Nat Baker
@natbaker.bsky.social
writer of fictional words @NZListener @takahemagazine @HeadlandJournal @NewsroomNZ @millymagazine @Turbine | Kapohau...Occasional reviews @Kete Books...Here for writing and writers...Opinions all mine (She/her)
Pinned
DELIGHTED to be included as a summer fiction writer for NZ Listener 🥳🙏 A wonderful way to start 2026, and in such fine company, esp @antzlapwood.bsky.social 🥂🥰
Reposted by Nat Baker
We’ve nearly made it through January - well done everyone. February’s gonna be wild.
January 29, 2026 at 8:41 AM
We’ve nearly made it through January - well done everyone. February’s gonna be wild.
Congratulations to all who made the long-list and a special shout out to my talented pal Mark Forman for his amazing, novelistic biography of Tony Fomison. Y’all should read it, it’s captivating 🫶🥳🤗
thespinoff.co.nz/books/29-01-...
thespinoff.co.nz/books/29-01-...
Jacinda Ardern longlisted for this year’s Ockham New Zealand Book Awards
Four categories, 44 books, zero AI book covers.
thespinoff.co.nz
January 29, 2026 at 9:38 AM
Congratulations to all who made the long-list and a special shout out to my talented pal Mark Forman for his amazing, novelistic biography of Tony Fomison. Y’all should read it, it’s captivating 🫶🥳🤗
thespinoff.co.nz/books/29-01-...
thespinoff.co.nz/books/29-01-...
January Film Club (with super work colleagues) was a hoot and a shocker. Talk about a twist, and now, keen to read the book also 🙌
January 15, 2026 at 1:08 AM
January Film Club (with super work colleagues) was a hoot and a shocker. Talk about a twist, and now, keen to read the book also 🙌
DELIGHTED to be included as a summer fiction writer for NZ Listener 🥳🙏 A wonderful way to start 2026, and in such fine company, esp @antzlapwood.bsky.social 🥂🥰
January 7, 2026 at 9:38 PM
DELIGHTED to be included as a summer fiction writer for NZ Listener 🥳🙏 A wonderful way to start 2026, and in such fine company, esp @antzlapwood.bsky.social 🥂🥰
Reposted by Nat Baker
Thanks to @literaryhub.bsky.social for highlighting CLUTCH as one of its 2026 most anticipated books! It's hard to believe that my novel is out in just four weeks. Preorders are open and much appreciated! @tinhouse.bsky.social @zandoprojects.bsky.social
emilynemens.com/books/
emilynemens.com/books/
January 6, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Thanks to @literaryhub.bsky.social for highlighting CLUTCH as one of its 2026 most anticipated books! It's hard to believe that my novel is out in just four weeks. Preorders are open and much appreciated! @tinhouse.bsky.social @zandoprojects.bsky.social
emilynemens.com/books/
emilynemens.com/books/
Reposted by Nat Baker
Random fiction writing thought:
“Raising the stakes“ is rarely “increasing the scope of the threat“ and is almost* always “deepening the character’s emotions.”
*Maybe not almost. Maybe just always.
“Raising the stakes“ is rarely “increasing the scope of the threat“ and is almost* always “deepening the character’s emotions.”
*Maybe not almost. Maybe just always.
January 2, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Random fiction writing thought:
“Raising the stakes“ is rarely “increasing the scope of the threat“ and is almost* always “deepening the character’s emotions.”
*Maybe not almost. Maybe just always.
“Raising the stakes“ is rarely “increasing the scope of the threat“ and is almost* always “deepening the character’s emotions.”
*Maybe not almost. Maybe just always.
Reposted by Nat Baker
Happy new year! We're now open for fiction collections. The most recently published book from this list, Show Me Where the Hurt Is b @haydenmcasey13.bsky.social, was recently longlisted for the PEN/Bingham award. Could YOU be next? Dust off that manuscript, and send it to us!!!
GOOD MORNING!!! It's a NEW YEAR, and that means it's a NEW OPPORTUNITY for you short fictioneers to find your book a home! We're now OPEN for your short story and flash fiction books. Our SS/FF editor @egreenberg.bsky.social + our fantastic SS/FF reading team are eager to read your book, so SEND IT!
January 1, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Happy new year! We're now open for fiction collections. The most recently published book from this list, Show Me Where the Hurt Is b @haydenmcasey13.bsky.social, was recently longlisted for the PEN/Bingham award. Could YOU be next? Dust off that manuscript, and send it to us!!!
