iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 3h

We're launching the @apexmag.bsky.social 2027 Kickstarter tomorrow! Lots of cool rewards, plus fun perks for our backers. I hope you'll join us and help fund another year of Apex! www.kickstarter.com/projects/ape...

kickstarter.com

Coming soon: Apex Magazine 2027

An award-winning digital literary journal of science fiction, dark fantasy, and horror.

042

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

What are your favorite giallo films? I've seen a few but I want to go on a deep dive and watch a bunch of them. I watched The Bird with the Crystal Plummage last night. Which ones should I be sure not to miss?

112

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Random shit I say to @crashbox.net while watching a movie he isn't interested in: "You missed the chase scene with the freestyle jazz!"

020

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Sometimes I laugh at how many times my mom and I say "I'll talk to you later," before we actually get off the phone. This morning it was four.

050

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The Apex Magazine 2027 Kickstarter is coming soon! Be sure to hit that 'Notify me on launch' button so you can be one of the first to back another year of Apex! www.kickstarter.com/projects/ape...

kickstarter.com

Coming soon: Apex Magazine 2027

An award-winning digital literary journal of science fiction, dark fantasy, and horror.

22816

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Me: "I need to break out the Halloween decorations this year. I need some joy!" My kid: "Now?!? Are we doing it now?" Friends, it is 9:45 on a Friday night. If we started decorating for Halloween right now, @crashbox.net would really start wondering about me. First thing in the morning will do.

041

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Oh my god, you all! I am so tired and stressed that when the tattoo shop replied to my appointment email saying it was nice to see me back with the artist who has done most of my tattoos I nearly burst into tears. I don't know why. It just hit me as really nice that they remember me. I'm a mess.

0110

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Yep ... I'm totally going to the liquor store in my pajamas to buy wine.

160

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Scott Edelman @scottedelman.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

It's a double Eating the Fantastic birthday day for former guests @patcadigan.bsky.social and @lesleyconner.bsky.social! Celebrate their latest spins around the sun by taking your seats at their tables as we chat and chew on Episodes 77 and 225. Bon appétit! pod.link/1083737796

To the left: Pat Cadigan across the table from me holding up sushi with her chopsticks.

To the right: Lesley and me posing in front of a neon sign depicting a flying saucer lifting a slice of pizza in its tractor beam.

062

Reposted by Lesley Conner

J m McDermott/joe m mcdermott @jmmcdermott.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Instead of taking a seminar in how to use ai to write a novel, join a writing group and/or nanowrimo it. Like, it's words on a page. You write them. Then you edit them to make them better. It's supposed to be hard. Also, it's okay to fail at it. Better fail at making human art than cheating with #ai

021

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

And if I've calculated correctly, I'll be able to complete 21 platelet donations for the year before then. I'll have to take a 3 month break after, but can start back up in March 2027.

010

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Anj Baker @anjbaker.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Thought I'd reshare this now month-old story of mine because Apex Mag was my dream market for half a decade! Still immensely grateful to @lesleyconner.bsky.social & The Squad for sharing my lil story about gender dysphoria & fear of prion disease

1103

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Just realized I can borrow all 37 Agatha Raisin books by MC Beaton in audio from my local library. I've read the first 12 or 14 in paperback, but I just listened to the first one and it's a great audiobook. Guess that's my listening sorted for the next few months.

030

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Please please please don't email me your submissions to @apexmag.bsky.social. At best, I'll reply with a link to our Moksha portal. At worst ... your email with languish in my inbox for 6 months to 28 years and when I come across it, I'll feel dreadfully guilty.

0111

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Apex Magazine and Book Company @apexmag.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Apex Magazine is OPEN to short fiction submissions for the month of September! 🎉 Please review our submission guidelines and submit your work by 12 AM CST on October 1. We can't wait to read your strange, shocking, surreal, beautiful speculative fiction! 🖤👽 apexbookcompany.moksha.io/publication/...

