Kate Heartfield
@kateheartfield.com
I write weird novels about weird history, plus games and stories. Next novel: MERCUTIO, May 2026. (Mostly) former journalist; currently teaching journalism. From Manitoba, now in Ottawa. She/her. Trans rights or gtfo 🏳️🌈
https://kateheartfield.com
https://kateheartfield.com
Pinned
Kate Heartfield
@kateheartfield.com
· Apr 30
New pinned thread! I'm a writer in Ottawa, Canada. I write historical fantasy novels (see next posts), and other things. I used to be a newspaper journalist. My newsletter, which comes out every second Friday: buttondown.com/heartfield My website: www.kateheartfield.com My typical cat situation:
My car was so coated with salt grime that I paid the extra dollar for the non-basic car wash and friends, I've seen colours this morning like you wouldn't believe.
November 25, 2025 at 2:10 PM
My car was so coated with salt grime that I paid the extra dollar for the non-basic car wash and friends, I've seen colours this morning like you wouldn't believe.
In this house we held Rogue One to be the best SW movie even before Andor was announced, but every heart wants what it wants. In fairness, I tend to award a lot of points just for trying something different, in general.
November 25, 2025 at 2:01 AM
In this house we held Rogue One to be the best SW movie even before Andor was announced, but every heart wants what it wants. In fairness, I tend to award a lot of points just for trying something different, in general.
Yeah. In my case as a journalism instructor, sure, basic fact-checking for a crappy article you didn't write on a topic on which you're not an expert is in fact a newsroom skill. So is AI identification, now. But it is not the skill that my course is designed to develop, so, what happens to *that*?
I'm so tired of people telling me to have students critique LLM outputs. I'm just going to print this on little cards and hand them out
I will add the following: our students lack the research skills required to audit an LLM essay for errors. They don’t arrive on campus with these skills; we teach it to them over four long years. So throwing freshmen in the deep end and saying “swim your way to a shore of rectitude” is folly.
November 25, 2025 at 1:41 AM
Yeah. In my case as a journalism instructor, sure, basic fact-checking for a crappy article you didn't write on a topic on which you're not an expert is in fact a newsroom skill. So is AI identification, now. But it is not the skill that my course is designed to develop, so, what happens to *that*?
Reposted by Kate Heartfield
More generally, wherever you are in the world: if you have kids’ toys, books, clothes or anything else in just-about-giftable condition that you were thinking of decluttering some time soon, please do it now, this week ideally, and get them to your local charity shop.
Hey Ottawa folks: I gave some kids' books to Twice Upon a Time and they said they've receved fewer donations than usual for this time of year. So if you have any kids' books in good condition, or time or money to spare, here's the info:
Donate - Twice Upon a Time
twiceuponatime.ca
November 24, 2025 at 8:11 PM
More generally, wherever you are in the world: if you have kids’ toys, books, clothes or anything else in just-about-giftable condition that you were thinking of decluttering some time soon, please do it now, this week ideally, and get them to your local charity shop.
Hey Ottawa folks: I gave some kids' books to Twice Upon a Time and they said they've receved fewer donations than usual for this time of year. So if you have any kids' books in good condition, or time or money to spare, here's the info:
Donate - Twice Upon a Time
twiceuponatime.ca
November 24, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Hey Ottawa folks: I gave some kids' books to Twice Upon a Time and they said they've receved fewer donations than usual for this time of year. So if you have any kids' books in good condition, or time or money to spare, here's the info:
Today I have seen the (correct, important) argument that not all parts of the world have access to public libraries, and also the (incorrect, weird) assertion that only the US does. Here's an interactive map if you want to check avail stats for a given country (may not give full picture of course).
IFLA Library Map of the World
librarymap.ifla.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Today I have seen the (correct, important) argument that not all parts of the world have access to public libraries, and also the (incorrect, weird) assertion that only the US does. Here's an interactive map if you want to check avail stats for a given country (may not give full picture of course).
Yes. Twelfth Night is Jan. 5*, otherwise known in some traditions as Kate's Birthday Eve
*obligatory not all traditions and calendars disclaimer, do not come at me
*obligatory not all traditions and calendars disclaimer, do not come at me
'Tis the season for one of my holiday pet peeves.
THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS RUN FROM DECEMBER 25 TO JANUARY 5.
THE DAYS LEADING UP TO CHRISTMAS ARE ADVENT WHICH IS WHY YOU HAVE ADVENT CALENDARS
this compounded by the AMOUNT christian nonsense inflicted on me by ppl who don't know their own shit
THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS RUN FROM DECEMBER 25 TO JANUARY 5.
THE DAYS LEADING UP TO CHRISTMAS ARE ADVENT WHICH IS WHY YOU HAVE ADVENT CALENDARS
this compounded by the AMOUNT christian nonsense inflicted on me by ppl who don't know their own shit
November 24, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Yes. Twelfth Night is Jan. 5*, otherwise known in some traditions as Kate's Birthday Eve
*obligatory not all traditions and calendars disclaimer, do not come at me
*obligatory not all traditions and calendars disclaimer, do not come at me
Reposted by Kate Heartfield
EXCLUSIVE: So far it's been unclear what proof Rockstar Games has to justify its firing of 34 union members, who it claims were leaking "confidential information in a public forum".
