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gbralph.com
Gavin / G. B. Ralph
@gbralph.com
2.3K followers 930 following 1.6K posts
📚 Author 🕵️‍♂️ Cosy mysteries 👬 Romcoms
👨‍🏫 Gay librarian approved 🏳️‍🌈 (he/him)
📍 Aotearoa NZ 🇳🇿
🔗 gbralph.com/links
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by Gavin / G. B. Ralph
newsroom.co.nz
From Auckland University - Comment: Wellington’s contested central library is about to reopen – and it’s not trying to be frictionless and avoid the messy everyday work of being a public space.
Libraries, what are they good for? Absolutely everything
newsroom.co.nz
November 26, 2025 at 4:58 AM
gbralph.com
"OK, give us a goofy grin while slowly lowering your books… Yes! Perfect, just like that."

Those weren't my instructions but that's what we ended up with! I had fun filming around the Palmerston North City Library though was clearly starting to lose the plot by the time we wrapped.
Video screenshot of author G. B. Ralph sitting and speaking to the camera with the library in the background. Subtitle reads "It's basically murder, but everyone has a nice time." Video screenshot of author G. B. Ralph sitting and typing on his laptop with the library in the background. Subtitle reads "I think just being in the library is inspiring, being surrounded by books" Video screenshot of author G. B. Ralph sitting and speaking to the camera with the library in the background. Subtitle reads "And so, I just chucked a dead body at their feet and then they've definitely got—" Video screenshot of author G. B. Ralph walking upstairs at the library. Subtitle reads "One of the last free spaces. There's no expectation that you have to buy anything."
November 26, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Reposted by Gavin / G. B. Ralph
ethanmaldridge.bsky.social
Hey you
A white stoat wearing an elegant tweed suit with a red vest. He holds a lantern out, autumn leaves swirling at his ankles, while an banner flutters over his head that reads "Unclench your jaw."
November 25, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Reposted by Gavin / G. B. Ralph
tomgauld.bsky.social
Now for some sports news...
(this week's cartoon for @theguardian.com books pages)
Panel One: A sportscaster speaks to a television camera "You join us just in time for the annual booksellers versus librarians tug of war." Panel Two: We see the participants warming up as he continues... "Two very strong teams this year, they’ve both been in training since February. As always, the real skill in this match is not to start chatting about boo-" Panel Three: "Too late!! A pair of librarians are discussing the new Margaret Atwood! A crowd is forming! The booksellers are joining in! It's all over!!" We see all the participants chatting. Panel Four: The sportscaster finishes up to the camera: "The rope lies untouched! The discussions continue! We have a draw for 325th year in a row! Join us again next year!" End. Bonus alt-text Content: Fun fact! The first tug of war was between the staff of Cranston Library and those of Daniel Midwinter Booksellers www.cranstonlibraryreigate.com/ www.blogs.nottingham.ac.uk/manuscripts/2017/11/10/booksellers/
November 24, 2025 at 2:14 PM
gbralph.com
You’ve been kidnapped. The characters from the last TV show you watched are trying to rescue you. Who’s coming to save you?
November 25, 2025 at 6:51 AM
gbralph.com
Today's writing involved:
🤭 accidental alliteration
💀 breath-taking stupidity, and
📸 an impromptu photoshoot.

🚧 WIP: Killer on the Kelvin Explorer
📈 Book status: First draft (11%)

#CozyMystery #Mystery #WritingCommunity
🌈📚🇳🇿📚💙🔎💀📚👀📚🌎🌈✒️
November 25, 2025 at 2:00 AM
gbralph.com
Today's writing involved:
🏴‍☠️ a fashion-forward pirate,
🎫 a second-class ticket, and
🧣 a striped silk scarf.

