James Barclay
@barculator.bsky.social
Author, actor, gamer. Lover of dogs, sport and scuba diving. Avid follower of Ipswich Town FC.
'One of the Godfathers of modern British fantasy.'
'One of the Godfathers of modern British fantasy.'
Reposted by James Barclay
Just one more reason to sign this petition
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
November 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Just one more reason to sign this petition
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...
I've been neck deep in a first person present manuscript for so long that writing my current short story commission in the third person is a fucking nightmare.
November 26, 2025 at 10:53 AM
I've been neck deep in a first person present manuscript for so long that writing my current short story commission in the third person is a fucking nightmare.
If you haven't come across @originstorypodcast.bsky.social yet, please look it up and get listening. You have the joy of seven seasons to catch up on and a brilliant eighth season on the story of socialism happening now. It is thoughtful, intelligent, funny, jaw-dropping, engaging... a proper treat.
November 6, 2025 at 11:17 AM
If you haven't come across @originstorypodcast.bsky.social yet, please look it up and get listening. You have the joy of seven seasons to catch up on and a brilliant eighth season on the story of socialism happening now. It is thoughtful, intelligent, funny, jaw-dropping, engaging... a proper treat.
This is a superb piece of research journalism by @skynewsrss.bsky.social. It confirms pretty much everything we feared about the malign influence of Musk and 'X' on UK political discourse.
The UK Government should be calling the platform and its owner out for what they are and leave it immediately.
The UK Government should be calling the platform and its owner out for what they are and leave it immediately.
Kudos to Sky News for a project trying to measure the political bias of the X algorithm. Looks like a lot of work involved here:
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
Elon Musk is boosting the British right - and this shows how
Elon Musk is boosting the British right - and this shows how
news.sky.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:11 AM
This is a superb piece of research journalism by @skynewsrss.bsky.social. It confirms pretty much everything we feared about the malign influence of Musk and 'X' on UK political discourse.
The UK Government should be calling the platform and its owner out for what they are and leave it immediately.
The UK Government should be calling the platform and its owner out for what they are and leave it immediately.
Everything Carole does is worth your time and your attention.
NEW: The British politician, his Russian intelligence handler & a Kremlin plot against the US & Ukraine.
My new piece about Nathan Gill and Nigel Farage for @thenerve_news in which we ask:
Why, even now, is no-one asking questions?
t.co/BUTtpK9C4S
My new piece about Nathan Gill and Nigel Farage for @thenerve_news in which we ask:
Why, even now, is no-one asking questions?
t.co/BUTtpK9C4S
October 13, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Everything Carole does is worth your time and your attention.
We Live Here Now by @sarahpinborough.bskyb.social is out in the UK today and it is superb. Pace, turmoil, fear, character, plot… I could go on. Everything about it works to perfection.
Buy it and love it, and be prepared…it’s a read-in-one-sitting book.
Buy it and love it, and be prepared…it’s a read-in-one-sitting book.
June 5, 2025 at 3:34 PM
We Live Here Now by @sarahpinborough.bskyb.social is out in the UK today and it is superb. Pace, turmoil, fear, character, plot… I could go on. Everything about it works to perfection.
Buy it and love it, and be prepared…it’s a read-in-one-sitting book.
Buy it and love it, and be prepared…it’s a read-in-one-sitting book.
It is now the law that when anyone uses the phrase 'When push comes to shove' you must interrupt them with 'I will send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love.'
If they are confused by this, show them where to buy tickets.
Message ends. #Hamilton
If they are confused by this, show them where to buy tickets.
Message ends. #Hamilton
May 15, 2025 at 10:36 AM
It is now the law that when anyone uses the phrase 'When push comes to shove' you must interrupt them with 'I will send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love.'
If they are confused by this, show them where to buy tickets.
Message ends. #Hamilton
If they are confused by this, show them where to buy tickets.
Message ends. #Hamilton
@mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk Reflux, James, Reflux.
The ideal name for a party that is bilious, corrosive and fundamentally unpleasant.
The ideal name for a party that is bilious, corrosive and fundamentally unpleasant.
May 14, 2025 at 10:49 AM
@mrjamesob.bsky.social @lbc.co.uk Reflux, James, Reflux.
The ideal name for a party that is bilious, corrosive and fundamentally unpleasant.
The ideal name for a party that is bilious, corrosive and fundamentally unpleasant.
Boosting this for all authors who have had their work stolen by Meta. That's pretty much everyone, by the way.
