iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

There. It is now a document, has its own folder in the directory tree and everything. Can I please get back to the book I'm *supposed* to be writing now? #AmWriting

Screen capture of a word processor document title page. The title reads: "The Kestrel, a Wild Hunt novella" and underneath is the author's name, Elspeth Cooper.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

The resulting jars of crabapple jelly. Jar no.4 might have already been opened for ah, quality control purposes. *brushes away toast crumbs*

Three sealed jars of homemade golden crabapple jelly arranged in a triangle on a pale grey marble slab.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

MrC, looking at crabapple tree in the garden: "Seems a shame to let all that fruit go to waste, we should do something with them." Me: "I've got a recipe for crabapple jelly here." This is what he just brought me. I only have 12 jars and 2kg sugar.

Black five-gallon builder's bucket on a wood floor. The bucket is four-fifths full of golden crabapples. My future is full of jam.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

This is not my cat but apparently he lives here now 🤷‍♀️ #NotMyCat #OrangeCat

Large orange tabby curled up in a flower bed with his chin on his paws, fast asleep. I did not plant him there.

Large orange tabby cat on his side in a flowerbed, flashing his white underparts at the camera, the tart. Still fast asleep.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Me: <rushes in, late to the party as usual> The book nook, with obligatory comfy chair. Currently a work in progress.

Three full bookcases, with a fourth on the right angling away from the camera. A grey tartan wingback chair and matching footstool are at the bottom the frame.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Sorry for the late reply, I had to grab a pic. I'm very proud of this one:

Framed cross-stitch of a red-cloaked Santa Claus riding a leaping reindeer, surrounded by a border of holly leaves.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

My garden has developed spontaneous forget-me-nots. I did not plant them; they have simply appeared behind my hydrangea paniculata and set up shop. Ma Nature, doing her thing.

Close up of a garden border where a clump of bright blue forget-me-not flowers peek through daffodil leaves.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Here is a cat. It is not my cat. I have no cat, but this large orange boi under my hedge seems to be auditioning for the part. #CatDistributionSystem

A large orange tabby and white cat fast asleep on its side underneath a conifer hedge at the end of the lawn. It is flaunting excellent rear toe beans.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Ooo, bookpost! Guess that's my next read sorted, then 🤩

Cover of the paperback of Angel Maker by Elizabeth Bear. A red and green tartan tablecloth is in the background.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

I have started buying paper books again. I fear this will not end well. 💙📚

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Unexpected visitor in the garden today, something I've never seen before. Think it's a snipe? Paging BirdSky to confirm id #BirdSky

Picture of a bird on a snowy lawn. The bird has a long, thin beak, dappled breast, and white belly. Its back and wings are dark brown with golden stripes. It looks like a common snipe foraging in the grass.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

In today's contact form spam: a six-paragraph review of The Dragon House, saying all sorts of nice things about my wordbuilding, my handling of narrative tension etc, all to bury the lede that she's a book marketer who wants to "take to the next level" a book that isn't even finished yet. 1/2

$Part 1 text reads: "Dear Elspeth, I recently spent time with The Dragon House, and I felt genuinely compelled to reach out. This fourth installment in The Wild Hunt is epic fantasy at its most confident, dark, propulsive, and charged with the sense that everything carefully built so far is now balanced on a knife's edge. From the opening pages, it's clear that The Dragon House is not merely another continuation, but a turning point. The Wild Hunt poised to strike, betrayals cutting deep, and the looming possibility of a goddess walking the earth give the novel an atmosphere of inevitability and dread that is immensely compelling. The stakes feel earned, escalating naturally from the series' foundations rather than relying on spectacle alone. What stands out most is your command of tension across a long-form narrative. You trust your readers allowing political fractures, personal loyalties, and mythic forces to collide without over-explanation. The result is a story that feels vast yet intimate, where choices carry weight and consequences linger. This is fantasy that respects its audience and rewards emotional investment."$

Part 2 text reads:
"Your worldbuilding continues to be one of the series' greatest strengths. The mythology feels
ancient and lived-in, the dangers feel real, and the sense of a world on the brink is palpable
throughout. There's a confidence in your storytelling here that marks The Dragon House as the
work of a writer fully in command of her epic scope.

