iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Velour Shirt @object.works · 29/09/2026

This is a metaphor for so many things these days that I couldn't choose

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 23h

Come and see us all definitely handle this like experts and not probably fall overboard and drown in the first 5 minutes. Maybe. Also tagging @davewragg.com as he was missing.

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Page One @ukpageone.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

In a crossover episode with our sister pod, @narrativedamagerpg.bsky.social, we are joined by the brilliant @jongracey.bsky.social of No Rolls Barred & Blood on the Clocktower fame! It's a really fun chat about all things storytelling & games. Watch: youtu.be/15QhF2ZyU2U Listen: linktr.ee/ukpageone

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

I started rewatching Buffy the Vampire Slayer a few months back as a background thing while learning all the things needed for indie publishing (note, I haven't learned them all. This shit is complicated). BUT! I'm at the end of season 6 and... I forgot how hot Evil Willow is. Like, so hot.

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Willow Rosenberg: 'That Was Rude!'

Alt: Willow Rosenberg from tv show Buffy the vampire slayer: 'That Was Rude!'

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Spotlight Indie @spotlightindie.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

We're excited for this one! Our Marketing for Introverts panel goes live in 15 minutes, with Alex, GJ, Trudie, LL and Steve, come and join the chat here ⬇️ #writingcommunity #authorevent #indieauthors #bookmarketing www.youtube.com/live/627x7QY...

youtube.com

Marketing for Introverts

Part of The Big Weekend: Does the idea of speaking at a convention leave you in a cold sweat? Is TikTok your idea of torture? Alex and guests discuss the cha...

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Alex S. Bradshaw 🦕 @alexsbradshaw.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

It's me! And a load of authors cleverer than I am! Come chat with us about world building!

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Paddy Dobson @padswa.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Some very exciting news! If you've ever wondered what Aliens x The Thing would be like, you only have to wait until Spring 2028 to find out!

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Spotlight Indie @spotlightindie.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT: Announcing our first in-person event for 2027! We're excited to be bringing The Writers Studio: Writer Development Day to Shrewsbury on 27th Feb 2027. We're also thrilled to welcome @annasmithwrites.bsky.social as our workshop leader for the event. TICKETS GO ON SALE SUNDAY!

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Oh ho! Yes!!! Let me indoctrinate... I've been told I can't use that word. Let me brainwash... nope. I will be talking worldbuilding and character building. Join us as I seduce you into my cult-- *indie representatives bundle me away from social media*

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Jack Nicholson: You Can't Handle The Truth!

Alt: Jack Nicholson: You Can't Handle The Truth!

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British Fantasy Society @britfantasysoc.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Every Friday, we meet a BFS member & peer deep into their soul. Here we have @annasmithwrites.bsky.social; though she's best known for grimdark, her forthcoming works may surprise you... An adventure heist or a fantasy romance, anyone? britishfantasysociety.org/meet-anna-st...

On a black background with flourishes of red dots and lines is the text: Meet the BFS members! Anna Stephens. Anna is pictured in the centre: she is a white woman with chin-length dark curly hair, and she is smiling at the camera.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

First time driving at night since passing my test. First time ever reversing in the dark. Yikes. Not a fan of that last one. Got us all home safely, though 💪🙏

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Sacha Coward @sachacoward.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

AI is radicalising me against AI.

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Ewww, just got an offer from Spotify via Draft2Digital to create an audiobook of The Sport of Wings using AI voices. No, no, and NO.

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Snl Matt Damon

Alt: Matt Damon saying, no offence but burn in hell

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Angela Cleland / Cleland Smith @angelacleland.co.uk · 22/09/2026

Rather a lovely review from Readers’ Favourite for Black Doe. That’s two for two on ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews from them - Sequela got one too! 💙📚 #indiefantasy #indiebooks #bookreview #booksky readersfavorite.com/book-review/...

readersfavorite.com

Book review of Black Doe

Cleland Smith’s Black Doe takes readers back to 147 CE, when one of the deadliest assassins known only as Bridei accepts one of her most dangerous contracts. Black Doe’s memories are stripped away bef...

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I have seen draft artwork for An Honesty of Thieves (April 2027) and, how can I put this nicely... LOSING MY FUCKING MIND! It is so, so good, and captures the mood and vibe of the book SO WELL! So much internal screaming going on right now. 😍

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Russell Irving @rginteger.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

I'm not much of a Pokémon person, but my son is & trying to buy him cards at retail prices has been nigh on impossible the last couple of years, and I refuse to pay scalpers for anything. So it warms the cockles of my heart to see so many of them having a full meltdown about the recent set. Enjoy!!

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Danie Ware @danacea.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Lovely people, in this Era of Endless Slop... If you're posting art, be it something you like or maybe you're wishing everyone a happy whatever, please name the artist. Thx.

