Change a digit and ruin pi: 3.141592653589793238462643383279502884197169399375105820174944592307816406286...
Val Nolan
@vallescurarule.bsky.social
Co-author of Spec Fic for Newbies 1, 2, 3; author of Neil Jordan: Works for the Page; Sturgeon/BSFA/BFA finalist; Locus Rec List; articles in Irish Uni Review, symplokē, Science Fiction Studies, Irish Studies Review, JGNC; fiction in many venues... He/Him
Randomly reminded just now of *how good* DS9 season 5 is.
Author copies! Such beauties 🥰. I’m so thrilled ALSTON MOOR is alive! And I’m immensely thankful to everyone involved @goldsf.bsky.social @goldsmithspress.bsky.social @unamccormack.bsky.social Pre-orders are open at all excellent bookshops. 📚🥰📚 Coming 1 September 2026. @sarahsuch.bsky.social
Real lost opportunity if the annual gathering of heart disease specialists isn't called Conlesterol.
Want to write about nature fighting back? SPEC FIC FOR NEWBIES 2 (@lunapress.bsky.social) heads into the wilderness of Ecohorror, charting a path through its history and manifestations, plus providing 2 activities to get you started! Find your copy here: www.lunapresspublishing.com/product-page...
Is there an interest in Irish literature and culture in your community or university? If so, make sure your library has a copy of Neil Jordan: Works for the Page! Available here from Cork University Press: www.corkuniversitypress.com/978178205495...
Time and Place is an important thread in a lot of dark fiction, and WRITING THE OCCULT brings it into focus for its next event on the 5th September! www.eventbrite.com/e/writing-th... #writing #writers #authors #occult #time #place #fiction #darkfiction
Writing the Occult - Time and Place
Come and join WRITING THE OCCULT for its look at the strange and surreal elements of space and time...
eventbrite.com
This piece by Jeff Yang (aka @originalsp.in) was so satisfying to edit. It covers different aspects of The Odyssey and contextualizes them as examples of political filmmaking through allegory—the tale of a 21st century empire reeling from karmic blowback. www.rogerebert.com/features/the...
The People from the Sea: How "The Odyssey" is About America
A reading of Christopher Nolan's blockbuster as a commentary on the current state of America.
rogerebert.com
The two major alien ships introduced in TNG's first season are some of my favourites and I would argue hold up better today than many of the others that followed in terms of originality and refined detailing. The Warbird is a fan favourite but I feel like the Ferengi Marauder is somewhat slept on.
We walked around the Llanberis Slate Mine (disused since the 60s). I was expecting Dr Who backdrops. It was much more postindustrial/deracinating. Like walking through Tarkovsky's Zona.
Academics and scoleres are not gate-keeperes. Thei will talke to you about their topiques. For dayes. Thei will sende lynkes. Thei will order bookes. Thys ys why thei lyve. Thei are the route bitwene past knowledge and future knowledge.
Caught the new Spider-Man movie this morning. *Really* enjoyable! A very strong entry in the series!
There's the barest whiff in the discourse about writers gatekeeping their craft but: A.) No we don't; you can't shut us up talking about writing! And... B.) Even if it was true (again, it's not), @tiffaniangus.bsky.social & I have *thoroughly* bulldozed any notional gates w Spec Fic for Newbies! 👇
Val Nolan@vallescurarule.bsky.social · 4mo agoThe Locus recommended, BSFA/BFA shortlisted *Spec Fic For Newbies* writing guide series: three stand-alone books, 90 subgenres & major tropes! Fun & informative introductions to writing Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror! Available now from @lunapress.bsky.social: www.lunapresspublishing.com/academic-non...
Every now and then someone takes a run at me along the lines of "I don't understand why you, a scifi writer, don't appreciate 'AI'," and I'm all, motherfucker, it's *because* I'm a science fiction writer I have the positions I have, how many times do we have to fucking yell "torment nexus," my dude
Increasingly feels like we're all characters in Timothy Morton's Hyperobjects 🙁 Which is weird because, you know, non-fiction, but *still*.
I am SO excited about the new essay we're publishing this Friday (for free!). If you have Thoughts about The Bride!, and other versions of Frankenstein's bride, I think you're going to Be Intrigued...
Got round to updating my linktree, which I mainly use on instagram because it remains rubbish with links. Apparently I have a free trial of Linktree Pro, whatever that is. Either way, there are quite a few free-to-read stories listed here: linktr.ee/seanbirnie
seanbirnie | Linktree
Writer, sometimes.
linktr.ee
*Not* looking forward to this, sigh, but here are my predictions: > He insults Ireland/Micheál Martin to Martin's face; > He threatens us economically; > He stumps for Aughinish Alumina/Rusal; > He rants about the EU and insults our allies there; > He confuses us with Britain/Iceland/Greenland.
The Irish Times@irishtimes.com · 4d agoDonald Trump expected to visit Dublin and Clare during trip to Ireland next month
You know, I had a job interview last year and the moment I lost them was when I said, "Climate change is the only thing that matters right now". I still think about the eyes of those otherwise intelligent people glazing over when I see the responses of society to <gestures at state of the world>.
Back on the Greenway this morning after missing a few days due to a puncture. Glorious to be back out there! 😀
My #Glasgow2024 artwork "Jellyfish Over The Clyde" graces the cover of the latest issue of #Foundation magazine, which is lovely.
Science Fiction Foundation@sffoundation.bsky.social · last mo.Proof that F152 exists - with a little treat for current UK members.
It has been raining all morning. This is a *wonderful* development 🌧️
I predict that the Irish Times is yet going to win a journalism award for its pursuit of the Aughinish Alumina story. Unlikely to be an Irish award, but likely something European.
Very cool that Starfleet has a ship named after @chanda.blacksky.app! From the Star Trek: Zero Point ashcan I picked up from @idwpublishing.com at SDCC ‘26 last weekend, written by @charliejane.bsky.social, art by Isaac Sánchez González & lettering by @longtalljodie.com.
Attenborough has been warning us about this for years, but very very politely. So for all that time everyone just went, "What a lovely man he is. Now let's burn some tyres in the back yard."
Laura Phillips@lauraphillips.bsky.social · 4d agoSir #DavidAttenborough “Things are going to get worse. This is the new extinction. We are in terrible, terrible trouble and the longer we wait to do something about it, the worse it is going to get." #ClimateEmergency
For decades, Jodrell Bank has helped us understand the universe, but now it's facing pointless funding cuts. Withdrawing funds won't save much money, but it will seriously hurt UK science. I’ve added my name to help stop this—please join me and sign the petition: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/sa...
Save Jodrell Bank
For decades, Jodrell Bank has helped us understand the universe, but now its funding is being threatened. Add your name to help stop these short-sighted cuts and protect UK science:
you.38degrees.org.uk
