C.W. Blackwell
@cwblackwell.bsky.social
2.1K followers 1.3K following 1.1K posts
Crime analyst and author: SONG OF THE RED SQUIRE ✷ HARD MOUNTAIN CLAY ✷ WHATEVER KILLS THE PAIN ✷ THE COLD DARK FOREVER (2026) ✷ 2X Derringer Award winner #crimefiction #noir #santacruz https://lnk.bio/cw_blackwell_writer
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cwblackwell.bsky.social
My last three books together for a family photo 😎
Three books on a table: WHATEVER KILLS THE PAIN, HARD MOUNTAIN CLAY, and SONG OF THE RED SQUIRE, by C.W. Blackwell.
Reposted by C.W. Blackwell
pauljgarth.bsky.social
I've been talking to a lot of people the last few days, and, in case there's any doubt, I want to be clear: What Down and Out Books is doing is goddamn shameful, and staining an otherwise really incredible legacy.
beaujohnson44.bsky.social
Question: if your publisher sends out an email stating no more payments will be issued to their authors, do you think they’ve already spent the money they owe them or they’re just keeping it for themselves? Yes, this is about Down and Out Books.
Reposted by C.W. Blackwell
cmattwrite.bsky.social
“He thought of Jenna and how they’d met at that crowded downtown party all those years ago, how those first few months together were like driving the fastest car ever built—only the car had no brakes or headlights, and the only way out was through the windshield.”
Cover of CW Blackwell’s collection WHATEVER KILLS THE PAIN
cwblackwell.bsky.social
@jamesdfhannah.bsky.social’s substack is one of my go-to spots for indie crime insights. Great interview here with @curtisippolito.bsky.social!
jamesdfhannah.bsky.social
When the bell tolls, it tolls for thee at That Noise at 2 AM, where we’re talking to @curtisippolito.bsky.social about his climate change anthology, ON FIRE AND UNDER WATER.

open.substack.com/pub/jamesdfh...
Reposted by C.W. Blackwell
cwblackwell.bsky.social
Wow, with Mystery Weekly, Tough, and Down and Out shuttering, it feels like there’s an ever-deepening hole in the world of crime fiction.
Reposted by C.W. Blackwell
rhppress.bsky.social
AVAILABLE NOW from @rhppress.bsky.social: Read what @browneallover.bsky.social has to say about WHATEVER KILLS THE PAIN. You don't want to miss this collection by @cwblackwell.bsky.social. Order your copy today: amzn.to/4nQ5bl7
Reposted by C.W. Blackwell
rhppress.bsky.social
TODAY: Some say the world will end in fire. Some say flood. 15 short stories from some of the best crime fiction writers today. Guest-edited by Anthony winning author @curtisippolito.bsky.social Listen to Jordan Harper and order your copy today: bit.ly/4nOVXoK
cwblackwell.bsky.social
Woke up to this excellent 5🌟 Goodreads review of WHATEVER KILLS THE PAIN. Thank you, Eric!!
A Goodreads review of Whatever Kills the Pain by C.W. Blackwell:

October 5, 2025
An astonishing collection of short stories populated with desperate losers in hopeless situations.
Kindred to Donald Ray Pollock's Knockemstiff.
Brutal but not totally bleak; there's a glimmer of justice and positivity here and there. One of the best things l've read all year.
Reposted by C.W. Blackwell
ce-mckenna.bsky.social
Was asked to sign my very first book yesterday. Pretty big deal. But my elder #millennial brain took over and all I could think of to write as a message was “stay cool.”

Thanks @rhppress.bsky.social and @curtisippolito.bsky.social for teeing up such a big moment for me 😂

#onfireandunderwater
Book cover for On Fire and Under Water
Reposted by C.W. Blackwell
cmattwrite.bsky.social
Y’all, I cannot overstate how good a collection this is. Get it.
rhppress.bsky.social
AVAILABLE NOW from @rhppress.bsky.social: Read what @meaganlucas.bsky.social says about WHATEVER KILLS THE PAIN--stories of heartbreak and hope from Derringer Award winner @cwblackwell.bsky.social. Don't miss picking up this collection. Order your copy today: amzn.to/4nQ5bl7
Reposted by C.W. Blackwell
rhppress.bsky.social
AVAILABLE NOW from @rhppress.bsky.social: Read what @meaganlucas.bsky.social says about WHATEVER KILLS THE PAIN--stories of heartbreak and hope from Derringer Award winner @cwblackwell.bsky.social. Don't miss picking up this collection. Order your copy today: amzn.to/4nQ5bl7
Reposted by C.W. Blackwell
blacktopkid.bsky.social
At a bookstore in France that is featuring my books
If you're seeing this post and you are an aspiring artist know this..I grew up in a trailer in rural Virginia. My mom was disabled. We had very little money
But today my books are all around the world, nothing is impossible if u really want it💙
cwblackwell.bsky.social
So awesome, man. Big congrats!!
Reposted by C.W. Blackwell
Reposted by C.W. Blackwell
meaganlucas.bsky.social
My family and I survived Hurricane Helene last year.
I wrote this story to process my anger, grief, and confusion. I'm grateful to @rhppress.bsky.social and @curtisippolito.bsky.social for giving it a home. I'd love you to buy this Antho, but even more I want you to vote.
Reposted by C.W. Blackwell
meproctor.bsky.social
This fantastic anthology is now out in Audiobook - Wow! www.audible.com/pd/B0FPMSKRC...
Reposted by C.W. Blackwell
curtisippolito.bsky.social
When @rhppress.bsky.social approached me early this year about guest editing a climate change-themed anthology, I almost said no. Why? Well, who am I to anchor such an important, timely project?
On Fire and Under Water
cwblackwell.bsky.social
Great working with you, Curtis!! Congrats on a killer launch 🔥
Reposted by C.W. Blackwell
victordeanda.bsky.social
Audiobook dropped today! Grateful to be a part of this awesome collection pubbed by @jeffcircle.bsky.social and @leonardoaudio.bsky.social Big thanks to @cwblackwell.bsky.social and Philip Anthony-Rodriguez as well. Get your copy today: adbl.co/4nB3R5e
cwblackwell.bsky.social
My pleasure, Victor. Great story!