iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

No fiction-writing updates, but I did write something! Title: “Policy Intervention in the EV Battery Supply Chain.” Officially have an MPP now, thank God. Hoping to be back once I get some things worked out re: my books.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 19/04/2025

Idk what this PosterPit thing is about buuuut I did use Canva to make a trailer for Aestus 3 back a few years ago, with the wildly optimistic release date of 2023 (sorry)…anyway I can’t show it for spoiler reasons but some of you will likely be very upset with me, bwahaha.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

Wait wait I missed a pun! “Since I keep seeing books with this same formula…”

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

I keep seeing books called “A _____ of ____ and _____” soooo here you go. #books #writing #WritingCommunity Note: this is a joke. I’m just amused how many books seem to be called some variation of this.

Black mock book cover. Gold frame. At the top, gold text says “The Math Series” and then “Can you solve the problem…without a calculator?”
Center, all caps: “A Property of A & B” by “Professor Punname”
Reviews:
“Intimidatingly brilliant” - Some dude
“I cried” - Reader

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 30/03/2025

Eid Mubarak! Kind of tempted to make this my profile pic. My current one is from like…2018. But then how would you recognize me (haha jk)

Muslim woman in fancy blue and gold outfit

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 30/03/2025

I’m thinking of restarting my blog, even though I’m not exactly publishing anything at the moment. I’m going through the #writing process again for the first time in five years (!) and I think I have some valuable things to share.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

I’m super tempted to write a cozy mystery, think old lady + cat, but not sure that would go so well with my epic sci-fi dystopian other work. Not sure how much I care about “brand coherence” though.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

I’m coming to the conclusion that some dramatic scenes may be best left to the imagination. Sorry, readers. (There’s one person in particular who will likely either hate or love me for leaving this out, if I do.)

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

Wild thought - bear with me here - maybe AI uses em dashes BECAUSE IT’S BEEN TRAINED ON HUMAN WRITING. Which these people seem not to have read. Carry on. Also, I love em dashes.

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Reposted by S. Z. Attwell

Molly Jong-Fast @mollyjongfast.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

This is a major major major scandal and must be treated as such Call your senators Call your congresspeople

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

Important for the #WritingCommunity There are lots of shady promo sites/accounts out there. How I deal with them: 1. Don’t engage. Don’t follow back/answer DMs. (Use your judgment; not trying to shut down aspiring freelancers here! This is just my general approach if I feel something is off.) 1/

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

Just fyi. #WritingCommunity IndieBookSpotlight dot com is NOT linked to @bookspotlight.bsky.social writerbeware.blog/2025/02/21/w... I’ve also warned about this guy on X. He has another site, KindleStack. And I’ve reported him here. Check WriterBeware and ALLi before using any promo services.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 22/03/2025

Apparently I am willing to write an entire novel rather than work on my thesis. Um.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

Found this in Berlin yesterday. Did not try it, but tempted to go back.

Sign saying “Bloody good from 2,60€ coffee are there!” Arrow pointing. And opening hours.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

I recommend sending yourself an emailed PDF draft and reading it through when you have no ability to edit and minimal ability to take notes. Such as on a 4-hour train ride with no laptop, limited internet, and a nice view. I now have a much clearer picture of what I need to do, thank God. #writing

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

This is a reminder to myself to actually vote in the Nebulas this year. I am a negligent SFWA member, sorry everyone.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

I’m learning German and someone left these downstairs - treasure! 💎 (there’s no treasure chest emoji sadly) Someone else seems to have taken the English and German ones but that’s fine. I’m more interested in other subjects (to read about) anyway.

Five German textbooks in a case: Biology, chemistry, physics, math, and history

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

At some point I made my own version of @garethlpowell.bsky.social’s very helpful personal writing planner/scheduler, but sadly I cannot find it (or the resource he shared). Gareth, could you re-share? I’m building a Notion writing planner and want to incorporate your tips. Thanks!

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Btw I am curious. What’s everyone’s favorite part of writing?

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Does anyone else write in two documents at once and just kind of weave together the good stuff and prune the rest/put it into a third “notes” doc? Just me? #writing

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 09/03/2025

I just want to say, readers, thank you so much for your patience. ❤️ I’ve had years of writer’s block. But I have some gems here that I’m slowly and carefully extracting. It’s not about perfectionism, it’s about doing justice. I will eventually give you the books you’ve been waiting for, God willing.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 09/03/2025

Taking a couple hours to write! Should I be working on my thesis, yes. Ehh. Got a lot done yesterday.

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Reposted by S. Z. Attwell

Fay Thompson, Author/Artist @faythompsonauthor.bsky.social · 09/03/2025

Yes, it does. Open Word > go to Preferences > go to Privacy > go to Manage Connections and turn OFF the various boxes. #writingcommunity #aiharvesting #sharing #booksky

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

I’m writing a master’s thesis and it’s not unlike a novel. Sometimes you have to plod through the difficult bits and then you can hopefully start to piece things together.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 23/02/2025

Writing is so much more fun when I just write and don’t think about the final product, so to speak.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

It might be time for me to write a story about why humans trying to colonize Mars is prob not all that helpful, to put it mildly. #ISS

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

Passed my B2 exam, thank God! I would not call myself fluent in German, but getting there!