Happy New Year All, wishing you a wonderful year ahead 🥂✨
January 2, 2026 at 9:04 AM
Happy New Year All, wishing you a wonderful year ahead 🥂✨
Reposted by Nat Baker
For anyone in Aotearoa looking for a worthwhile cause to make a Christmas donation to, please consider the Aunties Christmas appeal. Any contribution is gratefully received. #kikorangi #nzpol givealittle.co.nz/cause/the-au...
The Aunties Christmas Appeal
Your donation to the Aunties this Christmas 2026 will help us to provide Christmas to over 113 children/grandchildren of Aunties Whānau.
givealittle.co.nz
December 21, 2025 at 8:53 PM
For anyone in Aotearoa looking for a worthwhile cause to make a Christmas donation to, please consider the Aunties Christmas appeal. Any contribution is gratefully received. #kikorangi #nzpol givealittle.co.nz/cause/the-au...
Reposted by Nat Baker
Take care today team.
December 14, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Take care today team.
Reposted by Nat Baker
One of the many reasons AI can't produce good writing is it can't hate its own writing. It can't think to itself "Maybe I'm illiterate" during the writing process. And that's essential
December 9, 2025 at 8:45 PM
One of the many reasons AI can't produce good writing is it can't hate its own writing. It can't think to itself "Maybe I'm illiterate" during the writing process. And that's essential
Reposted by Nat Baker
Hey, it's Cozy Up with Fantasy!
TODAY ONLY (December 12, 2025), you can get more than 70 (!) cozy fantasy books, from all different authors, for only 99 cents.
It includes my yarn shop/witchy sapphic romance Spellcasting On.
You can find all the books at:
www.cozyupwithfantasy.com
TODAY ONLY (December 12, 2025), you can get more than 70 (!) cozy fantasy books, from all different authors, for only 99 cents.
It includes my yarn shop/witchy sapphic romance Spellcasting On.
You can find all the books at:
www.cozyupwithfantasy.com
Home - Cozy Up With Fantasy
Welcome to Cozy Up With Fantasy! Here's a cozy holiday season gift for you. 🎁 TODAY ONLY (December 12, 2025), you can get more than 70 (!) cozy fantasy books, from all different authors, for only 99 c...
www.cozyupwithfantasy.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:13 AM
Hey, it's Cozy Up with Fantasy!
TODAY ONLY (December 12, 2025), you can get more than 70 (!) cozy fantasy books, from all different authors, for only 99 cents.
It includes my yarn shop/witchy sapphic romance Spellcasting On.
You can find all the books at:
www.cozyupwithfantasy.com
TODAY ONLY (December 12, 2025), you can get more than 70 (!) cozy fantasy books, from all different authors, for only 99 cents.
It includes my yarn shop/witchy sapphic romance Spellcasting On.
You can find all the books at:
www.cozyupwithfantasy.com
Male colleagues caught in a ‘must have last word infinity loop’
Bring on Christmas 🎄
Bring on Christmas 🎄
December 10, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Male colleagues caught in a ‘must have last word infinity loop’
Bring on Christmas 🎄
Bring on Christmas 🎄
Reposted by Nat Baker
I sometimes think of scenes I know exist but haven't written yet as rooms I'm struggling to reach. Today I walked into a room I first glimpsed two years ago, and finally witnessed the scene I knew would happen there, a moment a long time coming that did not prevent it from unfolding into surprise.
December 9, 2025 at 10:02 PM
I sometimes think of scenes I know exist but haven't written yet as rooms I'm struggling to reach. Today I walked into a room I first glimpsed two years ago, and finally witnessed the scene I knew would happen there, a moment a long time coming that did not prevent it from unfolding into surprise.
Reposted by Nat Baker
It's Bandcamp Friday! meaning if you buy music on Bandcamp in the next 24 hours, 100% of the money goes to the artist.
I'm grabbing one of the Fu Manchu albums that's missing from my collection
isitbandcampfriday.com
I'm grabbing one of the Fu Manchu albums that's missing from my collection
isitbandcampfriday.com
Is it Bandcamp Friday?
Is it?
isitbandcampfriday.com
December 5, 2025 at 8:04 AM
It's Bandcamp Friday! meaning if you buy music on Bandcamp in the next 24 hours, 100% of the money goes to the artist.
I'm grabbing one of the Fu Manchu albums that's missing from my collection
isitbandcampfriday.com
I'm grabbing one of the Fu Manchu albums that's missing from my collection
isitbandcampfriday.com
Reposted by Nat Baker
1/2 Measles outbreak in NZ is not under control. Cases continue to pop up across the country, risk of community transmission high. Measles is highly contagious - please check your immunity before summer travel.
