iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Writing fantasy without a map means constantly hitting dead ends. But those dark corners are exactly where the best monster characters are waiting to complicate the plot (and the romance) in the most chaotic ways. Mapless pantsing forever. 🗺️❌😈 #AuthorLife #MonsterRomance

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Nothing hurts quite like seeing Hollywood strip all the chemistry and tension out of a brilliant romance novel. 🙄 This list of bad adaptations is painfully accurate. If you aren't going to commit to the heat, leave it on the page! #RomanceBooks #BookToScreen bookriot.com/worst-romanc...

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

My night-writing monster-author brain and my daytime library database brain are in complete agreement: creature romance deserves all the hype. Book Riot nailed this list. Time to add some spicy cryptids to the TBR pool! 🖤🦑 bookriot.com/fun-creature... #MonsterRomance #BookSky #SpookySeason

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Blasting the AC at 68 degrees just so I can knit a heavyweight-yarn blanket in September is peak cozy-season denial, and I regret nothing. My fall project queue is waiting, and I will force the autumn vibes if I must. 🧶🍂 #KnittingLife #CozyVibes

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Book Riot’s fantasy romance list is a hazard to my productivity. While I'm prepping university database guides for fall term, I'm secretly planning how many of these spicy, shadow-draped worlds I can devour by midnight. 🏰✨ #Romantasy #BookTBR bookriot.com/best-new-fan...

bookriot.com

The Best New Best Fantasy Romances

If you’ve been looking for new romances or new fantasy books, these new fantasy romances are the best of both worlds.

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

September means the holiday craft panic has begun. Knitting three gift hats for my upcoming Germany trip and wondering why past me chose sock-weight yarn for ALL of them. These tiny stitches are endless! Send strength (and chunky yarn). 🧶 #KnittersOfBluesky #WIP

a photo with three partially knitted hats in sock weight yarn - one with just the navy blue ribbed brim, another with gray and variegated pink colorwork, and the last with brown and mustard brioche ribbing.

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Watching college freshmen struggle with Boolean operators in September is a masterclass in human chaos. Trying to explain why typing a full paragraph into a database search bar won't work is basically translating a dead language. Best time of the year. 📚✨ #CampusLife #LibrarianLife

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Some writers have neat outlines. My feral shifter characters just rip them to shreds. There's nothing quite like the chaos of plantsing a story and watching two fated mates completely hijack the plot with claws, teeth, and zero impulse control. 🐺✍️ #AuthorLife #ParanormalRomance

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Why choose one when you can have the whole wolf pack? Love isn't a zero-sum game, and the rise of polyamory in romance (I've written a few myself 👀) proves that readers want trust, communication, and multiplexed HEAs. 🔥 bookriot.com/polyamory-an... #RomanceBooks #WhyChoose

bookriot.com

Polyamory and Why Choose in Romance Books

Why choose romances have gotten more popular in the past few years: here's how they overlap with—and differ from—polyamorous romances.

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Knitting with lightweight cotton in September (because Cali just survived *another* heat wave) is peak wishful thinking. Manifesting autumn by planning a transition project in a gorgeous, dusty plum yarn. Surely the cooler air will follow the stitches, right? 🧶✨ #Knitting #MakerLife

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

When you love pumpkin spice season and want a pie so bad you can taste it, but it's 90+ degrees outside in SoCal, you get creative and make low carb pumpkin spice no-bake cheesecake with a pecan nut crust. #writerlife #autumnvibes #whydoescalihatefallsomuch

Two cheesecake pans sitting on a stovetop.

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

September cozy nights are for binging romance manhwa. 🍁 In real life? 100% Team Deredere (sweet, sweet cinnamon roll). In fiction (and my own chaotic drafts)? Tsundere forever. Give me a grumpy man who secretly melts. What's your ultimate fictional weakness? #Manhwa #RomanceBooks

Manhwa style romantasy couple with a yandere hero.

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Reposted by Crystal Jordan, PhD

NPR @npr.org · 15/09/2026

The Trump administration is eliminating limits on climate-warming pollution from the nation's fossil fuel power plants. Environmental groups say this will impact the climate and public health. n.pr/4Aw2pYX

n.pr

Trump's EPA repeals pollution limits on fossil fuel power plants

The Trump administration is eliminating limits on climate-warming pollution from the nation's fossil fuel power plants. Environmental groups say this will impact the climate and public health.

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Reposted by Crystal Jordan, PhD

The Associated Press @apnews.com · 15/09/2026

“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” taken off the air by CBS, won best variety series at the 78th Emmy Awards. It’s one of six Emmys the show has won this year after the show was cancelled. bit.ly/4AeDGbg #APPhoto by Chris Pizzello

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Reposted by Crystal Jordan, PhD

Michael Warburton @michaelwarburton.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Over 2 BILLION copies of her books have been sold around the world making her the best-selling fiction writer of all time. Remembering the extraordinary & pioneering AGATHA CHRISTIE — born 136yrs ago today. (Here she is aged 84 in 1974)

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Reposted by Crystal Jordan, PhD

NPR @npr.org · 15/09/2026

The Supreme Court has rejected Trump's mail-in voting restrictions ahead of the midterm elections. And, the Kennedy Center says it is on the brink of bankruptcy and could close soon. n.pr/4h66KZU

n.pr

SCOTUS rejects Trump's mail voting limits. And, the Kennedy Center financial crisis

The Supreme Court has rejected Trump's mail-in voting restrictions ahead of the midterm elections. And, the Kennedy Center says it is on the brink of bankruptcy and could close soon.

