Laura Blegen
@laurablegen.bsky.social
Writer.
Part-Time Bookkeeper
Part-Time Introvert.
Full-Time Goofball
laurablegen.com
Part-Time Bookkeeper
Part-Time Introvert.
Full-Time Goofball
laurablegen.com
Pinned
Laura Blegen
@laurablegen.bsky.social
· Aug 20
One of my fundamental beliefs is that very few human beings are evil.
Which doesn't mean we're not all (yes, all) capable of evil, but most of us have to be driven by tremendous fear or desperation before we will deliberately hurt people.
Unfortunately, fear is easy to manufacture.
Which doesn't mean we're not all (yes, all) capable of evil, but most of us have to be driven by tremendous fear or desperation before we will deliberately hurt people.
Unfortunately, fear is easy to manufacture.
At this point in history, if you're putting yourself forward as some form of expert on democracy vs. tyranny...
and you go on a national media platform crying "Now is the time to take this seriously"
...You sure as hell better follow that up with some action steps. I don't need more unguided fear.
and you go on a national media platform crying "Now is the time to take this seriously"
...You sure as hell better follow that up with some action steps. I don't need more unguided fear.
February 5, 2026 at 11:42 PM
At this point in history, if you're putting yourself forward as some form of expert on democracy vs. tyranny...
and you go on a national media platform crying "Now is the time to take this seriously"
...You sure as hell better follow that up with some action steps. I don't need more unguided fear.
and you go on a national media platform crying "Now is the time to take this seriously"
...You sure as hell better follow that up with some action steps. I don't need more unguided fear.
Reposted by Laura Blegen
Movie review from Guardian on Melania.
January 30, 2026 at 10:43 PM
Movie review from Guardian on Melania.
Y'all, you know what's weirder than "living your normal life while the world is on fire"?
"Going on vacation while the world is on fire."
It's super weird. But I'm gonna do it anyway. Please do be good and kind to yourselves. And mean to the meanies.
"Going on vacation while the world is on fire."
It's super weird. But I'm gonna do it anyway. Please do be good and kind to yourselves. And mean to the meanies.
January 30, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Y'all, you know what's weirder than "living your normal life while the world is on fire"?
"Going on vacation while the world is on fire."
It's super weird. But I'm gonna do it anyway. Please do be good and kind to yourselves. And mean to the meanies.
"Going on vacation while the world is on fire."
It's super weird. But I'm gonna do it anyway. Please do be good and kind to yourselves. And mean to the meanies.
My Hard-Earned Wisdom knows that I should stand up. Walk away from my desk. Make a decision before I come back.
But that first moment of walking away feels so much like quitting that it's actually really hard to do. Brains are so dumb.
But that first moment of walking away feels so much like quitting that it's actually really hard to do. Brains are so dumb.
Oh, yeah, THIS feeling. I hate this feeling.
(when I have a bit of time to work, but there's no way I have enough time to do ALL the work, so I kind of panic and freeze and don't do any of the work)
(when I have a bit of time to work, but there's no way I have enough time to do ALL the work, so I kind of panic and freeze and don't do any of the work)
January 28, 2026 at 6:40 PM
My Hard-Earned Wisdom knows that I should stand up. Walk away from my desk. Make a decision before I come back.
But that first moment of walking away feels so much like quitting that it's actually really hard to do. Brains are so dumb.
But that first moment of walking away feels so much like quitting that it's actually really hard to do. Brains are so dumb.
Oh, yeah, THIS feeling. I hate this feeling.
(when I have a bit of time to work, but there's no way I have enough time to do ALL the work, so I kind of panic and freeze and don't do any of the work)
(when I have a bit of time to work, but there's no way I have enough time to do ALL the work, so I kind of panic and freeze and don't do any of the work)
January 28, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Oh, yeah, THIS feeling. I hate this feeling.
(when I have a bit of time to work, but there's no way I have enough time to do ALL the work, so I kind of panic and freeze and don't do any of the work)
(when I have a bit of time to work, but there's no way I have enough time to do ALL the work, so I kind of panic and freeze and don't do any of the work)
It's all well and good to write, "this is the emotional crisis scene" in your notes.
Writing the scene is another thing entirely.
Writing the scene is another thing entirely.
January 28, 2026 at 12:08 AM
It's all well and good to write, "this is the emotional crisis scene" in your notes.
Writing the scene is another thing entirely.
Writing the scene is another thing entirely.
Whoo boy...
