iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

My current strategy for avoiding overwhelm: + What’s one thing I can cancel this week? + What are two things I can defer until later? + Where can I reserve two or three hours where my phone is not involved (baking, watching a movie, attending a poetry reading)? Would be curious to hear yours!

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John Wiswell @wiswell.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

George Saunders on AI: "Why surrender our agency (that amazing ability we have to reach across time and space, with our strange, idiosyncratic phenomenon, and land within the sensibility of another human being) to something that, by its very design, pushes the individual sensibility aside?"

Has your relationship to AI changed since it was first released as a widely accessible consumer product?

No. Very early on, I did that thing where I asked AI to generate some text in my voice, and the result was so dispiriting—so dull and literal—that I lost interest. I don’t have any AI products and don’t want any. I would, in fact, pay not to have them and would pay extra to stop them from sneakily titrating themselves into existing products, like, for example, probably, the likely forthcoming AI fork that assesses your angle of food-entry and tells you how efficiently you’re eating compared to others in your demographic and so on.

How does George Saunders—the person, not the writer—use AI day to day?

He tries to avoid it, although he sometimes screws up by forgetting to add “- ai” in his searches. I don’t consider myself qualified to talk about the use of AI in medicine or science or any of that. But in writing I find it completely unappealing.

Have you spent time trying to write or revise with AI? Is there an experiment that would be interesting enough to try?

I have not. Not for a second. To me, this whole idea of using AI to write is . . . anathema. A thing to be most radically avoided.

Writing is the most precious way one person can communicate their essence to another person. I’ve spent a lifetime trying to get better at making myself present in my writing. Why would I want to sacrifice even one iota of that? Not even in an email and certainly not in a short story or novel.

Who are we ceding our authority to, exactly, when we let AI write for us? And why? Why surrender our agency (that amazing ability we have to reach across time and space, with our strange, idiosyncratic phenomenon, and land within the sensibility of another human being) to something that, by its very design, pushes the individual sensibility aside? And in the name of . . . what, exactly? Ease, I guess? Efficiency? The person who chooses to write with AI has also sacrificed, from the start, the opportunity of experiencing difficulty, of struggling to say what he wants to say, of making himself evident in his prose, of trying to find out what he believes. By this, he sacrifices a chance to know himself and his mind better. To me, that’s a shame. And it’s dangerous, because, as we are now finding out, it affects the brain and lessens our capabilities. Thanks, but no thanks, get thee behind me, etc.

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Reactor Magazine @reactorsff.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

"Once there was a girl born ravenous." We're thrilled to share a story from Forged In FIYAH: Celebrating Ten Years of Black Speculative Fiction! A woman who eats a town's sins is led astray by a mysterious visitor... You can read @shereereneethomas.bsky.social's novelette "Petite Ville" now!

reactormag.com

Petite Ville - Reactor

A woman who eats a town's sins is led astray by a mysterious visitor.

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I keep finding dozens of ants in the kitchen, and now I feel invisible ants crawling on me in every room of the house. 😭

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Beyond excited to be curating this exhibition on death, dying, and grief at Urban Arts Space in Columbus, OH. This show features photographs, drawings, paintings, sculptures, and poems from seventeen artists. I'll also have a poem and a drawing in the show—my first time exhibiting work in a gallery!

"Spirit & Dust: an exhibition on death and dying," curated by Michelle Burdine & Diane Callahan at Urban Arts Space, October 13 – November 14, over a cyan abstract background.

"Death is a Dialogue between The Spirit and the Dust" quote by Emily Dickinson, with introductory text about seventeen artists exploring mortality, loss, and care. Living is a daily conversation with death, and through art, we continue that dialogue with mortality, loss, and our own humanity.
In this exhibition, seventeen artists from various disciplines
-from photography and sculpture to poetry and dance-seek to create space for care and connection in confronting questions of death and dying.
What do we gather from our losses?
How is this knowledge embodied, and what can art provide for this relationship?
What can death teach us about what it means to be alive?

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

When you’re supposed to be an editor, and you make any kind of mistake with words.

Actor saying, “I’m so sorry. I failed you. You trusted me, and I failed you.”

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Trung Le Nguyen @trungles.com · 22/09/2026

What’s the age threshold where you finally understand that a story’s success does not depend on how much it is morally instructive, because I swear if you are on Bluesky you are too old to be holding onto that.

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Feels like I should have Rollercoaster Tycoon on there, too, because who hasn't had their life changed by the realization that people will leave vomit and trash on the ground if you don't invest in infrastructure to clean up the mess of the few so that an experience can be enjoyed by the many?