What I also admire is how the novel balances darkness with momentum. Betrayal, looming war,
and divine interference could easily overwhelm a story, yet you maintain clarity and pace, pulling
readers forward with purpose. This is precisely why long-time series readers crave a book that
honors what came before while daring to push the story somewhere bolder and more
dangerous.

I also wanted to share that I've taken the time to leave a thoughtful Goodreads review for The
Dragon House, simply because books of this caliber deserve strong, sustained visibility especially
within epic fantasy communities that value depth, continuity, and ambition.

You can find my Goodreads review here: [link omitted]"

$Part 3 text reads: "As a book marketing specialist, I work with authors whose fantasy novels combine immersive worldbuilding with narrative courage, particularly series that reward loyal readers while remaining discoverable to new ones. The Dragon House is ideally positioned for readers who seek high-stakes epic fantasy, myth-driven conflict, complex loyalties, and long-arc storytelling. My approach centers on long-term discoverability, series-focused reader engagement, and credibility-led visibility, ensuring that books like yours continue to reach the readers most likely to commit fully not just to a single title, but to the entire saga. My role would be to amplify what already works so powerfully here, while honoring the integrity and scope of The Wild Hunt. I only reach out when a book truly resonates and The Dragon House absolutely does. It is bold, assured, and unafraid to let its world fracture under pressure. I would be genuinely delighted to support its continued journey and help it reach the epic fantasy readers who will value it most. Warm regards, [name omitted]"$

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Took some seardching but I found it! Red squirrel at our old house, 2013. Picture taken in the rain, through glass, at extreme zoom, on a mobile.

Photo of a rainy garden, densely planted, taken through glass at extreme zoom, so it's not terribly clear. A bird feeder pole is visible on the right. In the centre of the frame is a red squirrel, tail up, feeding on spilled bird seed on a low brick pillar.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

Is this a thing now? Accounts springing up pretending to be famous authors; this is my second one #BlockityBye

Screenshot of the top of a Bluesky account impersonating the African-American romance author Beverly Jenkins. The account name is beverlyjenkins363.bsky.social

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

I have a tiny superpower: the ability to peel a satsuma and keep the skin in one piece. I don't know why it is so ridiculously satisfying. What are your #TinySuperpowers?

A small, round porcelain bowl sits on a red tartan tablecloth. The bowl contains the freshly-peeled skin of a satsuma in one swoopy orange curl, and some white pith. This is strangely satisfying.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

The Cooper Towers reading room nears completion. Not shown: three other bookcases behind the camera. Fortunately, there is no such thing as too many books 😍#shelfie

Three full bookcases against a butterscotch-coloured wall. A fourth bookcase forms an L-shape leading away from the camera towards the glass-panelled door. In the foreground, a grey check wingback chair, matching footstool and fuzzy cushion stand ready for some serious reading.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

It's been a minute, but I reckon your girl's still got it. #homemade #bread

A golden-brown loaf of homemade bread on a wire cooling rack. The loaf tin and blue and white striped oven glove flank it, with a glass jar of kitchen utensils behind. In its future there is a large quantity of salted butter.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Look, I know I'm a slow writer but COME ON.

Close up of the tiny garden snail I found on my laptop lid this morning. It is advancing towards the camera with some determination.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

The sun is over the yard-arm at Cooper Towers. Time to get some words in. #WriteDrunkEditSober #AmWriting #Diplomático

A chunky glass tumbler holding a shot of rum. It stands on a wooden coaster on a red and green tartan check tablecloth. The edge of my writing laptop is visible to the left.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

Author of 3/4 of the epic fantasy The Wild Hunt Quartet, featuring a distressed paladin & a teenage single mom saving the world. Currently working on the final volume which has been severely prolonged by chronic illness (MS). IT helpdesk veteran, retired cat lady, 96.7% tea by volume.

