Distracted Magpie
@magpiepages.bsky.social
Bookish sort of fellow. Big into SFFH. Reviews for @grimdarkmagazine.bsky.social. Trying to write short fictions.
AuDHD. I will forget this account exists at some point.
he/they
Other stuff: https://bio.link/distractedmagpie
AuDHD. I will forget this account exists at some point.
he/they
Other stuff: https://bio.link/distractedmagpie
Pinned
Here we go, a new year, a new platform, a new reading list.
I aim to read for enjoyment; to try and avoid books I don't want to read blocking my flow; and reminding myself it's OK to skip a book if it's not bringing the joy.
#BookSky 🔵📚
I aim to read for enjoyment; to try and avoid books I don't want to read blocking my flow; and reminding myself it's OK to skip a book if it's not bringing the joy.
#BookSky 🔵📚
Just realised I'm gonna be on a training course when the @thebrokenbinding.bsky.social Murderbot SF Sub presale goes live... Dang it!
November 13, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Just realised I'm gonna be on a training course when the @thebrokenbinding.bsky.social Murderbot SF Sub presale goes live... Dang it!
While trying to find books to do a November stack photo, I have discovered I own only one book starting with 'E'.
November 5, 2025 at 12:10 PM
While trying to find books to do a November stack photo, I have discovered I own only one book starting with 'E'.
Reposted by Distracted Magpie
The writing is beautifully wistful and magical, while the story itself is heartwrenching and charming in an ideal balance.
REVIEW: Fate's Bane by C.L. Clark
Fate’s Bane is a tragedy set in a leafy fantasy setting that adeptly develops its own history and mythos as it goes along, leaving the reader with a knot in the stomach and tear in the eye.
www.grimdarkmagazine.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:23 AM
The writing is beautifully wistful and magical, while the story itself is heartwrenching and charming in an ideal balance.
Reposted by Distracted Magpie
Hey, UK FRIENDS, looks like GODS OF THE WYRDWOOD, is only 99p on Kindle and probably KOBO too so if DEEPLY WEIRD slowburn forest adventures are your thing jump on that.
www.amazon.co.uk/Gods-Wyrdwoo...
www.amazon.co.uk/Gods-Wyrdwoo...
Amazon.co.uk
www.amazon.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Hey, UK FRIENDS, looks like GODS OF THE WYRDWOOD, is only 99p on Kindle and probably KOBO too so if DEEPLY WEIRD slowburn forest adventures are your thing jump on that.
www.amazon.co.uk/Gods-Wyrdwoo...
www.amazon.co.uk/Gods-Wyrdwoo...
Reposted by Distracted Magpie
A dark and witty tale that blends fun and substance for an entertaining read.
REVIEW: Futility by Nuzo Onoh
What Nuzo Onoh has brought us with this tale is a fun romp filled with blood, death and a bit of light cannibalism.
www.grimdarkmagazine.com
October 23, 2025 at 12:21 PM
A dark and witty tale that blends fun and substance for an entertaining read.
I know nnwm isn't really about anymore, but I've seen other places doing "novel writing November"... Are there any that are worthwhile giving a go? Particularly for spec fic and probably not hitting anywhere near 50k, more like practising everyday kickstart?
#booksky #writersky #authorsky
#booksky #writersky #authorsky
October 23, 2025 at 11:15 AM
I know nnwm isn't really about anymore, but I've seen other places doing "novel writing November"... Are there any that are worthwhile giving a go? Particularly for spec fic and probably not hitting anywhere near 50k, more like practising everyday kickstart?
#booksky #writersky #authorsky
#booksky #writersky #authorsky
Reposted by Distracted Magpie
Hey there, authors!
The BFS is planning its in-person events for 2026. We want to bring even more SFFH to you in the flesh.
If you'd like to get involved, just fill in the form for the area that suits you and we'll be in touch.
Find out more: britishfantasysociety.org/bfs-in-perso...
The BFS is planning its in-person events for 2026. We want to bring even more SFFH to you in the flesh.
If you'd like to get involved, just fill in the form for the area that suits you and we'll be in touch.
Find out more: britishfantasysociety.org/bfs-in-perso...
October 22, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Hey there, authors!
The BFS is planning its in-person events for 2026. We want to bring even more SFFH to you in the flesh.
If you'd like to get involved, just fill in the form for the area that suits you and we'll be in touch.
Find out more: britishfantasysociety.org/bfs-in-perso...
