iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 16/10/2026

The otherworldly beauty of Copinsay in the morning sunlight. A calm day in Orkney, with many seals and epic skies and rainbows glisking here and there 🌊🦭🌈 #Orkney #IslandLife #OctoberMood

A sea view of an island on the horizon with sunlight shining brightly through the clouds and upon the sea. Dark rocks are in the foreground.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

I love the weirdness of this whole book! Ghostlore is a fantastic guide to all manner of ghosts around the world. Well-researched whilst being accessible and fun to read. The illustrations are absolutely incredible too! 💚🖤💛 @icysedgwick.bsky.social #Ghosts #Folkore #BookSky

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

I’m loving ‘The Swell’ by Kat Gordon - it’s full of little Icelandic folklore snippets which is so fascinating! Also, reading ‘Poor Creatures’ by Mairi Kidd and ‘The Cemetery of Untold Stories’ by Julia Alvarez on audiobook. Lots of interesting tales to keep my mind happy 😊📚 #BookSky

A book on a mini purple beanie. The book is ‘The Swell’ by Kat Gordon. It is a blue swirly cover with a folk art style white falcon and white whale fluke.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

A brilliant, clever, thought-provoking poetry collection! I loved each bold and uncanny voice in every poem - fantastic work 🖤 @helenivory.bsky.social #BookSky #PoetrySky #Witches

A blue graphic. A quote reads: ‘Let's put a crow in this box. Let's push the dead of night to the corners of this cage and harken what it has to say.’ The book is Constructing A Witch by Helen Ivory. There is a star rating.

A blue graphic with a book cover. Constructing A Witch’ by Helen Ivory. Five star rating.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Halley Beach looking bonnie and calm. Today it had strange ripples on its surface, a flitting redshank on its shore, and the distant islands were illuminated with gold October sunlight. #Orkney

A part pebble, part sandy beach with a grassy bank to the left and the sea to the right.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

A brilliant start to the day - finishing this spooky gem of a book! I loved Saltwater by @elainethomson123.bsky.social - weird ghosts, atmospheric setting, little pieces of folklore… A book I’ll treasure 💙 #BookSky #Ghosts

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

A calm, gentle birthday for my mum and I today. I’ll be trying to notice each tiny joy - for the world is full of glimmers ✨💜✨

A close up photograph of cream chrysanthemums and fuchsia-coloured carnations.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

It’s the 7th Oct which means it’s time to be reading in Scotland! For my #WeeRead pledge, I couldn’t resist starting a new novel by a Scottish author - borrowed from @orkneylibrary.bsky.social 💜 Check out weeread.scot who smashed their goal! Now, let’s start this book…

A photo of a purple book on a bookcase with a feather quill bookmark to the left and a pink spaniel ornament to the right. The book is ‘Poor Creatures’ by Mairi Kidd.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

At the beginning of both The Berry Pickers by @amandapetersauthor.bsky.social and How To Kill A Witch by Claire Mitchell and Zoe Venditozzi aka #WitchesOfScotland

An image of the blue book cover with yellow text: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters.

An image of a book cover: How To Kill A Witch - A Guide For the Patriarchy. By Claire Mitchell and Zoe Venditozzi - The Witches of Scotland. The cover has a noose hanging over red flames.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

The face when marmite-flavoured coffee isn’t on the human cafe’s menu board. No, he doesn’t want pumpkin spice latte. Or lavender matcha. Or salted caramel hot chocolate with hazelnut syrup. Sigh. He’ll have a cuppa, then, milk and seven sugars, please. #ArtSky

A digital drawing of a goblin stood sideways looking grumpy. His bottom lip and big tummy sticks out and his hands hang by his sides. He’s wearing a large pointed hat. The background is mottled tan. Signature: Ellen Forkin.

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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 · 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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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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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 · 21/09/2026

Almost forgot, I’m reading ‘Saltwater’ by Elaine Thomson - an eerie ghost story in Orkney!! (I live in mainland Orkney but this is book is set a tiny island called Stroma.) Loving it on far 👻🖤

A graphic of a book: Saltwater, A Midsummer Ghost Story by Elaine Thomson. The book cover is a lighthouse on an island with a red cloudy sky and plants in the foreground.

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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 · 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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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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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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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

What a joy to see what everyone is reading! I’m absolutely loving Helm by Sarah Hall as well as Bluff by Francine Toon 😊

The books ‘Helm’ by Sarah Hall and ‘Bluff’ by Francine Toon laid side by side.

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

This particular poem ‘Dry-Stane Dyke’ means a lot to me, as it was inspired by my wonderful Dad, who for many years was a dry-stone waller. I’m proud of his legacy of stone, the patience, the skill, the care he took with each wall, that is so true of his character also. He really is an amazing man!

A photo of Ellen and her Dad, Nick, sat on a rock by the sea.

