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Worldbuilding for Masochists

@worldbuildcast.bsky.social
1.6K followers 77 following 194 posts

6x Hugo Award Finalist podcast about fantasy worldbuilding, hosted by nerds who love to overcomplicate things: Marshall Ryan Maresca, Cass Morris, and Natania Barron worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com

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Joel Flanagan-Grannemann @servantand.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
This was a great conversation. All kinds of great thoughts and ideas about making your world more complicated.
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Worldbuilding for Masochists @worldbuildcast.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
It's a NEW EPISODE DROP! Behold, Live from Anaheim at LACon/WorldCon! Did we win the Hugo? No! But did we get to hang out together and answer some cool questions: yes. 🍾 worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com/e/episode-19...
worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com
Episode 190: Live from Anaheim! | Worldbuilding for Masochists
This episode was recorded during LACon V / WorldCon 2026 in Anaheim! At the time of recording, we had about 32 hours left of being Schrodinger's Hugo Finalists. Well, we once again did not win -- but ...
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Worldbuilding for Masochists @worldbuildcast.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The city is a character in your book. How much thought have you put it into it? As part of our Building Better series, we take a look at the structure of cities. worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com/e/episode-18...
worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com
Episode 184: Building Better Cities | Worldbuilding for Masochists
So, you're building a fantasy city: Plunk a castle in the middle, put some houses around it, make sure there are some inns and taverns, maybe a church or temple, slap it on a nice body of water, and c...
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Worldbuilding for Masochists @worldbuildcast.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
What worldbuilding questions do you have, listeners?
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Davi Woo @daviwoo.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Not a question, but just wanted to say I really appreciate the effort you guys have been putting into the podcast (you're turning me into a worldbuilding masochist! 😰). Thanks a bunch!
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Worldbuilding for Masochists @worldbuildcast.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
What worldbuilding questions do you have, listeners?
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Sarah Beth Durst @sarahbethdurst.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Goodreads giveaway for THE IMAGITORIUM, my forthcoming children's book about a girl and her imaginary friend who set off to save a magical factory full of fantastic creatures! Out 3/2/27! Giveaway ends Sept 28. www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
Goodreads giveaway for THE IMAGITORIUM by Sarah Beth Durst
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Seanan McGuire @seananmcguire.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I love Lightspeed and Nightmare Magazine: they have been some of my staunchest ongoing supporters over the years, they publish amazing fiction, and they are always a joy to work with. Check out their Kickstarter! www.kickstarter.com/projects/lig...
kickstarter.com
LIGHTSPEED & NIGHTMARE: Award-Winning SF, Fantasy, & Horror
We've published nearly 10 million words of science fiction, fantasy, and horror short fiction. Help us write the next chapter.
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John Wiswell @wiswell.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
My next short story, "Congratulations on Your Magic Sword (TM)," will be in @lightspeedmagazine.com this October! You may have noticed your new magic sword has a strict sense of morality. Maybe it's stabbed you already! This story is a series of tips to keep yourself on the right side of the blade.
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Sharang Biswas @sharangbiswas.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
“Every thirty minutes, The Dare gave all its users three things: 1 Geo-coordinates 2 An impossible activity 3 A chance at attention The first person to submit a video clearing The Dare would go out to every user. No other videos were shared.” By @wiswell.bsky.social in @uncannymagazine.bsky.social
uncannymagazine.com
Welcome to Heroism - Uncanny Magazine
Nobody read the Terms of Service. They were in a rush to watch the latest unbelievable must-see content from someone who probably died seconds later. It seemed like as soon as anyone knew The Dare exi...
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Melissa Caruso @melissacaruso.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Okay, it looks like B&N and Kobo also have the entire Rooks & Ruin trilogy on sale! The Obsidian Tower - $4.99 The Quicksilver Court - $1.99 The Ivory Tomb - $1.99 Complete trilogy - $8.97 Links in thread! Grab it if you like spooky vibes, banter, fast pacing, & big oh shit plot twists!
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Kate Elliott @kateelliottsff.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
World building imo is creating a foundational system (shallow or deep) for a narrative that has some internal consistency. This is primarily achieved by thinking of it as a series of connections & relationships between nodes in which nodes may be objects, places, characters, cultural touchstones etc
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Worldbuilding for Masochists @worldbuildcast.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
If you're wondering why you did this to yourself... there IS a whole podcast for you.
