Matthew Cushing Author
@mcushing.bsky.social
Writer of Speculative Fiction, purveyor of the weird and macabre, resident of New England but child of the Jemez Mountains. Currently in editing hell. No DMs.
www.matthewcushing.com
www.matthewcushing.com
Honored to be included.
Here is our shortlist for the SLF's 2025 Older Writers Grant! All of these talented writers were hand-selected by one of our jurors to be a finalist.
You can see the announcement on our website here: speculativeliterature.org/2025/11/03/s...
You can see the announcement on our website here: speculativeliterature.org/2025/11/03/s...
November 10, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Honored to be included.
Worried about the rise of fascism? Troubled by the current authoritarian administration?
So are authors and artists! Today is the last day to get "America's Slide Toward Authoritarianism" (an anthology from the International Human Rights Art Movement) at a discount.
donorbox.org/america-s-sl...
So are authors and artists! Today is the last day to get "America's Slide Toward Authoritarianism" (an anthology from the International Human Rights Art Movement) at a discount.
donorbox.org/america-s-sl...
America's Slide pre-sale | International Human Rights Art Movement (Powered by Donorbox)
donorbox.org
September 30, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Worried about the rise of fascism? Troubled by the current authoritarian administration?
So are authors and artists! Today is the last day to get "America's Slide Toward Authoritarianism" (an anthology from the International Human Rights Art Movement) at a discount.
donorbox.org/america-s-sl...
So are authors and artists! Today is the last day to get "America's Slide Toward Authoritarianism" (an anthology from the International Human Rights Art Movement) at a discount.
donorbox.org/america-s-sl...
Reposted by Matthew Cushing Author
Another three months have passed and it is once again time for my quarterly newsletter to come out. If you like speculative fiction and want some book recs, humor, and articles, please consider signing up on my website.
www.matthewcushing.com
www.matthewcushing.com
September 18, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Another three months have passed and it is once again time for my quarterly newsletter to come out. If you like speculative fiction and want some book recs, humor, and articles, please consider signing up on my website.
www.matthewcushing.com
www.matthewcushing.com
Another three months have passed and it is once again time for my quarterly newsletter to come out. If you like speculative fiction and want some book recs, humor, and articles, please consider signing up on my website.
www.matthewcushing.com
www.matthewcushing.com
September 18, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Another three months have passed and it is once again time for my quarterly newsletter to come out. If you like speculative fiction and want some book recs, humor, and articles, please consider signing up on my website.
www.matthewcushing.com
www.matthewcushing.com
Reposted by Matthew Cushing Author
IHRAM Press' America’s Slide Toward Authoritarianism is available for pre-sale. A folio of American and international writers and artists responding to this dire political moment in the United States, this anthology fosters hope for a society that continues to speak up.
donorbox.org/america-s-sl...
donorbox.org/america-s-sl...
America's Slide pre-sale | International Human Rights Art Movement (Powered by Donorbox)
donorbox.org
September 8, 2025 at 7:49 PM
IHRAM Press' America’s Slide Toward Authoritarianism is available for pre-sale. A folio of American and international writers and artists responding to this dire political moment in the United States, this anthology fosters hope for a society that continues to speak up.
donorbox.org/america-s-sl...
donorbox.org/america-s-sl...
IHRAM Press' America’s Slide Toward Authoritarianism is available for pre-sale. A folio of American and international writers and artists responding to this dire political moment in the United States, this anthology fosters hope for a society that continues to speak up.
donorbox.org/america-s-sl...
donorbox.org/america-s-sl...
America's Slide pre-sale | International Human Rights Art Movement (Powered by Donorbox)
donorbox.org
September 8, 2025 at 7:49 PM
IHRAM Press' America’s Slide Toward Authoritarianism is available for pre-sale. A folio of American and international writers and artists responding to this dire political moment in the United States, this anthology fosters hope for a society that continues to speak up.
donorbox.org/america-s-sl...
donorbox.org/america-s-sl...
Which would you prefer to read, a good book or a good story. For me, it's a no-brainer. Check out my thoughts on the ongoing debate between literary and genre fiction.
www.matthewcushing.com/post/good-bo...
www.matthewcushing.com/post/good-bo...
Good Book or Good Story
Which would you rather read, a good book or a good story? The difference between the two has arisen a few times over the past couple of years as I’ve learned more about writing and publishing novels—a...
www.matthewcushing.com
August 13, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Which would you prefer to read, a good book or a good story. For me, it's a no-brainer. Check out my thoughts on the ongoing debate between literary and genre fiction.
www.matthewcushing.com/post/good-bo...
www.matthewcushing.com/post/good-bo...
