Raven Oak
@ravenoak.bsky.social
Spec Fic Author & Artist. AuDHD queer. Active #SFWA Gamer Geek. Published on the Moon. Disabled ENBY 🏳️⚧️ w/ Long COVID ♿️ (they/them)
Main: http://www.ravenoak.net
SHOP: http://shop.ravenoak.net
Main: http://www.ravenoak.net
SHOP: http://shop.ravenoak.net
Pinned
Raven Oak
@ravenoak.bsky.social
· May 9
Greetings & salutations to all the new folks!
I'm a geeky, disabled, nonbinary trans queer author & artist. I'm also autistic, outspoken, and believe that #TransRightsAreHumanRights.
I write & paint speculative fiction (mostly SF/F). You can find out all about my worlds at www.ravenoak.net
I'm a geeky, disabled, nonbinary trans queer author & artist. I'm also autistic, outspoken, and believe that #TransRightsAreHumanRights.
I write & paint speculative fiction (mostly SF/F). You can find out all about my worlds at www.ravenoak.net
TIL this week: kidney stones suck.
Had my first one this week. Never want to repeat that experience. Glad it seems to have passed and I’m recovering well.
I so did not need this delay though. Too much to do to be down for the count.
P.S. I drink plenty of water. ;)
Had my first one this week. Never want to repeat that experience. Glad it seems to have passed and I’m recovering well.
I so did not need this delay though. Too much to do to be down for the count.
P.S. I drink plenty of water. ;)
November 12, 2025 at 5:55 PM
TIL this week: kidney stones suck.
Had my first one this week. Never want to repeat that experience. Glad it seems to have passed and I’m recovering well.
I so did not need this delay though. Too much to do to be down for the count.
P.S. I drink plenty of water. ;)
Had my first one this week. Never want to repeat that experience. Glad it seems to have passed and I’m recovering well.
I so did not need this delay though. Too much to do to be down for the count.
P.S. I drink plenty of water. ;)
If you see this, post an anime you love.
(This is Delicious in Dungeon. I couldn’t decide between it and Steven Universe.)
(This is Delicious in Dungeon. I couldn’t decide between it and Steven Universe.)
November 8, 2025 at 1:24 AM
If you see this, post an anime you love.
(This is Delicious in Dungeon. I couldn’t decide between it and Steven Universe.)
(This is Delicious in Dungeon. I couldn’t decide between it and Steven Universe.)
I also begin with plot. This is an excellent essay about where writers begin.
#WriterSky
#WriterSky
hey #screenwriting #screenwriter who writes #tv and #film - have you ever wondered how a great writer creates unforgettable characters? ME TOO! sadly, all you get is my latest essay in which i break down how i cope with what i see as my weakest suit!
www.uncannymagazine.com/article/i-am...
www.uncannymagazine.com/article/i-am...
I Am Insecure About My Character(s) - Uncanny Magazine
Great characters are the cornerstone of storytelling. For a story to work, the audience must bond in a meaningful way with a cast of fully realized individuals whose actions and conflicts create drama...
www.uncannymagazine.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:08 PM
I also begin with plot. This is an excellent essay about where writers begin.
#WriterSky
#WriterSky
Reposted by Raven Oak
There are two kinds of writers: people who write to figure something out, and people who write to share what they’ve already figured out.
November 7, 2025 at 8:37 PM
There are two kinds of writers: people who write to figure something out, and people who write to share what they’ve already figured out.
Today’s the day long slog of imaging, tests, and appointments at Fred Hutch for the 1 year post-cancer check. At least it’s pretty outside but being here makes me think about my cancer journey, DiNozzo’s, and soon, Riley’s. :/
November 7, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Today’s the day long slog of imaging, tests, and appointments at Fred Hutch for the 1 year post-cancer check. At least it’s pretty outside but being here makes me think about my cancer journey, DiNozzo’s, and soon, Riley’s. :/
Reposted by Raven Oak
This seems like a good weekend to check in on your friends and neighbors. Between the government shutdown (and all that entails), and everything else going on...even the "mom" friend could use a helping hand. Or at least a friendly word.
November 7, 2025 at 5:34 PM
This seems like a good weekend to check in on your friends and neighbors. Between the government shutdown (and all that entails), and everything else going on...even the "mom" friend could use a helping hand. Or at least a friendly word.
Haven’t gone to look because it’s dark and still rainy but something came down & bounced down our roof. It was loud too.
Welcome to fall wind storms in the PNW!
Welcome to fall wind storms in the PNW!
November 7, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Haven’t gone to look because it’s dark and still rainy but something came down & bounced down our roof. It was loud too.
Welcome to fall wind storms in the PNW!
Welcome to fall wind storms in the PNW!
BIG thunder just hit here, one that reminds me of the storms we got in Texas. I miss the lack of thunder in the greater Seattle area.
