M.O.Anderson
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moanderson-author.bsky.social
M.O.Anderson
@moanderson-author.bsky.social
100 followers 140 following 42 posts
📖 Aspiring author - Sci-Fi/Fantasy, YA
🪨 Geology Professor in 🇨🇦
🐶 Dog Mom
🌻Neurodivergent / ADHD
💙💜

Current project: A Different Kind of Fear (Near-future apocalytic YA + grounded survival + slow-burn Sci-Fi suspense)
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moanderson-author.bsky.social
M.O.Anderson @moanderson-author.bsky.social · Oct 8
THE LAST OF US w/ aliens:
Alienated & abused, 16 yo Nellie runs away, leaving her vulnerable on the streets when 👽 invade.

She seeks refuge in the wilderness with grieving geologist Anna.

Survival is hard. But trusting someone is harder. And this invasion seems... personal.
#DVpit #YA #SF #ND #MH
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
catherinewinters.com
F/NB WAYFARERS x MURDERBOT

Alien ship’s cook Tai can get through this. Things’ll go back to normal. Steal the cargo, stop being scared of the human, wipe the security feed, stop thinking about the human, get out of the vault, stop having feelings for the human. Easy. #DVPit #A #SF #LGBT #DIS #ND
October 8, 2025 at 3:48 PM
moanderson-author.bsky.social
THE LAST OF US w/ aliens:
Alienated & abused, 16 yo Nellie runs away, leaving her vulnerable on the streets when 👽 invade.

She seeks refuge in the wilderness with grieving geologist Anna.

Survival is hard. But trusting someone is harder. And this invasion seems... personal.
#DVpit #YA #SF #ND #MH
October 8, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
ympang.bsky.social
I'll be at Word on the Street this weekend, alongside my partners-in-crime from Toronto SFF Writers!

Sat, Sept 27 – 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun, Sept 28 – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
David Pecaut Square, 215 King Street W, Toronto ON
Booth B32

#WOTS2025 #MeetMeAtWOTS #fantasybooks #sciencefiction #bookfestival
A poster for Word on the Street. Confirmed Exhibitor is at the top, with the Word of the Street logo. In the middle is the Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' logo, around which are names of all the authors displayed at our table. David Pecault Square Sept 27 - 28, 2025 Free. All ages. Biographies of 9 authors from Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers who are attending Word on the Street Photograph showing the book ALL THE BROKEN BLADES, alongside a mug and pen with the book title printed on them, a bookmark of the book cover illustration, and a set of four postcards. Map showing layout of Word on the Street, with an arrow pointing to Booth B32 with label "Find us here"
September 23, 2025 at 2:05 AM
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
donmiasek.bsky.social
Pale Grey Dot will be at Word on the Street next weekend alongside Toronto SF&F's finest!

David Pecaut Square
Sat, Sept 27 – 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun, Sept 28 – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

dmiasek.com/2025/09/19/p...

Come meet me, buy a book, get it autographed, and check out the works of my cohorts!
September 19, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
kercoby.bsky.social
Public service announcement:

ONTARIO SFF WRITERS PLEASE REMEMBER TO APPLY FOR THE OAC RECOMMENDER GRANT

AUGUR IS A RECOMMENDER

WE WANT TO RECOMMEND SFF WRITERS GET GRANTS

/end
September 21, 2025 at 8:19 PM
moanderson-author.bsky.social
#AugurMicros2025
@augursociety.bsky.social
For a geologist, the past is the key to the present and future.
Geologic Journey by Melissa O. Anderson At the top of the lonely mountain, I extracted my quarry from the cold slate. "Hello, my friend," I said to the Cambrian trilobite, whose slow tectonic ascent mirrored my own. Inch by inch, irresistible forces conspired with time to bring us here. In the language of geology, my rock companions spoke of the history of the world: trilobites ruled the oceans for millions of years before extinction. How long until our own? Yet, as my mind expanded to encompass Eons, the constraints of humanity relaxed: anxieties that were fossilized in my chest gave way to awe.
September 10, 2025 at 9:35 PM
moanderson-author.bsky.social
Upcoming book launch for the incredible "Realities End" by Jamie Babb, Sept 13 at the Imperial Pub, Toronto. Hosted by the Toronto Sci-Fi Fantasy Writers Group. Everyone is welcome! Available now for pre-order! a.co/d/bepcnyD
#booksky #fantasysky #scifisky #writingcommunity
Flyer for the Book Launch event of "Realities End" by Jamie Babb, Sept 13, 4 pm, at the Imperial Pub, Toronto. Hosted by the Toronto Sci-Fi Fantasy Writers Group. RVSP on MeetUp.
September 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
juliemarchbooks.bsky.social
Critics are raving: BRIDGES OF SMOKE is the post-apocalyptic sci-fi event of the season. Get your tickets now at juliemarchbooks.itch.io