The BFS is planning its in-person events for 2026. We want to bring even more SFFH to you in the flesh.
If you'd like to get involved, just fill in the form for the area that suits you and we'll be in touch.
Find out more: britishfantasysociety.org/bfs-in-perso...
Reposted by Distracted Magpie
It’s time to venture back into the Empire of the Wolf! The Scour by Richard Swan releases today
The Scour by Richard Swan is out today!
Our most anticipated title of 2025 is finally here! The Scour by Richard Swan releases today in hardcover, paperback, kindle, and special edition.
www.grimdarkmagazine.com
October 20, 2025 at 12:11 PM
It’s time to venture back into the Empire of the Wolf! The Scour by Richard Swan releases today
Reposted by Distracted Magpie
OUT TODAY! The Scour by @richardswanauthor.bsky.social releases around the globe today.
15 years prior to the events of The Justice of Kings, Vonvalt and Bressinger investigate the imprisonment of a fellow justice for murder in a frontier town. Get your copy now: a.co/d/6HT32Qf
15 years prior to the events of The Justice of Kings, Vonvalt and Bressinger investigate the imprisonment of a fellow justice for murder in a frontier town. Get your copy now: a.co/d/6HT32Qf
October 20, 2025 at 10:54 AM
OUT TODAY! The Scour by @richardswanauthor.bsky.social releases around the globe today.
15 years prior to the events of The Justice of Kings, Vonvalt and Bressinger investigate the imprisonment of a fellow justice for murder in a frontier town. Get your copy now: a.co/d/6HT32Qf
15 years prior to the events of The Justice of Kings, Vonvalt and Bressinger investigate the imprisonment of a fellow justice for murder in a frontier town. Get your copy now: a.co/d/6HT32Qf
A new review from me! Hurrah!
If you’ve enjoyed films like It Follows, or Hereditary, then this should be right up your alley.
REVIEW: The October Film Haunt by Michael Wehunt
The October Film Haunt captures the feeling of watching a deeply creepy and impenetrably weird horror movie perfectly.
www.grimdarkmagazine.com
October 19, 2025 at 2:13 PM
A new review from me! Hurrah!
UK peeps - if you haven't already, please consider writing to your MP (this link as a prewritten letter) objecting to the immoral, unethical 'bathroom ban' and the segregation of our society according to the whims of wealthy fascists.
actionnetwork.org/letters/scra...
actionnetwork.org/letters/scra...
Scrap the Bathroom Ban
🚨This is urgent🚨
Bridget Phillipson, the Minister for Women and Equalities, has a decision to make. The EHRC, a regulator mired in controversy over anti-trans views, has sent a new draft Code of Prac...
actionnetwork.org
October 19, 2025 at 10:29 AM
UK peeps - if you haven't already, please consider writing to your MP (this link as a prewritten letter) objecting to the immoral, unethical 'bathroom ban' and the segregation of our society according to the whims of wealthy fascists.
actionnetwork.org/letters/scra...
actionnetwork.org/letters/scra...
Reposted by Distracted Magpie
When Among Crows brings old world folklore to modern-day Chicago in a compact urban fantasy package that tackles ideas of redemption, retribution and belonging alongside themes of emigration/immigration, culture and the ills of Christian colonialism and its associated, persistent violence.
REVIEW: When Among Crows by Veronica Roth
When Among Crows brings old world folklore to modern-day Chicago in a compact urban fantasy that tackles ideas of redemption, retribution and belonging
www.grimdarkmagazine.com
September 5, 2025 at 3:27 PM
When Among Crows brings old world folklore to modern-day Chicago in a compact urban fantasy package that tackles ideas of redemption, retribution and belonging alongside themes of emigration/immigration, culture and the ills of Christian colonialism and its associated, persistent violence.
Reposted by Distracted Magpie
If the shipwreck of the Christbel wasn’t haunted before this night, it certainly is now.
REVIEW: The Night Birds by Christopher Golden
With a lot of action and some gruesome scenes, The Night Birds puts its characters to the test and asks: how far would you go for those you love?
www.grimdarkmagazine.com
September 28, 2025 at 11:16 AM
If the shipwreck of the Christbel wasn’t haunted before this night, it certainly is now.
I'm in this one with a review and an interview. Check it out!
Issue #44 is here! Headlined by Zamil Akhtar, known for his “Gunmetal Gods” series, and also including fiction by Miles Cameron, Emma Burnett, Ryan Cole, Hûw Steer, Yudhanjaya Wijeratne, Rich Larson, and Max Gladstone.
