Ellen Mellor 🏳️⚧️ Samarcand Books (she/her)
@samarcand.itch.io
Girly Trans Soul Rebel, author & reader.
So many books.
So many comics.
So much tea.
Pronouns:she/her
https://linktr.ee/samarcand
So many books.
So many comics.
So much tea.
Pronouns:she/her
https://linktr.ee/samarcand
Pinned
I've decided that one of the reasons that people aren't buying my books is because they don't really know anything about them, because I'm really useless at publicising my work. But, if I can write threads talking about other people's books, then I can certainly do it for my own. So here goes.
Feline symmetry
November 28, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Feline symmetry
Well, looks like I'm going to have to come up with a new idea for my next novel...
November 27, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Well, looks like I'm going to have to come up with a new idea for my next novel...
Reposted by Ellen Mellor 🏳️⚧️ Samarcand Books (she/her)
Let's try this again... Glad tidings we bring to you and your quim! We are fundraising this festive period. Earlier this year, the future looked bleak for the Vagina Museum. But we're still here, and there's many reasons for you to become a vital part of our future... www.gofundme.com/f/btscc2
November 27, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Let's try this again... Glad tidings we bring to you and your quim! We are fundraising this festive period. Earlier this year, the future looked bleak for the Vagina Museum. But we're still here, and there's many reasons for you to become a vital part of our future... www.gofundme.com/f/btscc2
It appears that YouTube has gone further down the Enshittification path. Watching the latest @caelan.bsky.social video and there have been minute long ads every five minutes in the middle of sentences.
I really wish I could afford to subscribe to the Patreon of every YouTuber that I like but for /1
I really wish I could afford to subscribe to the Patreon of every YouTuber that I like but for /1
November 26, 2025 at 11:59 PM
It appears that YouTube has gone further down the Enshittification path. Watching the latest @caelan.bsky.social video and there have been minute long ads every five minutes in the middle of sentences.
I really wish I could afford to subscribe to the Patreon of every YouTuber that I like but for /1
I really wish I could afford to subscribe to the Patreon of every YouTuber that I like but for /1
Reposted by Ellen Mellor 🏳️⚧️ Samarcand Books (she/her)
This is one is for my Dad.
Dan Dare is back in what we hope will be a series of oversized graphic novels by @alexdecampi.bsky.social myself and the good folks at @b7media.bsky.social. The Kickstarter launches in February 2026 - go here to register your interest www.kickstarter.com/projects/798...
Dan Dare is back in what we hope will be a series of oversized graphic novels by @alexdecampi.bsky.social myself and the good folks at @b7media.bsky.social. The Kickstarter launches in February 2026 - go here to register your interest www.kickstarter.com/projects/798...
November 20, 2025 at 1:57 AM
This is one is for my Dad.
Dan Dare is back in what we hope will be a series of oversized graphic novels by @alexdecampi.bsky.social myself and the good folks at @b7media.bsky.social. The Kickstarter launches in February 2026 - go here to register your interest www.kickstarter.com/projects/798...
Dan Dare is back in what we hope will be a series of oversized graphic novels by @alexdecampi.bsky.social myself and the good folks at @b7media.bsky.social. The Kickstarter launches in February 2026 - go here to register your interest www.kickstarter.com/projects/798...
And excellent last, even if it does miss Ghostkin by me.
(Do you see how subtle I was there?)
(Do you see how subtle I was there?)
An incomplete list of indie books with transfem leads I've enjoyed (1 per author to keep it short):
Alyson Greaves: Kimmy
Vyria Durav: Catnip
Maria Ying: The Grace of Sorcerers
Selene Tang: Gorgon series
J Ursula Topaz: A Rotten Girl
Fae'Rynn: Sundered Moon
Kay Atkinson: A Quiet Universe
1/
Alyson Greaves: Kimmy
Vyria Durav: Catnip
Maria Ying: The Grace of Sorcerers
Selene Tang: Gorgon series
J Ursula Topaz: A Rotten Girl
Fae'Rynn: Sundered Moon
Kay Atkinson: A Quiet Universe
1/
November 26, 2025 at 5:18 PM
And excellent last, even if it does miss Ghostkin by me.
(Do you see how subtle I was there?)
(Do you see how subtle I was there?)
