I love a new writing project's R&D phase, when it's just me and my notebook (with some web-browsing). When I'm attempting to turn clouds into concrete. When I discover why I *need* to write this thing, not merely that I could. That I must. If you think so-called AI can do that for you, think again.

The 3rd volume of Spec Fic for Newbies is out today, and we’ve done what we can (in the midst of family stuff and illness) to get the word out because we’re *proud* of this book. But the world is A LOT right now, and some ppl want AI instead, I’m so afraid the news & joy of it has been buried.

I never used to need naps. Now (at age ...), I am all about the naps.

My annual @ALCS statement always elicits a smile. It's the closest thing I've ever found to a free money tree. If you're a writer and not a member, you ought to do something about that.

According to the City of Paris, in the last 10 years 150K trees have been planted, and 45ha of parks created in the already hot city, all intended to not only improve quality-of-life today, but also help the city adapt to & manage summer heatwaves of 50℃ (122F) by 2050. Keep going with this, Paris.

Some folks seem to make a fundamental error in terms of making art. The challenge is part of the appeal. Overcoming it is how you learn. The process may be a struggle at times, but it's always a labour of love. Relating the struggle doesn't mean that the artist hates what they do. No, it's love.

Seeing this will never get old:

This.

Tim Burrows has also completed a superb interview with Sue, covering many of the points raised in Oliver’s article. To enjoy the audio recording of Tim’s interview, visit the Film is Fabulous YouTube channel; youtu.be/JxGZ6SmClfo?...

This is the most important book my name has ever appeared in, along with almost 10,000 other writers. www.dontstealthisbook.com

Can you do me a quick favour today? ✍️ The government is finally asking if they should ban cages for hens in the UK. 🐔🐔 Lobbyists are trying to block it, so we need huge numbers to show them that the public wants this ban NOW: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/en...

The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) is about to turn 100 ... so they're asking what the next 100 years hold for libraries and librarianship. They're holding a short story competition (Judged by @maryrobinettekowal.com !!!!) Details at the link: www.ifla.org/news/li-sci-...

I’m delighted to announce C B Droege, editor of 100 Word Project, has accepted another of my SF drabbles, Pipe Cleaner, for publication. www.manawaker.com/submit-100wp/ This is my 63rd accepted story.

Are you watching Dirty Business? I can't believe how much water companies have gotten away with. They're putting profit before public health - it’s a scandal and the British Government MUST take action! Sick of sewage? Add your name to the petition today: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/pr...

RIP #JesseJackson - another iconic leader of the #US Civil Right movement gone. US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies aged 84 share.google/wFfrM1tM8r8W...

I’m delighted to announce that my short story Missing Meriel has been accepted for publication in the inaugural issue of The Fifth Corner, a new Canadian literary magazine of dark and unsettling fiction (thefifthcorner.ca). This is my 62nd short story to find a home.

Published for the first time today, in 50 Give or Take (Vine Leaves Press), here is my 50-word fantasy story, Hat Trick. Free to read with a click... preview.mailerlite.com/t8b0m3n1u6

Been using this blocklist for awhile now and it's wonderful. A return to a better internet. Highly recommended.

I am delighted announce that my story Wheat Futures is in the Best of British Science Fiction 2025, forthcoming from NewCon Press. In truth, "delighted" doesn't come close to how I feel. Look at that line-up! (Also it's one of my favourites of my own work.) www.newconpress.co.uk/info/book.as...

Not forgetting of course @vaughanstanger.bsky.social's very own "Wheat Futures"

British Science Fiction Association members: Don't forget that voting for the BSFA Award shortlist (www.bsfa.co.uk/bsfa-awards-...) closes at 23:59 on 19 February. Here are four authors and editors whose work I'd particularly like to see appear on the shortlist. (1/5)

Bollards save lives AND bring immense joy and happiness to the world. #WorldBollardAssociation

For anyone who needs cheering up... here's Britain's smallest bird having a bath today in a woodland puddle. 😁😍🐦❤️ #birds 🪶

Hey folks! Due to a series of unforeseen expenses, I need to raise some cash before royalty season rolls around at the beginning of April. Because of that, I am going to do something I don't usually do and offer paid mentoring sessions for aspiring writers.