Started my day with a medical appointment which meant that I'd already listened to some news and engaged with the outside world before I sat down to work.
So, of course, it took me 2 hours to get my head back in the game.
And then the power went out.
Mondays, am I right?
Started my day with a medical appointment which meant that I'd already listened to some news and engaged with the outside world before I sat down to work.
So, of course, it took me 2 hours to get my head back in the game.
And then the power went out.
Mondays, am I right?
January 26, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Whoo boy...
Started my day with a medical appointment which meant that I'd already listened to some news and engaged with the outside world before I sat down to work.
So, of course, it took me 2 hours to get my head back in the game.
And then the power went out.
Mondays, am I right?
Started my day with a medical appointment which meant that I'd already listened to some news and engaged with the outside world before I sat down to work.
So, of course, it took me 2 hours to get my head back in the game.
And then the power went out.
Mondays, am I right?
Reposted by Laura Blegen
Friends, a thought as the world keeps finding new ways to be terrible:
Create love first. As you're preparing to fight the hatred, start by doing one small act of love each day. For other people, or for yourself. We do need to fight, but we cannot let ourselves forget Love.
Create love first. As you're preparing to fight the hatred, start by doing one small act of love each day. For other people, or for yourself. We do need to fight, but we cannot let ourselves forget Love.
January 24, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Friends, a thought as the world keeps finding new ways to be terrible:
Create love first. As you're preparing to fight the hatred, start by doing one small act of love each day. For other people, or for yourself. We do need to fight, but we cannot let ourselves forget Love.
Create love first. As you're preparing to fight the hatred, start by doing one small act of love each day. For other people, or for yourself. We do need to fight, but we cannot let ourselves forget Love.
Reposted by Laura Blegen
Reminder to politicians that defunding ICE & holding it accountable are *politically safe* positions.
Stop voting to give them money. The American people don't want this!
Stop voting to give them money. The American people don't want this!
Incredible cross-tabs from the latest NYTimes/Siena poll (www.nytimes.com/interactive/...)
Disapproval of ICE, 63%, approval 36%
Among women: 70% disapproval, 29% approval
Among 18-29s, 79% disapproval, 19% approval 👀
Even among white people, 57% disapproval, 42% disapproval
Disapproval of ICE, 63%, approval 36%
Among women: 70% disapproval, 29% approval
Among 18-29s, 79% disapproval, 19% approval 👀
Even among white people, 57% disapproval, 42% disapproval
January 24, 2026 at 9:25 PM
Reminder to politicians that defunding ICE & holding it accountable are *politically safe* positions.
Stop voting to give them money. The American people don't want this!
Stop voting to give them money. The American people don't want this!
Reposted by Laura Blegen
We sure could use it so it is once again time to bless your skyline with pics and video of my dogs eating tiny pancakes #PancakesTime
January 24, 2026 at 7:01 PM
We sure could use it so it is once again time to bless your skyline with pics and video of my dogs eating tiny pancakes #PancakesTime
Reposted by Laura Blegen
Were I to choose just one weapon of the enemy to NOT use, a tool that I shall forever endeavor to leave untouched, it is this:
Dehumanization.
I can despise ICE, and do everything in my power to bring justice upon them, but I will continue to see them as humans.
I will not become a monster.
Dehumanization.
I can despise ICE, and do everything in my power to bring justice upon them, but I will continue to see them as humans.
I will not become a monster.
January 24, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Were I to choose just one weapon of the enemy to NOT use, a tool that I shall forever endeavor to leave untouched, it is this:
Dehumanization.
I can despise ICE, and do everything in my power to bring justice upon them, but I will continue to see them as humans.
I will not become a monster.
Dehumanization.
I can despise ICE, and do everything in my power to bring justice upon them, but I will continue to see them as humans.
I will not become a monster.
Friends, a thought as the world keeps finding new ways to be terrible:
Create love first. As you're preparing to fight the hatred, start by doing one small act of love each day. For other people, or for yourself. We do need to fight, but we cannot let ourselves forget Love.
Create love first. As you're preparing to fight the hatred, start by doing one small act of love each day. For other people, or for yourself. We do need to fight, but we cannot let ourselves forget Love.
January 24, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Friends, a thought as the world keeps finding new ways to be terrible:
Create love first. As you're preparing to fight the hatred, start by doing one small act of love each day. For other people, or for yourself. We do need to fight, but we cannot let ourselves forget Love.
