Charles (Cy) Payseur
@cypayseur.bsky.social
https://linktr.ee/cypayseur
Locus and Ignyte Award winning co-editor of We're Here: The Best Queer Speculative Fiction. Hugo and Ignyte Award finalist critic/fan writer. Destroyer of Science Fiction. Bisexual all day. He/Him They/Them
Locus and Ignyte Award winning co-editor of We're Here: The Best Queer Speculative Fiction. Hugo and Ignyte Award finalist critic/fan writer. Destroyer of Science Fiction. Bisexual all day. He/Him They/Them
Pinned
Quick Sips 10/10/2025 | Charles Payseur
Get more from Charles Payseur on Patreon
www.patreon.com
Quick Sip Reviews Patreon October Roundup
Personal Update (& cat picture) [free & paid members]: www.patreon.com/posts/quick-...
Various & Sundry (non-short sff reviews) [paid members only]: www.patreon.com/posts/variou...
Personal Update (& cat picture) [free & paid members]: www.patreon.com/posts/quick-...
Various & Sundry (non-short sff reviews) [paid members only]: www.patreon.com/posts/variou...
Reposted by Charles (Cy) Payseur
This week, I withdrew from a speaking engagement at a public university because they sent me a list of prohibited “words & concepts.” I will not humor this censorship. It does a disservice to the stories I’m discussing & the audience, who deserve unfettered access to information & conversation.
November 20, 2025 at 10:20 PM
This week, I withdrew from a speaking engagement at a public university because they sent me a list of prohibited “words & concepts.” I will not humor this censorship. It does a disservice to the stories I’m discussing & the audience, who deserve unfettered access to information & conversation.
Reposted by Charles (Cy) Payseur
Yep. This one's great. I read it recently and loved it. Highly recommend.
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
Nightmare #156 9/25 (3 originals) @nightmare-magazine.com
Nice mix of horror, with perhaps a focus on family, ambition, corruption, and atonement. Champ Wongsatayanont's "Autogas Ferryman" is sharp and aching, about a taxi driver who can see ghosts.
Nightmare #156 9/25 (3 originals) @nightmare-magazine.com
Nice mix of horror, with perhaps a focus on family, ambition, corruption, and atonement. Champ Wongsatayanont's "Autogas Ferryman" is sharp and aching, about a taxi driver who can see ghosts.
November 20, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Yep. This one's great. I read it recently and loved it. Highly recommend.
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
Small Wonders #28 (3 originals, plus 3 poems) @smallwondersmag.com
A nice mix of genres, though probably because of the month much more of a lean into horror, with works by Montanna Rayne Harling and Rebecca E. Treasure that are very grim indeed.
Small Wonders #28 (3 originals, plus 3 poems) @smallwondersmag.com
A nice mix of genres, though probably because of the month much more of a lean into horror, with works by Montanna Rayne Harling and Rebecca E. Treasure that are very grim indeed.
November 20, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
Small Wonders #28 (3 originals, plus 3 poems) @smallwondersmag.com
A nice mix of genres, though probably because of the month much more of a lean into horror, with works by Montanna Rayne Harling and Rebecca E. Treasure that are very grim indeed.
Small Wonders #28 (3 originals, plus 3 poems) @smallwondersmag.com
A nice mix of genres, though probably because of the month much more of a lean into horror, with works by Montanna Rayne Harling and Rebecca E. Treasure that are very grim indeed.
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
The Dark #125 (2 originals)
A pair of rather strange stories, with characters being pulled between the toxic elements of their pasts and the possible better futures ahead of them, though that might just be an illusion.
The Dark #125 (2 originals)
A pair of rather strange stories, with characters being pulled between the toxic elements of their pasts and the possible better futures ahead of them, though that might just be an illusion.
November 20, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
The Dark #125 (2 originals)
A pair of rather strange stories, with characters being pulled between the toxic elements of their pasts and the possible better futures ahead of them, though that might just be an illusion.
The Dark #125 (2 originals)
A pair of rather strange stories, with characters being pulled between the toxic elements of their pasts and the possible better futures ahead of them, though that might just be an illusion.
Just posted some more thoughts about “Magical Girl Antifa War Machine” by Esther Alter (from Escape Pod #994) in the inaugural Queer AF Spec Fic Reading Club and if you want join in on the discussion, become a patron and check it out!
www.patreon.com/posts/142730...
www.patreon.com/posts/142730...