Apex Magazine Submissions OPEN!
We are Seeking:
Strange, surreal, shocking, beautiful sci-fi, fantasy, and horror fiction up to 9k words
Submissions Close October 1st
https://apexbookcompany.moksha.io/
www.apexbookcompany.com

17350

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Apex Magazine and Book Company @apexmag.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

"I saw a leech had attached itself to my elbow. I plucked it with repulsion. . . 'Put it back,' you said from the doorway. 'It’s hungry.'" 🪱🍖🍽️ New fiction today by @ammaris.bsky.social: "Dispatch From My Ex-Girlfriend's Lower Intestine" Read it here: www.apexbookcompany.com/blogs/apex-m...

"Dispatch From My Ex-Girlfriend's Lower Intestine" By A.M. Maris. Apex Magazine, Issue 154.

0125

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Two times today I've been waiting in line and had a man step in front of me. I must be invisible.

160

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Going to see Colony by myself this afternoon. As of 9 last night, when I bought my ticket, mine was the only ticket sold. It'll be interesting to see if anyone else is there today.

040

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Started rewatching Dark Shadows. I'm about halfway thru. This show is so funny.

040

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Today my grandma turned 101. Imagine that! 101. Truly amazing!

2280

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Every night I turn off the light in the living room and then have to cross this minefield of ottoman, two dogs, and a shitton of dog toys to get to the safety of the kitchen. Obviously our lamp is in the wrong place.

020

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Tim Curry was my childhood. Between Dr. Frank-n-furter in Rocky Horror, Pennywise in It, and the butler in Clue, he showed me that it was okay to be different, to be weird. So, from the weird girl from WV, thank you, Mr. Curry. You meant more to me than I can say. RIP

0152

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Nalo Hopkinson - Jamaica Ginger & Other Concoctions @nalohop.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

I was not ready for the one-two gut punch of losing Dolly Parton and Tim Curry within 24 hours.

3678

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

I think it's time to schedule an appointment to get the Rocky Horror Picture Show tattoo that I've been wanting.

060

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

I want to be someone who goes to and enjoys dinner theater or staying at bed and breakfasts, but with both gluten and dairy allergies these things are not fun. Instead they're filled with anxiety and stress.

170

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Realizing that I either watch horror movies while they're in the theater ... Or at least four decades later. Tonight's viewing - The Gorgon from 1964.

090

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

The boys want walks. Luckily it is absolutely gorgeous today.

Two golden doodles. One black and one golden.

160

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Anj Baker @anjbaker.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Huge shoutout to @marissavu.bsky.social! She actually listened to my pandemic-era podcast before interviewing me haha

164

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Apex Magazine and Book Company @apexmag.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

"Tear it all off! . . . Oh, rip out of your own skin, if you could only find the seam, rip out of your skin. The woman with the belt buckle sees you exposed and screams." 🦜☀️🌡️ New fiction today by Rob Cameron: "When I heard Calypso" Read it here: www.apexbookcompany.com/blogs/apex-m...

"When I Heard Calypso" By Rob Cameron. Apex Magazine, Issue 154.

062

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Took my teen to practice driving today. 4 and a half hours!!! Tonight I'm having a glass of wine and watching Mothra. I don't have brain cells for anything else. Watching someone else drive shouldn't be this exhausting.

static.klipy.com

Mothra: Queen of the Monsters Flying

Alt: Mothra: Queen of the Monsters Flying

160

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Oz is enjoying a post-walk nap. His little snores are adorable.

260

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Apex Magazine and Book Company @apexmag.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Preorders for @briankeene.bsky.social's BENEATH THE LOST LEVEL, the latest addition to the beloved LOST LEVEL series, are NOW OPEN! 💥🦖🐸⚔️ snag your print or digital copy for 30% off, running from now until release day December 15th! www.apexbookcompany.com/products/ben...

"www.apexbookcompany.com
PREORDERS NOW OPEN!"

01010

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

I have about 50 pages left in the novel I'm reading and focusing on @apexmag.bsky.social submissions is really hard. I want to finish reading my book!

static.klipy.com

Hocus Pocus: BOOOOO-OOOOKKK!!!!

Alt: Hocus Pocus: BOOOOO-OOOOKKK!!!!

1112

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Frances Hardinge @franceshardinge.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Apologies to those who know this already. If you're an aspiring author who submits a manuscript to what looks like a traditional publisher, and they write back saying that they adore your book but want you to pay £3k or so for an 'editing service'... Please don't sign with them.