PMG has now seen some of the messages which contributed to this decision being made.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TvW...
PMG has now seen some of the messages which contributed to this decision being made.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TvW...
The Messages Rockstar Saw Before Firing 34 Union Members
YouTube video by People Make Games
www.youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:06 PM
EXCLUSIVE: So far it's been unclear what proof Rockstar Games has to justify its firing of 34 union members, who it claims were leaking "confidential information in a public forum".
PMG has now seen some of the messages which contributed to this decision being made.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TvW...
PMG has now seen some of the messages which contributed to this decision being made.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TvW...
It's fabulous and I still do this. I spent a day in a university library when I was researching 13th c city states for Mercutio. Just going from one article to the next, one book to the literal next on the shelf. Very efficient and effective, plus you feel like a human being in a human world.
The one thing I really miss about the 'older world' is browsing library stacks, and card catalogues. However much I appreciate databases and retrieving what I want in moments, the serendipity of 'the book next to the one I wanted' and 'the article in the same issue' cannot be replicated. #Libraries
November 24, 2025 at 2:06 PM
It's fabulous and I still do this. I spent a day in a university library when I was researching 13th c city states for Mercutio. Just going from one article to the next, one book to the literal next on the shelf. Very efficient and effective, plus you feel like a human being in a human world.
Reposted by Kate Heartfield
Canada is releasing a set of stamps celebrating the nation's graphic novelists.
These stamps feature Kate Beaton, Jimmy Beaulieu, Guy Delisle, Julie Doucet, Bryan Lee O’Malley and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, alongside some of their famous works.
These stamps feature Kate Beaton, Jimmy Beaulieu, Guy Delisle, Julie Doucet, Bryan Lee O’Malley and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, alongside some of their famous works.
November 21, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Canada is releasing a set of stamps celebrating the nation's graphic novelists.
These stamps feature Kate Beaton, Jimmy Beaulieu, Guy Delisle, Julie Doucet, Bryan Lee O’Malley and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, alongside some of their famous works.
These stamps feature Kate Beaton, Jimmy Beaulieu, Guy Delisle, Julie Doucet, Bryan Lee O’Malley and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, alongside some of their famous works.
Reposted by Kate Heartfield
Starbucks workers are still out on ULP strike! Support us: DON'T BUY STARBUCKS anywhere until the strike is resolved!! We’re fighting for fair union contracts with better pay, better hours, and an end to union-busting - learn more at the link in our bio! #tobeapartner
November 23, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Starbucks workers are still out on ULP strike! Support us: DON'T BUY STARBUCKS anywhere until the strike is resolved!! We’re fighting for fair union contracts with better pay, better hours, and an end to union-busting - learn more at the link in our bio! #tobeapartner
Reposted by Kate Heartfield
the vast majority of authors are not rich y’all, we often work multiple jobs or rely on other people’s incomes because this industry pays us shit. i have three different contracts with three different big five publishers and i don’t make anything NEAR a living wage. but i do work seven days a week!🫠
I did a thread a few weeks ago of "authors link your stuff" & one of my author friends who is one emergency away from being homeless had a massive spike in downloads on Anna's Archive from people *who follow me* complaining about how they are poor & should be allowed to steal from other poor people
November 24, 2025 at 5:40 AM
the vast majority of authors are not rich y’all, we often work multiple jobs or rely on other people’s incomes because this industry pays us shit. i have three different contracts with three different big five publishers and i don’t make anything NEAR a living wage. but i do work seven days a week!🫠
Ugh, I didn't know about this one. Of course it has all my books. Not only is that money I could use, but every sale helps those of us hanging on in the midlist keep publishing at all. Love to see hundreds of downloads on series that people complain haven't continued with more books. Yeah guess why.
I posted a buy link here to "A Magical Inheritance" a few days ago, and 24 of you immediately went to Anna's Archives and fucking stole it from me.
Yes, stole it.
I do not get paid for your download there because YOU ARE STEALING FROM ME.
🖕
Yes, stole it.
I do not get paid for your download there because YOU ARE STEALING FROM ME.
🖕
November 24, 2025 at 5:41 AM
Ugh, I didn't know about this one. Of course it has all my books. Not only is that money I could use, but every sale helps those of us hanging on in the midlist keep publishing at all. Love to see hundreds of downloads on series that people complain haven't continued with more books. Yeah guess why.