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Worldbuilding for Masochists @worldbuildcast.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Episode Flashback: Where does mythology come from? What does a world mythology tell us about its people, how they view themselves, and their interactions with the divine? We speak to @nalohop.bsky.social about myths, mythologies, and folklore. worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com/e/episode-13...
worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com
Episode 134: Print The Legend: Weaving Myth and History into One, ft. NALO HOPKINSON | Worldbuilding for Masochists
Where does mythology come from? How does it tie us together? What does one world's mythology tell us about its people, how they view themselves, and their interactions with the divine? We speak to…
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Freya Marske @freyamarske.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
somehow we are only two days away from the release of this book?? it's pretty great. please buy it so my publishers agree to keep paying me to sit hunched in front of a screen making words.
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Stina Leicht @stinaleicht.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
i have to say, the "space tries to kill you" panel was, once again, one of the great joys of @armadillocon.bsky.social this year.
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Jen Donohue @authorizedmusings.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
IT IS WICKHILLS DAY CONGRATULATIONS @premeemohamed.com 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 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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Mike Chen @mikechenwriter.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
A Chosen One who's not really a Chosen One Science solves magic Unlikely friendships and the power of platonic bonds Asian teens who suck at math but still find their way OF SORCERY AND SCIENCE is out today: print, audio, ebook! www.lindentreebooks.com/of-sorcery-a...
lindentreebooks.com
Of Sorcery and Science
Publication Date: September 8, 2026
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Marie Brennan @swantower.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
THE WRITER'S LITTLE BOOK OF READINGS is out now! Get all my advice on reading to an audience for just 99 cents! www.swantower.com/writing/the-...
swantower.com
The Writer's Little Book of Readings - Swan Tower
Authors are often expected to read their work in public, but all too often, they’re thrown into the deep end with very little guidance. Whether you’re a novelist, a poet, or an academic reading a pape...
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Kate Heartfield @kateheartfield.com · 08/09/2026
Guess what? My novel THE SWORDMASTER is available today in ebook and audio. Print releases Sept. 22. News you can use!
kateheartfield.com
The Swordmaster
Coming September 2026 (the exact dates within that month vary slightly by country.) 304 pages. Published by Rebellion, in ebook, paperback and audiobook narrated by Maria Nicola Johnson. Edited by Ama...
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Victor Manibo @victormanibo.com · 09/09/2026
NOW TILL FRIDAY! B&N is running a huge sale on preorders, including the paperback of my latest gothic, THE VILLA, ONCE BELOVED. Preorders are a great way to make sure you get your copy as soon as it drops, and show support for my books (which tell publishers to make more of them)! 🔗⬇️
Graphic with green background and gold line drawings of leaves on the top left and bottom right edges; text reads "BARNES & NOBLE 25% OFF FOR PREMIUM & REWARDS MEMBER PREORDERS WITH CODE:
PREORDER25"
In the center, the cover of THE VILLA, ONCE BELOVED by Victor Manibo
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Melissa Caruso @melissacaruso.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
It's that time! It's 25% off preorders time at Barnes & Noble!!! You know what you can preorder now? THE LAST STAR IN THE VOID! It has swordfights! Consequences! A squirrel! Bad ideas! High-stakes shopping! This time, the murder Kem must solve is her own. www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-last-s...
Cover of THE LAST STAR IN THE VOID, which includes golden chalices on a purple field full of golden stars and moons. There's a silhouette of a ragged but badass woman with a sword and good boots in front of one of the chalices.
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Worldbuilding for Masochists @worldbuildcast.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
🎉🎉🎉Big congratulations to WFM guest Alix E. Harrow @alixeharrow.bsky.social for winning the Hugo Award for Best Novel at LACon V/WorldCon! THE EVERLASTING is amazing. Catch the episode on historical remixing here : worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com/e/episode-16...
worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com
Episode 166: The Histo-Remix, ft. ALIX E. HARROW | Worldbuilding for Masochists
We use history a lot in our worldbuilding, whether as a direct re-interpretation or as inspiration for a secondary world that we’re creating. So… why do we do that? And what choices do we need to…
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Worldbuilding for Masochists @worldbuildcast.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
What happens when you get three Infrastructure nerds together to talk about worldbuilding? This. This happens. Seriously, y'all, we could have gone on for HOURS. worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com/e/episode-18...
worldbuildingformasochists.podbean.com
Episode 188: Building Better Infrastructure | Worldbuilding for Masochists
That's right! It's infrastructure week at Worldbuilding for Masochists! So we're talking about the systemic underpinnings of a nation and its economy, the fixed installations that it needs in order to...
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Worldbuilding for Masochists @worldbuildcast.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
