Bethany Cutkomp
@bdcutkomp.bsky.social
writer of surreal and existential works | library associate | Thomasonian managing editor | BotN and Pushcart nom | currently drowning in manuscript revisions | she/her
published works: https://bdcutkomp.wixsite.com/portfolio
published works: https://bdcutkomp.wixsite.com/portfolio
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
January 16, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
I have to say, as a man with two mothers, I find the derisive deployment of language like "lesbian" and "lover" by those on the far right who are trying to justify Renee Good's death particularly disgusting and dehumanizing. These women. They are wives. They are a family. That's it.
January 9, 2026 at 7:41 PM
I have to say, as a man with two mothers, I find the derisive deployment of language like "lesbian" and "lover" by those on the far right who are trying to justify Renee Good's death particularly disgusting and dehumanizing. These women. They are wives. They are a family. That's it.
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
A Black man was killed by ICE (off duty) in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve. And like Renée Good, he was an American citizen. But most people have not heard about Keith Porter.
I need y’all to realize this. Black people experience this lack of visibility all the time when it comes to being victims.
I need y’all to realize this. Black people experience this lack of visibility all the time when it comes to being victims.
January 10, 2026 at 3:24 PM
A Black man was killed by ICE (off duty) in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve. And like Renée Good, he was an American citizen. But most people have not heard about Keith Porter.
I need y’all to realize this. Black people experience this lack of visibility all the time when it comes to being victims.
I need y’all to realize this. Black people experience this lack of visibility all the time when it comes to being victims.
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
Book 4 of 2026: Whalefall by Daniel Kraus, recced to me by @bdcutkomp.bsky.social — seriously unlike anything I’ve ever read. Fascinating science writing around an absurd premise with supernatural elements (communing with the dead) but somehow it all WORKS. I was riveted. #BookSky
Whalefall
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER Named a Best Book of 2023 by Boo…
www.goodreads.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Book 4 of 2026: Whalefall by Daniel Kraus, recced to me by @bdcutkomp.bsky.social — seriously unlike anything I’ve ever read. Fascinating science writing around an absurd premise with supernatural elements (communing with the dead) but somehow it all WORKS. I was riveted. #BookSky
Looks like 2025’s story motifs were brought to you by altered realms of existence and the depths of the sea!
December 31, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Looks like 2025’s story motifs were brought to you by altered realms of existence and the depths of the sea!
This made my entire year. Thank you so, so much! 💙
FAVORITE STORIES OF 2025
In Another Life, I Am a Direct Descendent of Sharks by @bdcutkomp.bsky.social in @xraylitmag.bsky.social
xraylitmag.com/in-another-l...
In Another Life, I Am a Direct Descendent of Sharks by @bdcutkomp.bsky.social in @xraylitmag.bsky.social
xraylitmag.com/in-another-l...
IN ANOTHER LIFE, I AM A DIRECT DESCENDANT OF SHARKS by Bethany Cutkomp
And if I do not keep moving, I will pass away. They call this ram ventilation, a shark’s way of breathing. My invisible gills demand the same method of survival. Since hatching from your womb, I have ...
xraylitmag.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:16 PM
This made my entire year. Thank you so, so much! 💙
Recommended my favorite book to my therapist AND my dentist today. Now that’s what I call a productive day.
December 18, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Recommended my favorite book to my therapist AND my dentist today. Now that’s what I call a productive day.
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
“Away with the captions. Just sun squiggle human. Swirl arrow bear. Away with the emojis. Each imperfect stroke left behind a level of soul computer pixels couldn’t replicate.”
I love this story so much
I love this story so much
Thrilled to share a story involving a scenario where our screen-addicted society slows down and returns to its roots. This is “Return of the Cave Paintings” published in @bendinggenres.bsky.social 🦣
bendinggenres.com/return-of-th...
bendinggenres.com/return-of-th...
Return of the Cave Paintings
bendinggenres.com
December 13, 2025 at 2:43 PM
“Away with the captions. Just sun squiggle human. Swirl arrow bear. Away with the emojis. Each imperfect stroke left behind a level of soul computer pixels couldn’t replicate.”
I love this story so much
I love this story so much
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
I dig it!