If you are putting books on your wishlists for gifts, I'd be honoured if you put one of mine on there. Bookshop has a handy wishlist function:
Kate Heartfield Bookshop
Kate Heartfield is the author of several novels, including The Tapestry of Time (2024), about clairvoyant sisters in WWII; The Valkyrie (2023), a retelling of legends; and the Sunday Times bestseller ...
bookshop.org
November 23, 2025 at 10:00 PM
If you are putting books on your wishlists for gifts, I'd be honoured if you put one of mine on there. Bookshop has a handy wishlist function:
This is me at some point in revision with every novel:
Me: you know the shadow story running in the background of the novel-on-the-page
Also me: go on
Me: what if you let the reader in on at least some of that
Also me: I dunno, feels like cheating
Me: you know the shadow story running in the background of the novel-on-the-page
Also me: go on
Me: what if you let the reader in on at least some of that
Also me: I dunno, feels like cheating
November 23, 2025 at 7:37 PM
This is me at some point in revision with every novel:
Me: you know the shadow story running in the background of the novel-on-the-page
Also me: go on
Me: what if you let the reader in on at least some of that
Also me: I dunno, feels like cheating
Me: you know the shadow story running in the background of the novel-on-the-page
Also me: go on
Me: what if you let the reader in on at least some of that
Also me: I dunno, feels like cheating
Reposted by Kate Heartfield
Bluesky, what are the best independent books stores in Ontario? GO.
November 23, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Bluesky, what are the best independent books stores in Ontario? GO.
Reposted by Kate Heartfield
If you have someone in your life who could use a good story about fascists getting what they deserve, snag COYOTE RUN by @lilithsaintcrow.com for them and wrap it in Antifascist paper. Order direct from us and you get bonus goodies.
hornedlarkpress.com/product/coyo...
hornedlarkpress.com/product/coyo...
November 23, 2025 at 2:58 PM
If you have someone in your life who could use a good story about fascists getting what they deserve, snag COYOTE RUN by @lilithsaintcrow.com for them and wrap it in Antifascist paper. Order direct from us and you get bonus goodies.
hornedlarkpress.com/product/coyo...
hornedlarkpress.com/product/coyo...
Reposted by Kate Heartfield
Congratulations to friend of the con @suyidavies.com for his 2025 Nommo Award win!
Suyi's work is amazing and you should read all of it.
Suyi's work is amazing and you should read all of it.
“Lost Ark Dreaming” by @suyidavies.com won the 2025 Nommo Award for Best Novella.
🔗 torpublishinggroup.com/lost-ark-dre...
🔗 torpublishinggroup.com/lost-ark-dre...
November 23, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Congratulations to friend of the con @suyidavies.com for his 2025 Nommo Award win!
Suyi's work is amazing and you should read all of it.
Suyi's work is amazing and you should read all of it.
One thing that makes me happy about Minerva: when she came to us after a rough experience, her fur was pretty patchy, mainly from stress-grooming. Now, she is midnight in her pretty winter coat.
November 23, 2025 at 3:40 PM
One thing that makes me happy about Minerva: when she came to us after a rough experience, her fur was pretty patchy, mainly from stress-grooming. Now, she is midnight in her pretty winter coat.
Reposted by Kate Heartfield
Reposted by Kate Heartfield
In two days! Join me, @valerievaldes.bsky.social @premeemohamed.com @gregoryawilson.com as we dive into how Canadian vs American authors are navigating economic and political uncertainty, staying connected across the border, and more.
9 pm EST on www.twitch.tv/arvaneleron
#Booksky
9 pm EST on www.twitch.tv/arvaneleron
#Booksky
November 23, 2025 at 1:42 PM
In two days! Join me, @valerievaldes.bsky.social @premeemohamed.com @gregoryawilson.com as we dive into how Canadian vs American authors are navigating economic and political uncertainty, staying connected across the border, and more.
9 pm EST on www.twitch.tv/arvaneleron
#Booksky
9 pm EST on www.twitch.tv/arvaneleron
#Booksky
Reposted by Kate Heartfield
Psychopomp is one of the best publishing teams on the planet and I love being a part of it.
They consistently put out amazing work. But most of all, they are such good people.
Please support The Deadlands if you're able. We can't lose another. ❤️❤️
They consistently put out amazing work. But most of all, they are such good people.
Please support The Deadlands if you're able. We can't lose another. ❤️❤️
a post about Psychopomp in 2026
please read and share
thank you very much
please read and share
thank you very much
what's next for Psychopomp - PSYCHOPOMP.COM
what to expect from Psychopomp (and The Deadlands and Fantasy Magazine) in 2026.
psychopomp.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Psychopomp is one of the best publishing teams on the planet and I love being a part of it.
They consistently put out amazing work. But most of all, they are such good people.
Please support The Deadlands if you're able. We can't lose another. ❤️❤️
They consistently put out amazing work. But most of all, they are such good people.
Please support The Deadlands if you're able. We can't lose another. ❤️❤️
Nov. 10 is Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald day but every day is If I Had a Rocket Launcher day.
Bruce Cockburn - If I Had A Rocket Launcher (Live 8 2005)
YouTube video by Live 8
youtu.be
November 23, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Nov. 10 is Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald day but every day is If I Had a Rocket Launcher day.