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Reposted by Crystal Jordan, PhD

MaggieShayne.com @maggieshayne.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

It's National Voter Registration Day! Register at vote.org! Turn 18? REGISTER! Moved recently? REGISTER! Already registered, double-check your registration! (Some folks've been messing with 'em.) DEADLINE IS 10/24 in NY STATE. #VOTE #bluewave @indivisiblecortcty.bsky.social

static.klipy.com

Diverse Group Encourages Virginia Voter Registration

ALT: Diverse Group Encourages Virginia Voter Registration

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

My fated-mates sci-fi couple just hijacked their own third-act conflict at 5 AM. The sheer chaos of pantsing is unmatched, but when the cosmic chemistry is this explosive, you just let them run the show. 🌌✍️ #WritingLife #SciFiRomance

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Wasteland warrior clans, sword-fighting, and a high-heat romance where the brilliant inventor NPC falls first for a fierce tattoo artist. Survival is just the beginning. 🔥⚔️ Read now: books2read.com/u/brqXvY #SciFiRomance #PostApocalyptic

Book cover for "Wasteland the Wanderer" by Crystal Jordan: a fierce female warrior with a crescent moon tattooed on her forehead and long dark braids, holding an ornate sword, wearing leather and fur, set against desert dunes under a star-filled sky.

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Early September campus energy is unmatched. You don’t need to enroll in classes to get that fresh-notebook feeling—this list of back-to-school romances is the perfect way to channel those cozy academic vibes. 📚✨ bookriot.com/back-to-scho... #AcademicRomance #CozyReads

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Late-summer vibes: plotting my upcoming trip to India while my succulents thrive under my benevolent neglect. 🌵✈️ Travel planning is my favorite kind of daydreaming. Where is your wanderlust taking you next? 🗺️ #travel #bloomscrolling

a succulent in bloom with peach-colored flowers on a glass patio table.

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Late-summer brain melt means debating the ultimate weekend getaway. 🌌 Would you rather be stranded on a neon-lit SFF pleasure planet, or locked inside a moody, magical haunted library? One has bioluminescent cocktails; the other has shadow demons. Go! 👇 #RomanceBooks #SFF

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Prepping campus library databases for new student orientation feels like cleaning house before a massive party. That late-summer buzz is the perfect inspiration for heartwarming academic romance and fresh starts. 📚🍂 #CampusVibes #AmWriting

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Escaped the August heat by rewatching the 1980s *Noble House* miniseries on DVD. Pierce Brosnan, corporate espionage, and high-stakes romance in Hong Kong—it’s old-school storytelling at its finest and perfect creative inspiration. What’s your ultimate nostalgic rewatch? 📺✨ #AuthorLife #RetroTV

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Olivia Dade @oliviawrites.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

A starchy demon utterly undone by love. An underpowered oracle fighting for her community (and cheese). Sexy Satan. Villains actually getting their comeuppance. WOO(R)SD is out today, and I hope you love it as much as I do! Bookshop.org: go.oliviadade.com/WOObs AMZ: go.oliviadade.com/WOOamz

The illustrated cover of WORLD'S OKAYEST ORACLE (RELUCTANTLY) SEEKS DEMON by Olivia Dade, featuring a man and a woman standing back to back against a hot pink background, appearing poised for action. The woman is holding a curved athame, while the man has a fireball just above his open, upturned palm. There are flames and small hearts surrounding them.

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Lost 45 minutes finding the perfect name meaning "delicious prey" for a side character who exists solely to get devoured by a werewolf in chapter three. Do they appreciate the effort? No, they just eat. 🐺💀 #AuthorLife #WolfShifters

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Tim Curry AND Dolly Parton? Fuck you, 2026. For this and everything else.

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Pantsing my way through a new contemporary romance and hit the ultimate fake dating fork in the road. 🗺️ 1️⃣ Best friends secretly in love 2️⃣ Rivals who genuinely can't stand each other Which flavor of romantic tension always gets your vote? 👇 #WritingCommunity #RomanceBooks

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Sorting through travel photos from Prague to find the perfect backdrop for my next contemporary romance. These summer window boxes are pure magic. Letting the story pieces fall into place over a quiet cup of chamomile tea. 🌸✨ #bloomscrolling #WriterLife

purple and white flowers cascading from a window box in Prague.

marigolds in a window box on a cobblestone street in Prague.

window boxes filled with red flowers on a wrought iron balcony in Prague.