A 3x3 grid titled "My 9 Games: The 9 Games That Shaped Who I Am" featuring cover art for Monster Rancher, Nancy Drew: Secret of the Scarlet Hand, The Sims, Neopets Browser, Gaia Online, Myst, Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel, Inuyasha: A Feudal Fairy Tale, and Pokémon Red Version.

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Someone in my writing class said I have Winona Ryder vibes, and I am here for it. 💖

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

There are still a few spots left for my virtual writing workshop this fall! The Thurber House Adult Writers' Studio includes live Zoom sessions with craft lessons, discussions, and critique groups with other writers. I'd love to see you there! www.thurberhouse.org/virtual-aws-...

thurberhouse.org

Thurber House — ‣ Adult Writers’ Studio (Virtual) (Fall 2026) — Literary Center and James Thurber Museum

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Feeling like a real writer because I spent half an hour writing one sentence, then wrote an entire first scene of a short story, then decided that I don’t want to write this story after all.

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

I’ve never fully understood what it means to “perform” gender because it’s so much more than clothing, than posture, than attitude. Yet gender norms still permeate so much of my daily existence and the way I move about the world—how I write, think, and feel.

Open copy of Fruitslice to Diane’s essay, “Fantasizing About Being a Man Who Loves Women”

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

I receive at least three AI spam emails every week, all from different “companies” wanting to “collaborate" with my YouTube channel. Countless authors I know get similar spam requests for book clubs and interviews—all scammers preying on people’s hopes and dreams. Gmail needs to do better.

Erasure of AI spam message that reads, "I’ve been watching how you break a writer’s editor to give no value”

Erasure of AI spam message that reads “Hope you are helping AI be a luxury to large corporate teams long-term.”

Erasure of AI spam message that reads, “really writing is more than language it comes with creative style vision and love.”

Erasure of AI spam message that reads, “keep your low-quality funnel consultants.”

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Mia V. Moss @magicrobotcarnival.com · 25/08/2026

My first novel comes out in exactly SIX WEEKS from Dark Matter Ink, and right now over on Goodreads you can enter to win a signed hardback copy! 💙📚🌈🪐 #booksky #indieauthors www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...

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Thurber House @thurberhouse.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Can you believe it? Fall season at Thurber House starts NEXT WEEK! 😮🍁🍂 Our Adult #Writers' Studio and Young Writers' Studio cohorts are registering now. 🥳 Choose from in-person or virtual. ✍️ Register ➡️ www.thurberhouse.org/current-even... #columbus #columbusohio @quotidianwriter.bsky.social

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Thurber House @thurberhouse.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

We had a fabulous turnout for our #Writing Submission Party today! 🎉✍️💻 What an inspiring exchange of camaraderie, encouragement, and advice. Thank you to all who came and to @quotidianwriter.bsky.social for hosting! ___________________ #columbus #columbusohio #columbusmakesart #artmakescbus

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Alina Stefanescu @alinaetc.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

OF ABSENCE I climb the mountain up steps the moon has already taken. Of absence. Of things broken. To see if the moon is a mouth. To see if I am what it wants. (Linda Gregg)

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Why does everything take me longer than I think it will? I know science says that we should double the amount we predict something will take, but my estimates are still perpetually wrong…

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

I’m teaching this writing workshop series virtually, so you can join from ANYWHERE! 🤩

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Scott Edelman @scottedelman.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Happy "There Will Come Soft Rains" Day to all those who celebrate!

A panel from the EC Comics adaptation of the classic Ray Bradbury short story "There Will Come Soft Rains." It was adapted by Al Feldstein, with art by Wally Wood. The panels depicts a futuristic living room, with not a human in sight.
CAPTION: Somewhere in the walls, relays clicked ... memory tapes glided under electric eyes ...
WORD BALLOON COMING FROM A WALL SPEAKER: "Today is August 4, 2026! Today is Mr. Featherstone's birthday! Today is the anniversary of Tilita's marriage! Insurance is payable ... as are the water, gas, and light bills ... "

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

I love teaching writing workshops at Thurber House (and asking writers for their best boy-band pose)!