The Queer AF Spec Fic Reading Club (November 2025) | Charles Payseur
Get more from Charles Payseur on Patreon
www.patreon.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Just posted some more thoughts about “Magical Girl Antifa War Machine” by Esther Alter (from Escape Pod #994) in the inaugural Queer AF Spec Fic Reading Club and if you want join in on the discussion, become a patron and check it out!
www.patreon.com/posts/142730...
www.patreon.com/posts/142730...
Reposted by Charles (Cy) Payseur
Please help @lpkindred.bsky.social stay in school in these difficult times. He's a great person who's had a rough go and deserves all the good things.
www.gofundme.com/f/keep-lp-in...
www.gofundme.com/f/keep-lp-in...
Donate to Keep LP in School Spring 2026, organized by LP Kindred
Hey y'all,
I'm LP Kindred, a Chicagoan-Angeleno writer/editor/teaching artist/culture work… LP Kindred needs your support for Keep LP in School Spring 2026
www.gofundme.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Please help @lpkindred.bsky.social stay in school in these difficult times. He's a great person who's had a rough go and deserves all the good things.
www.gofundme.com/f/keep-lp-in...
www.gofundme.com/f/keep-lp-in...
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
Nightmare #157 (3 originals, plus 1 poem) @nightmare-magazine.com
Well they say Halloween is gay Christmas and this issue certainly leans into that with a whole bunch of queer speculative horror from October. So much to like!
Nightmare #157 (3 originals, plus 1 poem) @nightmare-magazine.com
Well they say Halloween is gay Christmas and this issue certainly leans into that with a whole bunch of queer speculative horror from October. So much to like!
November 19, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
Nightmare #157 (3 originals, plus 1 poem) @nightmare-magazine.com
Well they say Halloween is gay Christmas and this issue certainly leans into that with a whole bunch of queer speculative horror from October. So much to like!
Nightmare #157 (3 originals, plus 1 poem) @nightmare-magazine.com
Well they say Halloween is gay Christmas and this issue certainly leans into that with a whole bunch of queer speculative horror from October. So much to like!
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
Diabolical Plots #128 (2 originals) @diabolicalplots.com
Nice selections for the October issue as they are both dealing with body horror and family and life and death and skin. Creepy at times but grounded in love and loss
Diabolical Plots #128 (2 originals) @diabolicalplots.com
Nice selections for the October issue as they are both dealing with body horror and family and life and death and skin. Creepy at times but grounded in love and loss
November 19, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
Diabolical Plots #128 (2 originals) @diabolicalplots.com
Nice selections for the October issue as they are both dealing with body horror and family and life and death and skin. Creepy at times but grounded in love and loss
Diabolical Plots #128 (2 originals) @diabolicalplots.com
Nice selections for the October issue as they are both dealing with body horror and family and life and death and skin. Creepy at times but grounded in love and loss
Reposted by Charles (Cy) Payseur
I'm gonna do an eligibility post because I don't expect any other publications this year.
Writing in 2025:
1. The Flaming Embusen (short story) available in text and audio:
1/4
Writing in 2025:
1. The Flaming Embusen (short story) available in text and audio:
1/4
The Flaming Embusen - Uncanny Magazine
Jero cleared his throat before he continued speaking into the phone. “Up to this moment it could not positively have been asserted that the man, in spite of his tantalizing declaration, was really in ...
www.uncannymagazine.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:57 AM
I'm gonna do an eligibility post because I don't expect any other publications this year.
Writing in 2025:
1. The Flaming Embusen (short story) available in text and audio:
1/4
Writing in 2025:
1. The Flaming Embusen (short story) available in text and audio:
1/4
Reposted by Charles (Cy) Payseur
“Bloody Muddy Water” by @jduckwriter.bsky.social from @bcsmagazine.bsky.social, “To Access Seven Obelisks, Press Enter” by @spacevalkyries.bsky.social from @lightspeedmagazine.com, and more short fic recs from @cypayseur.bsky.social
Small Wonders, Beneath Ceaseless Skies and Lightspeed: Review by Charles Payseur
Small Wonders 7/25 Beneath Ceaseless Skies 8/7/25, 8/21/25 Lightspeed 8/25 The July Small Wonders features some great poetry, including Courtney Floyd’s “Renfield at His Windowsill”, which captures…
locusmag.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:00 AM
“Bloody Muddy Water” by @jduckwriter.bsky.social from @bcsmagazine.bsky.social, “To Access Seven Obelisks, Press Enter” by @spacevalkyries.bsky.social from @lightspeedmagazine.com, and more short fic recs from @cypayseur.bsky.social
Reposted by Charles (Cy) Payseur
"The story is tense, the danger and the anticipation mixing deliciously... The piece is heavy with denied justice and the promise that the bigger a corporation is, the more satisfying its fall."