Thrilled to share a story involving a scenario where our screen-addicted society slows down and returns to its roots. This is “Return of the Cave Paintings” published in @bendinggenres.bsky.social 🦣
bendinggenres.com/return-of-th...
bendinggenres.com/return-of-th...
Return of the Cave Paintings
bendinggenres.com
December 13, 2025 at 2:36 PM
I dig it!
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
Perfect ending to a great story!
@bdcutkomp.bsky.social in @bendinggenres.bsky.social
#EpistemicLitFamily
@bdcutkomp.bsky.social in @bendinggenres.bsky.social
#EpistemicLitFamily
Thrilled to share a story involving a scenario where our screen-addicted society slows down and returns to its roots. This is “Return of the Cave Paintings” published in @bendinggenres.bsky.social 🦣
bendinggenres.com/return-of-th...
bendinggenres.com/return-of-th...
Return of the Cave Paintings
bendinggenres.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Perfect ending to a great story!
@bdcutkomp.bsky.social in @bendinggenres.bsky.social
#EpistemicLitFamily
@bdcutkomp.bsky.social in @bendinggenres.bsky.social
#EpistemicLitFamily
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
“Reporters claimed this Paleolithic second coming came as no surprise. This screen-weary generation was bound to crumble at some point.”
@bdcutkomp.bsky.social in @bendinggenres.bsky.social bendinggenres.com/return-of-th...
@bdcutkomp.bsky.social in @bendinggenres.bsky.social bendinggenres.com/return-of-th...
Return of the Cave Paintings
bendinggenres.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:42 AM
“Reporters claimed this Paleolithic second coming came as no surprise. This screen-weary generation was bound to crumble at some point.”
@bdcutkomp.bsky.social in @bendinggenres.bsky.social bendinggenres.com/return-of-th...
@bdcutkomp.bsky.social in @bendinggenres.bsky.social bendinggenres.com/return-of-th...
Thrilled to share a story involving a scenario where our screen-addicted society slows down and returns to its roots. This is “Return of the Cave Paintings” published in @bendinggenres.bsky.social 🦣
bendinggenres.com/return-of-th...
bendinggenres.com/return-of-th...
Return of the Cave Paintings
bendinggenres.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Thrilled to share a story involving a scenario where our screen-addicted society slows down and returns to its roots. This is “Return of the Cave Paintings” published in @bendinggenres.bsky.social 🦣
bendinggenres.com/return-of-th...
bendinggenres.com/return-of-th...
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
Happy Holidays and Happy Awards Szn pt 2 (!!) to our Geese! We still love you all and still love to honk about our love for you! SGP is so proud to nominate these amazing writers for the @pushcartprize.bsky.social (our first time nominating!) 🪿🤩 Good luck, geese! 🪿🤩
December 5, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Happy Holidays and Happy Awards Szn pt 2 (!!) to our Geese! We still love you all and still love to honk about our love for you! SGP is so proud to nominate these amazing writers for the @pushcartprize.bsky.social (our first time nominating!) 🪿🤩 Good luck, geese! 🪿🤩
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
WE ARE OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS!
December 3, 2025 at 2:19 PM
WE ARE OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS!
This is a dream come true! Thank you so much @epistemiclit.bsky.social 🩵
Announcing! Our #Puschart Prize nominees!
November 23, 2025 at 8:45 PM
This is a dream come true! Thank you so much @epistemiclit.bsky.social 🩵
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
Every time I write a line that I think sounds killer I feel like some sort of magical warlock.
November 6, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Every time I write a line that I think sounds killer I feel like some sort of magical warlock.
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
If you or anyone you love has trouble sitting still, read this bite-sized story by @bdcutkomp.bsky.social.
"My teachers exchange concerns abt the pacing the rocking the bouncing..Theyve got it all wrong."
xraylitmag.com/in-another-life-i-am-a-direct-descendant-of-sharks-by-bethany-cutkomp/fiction
"My teachers exchange concerns abt the pacing the rocking the bouncing..Theyve got it all wrong."
xraylitmag.com/in-another-life-i-am-a-direct-descendant-of-sharks-by-bethany-cutkomp/fiction
IN ANOTHER LIFE, I AM A DIRECT DESCENDANT OF SHARKS by Bethany Cutkomp
And if I do not keep moving, I will pass away. They call this ram ventilation, a shark’s way of breathing. My invisible gills demand the same method of survival. Since hatching from your womb, I have ...
xraylitmag.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:38 PM
If you or anyone you love has trouble sitting still, read this bite-sized story by @bdcutkomp.bsky.social.
