iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author

Anyway HAPPY FRIDAY today is a good day to buy WICKHILLS so you can enjoy it over the wick-end! us.macmillan.com/books/978125...

us.macmillan.com

Wickhills

In the dangerous magical city of Wickhills, a streetwise secret agent is tasked with protecting a foreign defector from his pursuers... even at the threat of...

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Reposted by Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author

Rusty Quill @rustyquill.com · 25/09/2026

#TheMagnusProtocol episode 56. Written by Maeltopia and Alexander J Newall. #MagnusPod shows.acast.com/themagnusarchives/e…

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Jeb 🇦🇺 🏳️‍⚧️ @jebdarsh.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

THE FORMATTING IS DONE BABIES!! I DID A WHOLE BOOK!! It'll be out in the wild in a few days, and for sale in October. 😘😘😘😘😘😘 #TPDox #IndieAuthors #writingcommunity #lgbtqwriters

Screen shot of my book Shit That Happened Before 2011 as an epub with my name and series title.

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Stéphane - Auteur (game & book writer) @sleuthgames.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Troglodyte churches in France. eglisesouterraineaubeterre.fr www.sudcharentetourisme.fr/eglise-soute...

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

37,000 words already is pretty solid work. Another gentle prod to go follow me on Insta, where I drop writing updates much more regularly! I'd appreciate a share over there, too. www.instagram.com/p/DdsZDwXj1r...

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

aaaaaaaagh I just wanted to see if anyone had already had a crack at this story idea that came to me last night I didn't ask you to spin bullshit from whole cloth goddamn it this nightmare is inescapable and we live in hell

A screenshot demonstrating that if you search for "fantasy story" on google, the AI Overview will automatically generate you a story instead of looking for existing stories, because it sucks shit

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

I once worked in a small SFF bookshop. Regulars would hang & chat for hours. It was their safe space. They loved it & we loved them. But they never bought any books. Later, when survival required us to change the business model, they accused us of killing the store's soul & driving them away. Hmm.

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Foz Meadows @fozmeadows.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

a critical weakness in far too many left-wing spaces is the lack of any real strategy for dealing with people who weaponize social justice language to lambast and tear down others while framing even the mildest - let alone well-deserved - pushback against them as bigoted abuse.

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

“How’s that 100,000 words in 6 weeks challenge going for ya, Ruz?” Oh, it’s going.

A photo of the author looking bloody exhausted and scrungly

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Trick Weekes @trickweekes.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Act 1 of novel WIP done, which means I now get to move from the high-level bullet-point outline of Act 2 to the "Okay, you should actually know what goes in each chapter, generally speaking," outline of Act 2.

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Zack Davisson @zackdavisson.com · 21/09/2026

Working on MACROSS has really been a dream come true. The only more foundational series for me is anything from the Leijiverse like SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO or GALAXY EXPRESS. As always, MACROSS is infinitely better than GUNDAM because of much more smooches.

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Reposted by Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author

Jordan Kurella @jordankurella.com · 20/09/2026

this is a WICKHILLS appreciation post. i fell asleep reading this book last night by @premeemohamed.com and it is SO GOOD. from the prose to the dialog to the characterization to the pacing to the way the plot hits? Wickhills!!!! awesome book good job

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

THE ETCHED CITY by K.J. BISHOP rewrote my brain and opened up to me the literary possibilities of SFF at the most crucial point in my development as an author.

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Reposted by Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author

Kay Orchison @kayorchison.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

RETVRN The sets are about $200 worth of bubble wrap and vacuum cleaner parts, the Doctor is a condescending, tantrum-prone dick and the scripts are pure cosmic horror nightmare fuel Also fuck the Potter Wand Screwdriver off, what the fuck is that lazy bullshit, everyone should be genuinely afraid

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Reposted by Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author

Kevin Phyland @captainzero.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

What I’ve read in the last week: ASIMOV’S Sep/Oct 2026 GALILEO #7 Mar 1978 ANALOG Oct 1979 A RAGE FOR REVENGE - David Gerrold (1989) THE VARKHAUS CONSPIRACY - John Dalmas (1983) @analogsf.bsky.social @asimovssfmag.bsky.social @davidgerrold.bsky.social Clifford D. Simak Marvin Kaye Parke Godwin

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Vajra Chandrasekera @vajra.me · 22/08/2024

"Worldbuilding" is not synonymous nor coterminous with setting, description, background, or level of detail, all of which are ordinary aspects to pay attention to in any work of fiction.

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John Wiswell @wiswell.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

A reminder that vaccines are widely available right now! And while most pharmacists don't even bother to ask about preexisting condition qualifications, they will also usually help you find out which fit you. Don't get killed by COVID. I'd much rather have you on Earth with me.

