The MockingOwl Roost - a literary pub
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mockingowls.bsky.social
The MockingOwl Roost - a literary pub
@mockingowls.bsky.social
930 followers 1.1K following 320 posts
Small chosen family of writers, editors, actors, singers, & other creatives who believe all people matter! Our art & lit magazine publishes works from emerging & established artists/authors all worldwide. We care about you! But DMs only for business plz.
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mockingowls.bsky.social
When #silence starts to whisper, when #truth twists and turns inside the mind—what’s real anymore? Step into Eric’s unraveling world in The Box at the Top of the Closet, a haunting #horror trilogy. Read parts 1-3 here: www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/silence...
A square image with a dark, mysterious, and horror-themed digital art style. The scene is dominated by swirling purple and dark red smoke and shadows. The central object is a simple white box with its lid slightly ajar, from which a brilliant white light emanates. A pair of ghostly, skeletal hands are seen reaching out from under the lid. The side of the box shows the silhouetted hands of someone trapped inside, adding to the suspenseful and eerie mood. The MockingOwl Roost logo is in the lower left corner. Text: THE BOX AT THE TOP OF THE CLOSET, STEVE BOWMAN, PART 1, SPECULATIVE FICTION
October 31, 2025 at 6:03 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
In #HalloweenWithMom, Penny Nolte captures the bittersweet joy of #memorycare life — where #love, #music, and #costumes stir moments of #connection that outshine #aging itself. Read here: www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/memory-...
A square image with a magical, spooky, and traditional Halloween vibe, featuring vibrant purple and orange colors. The foreground shows a table draped in cobwebs, with a witch's broom lying across it, and a carved jack-o'-lantern in the lower left. The center of the table holds a black cauldron, surrounded by various props like a large toad figure, candles, pumpkins, skull, and potion bottles, creating a witchcraft scene. The background is a glowing purple, with the dark silhouette of a bare tree. The MockingOwl Roost logo is positioned above the cauldron. Text: Halloween with Mom, Penny Nolte, Halloween Flash Fiction
October 31, 2025 at 12:34 AM
mockingowls.bsky.social
Fifteen years after swapping #podcasts for #audiobooks, I stumbled back into the format with #MidnightBurger a #sci-fi diner I didn’t know I needed. #PodcastRecommendation
Link: www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/midnigh...
A podcast review graphic featuring the title "Midnight Burger" in a retro diner sign style with stars in the background. The text reads: "A Fiction Podcast Review" and "The Podcast at the End of the Universe and One of Its Reviews" by Gretchen Wallett. An illustrated yellow owl holding a quill appears in the lower left corner, and an old-fashioned radio is in the lower right.
October 30, 2025 at 10:26 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
When the #seas turn to #skies, the #ghostcrew of The Flying Dutchman sails again. Are they #pirates or #aliens? The truth drifts between the stars.
Read + Listen here: www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/dutchma...
A square image with a dramatic, mysterious, and maritime vibe, focused on a legendary ghost ship. The image features an old, multi-masted galleon-style ship with full sails, centered on a calm, deep purple and dusky pink ocean horizon. The sky is filled with swirling, low clouds in similar twilight colors. The overall mood is eerie, romantic, and fantastical. The MockingOwl Roost logo is positioned in the upper left corner. Text: Written by Sue Cook, Performed by Issac Stephens, Poetry Reading, The Flying Dutchman
October 30, 2025 at 9:16 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
“Do you know how it feels?” #LinetteRabsatt’s Domestic Violence is Real—performed by #SueCook—calls us to #StopTheHate, #StopTheRape, and stand for #healing. You are not alone.
Read + listen: www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/stop-th...
A square image with a stark, serious, and impactful tone, presented in black and white. The central focus is a person's hand held up toward the viewer, palm open, in a gesture of stopping or refusal. A simple ring is visible on the ring finger. The background is blurred, showing the dark silhouette of a person. The overall mood is one of protection, caution, and resistance. The MockingOwl Roost logo is in the bottom right corner. Text: Domestic Violence is Real, Poetry Reading, Poem by Linette Rabsatt, Performed by Sue Cook
October 30, 2025 at 6:01 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
The Midwest whispers goodnight beneath autumn’s glow, Superheroes, ghosts, and ghouls roam chilly streets. Candy traded and laughter rises. A #Midwestern #Halloween Night by Paula Frew #Midwest #AutumnNights #Poetry #TrickOrTreat
www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/ghouls-...
Illustration of an adult opening a door to kids going trick-or-treating. The adult is dressed like Frankenstein’s monster. Kids are dressed up as a pirate, a ghost, a bunny, a mummy, and a pumpkin. TEXT: A Midwestern Halloween Night — Paula Frew — Halloween Poetry
October 30, 2025 at 5:48 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
What do you do when your #grandson asks to be a #VideoGameWarrior named #Guy you’ve never seen? Sew it by hand, of course. Read “Liam’s Costume”: www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/video-g...
