iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Mythic Roads Press 🇨🇦 @mythicroads.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

We're absolutely thrilled to announce a very exciting update to the pre-order campaign for Waxing and Waning by J.N. Howell! Order your copy now through @alphabetsoupyeg.bsky.social, thebookarchive.ca, hopelessromanticbooks.ca (newly added!!), or directly to get everything listed!

Pre-order goodie graphic showcasing extras for Waxing and Waning by J.N. Howell. Pre-order through Alphabet Soup Books, The Book Archive, Hopeless Romantic Books, or Mythic Roads Press to receive a sapphic romance sticker, character art print, character art sticker, and signed copy.

Keyword graphic for Waxing and Waning by J.N. Howell. Text at the top says "Arriving December 1, 2026 - Reserve your copy today!". The Waxing and Waning cover is laid out on the left side, with the following keywords written beside: urban fantasy, sapphic second-chance romance, road trip, Canadian setting (Ontario and Quebec), Canadian author, middle-aged main characters, werewolves vs. vampires (plus other magical beings/shapeshifters), found family, "talking" pomeranian

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Mythic Roads Press 🇨🇦 @mythicroads.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

We're just over 2 months out from the release of @jnhowell.bsky.social's debut, Waxing and Waning, and what better way to celebrate than with a sneak peek of the first page? 👀🥳 Don't miss out, pre-order your copy today! See mythicroadspress.com/waxingandwaning for all the links 🙌

Graphic with a sneak peek of the first page of Waxing and Waning by J.N. Howell. Text below the page says "Arriving Dec. 1, 2026". The page reads as follows: "One
Fenelon Falls was the exact sort of deceptively cutesy town that Delilah hated. For all its tourist siren calls and quaint shops, it was currently home to the worst fae pubic lice outbreak in decades.
“Here’s a special comb as well to, uhm, get rid of the lice, sir,” Micah, her university-mandated intern, said softly. He unwound a dwindling set of sterilized combs and snapped one off. Even after so many patients, the idea of old people getting STIs was horrifying to him. They remind me of my grandparents, he’d said while struggling to pull on gloves over his wet hands.
“Competent” wasn’t a word Delilah would put on his university evaluation.
The swivel chair creaked as Delilah turned toward the fae and held out an orange pill bottle. “Take the Stromectol with a full glass of water. Empty stomach, no splitting the dose. Then apply the lindane concentrate to the infected area. Fae lice are particularly nasty buggers that hold on for dear life, and even regular lindane is carcinogenic to humans. So no using it to barter with tourists, you hear me?"

Graphic featuring the Waxing and Waning cover, alongside logos for Alphabet Soup Queer Bookstore, The Book Archive, and Mythic Roads Press. Text above reads "Pre-order today!" and below reads "Order the paperback through Alphabet Soup Queer Bookstore, The Book Archive, or Mythic Roads Press to get a signed copy!"

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I went to a STEM-heavy Canadian university and getting these rings (and their engineer leather jackets) were what all of the engineers eagerly awaited. I actually didn't know some of the other details though!

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Mythic Roads Press 🇨🇦 @mythicroads.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

“Peak adult gay panic in a deliciously realized fantasy romance.” -@jesscreaden.bsky.social, author of Moon Dust in My Hairnet Full review in the graphic attached!

JR Creaden's review of Waxing and Waning laid overtop a white background with gold stars on the top right and bottom left corners. The right half of the Waxing and Waning cover illustration is placed behind the box and text. The full blurb reads as follows: “Peak adult gay panic in a deliciously realized fantasy romance. Best friends to lovers estranged since college commit to being partners in a cross-provincial quest to save one's newborn from murderous werewolves. Howell's debut offers a magic system with unfolding layers of intrigue, singular characters in rich settings, and a tender mentorship arc as a consistent heartbeat.”-JR Creaden, author of Moon Dust in My Hairnet

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Mythic Roads Press 🇨🇦 @mythicroads.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

“An enthralling tale of belonging and acceptance, Waxing & Waning boasts a refreshingly diverse cast.” -Jenee Dutary, author of Fire & Death Full review in the graphic attached! ***PS. In case you missed it, Fire & Death was just released yesterday! Congratulations @jeneedutary.bsky.social!! 📚🥳