#PosterPit #P #NA #SF
Graphic with a background showing two photos: one of a young woman in a forest, wearing a yellow jacket with a hood that obscures her face, and one of a man facing away from the camera, holding a torch inside a stone arch. The photos blend into each other. In the middle is the logo for “Bridges of Smoke,” featuring futuristic white text with interconnected letters. White text at the top reads, “A Julie March Production.” White text at the bottom reads, “Available Now.” There are 4 reviews in white text, 2 at the top and 2 at the bottom, which read top to bottom, left to right: “I didn’t order a post-apocalyptic latte with a side of conspiracy. But 10/10 based on vibes. Kaylynx.” “Came for the asexuality, stayed for the drama. Beverly Anne Michel.” “Who wants to read about a whiny teenager with a cold? One star. Some Guy in a Dream I Had.” “I have not read this book. I just followed signs to the popcorn shrimp buffet and ended up here. S. Morgan Burbank.”
August 16, 2025 at 9:10 PM
moanderson-author.bsky.social
A DIFFERENT KIND OF FEAR - 80K Contemporary YA Sci-Fi

🔎Creeping Sci-Fi mystery
👽Alien invasion as a metaphor for trauma
🥾Gritty wilderness survival
👩‍👧Unconventional found family
🌻Neurodivergent protagonists
🧠Mental health awareness
🐶The emotional glue that bonds them

#PosterPit #YA #SF #ND #MH #W
A move poster for "A Different Kind of Fear" with a young woman wearing a backpack hiking over rocks under a green starry sky. Text reads: Inspired by We are the Ants and the Last of Us. Two Women struggle to survive and find purpose in a collapsing world: A teen runaway coping with PTSD. An anxious geologist hiding from her past. The wounded stray dog they save. A looming alien threat. A DIFFERENT KIND OF FEAR. A WIP by M.O. Anderson. Survival is hard. Trusting someone is harder. Image credits: Karol Smoczynski (foreground; Unsplash); NASA/Keegan Barber (sky)
August 17, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
catherinewinters.com
WAYFARERS x MURDERBOT x SOMEONE YOU CAN BUILD A NEST IN

Tai can get through this. Things'll go back to normal. Steal the cargo, stop thinking about the human, wipe the security feed, stop thinking about the human, get out of the vault, stop thinking about the human. Easy. #PosterPit #Q #LGBT #R #A
A movie poster for "CARGO", depicting a sunset with two crescent moons in the sky. In the foreground are silohettes of two people, only their arms visible, their pinky fingers grasping each other tightly. The arm on the left is thinner and has four fingers. The arm on the right is of average proportions and has five fingers. The top of the poster reads "A match made in space. While stealing things." Below the name "CARGO", there is smaller writing in an alien language, presumably the title translated. At the bottom of the poster, the credits section is as follows: CATHERINE WINTERS AND COREWARD BAKER PRODUCTIONS LTD PRESENT A CATHERINE WINTERS NOVEL ‘CARGO’ STARRING TAI OF MICAPA THYLLIS CHAUMEDEROT TALATAGARI QUIRIN TALATAGARI ANENTO FRANK THE CAT JEREL BESKROS CHOST MOL RAZIK FEATURING COOL MOSS ABOVE STILL WATER AND INTRODUCING CLARKE SHIPS BY SETEBO-URANQ AND CONSTANT VERIDITY INTERSTELLAR COSTUMES BY UPPER CORE ATELIER “HUMAN” CREATURE EFFECTS BY 3.8 BILLION YEARS OF EVOLUTION CASTING BY THE TRADE AUTHORITY EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CATHERINE WINTERS DIRECTED BY CATHERINE WINTERS WRITTEN BY CATHERINE WINTERS
August 16, 2025 at 4:03 AM
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
zprospero.bsky.social
THE OFFICE x GOOD OMENS

Virgil Mora has three months to turn around a vampire-ran Ohio gas station to restore Heaven’s faith in Hell and save his boss, Lucifer, the angel he’s fallen for.

