SF Layzell
@sflayzell.bsky.social
I write queer stories & edit books sometimes https://sflayzell.com/
Buy Cottonopolis, a MG set in 1840s Manchester, shortlisted for Little Rebels https://www.northodox.co.uk/product-page/cottonopolis-paperback-pre-order
Views mine, contact via website
Buy Cottonopolis, a MG set in 1840s Manchester, shortlisted for Little Rebels https://www.northodox.co.uk/product-page/cottonopolis-paperback-pre-order
Views mine, contact via website
Pinned
SF Layzell
@sflayzell.bsky.social
· Aug 20
My publisher just sent me a video of the Little Rebels shortlist in the window of radical booksellers Housmans, including Cottonopolis!
www.instagram.com/reel/DNkmpTL...
As well as being in the window display (!), the book is also available to order from Housmans:
housmans.com/product/cott...
www.instagram.com/reel/DNkmpTL...
As well as being in the window display (!), the book is also available to order from Housmans:
housmans.com/product/cott...
Reposted by SF Layzell
Remembering Elizabeth Gaskell, who died on this day 1865.
Made in Manchester: Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-65). Her wide-ranging work is valued for its social history, including first-hand accounts of Manchester’s poor, as well as its literary qualities. Much of what she wrote was innovatory or controversial. 1/5
November 12, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Remembering Elizabeth Gaskell, who died on this day 1865.
Great thread of festive shopping recommendations from indie publishers! #BookSky 📚💙
We've got our first @northodoxpress.bsky.social book now - the incredible Cottonopolis by @sflayzell.bsky.social
I read this months ago and I *still* find myself thinking about it.
Queer, working-class, northern historical fiction for young adults. Chef's kiss - no notes.
I read this months ago and I *still* find myself thinking about it.
Queer, working-class, northern historical fiction for young adults. Chef's kiss - no notes.
November 8, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Great thread of festive shopping recommendations from indie publishers! #BookSky 📚💙
Reposted by SF Layzell
Very pleased to see the Giving Tree back in @waterstones.bsky.social #Norwich.
All the tags represent a book choice from one of Norfolk's looked after children and ensures they get a book for Christmas.
I didn't have time to browse today so got a voucher for staff to use picking books.
#BookSky 📚💙
All the tags represent a book choice from one of Norfolk's looked after children and ensures they get a book for Christmas.
I didn't have time to browse today so got a voucher for staff to use picking books.
#BookSky 📚💙
November 3, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Very pleased to see the Giving Tree back in @waterstones.bsky.social #Norwich.
All the tags represent a book choice from one of Norfolk's looked after children and ensures they get a book for Christmas.
I didn't have time to browse today so got a voucher for staff to use picking books.
#BookSky 📚💙
All the tags represent a book choice from one of Norfolk's looked after children and ensures they get a book for Christmas.
I didn't have time to browse today so got a voucher for staff to use picking books.
#BookSky 📚💙
Reposted by SF Layzell
Have you ordered your copy of our brand new dystopia novel, The Year of the Rat, yet?
An intriguing read from the brilliant KJ Taylor and another addition to our recent incredible SFF titles!
Browse our store here:
share.google/0SUOI5QoDqPM...
An intriguing read from the brilliant KJ Taylor and another addition to our recent incredible SFF titles!
Browse our store here:
share.google/0SUOI5QoDqPM...
November 7, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Have you ordered your copy of our brand new dystopia novel, The Year of the Rat, yet?
An intriguing read from the brilliant KJ Taylor and another addition to our recent incredible SFF titles!
Browse our store here:
share.google/0SUOI5QoDqPM...
An intriguing read from the brilliant KJ Taylor and another addition to our recent incredible SFF titles!
Browse our store here:
share.google/0SUOI5QoDqPM...
Reposted by SF Layzell
🏊♀️The women who swim at Kenwood Ladies Pond have already made their decision.
In 2024, almost 900 members voted to keep their trans-inclusive policy - a policy that has worked peacefully since 2019.
Now, a small campaign group is seeking to overturn that democratic decision through the courts.
