Isla
@bookended-islal.bsky.social
ttrpg and speculative fiction writer. terrified of sink holes.
ENNIE Award winning writer for Uncaged Goddesses and has words out in Cosmic Horror Monthly.
ENNIE Award winning writer for Uncaged Goddesses and has words out in Cosmic Horror Monthly.
Pinned
Isla
@bookended-islal.bsky.social
· Nov 7
Hello! I wanted to post a collection of projects I've contributed to and am realizing how pretty these covers look side by side.
Reposted by Isla
Made a short zine for the #PuzzleDungeonJam: Titansflute, a dungeon that's also a giant flute that characters can slowly return to functionality by solving wind and sound-based puzzles. I've written for #cairn before, but I believe this is the first one to be published. Check it out!
Titansflute by soundsofbones
A Puzzle Dungeon for Cairn 2e.
soundsofbones.itch.io
December 15, 2025 at 3:33 AM
Made a short zine for the #PuzzleDungeonJam: Titansflute, a dungeon that's also a giant flute that characters can slowly return to functionality by solving wind and sound-based puzzles. I've written for #cairn before, but I believe this is the first one to be published. Check it out!
Reposted by Isla
Also, congratulations everyone who made something this year. A comic, a song, a film, a novel, a painting, a poem, a short story, a sculpture, crochet, embroidery, whatever it is. In this era of slop and theft, if you *make* something you are a shining jewel and I am so grateful for you.
December 11, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Also, congratulations everyone who made something this year. A comic, a song, a film, a novel, a painting, a poem, a short story, a sculpture, crochet, embroidery, whatever it is. In this era of slop and theft, if you *make* something you are a shining jewel and I am so grateful for you.
Reposted by Isla
Excited to announce that my short story "Beautiful Paradiem" is part of the latest issue of King Ludd's Rag! If a gentle tale about finding home interests you, you can order here > malarkeybooks.com/store/klr25
King Ludd's Rag No. 25 — Malarkey
The twenty-fifth issue of King Ludd’s Rag features stories by Jacob Stovall and T. L. Xue. The cover will print in black and white.
malarkeybooks.com
November 28, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Excited to announce that my short story "Beautiful Paradiem" is part of the latest issue of King Ludd's Rag! If a gentle tale about finding home interests you, you can order here > malarkeybooks.com/store/klr25
Reposted by Isla
In a recent conversation, I'd remarked that the reason for those "no animals were harmed" disclaimers isn't to avoid pissing off PETA, but rather, that back in the day, if filmmakers wanted to depict a horse falling off a cliff, they'd achieve it by actually chucking a horse off a cliff. [1/2]
December 7, 2025 at 12:07 AM
In a recent conversation, I'd remarked that the reason for those "no animals were harmed" disclaimers isn't to avoid pissing off PETA, but rather, that back in the day, if filmmakers wanted to depict a horse falling off a cliff, they'd achieve it by actually chucking a horse off a cliff. [1/2]
Reposted by Isla
Frustrated about being beset by AI slop in the reading queue and other places over the past few days. I know it's been said a million times before, but I feel like it's always worth saying again: Stories written by you will always be better than stories written by the robot.
November 30, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Frustrated about being beset by AI slop in the reading queue and other places over the past few days. I know it's been said a million times before, but I feel like it's always worth saying again: Stories written by you will always be better than stories written by the robot.
Reposted by Isla
figured it out, SF makes you go hm, weird make you go ayah
November 28, 2025 at 9:17 PM
figured it out, SF makes you go hm, weird make you go ayah
March feels like eight years ago, but it was only eight months ago! If you can, go read the story I wrote that's in here!
"Find Me Dumped in the Reeds" has everything--fish, making waiters uncomfortable, lawyers, and a summer job that has become a forever job.
"Find Me Dumped in the Reeds" has everything--fish, making waiters uncomfortable, lawyers, and a summer job that has become a forever job.
The new issue is HERE! Have you gotten a chance to dig in yet? Any favorite stories?