Reposted by Ellen Mellor 🏳️⚧️ Samarcand Books (she/her)
Good morning to Brazilian reporter Manuela Borges, who’s been waiting eleven years for this petty moment. ❤️ 🇧🇷
November 26, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Good morning to Brazilian reporter Manuela Borges, who’s been waiting eleven years for this petty moment. ❤️ 🇧🇷
I want one! It'll be hilarious.
a pass-through device that pixelates all the “tits” and “ass” ala the TV Guardian www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiXg...
This TV gadget censors bad words with 1980's tech
YouTube video by Technology Connections
www.youtube.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:03 PM
I want one! It'll be hilarious.
I've just played my first game of solo Scrabble. I scored 477 which isn't great but for the first time playing in years I'm not unhappy with it. I managed to get all the tiles out. No 7 letter words though.
November 25, 2025 at 7:52 PM
I've just played my first game of solo Scrabble. I scored 477 which isn't great but for the first time playing in years I'm not unhappy with it. I managed to get all the tiles out. No 7 letter words though.
I thought I'd published Chapter Two of The Long Sleep to Scribblehub a while back but it appears that I hadn't. SO, I've updated it now with both Chapter Two and Three. Enjoy!
www.scribblehub.com/series/19232...
www.scribblehub.com/series/19232...
The Long Sleep
Several centuries into the future, the world has finally come together under a single government, the Executive Committee. They provide for the rest of humanity, most of whom live in huge arcologies -...
www.scribblehub.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:26 PM
I thought I'd published Chapter Two of The Long Sleep to Scribblehub a while back but it appears that I hadn't. SO, I've updated it now with both Chapter Two and Three. Enjoy!
www.scribblehub.com/series/19232...
www.scribblehub.com/series/19232...
Reposted by Ellen Mellor 🏳️⚧️ Samarcand Books (she/her)
Actually sobering that it has taken 50 years for Voyager-1 to travel 1 light-day.
You might think its a long way to grandma's house for Thanksgiving, but that's peanuts to how far a light-year is.
You might think its a long way to grandma's house for Thanksgiving, but that's peanuts to how far a light-year is.
November 24, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Actually sobering that it has taken 50 years for Voyager-1 to travel 1 light-day.
You might think its a long way to grandma's house for Thanksgiving, but that's peanuts to how far a light-year is.
You might think its a long way to grandma's house for Thanksgiving, but that's peanuts to how far a light-year is.
I'm having a bit of difficulty with my untiring. I've just introduced my first black character but if things go the way I think they are, she is going to be killed off pretty quickly.
It's (a) bad that this is my first black character in nine books, but I can't do anything about that now and (b)
It's (a) bad that this is my first black character in nine books, but I can't do anything about that now and (b)
November 23, 2025 at 11:50 AM
I'm having a bit of difficulty with my untiring. I've just introduced my first black character but if things go the way I think they are, she is going to be killed off pretty quickly.
It's (a) bad that this is my first black character in nine books, but I can't do anything about that now and (b)
It's (a) bad that this is my first black character in nine books, but I can't do anything about that now and (b)
Reposted by Ellen Mellor 🏳️⚧️ Samarcand Books (she/her)
The American Christian right has infiltrated the UK. We are on the road to Gilead...
Of 65 anti-rights groups in the UK, including anti-abortion orgs, ‘conversion therapy’ promoters, UK branches of powerful US-based orgs, and ultra-conservative Christian groups, 32 spent £106m between 2019-2023! 😬
Of 65 anti-rights groups in the UK, including anti-abortion orgs, ‘conversion therapy’ promoters, UK branches of powerful US-based orgs, and ultra-conservative Christian groups, 32 spent £106m between 2019-2023! 😬
The American Christian right has infiltrated the UK. We are on the road to Gilead, but it's not too late to change course
Ten years ago I started the Guilty Feminist podcast and the movement felt alive. Since then, I’ve watched in horror as Trump's America rolls back women's, gay and trans rights. Seeing the same strateg...
www.thenerve.news
November 21, 2025 at 7:36 PM
The American Christian right has infiltrated the UK. We are on the road to Gilead...