Writers, if your book was stolen by Meta to train AI, the following advice has been given by The Authors Guild and The Society of Authors:
1) Tell your publisher and/or agent
2) Write to your MP
3) Write to Meta (simple template here: actionnetwork.org/letters/auth... )
1) Tell your publisher and/or agent
2) Write to your MP
3) Write to Meta (simple template here: actionnetwork.org/letters/auth... )
Tell AI Companies They Do Not Have the Right to Use Your Work
I just sent a letter telling AI companies they do not not have the right to use my work. Use the Authors Guild's letter template to send your own.
actionnetwork.org
March 24, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Boosting this for all authors who have had their work stolen by Meta. That's pretty much everyone, by the way.
Happy Birthday, The Matrix.
The Matrix released 26 years ago today 🤯 In its honour, here it is, but all the Agents are Mr Blobby.
March 24, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Happy Birthday, The Matrix.
Yep, all of mine are on here. All stolen by Meta.
And the other week, an article about Sam fucking Altman glorying in an AI written story that uses stolen quotes from other books.
Still wonder why creatives find AI terrifying?
And the other week, an article about Sam fucking Altman glorying in an AI written story that uses stolen quotes from other books.
Still wonder why creatives find AI terrifying?
Good news for fellow authors disheartened by your books being illegally used to train AI;
"If your book was used by Meta, you’re automatically included in the Kadrey v. Meta class action in Northern California..."
And @authorsguild.bsky.social has some practical steps you can take.
"If your book was used by Meta, you’re automatically included in the Kadrey v. Meta class action in Northern California..."
And @authorsguild.bsky.social has some practical steps you can take.
Meta's Massive AI Training Book Heist: What Authors Need to Know - The Authors Guild
Today, The Atlantic published a search tool that allows authors to check if their works are in LibGen, an illegal pirate site AI companies copied for their AI systems. This is a similar tool to the on...
authorsguild.org
March 21, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Yep, all of mine are on here. All stolen by Meta.
And the other week, an article about Sam fucking Altman glorying in an AI written story that uses stolen quotes from other books.
Still wonder why creatives find AI terrifying?
And the other week, an article about Sam fucking Altman glorying in an AI written story that uses stolen quotes from other books.
Still wonder why creatives find AI terrifying?
Perfection.
March 16, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Perfection.
I am here to tell you that @sturdyalex.bsky.social’s description of JD Vance as Trump’s ‘chinless Nazi care bear’ will never be beaten.
Message ends.
Message ends.
March 13, 2025 at 10:34 AM
I am here to tell you that @sturdyalex.bsky.social’s description of JD Vance as Trump’s ‘chinless Nazi care bear’ will never be beaten.
Message ends.
Message ends.
This is utterly lovely. Thank you, Paul, I appreciate it more than you know.
We all have low days as authors, when the words won’t come, and this right here is why it’s worth carrying on.
We all have low days as authors, when the words won’t come, and this right here is why it’s worth carrying on.
Sometimes life is a bit shit, and sometimes the world seems like it's lost its mind. When that happens, the Raven are a source of deep comfort. Eternal thanks to @barculator.bsky.social for writing the best fantasy characters and most amazing stories.
February 26, 2025 at 10:30 PM
This is utterly lovely. Thank you, Paul, I appreciate it more than you know.
We all have low days as authors, when the words won’t come, and this right here is why it’s worth carrying on.
We all have low days as authors, when the words won’t come, and this right here is why it’s worth carrying on.
Repost with your apocalypse skill.
I am less annoying than Rick Grimes.
I am less annoying than Rick Grimes.
Repost with your apocalypse skill
I would make an easy to catch (if unwilling) human sacrifice.
I would make an easy to catch (if unwilling) human sacrifice.
Repost with your apocalypse skill
Complete lack of trust
Complete lack of trust
February 9, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Repost with your apocalypse skill.
I am less annoying than Rick Grimes.
I am less annoying than Rick Grimes.
Something possessed me to watch Civil War last night and I just can't put my finer on what it was...
February 6, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Something possessed me to watch Civil War last night and I just can't put my finer on what it was...
The Grapes of Wrath is an incredible book. But it's one I have ended up enduring rather than enjoying. It is an examination of desperation, the inexorable slide into poverty and exploitation, driven by the monster of capitalism And yet with the strength to go on even as the way out recedes.
January 30, 2025 at 12:10 PM
The Grapes of Wrath is an incredible book. But it's one I have ended up enduring rather than enjoying. It is an examination of desperation, the inexorable slide into poverty and exploitation, driven by the monster of capitalism And yet with the strength to go on even as the way out recedes.
Firstly, Heather is brilliant and if you aren’t following her, please do.
Second, this letter is a depressing but necessary read, digging into Trump’s dismantling of so much that is good.
Sadly, there are going to be plenty such letters…
Second, this letter is a depressing but necessary read, digging into Trump’s dismantling of so much that is good.
Sadly, there are going to be plenty such letters…
January 23, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Firstly, Heather is brilliant and if you aren’t following her, please do.
