Lauren (LJ) McMenemy

Background image is a book cover: the top third is bright green with yellow text that reads Tiffani Angus, Val Nolan. The middle third is black with white text that reads Spec Fic for Newbies Vol. 3; the bottom third is green with yellow text that reads A Beginner's Guide to Writing Even More Subgenres of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. Foreground text: “Although tales of extraterrestrials and First Contact often evoke a sense of wonder or mystery, frequently asking readers to consider humanity’s place in the universe, abduction stories are more about personal powerlessness, anxiety, and fear of violation.” p. 212

The truth might be out there, but do *we* have to be? SPEC FIC FOR NEWBIES 3 examines the phenomenon of Alien Abduction and how the tales have evolved & provides 2 activities to get you started writing your own chilling version! Pre-order now for 24 March: linktr.ee/specficforne...
#writing

Random bit of trivia which has nothing to do with this film: this date means it’s also about 14 years since Mr L proposed while I did the dishes in our tiny flat. We had been to see John Carter (it was ok 🤷‍♀️) & when we got home I was sad because I’d lost my Pacman ring. He gave me a replacement…

The cover of the book Bridge of Storms by Philip Reeve, who is also pictured

More than two decades since Mortal Engines was published, @philipreeve.bsky.social revisits that world with his new release, Bridge of Storms. But how did he get here? And why does he keep going back to that world?

britishfantasysociety.org/from-pen-to-...

cc @davidgreenwriter.bsky.social

I used to host a global writing session and this f*cked us up every year, no matter how much notice and detail we'd give every damn day. I so desperately wanted to just tell people "google 'current time in X city' so you know if it's now or in an hour ffs" but was never allowed to...

You might want to wait to see the results - put the heater on and it shot right back up in pressure so something’s awry 😩

OMG I BLED THE RADIATOR I am so handy

💪 hugs of energy and activism headed your way

Wondering if @stewarthotston.com has suggestions?

Getting 'em started early. Good to see!

Oh, joy. Just saw my UK passport expires this month. What a not-at-all-busy time to try to renew it.

And while the Aussie one still has a year's validity, new rules mean I, as a dual citizen, need to have both be valid to travel in/out of the UK. So, thanks for that, government.

This week's member spotlight is one for the fans of the near-future weird stuff...

How’s my day? Oh, just accidentally took my morning meds instead of evening ones and fuck can you overdose on fluoxetine?! 😬🫣😩

Get your questions ready for a comedy legend!

Steph tries the impossible: Defining what is folk horror by working out what definitely is NOT. (Hint: just because it's got folklore in it and it's dark does not make it folk horror)

Hello, book people! I am the book content editor for Reactor Mag and I'm looking for 2026 sci-fi, fantasy, horror, romantasy, and speculative books coming out in the second half of the year! If you have an adult or YA SFF/H book out July-Dec (or publicist), share the link/info here!

(And I’m totally blaming @dancarpenter.bsky.social’s experimental fiction workshop at 👻 fest for this epiphany)

(And I’m totally blaming @dancarpenter.bsky.social’s experimental fiction workshop at 👻 fest for this epiphany)

Out of curiosity, how do readers feel about epistolary-style novels these days? Y’know, where the story unfolds through found documents. I personally am not a fan but have come to the realisation it might be the only way to write the book I’m working on… 🫣

Ursula K. Le Guin — Nominate a Book for the Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction

The Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction is open to nominations. Is there a 2025 title that you loved that reflected the concepts and ideas that were central to Le Guin's work? Nominate it.

www.ursulakleguin.com/prize-nomina...

Off to the library much later than intended because what is time when you’re an AuDHD creative, right? 😩

Happy book birthday to Thea!

Big! Exciting! CAMP! Get in and support @trip.bsky.social’s new crowdfunded project.

He’s so big and FLUFFFFFFYYYYYY 😻

Hello! I am a trans journalist looking to speak with trans kids and parents of trans kids across the US who have been impacted by the clinic closures---please get in touch or share!

I was on my way to pop in and say hi ahead of your workshop when I hear you were unwell! Hope you’re feeling better?

Totally 100% deleted of energy after a long weekend full of creativity, information & socialising with an awesomely spooky bunch of talented people. Send help (and caffeine).

CALL FOR PAPERS

Friendly reminder that the abstract deadline for this year's York Magic and Witchcraft conference is 14th March 📜 the theme is NATURE AND THE SUPERNATURAL, broadly defined 🌦️🌛🌍

Please send your abstracts to magicwitchcraft2024@gmail.com !
@drdebsmoretti.bsky.social