"My teachers exchange concerns abt the pacing the rocking the bouncing..Theyve got it all wrong."
xraylitmag.com/in-another-life-i-am-a-direct-descendant-of-sharks-by-bethany-cutkomp/fiction
"My teachers exchange concerns abt the pacing the rocking the bouncing..Theyve got it all wrong."
xraylitmag.com/in-another-life-i-am-a-direct-descendant-of-sharks-by-bethany-cutkomp/fiction
Thank you so much @xraylitmag.bsky.social for giving this story the perfect home! 🦈
i really like this 500 word story by Bethany Cutkomp @bdcutkomp.bsky.social !
it's about that boy we all knew once, who rides his bike everywhere & can't sit still in class.
make sure to read 'In Another Life, I Am a Direct Descendent of Sharks' !!
xraylitmag.com/in-another-l...
it's about that boy we all knew once, who rides his bike everywhere & can't sit still in class.
make sure to read 'In Another Life, I Am a Direct Descendent of Sharks' !!
xraylitmag.com/in-another-l...
IN ANOTHER LIFE, I AM A DIRECT DESCENDANT OF SHARKS by Bethany Cutkomp
And if I do not keep moving, I will pass away. They call this ram ventilation, a shark’s way of breathing. My invisible gills demand the same method of survival. Since hatching from your womb, I have ...
xraylitmag.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Thank you so much @xraylitmag.bsky.social for giving this story the perfect home! 🦈
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
I’ve got a micro in @folklorereview.bsky.social’s fantastic Skeletal series!
www.folklorereview.com/mico-series-...
www.folklorereview.com/mico-series-...
October 17, 2025 at 3:04 PM
I’ve got a micro in @folklorereview.bsky.social’s fantastic Skeletal series!
www.folklorereview.com/mico-series-...
www.folklorereview.com/mico-series-...
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
Thank you to everyone that joined our first virtual reading! 💚
It was so great to hear from some of our contributors on a deeper level and share some incredible perspectives from different parts of the globe together. We love this community!
It was so great to hear from some of our contributors on a deeper level and share some incredible perspectives from different parts of the globe together. We love this community!
October 12, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Thank you to everyone that joined our first virtual reading! 💚
It was so great to hear from some of our contributors on a deeper level and share some incredible perspectives from different parts of the globe together. We love this community!
It was so great to hear from some of our contributors on a deeper level and share some incredible perspectives from different parts of the globe together. We love this community!
This will be a great opportunity to gain a sense of who we are and what our vibes are before we open for Issue No. II subs!
Come celebrate our contributors and stick around for our open mic! The link will go live about 15 minutes before on our website thomasonian.com
Come celebrate our contributors and stick around for our open mic! The link will go live about 15 minutes before on our website thomasonian.com
Join us for Thomasonian’s first virtual reading event!
Celebrate our Issue 1 contributors while they read/discuss their pieces, and stick around for a nature/science open mic at the end. Whether you bring a piece for our open mic, or just come to listen, we’d love to have you!
Celebrate our Issue 1 contributors while they read/discuss their pieces, and stick around for a nature/science open mic at the end. Whether you bring a piece for our open mic, or just come to listen, we’d love to have you!
October 11, 2025 at 9:18 PM
This will be a great opportunity to gain a sense of who we are and what our vibes are before we open for Issue No. II subs!
Come celebrate our contributors and stick around for our open mic! The link will go live about 15 minutes before on our website thomasonian.com
Come celebrate our contributors and stick around for our open mic! The link will go live about 15 minutes before on our website thomasonian.com
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
🪿CNF🪿
Perfect yearning and loving and leaving
WHEN REALITY THINS by @bdcutkomp.bsky.social
“This may be our last time together before you move to the coast, thousands of miles away from here.”
sillygoosepress.com/issue-five/w...
