Steve Hugh Westenra
@stevewestenra.bsky.social
Dr. Monster (PhD)
E-mail: stevehughwestenraATprotonDOTme
Author of questionable taste. Words in New Edge Sword & Sorcery. Trans. Book reviewer. #SFINCS judge. #SFFChat Academic expert on monsters. HWA. He/him
linktr.ee/SteveWestenra
NO AI
E-mail: stevehughwestenraATprotonDOTme
Author of questionable taste. Words in New Edge Sword & Sorcery. Trans. Book reviewer. #SFINCS judge. #SFFChat Academic expert on monsters. HWA. He/him
linktr.ee/SteveWestenra
NO AI
Pinned
Remaking my pinned to include my Itchio!
If you're looking for a #queerbook by a #transauthor, I have two published novels.
Itchio: steve-westenra.itch.io
The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle (wide + paperback): books2read.com/u/boB9YL
The Wings of Ashtaroth (eBook): books2read.com/u/49dn8Y
#pridereads 🌈📚
If you're looking for a #queerbook by a #transauthor, I have two published novels.
Itchio: steve-westenra.itch.io
The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle (wide + paperback): books2read.com/u/boB9YL
The Wings of Ashtaroth (eBook): books2read.com/u/49dn8Y
#pridereads 🌈📚
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Boycotting Amazon? Good! Fuck 'em! But remember there are lots of other ways to support #IndieAuthors. Check out Kobo+ and itchio. ✨IN 2 DAYS✨ get the Fireborn series for a steal! Only on itch, all 6 books for only $20! 🌈📚 #booksky #QueerAdultSFF #CompleteSeries
itch.io/s/167057/com...
itch.io/s/167057/com...
November 25, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Boycotting Amazon? Good! Fuck 'em! But remember there are lots of other ways to support #IndieAuthors. Check out Kobo+ and itchio. ✨IN 2 DAYS✨ get the Fireborn series for a steal! Only on itch, all 6 books for only $20! 🌈📚 #booksky #QueerAdultSFF #CompleteSeries
itch.io/s/167057/com...
itch.io/s/167057/com...
Not a ton of time for self-promo lately, but . . . here are my books! Two of them! Whole books with themes and characters and shit--they even have beginnings, middles, and ends!
November 24, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Not a ton of time for self-promo lately, but . . . here are my books! Two of them! Whole books with themes and characters and shit--they even have beginnings, middles, and ends!
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Good morning and a new #SFINCS review 😁
Phengaris by Anna Orridge is a creepy queer ecohorror with some excellent imagery and characterization.
www.angelaboord.com/post/sfincs-...
💙🪐📚 #BookSky #indiebooks #Horror #SFF
Phengaris by Anna Orridge is a creepy queer ecohorror with some excellent imagery and characterization.
www.angelaboord.com/post/sfincs-...
💙🪐📚 #BookSky #indiebooks #Horror #SFF
SFINCS Review: Phengaris by Anna Orridge
There's something very wrong in Thurstrop Wood.Mark Warner never noticed it before. He's there to get away from his life, his ailing mother. Out of his head. Not to think about anything.Birds sing in ...
www.angelaboord.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Good morning and a new #SFINCS review 😁
Phengaris by Anna Orridge is a creepy queer ecohorror with some excellent imagery and characterization.
www.angelaboord.com/post/sfincs-...
💙🪐📚 #BookSky #indiebooks #Horror #SFF
Phengaris by Anna Orridge is a creepy queer ecohorror with some excellent imagery and characterization.
www.angelaboord.com/post/sfincs-...
💙🪐📚 #BookSky #indiebooks #Horror #SFF
!!!!
I'm so happy to announce that my next book--a sci-fi space opera--is grinding away in the bowels of the Zon and will be available in (checks empty wrist) less than 72 hours. Soon it will be available in other places as well!
I can't wait for you to meet Aen and Rillen!
I can't wait for you to meet Aen and Rillen!
November 24, 2025 at 2:55 PM
!!!!
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
"Equal parts Stephen King's Misery and Freida McFadden's The Housemaid [...] a gripping and brutal thriller, refreshingly frank about the realities of farm life." - Aengie Scevity, who read this in a single sitting!
Buy your copy! books2read.com/Domestication
Buy your copy! books2read.com/Domestication
!["Equal parts Stephen King's Misery and Freida McFadden's The Housemaid [...] a gripping and brutal thriller, refreshingly frank about the realities of farm life."
"I read this in a single sitting and very rarely could I predict what was going to come next."