Loving the rain. Meds are keeping Riley’s seizures in check for the moment. Just waiting for the upcoming appt with all his specialists.
Loving the rain. Meds are keeping Riley’s seizures in check for the moment. Just waiting for the upcoming appt with all his specialists.
November 6, 2025 at 4:20 AM
BIG thunder just hit here, one that reminds me of the storms we got in Texas. I miss the lack of thunder in the greater Seattle area.
Loving the rain. Meds are keeping Riley’s seizures in check for the moment. Just waiting for the upcoming appt with all his specialists.
Loving the rain. Meds are keeping Riley’s seizures in check for the moment. Just waiting for the upcoming appt with all his specialists.
Things seem hopeful tonight, which is good, but remember, this is a marathon. Fascism cheats. They steal and lie. They will not give back what they stole so easily. Keep fighting back against them. Don’t stop.
November 5, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Things seem hopeful tonight, which is good, but remember, this is a marathon. Fascism cheats. They steal and lie. They will not give back what they stole so easily. Keep fighting back against them. Don’t stop.
I’m glad we have seizure meds for Riley but…these hospitals need to stop sending people home w/ fucking cherry flavored meds for a CAT.
He’s a cat, not a 5 year old child.
Riley won’t swallow his liquid hell. This is going to CAUSE a seizure fighting him to try and get him to not spit it up.
He’s a cat, not a 5 year old child.
Riley won’t swallow his liquid hell. This is going to CAUSE a seizure fighting him to try and get him to not spit it up.
November 1, 2025 at 3:28 PM
I’m glad we have seizure meds for Riley but…these hospitals need to stop sending people home w/ fucking cherry flavored meds for a CAT.
He’s a cat, not a 5 year old child.
Riley won’t swallow his liquid hell. This is going to CAUSE a seizure fighting him to try and get him to not spit it up.
He’s a cat, not a 5 year old child.
Riley won’t swallow his liquid hell. This is going to CAUSE a seizure fighting him to try and get him to not spit it up.
I get 20+ of these daily. @scalzi.com did a blog post about them as well.
Head’s up writers. Scammers are hitting our email boxes hard right now.
Head’s up writers. Scammers are hitting our email boxes hard right now.
For my writer friends... Writer Beware did an article on the recent spate of fake book clubs trying to scam writers out of cash. Read this...it's quite enlightening. writerbeware.blog/2025/09/19/r...
#writers #writingcommunity #writing
#writers #writingcommunity #writing
Return of the Nigerian Prince Redux: Beware Book Club and Book Review Scams - Writer Beware
A few weeks ago, I wrote about a rising and extremely prolific marketing scam that I’ve been able to trace back to operators in Nigeria. Using highly personalized (AI-generated) email solicitations th...
writerbeware.blog
October 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
I get 20+ of these daily. @scalzi.com did a blog post about them as well.
Head’s up writers. Scammers are hitting our email boxes hard right now.
Head’s up writers. Scammers are hitting our email boxes hard right now.
Change one letter, ruin a candy:
S&M’s
;)
S&M’s
;)
Change one letter, ruin a candy:
SPITTLES
SPITTLES
Change one letter, ruin a candy:
SARS
SARS
October 30, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Change one letter, ruin a candy:
S&M’s
;)
S&M’s
;)
Reposted by Raven Oak
With the Republican shutdown, families are going to find themselves in increasingly tight situations. Share this far and wide.
October 28, 2025 at 3:25 PM
With the Republican shutdown, families are going to find themselves in increasingly tight situations. Share this far and wide.
It’s a chilly morning here (43 F) so the fireplace kicked on. Made me think of DiNozzo. He loved stretching out on the rug in front of it after breakfast. He also loved rolling around in catnip when the warmth made him frisky. I miss that fuzz-ball.
October 27, 2025 at 4:04 PM
It’s a chilly morning here (43 F) so the fireplace kicked on. Made me think of DiNozzo. He loved stretching out on the rug in front of it after breakfast. He also loved rolling around in catnip when the warmth made him frisky. I miss that fuzz-ball.
Reposted by Raven Oak
As other people have noted, if you have local food banks, now would be an excellent time to donate cash to them, if you have the cash to spare. We will be upping our donations to food banks and hunger-related charities here in Ohio.
US Department of Agriculture says no food aid benefits will be issued next month reut.rs/3WohHMk
US Department of Agriculture says no food aid benefits will be issued next month
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Saturday that food benefits under one of the country's biggest social assistance programs will not be issued next month amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
reut.rs
October 26, 2025 at 6:31 PM
As other people have noted, if you have local food banks, now would be an excellent time to donate cash to them, if you have the cash to spare. We will be upping our donations to food banks and hunger-related charities here in Ohio.
Ah, fall in the PNW. Atmospheric river and wind storm time…go!
October 24, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Ah, fall in the PNW. Atmospheric river and wind storm time…go!
