEAD HAND RULE is out tomorrow! The fine folks at Nerd Daily spoke with me about this penultimate book of the Craft Sequence, and what’s to come. thenerddaily.com/max-gladston...