Of 65 anti-rights groups in the UK, including anti-abortion orgs, ‘conversion therapy’ promoters, UK branches of powerful US-based orgs, and ultra-conservative Christian groups, 32 spent £106m between 2019-2023! 😬
Of 65 anti-rights groups in the UK, including anti-abortion orgs, ‘conversion therapy’ promoters, UK branches of powerful US-based orgs, and ultra-conservative Christian groups, 32 spent £106m between 2019-2023! 😬
Reposted by Ellen Mellor 🏳️⚧️ Samarcand Books (she/her)
The hate group - For Women Scotland, have created an account here. Whoever is running the account is already picking fights with trans women.
Block, do not engage.
BLOCK, DO NOT ENGAGE!
@forwomen.scot
Block, do not engage.
BLOCK, DO NOT ENGAGE!
@forwomen.scot
November 21, 2025 at 8:14 PM
The hate group - For Women Scotland, have created an account here. Whoever is running the account is already picking fights with trans women.
Block, do not engage.
BLOCK, DO NOT ENGAGE!
@forwomen.scot
Block, do not engage.
BLOCK, DO NOT ENGAGE!
@forwomen.scot
Just come across this on a @gailsimone.bsky.social post.
youtu.be/X7_RFT0IYFM?...
I kind of want to do Wuthering Trans now and get as many trans people as possible to take part in beautiful silliness.
youtu.be/X7_RFT0IYFM?...
I kind of want to do Wuthering Trans now and get as many trans people as possible to take part in beautiful silliness.
The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever - Melbourne 2024
YouTube video by Dianne Reid
youtu.be
November 20, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Just come across this on a @gailsimone.bsky.social post.
youtu.be/X7_RFT0IYFM?...
I kind of want to do Wuthering Trans now and get as many trans people as possible to take part in beautiful silliness.
youtu.be/X7_RFT0IYFM?...
I kind of want to do Wuthering Trans now and get as many trans people as possible to take part in beautiful silliness.
I've not written today because I decided to finish #LordOfTheRings.
Frodo and Sam have just died at the Cracks Of Doom and everyone else is about to get slaughtered so I should be finished very soon. Certainly the ending will be decisive and won't go 'Ever on and on' to coin a phrase.
Frodo and Sam have just died at the Cracks Of Doom and everyone else is about to get slaughtered so I should be finished very soon. Certainly the ending will be decisive and won't go 'Ever on and on' to coin a phrase.
November 20, 2025 at 4:05 PM
I've not written today because I decided to finish #LordOfTheRings.
Frodo and Sam have just died at the Cracks Of Doom and everyone else is about to get slaughtered so I should be finished very soon. Certainly the ending will be decisive and won't go 'Ever on and on' to coin a phrase.
Frodo and Sam have just died at the Cracks Of Doom and everyone else is about to get slaughtered so I should be finished very soon. Certainly the ending will be decisive and won't go 'Ever on and on' to coin a phrase.
Last night, I either had my first ever episode of lucid dreaming or dreamt that I was lucid dreaming. I certainly remember thinking 'I'm dreaming' and controlling things in it, but at the same time, there were parts when I just went along with it.
Ultimately, is there a difference?
Ultimately, is there a difference?
November 20, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Last night, I either had my first ever episode of lucid dreaming or dreamt that I was lucid dreaming. I certainly remember thinking 'I'm dreaming' and controlling things in it, but at the same time, there were parts when I just went along with it.
Ultimately, is there a difference?
Ultimately, is there a difference?
Reposted by Ellen Mellor 🏳️⚧️ Samarcand Books (she/her)
One piece of Nazi propaganda I've never cared for (& that many would hesitate to even call propaganda) is Hitler's passion for the arts & subsequent rejection from them contributed to his evil, & he would've been happier there--a lie from top to bottom, & I'm gonna break it down! #art #history #AI
November 19, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Important philosophical question. In Lord of the Rings, which of the hobbits is trans?
'All of them' is an acceptable answer.
I can certainly see an alternative ending where Bag End is turned into home for a trans lesbian polycule.
The final chapter: A Long-Expected Orgy.
'All of them' is an acceptable answer.
I can certainly see an alternative ending where Bag End is turned into home for a trans lesbian polycule.
The final chapter: A Long-Expected Orgy.
November 19, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Important philosophical question. In Lord of the Rings, which of the hobbits is trans?
'All of them' is an acceptable answer.
I can certainly see an alternative ending where Bag End is turned into home for a trans lesbian polycule.