Thank you @cypayseur.bsky.social for the recommendation of "To Access Seven Obelisks, Press Enter" 😭
Thank you @cypayseur.bsky.social for the recommendation of "To Access Seven Obelisks, Press Enter" 😭
“Bloody Muddy Water” by @jduckwriter.bsky.social from @bcsmagazine.bsky.social, “To Access Seven Obelisks, Press Enter” by @spacevalkyries.bsky.social from @lightspeedmagazine.com, and more short fic recs from @cypayseur.bsky.social
Small Wonders, Beneath Ceaseless Skies and Lightspeed: Review by Charles Payseur
Small Wonders 7/25 Beneath Ceaseless Skies 8/7/25, 8/21/25 Lightspeed 8/25 The July Small Wonders features some great poetry, including Courtney Floyd’s “Renfield at His Windowsill”, which captures…
locusmag.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:00 AM
"The story is tense, the danger and the anticipation mixing deliciously... The piece is heavy with denied justice and the promise that the bigger a corporation is, the more satisfying its fall."
Thank you @cypayseur.bsky.social for the recommendation of "To Access Seven Obelisks, Press Enter" 😭
Thank you @cypayseur.bsky.social for the recommendation of "To Access Seven Obelisks, Press Enter" 😭
Reposted by Charles (Cy) Payseur
My reading fell off a cliff these last 2 months, so this list is shorter than usual. But here are recent stories I loved, from @renanbernardo.com @isabel.kim @wiswell.bsky.social Testimony Odey @kristinaten.bsky.social and @champwongs.bsky.social
itsajumble.blogspot.com/2025/11/shor...
itsajumble.blogspot.com/2025/11/shor...
Short fiction recs! Sept-Oct 2025
This reading round-up is shorter than usual, as I admit that my short fiction reading fell off a cliff these last two months, due to trave...
itsajumble.blogspot.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:22 AM
My reading fell off a cliff these last 2 months, so this list is shorter than usual. But here are recent stories I loved, from @renanbernardo.com @isabel.kim @wiswell.bsky.social Testimony Odey @kristinaten.bsky.social and @champwongs.bsky.social
itsajumble.blogspot.com/2025/11/shor...
itsajumble.blogspot.com/2025/11/shor...
Reposted by Charles (Cy) Payseur
Writers, publishing will suck all the joy and light from your life if you let it.
So don't let it.
This week, on Undercover in the Apocalypse: my dreams came true, but I just found new ways to be miserable.
undercover-in-the-apocalypse.ghost.io/my-dreams-ca...
So don't let it.
This week, on Undercover in the Apocalypse: my dreams came true, but I just found new ways to be miserable.
undercover-in-the-apocalypse.ghost.io/my-dreams-ca...
My dreams came true and I just found new ways to be miserable.
My fifth novel Red Star Hustle just dropped, and on pub day I did what I usually do on pub day - I swung by Union Square, where there's the Strand and a Barnes & Noble very near one another - probably...
undercover-in-the-apocalypse.ghost.io
November 18, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Writers, publishing will suck all the joy and light from your life if you let it.
So don't let it.
This week, on Undercover in the Apocalypse: my dreams came true, but I just found new ways to be miserable.
undercover-in-the-apocalypse.ghost.io/my-dreams-ca...
So don't let it.
This week, on Undercover in the Apocalypse: my dreams came true, but I just found new ways to be miserable.
undercover-in-the-apocalypse.ghost.io/my-dreams-ca...
Reposted by Charles (Cy) Payseur
Dim Shores is proud to present THE MAIDENS OF MIDNIGHT AND OTHER LOST MEDIA, a short story collection by Rhiannon Rasmussen, hauntingly illustrated by Lucia Retamales.
