Ryan Van Ells
@ryanvanellswrites.bsky.social
(He/Him) 🏳️🌈
Bisexual author of dark fiction based in Milwaukee, WI. Words in Dark Harbor, State of Matter, and others.
https://linktr.ee/ryanvanells
*Opinions are my own*
Bisexual author of dark fiction based in Milwaukee, WI. Words in Dark Harbor, State of Matter, and others.
https://linktr.ee/ryanvanells
*Opinions are my own*
Reposted by Ryan Van Ells
“I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration,” the North Carolina Republican Party's communications director wrote in an email response to us. “I would strongly suggest dropping this story.”
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
“Biblical Justice, Equal Justice, for All”: How North Carolina’s Chief Justice Transformed His State and America
Paul Newby, a born-again Christian, has turned his perch atop North Carolina’s Supreme Court into an instrument of political power. Over two decades, he’s driven changes that have reverberated well be...
www.propublica.org
January 2, 2026 at 4:00 AM
“I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration,” the North Carolina Republican Party's communications director wrote in an email response to us. “I would strongly suggest dropping this story.”
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
Starting the year off with the newest edition of @nightmare-magazine.com
The Tailors by @kfawver.bsky.social is a wonderfully sad, folkloric horror tale
#booksky
The Tailors by @kfawver.bsky.social is a wonderfully sad, folkloric horror tale
#booksky
January 1, 2026 at 11:23 PM
Starting the year off with the newest edition of @nightmare-magazine.com
The Tailors by @kfawver.bsky.social is a wonderfully sad, folkloric horror tale
#booksky
The Tailors by @kfawver.bsky.social is a wonderfully sad, folkloric horror tale
#booksky
Reposted by Ryan Van Ells
Just a reminder, y’all:
If you love a book, especially an indie-published one, tell the world! They can always use the help. And the authors (and publishers) love hearing it🖤☠️
If you love a book, especially an indie-published one, tell the world! They can always use the help. And the authors (and publishers) love hearing it🖤☠️
December 22, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Just a reminder, y’all:
If you love a book, especially an indie-published one, tell the world! They can always use the help. And the authors (and publishers) love hearing it🖤☠️
If you love a book, especially an indie-published one, tell the world! They can always use the help. And the authors (and publishers) love hearing it🖤☠️
Reposted by Ryan Van Ells
Issue 90 is live! Please go read the amazing work within, including the top 7 stories chosen from hundreds submitted to the SmokeLong Grand Micro Contest and the overall winner, Love; Sigh by Claire Y. Guo. Thank you so much to everyone who sent us work this quarter. www.smokelong.com/issue-ninety/
December 15, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Issue 90 is live! Please go read the amazing work within, including the top 7 stories chosen from hundreds submitted to the SmokeLong Grand Micro Contest and the overall winner, Love; Sigh by Claire Y. Guo. Thank you so much to everyone who sent us work this quarter. www.smokelong.com/issue-ninety/
Reposted by Ryan Van Ells
HORROR SUBMISSIONS OPEN 🔥
An anthology to honour the creator of #HorrorWritersChat, Matt aka MG Mason, is in the works.
Theme: CAMPFIRE HORROR FOR ADULTS
Deadline: December 31st, 2025
See attached FAQ for details
---
Please direct questions about this anthology to
@thatwilliambeck.bsky.social
An anthology to honour the creator of #HorrorWritersChat, Matt aka MG Mason, is in the works.
Theme: CAMPFIRE HORROR FOR ADULTS
Deadline: December 31st, 2025
See attached FAQ for details
---
Please direct questions about this anthology to
@thatwilliambeck.bsky.social
December 3, 2025 at 7:59 PM
HORROR SUBMISSIONS OPEN 🔥
An anthology to honour the creator of #HorrorWritersChat, Matt aka MG Mason, is in the works.
Theme: CAMPFIRE HORROR FOR ADULTS
Deadline: December 31st, 2025
See attached FAQ for details
---
Please direct questions about this anthology to
@thatwilliambeck.bsky.social
An anthology to honour the creator of #HorrorWritersChat, Matt aka MG Mason, is in the works.