November 15, 2025 at 11:05 PM
March feels like eight years ago, but it was only eight months ago! If you can, go read the story I wrote that's in here!
"Find Me Dumped in the Reeds" has everything--fish, making waiters uncomfortable, lawyers, and a summer job that has become a forever job.
"Find Me Dumped in the Reeds" has everything--fish, making waiters uncomfortable, lawyers, and a summer job that has become a forever job.
Reposted by Isla
We have 10 days left in the @apexmag.bsky.social 2026 Kickstarter and we've crossed 60% funding! Help us get to 100%! www.kickstarter.com/projects/ape...
Apex Magazine 2026
An award-winning digital literary magazine of science fiction, dark fantasy, and horror.
www.kickstarter.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:17 PM
We have 10 days left in the @apexmag.bsky.social 2026 Kickstarter and we've crossed 60% funding! Help us get to 100%! www.kickstarter.com/projects/ape...
Reposted by Isla
10 days left in @apexmag.bsky.social's Kickstarter!
Apex accepted a story of mine at the *very* beginning of my writing career, and Apex continues to be such an inspiration and nurturing presence for me and the SFFH community. This magazine does so much! Please support them.
Apex accepted a story of mine at the *very* beginning of my writing career, and Apex continues to be such an inspiration and nurturing presence for me and the SFFH community. This magazine does so much! Please support them.
We have 10 days left in the @apexmag.bsky.social 2026 Kickstarter and we've crossed 60% funding! Help us get to 100%! www.kickstarter.com/projects/ape...
Apex Magazine 2026
An award-winning digital literary magazine of science fiction, dark fantasy, and horror.
www.kickstarter.com
October 21, 2025 at 12:15 PM
10 days left in @apexmag.bsky.social's Kickstarter!
Apex accepted a story of mine at the *very* beginning of my writing career, and Apex continues to be such an inspiration and nurturing presence for me and the SFFH community. This magazine does so much! Please support them.
Apex accepted a story of mine at the *very* beginning of my writing career, and Apex continues to be such an inspiration and nurturing presence for me and the SFFH community. This magazine does so much! Please support them.
Reposted by Isla
When people ask me what I think about using AI in writing I’m going to send them this screenshot
October 12, 2025 at 1:28 PM
When people ask me what I think about using AI in writing I’m going to send them this screenshot
Reposted by Isla
Okay but this whole zine is amazing, I’ve been chomping at the bit to play ever since I finished editing — check it out!
The new #UnboundZine is here! Set your table for ✨️one✨️ and grab three unique solo games, including one #Dragonbane scenario.
Unbound Zine is an indie publication where creators get an equal revenue share. Your support helps us directly.
#ttrpg #indiegames
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
Unbound Zine is an indie publication where creators get an equal revenue share. Your support helps us directly.
#ttrpg #indiegames
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
Unbound Zine #4: Table For One - Solo Games - Unbound Studios | DriveThruRPG
Table For One?
The hardest part about tabletop roleplaying games isn’t learning the mechanics, or getting the perfect dice set for your new character, or even forming an in-character group with wildly...
www.drivethrurpg.com
April 1, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Okay but this whole zine is amazing, I’ve been chomping at the bit to play ever since I finished editing — check it out!
Reposted by Isla
The new #UnboundZine is here! Set your table for ✨️one✨️ and grab three unique solo games, including one #Dragonbane scenario.
Unbound Zine is an indie publication where creators get an equal revenue share. Your support helps us directly.
#ttrpg #indiegames
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
Unbound Zine is an indie publication where creators get an equal revenue share. Your support helps us directly.
#ttrpg #indiegames
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
Unbound Zine #4: Table For One - Solo Games - Unbound Studios | DriveThruRPG
Table For One?
The hardest part about tabletop roleplaying games isn’t learning the mechanics, or getting the perfect dice set for your new character, or even forming an in-character group with wildly...
www.drivethrurpg.com
April 1, 2025 at 6:12 PM
The new #UnboundZine is here! Set your table for ✨️one✨️ and grab three unique solo games, including one #Dragonbane scenario.
