P.A. Cornell (She/Her)
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cornellwriter.bsky.social
P.A. Cornell (She/Her)
@cornellwriter.bsky.social
12K followers 5.4K following 5.8K posts
Nebula, Aurora, and World Fantasy-nominated Chilean-Canadian writer. Winner Short Works Prize. SFWA, CSFFA, ALCiFF Chile. Odyssey ’02. Codex. Stories in Apex, Fantasy, Lightspeed, and others. Linktree: http://linktr.ee/pacornell
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cornellwriter.bsky.social
Sadenned to hear of the passing of Rebecca Heineman. I only met her briefly during the 2024 Nebula ceremony, but she made an impact. She is again reunited with her wife Jennell Jaquays on behalf of whom she accepted the Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award that day. RIP.
A middle aged white woman with red hair and glasses, wearing a t-shirt, is holding a clear-domed object with a butterfly inside it.
November 20, 2025 at 1:42 AM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
A young girl stands in front of a burning house. She has a mischievous look in her eye and is smirking. Next to the house it says “A.I. Industry.” Next to the girl it says, “Authors.”
November 19, 2025 at 1:13 AM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Got my first non-blurb review for my novelette SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL from Emma’s Books and More over on Instagram. Thrilled people are enjoying this book! 🚀 Pre-order: www.starsandsabers.com/books/shoesh...
Review - I really enjoyed this novel. This was such an interesting and entertaining read. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked, and there was plenty of content and twists and turns to keep me interested and reading until the end. I loved the author's writing style and there was a great cast of characters. Plus the pacing was just right. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
November 18, 2025 at 7:02 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Good morning! Today’s lovely words about SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL come from @lyndseycroal.bsky.social. Thanks so much, Lyndsey! 🥹
"A pacy and engaging retrofuturistic romp of love, deception, and the power of following your dreams. All the way through, I was hooked by the smooth writing, killer concepts, twists and turns, and the uniquely compelling characters. Highly recommend it!" - Lyndsey Croal, author of Limelight and Other Stories and Dark Crescent
November 6, 2025 at 12:57 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Today’s lovely words about my forthcoming novelette are from @katrinaarcher.bsky.social. Thanks so much, Katrina! 🥹 I’m just overwhelmed by the response to this book.
"Shoeshine Boy and Cigarette Girl is a disarming retrofuture romance full of moxie, gumption, and well-deserved comeuppances. P. A. Cornell's deft pickpocketing of elements from noir and SF will steal your heart and leave you cheering for the power of love, loyalty, and a great pair of shoes. " - Katrina Archer, author of The Tree of Souls and editor of Little Blue Marble magazine
November 5, 2025 at 12:43 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
More lovely words about SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL this time from my nemesis, @rachaelkjones.bsky.social. Thanks so much Rachael! 🥹
"This book has everything: A con woman with a heart of gold. The idealistic young man who wants to give her the moon. The swindler determined to drive a wedge between the young lovers. All set in a retro-futuristic Toronto with hovercars and airships galore. What's not to love?" - Rachael K. Jones, two-time Hugo Award Finalist and author of Every River Runs to Salt
November 4, 2025 at 12:46 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Today’s kind words about my novelette SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL come from @rsagarcia.bsky.social. Thank you so much, Rhonda! Pre-order yours: www.starsandsabers.com/books/shoesh...
"P. A. Cornell, one of the best storytellers working today, has crafted the cozy noir you didn't know you needed. A sweet retro scifi tale that improbably channels both Hammett and O. Henry, it features a femme fatale with smarts and moxie you'll adore as much as Shoeshine Boy. The beating heart of this story will stay with you long after the jig is up." R.S.A. Garcia - Sturgeon and Nebula award-winning author of The Nightward
November 3, 2025 at 12:41 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Happy Halloween, Witches! 🎃🐈‍⬛🧙‍♀️🧛🏻👻💀
P.A. Cornell, age 4, dressed as a witch. She’s wearing a purple dress with a pointed witch’s hat that has purple starts on it. Her face is covered in green makeup.
October 31, 2025 at 12:27 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Today’s blurb comes from @aimeeogdenwrites.com. Thank you so much, Aimee! 🥹 And if you missed it, the cover for SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL has been revealed and there are pre-order links available. Find all that here: www.starsandsabers.com/books/shoesh...
