Sign in

Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him

@mikehollows.bsky.social
1.2K followers 300 following 743 posts

"The John Lewis Christmas Advert of Authors." Historical fiction/SFF Author. PhD Creative Writing (Science Fiction)/Lecturer. ME/CFS, late diagnosed ADHD. He/Him. Liverpool-based. Rep’d by Liverpool Literary Agency linktr.ee/mikehollows

PostsRepliesMedia
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
I'm going to be at #FantasyCon in Glasgow this weekend. Who will I see there? I'm moderating the following panels and doing a reading, please come along and say "hi!" #FantasyCon2026 @britfantasysoc.bsky.social
My fantasycon schedule
Fri The Thrill of the Slasher Panel
Sat Reading
Sun Writing for an IP Panel
Sun Balancing Fact and Fiction in Fight Scenes Panel
041
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
In desperate need of some additional work that I can put my skills and experience to. Does anyone know of any freelance/remote work going?
033
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Any idea how to get this iPad out? (Replacing it with a new one)
An iPad in a holder
100
Reposted by Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him
George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Here's today's column on the astonishing, ongoing mistreatment of people with #ME/CFS. Please spread it far and wide: the only thing which can break the media's wall of indifference is seeing an article about the issue go viral. Thank you. 1/2 www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Abandoned, dismissed and gaslighted: there is no excuse for the way ME sufferers have been betrayed | George Monbiot
Changes in guidance and science seem to have little impact on millions of devastated lives. It’s a social crisis playing out behind closed doors, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
17925341729
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Anyone recommend a good dash cam? Getting a new car and I'm worried about how bad the quality of driving is these days. Am I getting old? Don't answer that.
110
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
I love how the Royal Mail website help section is just a loop. You read an article, click 'contact us' at the bottom which takes you to a page that says 'have you tried this article?' which is the same article with no contact. What does this tracking even mean?
Your parcel from BLACKWELLS OXFORD BROAD STREET has reached your local delivery office. We've received a request not to deliver mail to the property your item is addressed to today. We'll attempt delivery as per the instructions we've received, which is usually on the next working day.
110
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Had another job rejection from a job I really wanted and it sucks. I also didn't get an interview despite clicking the disability guarantee email feature and meeting all the essential criteria, so that seems completely pointless. No feedback and a no-reply email address. Ugh.
240
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Them: due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application. …appreciate it if you could take a few moments to review your experience and share your thoughts by completing our candidate survey If you can’t provide feedback why should I?
050
Reposted by Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I will be presenting my MSc Psychology in Education research related to teaching Creative Writing at this year's NAWE Online Conference with @nawewriters.bsky.social on Sat 14th November. #NAWEConf2026 Grab a membership here: www.nawe.co.uk/writing-in-e...
011
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I will be presenting my MSc Psychology in Education research related to teaching Creative Writing at this year's NAWE Online Conference with @nawewriters.bsky.social on Sat 14th November. #NAWEConf2026 Grab a membership here: www.nawe.co.uk/writing-in-e...
011
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Hearing a lot about people submitting stories that have been written with AI for z, y, and z reasons, and it seems like an interesting discussion. I think it comes down to the age old idea that coming up with the idea is the work. But writing is process and creativity. Ideas are easy. Thoughts?
110
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Why does every single AI poster have a paint splash banner across the middle? 😅
000
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
I’ve started getting phone calls that leave a voice note saying ‘add my number on WhatsApp’ from a voice I don’t recognise. Anyone else had these?
100
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
£51m on Ezri Konsa?! Are you serious? I'll support him now as a Gooner, of course. But honestly I thought he was one of the worst defenders I've seen in the Premier League, always looked out of position and confused by high tempo, plus we have a bunch of quality defenders. Oh well. What do I know?
000
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
In an update to this. I got a call yesterday from a lovely and very apologetic member of the recruitment team. Apparently they had over 100 applicants, 23 of whom clicked the disability guarantee box, 12 of those, including me, met the essential requirements and unfortunately they had to make a cut.
110
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
I've also just realised I clicked on the be considered for disability confident interview scheme, which means that you are guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria. So why wasn't I granted an interview?