415667

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

I went to see Kesha with my kids last night and she was freaking amazing! The entire crowd was dancing and singing along. I highly recommend seeing her live if you get a chance.

Kesha in a gold outfit and sunglasses with a gold spiky circle behind her.

050

Reposted by Lesley Conner

John Scalzi @scalzi.com · 13/08/2026

Reminder: 1. You don't need to have an opinion on everything, especially stuff you don't know enough about 2. You don't need to have a PUBLIC opinion on everything 3. It's okay to focus on one or two things and let others take up the slack elsewhere 4. It's okay to take a break when overwhelmed.

452814617

Reposted by Lesley Conner

John Scalzi @scalzi.com · 06/08/2026

Sending this out to whoever needs to see it: It's okay if you read slowly, there's no great victory in being able to read quickly, everyone kind of has their own reading speed, and that's perfectly fine. I'm just really happy you're reading. I hope it gives you joy at any pace. Thank you!

19867971119

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Bo Bolander @bbolander.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

recommend having a good sobbing meltdown over everything you cannot change at least once a month to really even the keel a bit

51012

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Jason Sanford @jasonsanford.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Regarding the Horror Writers Association (HWA) newsletter promoting AI usage, why why why do people keep using the term "gatekeepers" to describe those opposed to the use of LLMs in writing and art? The true gatekeepers are the billionaire tech bros whose companies push to normalize AI usage. 1/

static.klipy.com

Rick Moranis: Are You The Gatekeeper?

Alt: Rick Moranis: Are You The Gatekeeper?

923648

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Apex Magazine and Book Company @apexmag.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

CALLING ALL BOOK REVIEWERS! 🚨 We're looking for scifi and horror fans to review BENEATH THE LOST LEVEL, the latest upcoming addition to @briankeene.bsky.social's LOST LEVEL series! ⚔️🐸🦖 Feel like crawling some dungeons and battling some toads? Email darian@apexbookcompany.com TODAY for a free e-ARC!

Graphic designed to look like a beat-up 80s mass market paperback cover. Title reads "We Have Been Looking for You - Book Reviewers Wanted" with photographs of surreal repeating eyes.

Cover of Beneath the Lost Level by Brian Keene

0109

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

A new issue of @apexmag.bsky.social has been unleashed upon the world! Apex Magazine issue 154 includes original fiction by Anj Baker, Rob Cameron, AM Maris, Alia Ai-Ming Shahzad, Stefan Alcalá Slater, CM Sullivan, David R. Hoffman, RJ Aurand, and SC Pires. www.apexbookcompany.com/pages/apex-m...

Cover of Apex Magazine issue 154. Artwork by Jeleynai. Cover design by Justin Stewart.

12713

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Apex Magazine and Book Company @apexmag.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

"This is a weird, mindfuck of an issue, exploring liminal spaces, realities far removed from our own, and characters who … change." 🌀🧠🌗 New today by @lesleyconner.bsky.social: "Musings from Maryland" Read it here: www.apexbookcompany.com/blogs/apex-m...

"Musings from Maryland" by Lesley Conner. Apex Magazine, Issue 154.

0148

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Lightspeed Magazine @lightspeedmagazine.com · 03/08/2026

On Sept. 15, we're launching a Kickstarter to fund Year 17 of LIGHTSPEED & Year 15 of NIGHTMARE. Visit the pre-launch page now to check out what we have in store and then click the NOTIFY ME ON LAUNCH button so you can be one of the first to back in Sept. www.lightspeedmagazine.com/kickstarter/...

01211

Lesley Conner @lesleyconner.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

This isn't something that I'd think would need to be said, but based on an email I just received, apparently it does: Insulting a magazine and/or their EiC in a response to a rejection isn't a good way to get published by that magazine.

1152

Reposted by Lesley Conner

Danny Cherry Jr (twitter/Insta/tiktok: @Deecherrywriter) @deecherrywriter.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

🚨Short story acceptance alert 🚨 Town Full of Broken Tin Men, originally published in @apexmag.bsky.social's Robotic Ambitions anthology, shall be getting reprinted in MetaStellar. It deals with the themes of PTSD and what it means to return back to civilization after war!

7204