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Joanne Harris @joannechocolat.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Turned down last week: 2 festivals with no budget for speakers 1 writing course with no budget for teachers 1 film project with no budget to option the book - plus they wanted me to write the screenplay. For free. Don't do it, kids. Don't work for free. Because to them, what's free is worthless.

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Spotlight Indie @spotlightindie.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Want to work on your writing but don't want to do it alone? Join us live on our Youtube channel on Sunday 27th September at 2pm BST for our Big Indie Weekend live write-a-long. Work on your WIP and get involved in the chat. It's no pressure, supportive writing time! #writingcommunity #indieauthors

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Angela Cleland / Cleland Smith @angelacleland.co.uk · 20/09/2026

I’m reading an ARC of The Sport of Wings by @annasmithwrites.bsky.social - it’s started strong!

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Spotlight Indie @spotlightindie.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

This week's Sunday video has the illustrious Alex S. Bradshaw sharing his first-hand experience of in person sales. But were there any goblins involved? youtu.be/hdxLyluMjZc?...

youtu.be

How To Sell Your Books In Person

Do you want to sell your books in person? Find out how Alex did at a recent live event, how many books he sold, and what he'd do differently for the next event! Don't forget that next weekend is the…

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Spotlight Indie @spotlightindie.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Our Big Indie Weekend takes place next weekend, 25th to 27th September. During which we'll be announcing details of our next in person event, plus giving someone the chance to win tickets...but what will the event look like and who can you expect to see? All will be revealed...

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

My #dnd party had one job: wake up and teleport to another town. What they did: turn into birds to look for a child's lost toy; fight with a flock of ravens; visit a sweet shop; pour black powder into a bag of holding; blow up an apothecary; cook breakfast for 60 hungry paladins. Maybe next time...

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Spotlight Indie @spotlightindie.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

The second Friday panel of the upcoming Big Indie Weekend will be looking at Cultures and Societies in world building, hosted by Alex S. Bradshaw with Michael Vadney, KR Thompson. Adam C Bassett and Berna Hudson - 7pm BST Friday 25th September #indiebooks #indieauthorcommunity #

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

"The best dragon book I have ever read". First review for The Sport of Wings is in and it's a belter! #fantasyromance #dragonbook #fantasybooks #indieauthor #hybridauthor

Pretty photo of The Sport of Wings among dragons and autumnal vibes, with the review beneath giving it 5 stars.

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Narrative Damage @narrativedamagerpg.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

This week the brilliant @ecfriedman.com joins us to chat all about the history of actual play and why people watch. We also talk about what make shows successful (or not), as well as discussing some of the games she's been playing. Watch: youtu.be/d6NRlyknx2A Listen: linktr.ee/narrativedam...

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

9 hour work days bracketed by 7 hour writing days. That's right, kids, it's the glamorous, exciting life of a midlist author on deadline.

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Clayno Claynosaurz Bored at the Cinema

Alt: Clayno Claynosaurz Bored at the Cinema

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Dr. Thomas D. Lee @thomasdlee.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

I've been doing a lot of drawing recently, and my heart goes out to illustrators everywhere. It has become insanely difficult to find decent reference images on search engines without being drowned in uncanny valley AI slop.

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Jenni Coutts (she/her) @jennicoutts.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

I realise it’s been a while since I posted any updates, but it’s because I’ve been busy with an exciting project! Last week my sapphic SF horror novel, DO NO HARM, went out on submission to publishers. I had a lot of fun writing it! To celebrate, here’s some artwork I created for it 🙂

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Runalong Womble @runalongwomble.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

New Review - a powerful gritty historical fantasy focused on two unusual women takes us to 2nd century Scotland in Black Doe by @angelacleland.co.uk which I highly recommend! www.runalongtheshelves.net/blog/2026/9/...

runalongtheshelves.net

Black Doe by Cleland Smith — Runalong The Shelves

I would like to thank the author for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review Publisher – gauge Published – Out Now Price – £16.99 paperback £4.99 ebook A ...

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David (W) Goodman @davegoodman.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Two days until the hardback edition of Solitary Agents is released in the US! Available from all good bookshops and retailers.

2 days to go, Americans! 8the September 2026 US hardcover release. Solitary Agents. Screaming eagle. Fireworks. American flag.

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Dr Stew Hotston (he/him) @stewarthotston.com · 04/09/2026

I have loved everything Anna has written so am really looking forward to this. Her writing is kinetic, darkly funny and full of emotion.

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Dr Stew Hotston (he/him) @stewarthotston.com · 05/09/2026

I have a YA that I'd quite like some actual YA to have a beta read of (beyond my own son). It's horror adjacent, contemporary setting and has themes of community, coming of age and fighting for who you want to be. I'm assuming/hoping my mutuals here might have family members that might want a read?

