iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Exact Editions @exacteditions.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Happy #NationalPoetryDay! 'Orpheus in Spring' by Jenny George celebrates this year's theme "wonder," describing the human impulse to collect treasures, and the opposite action of admiring the world without taking. The poem is from The Poetry Review, official publication of @poetrysociety.org.uk.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Happy #NationalPoetryDay everyone! I want to celebrate @byleaveswelive.bsky.social - I love discovering gems on their website and listening to their Nothing But The Poem podcast. Here are some poems below that I adore… www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk

scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk

Scottish Poetry Library

Books and resources in Scotland's national poetry library for Burns Night, Robert Burns and the best Scottish poets and poems about Scotland

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

I’ve started writing poetry again and treated myself to some new lipstick. So naturally I wrote a poem about how wearing a touch of colour lifts my heart a little 🩷 Hope you enjoy my words… #Poem #PoetrySky #ChronicIllness #MentalHealth #Glimmers ✨

Black text on a white background.

Ritual.

When I glide
Sweet lipstick
Dab—dab—dab
Upon the blueness
Of my lips
A balmy variety
Blushing my smile
To a shade of roses
I think to myself
This is life

True, I avoid
My mirror self
Unwell—unwell—unwell
The green, milky
Pallor of otherness
Only the mascara
The eyeshadows
The rose-blush smile
Draws my gaze
Life is colour

Let me paint myself living.

Ellen Forkin.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

After my announcement, here’s a late, happy update: I’ve finally been able to read this lovely little book ‘Lines of Communication’ by The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. Very proud to have my poem ‘Starling Song’ published in such a wonderful anthology of poems all about urban wildlife! #PoetrySky #Poems

A photo of Ellen smiling as she holds the book: ‘Lines of Communication. A Poetry Anthology by The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. Edited by Bronwen R Evans and Marcelle Newbold.’

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Ooh, exciting! I love Lit Mags, so this looks like a fun week ahead 💛 #LitMagWeek

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Bit of a sad post. I’ve been so unwell, physically and mentally, that I’m very behind with progress on my book. Therefore, ‘Twisted Orkney Tales’ will be delayed while I recover and catch-up. Thank you for all your support, kind words and encouragement so far 💛

A graphic of a misty sky with orbs of light. In white bold writing are the words: Book Delayed due to ill health. Twisted Orkney Tales. Ellen Forkin.

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Pip Wren @lollibeepop.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

A joyous fat bear week to all 🐻

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

A delightful day at the bookshop - I actually did I tiny wiggly dance when I saw these books … Feeling incredibly happy 🥰📚 @icysedgwick.bsky.social @profaliceroberts.bsky.social #BookSky #Folklore #Anthropology

The book ‘Briggs’s Dictionary of Fairies’ by Katherine Briggs on a furry blanket.

The book ‘Ghostlore’ by Icy Sedgewick on a furry blanket.

The book ‘Humans’ by Professor Alice Roberts on a furry blanket.

The book ‘The Repentants’ by Kate Foster on a furry blanket.

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Scottish Poetry Library @byleaveswelive.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

🎙️ NEW SPL PODCAST! Its the 1st of the month which means our monthly poetry podcast NOTHING BUT THE POEM is let loose, this time with host @samueltongue.bsky.social taking a deep dive into two poems by the wonderful Imtiaz Dharker www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/podcast/noth...

scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk

Nothing But The Poem- Imtiaz Dharker

The SPL’s resident podcast host Sam Tongue takes a deep dive into two poems by one of Britain’s most beloved poets, Imtiaz Dharker. Imtiaz Dharker – a Pakistani-born poet who grew up in Glasgow, then ...

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Trying to choose the perfect moment to start this lush-looking book: ‘Widdershins’ by Allyson Shaw. I know I’m in for a real Orkney folklore inspired treat! Plus there’s a map and little illustrations… what’s not to love? #Orkney #BookSky #IndieAuthor @allysonshaw.bsky.social

The book ‘Widdershins’ by Allyson Shaw on a bookshelf. The book is dark blue-green with silver foil images of a seal and a crow on the cover.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Utterly brilliant. I will be thinking about Helm for a long, long time…

A green graphic of the book Helm by Sarah Hall. There’s a quote: “Of what
fantastical, phenomenal and calculable things Helm is made!” and a five star rating in white.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Raffy when on holiday - just look at the wind blowing his fluffy ears! #Orkney #Sanday #PetSky

Raffy, a tricolour Cavalier, at a grassy beach looking at the camera with the wind blowing in his fluffy ears!

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

A lovely feel-good thread as always…

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

On my recent trip to Sanday, one of Orkney’s northern isles, I spotted these adorable, grumpy, squelchy, squishy faeries! I just knew I had to sketch a Mossy Saltmarsh Imp - this one squinted at me, gurgled, then vanished along with his friends 💚 #Sanday #Orkney #Faeries

A pencil sketch of a mossy-haired impish creature in pants! Signature: Ellen Forkin. Hand-drawn with Human Intelligence (No AI).

