Joe Butler
@writelikeashark.bsky.social
Weird/Curio/Sci-Fi/Horror writer, novelist, & creator of the Haunted Hotel Project. Founder/editor/cover artist for @TLDRpress. Imperfect Creatures published by Diachroneity Books, OUT NOW! (He/Him)
www.writelikeashark.com
www.writelikeashark.com
Pinned
Joe Butler
@writelikeashark.bsky.social
· Nov 18
RELEASE DAY!!! Imperfect Creatures is OUT NOW! My weird, Twin Peaks X House of Leaves novel is finally out in the world and wants to take up space in your brain.
You can get it here:
diachroneitybooks.com/Imperfect-Cr...
You can get it here:
diachroneitybooks.com/Imperfect-Cr...
Reposted by Joe Butler
Just a friendly reminder that today is the last day to recommend works for the Stoker Awards!
bramstokerawards.horror.org/the-bram-sto...
bramstokerawards.horror.org/the-bram-sto...
The Bram Stoker Awards® – The Bram Stoker Awards
bramstokerawards.horror.org
January 15, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Just a friendly reminder that today is the last day to recommend works for the Stoker Awards!
bramstokerawards.horror.org/the-bram-sto...
bramstokerawards.horror.org/the-bram-sto...
Reposted by Joe Butler
Me attempting to skirt award rules by using a gif to convey what I want you to do with this information today
January 15, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Me attempting to skirt award rules by using a gif to convey what I want you to do with this information today
Reposted by Joe Butler
Holy hell. Imperfect Creatures by Joe Butler (@writelikeashark.bsky.social) is truly incredible. Couldn’t put this thing down over this last week or so. What a fucking trip. Time to go replay a Remedy game.
Shout out to @lucyjames.games for killing it with the book reccs on FPS
Shout out to @lucyjames.games for killing it with the book reccs on FPS
January 15, 2026 at 6:29 AM
Holy hell. Imperfect Creatures by Joe Butler (@writelikeashark.bsky.social) is truly incredible. Couldn’t put this thing down over this last week or so. What a fucking trip. Time to go replay a Remedy game.
Shout out to @lucyjames.games for killing it with the book reccs on FPS
Shout out to @lucyjames.games for killing it with the book reccs on FPS
Reposted by Joe Butler
The audiobook of Coup de Grâce is out today!
I got to speak with the production team about how to tackle the last act’s format (no spoilers—IYKYK!) but I haven’t listened to it yet. I think I understand actors who won’t rewatch their work in a movie now.
I got to speak with the production team about how to tackle the last act’s format (no spoilers—IYKYK!) but I haven’t listened to it yet. I think I understand actors who won’t rewatch their work in a movie now.
January 13, 2026 at 5:23 PM
The audiobook of Coup de Grâce is out today!
I got to speak with the production team about how to tackle the last act’s format (no spoilers—IYKYK!) but I haven’t listened to it yet. I think I understand actors who won’t rewatch their work in a movie now.
I got to speak with the production team about how to tackle the last act’s format (no spoilers—IYKYK!) but I haven’t listened to it yet. I think I understand actors who won’t rewatch their work in a movie now.
Reposted by Joe Butler
Hi #Booksky! 💙📚🪐🌈 It's my birthday today & if you're feeling it, I'd be so grateful if you added my epic fantasy, THE HERESY OF THIEVES, to your to-read on Goodreads!
www.goodreads.com/book/show/24...
In exchange, here is some delightful art of one of the book's characters, Byx 👇
www.goodreads.com/book/show/24...
In exchange, here is some delightful art of one of the book's characters, Byx 👇
The Heresy of Thieves (Spellfall Series Book 1)
The three kingdoms of Yvaelen are suffering a crisis of…
www.goodreads.com
January 12, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Hi #Booksky! 💙📚🪐🌈 It's my birthday today & if you're feeling it, I'd be so grateful if you added my epic fantasy, THE HERESY OF THIEVES, to your to-read on Goodreads!
www.goodreads.com/book/show/24...