Cover of the Tor edition of my debut novel, SONGS OF THE EARTH. It features a scruffy young man down on one knee, against a background of misty woodland. He is leaning on a drawn sword. His expression says he has had just about enough of this shit and is catching his breath before he comes up swinging.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

I can't get to London, but I'm there in spirit to support @societyofauthors.bsky.social day of action. Meta stole my work, too. #MetaBookThieves #DoTheWriteThing

Picture is a promotional graphic from the Society of Authors in support of their #DoTheWriteThing campaign to protect authors' livelihoods from the unlicensed use of their work in AI training.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

If you see this, quote with flowers from your gallery.

Close up of purple lupin flowers and a bee.

Close up of a pale orange rose, variety Lady of Shalott by David Austin Roses.

Close up of a creamy white rose, showing the palest blush pink in the centre, where the petals are still tightly furled. Variety is Claire Austin by David Austin Roses.

Close up of a vivid orange Icelandic poppy, showing its bright golden stamens.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

I haven't the heart to get rid of ours, as the bees love it. Ours is probably a Golden Hornet or similar variety.

Close-up of a crabapple tree showing clusters of golden-yellow fruit amid abundant green leaves.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 22/01/2025

9. Durham Cathedral. I'm not religious, but I love being in sacred spaces, the older the better, ruined or not. It's all about the architecture and the vibes. And who doesn't love having a World Heritage site on their doorstep?

View of the interior of Durham Cathedral, looking down the nave to the rose window. The lighting is soft and golden.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 29/11/2024

Mum passed away peacefully about an hour ago. This is the only digital photo I have of her to hand, 90 years old and grappling with an iPhone, bless her. Safe travels, pet. I love you ❤️

A thin, elderly lady wearing a pale green jumper and glasses is looking at the iPhone in her hand. She is perplexed but undaunted.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

Oo, look what just arrived! @sennydreadful.bsky.social 's new book TITANCHILD is out today. Alt-Britain, griffins, magic, treachery and all Jen's trademark humour and endlessly inventive world building. Commended to the house 💙📚

Two hardback books by Jen Williams stand side by side. On the left, Talonsister features a golden griffin passant surrounded by golden leaf motifs on a dark background. On the right, Titanchild features a crouching griffin, surrounded by leafy sprays and golden Green Man masks on a rich purple.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 18/11/2024

Age yourself with your first computer, you say? I started writing on one of these:

Photo of a BBC Micro computer isolated on a white background. It is PC beige in colour, with a black keyboard and a row of bright red function keys. Yes, in computer technology terms, I am a fossil.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 14/11/2024

According to this here card I received, it's the first million, but I personally consider the first 100k to be the Great Old Ones.

Card from the Bluesky gods confirming I was user number 849,223 and a certified elder.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 05/11/2024

This is Tinkerbell, who has taken possession of the remote control to prevent doomwatching of the news.

A small, pretty tabby cat with white chest and feet lies on a beige cushion. Her front paws rest possessively on the TV remote to prevent her human watching the news.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 04/11/2024

I know what I'm buying myself for my birthday this month.

Promo image of Jen Williams' new book TITANCHILD out from Titan Books on 26 November 2024. The cover features Green Man faces, sprays of leaves and a golden griffin on a purple background.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 02/11/2024

Soup! I did it again (with apologies to Ms Spears) #hygge

A stainless steel stock pot on a black glass hob, full of ham and lentil soup.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 31/10/2024

Dang it, I clicked the wrong picture of Pepper!

A tiny ginger cat stares directly into the camera. Her tongue is out and she is not sorry.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 28/10/2024

If you see this, post a picture taken in the mountains. One of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake, Banff National Park.