🚧 WIP: Killer on the Kelvin Explorer
📈 Book status: First draft (10%)

#CozyMystery #Mystery #WritingCommunity
🌈📚🇳🇿📚💙🔎💀📚👀📚🌎🌈✒️
November 24, 2025 at 12:54 AM
gbralph.com
‘Oh, there’s Bill,’ Mabel said, lifting her takeaway cup in the direction of a comfortable-looking middle-aged man sporting a lush, walrus-like moustache. ‘Bill Burton. He’d be up for a working bee.’

WIP: Killer on the Kelvin Explorer

#WIPsnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity 🌈📚🇳🇿📚💙🔎💀📚👀📚🌎🌈✒️
November 21, 2025 at 7:28 PM
gbralph.com
Today's writing involved:
🐝 a working bee,
🦭 a walrus-like moustache, and
😣 an expression stuck somewhere between mild annoyance and resignation.

🚧 WIP: Killer on the Kelvin Explorer
📈 Book status: First draft (9%)
November 21, 2025 at 1:34 AM
gbralph.com
‘Trains are the best.’
Jake laughed and nodded his agreement. ‘Trains are indeed the best.’
‘Fact,’ Addison said. ‘Especially big, old steam trains.’
‘The *most* best.’

WIP: Killer on the Kelvin Explorer 💀🚂

#WIPsnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity
November 20, 2025 at 5:45 PM
gbralph.com
Another wonderful review, this time by Craig Sisterson writing for the Fall 2025 edition of the US-based Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine, featuring words like "intriguing" and "charming"!

Full review: gbralph.com/2025/11/20/c...

#CozyMystery #Mystery #BookReview 🌈📚🇳🇿📚💙🔎💀📚👀📚🌎🌈✒️
Review of Fright on Stage Right by G. B. Ralph. Speech bubbles with selected excerpts.
November 20, 2025 at 3:24 AM
gbralph.com
Today's writing involved:
🙄 a technicality,
😩 a ratepayers' association, and
👍 a man with a plan.

🚧 WIP: Killer on the Kelvin Explorer
📈 Book status: First draft (8%)

#CozyMystery #Mystery #WritingCommunity
🌈📚🇳🇿📚💙🔎💀📚👀📚🌎🌈✒️
November 20, 2025 at 2:01 AM
gbralph.com
He’d been swapped out and was suddenly feeling very much the third wheel on what he’d supposed was his own outing.

WIP: Killer on the Kelvin Explorer 💀🚂

#WIPsnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity
November 19, 2025 at 5:58 PM
gbralph.com
#Novememeber 19

WIP alternative titles:
❌ Chaos on the Coastal Connection
❌ Witness on the Wellington Express
❌ Escape on the Eastern Explorer
❌ Trouble on the Turbine Explorer
❌ Grudge on the Gorge Explorer
❌ Enigma on the Eastern Line

WIP actual title:
✅ Killer on the Kelvin Explorer
sagetgreene.bsky.social Sage T. Greene, Author @sagetgreene.bsky.social · 7d
#Novmemeber 19

Give us an alternate title to your WIP. Another title you considered, your working title, or a joke title.

Potential examples:
Of Mice and Men was originally Something That Happened
The Da Vinci Code might've been ScavengerHuntWIP
Frankenstein could be How to Make a Guy in 10 Days
19. An alternate title for your WIP A prompt game for the month of November, titled #Novmemeber (as in meme). Hosted by @sagetgreene.bsky.social . The bottom says "Have fun, interact, and remember alt text!" There is a silly emoji face with wild eyes and tongue sticking out, and some fall-style leaves in the corners.
November 19, 2025 at 5:54 PM
gbralph.com
Today's writing involved:
☕ a coffee caravan,
😌 a clear conscience, and
💥 much banging and crashing.

🚧 WIP: Killer on the Kelvin Explorer
📈 Book status: First draft (7%)
November 19, 2025 at 4:24 AM
gbralph.com
If you see this, post your getaway vehicle
November 19, 2025 at 1:14 AM
gbralph.com
🚨 12 hours until they're live! @markstay.bsky.social's Creative Differences is always worth a watch and I'm sure this month's episode with Jeevani Charika will be excellent!
markstay.bsky.social Mark Stay @markstay.bsky.social · 14d
Join me with @jeevanicharika.bsky.social on the Creative Differences Livestream TUESDAY 18th NOVEMBER, 8PM GMT
We'll be discussing romcoms, Canva tips for writers, Lego and more!