Create love first. As you're preparing to fight the hatred, start by doing one small act of love each day. For other people, or for yourself. We do need to fight, but we cannot let ourselves forget Love.
Taps sign:
Several other people said this yesterday, and it's still true:
You don't have to watch the video. Plenty of other people have watched it, and can summarize it for you. You don't have to watch it yourself. We don't all have to witness every horrific thing. In fact, we should TRY to take turns.
You don't have to watch the video. Plenty of other people have watched it, and can summarize it for you. You don't have to watch it yourself. We don't all have to witness every horrific thing. In fact, we should TRY to take turns.
January 24, 2026 at 6:14 PM
Taps sign:
Reposted by Laura Blegen
A beautiful little thread.
CW: Human remains
CW: Human remains
A few days ago, I stood in the graveyard of an 1100 year old church, getting damper and damper in the drizzling rain.
A woman walked into the graveyard, waved, said hello, and, as we had previously arranged, handed me a paper bag full of human bones.
The life of a churchwarden is a strange one...
A woman walked into the graveyard, waved, said hello, and, as we had previously arranged, handed me a paper bag full of human bones.
The life of a churchwarden is a strange one...
January 23, 2026 at 5:55 PM
A beautiful little thread.
CW: Human remains
CW: Human remains
Hey USians - if you're frustrated about what ICE is doing, and you're watching Minnesota from afar feeling helpless, there is one thing you can do RIGHT NOW, which is to call your congressperson about the DHS appropriations bill.
Personally, I like using 5calls.org for phone numbers and scripts.
Personally, I like using 5calls.org for phone numbers and scripts.
January 22, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Hey USians - if you're frustrated about what ICE is doing, and you're watching Minnesota from afar feeling helpless, there is one thing you can do RIGHT NOW, which is to call your congressperson about the DHS appropriations bill.
Personally, I like using 5calls.org for phone numbers and scripts.
Personally, I like using 5calls.org for phone numbers and scripts.
My doctor's office sends automatic follow up emails from an address that shows up as DONOTREPLY in the sender field.
And every time.
Literally every time.
My brain jumps to "Donut Reply."
So that's why I'm dissatisfied with my normal breakfast today.
And every time.
Literally every time.
My brain jumps to "Donut Reply."
So that's why I'm dissatisfied with my normal breakfast today.
January 22, 2026 at 4:04 PM
My doctor's office sends automatic follow up emails from an address that shows up as DONOTREPLY in the sender field.
And every time.
Literally every time.
My brain jumps to "Donut Reply."
So that's why I'm dissatisfied with my normal breakfast today.
And every time.
Literally every time.
My brain jumps to "Donut Reply."
So that's why I'm dissatisfied with my normal breakfast today.
Yesterday, I got caught up in only looking at the worst things that USians are up to lately. I saw the greed, and the fear-mongering, and the bullies.
This thread was an important reminder of the BEST things USians are doing. We can all be like these people, if we choose.
This thread was an important reminder of the BEST things USians are doing. We can all be like these people, if we choose.
I came to Minneapolis to report on what's going on, and one of the main questions I showed up with is "just what is the scale of the resistance?" After all, we're all used to the news calling Portland a "war zone" or whatever when it's just some protests in one part of town.
January 22, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Yesterday, I got caught up in only looking at the worst things that USians are up to lately. I saw the greed, and the fear-mongering, and the bullies.
This thread was an important reminder of the BEST things USians are doing. We can all be like these people, if we choose.
This thread was an important reminder of the BEST things USians are doing. We can all be like these people, if we choose.
Remember all the people whining that teaching actual history in school was making kids feel bad about being (white) Americans?
Sure, learning about slavery made me mad. Learning about racism made me pledge to do better.
Watching current events in the US right now is what makes me hate the US.
Sure, learning about slavery made me mad. Learning about racism made me pledge to do better.
Watching current events in the US right now is what makes me hate the US.
January 22, 2026 at 12:44 AM
Remember all the people whining that teaching actual history in school was making kids feel bad about being (white) Americans?
Sure, learning about slavery made me mad. Learning about racism made me pledge to do better.
Watching current events in the US right now is what makes me hate the US.
Sure, learning about slavery made me mad. Learning about racism made me pledge to do better.
Watching current events in the US right now is what makes me hate the US.
Oh y'all. I'm struggling this week. I have so many worries, and fears, and furies inside me. And every time I sit down to write anything at all, they all come pouring out indiscriminately, but not USEFULLY.