Link: www.grimdarkmagazine.com/grimdark-mag...
Link: www.grimdarkmagazine.com/grimdark-mag...
October 17, 2025 at 7:09 AM
I'm in this one with a review and an interview. Check it out!
Reposted by Distracted Magpie
Fast and punchy, full of action and intrigue.
REVIEW: Red Star Hustle / Apprehension by Sam J. Miller & Mary Robinette Kowal
Red Star Hustle and Apprehension take a close look at trauma, grief, and how we process these things in different ways.
www.grimdarkmagazine.com
October 7, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Fast and punchy, full of action and intrigue.
Reposted by Distracted Magpie
In this conversation, powerhouse speculative fiction voices, Mary Robinette Kowal and Sam J. Miller, chat with us about craft, inspiration, and the fun they had writing these two stories.
INTERVIEW: with authors Mary Robinette Kowal and Sam J. Miller
Powerhouse speculative fiction voices, Mary Robinette Kowal and Sam J. Miller, have teamed up as part of Simon & Schuster's Saga Doubles.
www.grimdarkmagazine.com
October 9, 2025 at 10:10 AM
In this conversation, powerhouse speculative fiction voices, Mary Robinette Kowal and Sam J. Miller, chat with us about craft, inspiration, and the fun they had writing these two stories.
September 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM
DROUGHT.
The answer is DROUGHT.
Don't moan about a pitiful bit of rain interrupting your previous heat wave then turn around and ask why the trees are stressed. FFS.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The answer is DROUGHT.
Don't moan about a pitiful bit of rain interrupting your previous heat wave then turn around and ask why the trees are stressed. FFS.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Why are leaves on trees turning brown in summer? - BBC News
Forestry experts say leaves falling from trees is not down to an earlier change in seasons.
www.bbc.com
August 29, 2025 at 6:52 PM
DROUGHT.
The answer is DROUGHT.
Don't moan about a pitiful bit of rain interrupting your previous heat wave then turn around and ask why the trees are stressed. FFS.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The answer is DROUGHT.
Don't moan about a pitiful bit of rain interrupting your previous heat wave then turn around and ask why the trees are stressed. FFS.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Not sure whether to be relieved or concerned that two days after this post the algo is now serving me - almost exclusively - "get your novel written!" courses and products.
I enjoy that I confuse the algorithms, as I get both period pants & erectile dysfunction ads, however... As I experience neither of these, I feel like it's all such a waste of effort.
August 29, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Not sure whether to be relieved or concerned that two days after this post the algo is now serving me - almost exclusively - "get your novel written!" courses and products.
If the meeting starts at 1500, don't dial in at 1458 and expect me to be there.
🤬
🤬
August 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM
If the meeting starts at 1500, don't dial in at 1458 and expect me to be there.
🤬
🤬
I enjoy that I confuse the algorithms, as I get both period pants & erectile dysfunction ads, however... As I experience neither of these, I feel like it's all such a waste of effort.
August 27, 2025 at 9:46 AM
I enjoy that I confuse the algorithms, as I get both period pants & erectile dysfunction ads, however... As I experience neither of these, I feel like it's all such a waste of effort.
Reposted by Distracted Magpie
Fall for the series that inspired the Apple TV hit with the all-new Martha Wells’ The Murderbot Diaries + More Bundle!
Supports @wck.org | https://bit.ly/4lFLFFL
Supports @wck.org | https://bit.ly/4lFLFFL
August 25, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Fall for the series that inspired the Apple TV hit with the all-new Martha Wells’ The Murderbot Diaries + More Bundle!
Supports @wck.org | https://bit.ly/4lFLFFL
Supports @wck.org | https://bit.ly/4lFLFFL
Reposted by Distracted Magpie
A good bundle recommendation, books by @marthawells.com I have read the first one some time ago so now I'm a few pages into second Murderbot and already having a fun time again (ART) www.humblebundle.com/books/martha...
Humble Book Bundle: Martha Wells' Murderbot and More by TOR
Fall in love with Martha Wells’ The Murderbot Diaries series—the engine behind the hit AppleTV adaptation—and help support World Central Kitchen.
www.humblebundle.com
August 26, 2025 at 2:47 PM
A good bundle recommendation, books by @marthawells.com I have read the first one some time ago so now I'm a few pages into second Murderbot and already having a fun time again (ART) www.humblebundle.com/books/martha...