Michele C. Shaw
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micheleshaw.bsky.social
Michele C. Shaw
@micheleshaw.bsky.social
170 followers 190 following 460 posts
She/Her - Author, artist, devourer of content

THE HONORABLE CON - the first in the epic fantasy series, the Obscura Saga. Join Con-Artist Ailyanna as she tries to escape her past and stop a civil war.

OUT NOW!!!

https://linktr.ee/MicheleCShaw
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micheleshaw.bsky.social
Michele C. Shaw @micheleshaw.bsky.social · Jun 25
THE HONORABLE CON 3rd September 2025

Con artist Ailyanna's luck has run out, and her only ticket to freedom is to pull off an impossible scam for the king.

If you like action, banter, magic and a hint of romance, this will be for you!

eBook available for pre-order on Amazon, Kobo, Google Books
The Honorable Con cover, a red train gilded in gold, racing through a lush mountain landscape. A pair fight on the roof, silhouetted by the setting sun.
micheleshaw.bsky.social
I'm so excited for Book 2 of #TheObscuraSaga
#TheHonorableCon got into the hands of a few readers who aren't friends and family, amazing!!!
With each book I'm hoping more and more people will know they exist.
Plan B of driving around and throwing copies out the window is still an option.
#booksky
November 11, 2025 at 12:28 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
One of my fav micro tropes is when a chosen one/main character leaves to protect their loved ones and their loved ones refuse. Extra points if they provide a smack down to get it through the hero's head that they aren't alone.
Why yes, I have been watching through MHA season 6, yes, I did cry.
October 24, 2025 at 1:15 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
I'm preparing a little something for next year and could use some help, what are everyone's favorite horror book covers and illustrators? Specifically looking for a gothic vibe.

#Booksky #artsky #horror #illustration
October 16, 2025 at 11:52 PM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
And with that draft 2 of book 2 is finished!!!

I’m so excited for the new PoVs and locations, the world cracks open in this sequel. So much to explore.

#booksky

#TheObscuraSaga
#TheHonorableCon
#TheCherishedDebt
October 16, 2025 at 1:30 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
Working hard to try and get draft two of book two of #TheObscuraSaga finished so that I can play around in a new sandbox for November...

I'm thinking pirates, I'm thinking gods, I'm thinking trials, I'm thinking toxic yuri

#authorsky #booksky
October 8, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Reposted by Michele C. Shaw
ellatholmes.bsky.social
We are almost at 50 written reviews for Artifice & Access! 😍

If you're a #reader of fantasy #books 👀 you may have a good time with this one!

And if you've already read it, writing a short review will help me continue uplifting disabled & chronically ill writers 😁💖
An image of shrek running, facing toward the bottom right corner, with a bright green wavy pathway beneath him. Above him is the green text "we're on the way to...". The path stops in the lower right corner where a wooden sign reads "50 written reviews". in the bottom left is magazine cutout letters that read "help" above small green text that says "graphic design is my passion". on the right side of the image is a screen shot of the 4.64 rating and orange stars from Goodreads. Two images of the blue book cover for ARTIFICE & ACCESS sit on the left and right of the image.
October 2, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Reposted by Michele C. Shaw
ellatholmes.bsky.social
just spoke to paul rudd* (yep) and he said you should buy this book.

*the paul rudd i spoke to may or may not be the famous one
ellatholmes.bsky.social ella t. holmes (wizard) @ellatholmes.bsky.social · Sep 25
if you like #reading you may, like this totally real picture of Paul Rudd, enjoy ARTIFICE & ACCESS 😁

14 short stories by authors from around the world, exploring disability in fantasy. It really is that cool!! 😭

#books #booksky
An image of paul rudd wearing black framed glasses , wiping his eyes as he cries. he is wearing a gray t shirt, and is holding a book. The cover for Artifice & Access has been hastily pasted on top of the book cover in the original photo. Black text to the left of paul rudd reads "it's just so good!" and "really and honestly brings a tear to his eye".
September 29, 2025 at 2:30 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
Another day, another crash out where I'm sure I could teach myself professional level animation.