Reposted by Raven Oak
On Threads, the usual suspects are telling ppl about to lose SNAP benefits to just start a garden. As a gardener, I had to laugh. You need at LEAST an acre of land to feed a family of 4. Start-up costs are enormous. But yes, subsistence farming on the balcony of your rental apartment is the answer
October 23, 2025 at 5:01 PM
On Threads, the usual suspects are telling ppl about to lose SNAP benefits to just start a garden. As a gardener, I had to laugh. You need at LEAST an acre of land to feed a family of 4. Start-up costs are enormous. But yes, subsistence farming on the balcony of your rental apartment is the answer
Reposted by Raven Oak
I would /do something/ about this. I'm known for pet rescue missions. However, I also have 4 cats and cannot help right now. Can you?
A family member in Portland Oregon died unexpectedly and left behind a 2 year old husky who is currently on a 5 day hold in a shelter while I try to figure out a way to get her to me here in Portland Maine so that I can adopt her...without it costing All the Money.
Anyone have any ideas?
Anyone have any ideas?
October 23, 2025 at 2:03 AM
I would /do something/ about this. I'm known for pet rescue missions. However, I also have 4 cats and cannot help right now. Can you?
Reposted by Raven Oak
Menstrual products should be available in all restrooms at no cost. If there is toilet paper, there should be menstrual products. Free.
Do you have any extremely niche, but serious, ethical stances?
October 20, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Menstrual products should be available in all restrooms at no cost. If there is toilet paper, there should be menstrual products. Free.
Define your music taste in 8 artists:
1. Tori Amos
2. Tool
3. Nobuo Umatsu
4. Prince
5. Loreena McKennitt
6. Imogen Heap
7. Billie Eilish
8. Soundgarden
1. Tori Amos
2. Tool
3. Nobuo Umatsu
4. Prince
5. Loreena McKennitt
6. Imogen Heap
7. Billie Eilish
8. Soundgarden
Define your music taste in eight artists:
Metallica
Disturbed
Halestorm
Evanescence
Beartooth
NIN
Tool
Audioslave
Metallica
Disturbed
Halestorm
Evanescence
Beartooth
NIN
Tool
Audioslave
Define your music taste in eight artists:
Jim Croce
Billy Squire
Snowgoons
Scroobius Pip
GWAR
Ray Stevens
Johnny Cash
Red Sovine
This was really hard but I think I got the range of it at least 😂
Jim Croce
Billy Squire
Snowgoons
Scroobius Pip
GWAR
Ray Stevens
Johnny Cash
Red Sovine
This was really hard but I think I got the range of it at least 😂
October 18, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Define your music taste in 8 artists:
1. Tori Amos
2. Tool
3. Nobuo Umatsu
4. Prince
5. Loreena McKennitt
6. Imogen Heap
7. Billie Eilish
8. Soundgarden
1. Tori Amos
2. Tool
3. Nobuo Umatsu
4. Prince
5. Loreena McKennitt
6. Imogen Heap
7. Billie Eilish
8. Soundgarden
Reposted by Raven Oak
If your MMR was before 1989 and you have insurance, get your titers checked. You might need a new one—I did.
Since we can’t rely on the HHS, CDC, or FDA to say it, I will:
MAKE SURE YOU ARE VACCINATED AGAINST MEASLES. GET YOUR MMR.
Measles cases have reached their HIGHEST point since the disease WAS ELIMINATED from the United States in 2000. We are at the tipping point for the return of ENDEMIC measles.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE VACCINATED AGAINST MEASLES. GET YOUR MMR.
Measles cases have reached their HIGHEST point since the disease WAS ELIMINATED from the United States in 2000. We are at the tipping point for the return of ENDEMIC measles.
October 17, 2025 at 11:03 PM
If your MMR was before 1989 and you have insurance, get your titers checked. You might need a new one—I did.
What’s the best one liner in movie history?
October 17, 2025 at 5:42 PM
What’s the best one liner in movie history?
Reposted by Raven Oak
B&N has dropped their Best Books of 2025 list with 2.5 months left in the year so here's your reminder that "best" is arbitrary, time is a construct, and there are still a ton of good books coming out that shouldn't be ignored just because the credits are rolling early
October 17, 2025 at 4:34 AM
B&N has dropped their Best Books of 2025 list with 2.5 months left in the year so here's your reminder that "best" is arbitrary, time is a construct, and there are still a ton of good books coming out that shouldn't be ignored just because the credits are rolling early
Yesterday, shortly after 2:30 PM, my little shadow guardian and editing sidekick, DiNozzo, died in my arms here at home. The change in his health was sudden and drastic. With the help of Compassion 4 Paws, we helped him head out on his final adventure. (1)
October 8, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Yesterday, shortly after 2:30 PM, my little shadow guardian and editing sidekick, DiNozzo, died in my arms here at home. The change in his health was sudden and drastic. With the help of Compassion 4 Paws, we helped him head out on his final adventure. (1)