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Orkney Library & Archive @orkneylibrary.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

You all know #BookyMcBookface but SOON we'll also have the #BookyMcNooks - 3 brand new portable library kits that will bring even more books and reading resources to communities across Orkney. Coming in Spring 2027. Find out more at: beta.orkney.gov.uk/latest-news/...

An Orkney Library card in front of library bookshelves

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

It’s beyond dreich and bucketing it down in #Orkney today! There are floods already, stay safe everyone! Still, I do love Orkney in wintertime 💙🌧️

Ellen looking wide eyed at the camera next to a car window with heavy rain outside.

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Emma Mitchell @silverpebble2.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Small finds from the wood, September 🍒🪶🌿:

A collection of small nature finds from my local woodland, including green acorn, rosehips, Viburnum opulus berries, pigeon feather, spindle berries & leaves , alder cones & grove snail shells

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Orkney Library & Archive @orkneylibrary.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Anyone in Scotland can pledge so sign up wherever you are, but we'd be delighted to get as many Orkney folk signing up as possible. So if you're an individual, family, group or class who enjoys reading then pledge to read now at weeread.scot ❤️

weeread.scot

Wee Read

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Orkney Library & Archive @orkneylibrary.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Orkney Library & Archive is supporting WEE READ - a national reading moment where people across Orkney are invited to join with people all across Scotland in celebrating the joy of reading this October. Make your pledge to read now at weeread.scot

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Loving the bonnie views of Sanday 💙 It’s all dreich right now, but we’re snuggled in a cozy cottage with books, treats and a very tired puppy dog 🥰 #Orkney #Sanday #Scotland

A photo of a beach, dune grass and blue sky with fluffy clouds.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Forget Hot Girl Summer, I’m going for Anxious Gnome Autumn! 😂💙 #Orkney

Ellen crouching with her Cavalier Raffy at the beach. She’s wearing a blue knitted hat, knitted neckerchief, and fair isle waistcoat. Both Ellen and Raffy look a little worried!

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The Whimsical Muse @whimsicalmuse.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Just a friendly reminder that supporting your local library also means supporting your local library ghost.

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Scottish Poetry Library @byleaveswelive.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

2026 DYMPHNA BURSARY It's back! A £2000 poetry bursary specifically for emerging poets resident in Scotland who identify as neurodivergent or have a learning disability. Deadline is National Poetry Day on Thur 1st Oct. Info can be found here: www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/dymphna-burs...

scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk

Dymphna Bursary (2026)

The Dymphna Bursary is awarded annually to a poet resident in Scotland who identifies as neurodivergent or has a learning disability

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Neither fish nor foul 📖 @neitherfishnorfoul.com · 23/07/2026

www.neitherfishnorfoul.com/issue-7-amit... 'Dear Moon, Please come down for one day, and play with me' @swethaamit.bsky.social's story of childhood hope and magic

neitherfishnorfoul.com

Issue 7 Amit/The Moon Toy — Neither Fish Nor Foul

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The Whimsical Muse @whimsicalmuse.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Who among us hasn’t dreamt of slowly descending down a stone spiral staircase with a torch in hand and discovering a hidden candlelit library filled with thousands of centuries-old novels and being welcomed by a friendly-yet-misunderstood library ghost?

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Diane Simmons @scooterwriter.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

My novella-in-flash ‘William Prichard & Co’ is two years old today! To celebrate, I am giving away a copy. You can read more about the NIF on Goodreads & my website. If you would like to be in the draw, please repost & dm me. I will pick names out of the hat on Saturday 22 August. Sorry UK ONLY.

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Tom Cox @dj-acid-reflux.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

NEWSFLASH/FUCK IT. I am giving away 5 signed copies of the paperback of my latest novel, Everything Will Swallow You. To enter, simply repost this & pop a reply below. You might like it if you like any of these things: Community Knitting Folklore The sea Dorset Silliness Old records CONTINUED...

Five copies of the new paperback of my third novel, Everything Will Swallow You, leaning on a shelving unit full of 20th-Century Penguins. If you are in the UK and would prefer to purchase the book direct from me, just drop me an email at hello@tom-cox.com. I am happy to sign and personalise each copy and will also send you a linocut bookmark handmade by my mum, Jo, who does a lot of the illustrations for my books.

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The Whimsical Muse @whimsicalmuse.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

I don’t exactly have scientific data to support this, but I firmly believe that the reading experience is enhanced by at least 62% when a pet is sleeping nearby.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

I’m finding joy in drawing goblins again. This granny goblin loves daydreaming in the buttercups, drinking extra-zesty lemonade, and sending random emoji’s on human messages. She has a fantastic high laugh but is rather shy as you can see 💛 #goblin #faeries #art

A digital drawing of a smiling goblin holding her hands together and crisscrossing her feet. Signature: Ellen Forkin.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Goblins demand art. They nag to be drawn. They sneeze on the paper. Smudge charcoal on your nose. Guide your pencil with willpower and stubbornness and awe. And then, when the art is done, they grin and disappear with a satisfying pop! #goblin #art

A digital drawing of a goblin drawing a huge swirling line with her left hand. Signature: Ellen Forkin.