I don't think its easy, I'm just delulu enough to think I will Mary Sue it within the space of a montage.
September 22, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Reposted by Michele C. Shaw
garthnix.bsky.social
Mister Fitz strongly recommends that if you’ll be in Adelaide this weekend (and Monday) you should come to Writers Assemble! The new free literary festival. I’ll be there, with a few things to give away as well. Book here:
www.eventbrite.com/cc/writers-a...
A mannequin of the sorcerous puppet Mister Fitz (made by Sarah Vigars) from the stories by Garth Nix holding a list of the names of the authors attending Writers Assemble in Adelaide September 20-22
September 16, 2025 at 2:45 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
To my immense delight, Galaxy Bookshop in Sydney CBD sold out of #TheHonorableCon however more signed copies were delivered this last weekend so go and pick up yours today!

#booksky
The cover of the Honorable Con by Michele C. Shaw. It features a red train with gilded gold spirals, racing through a lush green mountain range. On the roof, a pair a fighting, silhouetted by the setting sun.
September 15, 2025 at 4:22 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
Now that I've become a published author myself, I want to shout out one of my literary hero's.

@garthnix.bsky.social is a legend and Lireal remains one of my all time favorite novels. He was so inspiring and kind in person when I was able to do a work shop with him.
Michele Shaw and Garth Nix holding a copy of Lireal and Abhorsen Michele Shaw and Garth Nix holding a copy of To Hold The Bridge
September 15, 2025 at 4:08 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
Ad The Honorable Con to your GoodReads list today!

"Ailyanna was one good con away from escape of the looming war, but now she’s locked in the palace dungeon staring at a lifetime sentence. You scam one prince and suddenly you’re the captain personal obsession."

www.goodreads.com/book/show/23...
The Honorable Con (The Obscura Saga, #1)
Ailyanna was one good con away from her ticket East and…
www.goodreads.com
September 11, 2025 at 12:12 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
Not even a week out from launch of #TheHonorableCon my debut novel, and where do you find me?
Back in the drafting cave working on the sequel. I'm hoping I can have draft 2 wrapped up in a month and then off to the first round of beta readers. #Authorsky #booksky
a black cat is playing with an apple laptop computer .
Alt: a black cat is playing with an apple laptop computer, typing furiously.
media.tenor.com
September 9, 2025 at 12:15 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
Pick up your signed copy at Galaxy Bookshop on York Street, Sydney CBD.

I woke up a published author today… it’s a wild unreal feeling and I can’t wait to keep working on the sequel!

#thehonorablecon #booksky
The Honorable con sitting in a shelf with a sticker saying signed by the author.
September 3, 2025 at 11:54 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
Aussies on #booksky can pre-order #TheHonorableCon now!
Galaxy Bookstore
Booktopia
Readings
Angus & Robertson

Enjoy this breakneck heist with a scam artist trying to stop a civil war before her past catches up to her.
Explore a magical world! Enjoy nail biting suspense! Fight on top of a train!
a cartoon of a man in a sailboat with the words adventure written below him
Alt: Seahawk from She-Ra runs to the front of a ship, points to the horizon and calls out ADVENTURE!
media.tenor.com
August 23, 2025 at 11:23 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
Went to the markets today with Bub and dog. We had a wonderful time even though Bub kept trying to steal toys from the vendors and dog kept trying to steal food.

I’m raising a couple of thieves.
A golden retriever smiling. In the park with. Bright blue sky above, it’s an excellent day and she is a good dog.
August 17, 2025 at 4:21 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
Hey #writestuff!!! How are you all!

My name is Michele, I'm a fantasy adventure writer, my debut novel comes out in less then a month AHHHH!!!!
a cartoon toad with his mouth wide open and a red and white hat
Alt: a cartoon toad from mario with his mouth wide open in a panicked scream, wearing a red and white hat
media.tenor.com
August 13, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Reposted by Michele C. Shaw
australia.theguardian.com
The huge Harbour Bridge march shows people have had a gutful of seeing starving children in Gaza. Politicians need to catch up | Anne Davies
The huge Harbour Bridge march shows people have had a gutful of seeing starving children in Gaza. Politicians need to catch up | Anne Davies
Along with the horror of Gaza, there was palpable anger towards Chris Minns and, to a lesser extent, Anthony Albanese The NSW premier, Chris Minns, risks going down in history as the most conservative premier of the modern era. Renowned for his political nous, his slick media management, urbane delivery and ability to tamp down controversy, Minns is perennially attuned to the loud voices of the shock jocks on Sydney radio and in the Murdoch media. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
August 3, 2025 at 10:18 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
My goal for my first artfight was 2-4 high effort pieces, and I managed to get two in. This was really fun, I'm certainly looking forward to doing it again next July, and hopefully Team Crystals can keep up the fight for the remaining 15 hours. Go team!
August 1, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Reposted by Michele C. Shaw
feelinmyshelf.bsky.social
Other great new reads in January include:
“Water Moon” by Samantha Sotto Yambao
“The Incandescent” by Emily Tesh
“Countess” by Suzan Palumbo
“The Secret Lives of Church Ladies” by Deesha Philyaw