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

I need to talk to y’all about Notion and how amazing it is.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

Building myself a writer workspace and it’s so fascinating to me how many ways people go about #writing and organizing their thoughts. Some templates are semi-useless for me but they have elements that are very helpful. Know what works for you! It doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s workspace.

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Reposted by S. Z. Attwell

John Scalzi @scalzi.com · 17/02/2025

A reminder that if you send me an email where the subject header is some variation of "great story idea you can have for free" I immediately delete it unread. Don't pitch me story ideas. I have enough on my own, and for legal reasons I don't want yours. You're not being helpful when you do this.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

Ok so I have a funny story. I’m awaiting my B2 results. I speak decent German. But. This older man asked me if the tram went to the Bahnhof (train station). I heard an R and understood Bauernhof (farm). I was confused and said I wasn’t sure. He then asked a group next to me. THEN I understood. 1/

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

Ok #WritingCommunity, who’s here? Might have to finally scuttle my Twitter account. I only stay there bc of the people.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

Hi all, No real news, but just saying hello - I am still in the middle of a graduate program, but given what’s going on in the US I am deactivating my Facebook, so welcome if you came over from there! Hope you’re all doing well!

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 26/09/2023

Aaand they’re gone.* Goodbye for now, Aestus. Thanks a ton to everyone who has read/ reviewed/recommended them. It means a lot to me. ❤️ I hope my hiatus will help my writer’s block. Again, bsky.app/profile/sabr... = personal acct. *Ingram Spark: unpublished via support…working on it.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 25/09/2023

Last-ditch attempt to get you all to grab copies of my books before I take them offline, hopefully not for long but potentially a couple years (admin reasons). eBooks are $2.99, see szattwell.com I love my story and hope you will too. This isn’t (mainly) about sales.

Aestus 1 and 2 against desert cover art. Top, all caps: “DON’T MISS OUT.” Bottom: “Available until midnight Pacific time”

First chapter excerpt from Aestus 1:

PREFACE

15 years ago

Jossey scrambled up the side of the condenser pod and sat under the desert sky, looking up at the glitter of stars.

She winced at the squeak of Tark's shoes on the sleek metal curve of the pod. This one was older, maybe a century or more, but still in good condition. "Ship-shape," Father would say, though the phrase meant nothing to her. It was one of those strange things grown-ups said.

The steel pod gleamed in the starlight. She hoped the Onlar wouldn't see two figures sitting here.

Tark plunked down beside her, floppy hair shoved out of his face. "You scared now?" he hissed.

Reviews for Aestus 1 against a book 2 cover art background (dark canyon with a lit rock structure). Reviews:
“…at the level of Frank Herbert’s Dune” - IHeartSci-fi
“…nothing short of brilliant.” - C. J. Shane
“…has the makings of a viral sensation.” - Ian the Reader, SPSFC2 judge
“…masterful…on par with the best in the genre.” - A. R. Saida

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 15/09/2023

An announcement: for personal reasons, I need to “go offline” in a bit as an author - hopefully my books will be back in a few months (could be longer), God willing. That means Aestus 1 and 2 are on sale - grab them while you can. szattwell.com (Not a marketing ploy! I just have other obligations.)

Aestus 1 and 2 against book art background (moonrise over dark canyon with a lit rock structure). Top: red SALE badge, and bright yellow text on right saying “Get them while you still can!” Bottom: “Available until September 25”

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 28/08/2023

Oh my God. Aestus 1 is now almost a bestseller in the dystopian sci-fi category, and it’s in the top 50 for hard sci-fi, thank God. Mind blown. Thank you all who have bought copies. It means a lot!

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 27/08/2023

Oh yay - Aestus 1 is currently on the Hard Science Fiction bestseller list again, thank God - check it out! #71 as of now: www.amazon.com/gp/bestselle... Thanks to everyone who has grabbed a copy!

amazon.com

Amazon Best Sellers: Best Hard Science Fiction

Discover the best Hard Science Fiction in Best Sellers. Find the top 100 most popular items in Amazon Kindle Store Best Sellers.

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 27/08/2023

I’ve fallen and I can’t get up lol. I’m at a friend’s dropping stuff off and this couch is so comfortable I do not want to move. Not even for food. Ow I am tired. (Moving out. Fun fun.)

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S. Z. Attwell @szattwellauthor.bsky.social · 27/08/2023

Just a note that Aestus 1, my bestselling sci-fi epic (feels so strange to write that!) is on sale now for $0.99! promotions.narratess.com

Indie Sale (fantasy, sci-fi & horror) - August 26-28, Hosted by Narratess
$0.99! Normally $7.99 (Aestus Book 1: Cover has a red sunset over desert wasteland with city structures). “…at the level of…Dune” -IHeartSci-fi

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Jen Cross @jencross.bsky.social · 19/08/2023

Found this absolutely stunning skipper near the Montezuma Rainforest Ecolodge in Colombia. It is not often reported, with only 9 observations on iNaturalist. Firetip Skipper (Chalypyge zereda ssp. hygieia) 🧪🌿

A skipper butterfly with deep blue wings with bright orange at the edge of the hind wing. It is sitting on a leaf with wings open.

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