1/5
In 2024, almost 900 members voted to keep their trans-inclusive policy - a policy that has worked peacefully since 2019.
Now, a small campaign group is seeking to overturn that democratic decision through the courts.
1/5
November 7, 2025 at 9:06 AM
🏊♀️The women who swim at Kenwood Ladies Pond have already made their decision.
In 2024, almost 900 members voted to keep their trans-inclusive policy - a policy that has worked peacefully since 2019.
Now, a small campaign group is seeking to overturn that democratic decision through the courts.
1/5
In 2024, almost 900 members voted to keep their trans-inclusive policy - a policy that has worked peacefully since 2019.
Now, a small campaign group is seeking to overturn that democratic decision through the courts.
1/5
Reposted by SF Layzell
i don't respect the grind. some of you need to go to bed and take it easy this weekend
November 7, 2025 at 8:21 PM
i don't respect the grind. some of you need to go to bed and take it easy this weekend
Reposted by SF Layzell
Today is Transgender Parent Day, so here’s to the trans parents of today and tomorrow—and of the past, on whose shoulders they stand. Please enjoy this profile of Billy Tipton (1914-1989), a jazz bandleader, father of three sons, and a trans man. mombian.com/2025/11/02/r...
Remembering Billy Tipton on Trans Parent Day - Mombian
Today is Transgender Parent Day, so here's to the trans parents of today and tomorrow---and of the past, on whose shoulders they stand. Please enjoy this profile of Billy Tipton (1914-1989), a jazz ba...
mombian.com
November 2, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Today is Transgender Parent Day, so here’s to the trans parents of today and tomorrow—and of the past, on whose shoulders they stand. Please enjoy this profile of Billy Tipton (1914-1989), a jazz bandleader, father of three sons, and a trans man. mombian.com/2025/11/02/r...
Reposted by SF Layzell
Something for all you Big Rebels to get behind!
A callout to UK indie booksellers to amplify Day of the Imprisoned Writer / 15th November.
A callout to UK indie booksellers to amplify Day of the Imprisoned Writer / 15th November.
Calling all indie bookshops... 📣
Take part in our #PENWrites letter-writing campaign in solidarity with writers in prison for Day of the Imprisoned Writer on 15 November.
Find out more & sign up ⬇️
www.englishpen.org/posts/campai...
Take part in our #PENWrites letter-writing campaign in solidarity with writers in prison for Day of the Imprisoned Writer on 15 November.
Find out more & sign up ⬇️
www.englishpen.org/posts/campai...
PENWrites x Day of the Imprisoned Writer - English PEN
Bookshops: join us to send messages of solidarity to imprisoned writers around the world
www.englishpen.org
October 21, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Something for all you Big Rebels to get behind!
A callout to UK indie booksellers to amplify Day of the Imprisoned Writer / 15th November.
A callout to UK indie booksellers to amplify Day of the Imprisoned Writer / 15th November.
Reposted by SF Layzell
My books are in a Halloween sale til 1 Nov! 👻🏳️🌈
Cottonopolis is a queer historical novel. Shortlisted for the 2025 #LittleRebelsAward 🎪
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
The Ballad of the Fen Violets combines history, folklore & adventure. Coming out in 2026 🦢
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
Cottonopolis is a queer historical novel. Shortlisted for the 2025 #LittleRebelsAward 🎪
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
The Ballad of the Fen Violets combines history, folklore & adventure. Coming out in 2026 🦢
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
October 27, 2025 at 4:15 PM
My books are in a Halloween sale til 1 Nov! 👻🏳️🌈
Cottonopolis is a queer historical novel. Shortlisted for the 2025 #LittleRebelsAward 🎪
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
The Ballad of the Fen Violets combines history, folklore & adventure. Coming out in 2026 🦢
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
Cottonopolis is a queer historical novel. Shortlisted for the 2025 #LittleRebelsAward 🎪
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
The Ballad of the Fen Violets combines history, folklore & adventure. Coming out in 2026 🦢
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
Reposted by SF Layzell
Sharing this again because an actual child read a book I wrote for children and wrote a whole review about it that is just so ridiculously charming that you should read it regardless of whether you have any interest in the book
“I just want a moment to say how amazing and wonderful this book was and how much fun it was to read“ - delightful, comprehensive review of “About Time” by a NINE year-old!!!