Perfect yearning and loving and leaving
WHEN REALITY THINS by @bdcutkomp.bsky.social
“This may be our last time together before you move to the coast, thousands of miles away from here.”
sillygoosepress.com/issue-five/w...
When Reality Thins — SillyGoosePress
I need something to wash down this lump in my throat. Premature grief is a familiar flavor but it burns my tongue just the same. All of my best friends are moving away at once, and I can barely stand ...
sillygoosepress.com
September 18, 2025 at 4:48 PM
🪿CNF🪿
Perfect yearning and loving and leaving
WHEN REALITY THINS by @bdcutkomp.bsky.social
“This may be our last time together before you move to the coast, thousands of miles away from here.”
sillygoosepress.com/issue-five/w...
Perfect yearning and loving and leaving
WHEN REALITY THINS by @bdcutkomp.bsky.social
“This may be our last time together before you move to the coast, thousands of miles away from here.”
sillygoosepress.com/issue-five/w...
Reposted by Bethany Cutkomp
“But what is the opposite of a ghost? A body that wants to be found.”
Another trip to the beach in this opposite-of-ghostly tale by @bdcutkomp.bsky.social, Haunter of the Shore
Issue 6: #Nostalgia
epistemiclit.com/current-issu...
Another trip to the beach in this opposite-of-ghostly tale by @bdcutkomp.bsky.social, Haunter of the Shore
Issue 6: #Nostalgia
epistemiclit.com/current-issu...
HAUNTER OF THE SHORE -
Do you believe me?
epistemiclit.com
September 12, 2025 at 9:22 PM
“But what is the opposite of a ghost? A body that wants to be found.”
Another trip to the beach in this opposite-of-ghostly tale by @bdcutkomp.bsky.social, Haunter of the Shore
Issue 6: #Nostalgia
epistemiclit.com/current-issu...
Another trip to the beach in this opposite-of-ghostly tale by @bdcutkomp.bsky.social, Haunter of the Shore
Issue 6: #Nostalgia
epistemiclit.com/current-issu...
I have a new story out called "Haunter of the Shore" with a magazine that I adore. Thank you so much @epistemiclit.bsky.social for giving this piece a home!
Issue 6: Nostalgia is LIVE!
Read, share, and tell us YOUR pieces of nostalgia!
Congratulations and THANK YOU to all of our contributors — this issue is yours! We’re privileged to shepherd your work into the world!
epistemiclit.com/current-issue/
Read, share, and tell us YOUR pieces of nostalgia!
Congratulations and THANK YOU to all of our contributors — this issue is yours! We’re privileged to shepherd your work into the world!
epistemiclit.com/current-issue/
Current Issue -
digital literary anthology accepting submissions based on theme to open conversations aimed at interpersonal understanding.
epistemiclit.com
September 8, 2025 at 7:20 PM
I have a new story out called "Haunter of the Shore" with a magazine that I adore. Thank you so much @epistemiclit.bsky.social for giving this piece a home!
What an honor to be included among such stunning pieces/writers. Thank you for reading and featuring one of my favorite pieces I've ever written, @turnandwork.com, I appreciate it more than you know!
Shortlist short stories continued (3/3):
Aaron Burch @aaronburch.bsky.social in @pitheadchapel.bsky.social
Lisa Ferranti in @fictivedream.bsky.social
Bethany Cutkomp @bdcutkomp.bsky.social in Hearth and Coffin
Links to all the stories here:
Aaron Burch @aaronburch.bsky.social in @pitheadchapel.bsky.social
Lisa Ferranti in @fictivedream.bsky.social
Bethany Cutkomp @bdcutkomp.bsky.social in Hearth and Coffin
Links to all the stories here:
The Shortlist for September 5, 2025 - Turn & Work
Nonfiction by Hannah Grieco, and fiction from Emily Rinkema, Spencer Nitkey, Amy DeBellis, Bethany Cutkomp, Jess Dolan, Terena Elizabeth Bell, Aaron Burch, and Lisa Ferranti.
www.turnandwork.com
September 6, 2025 at 3:05 PM
What an honor to be included among such stunning pieces/writers. Thank you for reading and featuring one of my favorite pieces I've ever written, @turnandwork.com, I appreciate it more than you know!