Once again asking the universe for someone to follow me around and make sure I don’t do accidental weird or awkward shit. Like a guardian angel but for oh-god-why-would-you-[fill in the faux pas].

I would be more upset about the cynical and disappointing decision of 8 plain Jello flavored democratic senators if I was even a little bit surprised. The senate has become a retirement plan for the mediocre and entitled. This is why people don’t vote and don’t trust politicians.

I don’t write because I want to sell my work and make money. I sell my work and make money so I can write. The process is the joy and the passion. I feel like writers that don’t love the process are missing out or have been brainwashed by hustle culture.

Dismissing and minimizing the process, in any art, is partially what has led to widespread acceptance of AI generated art and writing. When your focus is on the result, you are not partaking in art. You are a bystander.

Absolutely. I love every part from the idea to tinkering with every sentence in the edit. I wish we all got paid more and publishing didn’t make me sad and angry more often than delighted, but writing stories is great actually and I am so excited that we (when we) get to do it.

I have the “I might finish the draft of this novel today or tomorrow!” tingles and I am happy to confirm that I still get really excited heading into the finale. This book has been a ton of work off and on for _years_ but that makes the promise of completing it all the more satisfying.

Hey! Sort of a surprise new story day. @undertow.bsky.social is making my novelette, "Uncertain Sons," (original to the collection) available online for a short time for folks catching up on end-of-year reading. Eligible for most novelette/long fiction categories. Online until end of November!

Halfway into our 13th year of marriage my wife upped the romance by telling me she wanted to watch the Good, the Bad and the Ugly together. 🤠😍

Hey, everybody! Come help me launch @jeremyteg.bsky.social new book in (checks watch) 10 minutes! youtube.com/live/X6Kutnb...

Pluribus really exceeded my high expectations. Weird, funny, horrifying, and wildly science fiction. It really seems like Vince Gilligan asked for every bonkers thing and Apple said yes. I love to see a creative powerhouse without shackles.

I went mushroom hunting by the Oregon coast last Sunday which means I have eaten chanterelles multiple times this week and I recommend this. Definitely go into the woods with a small knife and harvest from the unknown places. 😋

🤘🎉🍾🥹🤐

👀 [pokes inbox with stick]

Working on the finale to this book draft guided by Bad Religion. The plot, the vibes (from Big Bang): Big bang, big crunch, you know there's no free lunch Kneel down and pray, here comes your judgment day Big crunch, you know it's going to be quite a show What goes around always comes around, yeah

Happy book birthday to THE TOWER OF THE TYRANT! I'm thrilled for this book to go out to readers. It's the most fun I've had writing a novel. Get yours! US: awfulagent.com/ebooks/tower... UK: www.amazon.co.uk/Tower-Tyrant... (HC 18% off for launch!) Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/book/show/21...

A huge thank you to @maryrobinettekowal.com for giving me space on My Favorite Bit to talk about HIGHER MAGIC and learning to worldbuild on my own terms and scale.

Today's the day: @jeremyteg.bsky.social's new standalone epic fantasy THE TOWER OF THE TYRANT is now available in ebook! awfulagent.com/ebooks/tower...

😂

fact: transphobia is for losers

Let’s make this kind of news an annual thing please.

PDX peeps! What are you doing next Monday? How about attending STORYTELLING AGAINST HUNGER, a 5-hour marathon of author readings & open mic fun that's a fundraiser for the @oregonfoodbank.bsky.social ???? Rose City Book Pub, 4 pm - 9pm. bit.ly/43i9s8D

Drinking far too much caffeine, listening to nothing but Bad Religion, and leaning on focus filters and writing sprints until I get this book draft finished. I will defeat this novel if it kills me*. *Figuratively. Like ego death or one of those tarot cards that really means change or whatever.

Aaand the new Tiger Singh Bhatia story just went live, so here it is, for your reading pleasure www.frivolouscomma.com/three-card-c...

I spilled coffee on my hoody yesterday so that means my hoody smells delicious this morning. (Also I should probably wash it.)

