iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Mel Reynard @meljrey.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I’m going to Fantasycon this Friday for the weekend. I’m doing a live reading from my book & will appear on a panel. But I’m wondering if I should bring my own teabags - will my hotel actually have a kettle - AND how the hell I’m gonna get there, instead of just ‘what extract should I read?’ 😟

static.klipy.com

Priorities Mark Duplass

Alt: Mark Duplass looking unsure with the captions: Priorities… good?

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Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying @dreadunderarm.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

I’ve never understood the value of the “only democracy” argument. Even if it’s true, it’s still a low bar.

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Deena 🇵🇸 دينا @deenahelm.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

She’s out today :)

A photo of Deena holding a copy of the US edition of Our Cut of Salt. Behind her is a bookshelf with copies of the novel, both UK and US editions.

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Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying @dreadunderarm.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino. It is framed as a conversation between Kublai Khan and Marco Polo, interspersed between prose poems describing fictitious cities. The structure also follows a strict mathematical pattern.

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Sophia-Maria Nicolopoulos @sophiamweaves.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Newsletter's going out soon! If you'd like to learn more about my Flights of Foundry panels, my romance workshop (online), and my writing journey, you can sign up below: sophiamarianicolopoulos.wordpress.com/join-my-news...

sophiamarianicolopoulos.wordpress.com

Join my Newsletter!

Let’s connect! I won’t bother you too much; my newsletters will be hidden treasures of writing updates, writing tips, reading announcements, and inspirational words! I’d love to k…

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Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying @dreadunderarm.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Downgrade a song. The Kitchen Knives of Brixton by The Clash.

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Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying @dreadunderarm.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Pagans sounds intriguing. Thanks for the recommendation.

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Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying @dreadunderarm.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Does anyone know what happened to this good show?

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Deena 🇵🇸 دينا @deenahelm.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Genuinely honored to have three more blurbs from such authors I look up to so highly!! Thank you SO much to @kmenright.bsky.social , Daisy Pearce, and EL Chen for such lovely words - everyone go check out their books as well! 💘

"A visceral exploration of generational trauma and the harsh costs of facing the past...Our Cut of Salt examines the horrors of genocide and colonization in an unflinching, timely tale."
- K.M. Enright, Sunday Times bestselling author of Mistress of Lies

"The strands of generations are so beautifully woven together and the writing is deft, lyrical and completely gets under your skin."
- Daisy Pearce, Author of Something in the Walls

"Our Cut of Salt throbs with the longing for family lore that many of us second- and third-generation kids bear. In this moving exploration of mother-daughter relationships, and generational trauma and grief, Helm provides a timely reminder that the real horrors can be found in history."

- E.L. Chen, Author of Slasher Summer and One of Us is Already Dead

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Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying @dreadunderarm.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

I hear you. Which is probably why Adonis and co were like: "Naah, we're doing free verse from now on."

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Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying @dreadunderarm.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

This is one of my favourite poems. Interestingly, Abu Nuwas, known for modernising Arabic poetry, mocked this trope & instead championed an in medias res opening. Here's a witty example: "Tell the one weeping over a vanished trace, Standing there: what would have happened if he’d just sat?"

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Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying @dreadunderarm.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

I watched the show first then read the book. Great show. One of my favourite books. The fact that they are different made it even more interesting.

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Mahmud El Sayed @mahmudelsayed.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

My interview with audible about THE REPUBLIC OF MEMORY audio book. If you're interested in revolutions, Arabfuturism or conlangs, why don't you give it a listen?

audible.com

“The Republic of Memory” dares to make rebels of us all

With his debut novel, Mahmud El Sayed arrives as a bold new voice in Arabfuturism.

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Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying @dreadunderarm.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

A fairly common view among many in the region.

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Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying @dreadunderarm.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

From now on they should be called "الرأس اليابس" instead of "الأخضر". They showed enough ferocity.

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Mahmud El Sayed @mahmudelsayed.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

It's Launch Day for THE REPUBLIC OF MEMORY and I am so proud that my strange Arabfuturist story is out there in the world for readers to discover. (1/5)

Two copies of THE REPUBLIC OF MEMORY on a glass garden table

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Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying @dreadunderarm.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

The Wingspan of Treason by L.N. Bayen. Epic fantasy with deep and rich lore, complex characters and art drawn by the author herself.

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Mahmud El Sayed @mahmudelsayed.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

The Guardian says that THE REPUBLIC OF MEMORY is a "thoughtful, exciting space opera" with Nupol adding a "distinctive flavour to a speculative fiction its author calls Arabfuturism." O my brothers, that's molti-bona and no flies! www.theguardian.com/books/2026/m...

theguardian.com

The best recent science fiction, fantasy and horror – review roundup

The Republic of Memory by Mahmud El Sayed; The Rainshadow Orphans by Naomi Ishiguro; No Ghosts by Max Lury; Palaces of the Crow by Ray Nayler; Moon Over Brendle by Jeff Noon

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Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying @dreadunderarm.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Multilayered characters, nuanced worldbuilding, political and social upheaval. THE REPUBLIC OF MEMORY is sci-fi at its best. Easily one of the best books this year!

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Deena 🇵🇸 دينا @deenahelm.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

hello!! there is a goodreads giveaway for 50 copies of my debut novel, Our Cut of Salt, running until 5/31 (US only). you can enter here 🖤 www.goodreads.com/book/show/24...

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Mahmud El Sayed @mahmudelsayed.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

I've been reading a lot of Arabic poetry for my current wip so here's some Muhammad al-Maghout. Tomorrow, o beloved, tomorrow We will awaken early with the sailors and their sails, And we will rise on the wind Like birds, Like raging blood, And roam over the desert As lips roam over lips.

