Here’s chapter 30, Impulsive, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. “Coral, that’s ridiculous. We can’t have come from Leg-folk. We’d remember.”      “Jemi said the Leg-folk artifacts were older than we thought. Maybe all this,”

Here’s chapter 29, ComicBook, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. We were allowed to return to our lives. I knew Obri hadn’t kept his word out of some sense of honor or integrity. He just didn’t need us anymore. He had what he wanted, who he wanted.

Here’s chapter 28, Ethnic, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. Jemi let go of Reef’s arm. “Go outside,” she ordered Reef. “See if it’s clear.” When Reef hesitated. “You’ve held up your part of the bargain. Your parents will be fine.”

Here’s chapter 27, Fearful, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. We had been talking about Reef. He was still in a corner of the lab by the big pool but well within earshot, especially in this “air” which seemed to magnify sound.

Here’s chapter 26, DoublePonytail, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. We searched the Ridge wall for hours before I spotted a familiar trail of bubbles pouring from a gash in the wall face. “This way,” I beckoned Reef to follow.

Here’s chapter 25, Relaxed, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. I glanced, yet again, over my shoulder. Leagues of open water behind us, no place for any Red Sashes to hide, and no sign of anyone following us.

Here’s chapter 24, SocialButterfly, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. “What do you want from me?” I asked Obri. Obri smiled as he answered. He picked up a piece of driftwood off a shelf and handed it to me.

Here’s chapter 23, Warrior, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. I let Obri put the helmet on me. For a moment, it was dark, the helmet blotting out all light. Then, with a flash, a world appeared before me.

Here’s chapter 22, VirtualWorld, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. “How did you find us?” Marianas asked as the guards surrounded us. A guard laughed. “Are you kidding? They probably heard that cave-in back at the Seamount.

Here’s chapter 21, Peace, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. The giant angler fish, big as a trawler, emerged from the dark, its jaws opening, revealing rows and rows of slender, needle-like teeth. In a panic, I swatted at its glowing lure.

Here’s chapter 20, Diamond, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. The hull of the ship groaned as the giant octopus slowly constricted its arms around it. “Everyone, off the ship!”

Here’s chapter 19, Octopus, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. Marianas called over his shoulder. “Coral, we’re almost at the Rift. I need to slow down.” “We’re not stopping, Mari. We’re going in.”

✒️ ATTENTION WRITERS! ✒️ The Paul Spragg Memorial Short Trips Opportunity is now open for 2026. Click https://bgfn.sh/PS26 to read more, digest the guidelines, and listen to previous winners. START YOUR CREATIVE ENGINES!

Here’s chapter 18, Pirate, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. It would have been hard to herd a whole mass of Merfolk to their death, so the Council had altered a trawler to transport the condemned.

Here’s chapter 17, Emotional, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. Jemi sputtered, searching for words. “Why, why, why, that’s genius! Mari, why didn’t you tell me your sister was so smart?” “I never thought she was smart.”

Here’s chapter 16, ElectricGames from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. We swam to the Rift wall. I thought we were escaping to the Shallows. I had no idea how we’d survive up there, but I knew if we stayed home, we’d get thrown into a Trench.

Here’s chapter 15, Pet, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay, Our patch of the Seamount was quiet. I thought it was odd until I remembered how late it was.

Here’s chapter 14, Cozy, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. We darted through the tunnels. I lost track of all the twists and turns Marianas led me down. I hoped it was enough to lose our pursuers.

Here’s chapter 13, Cyberpunk, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. “What do you mean, we can’t leave? We can’t stay! There are guards everywhere.” “And they’ve got my friends,” my brother said.

I just backed Westside: Volume 1 - Moody small-town crime drama (52 pages) from @artebuen.bsky.social Justin Giampaoli and Dave Law on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/art...

Here’s chapter 12, MerMaze, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. It took a while to adjust to the strange sounds coming from Marianas’s apparatus.

Here’s chapter 11, Superstar, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. The tunnel widened until I was in an enormous cave. The light, from walls coated with luminous algae, was dim but inviting.

Here’s chapter 10, Vibes, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. In the days that followed, things seemed to slip back into old patterns. I went with Mother to the kelp beds.

Here’s chapter 9, Sealife, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. “I’m friends… with your mother,” the Man repeated after an awkward silence. “What?” I finally asked.

Here’s chapter 8, Mother, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. We held our breath as the figures approached. Had these strange, alien Merfolk seen us?

Here’s chapter 7, Ghostly, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. The entrance looked ancient. Once an archway, its supports had long given way, creating a lopsided, precarious structure that looked like it would collapse if you looked at it too hard.

Here's chapter 6, Doodle, from ABYSSAL, paigeBarrArt.com based on the the prompts of MerMay. Reef didn’t have an answer for that, and while he was searching his brain for one, I grabbed Marianas’s wrist. “Come on, Mari. We’re going home.”

I am both delighted and confused that out of all the Walk of Fame stars around Hollywood and Highland, my GPS has deemed Ray Harryhausen as the only one worth mentioning.

Here’s chapter 5, Symbiosis, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. I found another object, some kind of pipe, stuck in the ground like a flag pole, several fathoms from the top of the ridge. Another object is a short swim past that.

Here’s chapter 4, StarWarsDay, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay.

Here’s chapter 2, Siren, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. Open water was for trawling and spearfishing, the ocean floor for farming and scavenging. Every square foot was needed to provide food; no one lived on the sea floor.

Here's chapter 3, Glossy, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with paigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. “Visiting Reef?” I caught Marianas on his way out of our home, shoulder bag slung across his chest. He sensed the accusation in my question and clutched his bag tighter, and he nodded.

Here’s chapter 1, Workers, from ABYSSAL, a novel I did with PaigeBarrArt.com based on the prompts of MerMay. You should be happy,” Mother said. “You always complain Marianas doesn’t pull his weight.” “That’s not true,” and it wasn’t, or at least not completely true.

Happy 80th birthday to Tim Curry who has always, *always* understood the assignment.

My fave #wuxia film just got a great film essay by Tony Zhou of EVERY FRAME A PAINTING. www.youtube.com/watch?v=tteh...

Solid advice from today’s #ObliqueStrategy but I’m at at a loss. Any suggestions for discard worthy axioms?

I’d love this to be true, but the article’s date gives me pause. www.doctorwhotv.co.uk/doctor-who-r...

As far as we know, this is the first Absolute Scarecrow cosplay out there. Perfectly captures @nickdragotta.bsky.social's design & as @ssnyder1835.bsky.social said yesterday during the DC #WonderCon panel, this character is EVIL. Follow cosplayer aadarthbane on IG.

If anyone wants to check out the panel I did at #WonderCon on public domain characters. Here's a recording. Much gratitude to Amber of Raden studios for recording it. youtu.be/zMqTAFXUd_0

"All really great things are happening in slow and inconspicuous ways.” - Leo Tolstoy

A remarkable photo from #NoKings in DTLA from Connor Sheets of @latimes.com www.latimes.com/california/l...

Scott Snyder gave an amazing and inspiring talk on his work and Brad of Comic Book Couples Counseling Counseling recapped it better than I ever could so I’ll just point you to his feed. #Wondercon2026

Had an amazing time talking with Jason. 🥳

This may be the greatest signs on a comic shop window ever made...

Latest from @k-sanzo.bsky.social and @finnspiration.bsky.social is in its FINAL HOURS on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/kaj...

Documentary fans getting spicy at the #Oscars

Whilst posting about the #Oscars I noticed I haven’t posted about my panel Sunday at #WonderCon. #WonderCon2026

There is simply no dress shirt collar that can contain Matt Berry