110
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
I've just received another job application rejection (or should I say failure to progress to the next stage) for which I had all of the essential and diserable criteria and more. I just don't get it. And there's no way to get feedback. AITA?
110
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Wait, do we like Clarkson again because he sells *checks notes*... beer? I wish I could monetise being a buffoon as much as these guys.
000
Reposted by Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him
Mike Brooks @mikebrooks668.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Please, no one ever assume that thanking us for writing something is bothering us. Bothering us is stuff like tagging us in mean reviews or "I think you got this incredibly minor piece of lore wrong" or "give me back my eyes you monster".
101106
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
You are the establishment, you absolute muppet.
010
Reposted by Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him
Alex Davis @alexdavis1981.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Crime and thriller fiction is one of the biggest genres out there, and if it's your patch then MAKE CRIME PAY might be just the online event for you! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/make-crime... #crime #crimewriting #crimewriters #crimefiction #thrillerfiction #thrillerwriting #thrillerwriters
eventbrite.co.uk
Make Crime Pay 2026
Join us for a packed day of online workshops, talks, interviews with an exciting range of Crime Writing authors.
132
Reposted by Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Time for a little venting (though I'm not sure if anyone will read this). For several years I've been trying to find a permanent position lecturing in creative writing. I've had some great opportunities as a freelancer working with lovely people and lovely students, but in this economy... 1/
132
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Time for a little venting (though I'm not sure if anyone will read this). For several years I've been trying to find a permanent position lecturing in creative writing. I've had some great opportunities as a freelancer working with lovely people and lovely students, but in this economy... 1/
132
Reposted by Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him
Nadia Whittome MP @nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Disability Rights UK is conducting a survey on disabled people’s experience of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). If you want your experiences to inform research, policy discussions and recommendations on PIP, please fill out the survey in the link below.
disabilityrightsuk.org
PIP Survey | Disability Rights UK
45267
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Another day, another job application. Well, I say that, but lecturing positions have been few and far between recently. It's just incredible how long it takes to write a personal statement and fill in the application, and then when you don't get shortlisted it's heartbreaking.
020
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
We did it!
000
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
I'm considering offering an online creative writing course through my website alongside my mentoring. What would you be looking for that would set me apart from the myriad creative writing courses out there? You can find my credentials at www.michaelhollows.com Any thoughts welcomed! #Writing
michaelhollows.com
Dr Mike Hollows/M.J. Hollows - Author/Lecturer
Historical Fiction, SFF, and Crime author, Doctor of Creative Writing
052
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
All set up at Chester Literature Festival at the @storyhouselive.bsky.social
My three latest books on a black table. The German nurse, the German messenger and The violinist’s secret. 
Picture of the outside of the storyhouse
150
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Just looking through The Guardians 100 Best Novels of All Time, and it's the same old, same old. The lack of genre fiction and any imagination is quite astounding. What would you add to the list? Gotta be Guards! Guards! by Sir Terry for me. Also surprised not to see The Book Thief by Zuzak.
020
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Does anyone want me to teach them writing? I just found out I didn’t make it to interview for a position I was fairly confident I would get an interview for and for which I had all the essential requirements and more. So…
100
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Some good news
140
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
What depressing news to wake up to. One of the problems is that many people haven't got the Labour party they thought they were voting for. He shouldn't have tried to copy Reform policy, but to show them for the charlatans and grifters that they are.
030
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
You can tell the world is really messed up at the moment. There are so many 'competitions' pushed on social media to win extravagant things like mansions and motorhomes. All of them are pay to enter so they are making a fortune.
010
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Therapeutic and Reflective Writing – 2 Last year I studied on the Professional Writing Academy's Therapeutic and Reflective Writing course. It was an excellent addition to my MSc in Psychology in Education, bridging this with my writing tuition. The staff were lovely and supportive as I've come to…
michaelhollows.com
Therapeutic and Reflective Writing – 2
Last year I studied on the Professional Writing Academy's Therapeutic and Reflective Writing course. It was an excellent addition to my MSc in Psychology in Education, bridging this with my writing tuition. The staff were lovely and supportive as I've come to expect from PWA. This session was about Biblio-Poetry Therapy. We were asked to pick a specific line from a poem and then use it to express our experiences.