Theme: CAMPFIRE HORROR FOR ADULTS
Deadline: December 31st, 2025
See attached FAQ for details
---
Please direct questions about this anthology to
@thatwilliambeck.bsky.social
Reposted by Ryan Van Ells
We are 1/4 of the way there! Thank you to those who have donated so far. Check the link out to get the details on one of my newest books!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/utt...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/utt...
November 21, 2025 at 10:21 PM
We are 1/4 of the way there! Thank you to those who have donated so far. Check the link out to get the details on one of my newest books!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/utt...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/utt...
#HorrorWritersChat
The same as everyone else: fear of being seen, not being accepted, making the wrong choices.
The same as everyone else: fear of being seen, not being accepted, making the wrong choices.
Q4 is up. Ten minutes to outro and the promo: I am still working my way through. You're all wonderful busy bees today and I adore you!
This one is a little easier. No archetypes!
#HorrorWritersChat
This one is a little easier. No archetypes!
#HorrorWritersChat
November 19, 2025 at 8:05 PM
#HorrorWritersChat
The same as everyone else: fear of being seen, not being accepted, making the wrong choices.
The same as everyone else: fear of being seen, not being accepted, making the wrong choices.
#HorrorWritersChat
I tend to write my men as struggling with their lack of masculinity in the face of masculine expectations. Notably in A Knight Errant and my novella currently on sub
I tend to write my men as struggling with their lack of masculinity in the face of masculine expectations. Notably in A Knight Errant and my novella currently on sub
Q3. I'm doing what I can to answer everyone, and repost, so bear with me. So I don't keep you waiting, I'll throw out 3. Interpret this one how you like. I know many queer folks like me do not align masculinity with man shaped. And with horror, we love to subvert our tales.
#HorrorWritersChat
#HorrorWritersChat
November 19, 2025 at 8:04 PM
#HorrorWritersChat
I tend to write my men as struggling with their lack of masculinity in the face of masculine expectations. Notably in A Knight Errant and my novella currently on sub
I tend to write my men as struggling with their lack of masculinity in the face of masculine expectations. Notably in A Knight Errant and my novella currently on sub
#HorrorWritersChat
Not sure about archetypes, but I love putting an indecisive, unsure man through absolute hell for failing to be decisive.
Not sure about archetypes, but I love putting an indecisive, unsure man through absolute hell for failing to be decisive.
Well then, #HorrorWritersChat. What's an archetype anyway? I jest. We're all writers here... after alllllllll....
November 19, 2025 at 7:19 PM
#HorrorWritersChat
Not sure about archetypes, but I love putting an indecisive, unsure man through absolute hell for failing to be decisive.
Not sure about archetypes, but I love putting an indecisive, unsure man through absolute hell for failing to be decisive.
#HorrorWritersChat
Hello everyone. I'm Ryan, I write all kinds of dark fiction.
I don't know if I can ascribe a single quality to the men I write, just like I couldn't for the women or non-cis characters. There's just too much variety in people to explore.
Hello everyone. I'm Ryan, I write all kinds of dark fiction.
I don't know if I can ascribe a single quality to the men I write, just like I couldn't for the women or non-cis characters. There's just too much variety in people to explore.
Here we go, #HorrorWritersChat!
Q1 has arrived. It's international men's day today, and I thought actually that's a good topic. Not the easiest one to build questions around, either. So if I do not hit the mark I am sure you will forgive me.
As usual, no links, no pitches, not till the end.
Q1 has arrived. It's international men's day today, and I thought actually that's a good topic. Not the easiest one to build questions around, either. So if I do not hit the mark I am sure you will forgive me.
As usual, no links, no pitches, not till the end.
November 19, 2025 at 7:08 PM
#HorrorWritersChat
Hello everyone. I'm Ryan, I write all kinds of dark fiction.
I don't know if I can ascribe a single quality to the men I write, just like I couldn't for the women or non-cis characters. There's just too much variety in people to explore.
Hello everyone. I'm Ryan, I write all kinds of dark fiction.
I don't know if I can ascribe a single quality to the men I write, just like I couldn't for the women or non-cis characters. There's just too much variety in people to explore.
Reposted by Ryan Van Ells
New release day!
How to Survive Being Brought to Church by Your Grandparents is out now in podcast form from Midwest Weird. Check it out on Spotify or their website below!
www.midwestweird.com/post/how-to-...