In exchange, here is some delightful art of one of the book's characters, Byx 👇
www.goodreads.com/book/show/24...
In exchange, here is some delightful art of one of the book's characters, Byx 👇
Reposted by Joe Butler
Over 10,000 people have added A FATE WORSE THAN DROWNING on Goodreads!! If you heard screaming it wasn't a banshee, it was me!! 😭
Thank you to everyone who has been so kind. I had no idea if I'd reach 10k period, let alone while still in January!!
I'm going to celebrate with some tiramisu later!!
Thank you to everyone who has been so kind. I had no idea if I'd reach 10k period, let alone while still in January!!
I'm going to celebrate with some tiramisu later!!
January 12, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Over 10,000 people have added A FATE WORSE THAN DROWNING on Goodreads!! If you heard screaming it wasn't a banshee, it was me!! 😭
Thank you to everyone who has been so kind. I had no idea if I'd reach 10k period, let alone while still in January!!
I'm going to celebrate with some tiramisu later!!
Thank you to everyone who has been so kind. I had no idea if I'd reach 10k period, let alone while still in January!!
I'm going to celebrate with some tiramisu later!!
Reposted by Joe Butler
It's the final day to enter the Goodreads giveaway for 15 print ARCs of A FATE WORSE THAN DROWNING!!
They're pretty cool if I say so myself 😎
(U.S. only!)
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
✍️📚
They're pretty cool if I say so myself 😎
(U.S. only!)
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
✍️📚
Book giveaway for A Fate Worse Than Drowning by Sarah L. Hawthorn Dec 19-Jan 10, 2026
Enter to win one of 15 free copies available. Giveaway dates from Dec 19-Jan 10, 2026. Enter for a chance to win an early arc of A FATE WORSE THAN DROWIN...
www.goodreads.com
January 10, 2026 at 11:34 AM
It's the final day to enter the Goodreads giveaway for 15 print ARCs of A FATE WORSE THAN DROWNING!!
They're pretty cool if I say so myself 😎
(U.S. only!)
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
✍️📚
They're pretty cool if I say so myself 😎
(U.S. only!)
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
✍️📚
Reposted by Joe Butler
"A metafictional mind-melter where time means nothing and everything at once, Joe Butler’s third novel blends visual elements, epistolary sections, and cyclical narratives to plumb the depths of loss of grief of horror."
#UKHorror #BritishHorror #Literature #Author #HWAUK #NewBooks
#UKHorror #BritishHorror #Literature #Author #HWAUK #NewBooks
RELEASE DAY!!! Imperfect Creatures is OUT NOW! My weird, Twin Peaks X House of Leaves novel is finally out in the world and wants to take up space in your brain.
You can get it here:
diachroneitybooks.com/Imperfect-Cr...
You can get it here:
diachroneitybooks.com/Imperfect-Cr...
January 10, 2026 at 11:21 AM
"A metafictional mind-melter where time means nothing and everything at once, Joe Butler’s third novel blends visual elements, epistolary sections, and cyclical narratives to plumb the depths of loss of grief of horror."
#UKHorror #BritishHorror #Literature #Author #HWAUK #NewBooks
#UKHorror #BritishHorror #Literature #Author #HWAUK #NewBooks
Reposted by Joe Butler
Donated. It’s really easy to feel helpless in the face of such monstrous evil. Whatever bit you can do to fight against it, I truly believe it matters. Here is something that matters.
This is a vetted fundraiser for the family of Renee Good, the woman who was killed by ICE in Minneapolis.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-fo...
www.gofundme.com/f/support-fo...
Donate to Support for Renee Good’s wife and son, organized by Mattie Weiss
Please support the wife and son of Renee Good as they grapple with the devastating … Mattie Weiss needs your support for Support for Renee Good’s wife and son
www.gofundme.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:54 AM
Donated. It’s really easy to feel helpless in the face of such monstrous evil. Whatever bit you can do to fight against it, I truly believe it matters. Here is something that matters.