A square image with a dark, muted, and spooky art style, perfect for a Halloween theme. The image is dominated by deep brown and muted gold tones with the texture of a charcoal drawing on old paper. The central figure is a small child dressed in full metal armor with a brightly glowing orange flame painted on the chest plate. The helmet has two large, round ears, adding a whimsical touch to the knight almost as if it were mixed with mickey mouse. In the hazy background, ghostly silhouettes of a fairy/angel, a witch, and a ghost are faintly visible, giving the image a mysterious, childhood-dreamlike quality. The MockingOwl Roost logo is in the bottom right corner. Text: Liam's Costume, Halloween Nonfiction, Martha Ellen
October 29, 2025 at 12:37 AM
mockingowls.bsky.social
A raven begs “more!” and the dead rise for #Halloween's #dark delights. The thrill? We crave it every year. Evermore, Sir! is a #poetic plunge into frightmares and fun. Read the #poem at www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/evermor...
A moody autumn forest scene. At the center is an aged stone grave marker, weathered and covered in moss, with a small human skull resting on top alongside scattered red and orange leaves. In the lower-right corner is the MockingOwl Roost owl logo in white. The background is dark and out of focus, with hints of golden foliage catching the light.
October 29, 2025 at 12:33 AM
mockingowls.bsky.social
In Bountiful Silence, beauty blooms in quiet places, where grief meets #renewal and #hope. Discover this moving #poetry #bookreview on the #MockingOwlRoost www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/bountif...
A square image with an abstract, painterly, and natural vibe, dominated by blurry earth tones. The background is a soft, motion-blurred mix of muted blues, greens, and browns. Centered on the image is the clear cover of a poetry collection featuring a photograph of a tree trunk and branches in a forest, covered in dried leaves and hints of snow or frost, suggesting a late autumn or early winter scene. The overall mood is contemplative and nature-focused. Text: Poetry Book Review, A Bountiful Silence & Other Poems, John Muro, Sue Cook
October 28, 2025 at 10:23 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
When #fashion meets #hellfire, even the fiercest #designers can’t escape their creations. The Follies of Fashion struts through #satire, #sin, and #stilettos. www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/fashion...
A square image with a bold, dramatic, and fiery aesthetic, using a stark color palette of red, white, and black. The central focus is a pair of legs wearing bright red high-heel shoes, set against a simple white background that is partially covered by red banners. The entire lower half of the image is surrounded by an illustration of orange and yellow flames, giving the scene a dangerous and intense mood. The MockingOwl Roost logo is in the upper left corner. Text: Halloween Short Story Narration, Written by Rita Mock-Pike, Performed by Isaac Stephens, The Follies of Fashion
October 28, 2025 at 12:16 AM
mockingowls.bsky.social
What happens when golf’s bad boy hires his last remaining fangirl as his caddie? Fangirl Down Book Review by #NereeshaPatel #RomanceReads #BookTok www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/fangirl...
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey. The book cover illustration shows a woman perched on the shoulders of a man in a yellow golf shirt and white cap, holding binoculars. The text reads: “Fangirl Down: A Rollercoaster of Love, Desire, and Golf. Book Review: Rom-Com. Nereesha Patel.” A pink owl with a quill appears at the bottom right. The background is pink and green.
October 24, 2025 at 6:06 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
A children’s show spirals into sabotage. Someone calls the agent—pretending to be the producer. Is it enough to stop the audition? “Skunk in the Garden” by Liz Lydic. #VoiceActingDrama #TVConflict #DarkComedy www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/hollywo...
A red background with a USB condenser microphone positioned on the left side, resembling a professional studio mic used for podcasting or recording. On the right, in clean white text, it reads: "Skunk in the Garden Fiction By Liz Lydic." The overall design is minimal, with a bold, modern feel, evoking themes of voice, storytelling, and performance.
October 24, 2025 at 5:41 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
Just published! Dressed as the #DreadPirateRoberts, he boards a #Halloween night train—only to meet the mysterious Halloween Queen. Where does the ride end? www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/train-l...
A square image with a gritty, atmospheric, and suspenseful vibe, characteristic of an urban thriller or horror. The scene is viewed through a dark, arched window or doorway, which frames the interior of an empty, dimly lit subway train car. The train's interior is dominated by yellow handrails and metallic surfaces, with one or two distant figures visible seated in the carriage. The contrast between the dark foreground and the hazy, yellowish interior light gives the image a sense of isolation and mystery. The MockingOwl Roost logo is in the lower right corner. Text: The Last Stop Halloween Fiction Justin Alcala
October 24, 2025 at 12:13 AM
mockingowls.bsky.social
Want to explore #AcrylicPainting without spending a ton? These #YouTube channels offer beginner-friendly techniques and fun scenes to try. Discover free art classes from Jennifer Funnell, Jay Lee, and more – www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/acrylic...