We had such a special time at WorldCon this year in LA, even if we didn't win a Hugo. Dear listeners: YOU ARE THE BEST. Totally dorky: but we really adore hanging out together, and that's the real prize. That and looking fabulous. (It's hard to tell but we coordinated to look like the Bi Flag)🏳️‍🌈
The podcasters seated at the Hugo awards, bedecked in blue, pink, and purple. Natania is a white woman with brown and gray hair and red lipstick, Cass is a white woman with a pink dress and blonde hair, and Marshall is a white man with brown hair and a purple suit. They are smiling!The three cohosts, arrayed in purple, navy, and pink!
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Caitlin Rozakis @caitlinrozakis.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
I've figured out the perfect thing to do with my hands at panels. (Embroidering live from the @worldbuildcast.bsky.social live recording at Worldcon!)
Foreground - partially completed embroidery of mountains and trees, conference center room of people in background
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Natania Barron ~ Fantasy Author @natania.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Love my @worldbuildcast.bsky.social sister @cassmorriswrites.com!
A lovely blond woman in a blue dress with pink lipstick, and a smiling brunette woman
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A Meal of Thorns @mealofthorns.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Our episode on this year's Worldcon (@laworldcon.bsky.social) is live! Featuring interviews with @thomasha.bsky.social, @alexyquest.bsky.social, & more, and a live podcast mash-up with @hugogirlpodcast.bsky.social, @octothorpecast.bsky.social, & @worldbuildcast.bsky.social! Plus: the coffee report.
ancillaryreviewofbooks.org
A Meal of Thorns 58- LACON V
Worldcon episode time: we’ve got interviews, we’ve got a coffee report, we’ve got an only-mildly chaotic group podcast attempt! Podcasts, reviews, interviews, essays, and more at …
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Worldbuilding for Masochists @worldbuildcast.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Are you at @laworldcon.bsky.social? Or do you have a virtual membership? Come see us! Say hi! If you’d like to join the Table Talk, make sure you sign up today (Thursday) through the member portal.
Graphic: Worldbuilding for Masochists at WorldCon2026. Friday 12pm - WFM Table Talk - Sunset (Hilton) | Saturday 6pm - Live Episode Recording - 259 (ACC North) | Plus find the hosts at a variety of other panels, readings, and signings!
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Fonda Lee @fondalee.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Breaking out of social media quietude just to scream about how I JUST WON AN AURORA AWARD
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Cass Morris @cassmorriswrites.com · 07/08/2026
Hours to go! Make sure to get your ballot in! Make your opinions known!!! And here's why I think you should vote for Worldbuilding for Masochists for Best Fancast: 🧵
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John Wiswell @wiswell.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Wow! "Wiswell finds the grief and emotion in his absurd premises without ever letting that grief swallow the joy. He writes about found family and healing and belonging with such earnestness that it bypasses every cynical defense mechanism one might have built up from reading too much grimdark."
winteriscoming.net
Book review: The Dragon Has Some Complaints is John Wiswell at the height of his powers
We didn't plan on falling this hard for a three-headed dragon, but John Wiswell had other plans with his latest novel, The Dragon Has Some Complaints.
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Worldbuilding for Masochists @worldbuildcast.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Today! Worldbuilding for Masochists is taking part in @tbrcon.bsky.social, an all-virtual, all-streaming sci-fi/fantasy/horror convention. We’ll be chatting about our “choose, don’t presume” ethos and general approach to worldbuilding. Tune in on YouTube at 5pm ET! youtube.com/live/GeF4zvq...
Graphic promoting Worldbuilding for Masochist's Live Podcast Episode at TBRCon 2026, Friday July 31 4pm-5:30pm CT, with the show logo and headshots of the co-hosts.
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SFF Addicts Podcast @sffaddictspod.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Our @tbrcon.bsky.social 2026 live interview w/ @sarahbethdurst.bsky.social is now available as a BONUS EPISODE! Join @adrianmgibson.bsky.social @mjkuhnbooks.bsky.social Greta Kelly as they chat with Sarah about her new book Sea of Charms and more. linktr.ee/SFFAddicts www.youtube.com/live/JabYeLF...
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Foz Meadows @fozmeadows.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
my schedule for @laworldcon.bsky.social is now up! I'm looking forward to participating in a slew of awesome panels, and I can't wait to see people there! :D guide.lacon.org/people/513d3...
guide.lacon.org
LACon V Program Guide
LACon V Programme Guide
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Paul "Princejvstin" Weimer @princejvstin.com · 30/07/2026
My @laworldcon.bsky.social schedule is now live! guide.lacon.org/people/7bc62... But I am also the Area Head for Photography so you will also be seeing me running around with my team with a camera.
My schedule
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Valerie Valdes @valerievaldes.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
My schedule: bsky.app/profile/vale...
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Sophie Burnham @sophieburnham.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Ayo, my @laworldcon.bsky.social schedule just dropped! Come for the chaos gays, stay for the chaos gays.
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Elizabeth Bear @matociquala.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Here's where to find me at Worldcon!
A worldcon promo card with a photo of me and a list of panels, as follows:

Thursday, August 27, 2026
09:00 PDT
12:00 EDT

Select Stroll with the Stars

Stroll with the Stars
Hilton Lobby (Hilton),Starts: 09:00 PDT con time, 12:00 EDT local timeDuration: 45 mins
Friday, August 28, 2026
12:00 PDT
15:00 EDT

Select The Stories That Just Keep Giving: Hugo Best Series Finalists

The Stories That Just Keep Giving: Hugo Best Series Finalists
258 (ACC North),Starts: 12:00 PDT con time, 15:00 EDT local timeDuration: 60 mins
14:00 PDT
17:00 EDT

Select Reading: Elizabeth Bear

Reading: Elizabeth Bear
San Simeon B (Hilton),Starts: 14:00 PDT con time, 17:00 EDT local timeDuration: 25 mins
16:30 PDT
19:30 EDT

Select Table Talk: Elizabeth Bear

Table Talk: Elizabeth Bear
Sunset (Hilton),Starts: 16:30 PDT con time, 19:30 EDT local timeDuration: 60 mins
Saturday, August 29, 2026
10:30 PDT
13:30 EDT

Select Autographing: Elizabeth Bear

Autographing: Elizabeth Bear
Pedestrian Bridge (ACC North),Starts: 10:30 PDT con time, 13:30 EDT local timeDuration: 60 mins
12:00 PDT
15:00 EDT

Select Catching a Criminal: Forensics for SF/Mystery Writers

Catching a Criminal: Forensics for SF/Mystery Writers
251C (ACC North),Starts: 12:00 PDT con time, 15:00 EDT local timeDuration: 60 mins
Sunday, August 30, 2026
09:00 PDT
12:00 EDT