Unbound Zine is an indie publication where creators get an equal revenue share. Your support helps us directly.
#ttrpg #indiegames
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
Unbound Zine is an indie publication where creators get an equal revenue share. Your support helps us directly.
#ttrpg #indiegames
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
Reposted by Isla
Another day, another email from a cranky "AI" supporter having a temper tantrum over the fact that I'll ban them for using their favorite toy in our house. We do not allow the use of generative "AI" at all. That isn't going to change and you aren't being oppressed by our policy.
March 5, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Another day, another email from a cranky "AI" supporter having a temper tantrum over the fact that I'll ban them for using their favorite toy in our house. We do not allow the use of generative "AI" at all. That isn't going to change and you aren't being oppressed by our policy.
Very excited for tomorrow #cosmichorrormonthly
February 28, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Very excited for tomorrow #cosmichorrormonthly
Reposted by Isla
February 26, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Reposted by Isla
COVER REVEAL!
Our March issue is just around the cover, featuring stories from Tim Lieder, Holden Arquilevich, Amanda Cecelia Lang, Matthew C. Brown, and more!
Our March issue is just around the cover, featuring stories from Tim Lieder, Holden Arquilevich, Amanda Cecelia Lang, Matthew C. Brown, and more!
February 24, 2025 at 3:23 PM
COVER REVEAL!
Our March issue is just around the cover, featuring stories from Tim Lieder, Holden Arquilevich, Amanda Cecelia Lang, Matthew C. Brown, and more!
Our March issue is just around the cover, featuring stories from Tim Lieder, Holden Arquilevich, Amanda Cecelia Lang, Matthew C. Brown, and more!
"Is this too normie?" I ask my gracious beta-readers who have to remind me that most people my age have already gotten over their fear of quicksand.
February 23, 2025 at 12:42 AM
"Is this too normie?" I ask my gracious beta-readers who have to remind me that most people my age have already gotten over their fear of quicksand.
Reposted by Isla
Cast a dark spell and dip your blade into the blood of your enemies... We're announcing a NEW mag from CHM publisher Charles Tyra... Goblins & Galaxies!
You can find out more about our new quarterly sword & sorcery project here: bit.ly/3EFxGjx
Stay tuned for updates!
You can find out more about our new quarterly sword & sorcery project here: bit.ly/3EFxGjx
Stay tuned for updates!
February 14, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Cast a dark spell and dip your blade into the blood of your enemies... We're announcing a NEW mag from CHM publisher Charles Tyra... Goblins & Galaxies!
You can find out more about our new quarterly sword & sorcery project here: bit.ly/3EFxGjx
Stay tuned for updates!
You can find out more about our new quarterly sword & sorcery project here: bit.ly/3EFxGjx
Stay tuned for updates!
Reposted by Isla
The ENNIES are revising their position on AI/LLM content and will not allow any product containing gen AI starting with the 2025/2026 cycle. This change is a direct result of people LOUDLY vocalizing that we do not want genAI in this industry!
ennie-awards.com/revised-poli...
ennie-awards.com/revised-poli...
Revised Policy on Generative AI Usage – ENNIE Awards
ennie-awards.com
January 27, 2025 at 5:50 PM
The ENNIES are revising their position on AI/LLM content and will not allow any product containing gen AI starting with the 2025/2026 cycle. This change is a direct result of people LOUDLY vocalizing that we do not want genAI in this industry!
ennie-awards.com/revised-poli...
ennie-awards.com/revised-poli...
Hello! I wanted to post a collection of projects I've contributed to and am realizing how pretty these covers look side by side.
November 7, 2024 at 1:16 AM
Hello! I wanted to post a collection of projects I've contributed to and am realizing how pretty these covers look side by side.
I was very bad at using Twitter. I promise to be also bad at this, too. But we'll have fun.
November 6, 2024 at 8:09 PM
I was very bad at using Twitter. I promise to be also bad at this, too. But we'll have fun.