From biting into ginger root to playing pick-up basketball games, 10 authors featured in our #PENTen Interview Series in 2025 tell us what habits they maintain and what items they carry with them when traveling to support their writing practice: pen.org/what-do-auth...

We’re open for submissions! Closing date 31st January. Visit our website to read our submission rules, register your entry, and check out our amazing judges: bssp.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/rules/

Great #fiction from our Oct. authors so our thanks to Lindsay Hill @jennystalter.bsky.social Helen Harradine @kdiannerule.bsky.social @katehollingswrites.bsky.social @drhannahstevens.bsky.social @karenschauber.bsky.social Brian Kirk and @bsherm36.bsky.social

'Bought It For Life' - I first drafted this shortly after a Female Gothic class at Flash Fiction Festival that left me ruminating over domestic stories within my life. Thank you very much for the class @susmitab.bsky.social @flashficfestuk.bsky.social and for publishing @fictivedream.bsky.social

ICYMI today we're featuring Bought It For Life by Kate Hollingsworth @katehollingswrites.bsky.social #flashfiction #shortstory #writingcommunity. Please just click on the link and enjoy fictivedream.com/2025/10/12/b...

I'm very happy to see this story published today, especially in an online magazine I love- Fictive Dream. The story is a female gothic unraveling inspired by my own fear of spiders. Thank you, Fictive Dream

What excitement to see this! Thank you to Fictive Dream for publishing Bought It For Life... out tomorrow

Every Friday I enjoy Dave Barry's Substack post of the week, and this week is no exception - "Pants Anxiety"

Why read read 28 book lists when you could just read one? Here is the ultimate fall reading list.

Thrilled Maudlin House liked my new story! It’s nostalgic gaming fiction + modern cozy gaming + mother/daughter relationship. Thank you to Maudlin House for publishing it!

Loved this list. It took me on a journey while also feeling deeply true to the odd stream of short interactions at a funeral

Aaaaand we're officially back! And even better: we're open for submissions.✨ We can't wait to dive back into your work!

Currently listening to -

I wrote a travel essay: "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Delphi." Are we sharing substack posts on Bluesky? God forbid I be gauche, but I'd love to find substacks from the lit fic community... hm The essay is basically pigeons, sun, and ancient ruins (oh my). Apollo might even be listening.

The second half of the year is when quieter, stranger novels tend to rise to the surface, and these newly translated works from around the world are no exception.

Week two on Bluesky... still misclicking everywhere but my feed is updated with my interests now! Progress

Started my Monday reading with this lovely, emotional + spare micro piece. A much-needed sharp turn from mindlessly sifting through weekend emails!

Books are just long-term parasocial relationships with people who don’t exist. Honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

In Issue No. 11 @silashouse.bsky.social writes about home as a place that both hurt him & loved him. A place he still loves with all his heart. How do we find common ground with those who raised us but who also voted against the dreams we have for our lives and this country? Silas points the way.

Currently listening to -

Granta contributors, friends and staff share what they are reading this summer. granta.com/summer-reads...

Day 1 joining Bluesky and getting my bearings