12 dark tales and 13 illustrations. 168 pages. Limited to 150 copies.
Coming December 2025, Pre-order now! bit.ly/3XyScs6
12 dark tales and 13 illustrations. 168 pages. Limited to 150 copies.
Coming December 2025, Pre-order now! bit.ly/3XyScs6
November 18, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Dim Shores is proud to present THE MAIDENS OF MIDNIGHT AND OTHER LOST MEDIA, a short story collection by Rhiannon Rasmussen, hauntingly illustrated by Lucia Retamales.
12 dark tales and 13 illustrations. 168 pages. Limited to 150 copies.
Coming December 2025, Pre-order now! bit.ly/3XyScs6
12 dark tales and 13 illustrations. 168 pages. Limited to 150 copies.
Coming December 2025, Pre-order now! bit.ly/3XyScs6
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
Flash Fiction Online 10/25 (5 originals) @flashfictiononline.bsky.social
A tightly themed issue around the horror of nature and specifically people in forests, be they familiar or terrifyingly new. Lots of chilling and squirming moments included
Flash Fiction Online 10/25 (5 originals) @flashfictiononline.bsky.social
A tightly themed issue around the horror of nature and specifically people in forests, be they familiar or terrifyingly new. Lots of chilling and squirming moments included
November 18, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
Flash Fiction Online 10/25 (5 originals) @flashfictiononline.bsky.social
A tightly themed issue around the horror of nature and specifically people in forests, be they familiar or terrifyingly new. Lots of chilling and squirming moments included
Flash Fiction Online 10/25 (5 originals) @flashfictiononline.bsky.social
A tightly themed issue around the horror of nature and specifically people in forests, be they familiar or terrifyingly new. Lots of chilling and squirming moments included
Reposted by Charles (Cy) Payseur
Did you read my post from last week about how contract woes caused me to withdraw an accepted story from F&SF, ending my 54-year quest to be published in that magazine? But wait (as the saying goes) — there's more! Scroll down at the link for an update. www.scottedelman.com/wordpress/20...
A dream denied: My 54-year quest to publish a short story in F&SF ‹ Scott Edelman
www.scottedelman.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Did you read my post from last week about how contract woes caused me to withdraw an accepted story from F&SF, ending my 54-year quest to be published in that magazine? But wait (as the saying goes) — there's more! Scroll down at the link for an update. www.scottedelman.com/wordpress/20...
Light at the end of the tunnel: the org I volunteer at has been trying to restructure and write new bylaws for the last five years. I became president in January and just finished drafting the new bylaws and executive handbook. WE'RE GETTING THERE!
November 18, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Light at the end of the tunnel: the org I volunteer at has been trying to restructure and write new bylaws for the last five years. I became president in January and just finished drafting the new bylaws and executive handbook. WE'RE GETTING THERE!
Reposted by Charles (Cy) Payseur
Fellow Calcuttan writer/editor Archita Mittra is in desperate need of financial help. She recently lost her father, her home was damaged in the recent rains, & her mother's in hospital. They don't have insurance, & she's a freelancer. I can vouch for her. Please share widely & donate:
Donate to Help Archita and Her Mom Rebuild Their Lives, organized by tehseen baweja
Hey Everyone! My name is Tehseen and I publish an online magazine called T… tehseen baweja needs your support for Help Archita and Her Mom Rebuild Their Lives
www.gofundme.com
October 19, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Fellow Calcuttan writer/editor Archita Mittra is in desperate need of financial help. She recently lost her father, her home was damaged in the recent rains, & her mother's in hospital. They don't have insurance, & she's a freelancer. I can vouch for her. Please share widely & donate:
Reposted by Charles (Cy) Payseur
a lovely review of @bafflingmag.bsky.social's latest issue -- absolutely stoked to see my short story "At First Blush" get reviewed downthread as "fun and heartwarming" 🚀👽💗 please check it out, along with the rest of the issue!
thank you so much for your kind words, Charles!
thank you so much for your kind words, Charles!