How to Survive Being Brought to Church by Your Grandparents is out now in podcast form from Midwest Weird. Check it out on Spotify or their website below!
www.midwestweird.com/post/how-to-...
November 12, 2025 at 2:22 PM
New release day!
How to Survive Being Brought to Church by Your Grandparents is out now in podcast form from Midwest Weird. Check it out on Spotify or their website below!
www.midwestweird.com/post/how-to-...
How to Survive Being Brought to Church by Your Grandparents is out now in podcast form from Midwest Weird. Check it out on Spotify or their website below!
www.midwestweird.com/post/how-to-...
#HorrorWritersChat
Too many to name but @annieneugebauer.bsky.social is one of those brilliant writers who I'm always excited to see in a collection.
Clive Barker and David Cronenberg for making the viscerally horrific beautiful.
Too many to name but @annieneugebauer.bsky.social is one of those brilliant writers who I'm always excited to see in a collection.
Clive Barker and David Cronenberg for making the viscerally horrific beautiful.
Q4 - CREDITS
Obviously, we’re staying through all of the credits to acknowledge the work of the artists, the musicians, the designers, the directors…etc.
#HorrorWritersChat - Shout out some of the horror creatives you admire and share what they do.
Stay around for the outro to share your work.
Obviously, we’re staying through all of the credits to acknowledge the work of the artists, the musicians, the designers, the directors…etc.
#HorrorWritersChat - Shout out some of the horror creatives you admire and share what they do.
Stay around for the outro to share your work.
November 12, 2025 at 8:00 PM
#HorrorWritersChat
Too many to name but @annieneugebauer.bsky.social is one of those brilliant writers who I'm always excited to see in a collection.
Clive Barker and David Cronenberg for making the viscerally horrific beautiful.
Too many to name but @annieneugebauer.bsky.social is one of those brilliant writers who I'm always excited to see in a collection.
Clive Barker and David Cronenberg for making the viscerally horrific beautiful.
#HorrorWritersChat
You're getting black coffee because it's all I write with.
And for food, more coffee.
You're getting black coffee because it's all I write with.
And for food, more coffee.
Q3 - INTERMISSION
Time for a refreshment break.
We head over to the concession stand and discover that all the food and drink are themed on your work.
#HorrorWritersChat - What refreshments are we enjoying and how are they related to your work?
Time for a refreshment break.
We head over to the concession stand and discover that all the food and drink are themed on your work.
#HorrorWritersChat - What refreshments are we enjoying and how are they related to your work?
November 12, 2025 at 7:38 PM
#HorrorWritersChat
You're getting black coffee because it's all I write with.
And for food, more coffee.
You're getting black coffee because it's all I write with.
And for food, more coffee.
Reposted by Ryan Van Ells
I'd definitely love for Little White Flowers to get a film adaptation. I don't have specific actors in mind for who I'd like to play the leads, but I would like to see neurodivergent actors at the helm since my main character Alice is autistic and her brother Andy is an ADHDer.
#HorrorWritersChat
#HorrorWritersChat
Q2 - COMING SOON
It’s time for the trailers.
And look #HorrorWritersChat - it’s a trailer for your very own horror work, adapted for the screen. Congrats!
Which work is it?
And which actor is playing your main protagonist, antagonist or fave character? Share your dream cast!
It’s time for the trailers.
And look #HorrorWritersChat - it’s a trailer for your very own horror work, adapted for the screen. Congrats!
Which work is it?
And which actor is playing your main protagonist, antagonist or fave character? Share your dream cast!
November 12, 2025 at 7:20 PM
I'd definitely love for Little White Flowers to get a film adaptation. I don't have specific actors in mind for who I'd like to play the leads, but I would like to see neurodivergent actors at the helm since my main character Alice is autistic and her brother Andy is an ADHDer.
#HorrorWritersChat
#HorrorWritersChat
#HorrorWritersChat
Hampton Heights is the best suited for screen. A noir detective solves a missing girl case involving a Hmong folk legend.
A truly grizzled private eye. Give me Oscar Isaac
Hampton Heights is the best suited for screen. A noir detective solves a missing girl case involving a Hmong folk legend.