Before his past mistakes come back to haunt him. Literally.

#PosterPit #W #A #C #F #LGBT
A movie poster, at the top is the title “Hell Is Work” and underneath it a tag line “The Devil is in the details” The background is red with a light red graph showing a plummeting arrow representing a failing business. In the foreground is a three pronged Devil’s pitchfork with a halo around the central tine. Sitting on the curved crook of the right tine, nonchalant, with one arm wrapped around the tine is a black silhouette of a man wearing a suit and tie. His legs dangle casually above a field of flame. On the curved crook of the left tine, staring at the other man, is a white figure of a man with wings spread, casually playing footsie with the other man. At the bottom is the words “A novel by Zed Prospero”
August 16, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
saraduran.bsky.social
THE PIRATE, THE PRINCESS, AND JOHN is now in query inboxes near you ✨

#PosterPit #YA #F #LGBT #Q #amquerying
A faux movie poster for The Pirate, the Princess, and John featuring a silhouetted ship sailing on a layered blue ocean toward a distant castle under a pale moon, with three character names at the top: “Amir (the pirate),” “Mira (the princess),” and “John (for now).” Below the ship is the quote: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that isn’t what ships are built for.” The title appears in large white serif letters, and at the bottom is the tagline: “YA fantasy, 82k, multi-POV; anti-colonial, non-Western, political intrigue; besties to lovers, found family, platonic ‘touch her and die’; strong girls, big feelings, sharp prose; diverse, queer, magical.” The author’s X handle @SARADURANAUTHOR and Bluesky handle SARADURAN.BSKY.SOCIAL appear in the lower right corner.
August 16, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
bvbodegom.bsky.social
CABIN IN THE WOODS × JOHN DIES AT THE END

When their detective friend is murdered during their annual gaming retreat, 5 dads must rely on years of #TTRPG experience—and puns—to solve the crime before they're all killed off like NPCs in a badly written campaign.
#PosterPitQ #A #H #M #Posterpit
This is a horror movie-style poster for "DAD BODIES" with the tagline "THE GAME JUST TOOK A DAD TURN." The design features a large D20 die (showing numbers 19, 1, 7 and 13) at the center top, surrounded by blood splatter effects against a dark background with a gothic manor silhouette.Six men are arranged around the bottom portion, each showing expressions of terror or shock with hands raised defensively. They're labeled with names: Vincent, Sam, Troy, Hank, Marv, and Dave. The poster includes several review quotes in decorative frames: "I had to stop eating" and "OMG" and "EW! Haha!!" all attributed to beta readers.The poster credits "Written and Directed by B. van Bodegom" at the top and includes a "BIG 5 INTEREST" badge. At the bottom is a movie rating-style disclaimer with "RESTRICTED" rating and warnings about strong language, violence, and adult content.
August 16, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
alexandrapeel.bsky.social
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 10, 2025 at 7:50 PM
moanderson-author.bsky.social
Re-reading "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson and I'm just in tears -- it's an incredible emotional journey. From a YA Sci-Fi no less!

Looking for recommendations for other YA/adult Sci-Fi/contemporary mashups that will make me feel all the feels!
August 8, 2025 at 7:54 PM
moanderson-author.bsky.social
A DIFFERENT KIND OF FEAR is a Contemporary YA with creeping Sci-Fi Horror as a metaphor for trauma, with:

A sharp-witted teen coping with alienation and PTSD

A geologist who hides in her research rather than confront her dark past

A looming 👽 threat

(also, the 🐶 they rescue)
#questpit #W #YA #SF
A collage that represents the vibes of "A Different Kind of Fear" referred to as We Are the Ants meets The Last of Us
August 7, 2025 at 3:22 AM
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
gabriela-stluke.bsky.social
Dear Citizen of Calasca,

Pack your bags! I am happy to extend an invitation for you to join us on LAST CHANCE MATCH, a new reality holovision program where LOVE ISLAND meets SQUID GAME and BLACK MIRROR. We promise you’ll find the one who’s to die for.