The final chapter: A Long-Expected Orgy.
'All of them' is an acceptable answer.
I can certainly see an alternative ending where Bag End is turned into home for a trans lesbian polycule.
The final chapter: A Long-Expected Orgy.
Reposted by Ellen Mellor 🏳️⚧️ Samarcand Books (she/her)
Happy #MobileLibrariesDay! 📚
An annual celebration of all the intrepid Mobile Library drivers who head out across the urban, rural and island communities of Scotland every week, delivering books, knowledge and entertainment. 📚
#BookWeekScotland #LoveLibraries
An annual celebration of all the intrepid Mobile Library drivers who head out across the urban, rural and island communities of Scotland every week, delivering books, knowledge and entertainment. 📚
#BookWeekScotland #LoveLibraries
November 19, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Happy #MobileLibrariesDay! 📚
An annual celebration of all the intrepid Mobile Library drivers who head out across the urban, rural and island communities of Scotland every week, delivering books, knowledge and entertainment. 📚
#BookWeekScotland #LoveLibraries
An annual celebration of all the intrepid Mobile Library drivers who head out across the urban, rural and island communities of Scotland every week, delivering books, knowledge and entertainment. 📚
#BookWeekScotland #LoveLibraries
69? Not nice.
Latest YouGov government approval ratings, 15-17 November 2025
Approve: 11% (-2 from 8-10 Nov)
Disapprove: 69% (-1)
Net: -58 (-1)
yougov.co.uk/topics/polit...
Approve: 11% (-2 from 8-10 Nov)
Disapprove: 69% (-1)
Net: -58 (-1)
yougov.co.uk/topics/polit...
November 18, 2025 at 5:09 PM
69? Not nice.
I've just burnt my finger on a fresh out of the over mince pie. I was transferring it to the cooling tray and dropped it. Stupidly I tried to catch it and managed to get boiling hot sweet mince on my finger.
November 18, 2025 at 4:47 PM
I've just burnt my finger on a fresh out of the over mince pie. I was transferring it to the cooling tray and dropped it. Stupidly I tried to catch it and managed to get boiling hot sweet mince on my finger.
Reposted by Ellen Mellor 🏳️⚧️ Samarcand Books (she/her)
Has the Equalities Minister changed her mind since she said the Supreme Court ruling provided "crystal clear" clarity?
In court last week, she seemed to suggest that the EHRC's guidance – was anything but clear.
What happened and why it matters 🧵👇
In court last week, she seemed to suggest that the EHRC's guidance – was anything but clear.
What happened and why it matters 🧵👇
November 18, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Has the Equalities Minister changed her mind since she said the Supreme Court ruling provided "crystal clear" clarity?
In court last week, she seemed to suggest that the EHRC's guidance – was anything but clear.
What happened and why it matters 🧵👇
In court last week, she seemed to suggest that the EHRC's guidance – was anything but clear.
What happened and why it matters 🧵👇
I've written 2931 words today and just typed 'THE END'. So, that's nice.
Of course, it's not actually the end. I still have another 25,000 or so words to write. But that is all secondary stuff. The main narrative, the 'actual' novel is complete.
Of course, it's not actually the end. I still have another 25,000 or so words to write. But that is all secondary stuff. The main narrative, the 'actual' novel is complete.
November 17, 2025 at 6:16 PM
I've written 2931 words today and just typed 'THE END'. So, that's nice.
Of course, it's not actually the end. I still have another 25,000 or so words to write. But that is all secondary stuff. The main narrative, the 'actual' novel is complete.
Of course, it's not actually the end. I still have another 25,000 or so words to write. But that is all secondary stuff. The main narrative, the 'actual' novel is complete.
I took a couple of days off writing this week, but I got back to it today. This is definitely the final chapter of the main narrative. I'm getting so close. I wrote 1164 words today. I think tomorrow I'll be getting to the final encounter between Rachael and the Big Bad. 1/
#Writing
#TransWriter
#Writing
#TransWriter
November 15, 2025 at 4:07 PM
I took a couple of days off writing this week, but I got back to it today. This is definitely the final chapter of the main narrative. I'm getting so close. I wrote 1164 words today. I think tomorrow I'll be getting to the final encounter between Rachael and the Big Bad. 1/
#Writing
#TransWriter
#Writing
#TransWriter