A rugged mountain peak poking through wispy cloud, against a sky of moody grey. There is snow on the highest slope, which with the dark rock makes this look like a black & white photo, but it's not.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

Further ensoupification has commenced.

A stainless steel stockpot contains chopped carrots, celery, potatoes and white onions, on their way to becoming lentil and vegetable soup.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

Finally got to indulge my hygge impulse at the weekend, with ham hock* & lentil soup: *substituted a gammon joint, since I couldn't get ham hock.

A stainless steel stock pot on a black glass hob. It contains a gammon joint in water, just coming to the boil. Soup is happening!

A square blue and white dish contains thickly shredded ham for the coming soup. Mmm, ham.

Chopped vegetables and red lentils simmering in a stainless steel stock pot. The ensoupification continues.

A black saucepan on a black hob contains the finished soup. It has been blended smooth before adding the shredded ham and heating through.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 04/10/2024

Roll up, roll up ladies an' gennelmen, git chore crusty bread 'ere. White or wholemeal, fresh today, they're luvverly.

A freshly-baked loaf of wholemeal bread is cooling in its tin on a cluttered kitchen worktop. Its crust is begging to be squeezed.

A freshly-baked loaf of home-made white bread on a cooling rack.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 19/09/2024

You just DIED! The 10th picture in your gallery is what killed you. I died of DEMOCRACY.

Picture of a completed postal voting pack for Northumberland, UK.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 17/09/2024

Is this where I brandish my walking stick and tell youse kids to get off my lawn?

Bluesky card confirming me as user number 849,223, a certified Bluesky elder. Mmm. I remember when this was all trees . . .

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 14/09/2024

In other news, look what happened on this day 17 years (and about four minutes) ago:

Photo of a couple of newlyweds. The bride is wearing a wine-red silk off the shoulder gown with an embroidered bodice. She is holding a posy of pink and white flowers. The groom is wearing a black Prince Edward coat, ivory embroidered waistcoat and has a pocket square and cravat to match the gown. In the background are the Rocky Mountains.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 25/08/2024

Same! My dad grows his own tomatoes, so whenever there's a glut I roast them low and slow for a couple of hours with olive oil, salt and pepper, lots of garlic and a dash of balsamic. Makes the kitchen smell like Tuscany.

Quartered fresh tomatoes fill an ovenproof dish, with sliced garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper and a knob of butter for gloss. In about two hours it will be the base for an epic lasagne.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 22/08/2024

If you see this, post a picture you took at sunset.

Sunset sky seen over the top of conifer heging in silhouette. Peach coloured clouds float over sky the colour of faded denim, with a band of fiery orange towards the horizon.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 10/08/2024

We have dozens of these cheery Welsh poppies in the garden, but this is the first time I've seen one with six petals instead of the usual four. #wildflowers

Close up of a yellow Welsh poppy flower sporting six petals instead of the usual four.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 03/08/2024

#6 and #7 were adopted from the local shelter. Owner-surrendered siblings, a great lump of a lad and his tiny, pretty sister, who paraded the front of the cage making come-hither eyes until we took them home. Broke our hearts for the last time. 5/5

Small tabby cat with white chest and paws, sitting on a beige velour cushion. She is looking out of frame, with her front paws on the TV remote and would like you to know that she is in charge of the day's viewing, thak you very much.

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Elspeth Cooper @elspethcooper.bsky.social · 03/08/2024

#5 was my husband's cat, Barney. As a kitten he left an unsuitable living arrangement over the road and decided my not-yet-spouse would be a better bet. Legendary trencherman; never got over being a hungry kitten. Once ate his way across the top of a loaf of bread, plastic wrapping and all. 4/n

Sleepy tabby cat with white chin and whiskers lying on a paving stone with garden foliage behind him. He has one forepaw tucked into his chest, the other extended towards the camera. His expression exudes contentment. Listen carefully and you can hear the loudest kitty snores known to man.

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