This means more Jenn for my eyeballs and your eyeballs. MORE JENNIFER HUDAK EYEBALL CONQUEST

do you like ebooks do you like ebooks about haunted architecture did you ever wish THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE was more ... SFnal? just in time for the height of spooky season, my ROSE/HOUSE is on sale for only $2.99 at all ebook retailers! until November 2nd! us.macmillan.com/books/978125...

All official now, so am finally allowed to announce this- there will be a new Tiger Singh Bhatia story dropping in 2 days on Frivolous Comma. Further details to follow, same bat-channel

you all should read this story i wrote it's bisexual and very upsetting.

I don’t care what the credits say, the stars of NEAR DARK are Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen, and Tangerine Dream.

Watching NEAR DARK. I had forgotten Tangerine Dream scored this. Nothing says 1980s like a Tangerine Dream soundtrack.

Sometimes you just need to escape for a little while. Short stories are great for that. Visitors welcome. Subscriptions are good too. clarkesworldmagazine.com

America:

It’s Pitbull Awareness Day, so Roxy would like you to please be aware of her. And walk her. And give her treats. And throw a squeaky toy for her. And also cuddle. And drop some cheese, if it wouldn’t be too much bother. Kthx

Thank you to all of our readers at our weekend Halloween events. And thank you to all the audience members who made these events a success.

Love to see a good email on a Monday, don’t we friends? Hope to exercise my signing things hand real soon…

In two weeks! @sffaddictspod is hosting a virtual launch party livestream for The Tower of the Tyrant! Activities: A (short) live reading! Banter with special guests! Q&A! Assigning people bird companions! It'll be great fun. 10AM PST / 1PM EST / 6PM BST!

Great job tonight, Erik! I always enjoy your writing and reading. Erik is a great reader and performer of his work. Check out his story in this anthology, horror readers; 'tis the season! www.underlandpress.com/kozy-krampus/

Did an @hwaoregon.bsky.social Halloween reading from my story in the Kozy Krampus anthology about eldritch Santa being born in a remote research station in the Arctic. There are sound effects! And I had big ol’ horns on. 🎃

Hey. I am a “local horror author” and reading at this event. C’mon down and listen to some horror things. (Also, I painted my nails black for my costume so I have invested in this)

When it comes to the short story, I can’t think of a sharper, more innovative writer than @kswalkerwrites.bsky.social. Take this class. Elevate your craft.

Beatrice Clayborn has 4 riding habits 20 day dresses, dinner and ballgowns 24 hats 16 pairs of gloves 7 parasols 32 pairs of shoes and a last ditch plan to escape a marriage that will take her magic away...until she falls in love. THE MIDNIGHT BARGAIN is available wherever fine books are sold.

Finished reading SPREAD ME by @sarahgailey.bsky.social yesterday and 1) fucking cool as hell 10/10 on the horny monster scale 2) I want to give Gailey a high five for how effectively they pushed all those buttons. An unrelenting skin crawling reading experience. 😍

Cover reveal for Phantom View! It drops next week. I'm so excited to share this one with y'all.

Writer vibes

I woke this morning with a strange compulsion to listen to Radiohead. Radiohead is fine but not really my cup of tea normally. I have never gone out of my way to listen to them. But this morning I needed to listen to Fake Plastic Trees. Is this… am I sick? Do I have the Bends?

If you’re going to be at Orycon this weekend I will also be there doing panels and a reading, I think, and other stuff. Apparently. Anyway. If you see me and use the secret code “Hi Erik” I will respond.

Adding another round of accolades to @keithrosson.bsky.social ‘s newest, COFFIN MOON. It’s a great read about dirt bag vampires and revenge in mid 70s Portland. I strongly recommend it. I also recommend whatever dark occult bargain Keith made to get another fucking awesome cover.

Finished reading this yesterday and I can confirm that it is bloody and mean just like candy. … wait Great book. I have native Portlander anachronism grumbles but the writing is excellent and it has my favorite kind of vampires - dirty bar room bastards that feel like Tom Waits kissing Near Dark.

I will be a panelist at Orycon this weekend! Apparently? …Allegedly? I might also be doing a reading if “Eric Grove” hasn’t stolen my slot. Unrelated: having been on a programming team for a couple cons - 2 tips 1) check the spelling of names/pronouns 2) TELL GUESTS THEIR SCHEDULES SO THEY SHOW UP