After moderating a panel on women’s rage in horror, I’m finishing the first day of FantasyCon with the thrill of the slasher. Step up, @mikehollows.bsky.social, @benjaminlangley.bsky.social, @benunsworth.co.uk and @blackshuckbooks.bsky.social 🔪

No, I didn’t win the Noble prize for literature. Oh well, there’s always next year.

On my way to Glasgow for #Fantasycon #Fantasycon2026 who will I see there?! @britfantasysoc.bsky.social

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

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?

Any idea how to get this iPad out? (Replacing it with a new one)

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...

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

theguardian.com

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.

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?

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.

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?

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...

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...

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?

Why does every single AI poster have a paint splash banner across the middle? 😅

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?

£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?

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.

Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him@mikehollows.bsky.social · 3mo ago

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?

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?

Dr Mike Hollows/MJ Hollows He/Him@mikehollows.bsky.social · 3mo ago

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?

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?

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.

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".

Replica004 | Sara Zeno Camponeschi@replica004.bsky.social · 3mo ago

I’m not usually in the habit of bothering authors online but I just finished Voidscarred and I must thank you @mikebrooks668.bsky.social for my entire life 😭🙏🏻 It was fun and deep and joyful and exciting!!! I’m so grateful it exists, I will read it again countless times ❤️

You are the establishment, you absolute muppet.

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

Make Crime Pay 2026

Join us for a packed day of online workshops, talks, interviews with an exciting range of Crime Writing authors.

eventbrite.co.uk

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/

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/

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.

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.

We did it!

Arsenal FC@arsenalfc.bsky.social · 5mo ago

The Arsenal. Your Premier League champions.

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

Dr Mike Hollows/M.J. Hollows - Author/Lecturer

Historical Fiction, SFF, and Crime author, Doctor of Creative Writing

michaelhollows.com