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Anna Vangala Jones @anniejowrites.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

excited to be in @havehashad.com again with a tiny micro about a bar for ghosts. grateful to @aaronburch.bsky.social + any of you who read it 💀 🍻 👻 www.havehashad.com/hadposts/whe...

at the top is a drawing of skulls
Title: Where Everybody Knows How You Died
Author: Anna Vangala Jones
Text of story: I like to ghost watch as I nurse my scotch. It's funny, scotch made me cough and sputter when I was a person but the burn is nice now—the warmth makes you feel alive. The bar is crowded tonight. Hit & Run Victim is arm wrestling Bungee Jump Splat (he tried to be known as Thrill Seeker but we were all too hung up on the splat.) Choked on a Chicken Wing While Living Alone is sitting at the piano, hands hovering over the keys but not touching them. Leaned Too Far Over the Yellow Line to See if the L Train Was Coming & Fell Onto the Tracks at the Exact Wrong Moment is dancing by herself, swaying to the music Choked on a Chicken Wing isn't playing. Fell Asleep & Didn’t Wake Up asks me if he can bum a cig so I go join him for a smoke. He knows I'm Abducted, Buried in the Woods, & Never Found but is polite enough to pretend he thinks I'm Lung Cancer. He asks if I ever miss it. Life, I'm assuming. I don't answer. Me neither, he says. We cheers with our cigarettes and look up at the night sky as mist floats through the moonlight.

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Super niche experience, but I was carrying my harp up the stairs in its big black case, and my very sweet cat hissed at it in fear. 😭😂 (Brought my harp out of retirement to teach a sensory immersion writing workshop with live examples of sound, taste, smell, touch, and sight!)

Cuddly black cat on a couch—that’s Gatsby

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Premee Mohamed @premeemohamed.com · 27/07/2026

OMGGGG -- I'm not applying for this (because my body is a sad sugarcube dissolving in a cup of tea, among other reasons) but if you can apply you should apply and if you get in you SHOULD GO www.banffcentre.ca/programs/lit...

banffcentre.ca

Futurisms Intensive Writing Residency 2027

This residency supports writers exploring potential futures, perspectives, and narratives.

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ONLY POEMS @onlypoemsmag.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Our Poet of the Week, Christian Wiman 💙 What’s the best piece of advice — artistic, spiritual, or otherwise — that’s stayed with you across your years of writing and publishing?

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Thurber House @thurberhouse.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Our friend @quotidianwriter.bsky.social is launching #Writers Rising, a free fiction #mentorship program that culminates in a print anthology & public reading at Thurber House. ✍️ Apply to be a mentee by August 20! Learn more ➡️ quotidianwriter.com/writers-rising #asseenincolumbus #columbus #writer

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Lucy A. Snyder @lucyasnyder.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

I and @jarodkanderson.bsky.social, @quotidianwriter.bsky.social, Mindy McGinnis, Nelson Rolon, and Thao Thai are mentoring emerging Central Ohio writers through the Writers Rising program, which is free and open to applications now through 8/20: www.quotidianwriter.com/writers-rising

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Join me at the free Develop Your Premise online writing conference, which is all about turning the seed of an idea into a full-fledged story. It starts today, Saturday, July 18, with my talk on a 1990s horror novel concept (!) happening at 3:00 PM EDT. summit.developyourpremise.com?sc=QOvMESpj&...

summit.developyourpremise.com

Develop Your Premise Summit 2026

Find out how to convey your vision in a way that your reader will love at this four-day event.

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

I have “Teach Me How to Dougie” stuck in my head, which reminds me that I, in fact, cannot be taught how to Dougie.

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Have you ever wanted a free critique of your poetry? Maybe not, but now you have the opportunity! I've started a new poetry critique channel with my friend and fellow poet Geoff Anderson called Your Poems Are Bad. www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzKZ...

youtube.com

Why Your Good Poem Is Also Boring | Poetry Editing

YouTube video by Your Poems Are Bad

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Mia V. Moss @magicrobotcarnival.com · 01/07/2026

Delighted that my manticore with knife wings, ancient sentient armor, and society crawling out of the rubble of fallen magic get to be a part of this moment in S&S 🗡️✨ darkmattermagazine.shop/products/the...

darkmattermagazine.shop

The Heresy of Thieves (Spellfall Series Book 1)

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

You’ve raged against your last machine.

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

My fantasy short story “Beyond the Red Door” was reprinted in Allegory! A soul scribe who records memories of past lives finds a pattern that could predict her world’s next cataclysm… Illustrator Ami Agisi made this gorgeous art piece based on the characters! www.allegoryezine.com/fiction#redd...