Please spread this far and wide, as stories don't get much bigger than this. When the government blocks even the intelligence services from telling us we're heading for environmental catastrophe, you know we have a problem. A very big problem. Thank you. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Kare 11 local news just read, in full, this statement from Michael and Susan Pretti, the parents of Alex Pretti. "Please get the truth out about our son."

Wow! I wasn't expecting to see my short story "Wheat Futures" on the BSFA Awards 2025 longlist, but... www.bsfa.co.uk/bsfa-awards-... (Originally published in "The Growers" by NewMyths.)

Here's a fun read: A collection of 100 drabbles, one of which I wrote ("God of the Gaps"). Edited by CB Droege and published by Manawaker Studios, this book is available to purchase in an e-book or print edition. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B... Reviews encouraged!

Fascinating story..

Big Tech is trying to break the rules - again. Google and Musk were held accountable, but lobbyists now want to weaken the laws that protect our safety, privacy, and money online ✍️ Tell EU leaders: protect people, not billionaires! action.wemove.eu/sign/2026-01...

It'd be a real shame if this photo went viral again today, wouldn't it?

Reform, just a new coat of paint for the same old failures! #NeverVoteReform

Greenlanders have spoken: their democracy is not for sale. Trump’s threats to the Arctic’s future must be stopped. Sign the petition to protect Greenland’s rights, resources, and environment! 🌍✊ action.wemove.eu/sign/2025-01...

Hi perhaps you would like a little break from the news in the form of an essay about my trip to Centralia, Pennsylvania, the town that’s been on fire since 1962—a place where surprisingly I found a great deal of hope, wonder, and mystery.

Note to the entire world: Stop trying to manage Trump. Stop trying to work with him. He betrays everyone. Always. He is irrational. Erratic. The only way to stop his damage is to stop him, contain him, isolate him, reject him, stand up to him. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

It's #SelfPromoSaturday and I have some time available this month for new editorial clients. Find out more about my services on my website donna-scott.co.uk/freelance-ed... Image shows Best of British Science Fiction 2022 which won the BSFA Best Collection Award. Go on, I'm really good!

Remember to tell Discord how you feel about adding AI services to their platform. discord.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

Stop the "Catapult Killer Influencers": Across the UK, children and teenagers are buying military-grade catapults hunting for "content". But now there’s something we can all do to end this sickening social media trend. Add your name: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/en...

“We don’t owe anyone anything” No, we do owe people kindness, respect, compassion, and humanity. We owe it to the next generation to create a society and world kinder and gentler than before. We owe it to our community members to stand in solidarity with them and be kind. We owe each other community

Maybe I should take it as a (rather tarnished) badge of honour, but a serial plagiarist operating under the alias "Patrick Whitney" has stolen one of my stories and passed it off as their own. Needless to say, I have instructed the editor(s) of the magazine in question to remove the story.

Never forget this: The forces undermining our democracy, rigging our economy, polluting our planet, and stoking hatred are counting on you to give up. Cynicism is how they win. We must keep fighting in 2026 and beyond.

Make A Difference In 2026 Please support our work by making a donation via PayPal. Every penny will make a difference. The money will help us procure vulnerable collections and return film treasures to the copyright holders. filmisfabulous.org.uk/the-film-is-...

Apparently I'm doing this -- my open letter to that open latter about AI in writing and publishing. I emerged from Hibernation Week to write it, so god only knows how much sense it makes. But at least a human wrote it, so that's nice. Bonus: picture of my "cat," sweet baby Boomba.

We are so close to the 10k signatures we need for the Government to respond to our @climatemajority.bsky.social petition calling for a funded National Climate Resilience Plan. Please sign now. It's a simple and easy thing you can do to make a difference. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...

Laying the table… milfordsfwriters.wordpress.com

Rare footage of St Paul’s Cathedral testing its giant flamethrower

It's time for my (writing) year's summation. vaughanstanger.com/2025-news/ TL;DR: A fairly quiet year with a couple of highlights ("Wheat Futures" published in The Growers anthology; a French language reprint of "Those We Leave Behind", which revealed an unexpected connection to a Soviet cosmonaut.

A set of extraordinary images of the natural world.

Agreed!

I have some small but perfectly formed news in the run-up to Christmas: - My space-themed poems, "Gravity Game" and "Venera 9" will be reprinted in the BSFA's Focus magazine. - My flash-length ghost story "Laying the Table" will be reprinted in the Milford SF Writers' blog on 23 December.