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David (W) Goodman @davegoodman.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

If you follow me online, you've probably seen my daynotes (since I post them... uh, near daily) and my monthly newsletter. I love writing them. Indeed, it's probably my favourite thing to do aside from writing books. So - I've got a bit of news! www.davidgoodman.net/announcing-m...

davidgoodman.net

Announcing my new membership programme

Yes, we've had first newsletter. But what about second newsletter? (or third?)

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Here it is! The cover for The Sport of Wings, publishing 16 October 2026. ARCs available: sign up here: anna-stephens.com/.../arc-sign... and pre-orders soon. Please share with anyone who would enjoy a fantasy romance full of high stakes dragon racing, rags to riches, and a forbidden relationship.

Cover of The Sport of Wings, featuring a bold black and red background with filigree and roses in the corners and a black dragon in the centre, above the book title.

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Narrative Damage @narrativedamagerpg.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Our Delta Green From The Dust playthrough is done - so it's time for a Damage Assessment! If you've watched/listened to our actual play, join us for a rundown of the scenario - what we liked, what we might do differently and more! Watch: youtu.be/-UGou2oIo0E Listen: linktr.ee/narrativedam...

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

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Dr Stew Hotston (he/him) @stewarthotston.com · 02/09/2026

Now WorldCon is done you should turn your attention to FantasyCon 2026. In Glasgow this year it will have an incredible program as well as being an inclusive international celebration of all things SFFH. britishfantasysociety.org/events-2/fan...

FantasyCon poster for 2026. Dates are 9-11th October at the Glasgow Crowne Plaza and hosted by the British Fantasy Society

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

ARCs are now live for The Sport of Wings, my debut #fantasyomance, featuring more dragons than you can shake a stick at, and high-stakes, adrenaline-fuelled racing of said dragons. And ROMANCE. godblind@anna-stephens.com to request. #indieauthor #hybridauthor #dragonbook

Graphic promoting ARCs for The Sport of Wings

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

The Sport of Wings eARCs are now available, & physical ARCs are on order. I didn't realise how long they'd take to arrive and then I need to ship them. BUT! People awaiting physical ARCs have access to the ebook, so you can still read and enjoy before the physical copy reaches you. ARC sign up:

anna-stephens.com

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

This bank holiday Monday we watched Possession, the 1981 video nasty starring Sam Neill, which fucked with my head in the very best way. They really knew how to do arthouse and weirdness back then.

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Sam Neill in Possession (1981) - Intense Scene

Alt: Sam Neill in Possession (1981) - on a rocking chair

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

anna-stephens.com

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Ed Crocker @edcrockerbooks.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

🎉🎉 INDIE BOOK SALE THREAD 🎉🎉 It's the #NarratessIndieSale and there's more bargains than a foreclosed Fort Knox This is my thread of 10 titles I'd save over certain family members Obvs this is a tiny selection of the gems on offer. You can find the full list of titles at indiebook.sale!

indie book sale poster (29-31 august, indiebooksale.com)

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David (W) Goodman @davegoodman.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

It’s nearly the end of August, which means my monthly newsletter comes out at 10am tomorrow. Subscribe to The Decrypt for a whole heap of words on craft, industry and media! www.davidgoodman.net/newsletter/

davidgoodman.net

Newsletter

Hi, I'm Dave Goodman, an award-winning novelist and short story writer based in East Lothian, Scotland. I write spy thrillers, science fiction and more. The Decrypt is my writing-focused newsletter. ...

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☀Hyde Angelus☀ @ RCCC : K26 @hydeangelus.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Wish Granter

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Kaushik Karforma @kaushikkwrites.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Anna's first foray into self-publishing is the first Fast & Furious movie with dragons and - this is important - ZERO fade to black. The awesome cover is designed by a Ukrainian company (slava Ukraini!) and tweaked to wonderful effect by @jennicoutts.bsky.social. Buy for a draconically hot time!

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Anna ZenKen Stephens is on Patreon @annasmithwrites.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

It's not too late to subscribe to my newsletter to get a first look at the cover and opening chapter of my #fantasyromance The Sport of Wings. Newsletter drops this afternoon - anna-stephens-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe

anna-stephens-newsletter.beehiiv.com

Home | Anna Stephens: Author. Editor. Dungeon Master.

All the news about books, life, and The Poodle Prince, from Anna Stephens.

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Narrative Damage @narrativedamagerpg.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

The finale is here! In the final part of our Delta Green actual play, the Agents have a name to follow and it seems to lead back to Unit 35 and the mysterious door. But what will they find on the other side? And will they ever return? Watch: youtu.be/gEbN14VoYVc Listen: linktr.ee/narrativedam...

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