Reposted by Joe Butler
I'm not saying that @writelikeashark.bsky.social's latest is haunted...but never have I had a book disappear on me so often. Leave it on the nightstand at night...next morning: gone. On the coffee table...turn around: gone. Turned up in the craziest of places, too. www.amazon.com/dp/173836092X 👻
Imperfect Creatures
Amazon.com: Imperfect Creatures: 9781738360925: Butler, Joe: Books
www.amazon.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:16 PM
I'm not saying that @writelikeashark.bsky.social's latest is haunted...but never have I had a book disappear on me so often. Leave it on the nightstand at night...next morning: gone. On the coffee table...turn around: gone. Turned up in the craziest of places, too. www.amazon.com/dp/173836092X 👻
Reposted by Joe Butler
I have another #buyastrangerabook day offer to tell you about!
@writelikeashark.bsky.social is offering to buy someone the book of their choice up to £15.
That's right.
Any book, not just the stuff on my website.
Any book.
So, if there's a particular book you want, get in touch.
UK only
@writelikeashark.bsky.social is offering to buy someone the book of their choice up to £15.
That's right.
Any book, not just the stuff on my website.
Any book.
So, if there's a particular book you want, get in touch.
UK only
IT'S WEDNESDAY!
It's #buyastrangerabook day!
The grooviest of all the days.
I'll give out TWO books.
FOR FREE.
If you'd like one, let me know.
Also, if you'd like to #BuyAStrangerABook too, let me know.
It's a thing! Look.
www.biggreenbookshop.com/stuff-you-mi...
UK only.
It's #buyastrangerabook day!
The grooviest of all the days.
I'll give out TWO books.
FOR FREE.
If you'd like one, let me know.
Also, if you'd like to #BuyAStrangerABook too, let me know.
It's a thing! Look.
www.biggreenbookshop.com/stuff-you-mi...
UK only.
Buy A Stranger A Book. #buyastrangerabook - Stuff you might like... - Big Green Bookshop. @biggreenbooks on Twitter. Cheese fan. My Mum says hi.
The Big Green Bookshop an independent online bookshop in selling awesome titles by awesome authors to awesome people
www.biggreenbookshop.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:41 PM
I have another #buyastrangerabook day offer to tell you about!
@writelikeashark.bsky.social is offering to buy someone the book of their choice up to £15.
That's right.
Any book, not just the stuff on my website.
Any book.
So, if there's a particular book you want, get in touch.
UK only
@writelikeashark.bsky.social is offering to buy someone the book of their choice up to £15.
That's right.
Any book, not just the stuff on my website.
Any book.
So, if there's a particular book you want, get in touch.
UK only
Reposted by Joe Butler
Hi hey my new book comes out on Jan 20, and she's real pretty, and there's a giveaway of ten of these shiny sprayed hardcovers on GR, otherwise you can ask your local bookstore for one and that would mean the world to me!
www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Ni...
www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Ni...
January 7, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Hi hey my new book comes out on Jan 20, and she's real pretty, and there's a giveaway of ten of these shiny sprayed hardcovers on GR, otherwise you can ask your local bookstore for one and that would mean the world to me!
www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Ni...
www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Ni...
Anthem is being sunset on the 12th, so I decided to mess around on it for a bit. They really did nail the flying mechanics. Shame they couldn't get 2.0 out.
January 5, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Anthem is being sunset on the 12th, so I decided to mess around on it for a bit. They really did nail the flying mechanics. Shame they couldn't get 2.0 out.
Reposted by Joe Butler
A new account, but we need this here in the UK, so I've subbed.
British Horror Authors Guild britishhorror.substack.com?r=nuerk&utm_...
British Horror Authors Guild britishhorror.substack.com?r=nuerk&utm_...
British Horror Authors Guild | Substack
Our mission is to support, connect, and empower writers working in horror and dark fiction by providing a space for shared knowledge, practical advice, and peer support. Click to read British Horror A...
britishhorror.substack.com
January 3, 2026 at 6:34 PM
A new account, but we need this here in the UK, so I've subbed.