"P.A. Cornell has written a mischievous, big-hearted sci-fi love story with a Transatlantic accent. Shoeshine Boy and Cigarette Girl gleams like a retro-futuristic rocketship--or like a lovingly polished shoe.” —Nebula and Eugie Foster Award finalist Aimee Ogden, author of What Any Dead Thing Wants
October 31, 2025 at 11:12 AM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Back with another awesome blurb for my forthcoming novelette (Cover reveal and pre-order links coming very soon). Thanks so much for your kind words @jordankurella.com! 🥹
"P.A. Cornell takes us on a starstruck journey of love and devotion in Shoeshine Boy & Cigarette Girl. In a combination of noir and science fiction— with a lot of love thrown in —Cornell has the chops to mix genres, blend emotions, and steal hearts. If you think you're ready for this one, get your ticket, and hold on tight." —Jordan Kurella, Nebula Nominated Author of I Never Liked You Anyway
October 30, 2025 at 5:51 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Here are some more lovely words about my novelette from @renanbernardo.com. Thanks, Renan! This means so much. 🥹
"P.A. Cornell gives us a fun romantic tale set in a retrofuturistic Toronto. A story not only about fulfilled love but also of trust and care for each other. Shoeshine Boy & Cigarette Girl will leave you smiling and wishing for more happy endings." —Renan Bernardo, Nebula and Ignyte finalist and author of Disgraced Return of the Kap's Needle
October 28, 2025 at 11:51 AM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
More kind words about my forthcoming novelette, this time from @pedroiniguez.bsky.social. Much appreciated, Pedro! 🥹
"Set in a wonderous retrofuturistic Toronto, Shoeshine Boy & Cigarette Girl delivers an endearing-and timeless-romantic romp at a time when we need these stories most." - Pedro Iniguez, Bram Stoker and Elgin Award-winner, and author of Echoes and Embers: Speculative Stories
October 26, 2025 at 11:59 AM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Today’s lovely words about my forthcoming novelette are from @nathanielluscombe.bsky.social. Thanks so much, Nathaniel! 🥹
"Shoeshine Boy & Cigarette Girl is a clever modern parable that imagines an alternative Toronto and the dreamers who reside within. Full of deception and resilience, this short tale will leave its readers aching for more." - Nathaniel Luscombe, author of Moon Soul
October 25, 2025 at 12:29 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
What’s it like inside your head?
Cute bunny holding a walkie talkie and saying, “WTF, over.”
October 24, 2025 at 12:35 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
More kind words about SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL - this time from @tinaconnolly.bsky.social. Thanks, Tina! 🥹
"An adorable little retro-future story with lovable characters that pulls off a happy ending gift-of-the-magi twist like a rabbit out of a hat." - Tina Connolly, Hugo-nominated author of Ironskin
October 24, 2025 at 11:52 AM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
New day, new blurb! This time from @derrickboden.bsky.social. Thank you, Derrick! 🥹
"Shoeshine Boy & Cigarette Girl is a fun, nostalgic romp through an alternate Toronto with a laser-focused message: love conquers all. Cornell's prose is as clear and crisp as a mountain spring, and you'll be rooting for her characters from page one. With plenty of action and a bold sincerity that pervades so much of Cornell's work, this book will leave you smiling, eager for Shoeshine Boy & Cigarette Girl's next grand adventure." - Derrick Boden, Sturgeon Award finalist author featured in Lightspeed and Clarkesworld
October 23, 2025 at 12:07 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Today’s lovely words about my novelette come from @harveyhamer.bsky.social. Thanks so much, Harvey! 🥹
"Shoeshine Boy & Cigarette Girl is a charming tale of love and dreams, and how they fare against the dangers of the world. A retrofuture fable that endears and inspires in equal measure, highlighted by its detailed prose and heartfelt characters. A perfect love letter of a story for Valentines Day!" - Harvey Hamer, Diamond Dimensions Universe author and Star Wars Insider contributor
October 22, 2025 at 11:47 AM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Sharing another blurb this morning, this time from the fantabulous @aijiang.bsky.social. Thank you so much, Ai! 🥹
Praise for Shoeshine Boy & Cigarette Girl "SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL is a contemporary fairy tale that weaves perfectly the cautionary and the heartfelt, exploring themes of new love, idealism, desperation, deception, sacrifice, forgiveness, and understanding." - Ai Jiang, Nebula and Bram Stoker Award winner and Hugo Award finalist of A Palace Near the Wind and Linghun
October 21, 2025 at 11:34 AM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Today’s lovely words about SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL come from @angelaliu.bsky.social. Thanks so much, Angela! What an honor to be compared to one of my favorite childhood stories. 🥹
“With a tenderness reminiscent of The Little Prince, Cornell has crafted a comforting retrofuture love story that is brimming with optimism." - Angela Liu, Hugo, Nebula, Ignyte, Rhysling, Locus, and Astounding Award finalist writer
October 20, 2025 at 11:05 AM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
A reminder that you can find all my 2025 eligible work right here: www.pacornell.com/2025-awards-.... Thank you for keeping my stories in mind when nominating or voting for awards.