Two shadowed figures standing in a line of couples that snake toward an ethereal red door in the distance on a bright blue background

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Think you can tell the difference between AI writing and human-made fiction? Follow along with me in this challenge from Blackthornprod, who invited experts in art, music, game dev, and writing to guess whether a piece was an AI prompt or human creativity... www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj_6...

youtube.com

AI vs. Human Writing: Can an Editor Tell the Difference?

YouTube video by Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

I'm finally discovering the fun of posing for video thumbnails (although this definitely won't be a regular occurrence, haha). New vid dropping soon...

Diane posing like Sailor Moon in front of a bookshelf, overlaid with the text "Editor vs. AI Writing."

Diane looking disgusted with her hands pushing the text "Editor vs. AI Writing" and bookshelves in the background.

Diane looking scared with her fists balled in front of bookshelves, overlaid with the text "Editor vs. AI Writing."

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Thurber House @thurberhouse.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

⚠️ JUST ANNOUNCED! ⚠️ Alexander McCall Smith, a quartet of powerhouse authors, New Yorker cartoonist Tom Toro, and a writing submission party! 🤩🎉 Don't even THINK about missing out! thurberhouse.org/events #columbus @mccallsmith.bsky.social @scottwoods.bsky.social @quotidianwriter.bsky.social

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We Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

🔔 WNDB is expanding our Board of Directors, and we’re looking for professionals, educators, and creators who share our belief in the power of diverse literature! Learn more about becoming a board member under the “about” section of our website, or visit the link below ⬇️ 📚 bit.ly/WNDB-board

Purple-blue graphic with an illustration of a colorful book stack running along the right-side border. Left-aligned title text says, “Three Reasons to Join the WNDB Board of Directors”, followed by a yellow button that says, “Apply Today!” There is an illustration of a computer cursor hovering over the button on the right-hand side.

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KJ Charles @kjcharleswriter.com · 12/06/2026

Just a thought but if all you want to do is cosplay being a novelist, you don't need AI. Just put on your crappest sweatshirt, make a cup of tea, open Word to a blank page, then go on Bluesky for the rest of the day, and you're sorted.

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

A bittersweet piece about grief and community—the studio feels like it should be a real place. “Just indulge in the violence together and alone.”

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Paula D. Ashe @pauladashe.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

1.) Don’t comply in advance 2.) Support* indie and queer publishing, bookstores, authors, editors, and scholarship 3.) Make your work gayer *With actual money and publicity** ** If you are doing the second on this list already but it’s just white people, you’re doing it wrong.

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Writers beware—any "personalized" requests for book club features or radio interviews are usually AI scams. I get several per week. Ask other writers if you're unsure. As a YouTuber, I will never, ever accept sponsorship from AI anything (and I'm unlikely to accept sponsorships, period).

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Tim Clare @timclare.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

In the original version of the play that later became the book Peter Pan, there's no Captain Hook. He was invented later. A lot of us who watched the Disney movie or saw a theatre production forget how the book ends. Most adaptations hide its grim conclusion: Hook isn't the villain. Peter is.

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Best: The Art Thief by Michael Finkel was a delightful piece of true crime. Very drama. Very art. Worthy of its bestseller status. Worst: Year of the Unicorn by Andre Norton, a fantasy novel from 1965. Good writing but a strange absence of plot and character. Not nearly enough unicorn.

Cover for The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

Cover for Year of the Unicorn by Andre Norton

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

“What is it about cats that make them such wonderful creative companions? I think it’s that they contain some inherent mystery, punctuated with a solid dash of crude humor.“ open.substack.com/pub/thaothai...

open.substack.com

Cats and Their Writers

A couple years ago, I wrote a post on writer essentials, but I neglected to add the most important desk accessory of all—a cat.

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jamelle @jamellebouie.net · 01/05/2026

one thing i am learning from being on youtube is that people are seemingly distracted by everything? i have been told that my hats are distracting, that my pauses are distracting, that open curtains are distracting, that closed curtains are distracting. an unconscious touch of the face? distracting.

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sarah l. hawthorn (A FATE WORSE THAN DROWNING '26) @slhawthorn.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Book marketing hack! ☝️ Spend a decade creating safe spaces for other writers, co-found a non-profit indie publisher, host peer workshops, & card about the people around you. Take breaks when you need, but don't lose a tether to the spaces you helped build ❤️ And make a newsletter or something idk

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Diane Callahan @quotidianwriter.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

+ MYST, the PC game, had a bunch of tie-in novels, and I’d write those for sure + TV show adaptation of the Wayside School book series + There was this awesome phone game called Device 6 many years back; I’d write the sequel

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