Select Creating Believable Ecology: Getting Fantastic Worlds Right

Creating Believable Ecology: Getting Fantastic Worlds Right
255 (ACC North),Starts: 09:00 PDT con time, 12:00 EDT local timeDuration: 60 mins
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Elizabeth Bear @matociquala.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
My Schedule Today at the Gencon Writer's Symposium! Building a Long-Term Career 11 am, Ballroom 4 Can They Get Away With It? Heist Plots for Literature and RPGs 3 pm, Ballroom 3 History as Worldbuilding 4 pm, Ballroom 3
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Cass Morris @cassmorriswrites.com · 31/07/2026
My schedule for @laworldcon.bsky.social! Yeah, they're keeping me busy. 😅 And this doesn't even include Hugo-Ceremony-related things! I'm super looking forward to it -- I've got some great topics and get to sit alongside some amazing people.
Graphic with Cass's schedule for LAcon V:
Worldbuilding for Masochists Talbe Talk Friday 12pm
The Scoville Scale of Spicy Books Friday 3pm
Populating Fantasy: More Than Kings, Knights, and Smallfolk Friday 4:30pm
Many Mics, One Stage: Hugo Fancast Mash-Up Saturday 12pm
Live Podcast: Worldbuilding for Masochists Saturday 6pm
Immersive Experiences Sunday 9am
Golden Idols: The Evolution of Religion Sunday 10:30am
Pantheons Around the World Sunday 3pm
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Natania Barron ~ Fantasy Author @natania.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Hint hint fancast: @worldbuildcast.bsky.social
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Marie Brennan @swantower.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
I have my schedule for #LAConV! In addition to panels, readings, etc., @alychelms.bsky.social and I will have a table in the dealers' hall, selling books (incl. THE EYE OF LEVIATHAN, Rook & Rose, and the Memoirs of Lady Trent), pattern decks, tea samples, and more! www.swantower.com/appearances/
swantower.com
Public Appearances - Swan Tower
Last updated: July 30th, 2026.   August 27th – August 31st, 2026 LA Worldcon, Anaheim, CA THURSDAY Collaborative Writing (panel, moderating), Thursday 1:30 p.m. autographing, Thursday 6 p.m. FRIDAY Ch...
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Martha Wells @marthawells.com · 30/07/2026
Here’s my schedule for the WorldCon in Los Angeles guide.lacon.org/people/7898e... #booksky #murderbot
guide.lacon.org
LACon V Program Guide
LACon V Programme Guide
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Kate Elliott @kateelliottsff.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
I am attending LA Worldcon 2026. Here's my schedule (lots of opportunities to see me) #LAconV #booksky guide.lacon.org/people/fd9a5...
guide.lacon.org
LACon V Program Guide
LACon V Programme Guide
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John Wiswell @wiswell.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
I'm almost home from errands, so now is great time to leave a question. You might ask about: -Dragons -What the sky should taste like -Books (are they real??) -Why are you laughing while you're stuck out in the rain, John?
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Mary Robinette Kowal @maryrobinettekowal.com · 30/07/2026
Elsie and I will be at @laworldcon.bsky.social next month. Here is our schedule: maryrobinettekowal.com/events/mrk-a... Will you be there? Let me know, and say hello if you see me!
LAcon V: Where to find Mary Robinette and Elsie at Worldcon. Thursday, August 27: Stroll with the Stars (9:00 a.m.), Reading: MRK (12:30 p.m.), Collaborative Writing (1:30 p.m.), Autographing: MRK (4:30 p.m.)LAcon V: Where to find Mary Robinette and Elsie at Worldcon. Friday, August 28. Writing Loyal Companions in SF/F (9:00 a.m.). Puppetry for Storytelling (10:30 a.m.). Live Podcast: Writing Excuses (1:30 p.m.). Writing the Science Fiction Murder Mystery (4:30 p.m.).LAcon V: Where to find Mary Robinette and Elsie at Worldcon. Saturday, August 29. Audiobooks 101: The Process for Indie Authors and Rights Holders (1:30 p.m.). Go Fact Yourself Live - Prady vs. Kowal (4:00 p.m.). Sunday, August 30. Table Talk - MRK (10:30 a.m.). Meetup: Elsie the Talking Cat (Virtual) (3:00 p.m.).LAcon V: Where to find Mary Robinette and Elsie at Worldcon. Monday, August 31. The Talking Cat Journey (10:30 a.m.). Meetup: Elsie the Talking Cat (12:00 p.m.). Fiber Arts in SF/F Fiction (Virtual) (1:30 p.m.).
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Seanan McGuire @seananmcguire.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
We're collecting the whole Up-and-Under series in a single volume! And...giving me credit for A. Deborah Baker's work oh God she's going to come for me in the night. Anyway, pre-orders are open now. Buy my book, avenge my death.
Two small stylized figures sit on a cartoon wall, looking out on a strange landscape of trees, cliffs, and rivers, with a castle in the background and an owl's silhouette in the center.  The colors are red and gold, like a flame.  The text reads:  THE UP AND UNDER SERIES - NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR SEANAN MCGUIRE - WRITING AS A. DEBORAH BAKER.
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