✅ Born after 1969? You need 2 MMR doses.
📞 Symptoms? Call Healthline: 0800 611 116.
✅ Born after 1969? You need 2 MMR doses.
📞 Symptoms? Call Healthline: 0800 611 116.
December 4, 2025 at 11:03 PM
1/2 Measles outbreak in NZ is not under control. Cases continue to pop up across the country, risk of community transmission high. Measles is highly contagious - please check your immunity before summer travel.
✅ Born after 1969? You need 2 MMR doses.
📞 Symptoms? Call Healthline: 0800 611 116.
✅ Born after 1969? You need 2 MMR doses.
📞 Symptoms? Call Healthline: 0800 611 116.
… the most dangerous/delightful thing about COUNTING DOWN to the end of the working year is all the amazing books I can’t wait to read… what are you reading this holiday season? 📚💫✨💕
December 4, 2025 at 8:35 PM
… the most dangerous/delightful thing about COUNTING DOWN to the end of the working year is all the amazing books I can’t wait to read… what are you reading this holiday season? 📚💫✨💕
Reposted by Nat Baker
Only a couple days left to apply!
Kick off 2026 with a short fiction fix 😎
Kick off 2026 with a short fiction fix 😎
Want to explore the art of short story writing in a series of supportive workshops with me?
Apply for CREW 254 Tri 1 intake by 1 Dec @modernletters.bsky.social ✍️
Students consistently rate the course excellent. Or to quote from a recent thank you card: "BEST EVER."
www.wgtn.ac.nz/modernletter...
Apply for CREW 254 Tri 1 intake by 1 Dec @modernletters.bsky.social ✍️
Students consistently rate the course excellent. Or to quote from a recent thank you card: "BEST EVER."
www.wgtn.ac.nz/modernletter...
How and when to apply | Te Pūtahi Tuhi Auaha o Te Ao / International Institute of Modern Letters | Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Information for domestic undergraduate students applying for limited entry Creative Writing courses at Victoria University of Wellington.
www.wgtn.ac.nz
November 28, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Only a couple days left to apply!
Kick off 2026 with a short fiction fix 😎
Kick off 2026 with a short fiction fix 😎
Reposted by Nat Baker
‘We are calling for essays from young people campaigning for a more equitable, sustainable and compassionate world.’ Writers under 25 are eligible - deadline 27 March.
November 27, 2025 at 9:15 PM
‘We are calling for essays from young people campaigning for a more equitable, sustainable and compassionate world.’ Writers under 25 are eligible - deadline 27 March.
Reposted by Nat Baker
Applications are open for the 2026 Penguin Random House Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship. Deadline 31 January 2026 (and expressions of interest in the course itself should be made by early December).https://authors.org.nz/call-for-applications-for-maori-and-pacific-publishing-scholarship/
Call for applications for Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship | New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc) Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa
authors.org.nz
November 27, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Applications are open for the 2026 Penguin Random House Māori and Pacific Publishing Scholarship. Deadline 31 January 2026 (and expressions of interest in the course itself should be made by early December).https://authors.org.nz/call-for-applications-for-maori-and-pacific-publishing-scholarship/
Day two. Loving the cheeky Weka 🐤
November 24, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Day two. Loving the cheeky Weka 🐤
Beautiful Day One on the Queen Charlotte Track 🫶
November 23, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Beautiful Day One on the Queen Charlotte Track 🫶
Please read, an incredibly important, sobering and moving account of the future, happening now: www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘We sent the kids home. Then all our cellphones went out’ – This is climate breakdown
When the Maui fires ripped through Hawaii, the community came together. For everyone it was a life-changing experience. This is Ryan’s story
www.theguardian.com
November 19, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Please read, an incredibly important, sobering and moving account of the future, happening now: www.theguardian.com/environment/...
These all sound so good! I definitely need a copy of Flashlight and Audition 🤗 www.rnz.co.nz/life/books/b...
Booker Prize 2025: the six shortlisted books, reviewed by experts
Ben Markovits's gently melancholic The Rest of Our Lives and Kiran Desai's culturally insightful The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny are among the finalists.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 8, 2025 at 5:55 PM
These all sound so good! I definitely need a copy of Flashlight and Audition 🤗 www.rnz.co.nz/life/books/b...
Another incredible afternoon hosted by the incredible Women’s Bookshop #Ladiesliteratea 🫶👏
November 2, 2025 at 5:49 AM
Another incredible afternoon hosted by the incredible Women’s Bookshop #Ladiesliteratea 🫶👏