"Lastly, because I contemplated giving up on the book when I became worried: the cat survives." -Aengie Scevity
Photo of the paperback of Domestication by Shannon Knight held in front of a large guardian dog identified as Jarfi.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rayqujhz2asndac2rwwgh57j/bafkreiglsqr6jyttd65hsqxfxby6cqswuqslhxm7ykjxmbbugnosiqa5ty@jpeg)
November 23, 2025 at 9:26 PM
"Equal parts Stephen King's Misery and Freida McFadden's The Housemaid [...] a gripping and brutal thriller, refreshingly frank about the realities of farm life." - Aengie Scevity, who read this in a single sitting!
Buy your copy! books2read.com/Domestication
Buy your copy! books2read.com/Domestication
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Whaaaattt is Amazon up to with this sticker?? This isn't a book store sticker that comes off easy...
(They put one on every copy)
(They put one on every copy)
November 23, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Whaaaattt is Amazon up to with this sticker?? This isn't a book store sticker that comes off easy...
(They put one on every copy)
(They put one on every copy)
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Definitely
A Small Bronze Carriage on the Mantelpiece by MG Mason @chaoticauthor.online
There are many wonderful and amazing short stories and novellas out there, both from indies and TradPub, but this one will very likely own the top spot in my personal favs-list forever. 🥰
#AMoRaR #BookSky 👀📚
A Small Bronze Carriage on the Mantelpiece by MG Mason @chaoticauthor.online
There are many wonderful and amazing short stories and novellas out there, both from indies and TradPub, but this one will very likely own the top spot in my personal favs-list forever. 🥰
#AMoRaR #BookSky 👀📚
November 23, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Definitely
A Small Bronze Carriage on the Mantelpiece by MG Mason @chaoticauthor.online
There are many wonderful and amazing short stories and novellas out there, both from indies and TradPub, but this one will very likely own the top spot in my personal favs-list forever. 🥰
#AMoRaR #BookSky 👀📚
A Small Bronze Carriage on the Mantelpiece by MG Mason @chaoticauthor.online
There are many wonderful and amazing short stories and novellas out there, both from indies and TradPub, but this one will very likely own the top spot in my personal favs-list forever. 🥰
#AMoRaR #BookSky 👀📚
I really need to get some new writing out, but I'm just so overwhelmed lately D :
November 23, 2025 at 5:45 PM
I really need to get some new writing out, but I'm just so overwhelmed lately D :
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
I wish publishers would focus on well-written books that reward the reader's intellect, instead of formulaic crap written at a fourth-grade reading level. Unfortunately, pandering to the lowest common denominator with "See Dick and Jane solve murder" makes the most money.
#writingq #WritingCommunity
#writingq #WritingCommunity
If you could change one thing about the publishing industry, what would it be? I wish that being a debut author was welcomed, not rejected #writingq #WritingCommunity
November 23, 2025 at 5:18 PM
I wish publishers would focus on well-written books that reward the reader's intellect, instead of formulaic crap written at a fourth-grade reading level. Unfortunately, pandering to the lowest common denominator with "See Dick and Jane solve murder" makes the most money.
#writingq #WritingCommunity
#writingq #WritingCommunity
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
It's A Month of Rain & Reads, and to round out this weekend, we have an interview with Joel C. Flanagan-Granneman ( @servantand.bsky.social ), author of the Servants of the Moon and Sun series.
www.readindiefantasy.com/amorar-inter...
#AMoRaR #BookSky
www.readindiefantasy.com/amorar-inter...
#AMoRaR #BookSky
November 23, 2025 at 4:15 PM
It's A Month of Rain & Reads, and to round out this weekend, we have an interview with Joel C. Flanagan-Granneman ( @servantand.bsky.social ), author of the Servants of the Moon and Sun series.
www.readindiefantasy.com/amorar-inter...
#AMoRaR #BookSky
www.readindiefantasy.com/amorar-inter...
#AMoRaR #BookSky
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
I'm trying to catch up on reviewing the novellas I have read for #SFINCS so far. I posted one today, check it out! ✨
My seventh review for #SFINCS Round 1 is up! #SFINCS3 #TheWIPs
I read Parasitic Omens by Jessica A. McMinn, a fantasy horror where a detective stumbles into a monstrous plot of greed and fanaticism on the gaslamp-lit streets of Copperton. #BookSky
helynalclove.com/2025/11/23/s...
I read Parasitic Omens by Jessica A. McMinn, a fantasy horror where a detective stumbles into a monstrous plot of greed and fanaticism on the gaslamp-lit streets of Copperton. #BookSky
helynalclove.com/2025/11/23/s...