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
Baffling #21 (7 originals) @bafflingmag.bsky.social
Always a good day when you've got a new Baffling to read, full of queer speculative flash fiction. No theme this issue, though as always there's a focus on freedom and restriction
Baffling #21 (7 originals) @bafflingmag.bsky.social
Always a good day when you've got a new Baffling to read, full of queer speculative flash fiction. No theme this issue, though as always there's a focus on freedom and restriction
November 17, 2025 at 8:59 PM
a lovely review of @bafflingmag.bsky.social's latest issue -- absolutely stoked to see my short story "At First Blush" get reviewed downthread as "fun and heartwarming" 🚀👽💗 please check it out, along with the rest of the issue!
thank you so much for your kind words, Charles!
thank you so much for your kind words, Charles!
Reposted by Charles (Cy) Payseur
BEEP BEEP BEEP WE HAVE A COVER
November 17, 2025 at 9:51 PM
BEEP BEEP BEEP WE HAVE A COVER
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
Baffling #21 (7 originals) @bafflingmag.bsky.social
Always a good day when you've got a new Baffling to read, full of queer speculative flash fiction. No theme this issue, though as always there's a focus on freedom and restriction
Baffling #21 (7 originals) @bafflingmag.bsky.social
Always a good day when you've got a new Baffling to read, full of queer speculative flash fiction. No theme this issue, though as always there's a focus on freedom and restriction
November 17, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
Baffling #21 (7 originals) @bafflingmag.bsky.social
Always a good day when you've got a new Baffling to read, full of queer speculative flash fiction. No theme this issue, though as always there's a focus on freedom and restriction
Baffling #21 (7 originals) @bafflingmag.bsky.social
Always a good day when you've got a new Baffling to read, full of queer speculative flash fiction. No theme this issue, though as always there's a focus on freedom and restriction
Had my first Costco Hot Dog and Chicken Bake this weekend and holy hell two people can eat a meal for under $10????
November 17, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Had my first Costco Hot Dog and Chicken Bake this weekend and holy hell two people can eat a meal for under $10????
Various and Sundry (November 2025)
In non short SFF reviews, I check out the Frog Detective series and give my first thoughts playing Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Become a Patron to get access to all my reviews!
www.patreon.com/posts/variou...
In non short SFF reviews, I check out the Frog Detective series and give my first thoughts playing Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Become a Patron to get access to all my reviews!
www.patreon.com/posts/variou...
Various and Sundry (November 2025) | Charles Payseur
Get more from Charles Payseur on Patreon
www.patreon.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Various and Sundry (November 2025)
In non short SFF reviews, I check out the Frog Detective series and give my first thoughts playing Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Become a Patron to get access to all my reviews!
www.patreon.com/posts/variou...
In non short SFF reviews, I check out the Frog Detective series and give my first thoughts playing Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Become a Patron to get access to all my reviews!
www.patreon.com/posts/variou...
Reposted by Charles (Cy) Payseur
Oh hey, my complete Harwood Spellbook boxed set usually costs $9.99/£7.99, but right now, you can snap it up in the Leading Ladies @storybundle.bsky.social along with 9 to 11 other books for just $25 in total! Check it out:
storybundle.com/fantasy
#romancelandia
storybundle.com/fantasy
#romancelandia
November 15, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Oh hey, my complete Harwood Spellbook boxed set usually costs $9.99/£7.99, but right now, you can snap it up in the Leading Ladies @storybundle.bsky.social along with 9 to 11 other books for just $25 in total! Check it out:
storybundle.com/fantasy
#romancelandia
storybundle.com/fantasy
#romancelandia
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
Fiyah #36 GODS & MONSTERS (6 originals, plus 3 poems) @fiyahlitmag.bsky.social
A really powerful issue exploring power, and that line between gods and monsters, benevolence and maliciousness, desire and fulfillment.
Fiyah #36 GODS & MONSTERS (6 originals, plus 3 poems) @fiyahlitmag.bsky.social
A really powerful issue exploring power, and that line between gods and monsters, benevolence and maliciousness, desire and fulfillment.
November 15, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Short SFF Reading Update #quicksipreviews
Fiyah #36 GODS & MONSTERS (6 originals, plus 3 poems) @fiyahlitmag.bsky.social
A really powerful issue exploring power, and that line between gods and monsters, benevolence and maliciousness, desire and fulfillment.
Fiyah #36 GODS & MONSTERS (6 originals, plus 3 poems) @fiyahlitmag.bsky.social
A really powerful issue exploring power, and that line between gods and monsters, benevolence and maliciousness, desire and fulfillment.