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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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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

It’s dream-come-true time! The lovely Orcadian are publishing my collection of Orkney folklore inspired short stories - the book will be out for Autumn 2026! I can’t wait and I’m super busy creating the colour illustrations for it! #BookSky #Orkney #WritingCommunity #Folklore #ShortStories

A painting of a raven flying on a bright blue sky. Dark purple words read: Exciting news! The Orcadian are publishing my book! Ellen Forkin.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

It’s getting into cosy season and the goblins are all for it! Snuggly blankets, hot drinks, chocolate and a good book - what more could a little goblin heart hope for? #Autumn #ArtSky #FantasyArt #BookSky #FeelingCosy

A colour digital drawing of a goblin wrapped up in a red blanket reading a big yellow book. Signature: Ellen Forkin.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

Hi, I’m Ellen, and I love to write ghost stories! You can listen to my tale ‘Rattle Chains’ on the Haunted UK Fiction podcast for a bit of ghostly spookiness! 👻🖤 #GhostStory #WritingCommunity

A photo of chains with multi-coloured writing on top. It reads: Haunted UK Fiction Presents Rattle Chains by Ellen Forkin.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

‘Rattle Chains’ is now live on the Haunted UK Fiction podcast! I absolutely love how it was read with all the sound effects 🖤 Brew a cuppa, curl up somewhere comfy, and have a listen to my ghostly tale tonight… #GhostStory #AudioFiction #WritingCommunity

A screenshot of the Haunted UK Fiction podcast on Spotify. Episode 05 - Rattle Chains by Ellen Forkin.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

Oooh, excited that my ghost story ‘Rattle Chains’ will be on the Haunted UK Fiction podcast this Wednesday 10th September! Hands up who loves a spook! 👻🖤 #WritingCommunity #GhostStory #Podcast

A graphic of hands in chains with multicoloured writing. It reads:
Haunted UK Fiction
Coming Soon…
Rattle Chains
By Ellen Forkin.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

I have a poem published in Issue 9 of @ausauthora.bsky.social The theme was ‘Cracks’, and at the time I was waking up extremely early in the morning, so naturally I wrote poems about dawn. Hope you enjoy it! #Poem #PoetrySky #PoetryCommunity www.authora.net/issue-9/elle...

A white background with grey writing.

Before Dawn
Ellen Forkin
The blue-dark of the not-quite dawn
The day ahead a yawning
Silent scream-song-gargle-sigh
The maw of possibilities
Blinking with the softness of first light
Do not stare-nor close your eyes
Glance out from the safety of the lightbulb Let colour wash over you, and begin

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

Absolutely brilliant book of short stories - absolutely loved meeting a wonderful variety of characters! #BookSky

The book Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq on a bookshelf full of books.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Internet Poetry - I really hope you enjoy this poem! The world at the moment is A LOT and I hope my poem is a tiny star in the gathering night… #PoetrySky #WritingCommunity #Poem

Black writing on a white background.

Internet Poetry
I never thought
In times such as these
That slow, slow fall
Into hate-filled cruelty
That internet poetry
And skies, fierce blue
Pizza and doughnuts
And songs on repeat
In your ever-whirring mind
An owl, swooping silent
A meme sent by a friend
A book, heavy in your hand
The sun tingling your cheek mAnd the bright sweetness
Of a mango-delicious
Would continue to exist
But exist they do
We must hold on-tightly
To these stars in the choke
Of the gathering night
For the night has beauty
And there is always the moon
And the dawn, thereafter

Ellen Forkin

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

Today is a poetry kind of day, I think. Reading, writing, editing, compiling. I’m also working on secret stuff that is staying stubbornly secret! This means less doodles for social media but I think it’s worth the wait 👀 But for now, back to staring at poems… #PoetrySky #WritingCommunity

Sheets of printed poetry overlaying each other. A coral pink pen and navy pen is lying on top.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

Sound up for Pickle slurping on a hot Orkney day! 🐽 #Pig #Orkney #AnimalFamily

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

Happiness is the sun sparkling on the sea on a bright #Orkney day…

A photo of a beach, the sun sparkling on the sea, and an island on the horizon.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

Herbbut isn’t sure about dancing in the rain but will do a little wiggle in slightly inclement weather. He doesn’t want his favourite jumper to shrink. Or to sprain an ankle. Or to be seen at all, really. In fact, he thinks it’s best to make a hot-chocolate and forget the whole thing… #ArtSky

A digital drawing of a large greenish troll wearing a big brown jumper, looking a little nervous. Signature: Ellen Forkin.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

This little goblin loves her coffee! It makes her guzzle and buzz and all fuzzywuzz! Of course, virtual coffees are just a big as buzz as all that too - head over to ko-fi.com/ellenforkinart and make a woman and her goblin pals all fuzzywuzz! @ko-fi.com

A digital drawing of a goblin holding a large cup of coffee with ‘Ko-fi’ written on it. She has bunches, a green and pink dress and a big smile with her tongue peeking out. Signature: Ellen Forkin.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

Cute peedie goblin with a hat full of biscuits! #ArtSky #FantasyArt #Faeries

A smiling yellow goblin with a three-pointed hat on a mottled tan background. Signature: Ellen Forkin.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 05/07/2025

So happy to be painting watercolours again. Can’t show you the work just yet for *secret reasons* but I’m having a whole lot of fun with my paintbrush! #ArtSky

A photo of a palette of bright watercolour paints, coloured pencils on a desk with other arty things.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 22/06/2025

Gorgeous… Handsome… Distinguished… Still a baby! 🧡

Raffy, a tri colour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, looking at the camera.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

A happy goblin sketch from a happy artist/writer! Exciting things are afoot… #ArtSky

A digital rough-sketch drawing of a green goblin grinning widely and holding his hands in the air. Signature: Ellen Forkin.

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Ellen Forkin @ellenforkin.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

13 Wondrous Witchy Books: Sycorax by Nydia Hetherington and Hex by Jenni Fagan.

A purple graphic with white writing: 13 Wondrous Witchy Books. Plus two book covers: Sycorax; Hex.

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