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Scottish Poetry Library @byleaveswelive.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

🎙️ NOTHING BUT THE POEM - ROBIN ROBERTSON Our regular poetry podcast is published at the start of each month. Today @samueltongue.bsky.social goes under the bonnet of 2 vintage Robin Robertson poems: 'Cat, Failing' and 'Swimming In the Woods' www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/podcast/noth...

scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk

Nothing But The Poem - Robin Robertson

Regular Nothing But The Poem podcast host Samuel Tongue rolls up his sleeves and gets under the bonnet of two vintage Robin Robertson poems

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

An owld crone who loves bramble tea, herring clouds and quietly cursing internet trolls by twitching her fingers. I’m slowly, slowly starting to create again… #orkney #artist #witch

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Sometimes hope is in the smallest things. A trip to the beach. A photo. A laugh. Things are far from perfect. I am far from better. But there is small, small hope 💛

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

We take cake very seriously in this house, much like Zinag here, who likes a quiet contemplation of cake appreciation before tucking in! I’ll be enjoying extra-special cakes today as it’s my birthday 🥳 Deeeeelicious! #Birthday #Cake #ArtSky

A digital drawing of a goblin holding a cupcake. She is very seriously looking down it. She has frizzy hair, a pointed hat and stones hanging off her dress. Signature: Ellen Forkin.

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Orkney Library & Archive @orkneylibrary.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

If you go down to Stromness Library today, you can see Stephanie's superbly spooktacular window painting of Meg and Mog, from the brilliant books by Helen Nicoll and Jan Pieńkowski. 🧙‍♀️🐈‍⬛🦉🧹🌙 #LoveLibraries #Halloween

A photo of a window painting of Meg and Mog. A witch on a broomstick, a cat, an owl and a moon and stars

Photos of a window painting of Meg and Mog. A witch on a broomstick, a cat, an owl and a moon

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The Poetry Society @poetrysociety.org.uk · 02/10/2025

It's National Poetry Day! We'll be celebrating all day - stay tuned to our socials so you don't miss a thing 👀🎉 Wherever you are, The Poetry Society wishes you a very happy National Poetry Day in the company of poetry.

The official graphic for National Poetry Day 2025 on the theme of 'Play'. It's an 8-bit, pastel background of a cherry blossom tree against a blue sky with books being thrown into the air. In large, alternating pink and blue text in the centre of the image, it reads: National Poetry Day / 02.10.2025 / PLAY

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Happy Launch Day to this awesome podcast! 👻🖤

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

My gorgeous contributor’s copy of Stonework has arrived and as you can see I’m so delighted with it! This book is so beautiful - definitely one to treasure! #Poem #Poet #PoetrySky

A photo of Ellen smiling, holding the book Stonework, in front of a bookcase.

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Haunted UK Fiction (Podcast) @hauntedukfiction.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

Listen to Rattle Chains, an eerily haunting tale that spans centuries written by the brilliant @ellenforkin.bsky.social and available on the Haunted UK Fiction podcast. open.spotify.com/episode/7uS0...

open.spotify.com

Episode 05 - Rattle Chains by Ellen Forkin

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Elliott & Thompson @eandtbooks.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

🌊 Introducing… #TheApothecaryByTheSea by @beewyld.bsky.social! From the award-winning author of All My Wild Mothers: a lyrical, tender story of creating a wild #apothecary garden on the Scottish archipelago of #Orkney... With beautiful illustrations by Adam Clarke🌼 Out 30 April #garden #gardening

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Louie Stowell @louiestowell.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

This is my Lokifesto #KidsConf #UKkidlit #edusky lokibooks.com/lokifesto/

A poster of a manifesto about reading, by Loki, with 6 points on reading "bad" books, short books, comics, audioooks, webcomics and fanfic, plus not finishing bad books cos life is too short.

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Nuala O'Connor @nualaoconnor.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

FLASH WRITERS! I'm judging the Allingham Flash Fiction Comp and it's been extended! The deadline extended to Sunday, 12 Oct at 23:59 / 11:59 pm. Applies to both on-line and postal submissions. All other competition rules and guidelines remain in effect; see www.allinghamfestival.com/fiction-poet...

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

It still feels surreal but you can read all about my upcoming book, including its new shiny title, and join me at the beginning of this publishing journey! #Orkney #Folklore #Book #BookSky #WritingCommunity

ellenforkin.co.uk

Exciting Book News!

Read about my upcoming collection of short stories inspired by Orkney folklore…

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Haunted UK Fiction (Podcast) @hauntedukfiction.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

The Haunted UK Fiction Podcast has already released 7 fantastically creepy original paranormal stories, each crafted by different incredibly talented writers. From host trains and theatre ghosts to werewolves, vampires, curses, and haunted houses... we have it all! 👻

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Roger Patulny @rpatulny.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

Nice work Ellen, good way to start the day with a dawn poem #Poem #PoetrySky #PoetryCommunity

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