#W #R #SF #S #QuestPit
Dark ferns background An Agent's Guide To: LAST CHANCE MATCH New Adult Dystopian Romance "Find the one who's to die for." The Pitch: Calasca’s government uses science to appoint soulmates, but the 0.6% of the population who don’t receive a match face extermination at thirty. A new reality show, Last Chance Match, sets out to change that and gives the matchless another shot at life. Downtrodden waitress, Cera accepts the invitation, but is quickly deflated when she’s paired with the cocky and entitled Ryde. The show takes a dark turn when a fellow contestant is killed after being eliminated, forcing Cera and Ryde to fight for their happily ever after—and to make it out alive. The comps: THE KILL FACTOR by Ben Oliver Both with a killer reality show setting to win freedom SILVER ELITE by Dani Francis Both with opposing factions and biased government HEART OF THE SUN Both with second chances and dislike to lovers arc The Tropes: Arrows pointing from a mock cover of LAST CHANCE MATCH book with ferns with the following tropes: Dystomance Touch her and die Dislike to locers Forced proximity Second chances Soulmates
August 6, 2025 at 4:12 AM
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
psylvestre.bsky.social
THE HUNGER GAMES X THE FIFTH WAVE

After a missile explodes near San Francisco, ending a half century of global peace, 16-year-old Zuriah Laguerre and her 7-year-old twin siblings begin a dangerous journey to safety and discover an enemy not of this world. #Questpit #Q #YA #SF #S
August 6, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
catherinewinters.com
WAYFARERS x MURDERBOT x SOMEONE YOU CAN BUILD A NEST IN

Everything fell apart when the human came aboard. Instead of nice meals and quiet cargo runs, Tai's stuck with bickering crewmates, sinister criminals, explosions, and worse, a human who wants to be friends. #QuestPit #A #Q #R #SF #OV #LGBTQ
Mood board/Agent's guide for my novel CARGO - a queer SF/heist/romance - 110,000 words "Did you hear? There's a human on board." A graphic of the wall of a spaceship with sticky notes and polaroid photos taped up. There are twinkle lights hanging from the ceiling. alien ship's cook (fussy, anxious) + terrifying monster (ordinary human) PITCH: Tai’s terrified of humans. Everyone is. Violent pack hunters, humans are notorious for their strength, sharp teeth, and carnivorous appetites. But the ship’s cook is safe among the multispecies crew of the cargo hauler Coreward Baker: everyone knows the warrior species rarely leave their own space. Then Captain Raz hires Clarke, a human horticulturist. Even after Tai overcomes their fear, they can’t stand Clarke. She’s bossy. Annoying. Useless in the galley, bad in a space suit. She might as well be cargo. Worse, she’s intent on befriending Tai—and why can’t they stop thinking about her, anyway? That’s when things go wrong. As Tai starts to realize their feelings for Clarke, they’re horrified to learn that nobody on their crew of dropouts and runaways is quite who they seem, least of all Clarke. And it’s no coincidence. Raz reveals they’ve each been handpicked for a heist he’s spent years planning—and no one’s allowed to say no. PRIORITIES: make dinner remain cozy haul cargo go for drinks pull off one last score try not to fall in love FIRST PAGE: “Did you hear? There’s a Human on board.” I choked on my noodles and turned to stare at the diners at the next table. Like most of the restaurant’s patrons, the pair had hidden their profiles, a halfhearted attempt at anonymity. “Gross,” the speaker’s crewmate said, oblivious to my alarm. “I hope it leaves soon.” “Don’t let it hear you say that,” the first worker laughed. She made a show of looking for Humans, her eyes darting from table to table. It. I frowned. I knew the workers’ language distinguished between people and things, and ‘it’ was an unkind choice of words at best. The second worker shuddered. “I don’t know why we let themcome here.” The first laughed. “Are you going to stop them?” COMPS: Murderbot by Martha Wells Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wisewell The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers TROPES: Non-binary narrator masking anxiety with sarcasm lying to themselves non-human perspective (afraid of humans) neurodivergent main characters metaphorically disabled protagonist slow-burn friends-to-lovers and enemies to lovers in the same relationship disabilitynorm and queernorm setting found family loveable pet/terrifying monster
August 6, 2025 at 3:53 PM
moanderson-author.bsky.social
A DIFFERENT KIND OF FEAR:

A lifetime of trauma & isolation leaves foster teen Nellie deeply distrustful & self-reliant.

Then 👽 lights appear in the sky.

She seeks refuge in the wilderness with Anna, a grieving geologist.

Survival is hard. But trusting someone is harder.

#questpit #W #YA #SF
August 6, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
bvbodegom.bsky.social
CABIN IN THE WOODS × JOHN DIES AT THE END × KNIVES OUT

When their detective friend is murdered during their annual gaming retreat, 5 dads must rely on years of #TTRPG experience—and puns—to solve the crime before they're all killed off like NPCs in a badly written campaign.