Join us on Facebook: fb.me/e/5nQnr7bKZ

Or on Youtube... www.youtube.com/live/a2s_nZc...
November 18, 2025 at 8:08 AM
gbralph.com
Excellent article from across the ditch about the popularity and importance of libraries.

"Libraries are nothing less than our secret weapon in the war against ignorance and isolation."
aunz.theconversation.com The Conversation AUNZ @aunz.theconversation.com · 9d
A new report shows that visits to Australian public libraries are up 10% – though funding is down. They provide everything from books and internet to help with CVs.
Australia’s public libraries are thriving as the cost of living rises. We can’t afford to lose them
theconversation.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:38 AM
gbralph.com
Today's writing involved:
🪴 well-established weeds,
🤨 an absurd notion, and
😧 a look of mild frazzlement.

🚧 WIP: Killer on the Kelvin Explorer
📈 Book status: First draft (6%)

#CozyMystery #Mystery #WritingCommunity
🌈📚🇳🇿📚💙🔎💀📚👀📚🌎🌈✒️
November 18, 2025 at 2:05 AM
gbralph.com
Today's writing involved:
🎒 a neon green backpack,
🫡 preparing for every eventuality, and
😇 benevolent bribery.

🚧 WIP: Killer on the Kelvin Explorer
📈 Book status: First draft (5%)

#CozyMystery #Mystery #WritingCommunity
🌈📚🇳🇿📚💙🔎💀📚👀📚🌎🌈✒️
November 17, 2025 at 2:33 AM
gbralph.com
Local Readers and Authors Day at the library was a hit and I had a great time chairing the first event of the day. Our Romance Panel featured A.J. Lancaster, Carole Brungar, and Sean Monaghan who told us all about their latest releases, tropes, how they get the words down on the page, and much more!
Four panelists sitting and speaking at the front of the room Four panelists sitting and speaking at the front of the room Poster showing the schedule for Local Readers and Authors Day
November 16, 2025 at 6:01 PM
gbralph.com
I'll see you all very soon ❤️
gbralph.com Gavin / G. B. Ralph @gbralph.com · 12d
Not long until our meet-cute at the library 😍 i.e. romance panel, 2:30pm tomorrow (Fri 15 Nov), HEA guaranteed x
Selfie with a Local Readers and Authors Day poster
November 14, 2025 at 11:56 PM
gbralph.com
Not long until our meet-cute at the library 😍 i.e. romance panel, 2:30pm tomorrow (Fri 15 Nov), HEA guaranteed x
Selfie with a Local Readers and Authors Day poster
November 14, 2025 at 12:53 AM
gbralph.com
Today's writing involved:
👮‍♂️ the universal appeal of a man in uniform,
👀 keeping an eye on a trouble-magnet, and
🚪 leaving a kitchen cupboard door slightly ajar.

🚧 WIP: Killer on the Kelvin Explorer
📈 Book status: First draft (4%)

#CozyMystery #Mystery #WritingCommunity
🌈📚🇳🇿📚💙🔎💀📚👀📚🌎🌈✒️
November 14, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Reposted by Gavin / G. B. Ralph
gbralph.com
The despicably clever and talented co-author of The Bookshop Detectives, Louise Ward, has said such wonderful and generous things about The Milverton Mysteries 😮

#Mystery #Books #BookReview 🌈📚🇳🇿📚💙🔎💀📚👀📚🌎
The Milverton Mysteries by G. B. Ralph. Book cover images and review blurb from Louise Ward, co-author of The Bookshop Detectives: "The Milverton Mysteries are a breath of sweet, fresh air: funny, cosy, full of atmosphere and heart. You’ll fall in love with Addison."
November 13, 2025 at 5:09 AM