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Reposted by Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author

Matthew R Francis @bowlerhatscience.org · 13/09/2026

"Wickhills" by @premeemohamed.com is *astounding*, about 2/3s through, best New Weird novel I've read in years! and "Daggerbound" is on deck after that.

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Elise (they/them)🇦🇺 🏳️‍⚧️ @eliseswords.eurosky.social · 05/09/2026

Anymore takers, Aussie & Kiwi Writers?

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

I've just received proofs of all my official author photos and I've gotta be honest, I'm really struggling to make the right call here. They're all just so, so good. (photography by Michelle G Hunder, www.instagram.com/MichelleGHun...)

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Fukken love it when I have so much to do that I can’t sleep past 5am and wake up with mouth ulcers It’s the best

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Reposted by Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author

Elizabeth Jacobs, PhD @elizabethjacobs.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

When I was volunteering at the COVID19 vaccine POD in 2021, people would say over and over again that they were getting vaccinated for the people they love. Last year, only 17.5% of American adults got the COVID19 vaccine. Please get one for the people you love. 💕

Photo of a brunette with a braid in her hair, standing in front of a sign that says Vaccinated with a count of 30,000.

She is wearing glasses, a Sun Studio t-shirt, and an orange high vis vest.

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Hyped to see Australia trending toward becoming an all-electric country. I still meet people who pshaw at the ROI of EVs & home solar, so here's a raw number: with 6.5kWh of solar, a 15kW battery and 2017 Nissan Leaf, my costs for all elec & transport in Aug was $8 AUD. electrek.co/2026/09/03/a...

electrek.co

EVs outsell petrol in Australia for the first time, led by China

Battery-electric cars outsold petrol in Australia for the first time in August 2026, taking 24.9% of the market. Every top-selling EV is built in China.

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

A reader accused me of being an IRL animal abuser (and left several reviews stating as such) because in one of my novels a man didn’t let his horse drink from an oasis

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

I have seen proofs of my new author photos, and my god I actually look kinda cool

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Just got banned from the Independent Comic Coalition for my feedback on this stunning piece of cover art 😅

A screenshot of a post made by the author in the group Independent Comic Coalition. It reads:

"What I find fascinating about AI bros is that they want so badly to be real artists, but they have absolutely no sense of taste and aesthetics because they’ve never engaged with art as anything other than a consumer. Like, this cover looks shit. It’s atrocious in contrast, value, texture… maybe a 5/10 for composition. Even if it’d been hand painted, it would look terrible. But the OP can’t see this because he has never done the work required to understand what makes art function. Like the middle victim in a human centipede, he ingests and ejects slop in an endless cycle."

The admin replied: "Stay out of my group with your bullshit."

An AI generated cover for a comic book called The Disciples. It looks like hot trash.

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

THE PITT is great because the writing oscillates between the most beautiful meditations on loss & grief to a character who is sarcastic and combative because they’re defensive over prior trauma turning to camera and saying, “Sorry, I’m sarcastic and combative because I’m defensive over prior trauma”

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Reposted by Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author

Ladz ❄️🖤🩸 @ladzwriting.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

GOON IS LIFE

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

I cried and cried and cried tonight. What a show. What a goddamn show.

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Reposted by Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author

Aussiecon5 @aussiecon5.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

The #BrisbaneIn2028 #Meanjin2028 team is at @laworldcon.bsky.social Today we feature programme participant SJ Groenewegen, Australian by birth, Scottish by residence. SJ’s 20-year career in criminal justice in Australia & the UK earned them a British Empire Medal for services to LGBTQIA people.

guide.lacon.org

LACon V Program Guide

LACon V Programme Guide

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Have booked my first professional photoshoot because I need good author photos for my debut. Now I have just seven days to 1. get a functional outfit together and 2. get hot abs so I can recreate Sexy Ian Malcolm

A photo of Jeff Goldblum reclining with his shirt open, taken from the film Jurassic Park. He's oiled up and gleaming in a way no man has ever managed to capture before or since. My god, look at that subtle scattering of chest hair. The way the light haloes around his tangled, sweaty curls. The two-day stubble. The distant, world-weary stare. He is everything I've ever wanted to be.

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Niall Harrison @niallharrison.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

The new issue has a particularly fine selection: Both authors are delighted to have you along on this weekend trip to the woods. Just remember to pack your ... VISITING SKINS (cont.)

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

So I am STRESSED right now, I'm juggling SO MUCH WORK, but I have something truly incredible coming up... When I finish this latest gig, I'll have enough in the piggy-bank to take an entire month off work. And I'm gonna aim to write an entire 100k novel in that block.