And two fave rereads: “Gideon the Ninth” by Tamsyn Muir and “The Shadow Rising” by Robert Jordan
Text: January 2025, new to be standouts 4 book covers “Water Moon” by Samantha Sotto Yambao “The Incandescent” by Emily Tesh “Countess” by Suzan Palumbo “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies” by Deesha Philyaw Text: fave rereads 2 book covers “Gideon the Ninth” by Tamsyn Muir and “The Shadow Rising” by Robert Jordan
August 1, 2025 at 12:55 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
You never know what’ll inspire you
July 30, 2025 at 7:46 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
The Honorable Con is extended for one more month on Netgalley! Read the #ARC now before it's release on September 3rd!

This fast paced action adventure will spin you through a magical world and a daring heist.

#Booksky

www.netgalley.com/catalog/book...
The Honorable Con
NetGalley helps publishers and authors promote digital review copies to book advocates and industry professionals. Publishers make digital review copies and audiobooks available for the NetGalley comm...
www.netgalley.com
July 30, 2025 at 6:48 AM
micheleshaw.bsky.social
Feedback and reviews are slowly trickling in for The Honorable Con ARCS and I'm really grateful for those who are taking their time to read through it.
July 30, 2025 at 2:27 AM
Reposted by Michele C. Shaw
ellatholmes.bsky.social
Damn idk who made this anthology called 'Artifice & Access' but the stories are super cool and diverse 🤭

I also heard the ebook is ON SALE until the end of July 😱

A little birdie also told me it's perfect when you're in the mood for something cosy and fantastical ✨

#booksky #books #bookrec
a book called artifice and access has 14 stories on the cover
Alt: a book called "artifice and access" on a pink background. little animated shapes around the book include a speech bubble with the word "queer", a flying dragon, a bursting heart, and the words "14 stories. wow!" in a white flashing banner.
media.tenor.com
July 28, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Reposted by Michele C. Shaw
marisakabas.bsky.social
A horrifying statement published today by the Editorial Committee of the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency.

"Without immediate intervention, the last reporters in Gaza will die"

Translation from French to English by @cnorristrent.bsky.social:
Without immediate intervention, the last reporters in Gaza will die July 21, 2025 AFP has been working with 1 writer, 3 photographers and 6 videographers, all freelance, in the Gaza Strip since its staff journalists left in 2024. Along with a few others, they are now the only ones left to report what is happening in the Gaza Strip. The international press has been banned from entering the territory for nearly two years. We refuse to watch them die. One of them, Bashar, has been working with AFP since 2010, first as a fixer, then freelance photographer, and since 2024, as lead photographer. On July 19th he managed to post a message on Facebook: “I no longer have the strength to work for the media. My body is thin and I can’t work anymore.” Bashar, 30, works & lives in the same conditions as all Gazans, moving from one refugee camp to another under Israeli bombings. For > a year he’s lived in utter destitution, working at extreme risk to his life. Hygiene is a major issue for him, with recurring bouts of severe intestinal illness. Since Feb, Bashar’s been living in the ruins of his home in Gaza City with his mother, 4 brothers & sisters and the family of one of his brothers. Their house is devoid of any furnishings, except a few cushions. On Sunday morning, he reported that one of his brothers had “fallen, due to hunger.” Even though these journalists receive a monthly salary from AFP, it’s no longer enough to buy food, or they have to pay completely exorbitant prices. The banking system has collapsed, and those who exchange money via online bank accounts charge a commission of up to 40%. AFP no longer has the ability to provide them with a vehicle and there is not enough fuel to allow these journalists to travel for their reporting. Driving a car means becoming a target for Israeli airstrikes. AFP reporters therefore travel on foot or by donkey cart. (alt txt continued in next post)
July 21, 2025 at 11:21 PM