A truly grizzled private eye. Give me Oscar Isaac
Q2 - COMING SOON
It’s time for the trailers.
And look #HorrorWritersChat - it’s a trailer for your very own horror work, adapted for the screen. Congrats!
Which work is it?
And which actor is playing your main protagonist, antagonist or fave character? Share your dream cast!
It’s time for the trailers.
And look #HorrorWritersChat - it’s a trailer for your very own horror work, adapted for the screen. Congrats!
Which work is it?
And which actor is playing your main protagonist, antagonist or fave character? Share your dream cast!
November 12, 2025 at 7:28 PM
#HorrorWritersChat
Hampton Heights is the best suited for screen. A noir detective solves a missing girl case involving a Hmong folk legend.
A truly grizzled private eye. Give me Oscar Isaac
Hampton Heights is the best suited for screen. A noir detective solves a missing girl case involving a Hmong folk legend.
A truly grizzled private eye. Give me Oscar Isaac
#HorrorWritersChat
Hi all! I'm Ryan. I write all kinds of horror and dark fantasy.
I would say Tales from the Crypt captures some of my vibes while The Fly (1986) captures the rest of them
Hi all! I'm Ryan. I write all kinds of horror and dark fantasy.
I would say Tales from the Crypt captures some of my vibes while The Fly (1986) captures the rest of them
#HorrorWritersChat
Q1 - DOUBLE FEATURE
Glad you could join our (virtual) cinema trip!
First, let's introduce ourselves and share the horror subgenres we write in.
Now, what are we watching?
Share the two movies/films that have inspired your writing or that capture the vibes of your work.
Q1 - DOUBLE FEATURE
Glad you could join our (virtual) cinema trip!
First, let's introduce ourselves and share the horror subgenres we write in.
Now, what are we watching?
Share the two movies/films that have inspired your writing or that capture the vibes of your work.
November 12, 2025 at 7:14 PM
#HorrorWritersChat
Hi all! I'm Ryan. I write all kinds of horror and dark fantasy.
I would say Tales from the Crypt captures some of my vibes while The Fly (1986) captures the rest of them
Hi all! I'm Ryan. I write all kinds of horror and dark fantasy.
I would say Tales from the Crypt captures some of my vibes while The Fly (1986) captures the rest of them
New release day!
How to Survive Being Brought to Church by Your Grandparents is out now in podcast form from Midwest Weird. Check it out on Spotify or their website below!
www.midwestweird.com/post/how-to-...
How to Survive Being Brought to Church by Your Grandparents is out now in podcast form from Midwest Weird. Check it out on Spotify or their website below!
www.midwestweird.com/post/how-to-...
November 12, 2025 at 2:22 PM
New release day!
How to Survive Being Brought to Church by Your Grandparents is out now in podcast form from Midwest Weird. Check it out on Spotify or their website below!
www.midwestweird.com/post/how-to-...
How to Survive Being Brought to Church by Your Grandparents is out now in podcast form from Midwest Weird. Check it out on Spotify or their website below!
www.midwestweird.com/post/how-to-...
Reposted by Ryan Van Ells
🚨 We’re hearing that Senate Democrats are on the verge of caving to Trump in another “Schumer Surrender.”
That means your Democratic senators need to hear from you right now.
Call: indivisible.org/resource/cal...
Email: act.indivisible.org/sign/funding...
That means your Democratic senators need to hear from you right now.
Call: indivisible.org/resource/cal...
Email: act.indivisible.org/sign/funding...
November 9, 2025 at 9:30 PM
🚨 We’re hearing that Senate Democrats are on the verge of caving to Trump in another “Schumer Surrender.”
That means your Democratic senators need to hear from you right now.
Call: indivisible.org/resource/cal...
Email: act.indivisible.org/sign/funding...
That means your Democratic senators need to hear from you right now.
Call: indivisible.org/resource/cal...
Email: act.indivisible.org/sign/funding...
Reposted by Ryan Van Ells
Good literary translation requires understanding (language, culture, genre--on both sides of the translation) and an ability to write well. "AI" can't do that. There are no shortcuts. Treat your work and foreign language readers with the respect they deserve. You won't fool anyone with this.