Second, this letter is a depressing but necessary read, digging into Trump’s dismantling of so much that is good.
Sadly, there are going to be plenty such letters…
Second, this letter is a depressing but necessary read, digging into Trump’s dismantling of so much that is good.
Sadly, there are going to be plenty such letters…
Deactivated my Twitter account today.
I am not showing even the merest molecule of support for a power drunk, ketamine-fuelled fascist. Or any fascist, obviously, but today, Musk in particular.
I am not showing even the merest molecule of support for a power drunk, ketamine-fuelled fascist. Or any fascist, obviously, but today, Musk in particular.
January 21, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Deactivated my Twitter account today.
I am not showing even the merest molecule of support for a power drunk, ketamine-fuelled fascist. Or any fascist, obviously, but today, Musk in particular.
I am not showing even the merest molecule of support for a power drunk, ketamine-fuelled fascist. Or any fascist, obviously, but today, Musk in particular.
Reposted by James Barclay
UM, I had NO idea facebook was tracking everything I did on the internet. EVERYTHING. I have diligently blocked and followed all ways to try to stop this messed up social media from taking from me, but this is the final straw… THESE JERKS! AGH! [screenshots on how to do it in the comments]
January 19, 2025 at 4:00 PM
UM, I had NO idea facebook was tracking everything I did on the internet. EVERYTHING. I have diligently blocked and followed all ways to try to stop this messed up social media from taking from me, but this is the final straw… THESE JERKS! AGH! [screenshots on how to do it in the comments]
I met Denis Law at a dinner one night. He was on our table and he was utterly charming. Interested in everyone around him, didn’t want attention. A lovely man.
RIP
#denislaw
RIP
#denislaw
Denis Law, legendary Manchester United and Scotland goalscorer, dies aged 84 www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Denis Law, legendary Manchester United and Scotland goalscorer, dies aged 84
The striker, part of Man Utd’s Holy Trinity with George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton, established himself as one of the great finishers in the game and claimed the Ballon d’Or
www.independent.co.uk
January 17, 2025 at 8:36 PM
I met Denis Law at a dinner one night. He was on our table and he was utterly charming. Interested in everyone around him, didn’t want attention. A lovely man.
RIP
#denislaw
RIP
#denislaw
I'm using this episode becuase I'm listening to it now but honestly, you could take any episode. Origin Story is an outstanding podcast. The breadth of research is stunning and the presentation style, typical of Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey, is so engaging.
I have learned so much. Sign up now!
I have learned so much. Sign up now!
As close as we get to a warm and fuzzy holiday listen. Part two of @iandunt.bsky.social and @dorianlynskey.bsky.social's story of the BBC is out now. Find it here⬇️
linktr.ee/originstoryp...
linktr.ee/originstoryp...
January 13, 2025 at 11:43 AM
I'm using this episode becuase I'm listening to it now but honestly, you could take any episode. Origin Story is an outstanding podcast. The breadth of research is stunning and the presentation style, typical of Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey, is so engaging.
I have learned so much. Sign up now!
I have learned so much. Sign up now!
And praying everyone else in the house was silent for the duration…
Holding down the "play" and "record" buttons simultaneously on my little tape recorder to record a song off the radio
what’s your favorite instance of haptic nostalgia—the poignant memory of the physicality of an obsolete thing—like dialing a rotary phone, shifting gears in a manual transmission, opening a soda can with a pull ring?
January 12, 2025 at 10:00 PM
And praying everyone else in the house was silent for the duration…
Can confirm Kate is 100% correct.
My wife earns heaps more than me. This is because she is fucking amazing at her job. I am in awe of how she does what she does.
My wife earns heaps more than me. This is because she is fucking amazing at her job. I am in awe of how she does what she does.
Pretty sure it's not up to women to "think carefully" about taking a higher-paid job than their partner. It's up to their partner to get the fuck over himself and be pleased for her.
January 10, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Can confirm Kate is 100% correct.
My wife earns heaps more than me. This is because she is fucking amazing at her job. I am in awe of how she does what she does.
My wife earns heaps more than me. This is because she is fucking amazing at her job. I am in awe of how she does what she does.
This is a typically insightful piece and I would urge you to subscribe to Ian's substack if you can. It allows him to continue writing this excellent column and keep it free for those who can't afford it.
It's been a terrible week. A terrible, terrible week. The worst people on earth are full of energy and vigour, the best are defined by anxiety and self-doubt. Here are three simple rules to surviving the next four years, because by God we'll need them iandunt.substack.com/p/a-little-b...
A little bit of hope after a terrible week
A survival guide to the next four years.
iandunt.substack.com
January 10, 2025 at 12:55 PM
This is a typically insightful piece and I would urge you to subscribe to Ian's substack if you can. It allows him to continue writing this excellent column and keep it free for those who can't afford it.