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Dolly, no! 😭 www.cnn.com/2026/08/25/e...

cnn.com

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Rewatching Firefly with a giant bowl of (low carb) rocky road ice cream. It's my ultimate problematic, canceled-too-soon SFF fave, but that found-family vibe always sparks my writing mojo. 🚀 What is your absolute favorite comfort sci-fi or fantasy show/movie? Give me your recs! #SciFi #Firefly

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

August is Romance Awareness Month, and this new list is the perfect excuse to ignore my semester-prep to-do list. Cozy contemporary setups, sweet escapes, and endless TBR additions! 💖 bookriot.com/new-romance-... #RomanceBooks #TBR

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

As a university librarian, 'chaotic meet-cutes' usually involve a premium database crash and spilled Earl Grey. In romance? They're pure gold. Check out these top chaotic meet-cutes! ☕📚 bookriot.com/chaotic-meet... #RomanceBooks #RomanceReader

bookriot.com

6 of the Most Chaotic Meet Cutes in Romance Books

In these romance books with chaotic meet cutes, sometimes you meet the love of your life when you hit them with your car. Whoops!

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Teaching first-years academic database search operators today. Fun fact: Boolean logic works for romance tropes too. "Grumpy" AND "Sunshine" NOT "Third-Act Misunderstanding" is the ultimate search query. 😉📚 #LibrarianLife #RomanceWriter

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Pretty sure I just got hit on in my local Starbucks. It's been a minute since that happened, so I didn't realize what was going on at first. #Clueless #AuthorLife

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Finally over the jetlag from my summer trip and on to drafting my next beach read ☕🌊 Balancing real life while plotting sunny seaside romance is my favorite kind of chaos. What's your go-to beach read trope? #AuthorLife #RomCom

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Ready to escape to Rome? 🇮🇹 'Maybe This Time' is the ultimate second-chance, vacation romance between a burnt-out lawyer and a holidaying librarian. Fall in love under the Italian sun! Read now: books2read.com/u/49R9op #RomanceBooks #BookSky

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Nothing beats a perfect August night of outdoor live music. Santana and the Doobie Brothers absolutely crushed it this week! Witnessing "Corazon Espinado" live was pure, electrifying inspiration. Check out the clips! 🎸🔥 #LiveMusic #SummerVibes

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

August is scorching, but this fated-mates lynx-shifter romance is absolutely boiling. 🔥 Unleash your wild side and dive into WILD today! books2read.com/b/bM25K7 #ShifterRomance #PNR

Wild cover - a man and woman embracing, the man is shirtless and has his back to the viewer, the woman is raking her nails down his back.

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Barely unpacked from my summer trip, but this August heat has me speed-planning my winter return to Europe. ☀️🫠 Give me snowy cobblestones, twinkling lights, and Weihnachtsmarkt magic over heat waves any day! Who is ready for cozy season? ❄️✈️ #TravelVibes #CozyAutumn #WinterMagic

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Back from Germany & France! 🌸 Sorting through my camera roll (which is 90% flowers) with a tall glass of homemade limonana, letting these gorgeous views inspire the settings of my next cozy contemporary romance. Happy #bloomscrolling! #WritingCommunity

red and white geraniums in the flower box overlooking the Ill River in Strasbourg, France.

yellow, pink, and purple flowers (sorry, I don't know what kind but they're pretty) outside a restaurant in Poland.

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Reposted by Crystal Jordan, PhD

Courtney Milan @courtneymilan.com · 08/08/2026

Hi! Please join TJ Alexander, Olivia Waite, EE Ottoman, Alexandra Vasti, Rose Lerner, Erica Ridley, and I to talk about how history is queer as part of Bookstore Romance Day next Saturday, August 15th! (Free) Eventbrite tickets here: www.eventbrite.com/e...

A historical image of two women in a suggestive pose, and two men walking arm in arm.

Text: History is queer
Saturday August 15
Noon Eastern
On Zoom

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Reposted by Crystal Jordan, PhD

Iron Spike @ironspike.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Everything Ursula K LeGuin has ever written Everything Octavia Butler has ever written Everything Tanith Lee has ever written Everything Mary Beard has ever written Everything Mary Roach has ever written And The Lamb, by Lucy Rose (what if the witch in the woods who ate people had a kid)

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

My fave nail polish company, Dazzle Dry, has a new line out called Once Upon A Daydream. Is it too on-the-nose for an author to have a pedicure in the color "Plot Twist"? Asking for a friend. 💅✒️ #authorlife #dazzledry dazzledry.com/collections/...

dazzledry.com

Once Upon A Daydream

Get advanced polish performance without harsh chemicals. Dazzle Dry nail lacquer dries in five minutes and lasts 14 days or more without chipping!

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Between teaching university database research and brewing masala chai, I found this Book Riot list. Academic librarian opinion? Fantasy romance world-building is elite literature. My TBR is officially doomed. 📚✨ bookriot.com/best-new-fan... #FantasyRomance #BookSky

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Crystal Jordan, PhD @crystaljordan.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Rainy summer days, a steaming mug of Earl Grey, and meeting my weekly word count early. 🌧️☕ Unlocking the magic of a sooper sekrit monster romance is the best feeling. Time to celebrate with another steep! #AuthorLife #RomanceWriter

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