A colorful, cartoon-style digital illustration depicts a woman standing at an easel, brush poised mid-stroke as she paints on a white canvas. To her left, a painter’s palette holds thick, exaggerated blobs of vibrant acrylic colors (red, yellow, blue, green) rendered with bold, playful shading. Behind her, a rustic wooden table is scattered with open paint tubes and brushes, arranged loosely to feel casual and creative. The overall style is bright, whimsical, and flat-graphic, evoking the approachable look of modern vector art. The title text overlays the top in a rounded sans-serif font, clean and easy to read, reinforcing the inviting, beginner-friendly feel of the piece. TEXT: Best Acrylic Painting Classes on YouTube – Rita Mock-Pike – Roundup
October 23, 2025 at 11:49 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
A chilling supernatural thriller where a ghost’s silent cries for justice lead a disgraced reporter into a deadly cold case. This mystery will haunt you long after the final page. #BellefontaineHaunting #MarieWilkens #GhostStory #SupernaturalMystery #CozyThriller #HauntedHouse shorturl.at/a1d7e
A distressed, eerie image of an old, multi-story mansion under a red sky. A single window glows yellow, hinting at supernatural activity. The title is in bold red letters:The Bellefontaine Haunting by Marie Wilkens, evoking a chilling, haunted atmosphere.
October 23, 2025 at 11:01 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
Hello again #Autumn, you slip in softly — curtains dance, air chills, and the world glows #gold again. From #mistymornings to #pumpkinnights, your arrival is a familiar kind of #magic. Read “Hello Again Autumn” now: mockingowlroost.com/blog/autumn-hello-again-reading
An image with a vibrant, warm, and distinctly autumnal vibe. The border and background are filled with close-up images of fall foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and deep red. The central picture, framed by a rust-colored diamond shape, is a beautiful scene of a lake or pond bordered by trees in peak autumn color. A small, rustic boathouse or cabin is situated on the water's edge. The mood is cozy, scenic, and nostalgic. The MockingOwl Roost logo in a large cream color is in the lower left corner. Text: Hello Again, Autumn; Poetry Reading; Written by Perri Dodgson; Performed by Sue Cook
October 23, 2025 at 10:08 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
In Undying, a #witch’s quiet strength defies time itself. A story of #magic, #sacrifice, and #resilience that lingers long after the last word. www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/quiet-w...
A square image with a dark, isolated, and mysterious vibe, setting a scene for horror or suspense. The foreground is dominated by a dense arrangement of vertical pine tree trunks, creating a barrier that partially obscures the view. In the background, a rustic log cabin with a dark, peaked roof is nestled deep within the woods. The scene is dimly lit, suggesting twilight or night, emphasizing the seclusion of the cabin. The MockingOwl Roost logo in orange is positioned in the upper right corner. Text: Undying, Justin Alcala, Halloween Fiction
October 23, 2025 at 9:53 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
She hid the truth. He tried to change her. Now she stands, stripped of illusion. “Love’s Open Door” by Kylie Petrovich #EmotionalMusic #LoveSongs #NewRelease www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/beauty-... — Page 8
An open set of double doors reveals a peaceful outdoor scene with a green tree in the center, lush foliage, and a calm lake in the background. The walls are soft beige, the door frames are brown, and the scene outside is sunlit and tranquil. A white owl logo with a feathered tail is placed on the right side of the image. TEXT: Love’s Open Door | Song Lyrics | Kylie Petrovich
October 22, 2025 at 10:29 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
No one should’ve been outside with that storm coming in. But someone was slipping between the trees.“Ice Cherries” by #TandyMalinak is a story of storms, sweetness, and an unexpected rescue. #FlashFiction #EmotionalRead www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/ice-che...
A red background with a white plate of cherries at the center. A small green leaf rests on the right side of the plate. To the right of the image, the title “Ice Cherries” appears in clean white text, with the author’s name, Tandy Malinak, directly below it.
October 21, 2025 at 9:38 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
Megan D Robinson’s "Stravinsky's Firebird Suite” unfolds a story of magic and music, where each note carries hope, struggle, and conflict. This haunting poem invites you to feel the sound and spirit of battle. Dive into this poetic journey on PAGE 08: www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/music-l...