Jenee Dutary's review of Waxing and Waning laid overtop a white background with gold stars on the top right and bottom left corners. The right half of the Waxing and Waning cover illustration is placed behind the box and text. The full blurb reads as follows: “An enthralling tale of belonging and acceptance, Waxing & Waning boasts a refreshingly diverse cast. With top notch humour and expertly delivered nuance, J.N. delivers a fantastic and entertaining read that will sit with the reader long after it’s finished.”-Jenee Dutary, author of Fire & Death

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Mythic Roads Press 🇨🇦 @mythicroads.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

“A sapphic second chance romance with quirky characters, a beautiful magic system, and truly unhinged (complimentary!) vibes!” -Chandra Fisher, author of The Dark Sweetness at the Bottom of the Well Full review in the graphic attached!

Chandra Fisher's review of Waxing and Waning, laid overtop a white background with gold stars on the top right and bottom left corners. The right half of the Waxing and Waning cover illustration is placed behind the box and text. The full blurb reads as follows: “A sapphic second chance romance with quirky characters, a beautiful magic system, and truly unhinged (complimentary!) vibes! I loved reading about middle aged magical women falling in love all over again, despite the wild circumstances under which they reunite. J.N. Howell has created a thoughtful, uniquely Canadian magical world, and I truly enjoyed the nostalgic nod to Canadiana through the dialogue. Did I like Waxing and Waning? Yeah, no, for sure!”-Chandra Fisher, author of The Dark Sweetness at the Bottom of the Well

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Proof copy of Waxing and Waning should be arriving today or tomorrow! 🤯

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Are you Canadian? 🇨🇦 Do you want to win a free sapphic Canadian book? 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩 Check out the giveaway on Goodreads for Waxing and Waning! www.goodreads.com/book/show/25...

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Locus Magazine @locusmag.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

“First To Rot” by @jnhowell.bsky.social from @othersidespec.bsky.social, “Fletcher’s Flights” by Jonathan Olfert from @bcsmagazine.bsky.social, and more short fic recs from @paulaguran here - locusmag.com/review/...

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M.R. Robinson @mruthrobinson.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

I jumped out of my seat and had to take a lap around the house when I first saw FOUR recommendations for @othersidespec.bsky.social stories in this issue of Locus. If you haven’t yet, give these stories a read! They’re “devastating,” “luminescent,” “heartbreaking.” othersidespec.com/issues/issue...

Screenshot that reads

Recommended Stories
"Before She Knew About Magic", Joshua Geller Schwartz (Otherside 6/26)
"First To Rot", J.N. Howell (Otherside 6/26)
"Remade, Reshaped, Remembered", Sydney Paige Guerrero (Otherside 6/26)
"This Is C(lone)-Pop", Lia Lao (Otherside 6/26)
"Fletcher's Flights", Jonathan Olfert (Beneath Ceaseless Skies 6/11/26)

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

🥲 Feeling very honoured for the @locusmag.bsky.social review and shoutout for my story "First to Rot" (and the other amazing @othersidespec.bsky.social stories!).

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Mark Carney @mark-carney.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

On 9/11, the people of Gander stepped up. They showed the very best of Canada.

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Just submitted my final proof edits to @mythicroads.bsky.social. With that... Waxing and Waning is ready! Kind of unbelievable that in a few short months people will have the Delilah and Darcy smooching in their hands 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩.

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Omg a @trucherrygirl.bsky.social follow in the wild! Another shoutout incoming, Lara was one of the sensitivity consultants. In this case they consulted on the Egyptian diaspora and provided great insight into ensuring the narrative wasn't perpetuating the "magical cure" ableist narrative. 🤎

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Wanted to shoutout @dottea.bsky.social for doing commissioned art for Waxing and Waning!! I can't share the whole thing just yet, since Mythic Roads plans to utilize it but... if you want an art commission I recommend him! I'm a returning customer for a reason 😀.

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Where are the fellow F/F fantasy writers at? I want to follow you all!

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Lu @dottea.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Still chipping at the owed work queue, but making progress! Have a couple wips in the meantime #wip

A crop from a bigger piece featuring three characters walking arm in arm, they all smile at each other and seem at peace in each other's company. They are all bathed in a pinkish light, as though from a sunset. Around them is a very rough sketch of a willow tree that will frame the piece.