British Horror Authors Guild britishhorror.substack.com?r=nuerk&utm_...
British Horror Authors Guild britishhorror.substack.com?r=nuerk&utm_...
Reposted by Joe Butler
My feral 2026 resolution. Because I just want us all to succeed, friends and I'm super tired of the status quo as it is.
January 2, 2026 at 8:58 PM
My feral 2026 resolution. Because I just want us all to succeed, friends and I'm super tired of the status quo as it is.
Happy New Year to all my bluesky pals! I hope everyone has an amazing 2026.
January 1, 2026 at 12:23 AM
Happy New Year to all my bluesky pals! I hope everyone has an amazing 2026.
Reposted by Joe Butler
Happy New Year, everyone! Here's to a year of coolness, kindness, and kicking fascism's ass 🎉🖤🎉 I can't believe I have to write that in 2026! Let's take better care of each other. The world was a clusterfuck in '25. Let's make it better this year 🖤
December 31, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Happy New Year, everyone! Here's to a year of coolness, kindness, and kicking fascism's ass 🎉🖤🎉 I can't believe I have to write that in 2026! Let's take better care of each other. The world was a clusterfuck in '25. Let's make it better this year 🖤
Reposted by Joe Butler
[End of the year sappiness alert]
If you've reached out to an author and told them how much their work means to you, or how excited for their next book you are, or just that you think of their writing journey and wish them the best?
You're keeping the fires burning against some cold, harsh nights.
If you've reached out to an author and told them how much their work means to you, or how excited for their next book you are, or just that you think of their writing journey and wish them the best?
You're keeping the fires burning against some cold, harsh nights.
December 31, 2025 at 12:50 AM
[End of the year sappiness alert]
If you've reached out to an author and told them how much their work means to you, or how excited for their next book you are, or just that you think of their writing journey and wish them the best?
You're keeping the fires burning against some cold, harsh nights.
If you've reached out to an author and told them how much their work means to you, or how excited for their next book you are, or just that you think of their writing journey and wish them the best?
You're keeping the fires burning against some cold, harsh nights.
Reposted by Joe Butler
Reposted by Joe Butler
Pre-order saaaale!! 🌊🌊👻🌊🌊 (Wild that I get to make this post now!)
If you have a B&N Rewards or B&N Premium Membership you can save 25% when you pre-order A FATE WORSE THAN DROWNING from today until January 1!
Rewards membership is free. Use the code PREORDER25 at checkout ❤️🌊🔥👻💙
If you have a B&N Rewards or B&N Premium Membership you can save 25% when you pre-order A FATE WORSE THAN DROWNING from today until January 1!
Rewards membership is free. Use the code PREORDER25 at checkout ❤️🌊🔥👻💙
December 30, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Pre-order saaaale!! 🌊🌊👻🌊🌊 (Wild that I get to make this post now!)
If you have a B&N Rewards or B&N Premium Membership you can save 25% when you pre-order A FATE WORSE THAN DROWNING from today until January 1!
Rewards membership is free. Use the code PREORDER25 at checkout ❤️🌊🔥👻💙
If you have a B&N Rewards or B&N Premium Membership you can save 25% when you pre-order A FATE WORSE THAN DROWNING from today until January 1!
Rewards membership is free. Use the code PREORDER25 at checkout ❤️🌊🔥👻💙
Quote this with what you have accomplished in 2025 no matter how small. Not a LOT of publishing things, but a big one!
- I published my third novel, Imperfect Creatures. It's the best, most ambitious thing I've ever done, and I'm super proud of it.
- attended my first con as an author!
- I published my third novel, Imperfect Creatures. It's the best, most ambitious thing I've ever done, and I'm super proud of it.
- attended my first con as an author!
Quote this with what you have accomplished in 2025 no matter how small
- Got through all my dev and copy edits for AFWTD!!
- Performed at my first reading event!
- Started therapy and switched to better meds!
- Kept up with my skincare all year💅
- [secret publishing thing I can't say yet but yay!!]
- Got through all my dev and copy edits for AFWTD!!