Review: 'About Time: A Children's Guide To The History And Science Of Time'
As reviewed by a 9-year-old.
www.hodinkee.com
October 28, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Sharing this again because an actual child read a book I wrote for children and wrote a whole review about it that is just so ridiculously charming that you should read it regardless of whether you have any interest in the book
Reposted by SF Layzell
LGBTQ parents and our children have a long history, arguably going back to Sappho (c. 600 BCE), who may have had a child. For LGBTQ History Month, I’m sharing some resources I’ve put together on this long and varied history, including a handy timeline of key milestones. mombian.com/2025/10/28/a...
An LGBTQ Parenting History Timeline and More Resources for Remembering Our Roots - Mombian
LGBTQ parents and our children have a long history, arguably going back to Sappho (c. 600 BCE), who may have had a child. For LGBTQ History Month, I'm sharing some resources I've put together on this ...
mombian.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:50 PM
LGBTQ parents and our children have a long history, arguably going back to Sappho (c. 600 BCE), who may have had a child. For LGBTQ History Month, I’m sharing some resources I’ve put together on this long and varied history, including a handy timeline of key milestones. mombian.com/2025/10/28/a...
Reposted by SF Layzell
This book is SO good. I keep thinking about in as I go about my day and its been months since I read it.
My books are in a Halloween sale til 1 Nov! 👻🏳️🌈
Cottonopolis is a queer historical novel. Shortlisted for the 2025 #LittleRebelsAward 🎪
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
The Ballad of the Fen Violets combines history, folklore & adventure. Coming out in 2026 🦢
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
Cottonopolis is a queer historical novel. Shortlisted for the 2025 #LittleRebelsAward 🎪
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
The Ballad of the Fen Violets combines history, folklore & adventure. Coming out in 2026 🦢
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
October 27, 2025 at 4:21 PM
This book is SO good. I keep thinking about in as I go about my day and its been months since I read it.
My books are in a Halloween sale til 1 Nov! 👻🏳️🌈
Cottonopolis is a queer historical novel. Shortlisted for the 2025 #LittleRebelsAward 🎪
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
The Ballad of the Fen Violets combines history, folklore & adventure. Coming out in 2026 🦢
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
Cottonopolis is a queer historical novel. Shortlisted for the 2025 #LittleRebelsAward 🎪
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
The Ballad of the Fen Violets combines history, folklore & adventure. Coming out in 2026 🦢
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
October 27, 2025 at 4:15 PM
My books are in a Halloween sale til 1 Nov! 👻🏳️🌈
Cottonopolis is a queer historical novel. Shortlisted for the 2025 #LittleRebelsAward 🎪
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
The Ballad of the Fen Violets combines history, folklore & adventure. Coming out in 2026 🦢
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
Cottonopolis is a queer historical novel. Shortlisted for the 2025 #LittleRebelsAward 🎪
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
The Ballad of the Fen Violets combines history, folklore & adventure. Coming out in 2026 🦢
www.northodox.co.uk/product-page...
Reposted by SF Layzell
Today's #IrishBookWeek prompt is: Share an Irish book you are going to read next📚☘
Going for a classic next week for Halloween: Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873). "Pre-dating Dracula by twenty-six years, Carmilla is the original vampire story, steeped in sapphic sexual tension and gothic romance."
Going for a classic next week for Halloween: Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873). "Pre-dating Dracula by twenty-six years, Carmilla is the original vampire story, steeped in sapphic sexual tension and gothic romance."
October 24, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Today's #IrishBookWeek prompt is: Share an Irish book you are going to read next📚☘
Going for a classic next week for Halloween: Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873). "Pre-dating Dracula by twenty-six years, Carmilla is the original vampire story, steeped in sapphic sexual tension and gothic romance."