The image blends classical music, poetry, and mythical imagery in a striking way. At the top, a bright phoenix spreads its glowing red, orange, and gold feathers across an aged scroll of Chinese calligraphy, symbolizing rebirth and fire, much like Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. A burnt orange band cuts across the middle with bold black text reading: “Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite / A Cell in the Body of the Orchestra” in a vintage playbill-style font that hints at the drama of orchestral performance. Below, there’s a wide view of a concert hall with empty music stands and instruments ready, while the audience quietly fills in behind. White text introduces the poet, Megan D. Robinson, connecting the music to the poetry. In the corner, the MockingOwl Roost owl logo. Overall, it’s a creative mix of myth, music, and modern poetry.
October 21, 2025 at 9:09 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
A #Poppy’s love came in #blue #daisies — teaching, forgiving, celebrating. Even when he was gone, the #blooms whispered #memories only she could feel. Read more: www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/old-pop...
A square image with a bright, romantic, and gentle vibe, suggestive of a greeting card or heartfelt memory. The background is a sunny, tropical coastal scene with calm turquoise water, a light blue and cloudy sky, and a small island in the distance. The center features a wooden pier extending into the water, upon which a man in a blue shirt walks away from the viewer. In the foreground, a young girl with her hair in a bun is shown in profile, looking up and to the right. A large bouquet of pink, purple, and white cosmos flowers is in front of her. The MockingOwl Roost logo is in the lower left corner. Text: A Sweetest, Day Sweetie, Paula Frew, Poetry
October 21, 2025 at 6:52 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
A silent girl #abandoned in a #dandelion meadow... a town haunted by a decade-old disappearance. Wortner's #review explores all the #secrets in Julia Heaberlin's "We Are All the Same in the Dark": www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/we-are-...
A square image with a dark green background featuring a faint floral pattern of yellow and purple flowers. In the center, there are two white rectangles. The left rectangle displays the book cover for "We Are All the Same in the Dark," showing a dark background with green foliage and the title in white, vertically stacked letters. "JULIA HEABERLIN" is at the top of the book cover in yellow, with a small quote above it. The right rectangle contains a quote from a review: "In We Are All The Same in The Dark, Julia Heaberlin offers more than a thriller. It is a great choice for readers drawn to atmospheric suspense and emotional complexity..." Below the quote, the reviewer's name "Karrie Wortner" is written in a handwritten-style font. Text: Suspense, JULIA HEABERLIN, We Are All The Same in The Dark, A NOVEL, In We Are All The Same in The Dark, Julia Heaberlin offers more than a thriller. It is a great choice for readers drawn to atmospheric suspense and emotional complexity..., Karrie Wortner, Book Review
October 20, 2025 at 11:58 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
“My voice will be heard above the din. My song will rise…” For #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth, #RitaMockPike shares her moving poem I Remember, a call to healing and strength through #poetry and #voice. Full reading here (TW): www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/i-remem...
A square image with a peaceful, contemplative, and slightly spiritual vibe. The background features a wide-angle view of a valley with a river or lake, small town, and forested hills under a bright blue and white sky. A silhouetted figure is seated cross-legged on a rocky peak, looking out at the view. This outdoor scene is overlaid with a large, partially transparent circular frame, inside of which a close-up image of the Book of Psalms is visible. The lighting is bright with a lens flare effect. The MockingOwl Roost logo in white is in the lower right corner. Text: POETRY READING I Remember Written & Performed by Rita Mock-Pike
October 20, 2025 at 8:04 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
A chilly night on the #OregonTrail may bring reflections of #sorrow but there's also hope in the dark as a loving mother makes her #ShadowPuppets dance for her son... Read more: www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/old-wes... PAGE 15
Shadow puppet of a rabbit on the canvas side of a conestoga wagon, with a campfire nearby. The hues are primarily shades of black and orange, reflecting the fire in the wago and the fire. TEXT: Shadow Puppet Dance - Western Fiction - Rita Mock-Pike
October 20, 2025 at 6:41 PM
mockingowls.bsky.social
What carries true value in a world run by #AI and #consumerism? In Helen Philips’ Hum, society-controlling Hums blur the line between human and machine, pushing readers to question tech, family, and desire. A chilling #scifi must-read: www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/hum-sci...
A square image with a neon green, sci-fi theme. The background is a blurred image of what appears to be a robot or cyborg face in shades of lime and olive green. Superimposed on the background is the bright green cover of a book titled "HUM" by Helen Phillips, which features an abstract design of white shapes and a single green eye. The overall mood is modern, technological, and slightly unsettling. The MockingOwl Roost logo is visible in black on the right. Text: "A narrative tour de force." —Jeff VanderMeer, HUM, A NOVEL, A NEW YORK TIMES EDITORS' CHOICE, HELEN PHILLIPS, Author of The Need, longlisted for the National Book Award, A Sci-Fi Novel Review, Zina Mona
October 20, 2025 at 5:32 PM