How are you all holding up?
How are you all holding up?
January 21, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Oh y'all. I'm struggling this week. I have so many worries, and fears, and furies inside me. And every time I sit down to write anything at all, they all come pouring out indiscriminately, but not USEFULLY.
How are you all holding up?
How are you all holding up?
Reposted by Laura Blegen
Fuck this framing. The city is in no way “reeling” because of protests. The city is occupied by fascist secret police who have killed and injured its people. The protests are a sign of collective resolve, literally the opposite of reeling.
I cannot stress enough: protesters are not the problem.
I cannot stress enough: protesters are not the problem.
January 19, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Fuck this framing. The city is in no way “reeling” because of protests. The city is occupied by fascist secret police who have killed and injured its people. The protests are a sign of collective resolve, literally the opposite of reeling.
I cannot stress enough: protesters are not the problem.
I cannot stress enough: protesters are not the problem.
Worth a read
There's a lot going around about how editors don't want books by/for marginalized communities anymore because of fear of the current administration. It sucks. It's happening. But here's what you can do about it.
www.agentsandbooks.com/what-if-edit...
www.agentsandbooks.com/what-if-edit...
What if Editors Don't Want <*Your Kind of Book*> Anymore?
Hey friends,
My brilliant and wonderful friend and fellow agent Jim McCarthy, of Dystel, Goderich, & Bourret, was quoted in a recent article in The Hill about the chilling effect Trump's anti-LGBTQ p...
www.agentsandbooks.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:33 PM
Worth a read
Smoke detector went off about half an hour before the alarm this morning. Just once, but a full alarm instead of the small battery beep.
Full walk of the house revealed no dangers except for a couple of very sleepy humans.
Somehow, I feel like the cats are to blame.
Full walk of the house revealed no dangers except for a couple of very sleepy humans.
Somehow, I feel like the cats are to blame.
January 13, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Smoke detector went off about half an hour before the alarm this morning. Just once, but a full alarm instead of the small battery beep.
Full walk of the house revealed no dangers except for a couple of very sleepy humans.
Somehow, I feel like the cats are to blame.
Full walk of the house revealed no dangers except for a couple of very sleepy humans.
Somehow, I feel like the cats are to blame.
Reposted by Laura Blegen
Garden of the Grinning Beast
A pacifist born into a warrior society gets trapped in a Ghibli-esque spirit world where she must right the balance between humans and spirits while weighing the value of one life against the many its loss might save.
#BluePit 📖 #Q #A #NA #F #ND #LGBT
A pacifist born into a warrior society gets trapped in a Ghibli-esque spirit world where she must right the balance between humans and spirits while weighing the value of one life against the many its loss might save.
#BluePit 📖 #Q #A #NA #F #ND #LGBT
January 13, 2026 at 5:38 AM
I'm continuing to think this series is valuable *for me* to keep my head above the high-water-mark that despair is reaching for these days.
But it needs a better title than "non-awful things."
Thoughts?
But it needs a better title than "non-awful things."
Thoughts?
Non-awful things 4:
I've spent some time in the last week brainstorming for a project in my favorite low-tech way: using brightly colored pens on scratch paper. It always makes me feel like I'm coloring my way to a solution.
I've spent some time in the last week brainstorming for a project in my favorite low-tech way: using brightly colored pens on scratch paper. It always makes me feel like I'm coloring my way to a solution.
January 12, 2026 at 9:02 PM
I'm continuing to think this series is valuable *for me* to keep my head above the high-water-mark that despair is reaching for these days.
But it needs a better title than "non-awful things."
Thoughts?
But it needs a better title than "non-awful things."
Thoughts?
I really wish that people wouldn't use the words "female" or "male" as nouns that apply to human beings.
It's not that I'm opposed to language shifting. It's just that the pattern with those particular words is almost always to dehumanize, and we have plenty of dehumanization happening already.
It's not that I'm opposed to language shifting. It's just that the pattern with those particular words is almost always to dehumanize, and we have plenty of dehumanization happening already.
January 12, 2026 at 8:56 PM
I really wish that people wouldn't use the words "female" or "male" as nouns that apply to human beings.
It's not that I'm opposed to language shifting. It's just that the pattern with those particular words is almost always to dehumanize, and we have plenty of dehumanization happening already.
It's not that I'm opposed to language shifting. It's just that the pattern with those particular words is almost always to dehumanize, and we have plenty of dehumanization happening already.