SFINCS3 Round 1 Review – Jessica A. McMinn: Parasitic Omens
I read this novella for the indie novella competition, SFINCS. The following review is my own personal opinion as a judge and does not reflect the views of the team as a whole. Find out more about …
helynalclove.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:56 PM
I'm trying to catch up on reviewing the novellas I have read for #SFINCS so far. I posted one today, check it out! ✨
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
👇🏽👇🏽
Hey yall not what I wanted to do on my birthday but let it be clear
"Death of the artist" is all well & good but you cannot Seperate the art from the artist when the artist is still alive, a terf & every penny they recieve reinforces their beliefs & is used to actively harm Trans folks!
Let it Go!
"Death of the artist" is all well & good but you cannot Seperate the art from the artist when the artist is still alive, a terf & every penny they recieve reinforces their beliefs & is used to actively harm Trans folks!
Let it Go!
'Harry Potter' author J.K. Rowling says 'a ton' of fans are 'still with me' after trans remarks
J.K. Rowling addressed her controversial comments about transgender women on 'The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling' podcast, saying many 'Harry Potter' fans were 'grateful that I'd said what I said,' and ...
share.google
November 23, 2025 at 5:01 PM
👇🏽👇🏽
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
I could use some help spreading the word.
My new little book is about two sisters who hunt down killers and collect body parts while complicating their lives with volatile magics, bizarre visions, and a mysterious mouth in the wall.
Think Junji Ito meets Little Women.
ghoulish.rip/product/fami...
My new little book is about two sisters who hunt down killers and collect body parts while complicating their lives with volatile magics, bizarre visions, and a mysterious mouth in the wall.
Think Junji Ito meets Little Women.
ghoulish.rip/product/fami...
November 23, 2025 at 5:31 PM
I could use some help spreading the word.
My new little book is about two sisters who hunt down killers and collect body parts while complicating their lives with volatile magics, bizarre visions, and a mysterious mouth in the wall.
Think Junji Ito meets Little Women.
ghoulish.rip/product/fami...
My new little book is about two sisters who hunt down killers and collect body parts while complicating their lives with volatile magics, bizarre visions, and a mysterious mouth in the wall.
Think Junji Ito meets Little Women.
ghoulish.rip/product/fami...
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
I'm so happy to announce that my next book--a sci-fi space opera--is grinding away in the bowels of the Zon and will be available in (checks empty wrist) less than 72 hours. Soon it will be available in other places as well!
I can't wait for you to meet Aen and Rillen!
I can't wait for you to meet Aen and Rillen!
November 23, 2025 at 3:57 PM
I'm so happy to announce that my next book--a sci-fi space opera--is grinding away in the bowels of the Zon and will be available in (checks empty wrist) less than 72 hours. Soon it will be available in other places as well!
I can't wait for you to meet Aen and Rillen!
I can't wait for you to meet Aen and Rillen!
I think a distinction that's come more and more to my attention as an issue that can (and does) crop up in writing, is the difference between stating what the audience ought to feel vs. evoking that response in the reader.
It's a version of the (justifiably) maligned "show don't tell" truism, but
It's a version of the (justifiably) maligned "show don't tell" truism, but
November 23, 2025 at 2:55 PM
I think a distinction that's come more and more to my attention as an issue that can (and does) crop up in writing, is the difference between stating what the audience ought to feel vs. evoking that response in the reader.
It's a version of the (justifiably) maligned "show don't tell" truism, but
It's a version of the (justifiably) maligned "show don't tell" truism, but
Just a heads-up that there's a scam account impersonating Stephen Graham Jones. It seems to be shilling some kind of book promo service
November 23, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Just a heads-up that there's a scam account impersonating Stephen Graham Jones. It seems to be shilling some kind of book promo service
@sgj.bsky.social
Hey! Just a heads-up that I think there's a scam account impersonating you!: bsky.app/profile/step...
Hey! Just a heads-up that I think there's a scam account impersonating you!: bsky.app/profile/step...
bsky.app
November 23, 2025 at 2:23 PM
@sgj.bsky.social
Hey! Just a heads-up that I think there's a scam account impersonating you!: bsky.app/profile/step...
Hey! Just a heads-up that I think there's a scam account impersonating you!: bsky.app/profile/step...
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Yes, I have a YA fantasy out!
www.snowywingspublishing.com/book/fire-he...
www.snowywingspublishing.com/book/cold-st...
#YAfantasy #sapphic #swords
www.snowywingspublishing.com/book/fire-he...
www.snowywingspublishing.com/book/cold-st...
#YAfantasy #sapphic #swords
October 11, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Yes, I have a YA fantasy out!
www.snowywingspublishing.com/book/fire-he...
www.snowywingspublishing.com/book/cold-st...
#YAfantasy #sapphic #swords
www.snowywingspublishing.com/book/fire-he...
www.snowywingspublishing.com/book/cold-st...