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

OH HEY WHAT'S UP TEAM It's time for another Melbourne writer's meet! SUN 30 AUGUST, 12-4PM Quiet write-in from 12-2, then chats and hangs 2-4 Whitehart Bar, 22 Whitehart Lane, Melbourne CBD See y'all there!

A poster describing a meetup for Melbourne-based writers.

The important details are:
SUN 30 AUGUST, 12-4PM
Quiet write-in from 12-2, then chats and hangs 2-4
Whitehart Bar, 22 Whitehart Lane, Melbourne CBD

See y'all there!

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Aaaaaaah! It’s out! VISITING SKINS has broken containment!

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Reposted by Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author

Erin Fogg says Free Link @criminalerin.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Idk lol "I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan and he died. I knew what I was doing was illegal. Unlike my previous interactions with insurers, I received an immediate response within an hour." is pretty fuckin legendary

nbcnews.com

Luigi Mangione pleads guilty to federal charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO

Mangione was charged with two federal stalking counts and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison in the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I hate that Reacher is written for people scrolling on two phones simultaneously and yet I can’t help but love it

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Reposted by Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author

Adrian Tchaikovsky @aptshadow.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

For those getting their A-levels today, if it doesn’t work out, I failed two out of three. There are other chances. It’s not as bad as it might feel.

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

eeeeeeey author copies of HACK ATTACK: AN UNOFFICIAL COLORING ADVENTURE have arrived! Always a treat to discover what the artist (in this case, Judd Abinuman) did with my story. It's on sale Sept 1 and preorders are open now via www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Hack-A...

A photo of the author hiding behind three copies of the colouring book HACK ATTACK

An illustration from inside a Roblox-themed colouring book.

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

fukken BOUGHT, no questions, no hesitation, always bet on Ladz

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Today on my author insta I posted a 2-parter about BOOK COVERS I MADE WITHOUT USING AI and I hope you check it out: pt 1: www.instagram.com/p/Db1vvlHikXu/ pt 2: www.instagram.com/p/Db1v8q0CgGg/

A simple title page image saying "4 Book Covers I Made Without Using AI And How I Did It"

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Reposted by Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author

Clarkesworld @clarkesworldmagazine.com · 09/08/2026

Ok folks, Sheila and her family need our help. You might know her as the editor of Asimov’s, but she's also a good friend and one of the best people in the field. If you can, please... www.gofundme.com/f/help-irene...

gofundme.com

Donate to Help Irene's Parents Get Skilled Nursing Care, organized by Irene Bruce

Hi - This is Irene and Juliet, the daughters of Sheila and David. As many of… Irene Bruce needs your support for Help Irene's Parents Get Skilled Nursing Care

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Alan Baxter @alanbaxter.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

No artist ever just wanted the end result. Every artist of any kind wants to see the product of their labours, the expression of their dreams, their struggle realised. The process is the art, the end result is the prize. Anyone who thinks any gen-ai is art fails to understand this simple truth.

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

BTW Null Entity (Volatile Memory 2) just landed and you all should be adding it to your novella stacks right now

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Currently building out a more detailed look at how I designed all my selfpub covers for an Insta post so KEEP AN EYE OUT, CHUMS

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Authors: show me the book covers you made yourself, without AI. I did RUST using photochops of stock art! FUTURE TIDES is photoshop's stamp filter on cityscapes! I commissioned the art for CENTURY OF SAND! I paid a model & photographer for a complete set of poses for my OLESIA ANDERSON series!

A book cover for a horror novel called Rust, depicting a crouching woman wearing a plague doctor mask.

A book cover for a science-fiction collection called Future Tides, depicting a futuristic abstract cityscape.

A book cover for a fantasy novel called Century of Sand, depicting a father and daughter holding swords in front of an abstract fantasy landscape.

A book cover for an action thriller called Blackout, depicting a woman holding a rifle standing in front of an explosion.

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Within the next 3-4 months I'm gonna need professional author photos done. I'll get the standard smiling/thoughtful headshots, etc. But I also want to get a bit silly with it. I'm 100% gonna do the Ian Malcolm. Maybe a Tyler Durden or a Marcellus Wallace. Gimme other suggestions, please!

A photo of Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park reclining with his shirt open to reveal his injured chest.

A photo of Tyler Durden shirtless in Fight Club.

A photo of Marcellus Wallace taking a phone call in Pulp Fiction.

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Christopher Ruz, Aussie Author @ruzkin.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

I have no idea who this could possibly be referring to. @swankmotron.com probably meant some other, more handsome Chris Ruzkin.

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