Crop of a bigger piece. A vampire woman with blonde hair, dark eyes and red lipstick looks over her shoulder towards someone off-screen. She is smiling and showing off her fangs. Her pink finger is lifter with a golden thread wrapped around it. There are loose sketches of bats and possible stars in the background.

Portrait of a male elf character with blonde hair that is tied back. He has stubble all across his jaw and holds a cigarette between his relaxed lips. Sketches of leaves / vines border the frame on a pale green/yellow background.

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Here's a thread of the IRL places in Ontario/Quebec featured in Waxing and Waning. 🌙 Coming out Dec 1st through @mythicroads.bsky.social Starting with Deluxe Hamburgers in Sudbury. Shoutouts to them for continuing to kick ass against the McDonalds across the street.

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Kumamon will forever have my hear. When my Kumamon-themed duffle bag bit the dust I grieved.

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

New profile photo (and soon to be author photo) from @mardyart.bsky.social 🥰

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

It's been really cool peeking behind the publishing curtain 👀. I've already learned a lot about what goes into publishing a book.

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Mythic Roads Press 🇨🇦 @mythicroads.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Pre-order a paperback through @alphabetsoupyeg.bsky.social, thebookarchive.ca, or directly on mythicroadspress.com to receive a signed copy! See here for all the links: tinyurl.com/5dnxwhp2 📚🤩 #canadianbooks #canadianauthors #canadianpublishers #lgbtqbooks🏳️‍🌈 #sapphic #paranormalromance #urbanfantasy

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

It's kind of wild to know that people are going to have their hands physically on Delilah & Darcy's story this winter! 🥹 Thank you to both Mythic Roads and Andy for making this F/F second chance romance real. 🥲💜

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Hey #BluePit! My F/F second chance romance Waxing & Waning is coming out in Dec. with @mythicroads.bsky.social It's for you if you like: 💋 Middle aged women smooching 🚐 (Forcibly) found family on road trips ✨ Hidden magical society that wants OUT 🇨🇦 Supporting Canadian authors #A #R #LGBT #OV #📖

Moodboard that gives a magical, summery road trip vibe with an Ontario Canada map in the middle

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

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Chuck Tingle @chucktingle.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

theres nothing to be bothered by when you recognize that your creation, whether a painting or song or book, is ALL THINGS. it is not about your art being NEITHER good or bad, it is BOTH good and bad. it is BEYOND quantifying and when you start trying to do that you are simply playing a game

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Doing my publisher edits on Waxing & Waning this week and made a small side character a part of the core crew. (The idea of a middle aged woman in the body of a 10 pound Pomeranian was too fun.) I sent my partner screenshots of where I added her in and Susan is now her fave character LOL. 🐕

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OTHERSIDE @othersidespec.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

ICYMI: Issue 2 is out now and free to read on our website! "First to Rot" by @jnhowell.bsky.social is a quiet space exploration story (of sorts) that redefines home and reimagines survival. Jiran and E. will break your heart in the best way. 🌱 Read it here: othersidespec.com/pieces/first...

Quote from the story "First to Rot" by J.N. Howell in OTHERSIDE Issue 2. The quote reads: We stopped burying bodies when the ice quit thawing and stayed forever. Brexon 5 was always an outpost mining planet, so there were few tears shed when someone slipped and cracked their head open or froze to death while pissing. Bitter fucking place with a bitter fucking attitude.

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

I got my publisher edits back for Waxing & Waning (coming out in December from @mythicroads.bsky.social) and it's been really fun getting back into Delilah's head! I wrote most of the novel over a few summers at my cottage, so it's serendipitous that I get to edit it the same way. 💛

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Rat Bag @ratbaglit.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Paid subscribers can read our rat recommendation "How to Get a Peg Leg and a Broken Heart" by J. A. Espermyth at: ratbaglit.substack.com/p/how-to-get... Or buy it in issue 1, digital or print: ko-fi.com/ratbaglit/shop

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Sydney Paige Guerrero (she/her) @sydneyficant137.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