I'm attending this event. RT if you think others will find this helpful 🙌 worldshift.manyworldswriting.com
Worldshift: The Speculative Fiction Writers' Summit 2025
Speculative Fiction Writers' Summit
worldshift.manyworldswriting.com
August 9, 2025 at 5:50 PM
I'm attending this event. RT if you think others will find this helpful 🙌 worldshift.manyworldswriting.com
Reposted by Matthew Cushing Author
“Nearly Done with a Novel, so Time to Plan the Next Adventure“ by Oliver “Shiny” Blakemore on Medium: olivershiny.medium.com/nearly-done-...
#writerslife
#writerslife
Nearly Done with a Novel, so Time to Plan the Next Adventure
I’m nearly ready to tie the bow on a creative project. A novel in this case.
olivershiny.medium.com
August 4, 2025 at 3:02 PM
“Nearly Done with a Novel, so Time to Plan the Next Adventure“ by Oliver “Shiny” Blakemore on Medium: olivershiny.medium.com/nearly-done-...
#writerslife
#writerslife
A debate in my critique group led to this blog/opinion post about censorship vs cultural sensitivity. It's a tough subject and I don't claim to know all the answers, but censorship is a slippery slope.
www.matthewcushing.com/post/censors...
www.matthewcushing.com/post/censors...
Censorship vs Cultural Sensitivity
A recent debate sprang up in my online critique group over whether or not to publish a particular story on the website. The story had won an award and publishing was part of the prize. But the story c...
www.matthewcushing.com
August 4, 2025 at 11:41 PM
A debate in my critique group led to this blog/opinion post about censorship vs cultural sensitivity. It's a tough subject and I don't claim to know all the answers, but censorship is a slippery slope.
www.matthewcushing.com/post/censors...
www.matthewcushing.com/post/censors...
Well done, Mike!
Holy bananas! I won the Writers of the Future contest! (3rd place) Author Kevin J. Anderson called it "science fiction's equivalent to American Idol."
stricklandia.substack.com/p/im-a-write...
stricklandia.substack.com/p/im-a-write...
I'm a Writer of the Future
I just won a major contest called "science fiction’s equivalent to American Idol"
stricklandia.substack.com
July 12, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Well done, Mike!
If you didn't get signed up in time but still want to read my latest newsletter, go to www.matthewcushing.com/newsletters for the latest edition.
And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for next quarter's mailing list. You won't be disappointed--it's worth twice the price! (It's free.)
And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for next quarter's mailing list. You won't be disappointed--it's worth twice the price! (It's free.)
My next quarterly newsletter is about to go out, so if you're interested in speculative fiction and want to learn more about my writing, please visit matthewcushing.com and sign up.
July 7, 2025 at 1:39 AM
If you didn't get signed up in time but still want to read my latest newsletter, go to www.matthewcushing.com/newsletters for the latest edition.
And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for next quarter's mailing list. You won't be disappointed--it's worth twice the price! (It's free.)
And while you're there, don't forget to sign up for next quarter's mailing list. You won't be disappointed--it's worth twice the price! (It's free.)
If you enjoy stories that make you chuckle, then this is the anthology for you.
In paperback and Kindle.
#writers #newbooks #fantasybooks #shillingforsales
In paperback and Kindle.
#writers #newbooks #fantasybooks #shillingforsales
The anthology Madam, Don't Forget Your Sword - about sidekicks, companions, and minions - is now available for sale on Amazon with 28 funny and clever tales about those who make sure their superhero (or villain) have clean clothes and gas in the car.
Give it a read.
www.amazon.com/Madam-Dont-F...
Give it a read.
www.amazon.com/Madam-Dont-F...
Madam, Don't Forget Your Sword: Tales of the Companions, Sidekicks, and Minions
Madam, Don't Forget Your Sword: Tales of the Companions, Sidekicks, and Minions [Davis, Helen E, Davis, Elizabeth M] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Madam, Don't Forget Your Sword: Tales of the Companions, Sidekicks, and Minions
www.amazon.com
July 7, 2025 at 1:37 AM
If you enjoy stories that make you chuckle, then this is the anthology for you.
In paperback and Kindle.
#writers #newbooks #fantasybooks #shillingforsales
In paperback and Kindle.
#writers #newbooks #fantasybooks #shillingforsales
💯
Writers, use em-dashes. Also please embrace the rule of three and overtly parallel structure. That’s good writing. But make
your writing personal! That’s the giveaway! Not the other stuff!
Sorry, but beating computer-generated bullshit may take more than rules you can program a computer to find.
your writing personal! That’s the giveaway! Not the other stuff!
Sorry, but beating computer-generated bullshit may take more than rules you can program a computer to find.
Stop spreading this garbage about em dashes in ACTUAL EDITED PROSE OH MY GOD.
Plenty of actual human beings know how to type em dashes! We’re called “writers” and “editors” — maybe you’ve heard of us?