010
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Anywhere around Tower Hill for a nice dinner tomorrow night?
000
Reposted by Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him
MK Hardy @mkhardywrites.com · 06/05/2026
What's this? We've got a nostalgic sports horror book with @3ambooks.bsky.social out this summer?? Get ready to dive in, the water's... fine 😈 www.thebookseller.com/rights/trans...
thebookseller.com
Transworld snaps up swimming pool horror for new imprint 3AM Books
Transworld has snapped up a swimming pool horror for its new imprint 3AM Books.
55719
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Taking my partner to London for her birthday this weekend. Despite it being my home town, it's been a hot minute. We've got a few things planned, but I'm looking for cool indie bookshops, cute bakeries, and good coffee. Please send your recommendations!
000
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Latest in house hunting saga: Went to view a house at 3pm Friday with Yopa. Loved it. There was one other offer, but too low. Offered asking price via text (as advised) at 4pm. House goes Sold STC so think, oh good. Find out this morning they didn't get my texts and accepted the other offer.
110
Reposted by Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him
Professional Writing Academy @profwriting.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Last few places for our Writing for Self-Discovery: Embracing Courage workshop with Kate McBarron on 6 May, 7-9pm. More details and tickets here: zurl.co/RlMt3 Join us for an empowering journal writing workshop. Bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore!
011
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Therapeutic and Reflective Writing Last year I studied on the Professional Writing Academy's Therapeutic and Reflective Writing course. It was an excellent addition to my MSc in Psychology in Education, bridging this with my writing tuition. The staff were lovely and supportive as I've come to…
michaelhollows.com
Therapeutic and Reflective Writing
Last year I studied on the Professional Writing Academy's Therapeutic and Reflective Writing course. It was an excellent addition to my MSc in Psychology in Education, bridging this with my writing tuition. The staff were lovely and supportive as I've come to expect from PWA. So, I thought I would share some of my writing from the course: "The first thing that stuck out to me was the poetry in the first reading.
000
Reposted by Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him
Amanda Rutter @alrutter.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
So Premier Inn is cutting 3,800 jobs after making a pre-tax profit of £298m. This company is in profit, is happily churning out a good result, but because it's 19% lower than in the previous year (due to business tax rates and national ins increase) they're putting 3,800 people out of a job.
23214
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
It’s a cat’s life…
My white cat Saga lying on an Ikea poang chair in the sun
030
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Finding my place in the writing world (Creative Writing and ADHD) I recently wrote this post for the Professional Writing Academy. You can read it here:
michaelhollows.com
Finding my place in the writing world (Creative Writing and ADHD)
I recently wrote this post for the Professional Writing Academy. You can read it here:
000
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
michaelhollows.com/2026/04/30/t...
michaelhollows.com
The Violinist’s Secret!
I realised that I never did a post to announce that my latest novel The Violinist’s Secret was released. Better late than never. The brand-new heart-wrenching World War 2 historical novel fro…
010
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Embarrassingly, it's "embarrassed".
4130
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
I've published 4 historical fiction novels, some short stories & articles. I have an MA & a PhD in writing, an MSc in psychology in education. I teach creative writing freelance & mentor. I no longer think I can afford to do this work & I'm tempted to pop into Waterstones and see if they need staff.
130
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
I need a new water fountain for my cats after they killed their Catit one. Preferably a cordless one, as Saga loves to play with cables. Any recommendations, please?
000
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Anyone know where I can get a copy of Mortarion: The Pale King by David Annandale? There's loads on ebay, but they all want at least £80. It retailed at £12.99.
003
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
At Warrington Crime Fest today. Going to be talking about my books and have copies to sign and sell. Any recommendations to make my desk more presentable are welcome. What would bring you over? Bookmarks? Bakes?
A table with a black tablecloth and copies of The German Nurse, The German Messenger, and The Violinist’s Secret.
210
Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him @mikehollows.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
The trials and tribulations of historical fiction research: I was just waiting for a friend in Waterstones Deansgate so I read a book called gruesome Manchester or something. Rather than organised by dated it was organised by month. Okay, fine. I was looking for stuff from the 1830s
110