Amazon has launched a new AI-driven translation service, Kindle Translate, for Kindle Direct Publishing authors 👇 #BookSky
Amazon launches AI translation service for indie authors
ebx.sh
November 7, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Good literary translation requires understanding (language, culture, genre--on both sides of the translation) and an ability to write well. "AI" can't do that. There are no shortcuts. Treat your work and foreign language readers with the respect they deserve. You won't fool anyone with this.
Reposted by Ryan Van Ells
In Memoriam:
Cheney Haunted By People He Didn't Manage To Kill In Iraq War
Cheney Haunted By People He Didn't Manage To Kill In Iraq War
November 4, 2025 at 5:14 PM
In Memoriam:
Cheney Haunted By People He Didn't Manage To Kill In Iraq War
Cheney Haunted By People He Didn't Manage To Kill In Iraq War
Reposted by Ryan Van Ells
happy no novel november to all who celebrate in which we will continue to write new short stories instead of our novels
November 4, 2025 at 4:04 PM
happy no novel november to all who celebrate in which we will continue to write new short stories instead of our novels
🎃 31 Horror Movies in 31 Days 🎃
39/??
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Figured I'd continue the werewolf-oween with one of my all-time favorite movies. Great horror-comedy balance. Fun soundtrack. The transformation scene of course, but the subway was the scene that made me fall in love
39/??
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Figured I'd continue the werewolf-oween with one of my all-time favorite movies. Great horror-comedy balance. Fun soundtrack. The transformation scene of course, but the subway was the scene that made me fall in love
October 31, 2025 at 10:51 PM
🎃 31 Horror Movies in 31 Days 🎃
39/??
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Figured I'd continue the werewolf-oween with one of my all-time favorite movies. Great horror-comedy balance. Fun soundtrack. The transformation scene of course, but the subway was the scene that made me fall in love
39/??
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Figured I'd continue the werewolf-oween with one of my all-time favorite movies. Great horror-comedy balance. Fun soundtrack. The transformation scene of course, but the subway was the scene that made me fall in love
🎃 31 Horror Movies in 31 Days 🎃
38/??
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)
Continuing the universal monsters mostly because it was on the same disc as The Wolf Man. Pretty fun. Creepy opening in the crypt as well
38/??
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)
Continuing the universal monsters mostly because it was on the same disc as The Wolf Man. Pretty fun. Creepy opening in the crypt as well
October 31, 2025 at 9:35 PM
🎃 31 Horror Movies in 31 Days 🎃
38/??
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)
Continuing the universal monsters mostly because it was on the same disc as The Wolf Man. Pretty fun. Creepy opening in the crypt as well
38/??
Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)
Continuing the universal monsters mostly because it was on the same disc as The Wolf Man. Pretty fun. Creepy opening in the crypt as well
🎃 31 Horror Movies in 31 Days 🎃
37/??
The Wolf Man (1941)
Lon Chaney, Jr. brings the anguish of the curse to exquisitely painful levels in the werewolf movie that started them all.
37/??
The Wolf Man (1941)
Lon Chaney, Jr. brings the anguish of the curse to exquisitely painful levels in the werewolf movie that started them all.
October 31, 2025 at 8:17 PM
🎃 31 Horror Movies in 31 Days 🎃
37/??
The Wolf Man (1941)
Lon Chaney, Jr. brings the anguish of the curse to exquisitely painful levels in the werewolf movie that started them all.
37/??
The Wolf Man (1941)
Lon Chaney, Jr. brings the anguish of the curse to exquisitely painful levels in the werewolf movie that started them all.
🎃 31 Horror Movies in 31 Days 🎃
36/??
Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost
The most Halloween of the Scooby Doo movies: New England Autumn setting, Tim Curry being Tim Curry, and the Hex Girls.
36/??
Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost
The most Halloween of the Scooby Doo movies: New England Autumn setting, Tim Curry being Tim Curry, and the Hex Girls.
October 31, 2025 at 6:43 PM
🎃 31 Horror Movies in 31 Days 🎃
36/??
Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost
The most Halloween of the Scooby Doo movies: New England Autumn setting, Tim Curry being Tim Curry, and the Hex Girls.
36/??
Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost
The most Halloween of the Scooby Doo movies: New England Autumn setting, Tim Curry being Tim Curry, and the Hex Girls.