Going for a classic next week for Halloween: Sheridan Le Fanu (1814-1873). "Pre-dating Dracula by twenty-six years, Carmilla is the original vampire story, steeped in sapphic sexual tension and gothic romance."
Reposted by SF Layzell
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨
It's coming up to Halloween, it's cold, it's dark and it's perfect reading-with-a-biscuit-blanket-and-side-light weather.
So why not treat yourself one of our fabulous tomes with 15% off! All orders and preorders until 1st November!
share.google/7fvgFAwRlWUp...
It's coming up to Halloween, it's cold, it's dark and it's perfect reading-with-a-biscuit-blanket-and-side-light weather.
So why not treat yourself one of our fabulous tomes with 15% off! All orders and preorders until 1st November!
share.google/7fvgFAwRlWUp...
October 24, 2025 at 11:25 AM
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨
It's coming up to Halloween, it's cold, it's dark and it's perfect reading-with-a-biscuit-blanket-and-side-light weather.
So why not treat yourself one of our fabulous tomes with 15% off! All orders and preorders until 1st November!
share.google/7fvgFAwRlWUp...
It's coming up to Halloween, it's cold, it's dark and it's perfect reading-with-a-biscuit-blanket-and-side-light weather.
So why not treat yourself one of our fabulous tomes with 15% off! All orders and preorders until 1st November!
share.google/7fvgFAwRlWUp...
Reposted by SF Layzell
Playing #LittleRebelsAward 2025 Shortlistee Catchup…
And @sflayzell.bsky.social marked #BookshopDay with a visit to one of the award organisers: glorious @housmansbookshop.bsky.social a happy hive of radical bookishness.
Pick up your copy of Cottonopolis when you’re next there, folk!
#KidLitUK
And @sflayzell.bsky.social marked #BookshopDay with a visit to one of the award organisers: glorious @housmansbookshop.bsky.social a happy hive of radical bookishness.
Pick up your copy of Cottonopolis when you’re next there, folk!
#KidLitUK
Happy Bookshop Day! Last week I visited my book Cottonopolis at radical booksellers Housmans nr Kings Cross London. If only I could stretch big enough to hug the whole shop.
If you're after a historical LGBTQ novel for readers young and old, find it here ❤️🏳️🌈
housmans.com/product/cott...
If you're after a historical LGBTQ novel for readers young and old, find it here ❤️🏳️🌈
housmans.com/product/cott...
October 24, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Playing #LittleRebelsAward 2025 Shortlistee Catchup…
And @sflayzell.bsky.social marked #BookshopDay with a visit to one of the award organisers: glorious @housmansbookshop.bsky.social a happy hive of radical bookishness.
Pick up your copy of Cottonopolis when you’re next there, folk!
#KidLitUK
And @sflayzell.bsky.social marked #BookshopDay with a visit to one of the award organisers: glorious @housmansbookshop.bsky.social a happy hive of radical bookishness.
Pick up your copy of Cottonopolis when you’re next there, folk!
#KidLitUK
Reposted by SF Layzell
💜✨ Hey QLL! It’s our BIRTHDAY!
October 23, 2025 at 1:20 PM
💜✨ Hey QLL! It’s our BIRTHDAY!