7th story! "First to Rot" by @jnhowell.bsky.social ! The ending image is so perfect that I am warring with wanting to talk about it and not wanting to spoil it. I loved every exchange between E and Jiran dearly 🖤🤍💜

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OTHERSIDE @othersidespec.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Portals #1 opens to submissions on June 22nd at 12:01 am Eastern! Co-editors Jess and Angel are looking for speculative horror fiction and poetry by trans/nonbinary authors. GUIDELINES: hybrispress.moksha.io/publication/... Find their wishlists below, plus more details in the quoted thread! (1/3)

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

My story about rotting in space is live at OTHERSIDE! 🌱

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

The cover is being cooked up as we speak! Until then, pre-order is already up for any cheeky early birds. 🪱🐦

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OTHERSIDE @othersidespec.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

HAPPY PRIDE, ISSUE 2 IS OUT NOW FOR SUBSCRIBERS!!! Check your email! 🪐🗡️🌈 Issue 2 will be free online on June 15th—but if you'd like to support a queer magazine AND read Issue 2 without waiting, you can snag a copy now! Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/s/3e872a158d Patreon: www.patreon.com/posts/others... (1/2)

OTHERSIDE Issue 2 cover on the left, with text on the right that says ISSUE 2: nine stories, six poems, one essay, original art by queer creators available now for subscribers. www.othersidespec.com

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Alto 💖💜💙🏳️‍⚧️ @altoclarinet5.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Happy Pride Month!!! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️

Meme screenshot of dialog from Fire Emblem Path of Radiance with the character Ike saying "If you're looking for pride...I have it." with a rainbow flag background. It's a pun on pride and lgbt pride

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Kieran @toadally.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Every year for Pride, I repost Hue. I made him to send love and comfort to those who feel Pride isn’t for them because they aren’t out. You matter, you are valid, and it’s ok if you aren’t ready yet. Coming out is not a requirement for being part of this community. Happy Pride 🌈

A rainbow colored box turtle looking nervously out of a drab gray shell. There is text above him that says “It’s OK if you’re not ready yet.”

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Tales & Feathers Magazine @talesfeathers.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

This is it, friends. The final week of our campaign. 😲 We have only 6 days to reach our stretch goals. If you've been waiting to back us, now is the time! At $13k, we'll be able to run year 6 of T&F ✨ At $15.5k, we'll be able to put a PRINT EDITION in your hands! 🤩 Back and share to help! 💚

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

I'm part of @jeneedutary.bsky.social's street team for her novel Fire & Death (coming out in September 22) and I feel like I've already learned so much from the process. She's got her shit together, let me tell you. 🤩 Comps include Mortal Instruments/Shadowhunters www.goodreads.com/book/show/24...

goodreads.com

Fire and Death

Aideen's entire life has been plagued with death. When …

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Locus Magazine @locusmag.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

The #LocusAwards are coming up at the end of May! Horror master #StephenGrahamJones will be joining us as a guest of honor, author of works such as #TheBuffaloHunterHunter and #Mongrels. You can buy tickets at locusmag.com/2026-lo... or via the link in our bio!

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

Speaking of #Ontario... does anyone have any recommendations for places to visit this summer? I'm itching for a little roadtrip (but I've been to so many places I might be running out 😅).

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

The Ontario is popping out here, but I love The Big Apple and am also partial to the huge Muskoka chair in Gravenhurst.

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OTHERSIDE @othersidespec.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

ISSUE 2 COVER REVEAL! Subscribers got the first look, but now it's your turn! As always, art is by the incredible @hvmator.bsky.social, who has once again knocked it out of the park. Those colors! These authors! We can't wait for you to read this issue 🧡 We know you're going to love it.

The cover art for issue 2 of OTHERSIDE. In shades of purple, blue, orange, and yellow, a figure wallks through a watery landscape. There's wreckage floating all around, including pieces of fallen statues. A giant carved head looks in the background, where two suns sink below the horizon. Author names appear in white text: Zhang, Howell, Chinedu, Grady, Lao, Schwartz, Offor, MacNutt, Shen, Wernicke, Tristen, Guerrero, Levington, Manrique, Francisco, Vamsidhar.