#YAfantasy #sapphic #swords
I've never done karaoke before but will tonight be the night and how many ear drums will I destroy if I do? Dare I be responsible for that scale of disaster?
November 22, 2025 at 11:07 PM
I've never done karaoke before but will tonight be the night and how many ear drums will I destroy if I do? Dare I be responsible for that scale of disaster?
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Fuck Harry Potter. Watch Revolutionary Girl Utena
November 22, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Fuck Harry Potter. Watch Revolutionary Girl Utena
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Time to answer my own question, I don’t exactly have conventions for titles, in fact everything i write starts off being called “working title” before I reach the end and decide what fits best to describe what a reader will find within.
And that’s the only convention i really stick to 🪡
And that’s the only convention i really stick to 🪡
#ThisOne’sForTheWriters
Do you have any conventions when it comes to titles for chapters/parts and the stories as a whole or do you just go with something that feels like it’s the right thing?
What are your favourite titles for stuff you’ve written?
Do you have any conventions when it comes to titles for chapters/parts and the stories as a whole or do you just go with something that feels like it’s the right thing?
What are your favourite titles for stuff you’ve written?
November 21, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Time to answer my own question, I don’t exactly have conventions for titles, in fact everything i write starts off being called “working title” before I reach the end and decide what fits best to describe what a reader will find within.
And that’s the only convention i really stick to 🪡
And that’s the only convention i really stick to 🪡
#Thisone'sforthewriters
Ooo! I love coming up with titles (except So Sing the Barrows, which was a bitch of a book to title).
I like everything attached to what I write to be in harmony, so I try to be careful and intentional with titles. In The Wings of Ashtaroth, I decided that every chapter 1/?
Ooo! I love coming up with titles (except So Sing the Barrows, which was a bitch of a book to title).
I like everything attached to what I write to be in harmony, so I try to be careful and intentional with titles. In The Wings of Ashtaroth, I decided that every chapter 1/?
#ThisOne’sForTheWriters
Do you have any conventions when it comes to titles for chapters/parts and the stories as a whole or do you just go with something that feels like it’s the right thing?
What are your favourite titles for stuff you’ve written?
Do you have any conventions when it comes to titles for chapters/parts and the stories as a whole or do you just go with something that feels like it’s the right thing?
What are your favourite titles for stuff you’ve written?
November 21, 2025 at 10:48 PM
#Thisone'sforthewriters
Ooo! I love coming up with titles (except So Sing the Barrows, which was a bitch of a book to title).
I like everything attached to what I write to be in harmony, so I try to be careful and intentional with titles. In The Wings of Ashtaroth, I decided that every chapter 1/?
Ooo! I love coming up with titles (except So Sing the Barrows, which was a bitch of a book to title).
I like everything attached to what I write to be in harmony, so I try to be careful and intentional with titles. In The Wings of Ashtaroth, I decided that every chapter 1/?
I realize the audience for this post is very small, but good god is the new Crave interface terrible. It was never my favourite, but now it doesn't even do the bare minimum basic things you would want it to, like properly remember which episode of something you're on 😭
November 21, 2025 at 9:15 PM
I realize the audience for this post is very small, but good god is the new Crave interface terrible. It was never my favourite, but now it doesn't even do the bare minimum basic things you would want it to, like properly remember which episode of something you're on 😭
Fantastic video essay!
This video essay has been going around all week and it articulates what I've been mentally calling "that streaming look (derogatory)." Even good actors, gorgeous costuming, and real sets being shot in a way that makes them look cheap and mass produced. Literally lacking depth.
Why Movies Just Don't Feel "Real" Anymore
YouTube video by Like Stories of Old
www.youtube.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Fantastic video essay!
Reposted by Steve Hugh Westenra
Another #SFINCS review from me today, this one for Dave Lawson's The Pawns of Havoc. I had fun with this one, a morally ambiguous sword and sorcery tale with a touch of light romance:
www.angelaboord.com/post/sfincs-...
💙🪐📚 #SFF #indiebooks
www.angelaboord.com/post/sfincs-...
💙🪐📚 #SFF #indiebooks
SFINCS Review: The Pawns of Havoc by Dave Lawson
“The Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS, pronounced “sphinx”) is a yearly competition to recognize, honor, and celebrate the talent and creativity present in the indie community. W...
www.angelaboord.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Another #SFINCS review from me today, this one for Dave Lawson's The Pawns of Havoc. I had fun with this one, a morally ambiguous sword and sorcery tale with a touch of light romance:
www.angelaboord.com/post/sfincs-...
💙🪐📚 #SFF #indiebooks
www.angelaboord.com/post/sfincs-...
💙🪐📚 #SFF #indiebooks