Reposted by SF Layzell
Edited by novelist and short story writer @nicholasroyle.bsky.social, Manchester-based @nightjarpress.bsky.social publishes limited edition single short-story chapbooks by individual authors. Browse and buy their titles at #smallpublishersfair25, London, Fri 24 / Sat 25 Oct
smallpublishersfair.co.uk
smallpublishersfair.co.uk
October 15, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Edited by novelist and short story writer @nicholasroyle.bsky.social, Manchester-based @nightjarpress.bsky.social publishes limited edition single short-story chapbooks by individual authors. Browse and buy their titles at #smallpublishersfair25, London, Fri 24 / Sat 25 Oct
smallpublishersfair.co.uk
smallpublishersfair.co.uk
Reposted by SF Layzell
Was Manchester really as segregated as Engels said? What kept the rich and poor apart.... if anything? My first article is out today in @historicaljnl.bsky.social and I'm so pleased to share it with you all! doi:10.1017/S0018246X25101246
@stjohnscollege.bsky.social @camunicampop.bsky.social
@stjohnscollege.bsky.social @camunicampop.bsky.social
October 21, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Was Manchester really as segregated as Engels said? What kept the rich and poor apart.... if anything? My first article is out today in @historicaljnl.bsky.social and I'm so pleased to share it with you all! doi:10.1017/S0018246X25101246
@stjohnscollege.bsky.social @camunicampop.bsky.social
@stjohnscollege.bsky.social @camunicampop.bsky.social
Reposted by SF Layzell
6th November. Former #LittleRebelsAward Champion, @amdassu.bsky.social , is sharing her latest book at a totally FREE event for schools.
#KidLitUK
#KidLitUK
Calling all teachers & librarians! The brilliant @amdassu.bsky.social is running a FREE virtual school event with Seven Stories on Thursday 6th November at 11am @zephyrbooks.bsky.social
Reserve your space here 👇
sevenstories.org.uk/event/author...
Reserve your space here 👇
sevenstories.org.uk/event/author...
October 22, 2025 at 3:29 PM
6th November. Former #LittleRebelsAward Champion, @amdassu.bsky.social , is sharing her latest book at a totally FREE event for schools.
#KidLitUK
#KidLitUK
Reposted by SF Layzell
Boosting for #IrishBookWeek : Children's & YA writers and illustrators - Ireland
Time to share this starter pack again - and ask who I've missed! Are you an Irish or Irish-based children's YA writer? Give me a shout, then go follow @childrensbooksireland.ie 😄
go.bsky.app/2gSbStb
go.bsky.app/2gSbStb
October 21, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Boosting for #IrishBookWeek : Children's & YA writers and illustrators - Ireland
Reposted by SF Layzell
Hey I love trans people
October 18, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Hey I love trans people
Reposted by SF Layzell
you know bluesky is for 38-year-olds because the website takes a little nap in the early afternoon
October 15, 2025 at 5:59 PM
you know bluesky is for 38-year-olds because the website takes a little nap in the early afternoon
Reposted by SF Layzell
Our QUEER HALLOWEEN BOOK SALE is now on at Proud Geek - get 10% off all horror and Halloween-themed books, including graphic novels and manga this October.
Take a look here: proud-geek.co.uk/sale
#queerbooks #queerhorror #booksky
Take a look here: proud-geek.co.uk/sale
#queerbooks #queerhorror #booksky
October 15, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Our QUEER HALLOWEEN BOOK SALE is now on at Proud Geek - get 10% off all horror and Halloween-themed books, including graphic novels and manga this October.
Take a look here: proud-geek.co.uk/sale
#queerbooks #queerhorror #booksky
Take a look here: proud-geek.co.uk/sale
#queerbooks #queerhorror #booksky
Reposted by SF Layzell
🚨LAUNCH TONIGHT🚨
Join us for the official launch event for To Fetch a Pail of Water tonight in Urmston at Urmston Books and Boardgames!
Our live events are always a laugh and it's a venue we love supporting!
Tickets available here:
share.google/tvUWCqzeRelS...
Join us for the official launch event for To Fetch a Pail of Water tonight in Urmston at Urmston Books and Boardgames!
Our live events are always a laugh and it's a venue we love supporting!
Tickets available here:
share.google/tvUWCqzeRelS...
October 15, 2025 at 7:39 AM
🚨LAUNCH TONIGHT🚨
Join us for the official launch event for To Fetch a Pail of Water tonight in Urmston at Urmston Books and Boardgames!
Our live events are always a laugh and it's a venue we love supporting!
Tickets available here:
share.google/tvUWCqzeRelS...
Join us for the official launch event for To Fetch a Pail of Water tonight in Urmston at Urmston Books and Boardgames!
Our live events are always a laugh and it's a venue we love supporting!
Tickets available here:
share.google/tvUWCqzeRelS...