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OTHERSIDE @othersidespec.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Our Issue 2 TOC is officially here! 🪐🗡️ We are so excited to reveal this stellar lineup of nine stories, six poems, and one essay by sixteen incredible authors—and we absolutely cannot WAIT for you to read this dreamy, gorgeous, magical issue in June. More details in the thread! 🧵 (1/7)

White text on a blurry orange and purple background. Text reads:

Issue 2, June 2026

Original Fiction
Crowns - cee-cee manrique
First to Rot - J.N. Howell
Chī Kǔ - J.Y. Zhang
Before She Knew About Magic - Joshua Geller Schwartz
This Is C(lone)-Pop - Lia Lao
We Who Have Been Raised by Tigers - P.V. Vamsidhar
Remade, Reshaped, Remembered - Sydney Paige Guerrero

Nonfiction
A Noose of Purple Silk - Sidney Grady

White text on a blurry orange and purple background. Text reads:

Issue 2, June 2026

Original Poetry
girl flogged by a false-named whip - Amie Shen
Masquerade. - Chidera Offor
Ganymede - Gospel Chinedu
obsolesce - Macey Levington
As seen through the hole of the hag stone: - Sienna Tristen
Open Your Eyes Again - Toby MacNutt

Reprint Fiction
Two People - Ben Francisco
Spider Kiss - Bree Wernicke

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OTHERSIDE @othersidespec.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

It's here! Our May bonus newsletter, which includes alllll the submissions stats you could want PLUS the reveal of our gorgeous Issue 2 cover illustration by @hvmator.bsky.social PLUS an exclusive look at early drafts, too! Patreon is the best way to support us. Our patrons make OTHERSIDE possible 🧡

patreon.com

Bonus Newsletter: Art Reveal + Submissions Stats! | OTHERSIDE

Bonus Newsletter: Art Reveal + Submissions Stats! by OTHERSIDE on Patreon. Join OTHERSIDE's community for exclusive content and updates.

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Lia Lao @thelialao.bsky.social · 31/01/2026

hi #questpit, almost done revising my sapphic sf crazy rich asians novel, so here's the agent's guide! :)) [BREAKING NEWS]: BROKE PHD STUDENT FAKES DEATH AND STEALS IDENTITY OF BILLIONAIRE TECH HEIRESS. TOO BAD HER GENIUS RIVAL IS ONTO HER & IS OBSESSED WITH EXPOSING HER NEW SKIN #A #SF #LGBT

slide that reads "an agent's guide to FACELESS". line under reads "adult speculative fiction / 80,000 words @thelialao)

background is a blurry photo of an asian woman with a blue tint

Text:

PITCH

[BREAKING NEWS]: BROKE PHD STUDENT FAKES DEATH AND STEALS IDENTITY OF BILLIONAIRE TECH HEIRESS. TOO BAD HER GENIUS RIVAL IS ONTO HER & IS OBSESSED WITH EXPOSING HER NEW SKIN

the opulence of CRAZY RICH ASIANS x the otherworldly, futuristic atmosphere of LOCAL HEAVENS x the socio-satirical tone of THE IMMORTAL KING RAO

set in a floating city inspired by tech havens in Silicon Valley and East/Southeast Asia

Background: an Asian City with a blue filter

$TEXT: FIRST PAGE It’s a beautiful night to die. The lights of Chang’E City shine over the water, glinting like shattered glass. From her position on the watchtower, Fay Soon can see everything. Her eyes turn, trying to stay cool as they scan the sprawling streets, the steel towers, the crystalline lights that weave through the metropolis like veins. It’s almost commendable how hard she’s trying to maintain her composure. As if this is still an equation that can be solved, rudimentary as the mathematical problems she learnt in elementary school: if 4x = 16, find x. But if things were so simple she wouldn’t be standing here, body tautened like a coiled wire. Her heart wouldn’t be beating hard enough to fracture her ribs. And on her right, wouldn’t lie the endless, insurmountable drop of the edge. @thelialao Background: A silhouette of a woman looking at a wall of holograms$

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J.N. Howell @jnhowell.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Well the Ts have been crossed so I can now announce that I'll be published in Volume 2 of @othersidespec.bsky.social. "First to Rot" is a quietly queer story about being launched into space with a stranger, nurturing platonic life partnerships to survive, and decomposition. 🌱

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