Image shows a field of sunflowers beneath a wide expanse of blue sky. Text reads: P.A. Cornell - 2025 Awards Eligibility. Under which are listed the following stories: • “Through the Machine” (SF / 5000 w) – Lightspeed • “The Space Between Us” (SF / 1499 w) – Lightspeed (Coming in December) • “Spells for the Afterlife” (F / 2588 w) – Of Enchantment, Enigma, and the Infinite • “Falling Forever” (SF / 893 w) – Factor Four • “And I Will Read to You About Butterflies” (SF / 3647 w) – Heartlines Spec • “The Futility of Warning You” (SF / 750 w) – Factor Four • “Feathers” (F / 760 w) – Worlds of Possibility • “So Many Things to See” (SFF / 2415 w) – Trollbreath • “Fire & Flight” (SFF / 4941 w) – Plott Hound • “After the Rain” (SF ECO / 3706 w) – Escape Pod • “After the Suns Go Down” (SFH / 8675 w) – The Growers • “Twelve Things that Will Occur Immediately Following Your Invention of Teleportation” (SF Humor / 880 w) – Factor Four • “The Underlying Cause of Her Insomnia” (FH / 1000 w) Trembling With Fear • “Hard Times at the Four Pines Motel” (SF / 1000 w) – Short Circuit
October 17, 2025 at 9:23 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
I’ve been sharing some of the blurbs coming in for SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL. It’s not up for pre-order yet, but thought I’d remind everyone you CAN add it to your TBR if you’re on Goodreads. Find it here: www.goodreads.com/book/show/23...
Teaser image ahead of cover reveal. Background is a teal/green with illustrated retro future rockets and satellites. Center shows a darker green cover-sized space with the title SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL under which is another illustrated rocket. Beneath that is says P.A. Cornell - Nebula, Aurora, & World Fantasy Award Finalist. Under that is says COVER COMING SOON. And under that it has the logo for Stars and Sabers Publishing. Finally, at the bottom it announces the book release date as February 3, 2026.
October 17, 2025 at 12:56 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
You’ve seen the nice things people are saying about SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL but you’re still not sold? Let’s see if Stewart C. Baker can convince you. Thank you Stewart! 🥹
"P.A. Cornell is a master of her craft, with a keen eye for the most important things that make us human. Utterly engrossing and imbued with charm, this illustrated novelette of an alternate Toronto is a delight to read. It's bound to put a smile on your face." - Stewart C Baker, author of The Butterfly Disjunct: And Other Stories
October 17, 2025 at 12:28 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Today’s lovely words about my forthcoming novelette come from @julieczerneda.bsky.social. Thank you so much, Julie!
"Shoeshine Boy & Cigarette Girl is a delightful mashup of all those wonderful old (Depression-era) movies with a tasty SF twist as "moon"-eyed lovers pin their hopes on each other but must deal with a thorough scoundrel first. Enjoy!" - Julie E. Czerneda, author of Imaginings and To Each This World
October 16, 2025 at 12:04 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Today’s lovely words about SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL come from @elianeboey.bsky.social. Thank you so much Eliane. 🥹
"A heartfelt story about trust, love, and the other unsaid things that light the path to our dreams; even to the moon. I read it in one sitting!" — Eliane Boey, author of Club Contango
October 15, 2025 at 8:33 PM
cornellwriter.bsky.social
Blurbs continue to come in for SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL so I figured I’d share them one at a time in no particular order. Today’s selection comes from @paulcornell.bsky.social because the final line just made me laugh. 😀 Too kind, Paul.
"A hard-worn romance that means it, the hope and commitment we need right now, from the best writer called P. Cornell." — Paul Cornell, author of I Walk With Monsters, the Lychford novels, and writer on Doctor Who
October 14, 2025 at 10:25 PM