- Performed at my first reading event!
- Started therapy and switched to better meds!
- Kept up with my skincare all year💅
- [secret publishing thing I can't say yet but yay!!]
Quote this with what you have accomplished in 2025 no matter how small
- got a new book contract
- started teaching my own courses for Continuing Ed at Liverpool uni
- won 'teacher of the year' at the Regency academe
- got small research funding
- wrote a collection chapter on new research
- got a new book contract
- started teaching my own courses for Continuing Ed at Liverpool uni
- won 'teacher of the year' at the Regency academe
- got small research funding
- wrote a collection chapter on new research
December 28, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Quote this with what you have accomplished in 2025 no matter how small. Not a LOT of publishing things, but a big one!
- I published my third novel, Imperfect Creatures. It's the best, most ambitious thing I've ever done, and I'm super proud of it.
- attended my first con as an author!
- I published my third novel, Imperfect Creatures. It's the best, most ambitious thing I've ever done, and I'm super proud of it.
- attended my first con as an author!
Happy weirdmas, all! I hope you all get an actual break, and may all your artistic dreams come true, and the AI bubble bursts, and billionaires are taxed into oblivion.
December 24, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Happy weirdmas, all! I hope you all get an actual break, and may all your artistic dreams come true, and the AI bubble bursts, and billionaires are taxed into oblivion.
Reposted by Joe Butler
This world is a True Terror, but we're grateful that you've kept it Weird in all the best ways with us. Thank you for all your support in 2025; we can't wait to share what's coming next.
HAIL INDIE PUBLISHING.
HAIL NEW WEIRD HORROR + MORE.
HAIL THE TENEBROUS CULT.
All our love-
Alex + Matt
🖤☠️
HAIL INDIE PUBLISHING.
HAIL NEW WEIRD HORROR + MORE.
HAIL THE TENEBROUS CULT.
All our love-
Alex + Matt
🖤☠️
December 24, 2025 at 6:05 PM
This world is a True Terror, but we're grateful that you've kept it Weird in all the best ways with us. Thank you for all your support in 2025; we can't wait to share what's coming next.
HAIL INDIE PUBLISHING.
HAIL NEW WEIRD HORROR + MORE.
HAIL THE TENEBROUS CULT.
All our love-
Alex + Matt
🖤☠️
HAIL INDIE PUBLISHING.
HAIL NEW WEIRD HORROR + MORE.
HAIL THE TENEBROUS CULT.
All our love-
Alex + Matt
🖤☠️
Reposted by Joe Butler
Support indie horror this holiday season, please. We need you. We're waiting for you to find us. Click on any of the presses to find rad horror titles now.
@nwreader.bsky.social
@clashbooks.bsky.social
@tenebrouspress.bsky.social
@shortwavebooks.bsky.social
@thirdestatebooks.bsky.social
1/3
@nwreader.bsky.social
@clashbooks.bsky.social
@tenebrouspress.bsky.social
@shortwavebooks.bsky.social
@thirdestatebooks.bsky.social
1/3
December 23, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Support indie horror this holiday season, please. We need you. We're waiting for you to find us. Click on any of the presses to find rad horror titles now.
@nwreader.bsky.social
@clashbooks.bsky.social
@tenebrouspress.bsky.social
@shortwavebooks.bsky.social
@thirdestatebooks.bsky.social
1/3
@nwreader.bsky.social
@clashbooks.bsky.social
@tenebrouspress.bsky.social
@shortwavebooks.bsky.social
@thirdestatebooks.bsky.social
1/3
Reposted by Joe Butler
And if you wanna check out @rascalhartley.bsky.social’s DEAR STUPID PENPAL for yourself:
YOU SHOULD.
store.tenebrouspress.com
YOU SHOULD.
store.tenebrouspress.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:01 PM
And if you wanna check out @rascalhartley.bsky.social’s DEAR STUPID PENPAL for yourself:
YOU SHOULD.
store.tenebrouspress.com
YOU SHOULD.
store.tenebrouspress.com