Plenty of actual human beings know how to type em dashes! We’re called “writers” and “editors” — maybe you’ve heard of us?
July 7, 2025 at 12:53 AM
💯
Reposted by Matthew Cushing Author
Are you interested in being a panelist (or doing a reading) at Rainbow Space Magic this year? RSM is a free virtual con for writers & readers of queer speculative fiction taking place October 4th & 5th. Submit the panelist interest form at rainbowspacemagic.org by July 7th.
June 26, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Reposted by Matthew Cushing Author
The anthology Madam, Don't Forget Your Sword - about sidekicks, companions, and minions - is now available for sale on Amazon with 28 funny and clever tales about those who make sure their superhero (or villain) have clean clothes and gas in the car.
Give it a read.
www.amazon.com/Madam-Dont-F...
Give it a read.
www.amazon.com/Madam-Dont-F...
Madam, Don't Forget Your Sword: Tales of the Companions, Sidekicks, and Minions
Madam, Don't Forget Your Sword: Tales of the Companions, Sidekicks, and Minions [Davis, Helen E, Davis, Elizabeth M] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Madam, Don't Forget Your Sword: Tales of the Companions, Sidekicks, and Minions
www.amazon.com
July 2, 2025 at 5:52 PM
The anthology Madam, Don't Forget Your Sword - about sidekicks, companions, and minions - is now available for sale on Amazon with 28 funny and clever tales about those who make sure their superhero (or villain) have clean clothes and gas in the car.
Give it a read.
www.amazon.com/Madam-Dont-F...
Give it a read.
www.amazon.com/Madam-Dont-F...
My next quarterly newsletter is about to go out, so if you're interested in speculative fiction and want to learn more about my writing, please visit matthewcushing.com and sign up.
June 30, 2025 at 3:08 AM
My next quarterly newsletter is about to go out, so if you're interested in speculative fiction and want to learn more about my writing, please visit matthewcushing.com and sign up.
Lots of ideas of what a Beta Read is and isn't and in what state the manuscript should be. Here's my take:
www.matthewcushing.com/post/beta-re...
#amwriting #amediting
www.matthewcushing.com/post/beta-re...
#amwriting #amediting
Beta Reading Readiness
You’ve finished your novel and think you’re ready for a beta read. Are you sure? Like all steps along the planning-writing-editing path of novel creation, beta reading has a specific purpose. And the ...
www.matthewcushing.com
June 8, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Lots of ideas of what a Beta Read is and isn't and in what state the manuscript should be. Here's my take:
www.matthewcushing.com/post/beta-re...
#amwriting #amediting
www.matthewcushing.com/post/beta-re...
#amwriting #amediting
Reposted by Matthew Cushing Author
Horror isn't oversaturated with message films; great horror films have ALWAYS had solid themes. The current horror renaissance means the genre's audience is larger, and many viewers simply don't seem to "get" the films that convey a nuanced message through a dark, twisted, and often fucked-up lens.
Excuse me while I go scream forever
June 2, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Horror isn't oversaturated with message films; great horror films have ALWAYS had solid themes. The current horror renaissance means the genre's audience is larger, and many viewers simply don't seem to "get" the films that convey a nuanced message through a dark, twisted, and often fucked-up lens.
Reposted by Matthew Cushing Author
My May blog is live! This month's post includes my summer writing plans, project word counts and percentages, the month's watch and read lists with star rankings, and more.
Monthly word count: 32,741
2025 word count to date: 97,895
#writingcommunity #monthlywrapup #booksky #writinggoals
Monthly word count: 32,741
2025 word count to date: 97,895
#writingcommunity #monthlywrapup #booksky #writinggoals
May 2025 Wrap Up
amberherbert.com
May 31, 2025 at 8:48 PM
My May blog is live! This month's post includes my summer writing plans, project word counts and percentages, the month's watch and read lists with star rankings, and more.
Monthly word count: 32,741
2025 word count to date: 97,895
#writingcommunity #monthlywrapup #booksky #writinggoals
Monthly word count: 32,741
2025 word count to date: 97,895
#writingcommunity #monthlywrapup #booksky #writinggoals
If you have to hide your face to do your job, you're guilty, ashamed, or embarrassed (or just a coward). It should be an indication something's wrong with what you're doing.
We’re watching transparency erode as law enforcement begins to resemble secret police more than public servants. This piece unpacks how we got here, and why it should alarm us all.
Why Are They Hiding Their Faces?
If ICE agents' actions are perfectly acceptable, they shouldn't have to mask their identities
thinkbigpicture.substack.com
May 31, 2025 at 9:10 PM
If you have to hide your face to do your job, you're guilty, ashamed, or embarrassed (or just a coward). It should be an indication something's wrong with what you're doing.