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Mel Reynard @meljrey.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Thank you so much for all the support on this hastily-chucked in pitch for #QuestPit yesterday! I didn’t know it was on, didn’t make a list - utter chaos, but it got some publishing interest 👀 If I’m not here much - yes it’s because it’s Chelsea, but I’m also working on the WIP!

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Authors Lobby Podcast @authorslobby.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

A podcast where authors talk about their books in their own words. Each episode will spotlight one book, and will feature an interview with its author. We'll dive into the characters, themes, and messages of each story with a healthy dose of humor. Join us this winter!

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Mahmud El Sayed @mahmudelsayed.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

A really lovely review of THE REPUBLIC OF MEMORY from @princejvstin.com but more an interesting rumination on generation ship stories in general.

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Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying @dreadunderarm.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Finished The Republic of Memory by @mahmudelsayed.bsky.social. What a great debut with excellent political and social commentary, exploration of language and memory, and many clever POV choices and experimental literary techniques.

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Rania the Writer @raniathewriter.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

@menapitch.bsky.social #MENAPIT #menapitchevent A desperate writer accepts an invitation to an elite retreat that guarantees publication...and slowly realizes what it's *actually* harvesting from its residents. #Pub #Qu #H #SF #A #NA #OWN The Centre x Catherine House x Bunny Professionally edited.

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Taurus @tauruswrites.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

WARCROSS X BLOOD DEBTS While tech-savvy Viva uses magic and coding to stop the army of undead, her twin sister, Tasia, is resurrected by witches forcing her to kill. 🔮 MAGIC VS 👩‍💻 CODING 🤖 AI VS 👻 SPIRITS 💻 TECH VS 🍁 NATURE WHO WILL WIN? #SF #F #MENApit #YA #Qu

smart glasses, grimoire, high tech world, voodoo doctor

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Rawiya Beirut | راوية بيروت @rawiyabeirut.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

When a rebel witch is betrayed and sentenced to death, the executioner saves her by claiming her as his bride—forcing them to navigate a fake marriage, colonial politics, and traitors, all while secretly dismantling the empire that is destroying their home. #menapit #a #f #wip

a moodboard of images;

- a bouquet of flowers in the top left, feathers in top center, a hand holding a thread (IMAGE BY Stephanie Rew Fine Art) in top right
- a skull covered by a translucent sheet in the center left, center image has a woman covered by thread (PHOTOGRAPHED BY Becca Geden), and center right has a sword in snow
- bottom left has a spider on a web, bottom center is a photo of a flower underneath the petals, and bottom right is a loom

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Yalda is AGENTED💫 @yaldacollection.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Have you heard? 👀 WORKED 2 DEATH has gone under the knife 🔪 : A ransom plot goes horribly awry when a trio of cash-strapped colleagues kidnap their nepobaby manager on a work trip, and find themselves embroiled in the lethal world of Fintech’s elite. #menapit #agented

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

🚀 Hadiyah 🍉 @hadiyahsama.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

What We Can Know x CW's The 100 Enemies by circumstance Imani & Elijah must put aside their differences to stay alive & to find the other survivors when their space station crashes onto a ravaged Earth. #MENApit #WIP #A #SF #Dystopian

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Athena Lambrou @athena-lambrou.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

They Hate Each Other X Imogen, Obviously Ares needs to do 3 things in life so he doesn’t let his family down: -Date a nice Cypriot girl -Get into a good university -NOT fall in love with his rival, the brother of his sister-in-law ✨Big 5 imprint editor interest #MENAPit #YA #C #R #LGBT #OWN #Qu

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

🚀 Hadiyah 🍉 @hadiyahsama.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

TGUWG x I Feed Her to the Beast In a kingdom where necromancy is illegal, budding necromancer Sera fights her way to the top of the court. Discovery means death, but Sera has always wanted to make an impact and she won't let morals get in her way. #MENApit #WIP #A #DF

PITCH: In a kingdom where necromancy is illegal, budding necromancer Sera fights her way to the top of the kingdom court. Discovery means death, but Sera has always wanted to make an impact and she won't let something like morals get in her way.

EXCERPT:
They would be, Sera thought, the blood thrumming in her ears. The dead here had been raised. En-masse, probably. She could only imagine the power that had taken. A whole village’s dead, raised in one night. She could see the figure now in her mind’s eye, a Harbinger cloaked in black under the light of a silvery full moon, the crimson wash of his Necromantic power seeping into the soil like blood and unleashing horrors, an army of the dead clawing their way out of their final resting places. She shivered.

Unlikable female MCs, Death Magic/Necromancy, Fall Arc. Women's Wrongs.

Comps: Gideon the Ninth, I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me, To Gaze Upon Wicked Gode, The Poppy War, Sabriel

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Emma Al-munshi @emmaalmunshi.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

When a card game has telepath Mona fleeing town, a handsome djinn spy drags her to an underwater kingdom where she awakens old djinn magic. But with the oceanic sky failing, will inner demons drown her before she can save her people or will warring factions claim her? #MENApit #Qu #RF

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Reposted by Hussain A. Ayoub - is Querying

Safah @safahamjad.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

The Miles Between Us, which features: ✅ a crime story with deep emotional resonance; ✅ an exploration of themes like grief, racism, and identity; ✅ ordinary citizens stepping into investigative roles; ✅ MCs who seem worlds apart, and are yet so similar; ✅ a romantic subplot. #MENApit #WIP #A #L #T

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