#QuestPit #A #H #M #Q
The image shows a horror-comedy novel cover titled "DAD BODIES." The top of the cover reads "THE GAME JUST TOOK A DAD TURN" with "DAD" in a different color. The background features a haunted house with multiple towers and illuminated windows against a dark backdrop. At the center is a 20-sided die (D20) used in tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, with visible numbers including 1, 7, 13, and 19. The die is surrounded by red blood splatter effects. At the bottom of the cover are six men with expressions of terror and shock. One man is wearing a white shirt over his head. These men are the dads referenced in the title.
August 6, 2025 at 4:06 AM
Reposted by M.O.Anderson
bvbodegom.bsky.social
BLACK MIRROR × SEVERANCE × THE GOOD PLACE

Having a happy death is a luxury service for the rich and Wren is the rising top salesman—until a cynical coworker and a depressed billionaire force him to rethink it all in a world where even your last smile has a price tag.

#QuestPit #A #S #SF #W
This image is a book cover design for a novel titled "Happy Death Inc." by B. Van Bodegom. The cover is divided into three distinct horizontal sections: 1. Top Section: Features a cartoonish blue sky with white clouds and a bright sun. At the top, a tagline reads: "How much would you pay to die with a smile?" The word "HAPPY" appears in large, playful, hand-drawn-style font, partially overlapping the sky background. 2. Middle Section: A photograph of a deceased man in a suit, lying in a casket. He has an exaggerated smile on his face, almost unnaturally wide and clean, suggesting artificial enhancement or post-mortem alteration. Overlaid on this image is the word "DEATH" in the same large font as the previous word. 3. Bottom Section: A cartoon city skyline in pastel tones, similar in style to the top sky background. The word "INC." is overlaid prominently in the same large font. At the very bottom, in smaller capital letters, it says: "A Novel by B VAN BODEGOM"
August 6, 2025 at 4:04 AM
moanderson-author.bsky.social
WE ARE THE ANTS x THE LAST OF US

A DIFFERENT KIND OF FEAR:
Bullied & abused, a teenager runs away, leaving her vulnerable on the streets when 👽 invade.

Along with a grieving geologist & a stray dog, she struggles to survive & find meaning in a world on the brink of collapse.

#questpit #W #YA #SF
A Venn diagram of Genre Overlaps in YA Sci-Fi. A Different Kind of Fear is an introspective book, with alien influence, and apocalyptic survival. A Venn diagrams of thematic overlaps in YA Sci-Fi. A Different Kind of Fear features themes of powerlessness vs. resistence, fear as transformation, and belonging and found family.
August 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
moanderson-author.bsky.social
My #WIPSnips contribution for the day - "street" comes up a lot in my contemporary YA Sci-Fi "A Different Kind of Fear" as the MC ends up running away and living on the streets... leaving her exposed and vulnerable just as aliens arrive 👽.

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPromtps
Excerpt from "A Different Kind of Fear:" Water dripped from my still-half-shaking body as I crouched to dig my phone out of my pants. Numbly, I entered my social worker’s number; my lifeline to another bed in another house, with yet another stranger pretending to care. But my thumb hovered over the “call” button. What choice do I have? None. Not really. Unless… I could just leave. Run away. Go live on the streets. I wiped the fog from the mirror, peeling back the blur like a barely-healed scab, exposing everything I didn’t want to see. I faced my ragged reflection, somehow still standing. What do I do? I wasn’t ready for another turbulent round of foster home roulette. Not the invasive conversations with counselors who’d already given up on me. Not the psych evals that made me feel crazy. Not the caseworkers dictating my life like prison guards. There was no way to win; as soon as things began to feel stable, the ground would start to erode—pressure building until the inevitable landslide tore everything apart. I’d already been in seven foster placements, seven homes that had each left a new kind of scar. I’d endured things I still can’t say aloud, and others my brain refuses to remember.
July 30, 2025 at 9:13 PM
moanderson-author.bsky.social
My #WIPSnips contribution for the day ("trash") from my contemporary YA Sci-Fi novel "A Different Kind of Fear." Can you guess the age of my protagonist?

Feedback welcome!

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
An excerpt from my WIP "A Different Kind of Fear"
July 28, 2025 at 8:39 PM